Crystal Palace v Man City LIVE: Premier League result and reaction as Kevin De Bruyne stars in win

Manchester City struck first blood in the title race this weekend with a comprehensive 4-2 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

Heading into the gameweek in third place, City could not afford to drop points and suffered a shock as Jean-Philippe Mateta slotted home a wonderful finish to send Palace ahead inside four minutes.

Kevin De Bruyne, restored to City’s starting XI, decided to lead the response. He nipped in from the left wing and rocketed an equaliser into the back of net before half-time.

After the break, Rico Lewis put City ahead for the first time before De Bruyne set up Erling Haaland and added a fourth – his second – to make the visitors comfortable.

Odsonne Edouard came off the bench for Crystal Palace to poke home a late volley but by then the damage was done. Oliver Glasner will be pleased with the fight his team showed but Man City were too good to be stopped on the day.

Relive all the updates from Selhurst Park below:

Premier League: Crystal Palace v Man City

• Kevin De Bruyne provides timely reminder of his quality as Man City win builds pressure on title rivals

• Manchester City defeat Crystal Palace 4-2 away from home in the Premier League

• 86’ GOAL! - Edouard pulls a goal back for Palace (CRY 2-4 MCI)

• 70’ GOAL! - De Bruyne makes it four for City (CRY 1-4 MCI)

• 66’ GOAL! - Haaland turns in De Bruyne’s squared pass (CRY 1-3 MCI)

• 47’ GOAL! - Lewis sends City ahead (CRY 1-2 MCI)

• 37’ CROSSBAR! - Ayew hits the woodwork after taking the ball off Rodri (CRY 1-1 MCI)

• 13’ GOAL! - De Bruyne smokes in the equaliser (CRY 1-1 MCI)

• 11’ SAVE! - Henderson denies Rodri with leaping stop (CRY 1-0 MCI)

• 4’ GOAL! - Mateta finishes off fine counter attack (CRY 1-0 MCI)

Crystal Palace FC 2 - 4 Manchester City FC

Kevin De Bruyne provides timely reminder of his quality as Man City win builds pressure on title rivals

15:12 , Mike Jones

Manchester City kept up the pressure on their title rivals and Kevin De Bruyne hit his 100th goal for the club in their 4-2 victory at Crystal Palace.

There had been doubts about whether or not the Belgian or Erling Haaland would be in the starting line-up for the lunchtime kick-off at Selhurst Park, where the in-form Jean-Philippe Mateta fired the hosts in front three minutes after kick-off.

De Bruyne drew the sides level moments later, and City took the lead for the first time less than two minutes after the restart via Rico Lewis’ second Premier League goal before De Bruyne set up Haaland for City’s third.

De Bruyne then added another with a solo effort to make it a century of goals for City in the 70th minute.

Kevin De Bruyne gives reminder of his quality in Man City win over Crystal Palace

FT Crystal Palace 2-4 Man City

14:58 , Mike Jones

Reaction from Kevin de Bruyne who told TNT Sports: “It was good. It has been a very untypical season with the injuries and coming back. Sometimes I feel good, sometimes I feel a little bit off with my body. I have tried to prepare myself as best as possible. I try to do the job as good as possible and today I did well.

“Yeah I do [feel pressure] because these guys keep me on my toes. I don’t expect to just be given my place. If I don’t perform well, I won’t play. Phil Foden has been amazing this season so deserves it but it keeps me on my toes.

“I think it’s possible [for both De Bruyne and Foden to play centrally]. When I started at 16 or 17 nobody thought it was possible with David Silva. It will be a little bit vice versa but I don’t see why not. We have not done it that much.

“I just try to be more of an example with the way I am on the pitch. I won’t be the person to tell others how to live their lives but I try to show on the pitch. I have played with Phil [Foden] for seven or eight years now so I don’t feel like he is a youngster anymore. He is an established superstar in our team. He is just amazing.

“Now that we won I like it but I don’t like early kick-offs to be honest. We can just try to play as good as possible. Now we can look at the games and see how they do. We have to go home, have a little rest and get ready for the game on Tuesday.”

FT Crystal Palace 2-4 Man City

14:53 , Mike Jones

Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta speaking to TNT Sports: “We watched City and how they pressed high and I scored early against one of the biggest teams in the world. In the second half they came back strongly. They are a good team.

