Premier League: Can the Eagles Push the Sky Blues to the Limit?

Manchester City vs Crystal Palace

Manchester City are determined to recover from their hard-fought draw against Newcastle when they’ll host Crystal Palace at the Etihad for their next Premier League match.

The Sky Blues were left disappointed at St. James Park as they’re currently behind top seed Arsenal in the pecking order, with the likes of Leeds United, Tottenham, and Brighton level with them on points.

They’ll face Crystal Palace, who are slowly finding their stride after a shaky start to their 2022-23 campaign. After going winless against Arsenal and Liverpool, the Eagles have won back-to-back against Aston Villa and Oxford United yesterday during the Carabao Cup second round.

Recent encounters between these two sides have been closer than expected, so SBOTOP football fans can anticipate another thrilling tiff this weekend.

Talking Points

Back-to-back draws for Manchester City

City’s 3-3 draw against Newcastle was easily one of the top games of the 2022-23 season as it was filled with so many Premier League 2022 highlights.

Ilkay Gundogan put the Sky Blues out front after scoring within the first five minutes, but Miguel Almiron and Callum Wilson responded later in the first half, and both were aided by Allan Saint-Maximin’s exploits.

And when Kieran Trippier scored via a free-kick near the hour mark, the supporters watching at St. James Park were in euphoria.

But the Sky Blues, being the champions that they are, flexed their title credentials and they rescued a point thanks to late goals by Erling Haaland and Bernardo Silva.

After Newcastle, Manchester City took on Barcelona in a charity match where it also ended in a 3-3 draw.

The Sky Blues were also trailing against the Blaugrana, but this time, it was Riyad Mahrez who bailed them out with his penalty during added time.

Besides Mahrez, Julian Alvarez and Cole Palmer also scored for Manchester City while Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Frenkie de Jong, and Memphis Depay scored for Barcelona.

Against Crystal Palace, Pep Guardiola is likely to have a similar starting XI versus Newcastle and Barcelona with Nathan Ake, Aymeric Laporte, and Jack Grealish all sidelined due to knocks.

Wilfried Zaha still firing for Crystal Palace                   

Patrick Vieira has made Crystal Palace one of the most entertaining teams to watch in the Premier League and getting back to European football is a realistic aim for them.

Last term, they were buoyed by their exciting forwards with Conor Gallagher pulling the strings, but the 22-year-old midfielder has now returned to Chelsea after a year-long loan.

With Gallagher no longer there, Vieira is hopeful that new signing Cheick Doucoure will be an instant hit, and the Malian midfielder will inherit the task of feeding the likes of Wilfried Zaha, Jean-Philippe Mateta, and Odsonne Edouard for goals.

The Eagles are also hopeful that talisman Wilfried Zaha stays healthy throughout the year. The Ivory Coast-based striker is off to a sparkling start with three goals in their first three games, and he has always been their difference maker.

History

Crystal Palace have fared better against Manchester City in their recent meetings. The Eagles were one of the four teams that the Sky Blues didn’t beat in the league last term (D1, L1), and they were the only side that the defending champions failed to score against as well.

Overall, the Eagles have claimed seven points from their last four league matches at the Etihad against the Sky Blues (W2, D1, L1), which is as many as they had in their previous 15 visits (W1, D4, L10).

Should Crystal Palace win on Saturday, they will become the second team besides Manchester United to win three consecutive away Premier League matches against City boss Pep Guardiola.

But in terms of recent form, Manchester City have the slight edge since they’re unbeaten in four straight matches in all competitions, while Crystal Palace are also undefeated in three straight games.

Betting Tip

The Premier League 2022 odds have Manchester City as the overwhelming favourites to win in this contest. They’re installed at 1.19, while Crystal Palace are priced lowly at 16.00 and chances for a draw are at 6.00 in the 1X2 market.

Wary of Crystal Palace’s threat, Manchester City shouldn’t let their guard down but they will probably come out on top in front of their home fans simply because they have stronger quality.

However, the Eagles have improved a ton so they should bring the fight to the defending champions. Under 3.50 @ 1.82 is a plausible alternative bet since we expect another grinded-out affair.

 

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