Manchester City continue their fight to qualify for next season’s Champions League when they host high-flying Crystal Palace.
It has largely been a season to forget in the case of Pep Guardiola’s side, although an FA Cup triumph is still a distinct possibility.
Nevertheless, a season without Champions League football would be a hammer blow and as such, every Premier League game is of vital importance.
Check out NetBet Sport’s full preview for Saturday’s early kick-off below…
Manchester City vs Crystal Palace
Saturday, April 12, 12.30pm
Etihad Stadium, Manchester
Live on TNT Sports
Manchester City vs Crystal Palace Preview
Arsenal’s 3-0 victory over Real Madrid on Tuesday evening was actually welcome news for City, as it means England are guaranteed five Champions League places next season.
However, the Citizens are still outside the Premier League Top 5 following last weekend’s 0-0 draw with Manchester United at Old Trafford.
City trail both Chelsea and Newcastle by a point, although the Magpies crucially have a game in hand.
With Erling Haaland set to miss the remainder of the season with an ankle injury, things have certainly looked better from a City perspective.
In seasons gone by, this kind of match would have been viewed as a walk in the park for the men in sky blue, but not in 2025.
On top of City being way below their best, Palace are one of Europe’s form teams, having won six of their last seven matches across all competitions – including last weekend’s 2-1 victory over rivals Brighton.
However, that triumph presents Oliver Glasner with a problem, as Marc Guehi’s late red card means he will be unavailable at the Etihad.
Eddie Nketiah was also sent off at Selhurst Park, but the ex-Arsenal striker is firmly behind top scorer Jean-Philippe Mateta in the pecking order.
Guehi’s absence should provide the likes of Omar Marmoush and Kevin De Bruyne with additional optimism, as Palace’s defence is not quite the same without their skipper.
When these two sides met in South London earlier in the campaign, the match finished 2-2 thanks to a 68th-minute equaliser from Rico Lewis.
Manchester City vs Crystal Palace Odds
*All odds are subject to change
City are, of course, favourites for the win at 1.51. Palace are priced at 5.80, while the draw is 4.50.
Manchester City vs Crystal Palace Betting Tips
Omar Mamroush to score anytime @ 2.12
Filling Haaland’s boots is an unenviable task, but City have a decent replacement in January signing Marmoush. The Egyptian has scored in three of his side’s last four home Premier League matches.
Over 1.5 goals in the first half @ 2.50
In City’s last three top-flight encounters at the Etihad, at least two goals have been scored in the opening period of play. In two of them (vs Newcastle and Brighton), three goals were scored before the half-time whistle was blown.
Jean-Philippe Mateta OR Ismaila Sarr to score anytime @ 2.19
With City’s defensive issues clear for all to see, it is hard to look past in-form Palace beating Ederson at least once. Mateta (13 goals) and Sarr (7 goals) are the Eagles’ two top scorers in the Premier League this season.
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