Crystal Palace vs Manchester City Match Preview | Premier League 2025/26

Fixture: Crystal Palace vs Manchester City
Competition: English Premier League – Matchday 16
Date: Sunday, December 14, 2025
Kick-off Time: 2:00 PM GMT (9:00 AM ET / 3:00 PM CET)
Venue: Selhurst Park, London
Referee: Rob Jones

Match Overview

Crystal Palace welcome Manchester City to Selhurst Park on Sunday afternoon in what promises to be one of the weekend’s most anticipated Premier League fixtures. This encounter carries enormous significance beyond the league table – it’s a rematch of the stunning 2024/25 FA Cup Final where Palace shocked the footballing world by defeating City 1-0 at Wembley to claim their first-ever major trophy. The psychological impact of that historic victory still resonates, as the Eagles currently sit in 4th place pursuing European qualification, while City occupy 2nd position just two points behind leaders Arsenal in a fiercely competitive title race. This fixture represents redemption for the Citizens and another opportunity for Palace to prove their “giant-killing” credentials.

Current Form & League Standings

Crystal Palace (Home Team)

Crystal Palace are enjoying their most successful Premier League campaign in history, currently sitting in an astonishing 4th position with 26 points from 15 matches (7 wins, 5 draws, 3 losses). This represents a 47% win rate and places them firmly in the race for Champions League qualification – a remarkable achievement for a club that has transformed under Oliver Glasner.

The Eagles’ defensive solidity has been the foundation of their success, conceding just 12 goals all season – the second-best defensive record in the entire league behind only Arsenal’s 11. This defensive excellence has produced seven clean sheets and established Selhurst Park as one of the toughest venues to visit.

Recent Form (Last 5 Matches):

• Excellent recent momentum across all competitions
• Won against Wolves away convincingly
• Back-to-back defeats to Strasbourg (Conference League)
• Strong home performances with passionate crowd support
• Currently on unbeaten streak of 19 matches (across broader season)
• Cannot win in last 16 Premier League matches (all draws) – an extraordinary statistic

Home Record:
Palace’s home form shows 2 wins, 4 draws, and just 1 loss at Selhurst Park this season. While the draw-heavy record (similar to Lazio!) suggests defensive resilience, they’ve kept four clean sheets and lost only once in their last six home outings. The atmosphere at Selhurst Park remains one of the Premier League’s most intimidating, particularly against top-six opposition.

Key Stats:

• 20 goals scored, 12 conceded in 15 Premier League matches
• Second-best defensive record in the league
• 47% of matches with Over 2.5 goals
• Average 11.53 shots per match (4.27 on target)
• Seven clean sheets this season
• Jean-Philippe Mateta leads with 7 Premier League goals

Manchester City (Away Team)

Manchester City currently sit in 2nd position in the Premier League with 31 points from 15 matches (10 wins, 1 draw, 4 losses), maintaining an excellent 67% win rate. The Citizens trail leaders Arsenal by just two points in what’s shaping up to be another thrilling title race.

Despite losing Kevin De Bruyne to Napoli and experiencing the departure of key personnel like Ederson and Kyle Walker, City remain the league’s most potent attacking force with 35 goals scored – the best attacking record in the division. Erling Haaland continues to terrorize defenses with 15 Premier League goals already, making him the fastest player ever to reach 100 Premier League goals (111 appearances).

Recent Form (Last 5 Matches):

• Won 5-4 thriller at Fulham (Haaland reached 100 PL goals)
• Beat Leeds 3-2 (Foden scored twice including stoppage-time winner)
• Lost 0-2 at home to Bayer Leverkusen (Champions League upset)
• Drew 1-1 at Arsenal (late Martinelli equalizer)
• Excellent overall form with revenge motivation

Away Record:
City’s away form has been solid but inconsistent with 3 wins, 1 draw, and 3 losses on the road. Their 5-4 victory at Fulham demonstrated attacking brilliance but also defensive vulnerabilities. They’ve struggled defensively away from the Etihad, conceding 16 goals in 15 matches overall.

Key Stats:

• 35 goals scored, 16 conceded in 15 matches
• Best attacking record in the Premier League
• 67% of matches have seen Over 2.5 goals (10 of 15)
• Average 14.4 shots per match (5.33 on target)
• Haaland leading with 15 goals (fastest to 100 PL goals)
• Phil Foden contributing 6 goals
• Six clean sheets this season

Head-to-Head Record

The historical record significantly favors Manchester City, who have won 38 of 71 meetings compared to Palace’s 17 victories. However, recent encounters tell a more nuanced story of competitive fixtures where Palace have caused City genuine problems.

