Crystal Palace vs Man City: Premier League – prediction, teams, lineups

What the report says

Manchester City visit Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park in London on Friday, 28 August 2026, in the second round of Premier League matches. Al Jazeera reports that City are trying to settle into life after Pep Guardiola, with new manager Enzo Maresca aiming to keep momentum after a late comeback win over Bournemouth in their league opener. Palace, meanwhile, began the season with a 2-0 defeat at Everton and will be looking for a stronger home performance.

The report says Maresca is still pushing for more additions before the summer transfer deadline, describing the need for more leadership in a younger squad after several experienced players departed. It also highlights the arrival of 18-year-old Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille for an initial €100 million, calling for patience as the teenager adapts. Al Jazeera notes that Tottenham also signed Omar Marmoush on Thursday in a separate move involving a future permanent transfer.

On team news, Palace are without Ismaila Sarr and Chadi Riad because of injuries. City have some fitness concerns, though Maresca said Elliot Anderson is fine after cramp and that Jeremy Doku remains unavailable. The article also points out recent history between the clubs: City beat Palace 3-0 in both league meetings last season, but Palace famously defeated City 1-0 in the 2025 FA Cup final. Opta’s pre-match model gives City the stronger chance of victory.