Crystal Palace - Manchester City Prediction and Analysis
In Saturday's late game of the English Premier League schedule, Crystal Palace hosts Manchester City.
A seemingly "drawn" match and an easy victory for the Citizens. Especially with the recent results of both teams.
Palace are still winless in the 2023 calendar year (0-5-5).
While City are 8-2-1 in their previous 11 games in all competitions. Scoring 2+ goals in 7 of those 8 wins.
But this is all a bit deceptive. Bearing in mind the following football fact.
Crystal Palace have caused Manchester City more problems than most teams in the Premier League in recent years.
And that trend could continue at Selhurst Park on Saturday night.
The Citizens have managed to record two wins against the Eagles in one campaign just once in the last 5 seasons.
And they were 0-2 down against them to win 4-2 at home earlier this season.
In addition, Guardiola's men have an important rematch against RB Leipzig next week.
It is likely that part of Man City's thinking will also be directed towards the Champions League match.
Everything written so far makes me think that Crystal Palace can take something from today's meeting.
Or if they lose it, it will be of minimal consequence.
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Crystal Palace recorded 5 draws in the last 7 matches
Admittedly, Crystal Palace have gone nine Premier League games without a win since the start of the year.
After last Saturday's 0-1 loss to Aston Villa.
Scoring goals is a problem . And it was the fifth time they failed to score in that period.
The Eagles failed to score at Villa Park in a game decided by a Joachim Andersen own goal in the 27th minute.
To make matters worse, Palace finished with 10 men.
After Sheik Doucourt received two quick yellow cards in the 2nd half.
However, it could have been a different story.
Had the injury-returned Wilfried Zaha not been part of the attack before putting the ball into the net early on.
"I think we were close to Villa," Patrick Vieira said.
"The difference between the two teams was only in the own goal. Outside of that we weren't creating much, but they weren't creating much either.
We are learning and it is really important for us to keep working.
It's about believing in what we do. And we are aware of the role and responsibility of the players."
Crystal Palace have drawn 5 of their previous 7 matches .
That sequence included home draws with 4 of the top 8 in the standings - Man Utd, Newcastle, Brighton and Liverpool.
Manchester City are on a 7-match unbeaten run (5-2-0)
Man City continued their pressure on Arsenal at the top after beating Newcastle 2-0 at the Etihad last week.
Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva scored in both halves.
As the latter he came off the bench to complete the final success in the 67th minute.
"It was a very important win against a very, very good team," Silva said.
"The game was very difficult, they put us under pressure in many moments.
We are very happy with the three points and we are on the right track to fight for this title.”
Pep Guardiola has admitted that his players have felt the strain of a hectic schedule.
And gave them a short break after this meeting.
The Sky Blues now face another crucial week.
That match is followed by a Champions League clash with RB Leipzig and an FA Cup tie against Burnley.
Manchester City have always had the strength in depth to cope with a busy schedule in past campaigns.
But now they look a little more tired than usual. Maybe because of the World Cup.
Squads and injured footballers
Crystal Palace
Lineup: Guaita; Klein, Andersen, Guehy, Mitchell; Hughes, Lokonga, Eze; Yes, Zaha, Olisse
Injured: Johnstone, Ferguson
Punished: Ducourt
Manchester City
Lineup: Ederson; Lewis, Akanji, Diaz, Ake; Bernardo, Rodri, De Bruyne; Foden, Haaland, Grealish
Injuries: none
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