This is the predicted lineup for Manchester City’s Premier League game against Crystal Palace. Pep Guardiola’s side will be looking to return to winning ways after a rather dull Manchester Derby ended in a goalless draw. Crystal Palace are the Premier League’s form team as they have won four of their last five league games. But, Oliver Glassner’s side could have problems in defence after Marc Guehi was sent off in their previous game.
Manchester City Predicted Lineup vs Crystal Palace
How Manchester City Have Lined-up Recently
After a season fraught with injuries and dips in form, Ederson has secured his place as City’s first-choice goalkeeper in recent weeks. The Brazilian has played every minute since the March international break.
Over the last two games, Guardiola has been able to name the same back four. This has comprised of Matheus Nunes and Nico O’Reilly at right-back and left-back respectively with Josko Gvardiol partnering Ruben Dias in the centre of defence. Options are incredibly limited due to injuries to the back line with a number of regular centre-backs sidelined.
Read more: Star Manchester City Man Announces Departure
Looking to control the game against United, the Catalan played a diamond midfield. This consisted of Matteo Kovacic at the base, Bernardo Silva, Ilkay Gundogan and Kevin De Bruyne in a more advanced role.
Omar Marmoush, City’s in-form attacker, played up front alongside Phil Foden. Marmoush looked to cut inside from the left whilst Foden did the same thing on the opposite side.
Manchester City’s Recent Form and Tactics
City’s recent performances have still been below their usual levels. The Sky Blues have picked up two wins and two draws in their last five league games which puts them in 11th place in the form table.
Two dropped points against their intercity rivals saw them slip to 6th place in the league table. But, Arsenal’s win against Real Madrid in the Champions League has guaranteed the Premier League five Champions League qualification spots for next season.
The Citizens therefore need to make up just one point on the likes of Chelsea and Newcastle to secure a Champions League berth next term.
Guardiola altered his tactical system yet again for the Manchester Derby. It is clear that, against teams who he feels will be dangerous on the counter-attack, the former Barcelona man prefers selection players like Bernardo Silva and Foden who can control the game and retain the ball. Conversely, against teams who he feels offer less of a counter-attacking threat, Guardiola prefers to pick the explosive wing pairing of Jeremy Doku and Savinho.
Manchester City Injuries to Consider
There have been no significant updates on City’s injury situation since last week.
Oscar Bobb, who has missed most of the season due to injury, was not named on the bench against United. But, there has been no word as to whether this is due to injury.
Manuel Akanji is the City player who is closest to a return, but fans will have to wait at least two weeks before they can see the Swiss international in action. Erling Haaland, Nathan Ake, Rodri and John Stones are all going to be unavailable until May.
Manchester City Predicted Lineup
GK: Ederson
RB: Rico Lewis
CB: Ruben Dias
CB: Josko Gvardiol
LB: Nico O’Reilly
DM: Nico Gonzalez
CM: Ilkay Gundogan
CM: Matteo Kovacic
RW: Bernardo Silva
LW: Savinho
ST: Omar Marmoush
