Manchester City are looking to achieve their second recovery victory when they visit 17th-placed Crystal Palace in the Premier League.
The Premier League champions have lost six of their first seven games before beating Nottingham Forest 3-0 on Wednesday night. Kevin De Bruyne is back in the squad and encouraged victory as Man City narrowed the gap between them and league leaders Liverpool with nine points.
Crystal Palace secured their crucial victory midweek when they narrowly beat Ipswich Town at Portman Road. Tuesday’s 1-0 win over Jean-Philippe Mateta in the second half means the Eagles are now three points behind the relegation zone in the Premier League heading into Saturday’s tough game.
Man City news
Man City have struggled with injuries this season and Pep Guardiola has suffered another defeat in the middle of the week. Nathan Ake was ruled out at the end of the win against Forest with a hamstring problem and is expected to be sidelined for the foreseeable future.
Phil Foden missed the sting with pain and may return to Selhurst Park, but Mateo Kovacic, Rodri, Oscar Bobb and John Stones will not all be available.
Stefan Ortega started the last two games for Man City but Ederson could be brought back to the XI after a break. Kyle Walker could also enter the lineup after an expected defensive reshuffle due to Ake’s injury.
De Bruyne made his first start since mid-September against Forest and was in the best of the game scoring goals and assists. Guardiola will be looking not to overwork the Belgian but he has little choice but to start again on Saturday.
Man City vs Crystal Palace front line
front row Man City vs Crystal Palace (4-1-4-1): Ederson; Walker, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol; Gundogan; Savinho, De Bruyne, Silva, Doku; Haaland.
forecast: Crystal Palace 1-2 Man City