Manchester City are the form team in the division – scoring 11 goals in their last 2 games and will be relishing the opportunity to take on table-propping Crystal Palace. Palace have installed Roy Hodgson as their new manager – axing Frank de Boer after just 4 games – a decision which didn’t pay any dividends against Southampton last weekend but the Eagles did pick up some confidence by sneaking past Huddersfield in the EFL Cup on Tuesday evening.
Manchester City vs Crystal Palace
English Premier League – Etihad Stadium – Saturday 23rd September 2017, Kick-off: 15.00 GMT
Manchester CityBest Odd of: 1/6 at Betfred |
Draw Best Odd of: 22/1 at Ladbrokes |
Crystal PalaceBest Odd of: 8/1 at Betvictor |
Manchester City
Whilst much of the early season attention was on Manchester United, City have managed to catch up with their great rivals and have shown some sparkling form of late. 15 goals in their last 3 games in all competitions – without conceding – has given City fans optimism that this could be the year to end their 4 year wait for a Premier League trophy.
The form of Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus has grabbed the headlines of late with the pair bagging 9 goals between them in the past three games and they look a formidable partnership.
Vincent Kompany is back in full training for City but it seems unlikely Pep Guardiola will want to change too many players with his men in such good form.
Crystal Palace
The fixture list has been particularly cruel to Crystal Palace who face Manchester United and Chelsea after their trip to the Etihad and look in danger of being cut adrift at the bottom of the Premier League.
Their performances against Southampton, Burnley and Liverpool will give their fans cause for optimism but Christian Benteke’s lack of form will be a cause for concern for the Eagles.
Roy Hodgson is proven at Premier League level and he will look to solidify their leaky defence and utilise the attacking presence of Andros Townsend and Jason Puncheon.
Head to Head
This is the 58th meeting between City and Palace with the Blues leading the head to head record 30:15 with 12 draws taking place between the two sides.
City beat Palace three times in all competitions last season – 2-1 at Selhurst Park in the league, 3-0 away from home once more in the FA Cup and a resounding 5-0 home win at the Etihad in May 2017.
Odds and Predictions
City have been banging the goals in of late and Palace have conceded in all their Premier League games so far this term.
Over 3.5 goals in the game is Evens with Paddy Power.
City have bossed their last 3 games – leading at half time and full time.
Manchester City to be leading at half time and full time is a banker bet at 4/7 with Coral.
David Silva loves scoring against Crystal Palace (4 goals in last 3 home games against Palace)
David Silva to score anytime looks good value at 11/4 with Paddy Power.
Crystal Palace have failed to score in the Premier League this season.
Both teams to score – NO – 4/5 with Betfair.
Score Prediction
Manchester City 4 – 0 Crystal Palace – 10/1 with Betfair
Top Betting Tip
Provided they score early, City should put this one to bed and be able to concentrate on the Champions League on Tuesday.
Manchester City to win the match and over 3.5 goals to be scored pays an enticing 2.26 with Betfair.