Manchester City have endured a little wobble of late, but victory against Luton Town last weekend got them back on the winning path domestically.
The champions had gone four league games without a win before their trip to Kenilworth Road last weekend and were pushed all the way by the Hatters. However, their victory ensured they kept pace with Aston Villa, Arsenal and Liverpool in the Premier League as they continue their search for a record-breaking fourth successive title.
Next up for Pep Guardiola’s side is Crystal Palace this Saturday, with Man City strong favourites to dismantle the subpar Eagles. Roy Hodgson has a raft of injuries to key players and his side can’t seem to buy a win, losing in controversial circumstances to Liverpool last weekend.
Guardiola also has a few injury concerns to contend with, so here is how Man City could line up against Palace this weekend.
GK: Ederson – Having been offered a rest in the Champions League midweek against Red Star, the Brazilian will return to the starting lineup against Palace. He’s unlikely to be too busy.
RB: Kyle Walker – Given he’s started every single Premier League game this season, Walker is likely to be involved against the Eagles. Although, he may not spend too much time in his own half.
CB: Ruben Dias – The Portuguese pillar at the back should retain his place in the lineup from the Luton victory, especially given John Stones started midweek against Red Star.
CB: Nathan Ake – Similarly to Dias, he’s likely to keep his place in the team. Manuel Akanji played the entirety of the Red Star game on Wednesday, hinting that Ake will be favoured as Guardiola’s choice on the left-hand side of the back two.
LB: Josko Gvardiol – The Croatian has blossomed in the left-back role for Man City, with the club only really having Sergio Gomez as an out-and-out option in that position. The defender’s mix of pace and power makes him tough to get past.
CM: Rodri – When he doesn’t feature, Guardiola’s side seldom win. A must-start whenever he’s available.
CM: Mateo Kovacic – Despite playing midweek, the midfielder should start a third successive game this Saturday. His ability to drive forward with the ball could be useful against a deep Palace side.
RW: Bernardo Silva – Managed to get on the scoresheet against Luton last Sunday and always seems to pop up with crucial contributions for the champions. Silva has a goal and two assists in 11 meetings with Palace.
AM: Matheus Nunes – Enjoyed one of his best Man City games in Belgrade as his powerful running caused Red Star’s midfield some serious issues. Perhaps lacked a little end product but it was a more encouraging showing from the summer signing.
LW: Phil Foden – Potential injuries to Jeremy Doku and Jack Grealish mean that players like Nunes may be handed an opportunity. It also means that Foden is likely to operate on the left flank if they’re absent for the visit of Palace.
ST: Julian Alvarez – With Erling Haaland likely missing for the weekend, the burden of scoring goals will rest on the shoulders of Alvarez. After a quick start to the season, the Argentine has been less prolific in recent weeks, drawing a blank in his last seven league appearances.
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