Manchester City vs Crystal Palace Prediction: Marmoush to swoop in amid Eagles’ defensive woes

A drab 0-0 draw at Manchester United last Sunday has cast further doubt on Manchester City's chances of qualifying for next season's Uefa Champions League. It was confirmed this week that England would receive a fifth spot in the 2025/26 league phase, but Pep Guardiola's side are currently sixth, a point behind fifth-place Newcastle United, who have a game in hand on the Citizens.

Crystal Palace, meanwhile, are in great spirits after last Saturday's 2-1 win over rivals Brighton & Hove Albion extended their unbeaten run to eight games in all competitions, and a top-half Premier League finish is now in sight for the FA Cup semi-finalists. The Eagles head to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday (12:30, TNT Sports 1), and you can build up to the action by checking out my Manchester City vs Crystal Palace predictions below.

Team News

Erling Haaland, Nathan Ake (both ankle), Rodri (ACL), John Stones (thigh) and Manuel Akanji (abductor) remain in Manchester City's treatment room and will be unavailable for selection on Saturday.

Guardiola may keep faith with the back line that has kept back-to-back clean sheets against Leicester City and Man United, meaning Abdukodir Khusanov and Rico Lewis, who scored and was sent off in December's 2-2 draw with Palace at Selhurst Park, will have to settle for the bench again.

Football Odds

Changes could be made in midfield and attack, though, with Nico Gonzalez, Jack Grealish, Savinho and Jeremy Doku all pushing for starts.

The visitors will be without suspended duo Marc Guehi and Eddie Nketiah, both of whom were dismissed in last weekend's win against Brighton. Nketiah was only a substitute so he won't need to be replaced in the starting XI, but Guehi's absence leaves Oliver Glasner with something to think about.

Chadi Riad (knee) is still out injured, while fellow centre-backs Maxence Lacroix (concussion) and Chris Richards (calf) are doubtful. Full-backs Joel Ward and Nathaniel Clyne, as well as midfielder Jefferson Lerma, could be called upon to deputise in the middle of defence at the Etihad.

Cheick Doucoure (knee) is also sidelined.

Manchester City vs Crystal Palace Odds

It's been a poor season by Man City's lofty standards but they've only lost one of their last seven games in all competitions and have won four of their last six Premier League home games. After beating Leicester 2-0 on April 2, the Citizens are 8/15 to make it back-to-back wins at the Etihad this weekend, implying a 65.2% probability, while Palace are 5/1, or a 16.7% chance, to record a fifth victory in their last six league travel matches.

The two teams played out a 2-2 draw at Selhurst Park in December and you can back another draw on Saturday at 7/2, while a repeat of that scoreline is priced at 14/1.

Both teams to score is available at 4/6 and Daniel Munoz, who opened the scoring against City in south London, is 22/1 to repeat that feat.

Anytime Goalscorer - Omar Marmoush (MCI) @ 1/1

Uncertainty over the make-up of the Eagles' defence should pique the interest of City striker Omar Marmoush, who appears set for an extended spell as the club's number nine with Haaland out injured until next month at the earliest.

Marmoush was unable to add to his goal tally in last Sunday's Manchester derby, but in truth, he was let down by those behind him, who failed to offer any sort of creativity. He still managed to get four shots off, though, and forced Red Devils goalkeeper Andre Onana into three saves at Old Trafford, highlighting the danger he possesses even without much help from others.

The 26-year-old, who joined from the German side Eintracht Frankfurt in January, has scored five goals in nine Premier League appearances for the Citizens, and all five strikes have been at the Etihad.

With all four of Palace's centre-backs potentially unavailable on Saturday, there is a golden opportunity for the Egyptian to net in a third consecutive home game, and at 1/1, he's worth taking on in the anytime market, in my opinion.

Player Shots On Target - Daniel Munoz (CRY) @ 7/2

Colombian wing-back Munoz has been an important source of goals for Palace this season, scoring four times and registering four assists in 29 Premier League appearances.

One of his strikes was in December's reverse fixture against City, and he arrives into the Eagles' game at the Etihad on Saturday on the back of a goal against Brighton, which was his sixth of the campaign in all competitions.

The 28-year-old is averaging 0.5 shots on target per 90 minutes in the English top flight this term and has either scored or forced the goalkeeper into a save in four of his last six competition outings.

At 7/2, he's worth taking on to trouble a City defence that has looked vulnerable this season.

Offers

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