Palace head to the Etihad to take on Manchester City on Saturday aiming to secure their first Premier League points and goals of the season.
Roy Hodgson secured his first win as Palace manager with a mid-week win against Huddersfield in the Carabao Cup, in what was a confidence and morale-boosting win. Both Mamadou Sakho and Pape Souare returned, offering some positive team news going into the clash at the Etihad.
Manchester City, on the other hand, have had a brilliant start to the season as they sit at the top of the table after four wins and a draw from their opening five games. So far this season they have scored 16 goals, five of which coming from dangerman Sergio Aguero, while they’ve only conceded two.
Manager’s view
Pep Guardiola:
The Manchester City boss addressed the media before the game:
It is not easy [to play a struggling team], The competition is so tough. It is important to stay fit, avoid injuries – that is the best way. But in the Premier League, every single team can beat the other one. I have a lot of respect for Crystal Palace from what I have seen. Against Burnley, they created a lot of chances. I showed my players the chances they created in two games. They have quality and we have to be careful. The players must know that we could lose that game tomorrow.
Roy Hodgson
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Hodgson said:
All wins give you a boost. We’re in the next round of the Carabao Cup and that’s something we set out to do. Sakho was very good. I’d heard some good things about him and I can understand why he’s a favourite at Selhurst. The centre of defence has been reasonably strong. Sakho is fit to start and will do on Saturday. We need to take each game as it comes, cause the opposition as many problems as we can.
The pressure’s never off. It would be foolish to say that to the players. We need points and performances every week. One shouldn’t be worried, anxious or scared by the challenge ahead. We must embrace it. We know what task lies ahead of us. May is still a long way off. We need to keep improving and working hard. We need to focus on our game, what we need to do well to stop them. We go there knowing our roles.
Team news
Man City: Vincent Kompany (calf) and Ilkay Gundogan could miss the game but likewise could be fit to return to action.
Palace: Connor Wickham (knee) and Wilfried Zaha (knee) remain sidelined but Hodgson confirmed that Zaha could be back in contention following the early October international break.
Defender Mamadou Sakho will start Saturday’s game while Souare, who came off the bench against Huddersfield, could be named in the squad.
Predicted XI:
YouTube: Manchester City vs Crystal Palace Preview | Team news, predicted line-up & more! | Premier League
Officials
Referee: Neil Swarbrick
Assistants: Scott Ledger, Andy Garratt
Fourth official: Tony Harrington
