Ayyoub Bouaddi could make his Manchester City debut against Crystal Palace on Friday night. The midfielder, who impressed for Morocco at the World Cup this summer, completed an £86million transfer from Lille on Wednesday and is in the right physical condition to play.
Maresca confirms Bouaddi is fit
“He is ready, he was working with his former club so he is fit,” Enzo Maresca said in Thursday’s press conference. “We will see how long it is in terms of adaptation but for sure he is ready to go.”
If Bouaddi was to be thrown in at the deep end away at Palace, it could be at the expense of former Eagles captain Marc Guehi after he operated as a defensive midfielder in the comeback win over Bournemouth.
Teenager set for bench role
While the teenager is set to be in the squad, Maresca’s comments suggest he will have to settle for a place on the bench. “No rush for him. For sure he will help us now and in the future. But he is just 18,” the Man City boss added. “It is my job and it’s the club’s job to manage him in the best way, don’t put pressure on him, he is young and he needs time.”
Elliot Anderson is fit despite picking up a knock against Bournemouth and Rayan Cherki should earn a recall to the starting lineup after setting up both goals to ensure Man City started the new Premier League season with a win.
Predicted lineup and team news
The Frenchman’s return is likely to mean Phil Foden is pushed out wide as Jeremy Doku has been ruled out through injury, leaving City short of options on the flanks.
Predicted Man City XI: Donnarumma; Khusanov, Dias, Guehi, Gvardiol; Anderson, Kovacic; Semenyo, Cherki, Foden; Haaland
Injured: Doku
Doubts: Nunes
Time and date: 8pm BST on Friday, August 27, 2026
How to watch: Sky Sports
Venue: Selhurst Park
