Manchester City vs Crystal Palace preview: key stats and head-to-head

While mathematically possible, Manchester City’s rivals would need an unlikely combination of results to surpass the Citizens’ lead. Arsenal would require defeats in both upcoming fixtures against relegation-threatened Burnley and Crystal Palace, while City would need victories over Bournemouth and Aston Villa to secure the Premier League title.

City remain unbeaten at home since last August

Pep Guardiola’s side has developed an impressive unbeaten streak at the Etihad Stadium, going without a league defeat since losing to Tottenham Hotspur in August 2024 (13 wins, 3 draws). Notably, Manchester City have opened the scoring in every Premier League match at home this season, which could prove crucial against a Palace side that must start strongly.

City’s attacking prowess is evident, with 38 goals scored in the first half this season—the highest tally in England’s top flight—and only nine conceded before the break. Additionally, their impressive 23-game unbeaten run in evening fixtures demonstrates their consistency under the lights, though five of this year’s eight matches after 19:00 have ended in draws.

Haaland thrives against Crystal Palace

Erling Haaland has been particularly effective against Palace, finding the net in each of his last five Premier League meetings with the South London club. Only Mohamed Salah and Raheem Sterling have matched this feat in the Premier League era, both against Bournemouth.

Jérémy Doku is another player in scintillating form, contributing five goals and two assists in his last six matches—equivalent to his combined output in his previous 24 appearances for City.

Palace will rely on their attacking duo, with Ismaila Sarr having scored nine goals in his last ten starts and 20 league goals this season—the highest tally for a Palace player since Glenn Murray’s 2012/13 campaign. Jean-Philippe Mateta could also make history, needing just one goal to become only the second Palace player after Wilfried Zaha to reach 50 Premier League goals for the club.

Recent meetings favor City despite Palace’s away resilience

Crystal Palace have shown recent resilience at the Etihad, scoring twice in each of their last four away trips to Manchester City. However, they’ve managed just one win from these encounters (1 win, 1 draw, 2 losses).

Palace’s away form this season remains impressive, with only Arsenal and City boasting more away victories. The Eagles have conceded just two draws on their travels, highlighting their competitive spirit away from home.

Statistically, Manchester City dominate possession and attacking metrics, leading the league in total passes (20,582), pass completion rate (89%), total shots (549), shots on target (193), and conversion rate (18%). Marc Guehi leads City’s passing charts with 2,126 attempted passes this season.

In stark contrast, Palace rank lowest in pass completion (78%) and second-worst in conversion rate (13%) in the Premier League. The first 15 minutes before half-time have been particularly fruitful for both sides—City has scored 20 goals and Palace has conceded 17 during this period.

City’s resilience after taking the lead is remarkable, with only one league defeat this season coming after opening the scoring. For Palace to secure any points, they’ll need to take an early lead and maintain their composure.

Injury updates ahead of the clash

Crystal Palace will be without Cheick Doucouré and Eddie Nketiah, while Evann Guessand and Borna Sosa are awaiting late fitness tests. Manchester City face their own absences with Rodri and Josko Gvardiol unavailable, and Abdukodir Khusanov also undergoing a late assessment.