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…
9. RW: Bernardo Silva
Put in perhaps his best display of the season so far in midweek and will hope for a similar showing this weekend.
10. ST: Erling Haaland
Has scored five in three previous games against Palace but has netted just once in the last five City matches.
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11. LW: Jeremy Doku
Scored against Forest and provided a real threat down the City left. Savinho is another option should Guardiola opt to rotate.