Manchester City FC vs Crystal Palace, Premier League 2022-2023, Today Match Prediction

Manchester City FC vs Crystal Palace Match Prediction & Analysis

Manchester City took part in one of the matches of the season so far against Newcastle, drawing 3-3 in a pulsating encounter.

Although City took the lead, they then had to come from 3-1 down to earn a point, leading to the loss of their 100% record to start the season.

In truth, Newcastle showed City a tough time of things and they had to show extraordinary resilience to fight back, as the best champions can do.

Palace have played decent football so far this season, as they have done since Patrick Vieira took over at the start of last season. After their defeat to Arsenal, they’ve claimed one point against Liverpool and three against Villa.

It won’t be easy, but City will be expecting to return to winning ways this weekend.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Manchester City FC Preview

Reasons to be cheerful:

     Joint-top scorers in the league this season

     Won four of their last seven meetings with Palace

Reasons to be fearful:

     Newcastle exposed some of City’s weaknesses

     Have been to Spain and back in midweek

Manchester City won’t mind dropping points against Newcastle too much, as it will have sharpened their focus on the task ahead. 

They can make up the two-point gap to Arsenal in time, although they will want to get back to winning ways as soon as they can. A home game against Palace presents a near-perfect opportunity to do so.

They have a good record against Palace over the years, winning 14 of the Premier League meetings. 

On the flip side, City have built up a habit of going behind in recent games. In fact, they’ve been two goals down in three of the past five league games. While they didn’t lose any of them, this will present a concern.

The good news is at the top end of the pitch, where they have continued to score goals for fun. 

Regardless of their defensive issues, they will expect to win this game by outscoring their opponents.

Star Man – Erling Haaland

The Norwegian has netted three times and provided one assist so far this season, proving that he can cope with the demands of the Premier League. He could have a field day against Palace.

Crystal Palace Preview

Reasons to be cheerful

     Have improved since their opening day defeat against Arsenal

     Forward players have the intense pace to trouble City’s defence

Reasons to be fearful

     Palace’s record against City is poor

     City will be desperate to return to winning ways

Palace’s main concern will be City’s determination to return to winning ways.

They didn’t drop points in two consecutive games across the entirety of last season, proving how difficult they are to stop.

Patrick Vieira’s men have done well, it must be said. They caused Arsenal some issues on the first day of the season despite losing, then going on to take a point off Liverpool. The win over Villa was well deserved.

Their main weapon is their front three, especially Zaha and Eze, who have started the season exceptionally. If they can continue that against City, they could have some joy.

The difficulty will be keeping them out at the other end.

Star Man – Wilf Zaha

Zaha was electric yet again against Villa, scoring twice and being a general nuisance the whole game. His direct running in behind defences can be a problem if they get it right against City.