Manchester City face a tricky tie in the Premier League on Saturday as the champions look to stay close to perfect Liverpool at the top of the league table.
Liverpool have secured eight out of eight victories to sit eight points clear at the league summit and City are aware they cannot afford any further slip ups even with the season still in its early days.
On Saturday at the Selhurst Park, the Citizens go against the Eagles who are up to 6th after beating West Ham 2-1 before the international break, shockingly finding themselves only two points adrift of Manchester City in 2nd after eight games played.
Palace will undoubtedly take heart from their recent form, and from the fact they beat Manchester City at the Etihad last season, but the fact remains that this will be a monumental challenge for them.
Pep Guardiola’s floundering champions have already lost two Premier League games, with their most recent coming at home to Wolves before the international break.
City suffered a similar 3-2 loss at Carrow Road in September but followed that shock defeat by demolishing Watford 8-0. Palace should be wary of a similar response on Saturday.
Team News
Crystal Palace
Luka Milivojevic served his one-match ban before the international break and will return to the starting XI here.
Roy Hodgson is hopeful to have Mamadou Sakho available for the reception of Manchester City on Saturday.
James McArthur and James McCarthy are in competition for a starting berth in central midfield.
Manchester City
John Stones and Kevin De Bruyne were all pictured in first-team training earlier this week in what would be a huge boost for Manchester City.
A hamstring problem ruled Benjamin Mendy out of the defeat to Wolves before the break but he is expected to be available here.
Joao Cancelo surprisingly started at left-back against Wolves but could make way for Oleksandr Zinchenko or Mendy here.
Match Facts
Man City have won 10 of their last 11 away matches (Premier League).
Crystal Palace have seen over 2.5 goals in 8 of their last 9 matches against Man City in all competitions.
There have been over 2.5 goals scored in Man City’s last 5 away games (Premier League).
Man City have scored at least 2 goals in 8 of their last 9 away matches (Premier League).
Match Predictions
Manchester City are overwhelming favourites and that is understandable for a team that have won 10 of their last 11 league games away from home. (Manchester City to win and over 2.5 goals)
