| Man City vs Crystal | |
| MATCH | Premier League |
| DATE | 29 - 08 - 2026 |
| TIME | 12.30 AM IST |
| STADIUM | Selhurst Park |
Crystal Palace vs Manchester City — Match Preview
Crystal Palace are entering a new chapter after two remarkable seasons under former manager Oliver Glasner, who guided the Eagles to FA Cup and Conference League glory. His departure has left new boss Pierre Sage with a difficult task, as expectations remain high at Selhurst Park.
Sage's side made a disappointing start to the new Premier League campaign, suffering a 2-0 defeat against Everton. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Thierno Barry found the net either side of half time. However, the result did not fully reflect Palace's performance, with the Eagles recording 1.96 expected goals compared to Everton's 1.12 and missing four major chances.
They will need to be considerably more clinical against Manchester City. Palace have lost six of their last 10 meetings with City, managing just one victory during that run — their memorable 1-0 triumph in the 2025 FA Cup final.
Manchester City, meanwhile, are beginning life under Enzo Maresca following the end of the Pep Guardiola era. Their opening display was far from convincing, but City secured three points with a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Bournemouth last weekend.
The Citizens trailed at half time before Marc Guehi equalised in the 84th minute, with Josko Gvardiol completing the turnaround in stoppage time. Maresca will be hoping for a more controlled performance against Palace, particularly as City are yet to keep a clean sheet under their new manager.
City's away form could also provide Palace with some encouragement. The Sky Blues won only two of their final five away league matches last season, while the squad continues to adapt to Maresca's methods.
Team News
Crystal Palace are expected to be without Ismaila Sarr, who remains in individual training while recovering from a groin injury. Dwight McNeil and Eddie Nketiah could therefore operate behind Jean-Philippe Mateta.
Centre-back Chadi Riad is also sidelined with a knee injury, leaving Jaydee Canvot, Chris Richards and Takehiro Tomiyasu in contention for the defensive trio.
Manchester City will be without Jeremy Doku as he continues his recovery from a calf problem. Phil Foden, Nico O'Reilly and Antoine Semenyo are expected to provide attacking support for Erling Haaland.
Midfielder Elliot Anderson is a doubt because of a thigh injury. Should he miss out, Mateo Kovacic could partner Marc Guehi in the centre of midfield.
With Palace desperate for their first points and City still finding their rhythm under Maresca, Friday's encounter could provide an intriguing test of whether the Eagles can exploit City's defensive vulnerabilities.
