Manchester City v Crystal Palace Preview

Manchester City face a relentless run of games during this busy period and now prepare to meet Crystal Palace at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.

As the weather begins to turn and the pitches get heavier, it takes that little bit more effort to move the ball around the pitch. Our highly skilled players are all beginning to labour, passes are misplaced and legs look tired.

Players who have excelled for 19 months with their running, are now running less. Decisions are going against us in matches. We get a card for every tackle. Our squad has been depleted with injuries and at this very moment, where we need some inspiration, our most inspiring players are all struggling.

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To top it all we play against Crystal Palace, a team who last December 31 ended our winning streak and committed a series of horrible challenges against our players. It’s probably fair to Say this is a game we may not be looking forward to.

Guardiola has more players to choose from than in recent games but it’s unclear how many of the players are in peak condition. Those returning from injury need game time to facilitate their return, those carrying injuries need rest. But which are which?

The defence is difficult to predict. Will Walker start or will it be an opportunity for Danilo? Will Delph be at left back or will it be Zinchenko? Will Laporte and Stones start or will Guardiola prefer a more physical presence to contend with the Palace attack?

In midfield the one definite player will be Fernandinho. The other slots are more variable. David Silva continues to be out due to a hamstring problem. I consider.we will start with Bernardo with De Bruyne on the bench. The other midfield slot will be between Gundogan and Foden. I would predict Gundogan will start.

The attack will centre around Jesus with Sane and Sterling being unleashed. I expect the rotation to be in full swing for our next game on boxing day.

Palace offer a stern test, as they are quick on the break and can hurt us. The secret will be to hit those early goals and take all the pressure away. This should be an interesting game.

Predicted Manchester City XI

4-3-3 Formation

Goalkeeper

Ederson

Defence

Walker

Stones

Laporte

Delph

Midfield

Fernandinho

Bernardo

Gundogan

Attack

Sane

Jesus

Sterling