Manchester City can reduce the gap to Premier League leaders Arsenal to just two points if they secure victory in their game in hand against Crystal Palace on Wednesday evening. The match kicks off at 8pm and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event.
Pep Guardiola's squad might have preferred to avoid a midweek fixture ahead of the FA Cup final on Saturday, but with the season drawing to a close, the schedule leaves no alternative. Following a disappointing 3-3 draw with Everton just over a week ago, Arsenal now hold the advantage in the title race, and bookmakers have shortened their odds to claim a fourth consecutive Premier League crown. For City, the only course of action is to win their remaining matches and hope Arsenal slip up in their final two games, while also preparing for a potential domestic double with the FA Cup final against Chelsea at Wembley.
Crystal Palace, meanwhile, are eager to halt a worrying slide down the table that has left them in 15th position after 10 defeats and six draws in their last 20 league outings. Fortunately for the Eagles, there are teams in worse form, sparing them from relegation concerns, and they can now focus on the Europa Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano at the end of the month.
Manchester City vs Crystal Palace Betting: City Too Strong for the Eagles
The league table shows a 30-point gap and 13 places separating these two sides. City are unbeaten in their last eight league meetings with Palace, a run stretching back to October 2021 when Wilfried Zaha and Conor Gallagher scored in a 2-0 win for the Eagles at the Etihad, a match that saw Aymeric Laporte sent off just before half-time. Palace's only victory since then came in last season's FA Cup final, when Eberechi Eze netted the decisive goal at Wembley.
City have been formidable at home, losing just once in their last 16 league matches at the Etihad since a 2-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in their opening home game of the season. They have won 13 and drawn three, and remarkably, they have opened the scoring in all 16 of those fixtures. Unsurprisingly, betting apps heavily favour City for the win at odds-on, while a Palace victory offers a substantial price.
Oliver Glasner's side managed two goals in their last outing, coming from behind twice to draw 2-2 with Everton at home, but they remain one of the lowest-scoring teams in the division. With only 38 goals from 36 games, only Sunderland, Burnley, and Wolves have scored fewer. At the other end, City are the league's top scorers with 72 goals, having failed to find the net in just four of their 35 league matches.
Manchester City vs Crystal Palace Prediction 1: Under 3.5 Goals and Both Teams Not to Score - 7/5 with Betfred
Given City's defensive solidity at home and Palace's struggles in front of goal, a low-scoring affair seems plausible. City have kept clean sheets in their last three home league games, and Palace have failed to score in four of their last six away matches. This bet offers value at 7/5.
Manchester City vs Crystal Palace Prediction: Haaland to Strike Again
Erling Haaland has an impeccable record against Crystal Palace, scoring in all five of his Premier League appearances against them, netting a total of eight goals. He scored the first and last goals in the 3-0 win at Selhurst Park in December, with Phil Foden adding the other. The Norwegian has seven goals in his last seven games overall and six in his last four at the Etihad. Betting sites offer just 11/20 for him to score at any time, but a more attractive 23/10 is available for him to open the scoring. Haaland has scored the first goal on 17 occasions for club and country this season, and City would be eager to secure the points as quickly as possible.
Manchester City vs Crystal Palace Prediction 2: Erling Haaland to Score First - 23/10 with BetMGM
Haaland's consistency in finding the net early makes this a compelling bet. With City likely to dominate possession and create chances, the Norwegian striker should have opportunities to break the deadlock.
Manchester City vs Crystal Palace Team News
Manchester City: Josko Gvardiol and Rodri are joined by Abdukodir Khusanov as doubts after he missed the win over Brentford through injury.
Crystal Palace: Eddie Nketiah, Borna Sosa, and Cheick Doucoure remain sidelined, but Evann Guessand could return from a knee injury.
Manchester City vs Crystal Palace Predicted Lineups
Manchester City: Donnarumma; Nunes, Khusanov, Guehi, O'Reilly; Gonzalez, Bernardo; Semenyo, Cherki, Doku; Haaland.
Crystal Palace: Henderson; Richards, Lacroix, Riad; Munoz, Hughes, Wharton, Mitchell; Pino, Sarr; Mateta.
Manchester City vs Crystal Palace Betting Offers
New customers can claim £40 in free bets by signing up for Paddy Power and placing a bet on Manchester City vs Crystal Palace. To qualify, new users must register using the link and promo code YSKATF, deposit £5, and bet £5 on any Man City vs Crystal Palace market with odds of evens or greater. Once the qualifying bet settles, £40 in free bets will be credited for use on the sportsbook, valid for 30 days.
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