Game Week 16 Predictions: Manchester City to beat Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace vs Man City PL preview: Eagles chase top four, City must respond; injuries, Haaland key, verdict: City win.

Crystal Palace is standing in the way of Manchester City as Pep Guardiola's side seeks to cut Arsenal's lead at the top to 2 points. (Photo credit: GOAL)

 Crystal Palace vs Manchester City

Selhurst Park

3:00pm

Manchester City would feel the pains of Arsenal’s late goal at home to Wolves on Sunday; now the former champions must respond at Selhurst Park.

Crystal Palace saw Chelsea usurp them on the log following a 2-0 win at home over Everton, leaving the Eagles 5th on the log. A win over Manchester City restores Crystal Palace to the top four, but it also damages City’s title charge.

This fixture is arguably the most important right now for Manchester City. After a big win over Real Madrid away in Spain, it’s imperative for the Cityzens to find a way past Crystal Palace if they don’t want Arsenal to remain five points clear.

For Palace, it’s just about continuous work to stay within and around the top four. Nottingham Forest did the same last season but fell off when it mattered most; the Eagles would need enough cushion as a buffer for rainy days.

Manchester City and Crystal Palace were both busy in Europe in midweek. While the Citizens won big away at the Santiago Bernabeu, the Eagles were victorious in Wales, beating Shelbourne 3-0 to restore some pride in their Europa Conference League journey.

Both have huge motivations to go all out for this one, but you wonder if the home side has enough to withstand the firepower of Pep Guardiola’s side. Palace has beaten City at pivotal moments in the past, including in last season’s FA Cup final.

Crystal Palace goes into this one without lots of their first-team regulars. Daniel Munoz is out with a knee injury and is not expected back until late January. Cheick Doucoure is nursing a knee problem too, while Ismaila Sarr is down to an ankle injury.

The Africa Cup of Nations will take Omar Marmoush and Rayan Ait Nouri from Manchester City, but you reckon the Cityzens have enough to continue without the two. Rodri is not expected to feature until after Christmas, while John Stones is injured again.

Erling Haaland is the main man for Manchester City. 100 goals in record time in the league, and you can bet he’s not stopping anytime soon; can Crystal Palace find a way to stop the big Norwegian from scoring again at Selhurst on Sunday?

The Eagles must be brave. They must manage the ball well whenever they see it, and most importantly, they must take their chances when they get any. Phil Foden is that player to watch out for; he’s in great form and would be immense for the former champions.

Verdict: Straight win for City.