Man City predicted lineup vs Crystal Palace - Premier League
By Euan Burns
Manchester City travel south to take on Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Saturday as they try to take advantage of any potential slip-up from Arsenal in a fierce title race.
The champions have returned to form following draws with Nottingham Forest and RB Leipzig but manager Pep Guardiola must keep in mind that his side host RB Leipzig in the Champions League on Tuesday with the scoreline at 1-1 following the first leg.
Here's the team he may choose as he looks to balance two important games in a short space of time.
Man City predicted lineup vs Crystal Palace (4-3-3)
GK: Ederson - There's a chance the Brazilian may not have a huge amount to do on Saturday evening. Has nine clean sheets in the league this season.
RB: Rico Lewis - Guardiola may leave out Kyle Walker in favour of Rico Lewis but that is more likely to do with resting the England international than a punishment for being investigated for exposing himself in a bar.
CB: Manuel Akanji - There is an element of mystery around what Guardiola's favoured centre-back pairing is but Akanji playing here suggests he may not start against Leipzig.
CB: Ruben Dias - The mystery is around the other half of the partnership as Dias is clearly Guardiola's favoured defender.
LB: Nathan Ake - The fact Ake can function at left-back is very valuable for City and Guardiola, but it's an area they will surely address in the summer.
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CM: Bernardo Silva - The Portuguese midfielder has been used in a variety of roles over the season but on the side of a midfield three could suit him very well.
CM: Rodri - There is no sign of Guardiola resting Rodri and no sign of Rodri actually needing a rest. He will be at the base of the midfield once again.
CM: Kevin De Bruyne - Guardiola will presumably want to take De Bruyne off as soon as possible on Saturday if City can get a couple of goals to the good.
RW: Phil Foden - Despite the ongoing issues he has been having with his foot injury, Foden is set to start and continue his return to form for City.
ST: Erling Haaland - Much like Rodri, Haaland isn't a player that ever requires a rest and he will lead the line for the champions on Saturday evening.
LW: Jack Grealish - In recent weeks the Englishman has cemented himself as one of City's best forwards and he will be trying to win himself a place in the starting XI for the Leipzig game on Tuesday night.
