Manchester City are again in action today as they take Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. The champions will be looking to pick up another crucial victory following their 4-1 win over Aston Villa earlier this week. A City win could see them go level on points with league leaders Liverpool. But a tough test awaits Pep Guardiola’s side at Selhurst Park. The Eagles are typically a tough opponent for Manchester City, and another big game awaits in the early kick-off today.
Manchester City team news
Pep Guardiola told the media that Nathan Ake and Kyle Walker would again miss today’s game due to injury. He did, however, have positive news on Ederson with the Brazilian keeper potentially in line to return to the City lineup today. When asked about the injury status of his injured trio, the City manager said: “Eddie is much better and maybe will be on the list. Nathan and Kyle are out.”
Another factor in Pep Guardiola’s team selection will be the short turnaround from Manchester City’s win over Aston Villa. The champions have only had two and a half days to prepare for today’s game. How the Manchester City squad has recovered from the game against Aston Villa will dictate who Pep Guardiola picks in his starting lineup. When asked about playing on such a short turnaround, Guardiola said: “It’s about the fact we play less than two days and a half after the game. We need to see the faces of the players, who recovers quicker than the other ones. Some take more time. A long week is completely different, but for a short week, there are many aspects. We have to talk with the doctors, physios, and my staff and decide tonight or tomorrow early morning.”
Predicted Manchester City starting lineup: Stefan Ortega, Manuel Akanji, Ruben Dias, John Stones, Josko Gvardiol, Rodri, Mateo Kovacic, Kevin De Bruyne, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Erling Haaland.
Crystal Palace team news
For Crystal Palace, they will be boosted by the return of star winger Michael Olise to the matchday squad. Palace manager Oliver Glasner confirmed Olise’s return during his pre-game press conference yesterday. Glasner informed the media: “All the players who were in the squad in the last games are fit again. Michael is coming back into the squad. We spoke to the medical team, and the advice is for 15 or 20 minutes. He is ready, and it gives us one more option towards the end of the game, so we are happy.”
However, they will have to face the champions without a host of key players. Marc Guehi, Chris Richards, Sam Johnstone, Cheick Doucoure, Rob Holding, Matheus Franca, and Jeserun Rak-Sakyi will all miss today’s game due to injury.
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