Recent Meetings:

• May 17, 2025: Crystal Palace 1-0 Manchester City (FA Cup Final – Wembley) – HISTORIC
• April 2024: Manchester City 4-2 Crystal Palace (De Bruyne brace, Lewis, Haaland)
• December 7, 2024: Crystal Palace 2-2 Manchester City (Rico Lewis sent off)
• Previous encounters: City dominated historically but Palace can trouble them

Key Stats:

• Palace won the most recent competitive meeting (FA Cup Final 1-0)
• City won seven of their last nine Premier League away games at Palace before recent results
• Since Pep Guardiola took charge (2016), Palace have scored multiple goals against City six times
• Palace have kept one clean sheet against City since Glasner arrived
• Both teams scored in majority of recent encounters

Team News & Injuries

Crystal Palace

Confirmed Out:

• Matheus França (groin/hip injury – long-term)
• Adam Wharton (groin/hip injury – key midfielder)
• Rob Holding (defender)
• Chadi Riad (knee injury – may return)

Doubtful:

• Daichi Kamada (returned from suspension, fitness being assessed)

Available:

• Dean Henderson (goalkeeper – 15 appearances, crucial)
• Marc Guehi (captain – 2 assists, defensive leader)
• Trevoh Chalobah (defender – solid performer)
• Maxence Lacroix (defender – 2 assists, 1 goal)
• Tyrick Mitchell (left-back – 2 goals)
• Daniel Muñoz (right-back – 3 goals, 2 assists)
• Will Hughes (midfielder – experienced)
• Jefferson Lerma (midfielder – physical presence)
• Eberechi Eze (attacking midfielder – 4 goals, creative force)
• Jean-Philippe Mateta (striker – 7 PL goals, 9 all competitions)
• Ismaila Sarr (winger – 8 goals all competitions)
• Eddie Nketiah (forward – 4 goals)

Manager Status: Oliver Glasner available on touchline

Key Notes: Palace are relatively healthy compared to their injury-plagued 2024/25 season. Wharton’s absence removes midfield creativity, but the defensive unit remains intact. Mateta’s goalscoring form and Eze’s creativity provide genuine attacking threats.

Manchester City

Confirmed Out:

• No major injuries reported for this specific fixture

Doubtful:

• Minor fitness concerns being managed

Key Players Available:

• Gianluigi Donnarumma (goalkeeper – £26m signing from PSG)
• Rúben Dias (defender – 2 goals, defensive leader)
• Joško Gvardiol (defender – 2 goals, versatile)
• Matheus Nunes (defender/midfielder)
• Bernardo Silva (captain – creative midfielder)
• Phil Foden (midfielder/forward – 6 goals, 4 assists in form)
• Tijani Reijnders (midfielder – 2 goals)
• Jeremy Doku (winger – 1 goal, 4 assists)
• Savinho (winger – attacking threat)
• Ryan Cherki (midfielder – 5 assists, top creator)
• Erling Haaland (striker – 15 goals, fastest to 100 PL goals)
• Jack Grealish (winger – experienced)

Manager Status: Pep Guardiola available on touchline

Key Notes: City boast exceptional squad depth despite losing De Bruyne, Walker, and Ederson in the summer. Haaland’s historic goalscoring pace continues, Foden is in excellent form with consecutive braces, and Donnarumma has settled well as Ederson’s replacement. The team seeks revenge for the FA Cup Final defeat.

Tactical Analysis

Crystal Palace’s Approach

Oliver Glasner has transformed Palace into a defensively organized, compact unit that transitions quickly. The Eagles typically deploy a 4-2-3-1 or 3-4-3 formation emphasizing defensive solidity, quick counter-attacks, and set-piece proficiency. Their success derives from collective defensive effort rather than individual brilliance.

Key Tactical Points:

• Compact 4-2-3-1 defensive shape
• Deep defensive block limiting space
• Quick transitions through Mateta and Sarr
• Set-piece threat (corners and free-kicks)
• Physical midfield presence disrupting opposition rhythm
• Counter-attacking through pace

Strengths:

• Second-best defensive record in Premier League (12 conceded)
• Seven clean sheets demonstrating organizational excellence
• Selhurst Park atmosphere and crowd intimidation
• Psychological advantage from FA Cup Final victory
• Mateta’s aerial presence and finishing (7 goals)
• Eze’s creativity unlocking organized defenses
• Recent success against top-six opposition

Weaknesses:

• Cannot win in last 16 Premier League matches (extraordinary draw streak)
• Limited attacking output (20 goals in 15 matches)
• Missing Wharton’s midfield creativity
• Poor home record (2-4-1) suggests inconsistency
• Can struggle against sustained possession teams
• Reliance on counter-attacks limits control

Manchester City’s Approach

Pep Guardiola maintains his possession-dominant philosophy despite personnel changes. City typically deploy a fluid 4-3-3 or 3-2-4-1 formation emphasizing control, patient build-up, and overwhelming attacking pressure. They dominate territory and create chances through technical superiority.

