It is a welcome return to Premier League action after a long two weeks which kicked off with a disappointing last gasp defeat at Burnley.
Much has been said of Alan Pardew’s tenure at Selhurst Park and it is in South London that the Eagles host title contenders Manchester City this weekend lead by former Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola.
It promises to be a stern test for the hosts who will be desperate to end yet another run of poor form but they face a side that are no doubt keen to make amends for dropping points at home to Middlesbrough.
This game kicks off an extremely tough run of home games heading into the Christmas break which includes Southampton, Manchester United and Chelsea. Points are very much needed and Pardew will be only too well away of that. They will perhaps be more likely picked up away from as the Eagles will travel to Swansea and Hull, however, if Palace perform to their potential, there could be a surprise result or two up their sleeve in the coming weeks.
TEAM NEWS
CRYSTAL PALACE – Steve Mandanda (knee) should be fit to take his place in goal while Bakary Sako (muscular) will face a late fitness test. Jonathan Benteke (knee), Pape Souare (leg) and Loic Remy (thigh) continue to miss out.
MANCHESTER CITY – Vincent Kompany (groin), Fernando (knock) and Bacary Sagna (hamstring) are all expected to feature but Fabian Delph (groin) may need another couple of weeks.
ACTION REPLAY
The last meeting between the sides took place at the Etihad in January and it was a very one sided affair. Fabian Delph gave the hosts an early lead before Sergio Aguero doubled it just before the break. A second for Aguero put the game beyond reach of the visitors and David Silva finishing off the comfortable afternoon for City with a late fourth. The only comfort for Palace in the game was an excellent performance from Wilfried Zaha.
FORM GUIDE
Last FIVE meetings between the two sides;
- 16/01/2016: Manchester City 4-0 Crystal Palace
- 28/10/2015: Manchester City 5-1 Crystal Palace
- 12/09/2015: Crystal Palace 0-1 Manchester City
- 06/04/2015: Crystal Palace 2-1 Manchester City
- 20/12/2014: Manchester City 3-0 Crystal Palace
Last FIVE results for Palace;
- 05/11/2016: Burnley 3-2 Crystal Palace
- 29/10/2016: Crystal Palace 2-4 Liverpool
- 22/10/2016: Leicester City 3-1 Crystal Palace
- 15/10/2016: Crystal Palace 0-1 West Ham United
- 30/09/2016: Everton 1-1 Crystal Palace
Last FIVE results for [opposition];
- 05/11/2016: Manchester City 1-1 Middlesbrough
- 01/11/2016: Manchester City 3-1 Barcelona
- 29/10/2016: West Bromwich Albion 0-4 Manchester City
- 26/10/2016: Manchester United 1-0 Manchester City
- 23/10/2016: Manchester City 1-1 Southampton
FORM PLAYERS (courtesy of Who Scored)
Top two rated players from each team so far this season;
- Kevin de Bruyne (7.68)
- Sergio Aguero (7.61)
- Wilfried Zaha (7.55)
- Christian Benteke (7.51)
ONE TO WATCH
ILKAY GUNDOGAN
The twenty-six year old German joined City in the summer from Borussia Dortmund for an estimated £20million signing a four year deal. He began his career moving between the youth set ups at SV Gelsenkirchen-Hessler 06, Schalke 04, SSV Buer and VfL Bochum. It was at VfL Bochum that he made his full debut in 2008 before moving on to FC Nurnberg in 2009. After a little under fifty appearances, Dortmund signed Gundogan in 2011 where he made over a hundred appearances, scoring ten goals. He has represented Germany at most youth levels as well as twenty full caps to date, scoring four goals.
PREDICTION
Final league position – 1st
The title race this season promises to be a very close run thing but Guardiola’s City should just about have enough to become champions of England once again, and at the Spaniard’s first time of asking. There is no doubt that the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool in particular will push them all the way in what could end up going to the final day of the season.
- TEB prediction – draw
- Typical City prediction (see link below) – away win
- Who Scored prediction – away win
BETTING ODDS (courtesy of Paddy Power)
- Home – 11/2
- Draw – 31/10
- Away – 8/15
- Both teams to score – 4/6
FIND OUT WHAT DAN FROM TYPICAL CITY TOLD US THIS WEEK IN THE CITY VIEW
