Manchester City dominate Palace in recent Premier League clashes
Manchester City head into their clash with Crystal Palace in formidable domestic form, having gone unbeaten in their last eight Premier League meetings with the London club since October 2021 (5 wins, 3 draws). Though they suffered a FA Cup final defeat to Palace last season, the Citizens have maintained their league supremacy over the Eagles in recent years.
Under Pep Guardiola, City have also been flawless at home in the 2025/26 campaign thus far, with their only setback coming in August against Tottenham Hotspur. Since then, they’ve recorded 13 victories and three draws at the Etihad Stadium, opening the scoring in every league game—a trend that will put pressure on Palace from the first whistle.
City’s attacking prowess is unmatched this season, with 38 goals scored in the first half—the highest tally in the Premier League—and just nine conceded before the interval, the fewest in the division. Their defensive solidity extends to evening fixtures, where they’ve gone 23 matches without defeat under the lights, though five of their eight 2025/26 evening games have ended in draws.
Haaland and Doku set to shine against Palace
Erling Haaland has a remarkable personal record against Palace, having scored in each of his five Premier League appearances for City against them. Only Mohamed Salah and Raheem Sterling have matched this feat against the same opponent in the competition’s history, both doing so against Bournemouth.
Jérémy Doku is another player in scintillating form, contributing five goals and two assists in his last six outings—matching his previous 24 appearances combined (one goal, six assists). His pace and creativity will be crucial in unlocking Palace’s defense.
For Palace, Ismaila Sarr has been their standout performer, netting nine goals in his last ten starts, while his 20-goal season tally is the club’s highest since Glenn Murray’s 2012/13 campaign. Jean-Philippe Mateta could make history if he finds the net, as he’d become only the second Palace player after Wilfried Zaha to reach 50 Premier League goals for the club.
palace’s away struggles against city
Palace have shown resilience in recent away trips to the Etihad, scoring twice in each of their last four visits, though they’ve managed just one win (1W, 1D, 2L). The Eagles rank among the top teams for away victories this season, with only City and Arsenal boasting more on the road, while their two draws away from home are the fewest in the league.
City’s dominance extends beyond attack, leading the league in total passes (20,582), pass completion rate (89%), shots attempted (549), shots on target (193), and conversion rate (18%). Former Palace captain Marc Guehi has made the most passes for City this season with 2,126.
In stark contrast, Palace rank bottom for pass completion (78%) and conversion rate (13%)—the second-worst in the league. With City scoring most frequently in the final 15 minutes before half-time (20 goals) and Palace conceding most often in the same period (17), expect an open first half.
City have lost only once after taking the lead this season, highlighting the importance of early scoring. Palace will need to dictate play if they hope to salvage a point from Manchester.
team news: key absentees and late fitness tests
Palace will be without Cheick Doucouré and Eddie Nketiah, while Evann Guessand and Borna Sosa face late fitness assessments. City, meanwhile, will miss Rodri and Josko Gvardiol, with Abdukodir Khusanov also undergoing a late test.
