The Eagles return from a triumphant trip to Dublin and looking to improve on their results after European games so far this season which has been a bit of an Achilles heel.
Olive Glasner was among those than offered his plaudits to the players for a thoroughly professional and convincing performance against Shelbourne on Thursday evening.
There are no new injury concerns on the return to the UK as Glasner has confirmed that he is hoping to see the return of Jean-Philippe Mateta, Ismaila Sarr, and Jaydee Canvot to the squad for the game on Sunday, who were all left at home for the Conference League game.
Manchester City were themselves in European action this week with an impressive victory over Real Madrid in the Champions League at the Bernabeu.
Kolo Toure stood in for Pep Guardiola at the press conference, and confirmed that John Stones ha an injury concern but not expected to miss the match, while Rodri will not return this weekend.
The Eagles were delayed in their return from Ireland, as they were expected to fly back to the UK straight after the game but a problem with their aircraft meant that they had to stay the night. Glasner has made it clear that has not interrupted their preparation for the game.
The Austrian was pleased that the game went according to plan including the opportunity to rotate players both starting the game and with substitutions.
This will be the first time that Palace have faced Manchester City since beating them at Wembley in May to win the FA Cup for the very first time. Of course, City have bigger fish to fry this season but with the form Palace have shown in all competitions this season, they sit just five points behind the 2023/24 Premier League winners.
While the Eagles have an important final Conference League fixture on Thursday evening, City have an as important League Cup Quarter Final game at home to Brentford on Wednesday.
Palace will be keen on continuing their unbeaten run of three games, although they have all been away from home. The last game at Selhurst Park ended in defeat at the hands of Manchester United. Let’s hope that we have more luck against the blue half of Manchester!
🗓 Match Context
- Date & Kick-off: Sunday, 14 December 2025 — 14:00 GMT, Selhurst Park
- Broadcast: Sky Sports Premier League (UK), NBC/Peacock (US)
🧭 League Standings & Stakes
- Crystal Palace: 4th in Premier League — experienced strong defensive form and pushing for Champions League places
- Manchester City: 2nd, two points behind Arsenal — enjoying momentum boost from recent European and domestic wins
🔥 Recent Form
| Team | Last 5 in League |
|---|---|
| Crystal Palace | W-W-L-W-W — unbeaten in 5 of their last 6, strong away form but inconsistent at home |
| Man City | W-W-W-L-W — excellent form, home powerhouse, mixed away results |
- Palace are unbeaten away in last 3 PL games and just conceded once across those matches.
- City secured a solid 3‑0 victory over Sunderland and a heroic 2‑1 win at Real Madrid midweek.
⚔️ Head-to-Head
- Overall: 30 meetings — City won 21, Palace 4, and 5 draws.
- At Selhurst: Palace have won just 2 of 16; City hold advantage
- Last 10 league meetings: Only one 0‑0 draw — goals are common in this fixture
- Notable recent results:
- FA Cup Final (May): Palace triumphed 1‑0
- April league re-match: City responded with 5‑2 win at Etihad
📰 Team News & Injuries
Crystal Palace
- Out long-term: Daniel Muñoz (4–6 weeks, knee surgery), Cheick Doucoure, Chadi Riad, Caleb Kporha, Rio Cardines
- Doubtful:
- Ismaila Sarr (ankle) — hopeful but still a doubt
- Jean‑Philippe Mateta (knee) — expected to return to training Friday
- Jaydee Canvot — battling illness
Manchester City
- Unavailable: Rodri (hamstring), Mateo Kovacic (ankle/calcification), John Stones (leg)
- Likely returnees: None confirmed — some rotation expected
👥 Key Matchups
- Jean‑Philippe Mateta vs Josko Gvardiol: Mateta has scored in several meetings with City, his return could boost Palace’s attack
- Marc Guehi vs Erling Haaland: Stonewalling the league’s top scorer will be crucial
- Adam Wharton vs Phil Foden: Vital midfield duel — Foden’s in great form, Wharton must hold firm
📌 Tactical Outlook
- Palace: Will rely on tight structure, physicality, and countering — rotating players due to European fixture load
- City: Expect high-intensity pressing, fluid rotations across midfield/attack; solid enough structure even without key absentees
🔮 Prediction
⚖️ Expect a tight, competitive clash. City are favourites given their quality and form, but expect a strategic, low-to-mid scoring game. Many previews suggest:
- Predicted score line: CP 1–2 City
- Alternative tip: Under 3.5 goals, City win — both have predicted this
