Reigning champions Manchester City visit Selhurst Park having lost serious ground in the title race and being eliminated from Europe in their last three games. Pressure is on boss Manuel Pelligrini to keep up the chase on leaders Chelsea.
A shock loss away to Burnley has caused many to question City’s title credentials and with the dip in form from striker Sergio Aguero, Chelsea may run in unopposed as the Citizens take on an in form Palace side.
The Eagles will look to avenge a three goal drubbing earlier in the season which is Palace’s heaviest defeat so far this campaign. Neil Warnock’s side were haplessly beaten courtesy of goals from David Silva and Yaya Toure to go top of the Premier League just before Christmas.
Team News
Crystal Palace
Marouane Chamakh (hamstring) faces a late fitness test. Lee Chung-Yong could push to make his long awaited debut as he has appeared for full training for the first time since joining the club. Welsh midfielder Joe Ledley (hip) may add to Alan Pardew’s midfield woes with Mile Jedinak serving his final game of his suspension. Jordon Mutch (ankle) is unlikely to feature.
Manchester City
James Milner looks to be the only absentee for Manuel Pelligrini as all thirteen of his players called up for international duty returned injury free.
Form Guide
Palace have won seven out of ten games in Alan Pardew’s stead and whilst the visiting Champions have only won one of their last six away games, Palace look favourites for this one on paper.
In the last six games between the two it does not make great reading for Palace as Manchester City have won them all. Palace only managed to score in two of them. At Selhurst Park, the last three games City have scored two goals in each of them.
One To Watch
Sergio Aguero (Argentina)
A recent dip in form is not enough to ignore the Argentinian strikers sixteen goals so far this season. He remains a key player for City and one that Palace will have to be wary of he will be looking to outwit fellow Argentine Julian Speroni and lead his team to three crucial points in the title race.
Predictions
A second successive Premier League title looks unlikely for City as they looked to have failed to live up to their efforts of last season. Success is key for such a club these days and cup exits courtesy of Barcelona, Middlesbrough and Newcastle United have not helped the managerial position at the Etihad. There are strong rumours that Pellegrini could be replaced in the summer with Carlos Ancelotti one of the leading contenders.
- EPL Index prediction – away win
- Sky Sports Pundit Paul Merson’s prediction – away win
- Who Scored prediction – away win
- My prediction – home win
- Paddy Power odds – home win 9/2 – draw 11/4 – away win 4/6
