Man City XI vs Crystal Palace – Predicted lineup and team news

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·7 de diciembre de 2024

Man City XI vs Crystal Palace – Predicted lineup and team news

Manchester City will hope their midweek win over Nottingham Forest is a sign the Citizens are back in business.

After seven games without a win in all competitions – including four straight league defeats – City won 3-0 at the Etihad on Wednesday night. Kevin De Bruyne returned to the starting side with a goal and assist, while Jeremy Doku also impressed out wide. City sit fourth in the Premier League table, nine points behind league leaders Liverpool.

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This weekend’s opponents held City to a 2-2 draw at the Etihad last season but have had a tough start to the campaign. The Eagles won 1-0 at Ipswich in midweek, just their second win of the Premier League campaign. Oliver Glasner’s side are 17th in the table.

Manchester City XI vs Crystal Palace – Predicted lineup and team news

Man City team news

Nathan Ake and Phil Foden are confirmed absentees with the former having sustained a hamstring injury. The duo join Rodri (ACL), Oscar Bobb, Mateo Kovacic and John Stones on the sidelines. Manuel Akanji could miss out with the Switzerland centre-back to be assessed ahead of the clash.

De Bruyne’s return has boosted Manchester City’s midfield options, while Pep Guardiola has hinted that Jack Grealish could be used in a more deeper central role to combat the loss of Rodri. Grealish shone in an unfamiliar position during the win over Nottingham Forest, including one brilliant defensive block.

“He played in the middle and was involved in many things,” Guardiola said.

“Hopefully in the next games, if I decide to play him in that position, he can be involved in the final third and decisive in goals and assists.

“We controlled the game, and Jack gave us that pace. When to accelerate and control, he did it really good. I’m so happy for him.

“I know his quality. He has attributes to play holding midfield, keep the ball, break the lines and composure.”