Manchester City will aim to extend their unbeaten start to the Premier League season when they welcome Crystal Palace to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
With three games in the books, Pep Guardiola’s men sit second in the table – two points behind Arsenal and three points clear of Crystal Palace.
Every touch from @BernardoCSilva's Man of the Match performance at Newcastle! 👀✨#ManCity pic.twitter.com/M49Pn5TrFI— Manchester City (@ManCity) August 23, 2022
Every touch from @BernardoCSilva's Man of the Match performance at Newcastle! 👀✨#ManCity pic.twitter.com/M49Pn5TrFI
Having lost just one of their opening three clashes, the Eagles will fancy their chances of frustrating the defending champions. But have they got what it takes prevent Man City from winning?
The Cityzens head into Matchday 4 on the back of a thrilling 3-3 draw against Newcastle United. Despite notching 21 shots and 69% possession, they were unable to claim all three points.
Erling Haaland scored again last time out, meaning he has netted three goals in as many games for his new club. Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva also got on the scoresheet.
Man City started the campaign with a 2-0 victory at West Ham before thumping Bournemouth 4-0. With nine goals to their name, they are the joint-top scorers in the division.
Not only have Man City avoided defeat in each of their last 15 league games, but they have also avoided defeat in 30 of the previous 31. That is not good news for Crystal Palace.
As for Crystal Palace, they claimed an eye-catching comeback win against Aston Villa last weekend – coming from behind to beat Steven Gerrard’s side 3-1.
Wilfried Zaha bagged a brace before Jean-Philippe Mateta completed the scoring. The Eagles chalked up 17 shots on home soil, nine of which were on target.
Patrick Vieira’s men lost 2-0 to Arsenal on the opening weekend. However, they responded with an impressive 1-1 draw against Liverpool at Anfield on Matchday 2.
If Palace can replicate their performance against Liverpool at the Etihad, they will give themselves a fighting chance of getting something from Saturday’s clash.
Head-to-head: It is worth noting that Palace avoided defeat against City last term, winning 2-0 in Manchester before recording a goalless draw on home soil.
When you look at the bigger picture, however, Guardiola’s side have only lost two of their last 16 meetings with the Eagles – notching 11 wins in the process.
Team news: Aymeric Laporte remains absent for Man City. There are also question marks over the fitness of Jack Grealish and Nathan Ake.
On the flip side, Crystal Palace currently have four players sidelined through injury – Nathan Ferguson, Jack Butland, James McArthur and James Tomkins.
Palace are expected to put up a decent fight at the Etihad Stadium. However, Man City should be too strong for the Londoners.
Forebet predicts that both teams will score on Saturday, with Man City netting over 1.5 goals to secure all three points.