Game Week 17 Predictions: Easy peasy for the champions at the Etihad

Crystal Palace struggles as they face Manchester City; injury concerns and predictions.

Manchester City is expected to have an easy afternoon against Palace at the Etihad, will there be surprises? (Photo credit: 90Mins)

 Manchester City vs. Crystal Palace

Etihad Stadium

4:00pm

The last time Crystal Palace had this type of run, their manager, Patrick Vieira, was shown the exit door to welcome the return of the oldest manager in the league, Roy Hodgson.

It’s been so bad that Crystal Palace can’t buy a result. A solitary point out of a possible fifteen has left Palace dangling above the relegation zone, and it doesn’t get easier with Manchester City hosting the Eagles at the Etihad on Saturday.

Manchester City is currently having an indifferent season. They’re struggling to string wins together, and they have already lost three games. It’s interesting to note that Rodri missed the three games they lost this season, passing a key message to everyone about the importance of the Spaniard.

Rodri is the glue for the team; it’s not debatable, and Pep Guardiola must hope his midfield supremo stays away from the referee’s books. It’s tougher these days, with games coming thick and fast. Squad management season is upon us.

Palace lost Ebere Eze to injury, making it hard for the team to create lots of chances. Michael Olise’s minutes are being managed considering he was away for a long time as well. He will be the man to watch out for on Saturday at the Etihad.

Palace’s main problem is goal-scoring. They used to be defensively stoic, but that’s not the case anymore. Tyrick Mitchell has been passed fit; he missed the last two games due to injury, and Nathaniel Clyne can return to the bench after filling in for the young left-back.

Dean Henderson has trained this week, but is he good to go after missing the start of the season? When it rains, it pours for Palace. Sam Johnstone is injured, and that leaves Remi Mathews as the only other option in goal.

Jordan Ayew was sent off last weekend for two bookable offenses against Liverpool. Odsonne Edouard is injured, leaving Jean-Claude Mateta as the only fit striker available to Roy Hodgson. It will be tough for them to hold their own on Saturday.

Jeremy Doku is still unavailable, but the big news is the continued absence of Erling Haaland. The big striker is injured and will not return to fitness until the champions return from the Club World Cup. Julian Alvarez is the man expected to lead the line for City.

Verdict: City to win