Manchester City are at the summit of the Premier League table thanks to their four-game winning streak but now face a tricky opponent in second-placed Crystal Palace who shocked many by heading to Stamford Bridge and picking up three points just before the international break.
In the summer, the Citizens were efficient when it came to bringing in players such as Raheem Sterling and Kevin De Bruyne. A bit like Palace who enjoyed bringing in players like Yohan Cabaye and Conor Wickham.
Just like City, Alan Pardew’s Crystal Palace have started the season strongly with only one loss this season, coming at the hands of Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal. European football has been mentioned when speaking about the South London club, but ex-Newcastle boss Alan Pardew is taking it one game at a time like he should be.
Team News:
For the hosts, Pardew has confirmed that Cabaye is set to feature but the Eagles will be without Joel Ward who picked up an injury in training following the victory over the current champions. Mile Jedinak, Joe Ledley and Julian Speroni are all possibilities with Marouane Chamakh still out with hamstring and abductor problems.
Manuel Pellegrini could have Wilfried Bony, Bacary Sagna and Fernando all fit for this clash, and has already confirmed that Spanish playmaker David Silva isn’t fit enough to feature. Gael Clichy and Pablo Zabaleta are both still out, joining Fabian Delph on the sideline.
Predicted XI’s:
Crystal Palace (4-2-3-1): McCarthy; Kelly, Dann, Delaney, Souare; McArthur, Cabaye; Bolasie, Puncheon, Sako; Bamford.
Manchester City (4-2-3-1): Hart; Sagna, Kompany, Mangala, Kolarov; Toure, Fernandinho; Navas, De Bruyne, Sterling; Aguero.
Crystal Palace supporters will be hoping their team can do what they managed last season and that was beating Manuel Pellegrini’s side at Selhurst. Although City are now in blistering form, so are the Eagles and that can easily lead to a goal fest.
Prediction:
Crystal Palace 2-1 Manchester City
