Date: 16 December 2023
Kick-Off: 15:00 UK, 16:00 CET
Venue: Etihad Stadium
Man City vs Crystal Palace: Top free betting tips
Man City will welcome Crystal Palace to the Etihad Stadium a week after they ended their month-long wait for a league victory. Palace, meanwhile, are now approaching six weeks without a league win and pressure is mounting on Roy Hodgson. Our Man City vs Crystal Palace prediction is for more misery for the Eagles as we anticipate a Man City side back to their best with Erling Haaland potentially back for the Blues.
Match handicap prediction: Man City -1
Crystal Palace are one of the most out-of-form teams in the Premier League so the last thing they want is a trip to the Etihad Stadium. City's home form has been excellent for some time now and they are yet to taste defeat at the Etihad all season in all competitions. Prior to the draws with Liverpool and Tottenham, City had won three of their last four home league game by more than a goal.
Both teams to score prediction: Yes
Although a trip to the Etihad is far from ideal, Palace do typically perform well at the stadium and have scored their fair share of goals at City's home over the years. The Eagles have scored nine goals in their last five visits to the Etihad Stadium so won't be overly fearful despite their form. Man City, meanwhile, are a guarantee for goals regardless of who or where they play.
Correct score prediction: Man City 4-1 Crystal Palace
Man City will want to put a statement out on Saturday with some pundits beginning to doubt whether the Blues will be able to retain their Premier League title. For Palace, the game represents a free hit and they will be able to get at the City defence should they see enough of the ball. All in all, we expect an open game with Haaland getting a couple.
Man City vs Crystal Palace team news
Man City predicted lineup vs Crystal Palace
Pep Guardiola heavily rotated his team for the trip to Belgrade in the week but the usual suspects will return to the starting lineup here. Ederson, Walker, Dias, Rodri, Bernardo and Foden should all get a recall while Haaland and Doku will too should they both pass late fitness tests. Oscar Bobb impressed in Serbia on Wednesday night and will provide Guardiola with a useful option off the bench.
Ederson – Walker, Dias, Stones, Ake – Rodri, Bernardo, Alvarez – Doku, Haaland, Foden
Crystal Palace predicted lineup vs Man City
Sam Johnstone was forced off the pitch against Liverpool last week with an injury and he will miss this game, too. Johnstone joins a growing injury list at Palace which currently includes key players such as Jefferson Lerma, Odsonne Edouard, Eberechi Eze and Cheick Doucoure. Jordan Ayew will also miss out due to suspension which makes Hodgson's attacking options thin on the ground.
Matthews – Ward, Guehi, Andersen, Clyne – Ahamada, Richards, Hughes – Olise, Mateta, Schlupp
Man City vs Crystal Palace: What the fans think
Blues call on Nunes to be given a start
Matheus Nunes has now started to really knock on Pep's door for a starting spot. Fans have also started to take him on board which is a good sign for the future.
Would you start him vs Crystal Palace?
— Managing City (@Managing_City) December 13, 2023
Eagles call on their team to be brave
Etihad next for us, no team can say they stayed undefeated at Etihad 3 times in the last 5 visits, winning two times.
The last time we went there, we had 0-2 at HT, but unfortunately lost it. Anyway, we somehow love to play there, and we should be brave enough again. #CPFC pic.twitter.com/KxgxNRmtaf
— CPFC Supporters ? (@CPFC_Supporters) December 14, 2023
How far will Crystal Palace fans travel to the Etihad Stadium?
Crystal Palace fans have a long journey up north on Saturday to watch their team play against the champions. The journey is around 220 miles via car or coach with the total travelling time around four hours. An alternative method is to get to London Euston and then take a direct train to Manchester Piccadilly. From there, Palace fans will need to get on a tram to the Etihad Stadium.
Man City vs Crystal Palace: Tickets
There are still some Man City tickets available for the match against Crystal Palace via the club's official ticket exchange. The club say that official members are able to log on and purchase any remaining tickets through the exchange on the club's website.
Crystal Palace fans received an allocation of 3,000 tickets for the match against Man City and they are yet to sell out. The club are advertising tickets to members and these can be purchased directly through the club's website.