Crystal Palace vs Manchester City Preview:
Possible starting lineups:
Crystal Palace:
Guaita; Clyne, Andersen, Guehi, Mitchell; Gallagher, Kouyate, Schlupp; Olise, Mateta, Zaha
Manchester City:
Ederson; Walker, Stones, Laporte, Zinchenko; Silva, Rodri, De Bruyne; Mahrez, Foden, Grealish
Crystal Palace welcome the reigning champions to Selhurst Park in the last match of the round on Monday night. The Eagles enter the game on the back of a 2:0 success at Wolverhampton Wanderers. Jean-Philippe Mateta and Wilfried Zaha found the back of the net at Moulinex. They are sitting on the 11th position before the weekend's fixtures kick off, with 33 points. Palace have won seven, drawn 12 and lost nine matches in the Premier League. Their ambitions are not connect with Europa, so their only target is to stay away from the relegation battle. The actual form is very good, two wins and one draw on the last three league matches. The Eagles managed to beat Watford and Wolves, while shared the points with Burnley. The atmosphere in the squad is positive, while the players confidence is high. Manager Patrick Vieira is doing an excellent job and I believe the fans are satisfied. The Frenchman will try to maintain the positive series, but he has some issues as few important players are struggling with injuries. Defender Nathan Ferguson remain sidelined with a thigh issue, while James McArthur's knock is set to keep him out of this match. Finally, Joel Ward is rated as doubtful with a groin problem.
Manchester City are the leaders in the Premier League. They have 69 points, three more than second-placed Liverpool who won at Brighton yesterday. The actual form is good, four victories on the last five Premier League matches. As I said many times, they are the most consistent side. Manager Pep Guardiola is doing a fantastic job and the fans are pleased with his work. In the last round they beat Manchester United with 4:1. Kevin de Bruyne was at the key name on the match. He put City ahead with a crisp early finish after five minutes, then restored their lead before half-time after Jadon Sancho put United level. City continued with the efficiency in the second half and got the goal their vast superiority deserved after 68 minutes when Riyad Mahrez met De Bruyne's corner on the half-volley to beat United keeper David de Gea. In the closing moments of the match Mahrez scored his second goal for the final 4:1. Manchester City also secured the quarter-finals of the Champions League after played a goalless draw with Sporting. it was a big surprise, but a 5:0 win from the first leg was enough for progress. Guardiola has most of his players available for this match, but Ruben Dias remains out injured. In addition, Joao Cancelo, Cole Palmer and Nathan Ake are rated as doubtful for Monday's game.
Crystal Palace vs Manchester City Prediction:
Crystal Palace shocked the champions with a 2:0 away win back in October, showing they are capable to upset every team in the Premier League. But I think Manchester City won't repeat the mistake. Pep's men will enter the match fully motivated and they will not underestimate the opponents. Rodri and Kevin De Bruyne were rested during the midweek, while Riyad Mahrez has played only 45 minutes. I believe the Citizens will win this match. Since the odds for the straight victory are low, I will take handicap - City to win with at least two goals.
Crystal Palace vs Manchester City Pick: Manchester City -1.5 AH @ 2.02 with Bet365