For Manchester City to slip up in their race for the Premier League title, Arsenal would need to lose both of their final two fixtures against Burnley and Crystal Palace, while City secure victories over Bournemouth and Aston Villa. Such a scenario remains mathematically possible, but highly unlikely given Pep Guardiola’s side’s current form.
City’s home dominance continues in 2025/26
Guardiola’s men have been unstoppable at the Etihad Stadium this season, with City going unbeaten in their last 16 league games at home. Their only home defeat came in August against Tottenham Hotspur, and since then, they’ve taken the lead in every single league match they’ve played.
The Citizens have also been prolific in the first half, scoring 38 goals before the break—the highest tally in the league—while conceding just nine. Additionally, they’ve gone 23 consecutive matches without a loss in evening fixtures, though five of those eight games this year ended in draws.
Haaland and Doku shine against Palace
Erling Haaland has a remarkable record against Crystal Palace, netting in all five of his Premier League appearances for City against them. Only Mohamed Salah and Raheem Sterling have scored in each of their first six matches against the same opponent (Bournemouth).
Jeremy Doku is another player to watch, with the Belgian winger delivering five goals and two assists in his last six matches—a stark improvement from his earlier contributions (one goal, six assists in 24 games).
Palace will rely on Ismaila Sarr, who has found the net nine times in his last ten starts, including 20 goals this season—the club’s highest tally since Glenn Murray’s 2012/13 campaign.
Jean-Philippe Mateta could make history if he scores, potentially becoming only the second Palace player, after Wilfried Zaha, to reach 50 Premier League goals in a Crystal Palace shirt. Notably, 32 of his 49 career goals came at Selhurst Park, with just two of his 11 goals this season scored away from home.
Palace’s recent struggles at the Etihad
Despite scoring twice in each of their last four away trips to the Etihad, Crystal Palace have only managed one win (1W, 1D, 2L) in those games. They’ve struggled to secure points on the road, with only Manchester City and Arsenal boasting more away victories this season.
Defensively, Palace rank lowest in the league for pass accuracy (78%) and conversion rate (13%), making them vulnerable to City’s attacking prowess. The Citizens lead the league in total passes (20,582), pass success rate (89%), shots (549), shots on target (193), and conversion rate (18%).
Marc Guehi has been City’s most involved defender, attempting 2,126 passes this season.
Early goals likely in this clash
City are unbeaten after going ahead this term, while Palace concede the most goals (17) in the final 15 minutes before half-time. Expect a fast-paced start, with both teams likely to test the opposition early.
Injury concerns loom for both sides. Palace will be without Cheick Doucouré and Eddie Nketiah, while Evann Guessand and Borna Sosa face late fitness tests. City, meanwhile, could miss Rodri, Josko Gvardiol, and Abdukodir Khusanov in what promises to be a physically demanding encounter.
