After a disappointing Premier League opening-day defeat at Everton, Crystal Palace have little time to feel sorry for themselves as Manchester City arrive at Selhurst Park on Friday night.
Pierre Sage’s first Premier League game in charge of the Eagles ended with a 2-0 defeat at Everton.
Palace actually had chances to get something from the game, but they failed to take them. A couple of missed opportunities early on came back to bite them as Everton eventually pulled away.
Now things get considerably harder as Manchester City come to town.
Man City also had a few problems on the opening weekend, but Enzo Maresca’s side eventually came from behind to beat Bournemouth 2-1 at the Etihad.
Marc Guéhi equalised late on before Josko Gvardiol scored in stoppage time to give City all three points.
There is also the small matter of Guéhi returning to Selhurst Park.
The former Palace captain left the club for City during the summer and could now face his old team for the first time.
Palace will not want to spend too much time worrying about individual storylines, though.
They need points. City have already got three, but if they want to reclaim their Premier League crown, they will want three more here.
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What are the best picks for Crystal Palace vs Manchester City?
Manchester City to win
I am backing Man City to come away from Selhurst Park with another three points.
This is not because I think Palace are going to be easy opposition. But because despite not looking their best, City can still win football games.
Erling Haaland to score
Haaland feels like the obvious player to back here, even after his haircut.
The Norwegian scored 27 Premier League goals last season and remains one of the deadliest finishers in the game.
He also has a pretty good record against Palace. That makes sense when you look at the matchup.
Palace will probably spend plenty of time defending around their own box, and that is exactly where Haaland wants to be.
One decent delivery into the six-yard box can be enough.
City also have more creativity around him this season, with Foden, Semenyo and Cherki all capable of breaking down stubborn defences.
Haaland did not score against Bournemouth. I would not be surprised if he opens his account here.
Over 2.5 goals
This is the pick that could get interesting if Crystal Palace decide to take the game to City.
The Eagles cannot afford another performance where they create chances but fail to convert them.
They also have enough attacking quality to make City uncomfortable. Especially given how suspect they looked at the back against Bournemouth.
Maresca is still figuring out his best combination at the back, while Palace will fancy their chances of getting at them when they win the ball.
That could make this much more open than a typical City away game. The first goal will be important.
If City score first, Palace will have to come out and play. That could create exactly the sort of space Maresca’s men want.
I can see goals at both ends and I would be surprised if we finish this one with fewer than three.
Where can I watch Crystal Palace vs Manchester City?
In the UK, Crystal Palace vs Manchester City will be shown live on Sky Sports, with kickoff scheduled for 8:00 PM BST.
For viewers in the USA, Crystal Palace vs Manchester City will be shown live on USA Network and Peacock, with kickoff at 3:00 PM ET.
The game takes place at Selhurst Park on Friday, August 28.
What have the managers said?
Pierre Sage:
“I think our first half performance should have put us ahead, but we didn’t score and then made mistakes. We must take positives and convert them into very good things.”
Sage was frustrated after Palace’s defeat at Everton, particularly with the chances his side failed to take in the first half.
The Palace boss admitted his team also made mistakes after the break, which ultimately allowed Everton to take control of the game.
Enzo Maresca:
“Every game away is difficult. Crystal Palace, in the previous seasons especially at home, we struggled a lot to get results.”
Maresca knows exactly what awaits his Manchester City side at Selhurst Park.
The City boss has also admitted that Palace have traditionally caused his team problems at the ground.
What is Crystal Palace’s predicted team?
(3-4-2-1) Henderson – Canvot, Richards, Riad – Munoz, Wharton, Kamada, Mitchell – McNeill, Nketiah – Mateta.
What is Manchester City’s predicted team?
(4-2-3-1) Donnarumma – Lewis, Khushanov, Dias, Gvardiol – Guehi, Anderson – Foden, O’Reilly, Semenyo – Haaland.
Injured: Doku
Score prediction: Crystal Palace 1-3 Manchester City
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