“It was the plan. We tried it and we scored once. We had many chances after but we didn’t score and they did.

“It’s tough but we will keep working. We focus on the next game now.

On Oliver Glasner: “It’s good. He gives us some new details. He has new formations and a lot of things are not the same. We try to put those things in. We are in a good way. We focus each game and then we will see.”

FT Crystal Palace 2-4 Man City

14:48 , Mike Jones

FT Crystal Palace 2-4 Man City

14:40 , Mike Jones

Reaction from Manchester City goalscorer Rico Lewis who told TNT Sports: “It’s a very difficult place to come. The fans that travel every week, we thank them so much because it means so much. To get the win is amazing.

“The main message was to keep on going. The chances would come. We needed to get into the box and that’s what we did.

“As a kid you dream of scoring a goal and celebrating. I want to get more goals and assists. I don’t know but I enjoy playing midfield the most. I want to contribute but the manager decides where I’m most effective.

“It’s just like every other title race. We have to win every game. There’s three teams in it and we have to be the strongest team.”

FT Crystal Palace 2-4 Man City

14:36 , Mike Jones

Kevin De Bruyne has assisted 17 of Erling Haaland’s goals for Manchester City; the most from one Premier League player to another since the start of last season (all competitions)

FT Crystal Palace 2-4 Man City

14:32 , Mike Jones

Having also scored against Crystal Palace in the reverse fixture in December, Rico Lewis is just the second teenager to score home and away against a specific opponent in a Premier League season for Manchester City after Kelechi Iheanacho vs Swansea in 2015-16.

Full-time! Crystal Palace 2-4 Man City

14:28 , Mike Jones

90+7 mins: The whistle goes to end the match. Manchester Cirt are unbeaten in 25 matches now and join Liverpool at the top of the table on 70 points.

They’re second on goal difference but move ahead of Arsenal who play later. Job done.

Crystal Palace 2-4 Man City

14:23 , Mike Jones

90+2 mins: There are seven minutes of added time to play which means plenty of time for another goal or two. Bernardo Silva comes on for the final few minutes with Kevin De Bruyne replaced.

Crystal Palace 2-4 Man City

14:20 , Mike Jones

90 mins: There’s only a few minutes remaining in this match at Selhurst Park now. City are the first of the three title contenders to play this weekend and they’ll be adding pressure onto the other two.

Arsenal kick off against Brighton at 5.30pm tonight before Liverpool take on Man Utd tomorrow.

GOAL! Crystal Palace 2-4 Man City (Edouard, 86’)⚽️

14:18 , Mike Jones

86 mins: Palace get one back!

They burst forward on the left wing and a simple cross is turned into the box. City’s defender perhaps go to sleep as Odsonne Edouard nips in from deep to meet the ball on the volley.

He pokes it past Stefan Ortega and scores.

Crystal Palace 1-4 Man City

14:15 , Mike Jones

83 mins: Manchester City know they’ll probably need to win every game from now until the end of the season. They’ve done it before and these last two games show they’re ready to do it again.

Crystal Palace 1-4 Man City

14:12 , Mike Jones

80 mins: Chance!

Crystal Palace have made a few changes too with Michael Olise and Odsonne Edouard now on the pitch. They combine after Manuel Akanji loses possession deep in his own half.

The ball comes to Olise who squares it to Edouard who shoots but sees his effort blocked by Ruben Dias.

Crystal Palace 1-4 Man City

14:07 , Mike Jones

76 mins: Manchester City have been too good in this second half. Crystal Palace have been unable to counter their attacking plans.

Julian Alvarez and Rodri are taken off now with Matheus Nunes and Mateo Kovacic brought on for the final quarter of an hour or so.

Crystal Palace 1-4 Man City

14:03 , Mike Jones

73 mins: Pep Guardiola is going to make changes now that the game is won as City have a clash with Real Madrid in the Champions League on the horizon.

Crystal Palace made City work in the first half but the game has gone now. City are after more goals though.

GOAL! Crystal Palace 1-4 Man City (De Bruyne, 70’)⚽️

14:02 , Mike Jones

70 mins: Another scorcher!