Key Tactical Points:

• Dominant possession (average 57.2%, 87.8% pass accuracy)
• High defensive line with aggressive pressing
• Build-up from goalkeeper Donnarumma
• Overloads in wide areas
• Central midfield control
• Haaland as focal point with movement around him

Strengths:

• Best attacking record in Premier League (35 goals)
• Haaland’s extraordinary goalscoring (15 goals, fastest to 100)
• Foden’s recent form (6 goals, consecutive braces)
• Squad depth and quality throughout
• Technical superiority in possession
• Revenge motivation from FA Cup Final defeat
• Guardiola’s tactical adaptability

Weaknesses:

• Defensive vulnerabilities (16 conceded in 15 matches)
• Inconsistent away form (3-1-3 record)
• Missing De Bruyne’s creative genius
• Can concede late goals (Fulham 5-4, Arsenal 1-1 draw)
• Psychological scars from Wembley defeat
• Defensive injuries and personnel changes

Key Battles

Erling Haaland vs Marc Guehi & Palace’s Defense

This matchup defines the fixture. Haaland arrives as the Premier League’s leading scorer with 15 goals and the fastest player ever to reach 100 Premier League goals (111 appearances). His physical presence, movement, and clinical finishing will test Palace’s defensive organization. Guehi must marshal Palace’s backline perfectly, utilizing his positioning and reading of the game to contain Haaland’s threat. Palace’s defensive record (12 conceded) suggests they can frustrate elite strikers, but Haaland represents their toughest challenge yet.

Jean-Philippe Mateta vs Manchester City’s Defense

Mateta has been Palace’s attacking talisman with 7 Premier League goals (9 all competitions) and scored crucial goals throughout the season including in European competition. His aerial prowess, hold-up play, and finishing ability make him dangerous against City’s high defensive line. Rúben Dias and Gvardiol must handle his physical presence while preventing him from exploiting space on counter-attacks. Mateta’s confidence from his FA Cup Final performance adds psychological dimension.

Midfield Control: Eze & Hughes vs Bernardo Silva & Reijnders

This battle determines possession and tempo. City captain Bernardo Silva must orchestrate attacks while Reijnders provides box-to-box energy. Palace’s Eze offers creative brilliance with 4 goals while Hughes brings experience and defensive solidity. Palace must disrupt City’s rhythm, win second balls, and launch quick transitions. City will dominate possession, but Palace’s midfield must prevent them from establishing control and creating clear chances.

Phil Foden vs Palace’s Full-Backs

Foden has been in exceptional form with 6 goals including consecutive braces against Fulham and Leeds, scoring crucial late winners. His movement between the lines, dribbling, and finishing will test Palace’s full-backs (Mitchell and Muñoz). Both Palace defenders contribute offensively (Mitchell 2 goals, Muñoz 3 goals) but must prioritize defensive duties against Foden’s threat. His ability to find space and strike from distance makes him City’s most dangerous attacking player beyond Haaland.

What The Managers Said

Oliver Glasner (Crystal Palace): “We remember Wembley fondly, but that was last season. This is a new challenge against one of the world’s best teams. Manchester City will be motivated by revenge, but Selhurst Park will be electric. Our defensive organization has been excellent, and we’ve shown we can compete with anyone. We must be disciplined, take our chances, and use our crowd’s energy.”

Pep Guardiola (Manchester City): “Crystal Palace are an exceptional team with excellent organization under Glasner. Their defensive record speaks for itself. Yes, we remember the Cup Final – it still hurts – but this is about three league points in a title race. We must be patient, control the game, and convert our chances. Palace will make it difficult, but we have the quality to win.”

