Premier League Predictions: Manchester City to beat Palace at the Etihad

Manchester City knows that only a win will keep them in the title race. Will Crystal Palace make it easy for them? (Photo credit: Premier Le...

Manchester City knows that only a win will keep them in the title race. Will Crystal Palace make it easy for them? (Photo credit: Premier League)

 Manchester City vs. Crystal Palace

Etihad Stadium

8:00pm

Arsenal can win the title next week on Monday by beating Burnley if Manchester City doesn't beat Crystal Palace on Wednesday. Pep Guardiola must beat Oliver Glasner's side to stay in the race.

We've had a hell of a season so far with twists and turns at both ends of the table. The title race and the relegation fight will be closely contested, with Manchester City and Arsenal at one end and West Ham and Tottenham at the other.

Arsenal's victory over West Ham has confirmed the Eagles' top-flight status for next season, leaving Crystal Palace quite relaxed. Crystal Palace is also in the final of the Europa Conference League, and Glasner's focus is strictly on that.

Both Arsenal and Manchester City are playing Palace in their remaining games. Arsenal's final game of the season is away at Selhurst Park, but that game might not be as important as it should be if Manchester City doesn't beat the Eagles on Wednesday.

Jeremy Doku has been the one pushing the Cityzens. The Belgian scored twice in the comeback draw against Everton and set the ball rolling with a crisp finish against Brentford at the weekend. All that won't matter at the end of the day if Arsenal doesn't drop points in any of their remaining two games.

Oliver Glasner has announced his imminent exit from Crystal Palace, but he would love to finish on a high. Where priorities lie is obviously the European engagement at the end of the season; that means the two title contenders will have an easy ride against Palace.

What should we expect on Wednesday? Glasner could hand some fringe players a run on the grass against the former champions. Pressure could be a problem for the city, as they're not only looking to win, but they also hope to score enough goals to usurp Arsenal on goal difference.

Erling Haaland improved his advantage over Igor Thiago in the race for the Golden Boot when both players met last weekend. The big Norwegian could steer clear of the Brazilian in this fixture, with City needing a win and improved goal difference.

Ismaila Sarr and Jean Phillippe Mateta are proven goal outlets for Crystal Palace, but will they be at their best against the Cityzens on Wednesday? Rayan Cherki didn't find form against Brentford, will the Frenchman get his mojo back against the Eagles?

Verdict: Manchester City to win.