Overview
On the rise, Manchester City will aim for their fourth consecutive Premier League win when visiting Crystal Palace - an opponent with the potential to create surprises.
The two teams are currently only 5 points apart in the rankings, and both won in the European arena in midweek. After a 3-0 home win over Sunderland last weekend, Man City have reduced the gap with Arsenal to 2 points (before round 16).
Notably, The Citizens have scored 11 goals in their last 3 Premier League matches. The last time Man City scored at least 3 goals in 3 consecutive wins in the Premier League was in April 2024, a sign that the attacking power that had slowed down last season is gradually being unleashed.
Currently the team with the most goals in the tournament with 35 goals, Man City also leads in the expected goals (xG) with 30.0. That impressive attacking form continued to be shown in the European arena in midweek.
Against the familiar opponent Real Madrid, Man City had their second victory in history at the Bernabeu. Nico O'Reilly scored the first goal in the Champions League to equalize, before Erling Haaland successfully converted the penalty, helping the away team come back in the first half. Although Real Madrid did not achieve their best form, the xG 2.58 reflected a relatively proactive game of Man City.
Notably, this is the first time since April 2021 that Man City have won away from home in the Champions League after conceding a goal. Pep Guardiola's consistency in his squad selection is considered an important factor, as this is the fifth time he has kept the same starting lineup this season - a number as the total of the previous 7 years.
However, with a tight schedule, Guardiola could be forced to rotate his squad against a vibrant Crystal Palace. Oliver Glasner's side have also played in the European Cup, easily beating Shelbourne 3-0 in Dublin in the UEFA Conference League.
Palace had previously made a strong impression with a 2-1 win at Fulham, thanks to a late goal from Marc Guehi. This result helped them enter the top 4 of the Premier League - the first time in the club's history after 15 rounds. With 26 points, Palace have the best record at this stage of a season, double the same period last season.
Glasner's style does not focus on ball control. In fact, 17 of Palace's last 20 Premier League wins have come when they have held the ball below 50%. This calendar year alone, it has happened 13 times - the most in the league, only behind Newcastle's record in 2022.
However, Palace's defense will have to undergo a harsh test against one of the most fearsome attackers in Europe. Of the players who have played over 300 minutes this season, Jeremy Doku and Rayan Cherki are the two players who have created the most chances per 90 minutes for Man City (3.4). Cherki also has the best assists in Premier League history in a single season (at least 300 minutes), averaging one assist per 80 minutes.
Head-to-head record
Man City have only lost two of their last 20 Premier League meetings with Crystal Palace (W13 D five), and both of those defeats have come at the Etihad.
Crystal Palace have also not beaten Man City in 10 home games against the opponent since April 2015 (3 draws, 3 losses 7).
Notably, both teams have scored at least two goals in their last four Premier League meetings.
Score prediction: Crystal Palace 2-3 Man City
The match between Crystal Palace and Man City takes place at 22:00 on December 14 (Vietnam time).
