Manchester City will hope to end their losing run away from home when they head to Selhurst Park this weekend.
Pep Guardiola’s side have lost the last five on their travels, three of which have come in the Premier League. While Crystal Palace have often proved to be a banana skin for City in recent years, that has tended to come at the Etihad - in fact, the Blues haven’t lost away to Palace since 2015.
Guardiola will hope to continue that record on Saturday, despite the team’s underwhelming recent form. The win against Nottingham Forest in midweek was City’s first since October and despite the impressive performance, there were still signs of the defensive fragilities that have cost the team of late.
Injuries have also been a massive factor in the team’s downturn, with two fresh issues arising on Wednesday night. Guardiola confirmed ahead of the trip to Palace that Nathan Ake won’t be available against Palace, while Manuel Akanji’s fitness is uncertain.
The City boss also confirmed Phil Foden won’t return after a recent bout of bronchitis, while John Stones and Mateo Kovacic are still injured. Long-term absentees Rodri and Oscar Bobb mean City’s options look vastly reduced again.
The only other fitness concern is Kevin De Bruyne, who started against Forest but is still being eased back following a long-lasting pelvis issue. With all that in mind, here’s the XI we think Guardiola could select against Palace…
5. LB: Rico Lewis
Has scored both of his Premier League goals against Palace, one of which came in this fixture last season.
6. DM: Ilkay Gundogan
There aren't many options at the base of midfield, so Gundogan will almost certainly play in that role.
7. CM: Matheus Nunes
De Bruyne could drop out to ensure he isn't overexerted following the recent injury. If so, Nunes is the obvious option to replace him.
8. CM: Jack Grealish
Impressed playing in midfield against Forest and will likely continue in that role at Selhurst Park. City's no.10 was excellent in this fixture last season.