Crystal Palace host Manchester City at Selhurst Park for their second match of the Premier League season. The Eagles started off on the wrong foot with a 0-2 loss to Everton, while Enzo Maresca's men managed to claw a 2-1 win against Bournemouth.
Head-to-head statistics favour the visitors, with Crystal Palace last beating City on their home turf back in 2015, edging a 2-1 win. Since then, City have put together an impressive run at Selhurst Park, going unbeaten in 11 visits, winning eight and drawing three.
In their last 22 encounters, Manchester City have emerged victorious 14 times, with five matches ending in a draw. Palace are currently struggling, having gone eight league matches without a win—five defeats and three draws—including the tail end of last season.
However, Pierre Saha's side may find some hope in Manchester City's away form. The Citizens managed to secure just four wins from ten league away games last season.
Adam Worthington could prove key for the hosts, having completed 13 line-breaking passes and regained possession for his team eight times in the clash against Everton. Despite the setback, Palace generated chances amounting to an xG of 1.96—only Brighton recorded a better figure.
The main threat for the hosts will undoubtedly be Erling Haaland. The Norwegian has scored in all five of his Premier League matches against Crystal Palace, netting eight goals. If he manages to find the back of the net on Friday, he would replicate the feat of Mohamed Salah and Raheem Sterling by scoring against the same opponent in their first six encounters in the league.
Another key weapon for City remains Ryan Cherki, who has delivered 12 assists from open play since the beginning of last season—an established record in the Premier League for that period.
Both teams come into the match with injury concerns. Crystal Palace will miss Ismaila Sarr, whose recovery from a groin injury is taking longer than expected, while Chadi Riadi is also sidelined. For Manchester City, Jeremy Doku is ruled out, with Elliot Anderson’s availability to be assessed just before kickoff.
For Pierre Saha, this match represents another test following the departure of Oliver Glasner, while Enzo Mareska continues to reshape Manchester City in the wake of Pep Guardiola's exit. Both teams aim to make a statement early in the season regarding their ambitions.
