Manchester City vs Crystal Palace prediction: ENGLAND: Premier League betting tips on match 2022-08-26 14:00.
“Proper football game,” was Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola’s assessment of his side’s 3-3 draw with Newcastle United, after the reigning champions became the fourth side in history to avoid defeat in three consecutive Premier League (PL) matches when falling two goals behind. That highlighted how competitive the PL is and that’s also typified by Crystal Palace, who have left the City faithful stunned in recent times by taking four points from City in two H2Hs last term (D1, L1).
Looking to capitalise on rivals Chelsea and Liverpool’s misfortunes, Man City will seek a return to winning ways at the Etihad Stadium, where they have won their last five PL fixtures whilst scoring an average of four goals per game. That said, they’ll be somewhat cautious, as Palace are the only team to beat Guardiola’s side in a Saturday 3pm PL kick-off across City’s last 54 such games (W46, D6, L2).
Patrick Vieira’s side are growing into this PL campaign, and given they’ve already drawn at Liverpool, they won’t be put off by this trip. Vieira lauded his side’s performance after their 3-1 victory against Aston Villa on their last league outing, calling it their most consistent since joining, and he will be eager for more of the same against the club at which he started his coaching career.
More consistency on the road is required if Palace are to build on their solid start, as although they’ve only lost one of their last four PL road games (W1, D2), they only won four league away fixtures last term. Scoring in seven of their last eight PL road games (W3, D2, L3) suggests they should threaten, but a leaky backline which hasn’t kept a clean sheet in six PL away trips could unravel Palace’s good attacking work.
Players to watch: Ilkay GĂĽndogan has scored four goals across his last four PL appearances, with both strikes this term breaking the deadlock. Meanwhile, Wilfried Zaha netted a brace for Palace against Villa and opened the scoring in this fixture last term.
Hot stat: Man City are the only team yet to concede after the 60th minute in the PL this term.