Manchester City vs Crystal Palace Prediction, Preview, Predicted Lineups and Team News | Premier League

Manchester City vs Crystal Palace Preview

• Tournament: Premier League
• Date: April 12, 2025
• Kick-off Time: 11:30 AM GMT
• Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester

The Manchester City vs Crystal Palace clash takes place at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, April 12, 2025. The Cityzens are eager to get back to winning ways in the Premier League to strengthen their push for a top-4 finish, but will face a challenging task against the unpredictable London side.

Manchester City have fallen off the UEFA Champions League race as they are currently in sixth position in the Premier League with 52 points picked up from 31 games. Despite receiving a boost that the fifth-place team in the league will qualify for the Champions League next season, the road to actual qualification will be a long and hard one for Pep Guardiola's side.

The defending Premier League champions have struggled for consistency this season and just have two wins in their last five league games, with five goals being scored in that period. Pep Guardiola's side, however, boasts a solid home record in the league with nine wins in 15 home games this season, scoring 32 goals in that period.

They'll look to trouble the visitors with some efficient, clinical attacking play and need to be at their ruthless best to outwit the London side.

Crystal Palace are currently pushing for a place in the top half of the Premier League, sitting in 11th place with 43 points from 30 games. They are not only undefeated in their last five league games, but have won four of those matches with 12 goals scored in that period.

Oliver Glasner has molded his side into a terrorizing counter-attacking outlet that can capitalize on chances on the break clinically. They've won more games away (six) than at home (five) this season, conceding just 12 goals in 14 away games. They'll look to maintain that sturdiness to frustrate the hosts and pounce on the counter-attacks to get a big win.

Manchester City Team News

Erling Haaland (ankle) and Rodrigo (knee) remain the biggest absentees for Manchester City. Nathan Ake (ankle), John Stones (thigh), and Manuel Akanji (groin) are also ruled out for the foreseeable future.

Crystal Palace Team News

The Eagles are expected to miss Chadi Riad (knee) and Cheick Doucoure (knee) because of their injuries. Maxence Lacroix remains doubtful because of a concussion. Eddie Nketiah and Marc Guehi are both suspended, but Chris Richards might return to the squad.

Manchester City vs Crystal Palace Predicted Lineups

Manchester City Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1):

Goalkeeper: Ederson

Defenders: Matheus Nunes, Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, Nico O'Reilly

Midfielders: Nico Gonzalez, Bernardo Silva, Kevin de Bruyne

Forwards: Savinho, Jeremy Doku, Omar Marmoush

Crystal Palace Predicted Lineup (3-4-3):

Goalkeeper: Dean Henderson

Defenders: Jefferson Lerma, Chris Richards, Joel Ward, Daniel Munoz, Tyrick Mitchell

Midfielders: Adam Wharton, Daichi Kamada

Forwards: Ismaila Sarr, Eberechi Eze, Jean-Philippe Mateta

Manchester City vs Crystal Palace Head-to-Head record

These two English sides have faced off against each other on 72 occasions in their history. Out of these, Manchester City have won 38 games, while the Eagles have come out on top on 17 occasions. Manchester City have won three of their last five games against Crystal Palace.

Key Players to watch in Manchester City vs Crystal Palace

Omar Marmoush (Manchester City)

Omar Marmoush has made a significant impact since joining Manchester City in January 2025. He has significantly outperformed his 2.89 xG (expected goals) in the Premier League with five goals from nine matches, having an impressive 19% goal conversion ratio and averaging three shots per game.

He has assumed the no.9 role in Haaland's absence and become the focal point of his side's attack, but appears to be thriving with all the freedom that comes with it.

Marmoush will look to trouble the defenders with his unpredictable runs in the final third and be decisive with his finishing to thrill the Etihad Stadium faithful.

Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace)

Jean-Philippe Mateta has made a triumphant return from the awful face injury sustained earlier this season. He looks razor-sharp with his work in the final third and scored his 13th goal of the 2024/25 Premier League season in the recent win over Brighton, overperforming his 11.47 xG as well this season!

He has an impressive 20% goal conversion and 44% dribble success rate this season, troubling defenders with his impressive work on the ball and link-up play.

The Frenchman needs to be at his best to trouble Manchester City, especially with linking up dangerous counter-attack moves and clinically finishing them to help his side get a positive result.

Manchester City vs Crystal Palace Prediction

The recent matches between Manchester City and Crystal Palace have been highly entertaining affairs, resulting in 14 goals scored! However, the Cityzens are desperate for a strong end to the 2024/25 season and have looked sharp at home in recent weeks.

They face a Crystal Palace side who are weakened in their backline, which could be their undoing.

Even though this clash should be an entertaining, end-to-end affair, expect Manchester City to just grind their way to attaining three points.

Prediction: Manchester City 2-1 Crystal Palace

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