Premier League action heats up as Manchester City hosts Crystal Palace at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, April 6th, 2025, at 06:30 PM (BDT)/06:00 PM (IST). Pep Guardiola’s City side continues their chase for the Premier League title, while Crystal Palace, under Oliver Glasner, will aim to cause an upset and solidify their mid-table standing with a strong away performance.
Manchester City vs Crystal Palace Form Guide
Manchester City
Manchester City remains one of the strongest sides in the league, with a well-drilled system built around possession-based football and intricate passing moves. Despite missing key players like Erling Haaland and Rodri due to injuries, City still boasts tremendous squad depth. With creative talents like Savinho and Gündogan stepping up, City continues to pose a consistent attacking threat. However, their recent vulnerability in aerial duels and defending against counter-attacks could be tested by Palace’s physical approach.
Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace has had a mixed season but remains dangerous on their day, particularly from set-pieces and counter-attacks. Jean-Philippe Mateta has been in excellent form, leading the scoring charts for the club with 13 goals. Eberechi Eze provides flair and creativity in the midfield. However, Palace’s inability to hold possession and poor finishing in key moments have cost them points. Their defensive setup will be tested by City’s fluid offensive movement.
Manchester City vs Crystal Palace Key Battles:
Josko Gvardiol vs Jean-Philippe Mateta
Gvardiol, surprisingly City’s top scorer this season, will have to be at his best to deal with the physical presence and finishing prowess of Mateta. Aerial duels and positional discipline will be key in this head-to-head.
Savinho vs Eberechi Eze
Both players have registered 8 goal contributions this season and are central to their team’s attacking efforts. Savinho’s pace and dribbling from the wing contrast with Eze’s central creativity and vision—whoever gains the upper hand could swing the momentum.
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Manchester City vs Crystal Palace Tactical Outlook
Manchester City will look to dominate possession as usual, controlling the tempo with short passes and quick movement in the opposition half. Pep Guardiola is likely to rotate his squad, using his attacking depth to break down Palace’s defense through central combinations and long shots. Defensively, City must remain alert against set-pieces and second balls.
Crystal Palace, on the other hand, will aim to soak up pressure and hit on the break. With a consistent starting XI, Glasner may instruct his players to use long balls and quick transitions, focusing on exploiting City’s rare defensive weaknesses in aerial duels and wide spaces.
Head-to-Head Encounters
Historically, Manchester City has dominated this fixture, with 17 wins compared to Palace’s 3, and 5 draws between them. Bookmakers have City as strong favorites with odds of 1.48 to win, 4.75 for a draw, and 6.00 for a Crystal Palace upset. However, Palace has occasionally frustrated City in the past and should not be underestimated.
Injury News and Suspensions
Manchester City
Manchester City are facing a number of injury concerns, with Erling Haaland ruled out until mid-May due to an ankle issue. John Stones is also sidelined with a thigh injury, while Manuel Akanji is targeting a late April return. Nathan Aké and Rodri are both dealing with long-term injuries, with returns expected in July.
Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace has ruled out Chadi Riad and Cheick Oumar Doucouré, one with a knee injury and the other with a knee injury. Chris Richards is also a doubt for the upcoming matches with a thigh injury in defense, meaning Oliver Glasner may have a selection problem.
Manchester City vs Crystal Palace Possible Playing Squad
Manchester City
Ederson (GK), Marmoush, Doku, Grealish, Savinho, Gündogan, González, O’Reilly, Gvardiol, Dias, Nunes.
Crystal Palace
Henderson (GK), Mateta, Eze, Sarr, Mitchell, Kamada, Wharton, Munoz, Guehi, Lacroix, Lerma.
Match Details at a Glance
| Match | Date | Time | Format | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manchester City vs Crystal Palace | Saturday, April 12, 2025 | 06:30 PM (BDT) / 06.00 PM (INR) | Premier League | Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England |
Match Prediction
Manchester City, despite missing some key players, still holds the upper hand in terms of tactical control, depth, and attacking firepower. Crystal Palace will need to stay compact defensively and capitalize on limited chances to stand a chance. Expect a tactically sharp and disciplined display from City.
Score Prediction
A 2-0 victory for Manchester City looks likely, with Savinho and Doku potentially getting on the score sheet in a comfortable home win.
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