Statistical Insights

Crystal Palace Statistics:

• Average 1.33 goals scored per match (20 in 15 games)
• Average 0.8 goals conceded per match (12 in 15) – SECOND BEST IN LEAGUE
• 47% of matches with Over 2.5 goals
• 68% of matches with Over 1.5 goals
• Average 11.53 shots per match (4.27 on target)
• Seven clean sheets this season
• Both teams failed to score in recent matches (similar to Lazio syndrome)

Manchester City Statistics:

• Average 2.33 goals scored per match (35 in 15) – BEST IN LEAGUE
• Average 1.07 goals conceded per match (16 in 15)
• 67% of matches with Over 2.5 goals (10 of 15)
• Average 14.4 shots per match (5.33 on target)
• xG of 25.91 compared to 35 actual goals (overperforming)
• Haaland outperforming xG: 15 goals from 8.16 xG
• Six clean sheets this season

Betting Insights:

• City favorites at around 1.92 (23/25)
• Palace at 3.50 (5/2) reflecting underdog status
• Draw at 3.25 (9/4) – attractive given Palace’s draw streak
• Over 2.5 goals likely (occurred in 67% of City matches)
• Both teams to score at 1.65 (13/20)

Where to Watch

United Kingdom:

• Sky Sports Premier League
• Sky Sports Main Event
• NOW TV
• Sky Go Extra

United States:

• Peacock Premium
• NBC Sports
• USA Network

Nigeria:

• SuperSport Premier League
• DStv
• StarTimes

Streaming:
Available via respective broadcaster apps and streaming platforms

Match Predictions & Betting Tips

Form Analysis

This fixture presents a fascinating tactical and psychological battle. Crystal Palace arrive with remarkable defensive solidity (12 conceded in 15 matches) and the psychological advantage of their historic FA Cup Final victory at Wembley. Their extraordinary 16-match Premier League draw streak suggests they’ve mastered defensive organization but struggle to convert performances into victories.

Manchester City arrive as the league’s most potent attacking force (35 goals) but with revenge burning deeply. Haaland’s historic goalscoring pace (15 goals, fastest to 100 PL goals) and Foden’s recent form (6 goals, consecutive braces) make them devastatingly dangerous. However, defensive vulnerabilities (16 conceded) and inconsistent away form (3-1-3) create opportunities for Palace.

The Selhurst Park atmosphere will be electric, with Palace fans remembering their Wembley triumph and City seeking redemption. Palace’s defensive record suggests they can frustrate City, but asking them to contain Haaland, Foden, and City’s attacking quality for 90 minutes seems unrealistic.

Palace’s 16-match draw streak in the Premier League is extraordinary – they’ve mastered not losing but forgotten how to win. This defensive resilience combined with limited attacking threat (20 goals) points toward a low-scoring affair from their perspective.

City’s title aspirations demand maximum points. Two points behind Arsenal with challenging fixtures ahead, dropping points at Selhurst Park would be catastrophic. Guardiola will demand focus, patience, and clinical finishing.

Predicted Lineups

Crystal Palace (4-2-3-1):
Henderson; Muñoz, Lacroix, Guehi, Mitchell; Lerma, Hughes; Sarr, Eze, Nketiah; Mateta

Manchester City (4-3-3):
Donnarumma; Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly; Reijnders, Silva, Cherki; Foden, Haaland, Doku

Score Prediction: Crystal Palace 1-2 Manchester City

Reasoning:
City’s attacking quality and title-race desperation should prove decisive, but Palace’s defensive excellence and home advantage ensure this won’t be comfortable. The Citizens will dominate possession (60-65%), create numerous chances (15+ shots), and eventually break down Palace’s organized defense through individual brilliance.

Haaland will be central to City’s success, terrorizing Palace’s defenders with his movement and finishing. Foden’s recent form makes him equally dangerous, while City’s technical superiority should control midfield despite Palace’s physical approach.

However, Palace won’t capitulate easily. Their second-best defensive record (12 conceded) proves they can frustrate elite attacks. Mateta’s aerial threat and Eze’s creativity provide genuine counter-attacking danger. The Selhurst Park atmosphere will inspire extraordinary defensive effort, and Palace will take advantage of at least one City defensive lapse.

Expect a tense, tactical affair with Palace defending deep, City controlling possession but creating fewer clear chances than expected, and both teams scoring. City’s quality will ultimately prevail through late pressure, but Palace will make them earn every inch.

The psychological factor cannot be discounted. Palace’s FA Cup Final victory gives them belief they can defeat City, while City’s revenge motivation could manifest as impatience if they don’t score early. This creates an intriguing dynamic.

City’s title challenge demands victory, and their attacking firepower (Haaland 15 goals, Foden 6 goals, 35 total) should overcome Palace’s defensive resilience. However, Palace’s ability to keep clean sheets (7 this season) and frustrate opponents suggests City will need patience and clinical finishing.

