Game Week 15 Predictions: Manchester City to beat Palace at Selhurst

Manchester City vs. Crystal Palace preview, Guardiola’s emotional response to poor form, and Ortega’s role in goal.

Can Crystal Palace had to the misery of the champions when Guardiola and his lads visit Selhurst Park on Saturday? (Photo credit: Sporting News)

 Crystal Palace vs. Manchester City

Selhurst Park

4:00 pm

Manchester City finally won a game of football on the eighth attempt after seven straight games without a single win, losing six and settling for a 3-3 draw, having led Feyenoord 3-0 up until the 75^th minute.

On paper, the victory over Nottingham Forest appears routine, but Stefan Ortega in the City goal frustrated Forest when they had opportunities to punish the Cityzens. This explains the fragility of the champions’ defense right now.

Crystal Palace has had a challenging start to the season, with three points and just one place above the drop zone explaining a lot. Their victory away at Ipswich is their only win in their last five games, but they have drawn three of them.

The Eagles continue to struggle with injuries and suspensions. While they do have a few key players back, Adam Wharton's return to training is premature.

Manchester City is on the mend, but they will face another test. In terms of strength and size, Palace has nothing to lose; however, they are not at the same level as the champions, but they can still influence whether City returns to the top in the near future.

Pep Guardiola has been quite emotional in the media, getting hyper with fans and responding to every shade thrown at him. Is the poor form getting to him? You can't blame him; this is a new experience for him, and he must learn to deal with it.

Ignore the jibes from other managers; everyone wants to aim a dig at Guardiola with the 115 charges, and the Spaniard has been quick to shrug it off: “We’re innocent until proven guilty” was his line at his latest presser ahead of this fixture.

Ortega is expected to keep his place in goal after his heroics in midweek, and with the Champions League happening in midweek, Manchester City will seek to rotate as they must win in midweek to keep automatic qualification hopes alive.

Kevin De Bruyne was a standout player against Forest. Will he return to assist them in their offensive efforts? The form of Erling Haaland is disturbing; will he finally find his scoring boots? Phil Foden is yet to live up to the form that got him the POTY award last season; this is the time for him to prove his worth.

Verdict: Manchester City to win.