Game Week 32 Predictions: Manchester City to beat Palace

Manchester City hosts Crystal Palace with UCL hopes in sight; Palace dreams of Europe too. High-stakes clash set for Saturday at the Etihad.

Manchester City's quest to qualify for next season's Champions League would take a great turn if they can beat Palace at the Etihad on Saturday. (Photo credit: Khel)

 Manchester City vs Crystal Palace

Etihad Stadium

12:30 pm

Arsenal’s comprehensive win over Real Madrid in midweek confirmed a fifth spot for the Premier League in next season’s Champions League, which means fifth place on the standings at the end of the season guarantees UCL football; this should ease the pressure on Manchester City a bit.

Pep Guardiola’s side has endured an underwhelming season. While the comfort of the fifth slot offers some hope, the Cityzens cannot take anything for granted with the likes of Brighton, Newcastle, Aston Villa and Chelsea all fighting for the fourth and fifth spots.

Crystal Palace is playing for pride, and that makes it even harder for their hosts. There’s a logic to thinking ten Premier League clubs can make it to Europe next season, but the quest for the Eagles right now would be for them to finish as high as possible.

Only two points separate Crystal Palace from Bournemouth, who currently sit in tenth on the log. With seven games to play, there’s a possibility of something special: the sights of the Eagles in Europe, unprecedented, but it would be celebrated across that side of London.

Manchester City and Manchester United both delivered what can be described as the worst Manchester derby of the Premier League era last weekend. The goalless draw was not only boring, but it underlines the disappointing season both sides have endured this season.

Kevin De Bruyne is playing his final games as a City player, but he’s not the only one. There would be a mass exodus in the summer, opening the door to a new set of players who would attempt to rebuild from the abyss of this season.

For Palace, they would be at the Etihad to try to do what many teams have done this season, which is to contain Manchester City. Their job is to score from the few chances they would create, and like they did at Selhurst earlier in the season, they must defend with their lives.

Omar Marmoush is the new prince in town. While Phil Foden is struggling to rediscover himself, the Egyptian is providing sparks upfront in the absence of Erling Haaland. Jeremy Doku and Savinho are the other two players to look out for on the hosts’ side on Saturday.

Eberechi Eze is the leading light for the visitors; the England playmaker would be on hand to supply Jean Phillippe Mateta and Ismaila Sarr. The key battle in the middle of the park could be another one to keep an eye on, but if Manchester City wants to avoid drama, they must win this one.

Verdict: Straight win Manchester City