England Round 17

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Manchester City vs Crystal Palace Preview:

Possible starting lineups:

Manchester City:
Ederson; Walker, Stones, Dias, Ake; Kovacic, Rodri; Foden, Bernardo, Grealish; Alvarez

Crystal Palace:
Matthews; Ward, Guehi, Andersen, Clyne; Richards, Ahamada, Hughes; Olise, Mateta, Schlupp

Fourth-placed Manchester City will try to register back-to-back victories when they hosted Crystal Palace at the Etihad on Saturday. The Citizens were in series of four matches without a win in the Premier League, the longest one under Guardiola. The truth is they had tough opponents in Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham and Aston Villa, but we must admit it is unusual situation. According to the experts, the problem is defense. City have only kept five clean sheets in 24 competitive matches this season. Guardiola must find a way to resolve the problems, it is clear they are not at last season's level. The absence of some players was also a big problem, though the majority of them are ready for this match. Best scorer Erling Haaland is rated as doubtful due to a foot injury, while Jeremy Doku is also an injury doubt. It is possible the duo to return for the Club World Cup next week. Kevin De Bruyne is long-term injury victim, however, he is part of the squad for the upcoming competition in Saudi Arabia. Guardiola rested most of his regulars during the midweek, but he is expected to recall them for this match, starting with goalkeeper Ederson. Rodri is expected to take Phillips' place in midfield, while Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva and Julian Alvarez will probably be the attacking trio.

Crystal Palace sit on the 15th place with 16 points and they are 7 points away from the relegation zone. But something else is a bigger problem - the actual form is awful. The Eagles have four defeats on the last five matches, with just one draw. Palace drew with West Ham, but lost the matches with Everton, Luton Town, Bournemouth and Liverpool. Manager Roy Hodgson is under heavy pressure, he could be sacked if they lose again this weekend. But Hodgson isn't the reason for the poor results, the injury situation is very, very bad. Key players Cheick Doucoure and Eberechi Eze are sidelined due to knee and ankle injury. To be worse, first-choice goalkeeper Dean Henderson is also out injured, as well as second-choice Sam Johnstone who left the match with Liverpool due to a calf injury. That's not all about the previous match, Jefferson Lerma and best scorer Odsonne Edouard also picked up injuries last weekend and will join Rob Holding and Jesurun Rak-Sakyi in the treatment room. Jordan Ayew will serve a one-game ban following his red card against Liverpool, while Tyrick Mitchell is doubtful with a hip injury.

Manchester City vs Crystal Palace Prediction:

Manchester City have dropped nine points on the last six matches in the Premier League. They lost to Aston Villa, while previously drew with Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham. However, the Citizens have finally recorded a victory last weekend, beating Luton Town 2:1. They were also successful in Europe, where beat Red Star Belgrade. The players confidence is now higher and I expect high victory against Crystal Palace. The guests will be missing the first two goalkeepers and that's a big handicap. In case Man City win with two-goal difference, Your stake will be returned. Nevertheless, I believe City are capable to win with three or more.

Manchester City vs Crystal Palace Pick: Manchester City -2.0 AH @ 1.93 with Pinnacle

 

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Liverpool vs Manchester United Preview:

Possible starting lineups:

Liverpool:
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Szoboszlai, Endo, Gravenberch; Salah, Darwin Nunez, Diaz

Manchester United:
Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Evans, Varane, Shaw; McTominay, Amrabat, Mainoo; Antony, Hojlund, Rashford

The rivalry between Manchester United and Liverpool is considered to be one of the biggest in Europe. The clubs are the two most successful teams in England with 62 trophies for Manchester United and 59 trophies for Liverpool. Even Ryan Giggs claimed that Liverpool against Manchester United is "probably the most famous fixture in English football". Liverpool dominated English football from 1975 to 1990, winning 11 league titles and four European Cups. Manchester United, meanwhile, have dominated during Ferguson's era, from 1993. In that period the Red Devils won 13 league championships and two European Cups. It is quite normal this fixture has produced 14 Premier League red cards (only the derbies between Everton and Liverpool have produced more - 20).

Liverpool are big favorites in the derby as they are in better form. The Reds are in series of three wins in the Premier League. They managed to beat Fulham, Sheffield United and Crystal Palace. All three were hard-fought victories, including the last round's narrow 2:1 win at Selhurst Park. Many thought the Reds will drop points when Jean-Philippe Mateta sent Crystal Palace ahead from the penalty spot few minutes before the hour mark, but Mohamed Salah equalizer and a beautiful Harvey Elliott winner saw Liverpool complete another turnaround. The Reds are first on the table, so the atmosphere in the squad is excellent. But Klopp has big injury issues ahead of this match as Joel Matip, Diogo Jota and Alexis Mac Allister suffered injuries in the last two weeks that will prevent them from playing here. Stefan Bajcetic, Andy Robertson and Thiago Alcantara are long-term injury victims and they are all expected to return in 2024.

This is just another poor season for Manchester United. Like all before, starting from the moment sir Alex Ferguson left the managerial position. The Red Devils sit on the sixth position with 27 points, 10 less than the league-leaders Liverpool. Manager Erik ten Hag is under huge pressure, particularly after the Champions League elimination. A section of United players believe the team's poor start is down to Ten Hag overworking the squad in pre-season. Some other pointed the finger to the medical team. Indeed, the injury situation is very complicated. Defenders Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw have both suffered injuries against Bayern. The Dutch coach expects Shaw and Marcus Rashford to be available, but Maguire is confirmed to be missing out alongside Anthony Martial, Mason Mount, Amad Diallo, Christian Eriksen, Lisandro Martinez, Casemiro and Tyrell Malacia. Victor Lindelof is rated as doubtful. Finally, Bruno Fernandes is suspended due to accumulated yellow cards and Jadon Sancho is not in contention due to manager's decision.

Liverpool vs Manchester United Prediction:

I expect both teams to score at Anfield. Liverpool are big favorites, but 1,30 for a home win is a joke. I don't remember something similar. Derby matches are often very difficult to predict as they are usually played at a very fast pace with lots of tackles and fouls. Last season Liverpool won 7:0, but that doesn't mean anything for the actual match. United have good players, they are sixth on the table. Liverpool have a perfect home record, but failed to kept clean sheet on three occasions. So, if Bournemouth, West Ham and Fulham were able to score at Anfield, why not Manchester United.

Liverpool vs Manchester United Pick: Both teams to score - Yes @ 1.65 with Pinnacle