Palace head to the Etihad with some trepidation. A crumb of comfort may be the resilience demonstrated against Liverpool last time out, could another be City’s very slightly faltering form?
To see how true that might be, I caught up with City Xtra football writer Amos Murphy to get the inside track.
TEB – By City’s crazy standards a slightly underwhelming recent run? Is it all about Rodri and other key players being absent or is this the standard minor blip before hitting your stride in the new year?
AM – From the outside looking in, it could look like City’s season so far hasn’t been brilliant. Having won the treble expectations were sky high – breaking records or repeating that feat. But the noise has been mainly from the outside. It’s still early days and this is quite normal for City in recent years – we’ve often started a little slowly, and as Guardiola says what matters at this point of the season is still being in contention, which City very much are.
TEB – And so, what is your ambition for the season?
AM – No-one can go into a season expecting to win a treble. But this year there is maybe a bit of added pressure – particularly in Europe – to make sure the defence of the trophy is as strong as possible. In terms of the League, it always is the ‘bread and butter’ for City. So, the team will aim to win as much as possible without expecting anything.
TEB – Who has been your star of the season so far?
AM – A few weeks ago I’d have said Julian Alvarez for sure. But he has looked a bit jaded recently. A shout for Rodri who is critical to how City play, but overall probably Alvarez.
TEB – How different is this version of City compared to previous seasons?
AM – Guardiola often speaks about evolution, and you can see that in how City are looking to play this season. We suddenly have a number of ball carriers – Doku, Nunes, Kovačic. This is very different to the more defensive minded line up of last season. Will it work? We’ll have to see by the end of the season, but to compete at the highest level you can’t stand still.
TEB – If Haaland is out, how do you expect City to line up?
AM – I’d expect Alvarez to take the centre forward position. There could be an option to not play a striker – they sometimes look better without a nominated striker – playing Foden as a false 9. But the question then becomes are they clinical enough. Foden is a wonderful footballer but maybe his talent is best used slightly further from goal. So, I think Alvarez is the best option.
TEB – Who is your pantomime villain at the moment?
AM – Mostly City’s players are quite likeable (I think?). One player that can wind up other fanbases (Liverpool ahem) is maybe Bernardo Silva. And they do sometimes practice the ‘dark arts’ in other ways e.g. tactical fouls – but they don’t have a Bruno Fernandes or Jamie Vardy wind up merchant – for now at least.
TEB – If you had a magic wand, which Palace player would you have in your squad or line up?
AM – The obvious answer (and one the City hierarchy tried to make real) is Eze. I think he’d fit in really well – he’s entering his peak, and he is clearly very talented. He’s made the breakthrough at international level, and I wouldn’t be surprised if City had another go at recruiting him in the future.
TEB – What are your views on Palace this season?
AM – I think Palace have had a mixed season – not downplaying the achievements over the last decade or so but it does feel you are at a bit of a crossroads. Could Palace be the next team to break into the top eight and make a run in Europe? I can definitely see some Palace fans looking over at Brighton and wondering why can’t we match that? Having said that, I also recognise the need for some caution and can see why your board brought Roy back. Clearly ensuring Premier League survival is crucial. Overall though I think you’ve made room to bring in a manager who could maybe try and push Palace up to that next level.
TEB – Finally, predictions for the game?
AM – If recent records are something to go by, Palace ought to take the lead and then City come back into it. Having said that, I think City have a bit of a point to prove having underwhelmed in recent games and I expect City will try and lay down a marker before heading out to Saudi for the Club World Cup. But, if previous games are anything to go by, I see a difficult game for City.
TEB – Cheers Amos, good luck for the weekend (not too much though) and the Club World Cup! If you’d like to hear more from Amos, check him out on X or at City Report Pod.
