Predicted XI

Stones suspended - How Man City could line up against Crystal Palace

The England defender is missing after his red card against Aston Villa, but Pep Guardiola has no fresh injury concerns ahead of the trip to Selhurst Park

 
8:54am on Friday 30th April 2021
By
Harry De Cosemo

Manchester City have the chance to go 13 points clear atop the Premier League with victory over Crystal Palace on Saturday.

They could secure a third title under Pep Guardiola if Manchester United lose to Liverpool on Sunday.

Following a 2-1 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final in midweek, City will come into this game brimming with confidence.

Guardiola has a fully fit and available squad at his disposal, with the exception of the suspended John Stones.

It feels unlikely that he won't ring the changes for the trip to South London due to the second leg against PSG, making this selection a very tough one to call.

Selhurst Park has not always been a happy hunting ground for City,

Welcoming PSG to the Etihad on Tuesday will undoubtedly take precedence in his mind, but Ederson will still continue in goal here.

Oleksandr Zinchenko appears to have usurped Benjamin Mendy in the left-back spot, while Joao Cancelo could well be rested after featuring in that position in Europe.

Aymeric Laporte is likely to start alongside Ruben Dias, given a lack of alternatives at centre-back without Stones.

Expect Kevin De Bruyne to keep his place alongside Ilkay Gundogan in order to maintain control in midfield, with Rodri protecting the defence. Fernandinho is also another option for that role.

It is in attack where we could see a number of changes. Guardiola has a decision to make as to whether he opts for a recognised striker. Riyad Mahrez, the match-winner in Paris, and Phil Foden could be rested, giving the likes of out of favour Raheem Sterling and Ferran Torres an opportunity.

Sergio Aguero could be handed an opportunity up top, despite his confirmed exit from the club this summer.

Man City predicted XI against Crystal Palace

Latest news

Cardiff vs Middlesbrough Prediction: Team to Win, Form, News and more 27/04/2024

Here is our prediction for the upcoming EFL Championship match between Cardiff and Middlesbrough on Saturday, April 27th 2024.

  • 17 hours

Bayern Munich vs Frankfurt Prediction: Team to Win, Form, News and more 27/04/2024

Here is our prediction for the upcoming Bundesliga match between Bayern and Frankfurt taking place on Saturday, April 27th 2024.

  • 18 hours

Juventus vs AC Milan Prediction: Team to Win, Form, News and more 27/04/2024

Here is our prediction for the upcoming Serie A game between Juventus and AC Milan taking place on Saturday, April 27th 2024.

  • 18 hours

Aston Villa vs Chelsea Prediction: Team to Win, Form, News and more 27/04/2024

Here is our prediction for the upcoming Premier League match between Aston Villa and Chelsea on Saturday, April 27th 2024.

  • 19 hours

RB Leipzig vs Dortmund Prediction: Team to Win, Form, News and more 27/04/2024

Here is our prediction for the upcoming Bundesliga match between RB Leipzig and Dortmund on Saturday, April 27th 2024.

  • 19 hours

Blackburn vs Coventry Prediction: Team to Win, Form, News and more 27/04/2024

Here is our prediction for the upcoming EFL Championship game between Blackburn and Coventry on Saturday, April 27th 2024.

  • 20 hours

Most read