Manchester City are looking to make it two wins on the bounce when they visit 17th-placed Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon.
The reigning Premier League champions had lost six of their previous seven before Wednesday night’s 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest. Kevin De Bruyne returned to the starting lineup and inspired the triumph as Man City reduced the gap between them and league leaders Liverpool to nine points.
Crystal Palace were securing their own significant victory midweek as they narrowly overcame Ipswich Town at Portman Road. Tuesday’s 1-0 win courtesy of Jean-Philippe Mateta’s second-half strike means the Eagles are now three points above the relegation zone heading into Saturday’s challenging encounter.
Oliver Glasner has plenty of options ahead of the visit of Man City but he remains without influential midfielder Adam Wharton. The youngster underwent groin surgery in November and while close to a return, he won’t be available at the weekend.
Chadi Riad and Matheus Franca are still sidelined with long-term problems that have seen them miss months of action. 19-year-old Franco Umeh-Chibueze is also absent, although the left winger is yet to make a senior appearance for the Eagles despite being named on the bench against Wolverhampton Wanderers earlier in the campaign.
Glanser is unlikely to make many changes to the side that beat Ipswich, although Jefferson Lerma could come into midfield after replacing Cheick Doucoure at half-time against Ipswich.
Man City have been struggling with injuries this season and Pep Guardiola was dealt another blow midweek. Nathan Ake was withdrawn late in the victory over Forest with a hamstring problem and is expected to be sidelined for the foreseeable future.
Phil Foden missed the clash through illness and could return at Selhurst Park, but Mateo Kovacic, Rodri, Oscar Bobb and John Stones will all be unavailable for the journey to the capital.
Stefan Ortega has started the last two matches for Man City but Ederson could be restored to the XI following a rest. Kyle Walker could come into the lineup as well following an expected defensive reshuffle due to Ake’s injury.
De Bruyne made his first start since mid-September against Forest and was the standout performer with a goal and assist. Guardiola will be keen not to overwork the Belgian but he has little choice but to start him again on Saturday.
Man City lineup vs Crystal Palace (4-1-4-1): Ederson; Walker, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol; Gundogan; Savinho, De Bruyne, Silva, Doku; Haaland.
