Kevin De Bruyne of Man City
Kevin De Bruyne of Man City (Image: 2024 Getty Images)
Manchester City returned to winning ways in midweek with a 3-0 success against Nottingham Forest.
The Blues had been without a victory in seven matches, losing six, but the Etihad success on Wednesday night has ended that run and Pep Guardiola’s side will now seek to build on that momentum at Crystal Palace today.
City will be forced into at least one change with Nathan Ake sidelined after coming off with a hamstring injury in midweek. With John Stones also sidelined it will prompt another reshuffle in the backline.
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Manuel Akanji has been playing through fitness issues and was replaced at the break against Forest but could be pressed into action in the middle of the back four alongside Ruben Dias. Stefan Ortega collected a clean sheet in midweek and could retain his spot while Josko Gvardiol will likely continue on the left.
Neither Rico Lewis or Kyle Walker started in midweek and today’s selection could tell us who will start in Italy when the Champions League returns next week. Walker’s experience might see him preferred then, meaning Lewis begins at right back at Selhurst Park.
Further up the pitch, Guardiola must balance rotation and fitness against changing a winning team. Ilkay Gundogan, Jack Grealish and Bernardo Silva seem likely starters, while Jeremy Doku’s bright showings in his last two outings should be enough to keep him in the side at the expense of Savinho.
Erling Haaland will lead the line and Kevin De Bruyne was superb against Forest but his minutes must be managed, and with Juventus on the horizon and a busy Christmas schedule looming, he could drop to the bench with Mathues Nunes coming in. Phil Foden is still out ill while Rodri, Mateo Kovacic and Oscar Bobb remain sidelined.
Predicted City XI: Ortega, Lewis, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol; Gundogan, Nunes, Grealish, Bernardo, Haaland, Doku.