Manchester City have managed to jump over Leicester City in the table, but they still trail league leaders Liverpool by 14 points who have a game in hand. The reigning Premier League champions will host Crystal Palace at the Etihad next. City were able to win 2-0 in the earlier fixture against them this season.
Man City have won seven of their last nine Premier League games against Crystal Palace. The Eagles have been in good form for most parts this season, and they have especially done well defensively. Roy Hodgson’s men have lost just one of their last 9 Premier League games, winning three of those. City would undoubtedly go in as overwhelming favourites for this clash, but Palace have the tools to hurt them. Guardiola’s men have been in breathtaking form of late, and they would look to carry on their three game-winning run.
Team News: Leroy Sane is closing in on a return, but he is unlikely to feature in this encounter. The winger is expected to be back in the early weeks of February. Defender Aymeric Laporte is back in training, and he too is expected to return closer to next month.
4-3-3 Manchester City Predicted Lineup Vs Crystal Palace
Formation (4-3-3)
Defence
Brazilian goalkeeper Ederson is set to continue in between the sticks. Fernandinho has turned out to be the more reliable defender off late, and he is likely to start in central defence. John Stones is expected to partner him at the back. Kyle Walker could return to the lineup after he sat out the Villa game. The Englishman should start at right-back. Benjamin Mendy could feature in the left-back role.
Midfield
Summer signing Rodri is set to continue in the defensive midfield position. Kevin De Bruyne continues to remain the chief playmaker for City. He should start in midfield. The other midfield spot is likely to go to David Silva who remains a significant threat even during his final season at the club.
Attack
Guardiola surprised everyone by playing Gabriel Jesus and dropping Raheem Sterling in his favour. However, we expect Sterling to return to the lineup for this encounter, and the Brazilian might have to miss out even though he didn’t do much wrong against Aston Villa. Riyad Mahrez has been in terrific form, and it could be hard to drop him from the right flank for Bernardo Silva. So we expect the African winger to start. Sergio Aguero should lead the line after bagging a hat-trick against Villa.
