Manchester City have certainly hit the ground running this season, scoring goals at will, thumping most opponents that come their way. They are fresh off a 6-0 victory over Watford in their previous game of the league campaign and will now look to continue their streak, by getting the better of Roy Hodgson’s Crystal Palace.
Palace, who are yet to score a goal, or a pick up a point in the domestic league, managed to knock the Terriers out of the League Cup earlier this week and will be high on confidence but will have to play out of their skins to get anything from this game. Here is the team news for Man City:
Team News
Guardiola’s side are expected to miss out on the services of Ilkay Gundogan, who picked up an injury in the League Cup earlier this week. Skipper Vincent Kompany missed the last two league games but is back in training and is expected to start this tie.
Predicted lineup (4-1-3-2)
Defence
Guardiola is not expected to experiment too much with his system and should stick with a four-man backline, marshalled by Ederson in goal. Nicolas Otamendi should partner Vincent Kompany, the skipper of the side, at the heart of the Manchester City defence.
While English star Kyle Walker is expected to create havoc on the right flank, the exciting Benjamin Mendy could make merry on the left flank, adding mettle, creativity and solidity to the backline.
Midfield
With Gundogan out injured, Guardiola has little choice but to use Fernandinho at the heart of the midfield, playing in the deepest role. He should be partnered by Kevin de Bruyne and David Silva, who will complete the three-man midfield.
It is a slightly attacking midfield but against a struggling Crystal Palace side, they should be able to get the work done early in the game.
Attack
Winger Raheem Sterling will be itching for a start after missing out in the last few games. He is expected to replace Leroy Sane, who had a stupendous outing in the League Cup. He should play on the right flank on the night while Gabriel Jesus could play on the left.
Argentine star Sergio Aguero is expected to lead the attack for Manchester City.
We might also see De Bruyne and Sterling play on either flank with Aguero and Jesus playing as a strike duo in a 4-1-3-2 system, that could blow Palace away.
Here is how Man City might lineup in this tie:
