Manchester City will head to Selhurst Park to take on Crystal Palace after the international break. City are sitting 8 points behind their title rivals Liverpool and given the close race we had last season, Guardiola will be aware that he cannot allow this lead to stretch further.
The reigning champions are heading into this game on the back of a surprise defeat against Wolves. Crystal Palace meanwhile could move ahead of City in the table if they can gather full three points. However, that is easier said than done, and Roy Hodgson’s task will be cut out. However, with Palace’s excellent start to the season so far, one wouldn’t put it beyond them to get something out of this game.
Team News: Kevin De Bruyne was a major miss in the last two games before the international break, but he is set to come back, which will be a big boost for Guardiola. Aymeric Laporte and Leroy Sane are long term absentees at the moment.
John Stones is also back in training, but it remains to be seen whether he will be a hundred percent to feature from the start. Argentina’s coach had claimed that Sergio Aguero was carrying an injury issue, but he too is back in training and should be fit to play. Benjamin Mendy is also expected to be back after missing the Wolves game.
Manchester City Predicted Lineup Vs Crystal Palace
Formation (4-3-3)
Defence
Ederson will be the starter in goal. Nicolas Otamendi has been mediocre at the back, but if Stones doesn’t recover in time, then the South American will continue in defence. Makeshift centre back Fernandinho is expected to partner him. Kyle Walker will be an obvious pick on the right side of the defence. The left-back spot could go to Benjamin Mendy as he should be available for selection.
Midfield
Spanish international Rodri is expected to start in the deepest role in midfield. The other midfield spot could go to the experienced David Silva. Kevin De Bruyne has the ability to change games, and his presence will be a significant threat to the Palace defence. The Belgian should complete the midfield three.
Attack
Raheem Sterling is expected to start on the left. Bernardo Silva could feature ahead of Riyad Mahrez on the right flank. There were some question marks about Aguero’s fitness, but we are expecting the Argentine to be fit and start over Gabriel Jesus upfront.
