Manchester City v Crystal Palace Betting Predictions

Saturday | 11:30 UTC | Etihad Stadium | Premier League

Manchester City host Crystal Palace in Saturday’s early Premier League kickoff, and Pep Guardiola’s men can’t afford another slip-up in their race for a Top 4 finish. But with Palace flying under Oliver Glasner, this one could get uncomfortable for the hosts.

City Still Lacking Spark at the Etihad

City’s 0-0 draw in last weekend’s Manchester derby was the latest in a string of flat performances. They’ve now won just 4 of their last 9 in all competitions and have only taken 3 wins from their last 6 at the Etihad. That’s far from title-winning form, and with just 7 games left, they’re still in a real fight to secure Champions League football. Guardiola’s side have also struggled in recent meetings with Palace, winning just 3 of the last 7.

Palace Quietly Building Momentum

Glasner has transformed Crystal Palace into one of the league’s most quietly consistent sides. They’ve lost just 2 of their last 17 games in all competitions and are unbeaten away from home in the Premier League since October. That run includes results against big names and another one here would surprise no one paying attention. With an FA Cup semi-final looming, belief is high and the Eagles won’t sit back.

Instant Casino Odds

City are clear favourites at 1.41, while Palace are 5.60, but Palace are tempting value on the double chance at 2.49. The draw is 4.50, while a repeat of the reverse fixtures 2-2 scoreline is priced at 14.00.

Head-to-Head: Palace No Pushovers

Palace held City to a 2-2 draw at Selhurst Park earlier this season and also took a point from the Etihad in a 2-2 last year. That means just 3 defeats in their last 7 meetings and 2 draws in a row in this fixture.

Players to Watch

Jean-Philippe Mateta is in red-hot form. The Frenchman has scored 9 goals in his last 10 Premier League games, and returned to the scoresheet against Brighton last weekend. He’s 3.00 to score anytime and is the Eagles’ best shot at hurting City.

For City, keep an eye on Phil Foden, who has looked the most lively in recent weeks despite the team’s inconsistency.

Predicted Lineups

Manchester City: Ederson; Walker, Stones, Dias, Gvardiol; Rodri, De Bruyne; Foden, Silva, Doku; Haaland
Crystal Palace: Henderson; Clyne, Andersen, Guehi, Mitchell; Lerma, Wharton; Olise, Eze, Ayew; Mateta