Crystal Palace return to Selhurst Park on Sunday afternoon for a blockbuster Premier League clash against Manchester City.Palace head into the game with confidence high and momentum building under man...
Crystal Palace return to Selhurst Park on Sunday afternoon for a blockbuster Premier League clash against Manchester City.
Palace head into the game with confidence high and momentum building under manager Oliver Glasner. They will hope to reclaim their fourth-place berth on the league table.
The Eagles come into the contest on the back of three consecutive wins in all competitions, including a convincing 3-0 Conference League victory away to Shelbourne.
On Thursday night, Glasner had the luxury of managing minutes ahead of one of the most challenging domestic assignments.
Palace remain just five points behind City in the Premier League table.
Having already toppled Pep Guardiola’s side in last season’s FA Cup final, the South Londoners will believe they are capable of producing another statement performance.
Match Preview
Selhurst Park stages a mouth-watering rematch of last season’s FA Cup final, a day etched into Palace folklore when they secured their first-ever major trophy.
Much has changed since then, but Palace’s resilience and identity under Glasner remain intact.
The Eagles have lost fewer league games than any side, except Arsenal, this season.
They are firmly back on track after recovering from successive defeats to Strasbourg and Manchester United.
Christantus Uche opened the scoring in Thursday’s comfortable European win, while Eddie Nketiah continued his excellent form with a goal and an assist.
Yeremy Pino was also on the scoresheet, and Palace could have scored more after racing into a three-goal lead before half-time.
At home, Palace have been frustratingly hard to beat, recording four draws and two wins, suffering just one home defeat all campaign, a narrow loss to Man United.
However, Man City arrive in formidable form, having won four on the trot, including a pulsating 5-4 win over Fulham and a 2-1 victory against Real Madrid.
City are known for picking up steam in the second half of the season. They are gradually building excellent momentum and will take the fight to Palace.
Match Stats
The Eagles are unbeaten in their last three matches against Guardiola’s side in all competitions at Selhurst Park, including a 2-2 league draw last season.
Glasner’s side will look to once again frustrate City’s rhythm, but history is not on their side.
They have failed to beat City in their last seven attempts, losing four times in that run (D3).
The South Londoners have not defeated City at Selhurst Park since April 7, 2015.
Palace have not beaten City since 2021, when goals from Wilfried Zaha and Conor Gallagher sealed a 2-0 win at the Etihad Stadium.
Team News
Palace fans are anxiously awaiting confirmation over Jean-Philippe Mateta’s availability, but Glasner is optimistic the ‘confident’ striker will be fit despite his recent knee issue.
Senegal international (75 caps) Ismaila Sarr is also pushing for a return after recovering from an ankle problem but Glasner might not risk him.
Daniel Munoz remains sidelined until 2026 with a knee injury, meaning Nathaniel Clyne is expected to start at right wing-back once again.
Tyrick Mitchell should reclaim his place on the left, while Marc Guehi, Chris Richards and Maxence Lacroix continue to form a watertight back three.
In midfield, Adam Wharton and Daichi Kamada were withdrawn at half-time against Shelbourne as a precaution and are expected to start here.
Dean Henderson will return in goal after Walter Benitez featured in Europe.
Further absentees include Cheick Doucoure, Chadi Riad, Rio Cardines and Caleb Kporha, while Jaydee Canvot remains a doubt through illness.
Crystal Palace predicted line-up (3-4-2-1)
Dean Henderson; Chris Richards, Maxence Lacroix, Marc Guehi; Nathaniel Clyne, Adam Wharton, Daichi Kamada, Tyrick Mitchell; Yeremy Pino, Eddie Nketiah; Jean-Philippe Mateta.
Category: General Sports