Alternative Scorelines:

• Crystal Palace 0-1 Manchester City (30% probability)
• Crystal Palace 1-1 Manchester City (25% probability)
• Crystal Palace 0-2 Manchester City (20% probability)

Betting Tips

Recommended Bets:

1. Manchester City to Win – Value at 1.92 (23/25) – Superior quality despite Palace’s home advantage
2. Under 2.5 Goals – Good odds at 2.16 (29/25) – Palace’s defensive solidity limits goals
3. Both Teams To Score – Excellent value at 1.65 (13/20) – Palace will threaten on counter
4. Erling Haaland Anytime Goalscorer – Strong pick at 1.50 (1/2) – 15 goals, unstoppable form
5. Draw or City Win (Double Chance) – Safe bet at 1.22 (2/9) – Palace unlikely to win

Anytime Goalscorer Picks:

• Erling Haaland – 1.50 (1/2) – Outstanding value given form
• Phil Foden – 2.50 (3/2) – Consecutive braces, excellent form
• Jean-Philippe Mateta – 3.50 (5/2) – Palace’s main threat
• Jeremy Doku – 4.00 (3/1) – Attacking winger

Longshots:

• Correct Score: Palace 1-2 City – 9.00 (8/1)
• Half-time/Full-time: Draw/City – 6.50 (11/2)
• Haaland to score 2+ goals – 4.50 (7/2)
• City to win & Under 3.5 Goals – 2.75 (7/4)

Final Verdict

This match represents a pivotal moment for both clubs’ seasons, though for vastly different reasons. Crystal Palace seek to prove their fourth-place position is genuine and not a statistical anomaly, while demonstrating their FA Cup Final victory wasn’t a fluke. Their defensive excellence (second-best in league with 12 conceded) and passionate home support make them formidable opponents.

For Manchester City, this fixture offers redemption for their Wembley humiliation while maintaining pressure in the title race. Sitting two points behind Arsenal with challenging fixtures ahead, dropping points at Selhurst Park would be catastrophic for their championship ambitions.

The tactical battle will be fascinating. Palace will defend deep with their exceptional organization, compact shape, and disciplined execution that’s produced seven clean sheets. They’ll concede possession willingly (average 42.4%), looking to frustrate City and strike on counter-attacks through Mateta’s aerial threat and Eze’s creativity.

City will dominate territory and possession (60-65%), patiently probing for openings through their technical superiority. Haaland’s movement and finishing (15 goals, fastest to 100 PL goals) represents the primary threat, supported by Foden’s recent brilliance (consecutive braces) and City’s creative quality throughout their squad.

The psychological dimension adds intrigue. Palace’s FA Cup Final triumph provides genuine belief they can defeat City, particularly at Selhurst Park where the atmosphere will be electric. However, City’s revenge motivation could manifest as determination or impatience depending on how the match unfolds.

Palace’s extraordinary 16-match Premier League draw streak suggests they’ve mastered defensive organization but struggle to convert performances into victories. Against elite opposition like City, maintaining defensive discipline while creating enough chances to win seems almost impossible.

City’s attacking prowess (35 goals, best in league) and title-race desperation should overcome Palace’s defensive resilience. However, their away defensive vulnerabilities (3-1-3 away record) and recent defensive lapses (5-4 at Fulham, conceding late at Arsenal) create opportunities for Palace’s counter-attacks.

Expect a tense, tactical encounter with fewer goals than City’s attacking numbers suggest. Palace will defend heroically, inspired by their Wembley triumph and passionate home crowd. City will dominate possession but create fewer clear chances than expected against Palace’s organized defensive block.

Ultimately, City’s superior quality, depth, and desperation should prove decisive. Haaland’s finishing and Foden’s creativity will eventually unlock Palace’s defense, though Palace will score through their counter-attacking threat. A narrow City victory feels inevitable despite Palace’s valiant resistance.

Final Prediction: Crystal Palace 1-2 Manchester City

Manchester City’s attacking excellence and title aspirations will overcome Palace’s defensive heroics in a tense, tactical battle. City claim crucial three points to maintain their championship chase, but only after Palace make them fight desperately for victory. The Eagles’ FA Cup triumph ensures this won’t be the routine away win City might expect, demonstrating they belong among the Premier League’s elite even as they fall short of another upset. City’s revenge is secured, but Palace’s performance confirms their European qualification credentials remain genuine.