Grealish creates the chance again with his footwork from the left. He finds Rodri in the box who rolls a pass to De Bruyne. The midfielder strikes a first time shot with his left foot and hits the back of the net.

Crystal Palace 1-3 Man City

13:59 , Mike Jones

69 mins: Man City are comfortable now. They’ll be hoping to get more goals to cut the goal difference on Liverpool and Arsenal as that stat could come into play later in the season.

Two more goals and they’ll go top of the table.

GOAL! Crystal Palace 1-3 Man City (Haaland, 66’)⚽️

13:58 , Mike Jones

66 mins: Nevermind.

Erling Haaland has his goal. Jack Grealish dances into the box from the right wing before slipping a short pass to Kevin De Bruyne.

He spins and lays the ball into the six-yard box where Haaland squeezes ahead of the nearest defender and turns the ball into the back of the net.

Good goal.

Crystal Palace 1-2 Man City

13:56 , Mike Jones

65 mins: Eberechi Eze hasn’t been able to really get involved in the match and as such Oliver Glasner replaces him with Jeffrey Schlupp in the hopes of gaining more possession in the middle of the pitch.

Palace are up against it at the minute but as long as they keep City to a one goal lead they’re still in the game.

Crystal Palace 1-2 Man City

13:54 , Mike Jones

62 mins: Rodri and Mateta come together with the Palace forward a bit too aggressive with a tackle on the midfielder. Mateta goes in the book and City play the resultant free kick short to continue their dominance.

Crystal Palace 1-2 Man City

13:51 , Mike Jones

59 mins: De Bruyne attempts to whip a shot in with his right foot but doesn’t get the curl on the ball to bring it inside of the far post and the effort sails wide.

City have gained more control on the left side after replacing Gvardiol at half-time.

Crystal Palace 1-2 Man City

13:46 , Mike Jones

56 mins: Haaland is slipped the ball in the box and goes around the goalkeeper. He’s forced wide and sends the ball back to Julian Alvarez who shoots first time.

Joachim Andersen is sprawled on the ground after an attempt to take the ball off Haaland but Alvarez’s shot hits him and deflects out for a corner.

The corner ball is sent out to Jack Grealish. He takes a touch and smokes his effort over the crossbar.

Crystal Palace 1-2 Man City

13:43 , Mike Jones

53 mins: Palace haven’t settled into the second half yet. City’s goal was just what they didn’t want to happen but now they’ll need to respond.

City are looking to control possession, dominate the midfield battle and get runners in the channels.

Crystal Palace 1-2 Man City

13:41 , Mike Jones

50 mins: As it stands only goal difference is keeping Man City behind Liverpool in the table. Pep Guardiola will want his team to add another couple now that they’re in front.

The next goal will be important, if Palace can score it then they’ll be able to fight until the end of the game. If not, City could dominate and run away with things as they did against Aston Villa.

GOAL! Crystal Palace 1-2 Man City (Lewis, 47’)⚽️

13:39 , Mike Jones

47 mins: Manuel Akanji drives the ball forward and slips a pass out to Jack Grealish on the left wing. He chips the ball into the box where Joachim Andersen looks to nod it on.

He only manages to turn the ball to Rico Lewis who controls it then slots his effort into the bottom corner!

Second half! Crystal Palace 1-1 Man City

13:36 , Mike Jones

Pep Guardiola is bringing Manuel Akanji on for Josko Gvardiol at the start of the second half. As it stands City will move two points behind Liverpool who face Man Utd tomorrow.

The visitors get the match back underway.

HT Crystal Palace 1-1 Man City

13:31 , Mike Jones

Manchester City’s 76% possession only yielded nine chances for them in the opening 45 minutes though five of those were on target and Dean Henderson was called into action.

In comparison, Palace’s three attempts only had one on target which Mateta slotted home early on.

HT Crystal Palace 1-1 Man City

13:27 , Mike Jones

Only Cole Palmer (17) and Darwin Núñez (15) have been involved in more goals in all competitions in 2024 (among Premier League players) than Kevin De Bruyne (14 - 3 goals, 11 assists).

HT Crystal Palace 1-1 Man City

13:23 , Mike Jones

Half-time! Crystal Palace 1-1 Man City

13:19 , Mike Jones

45+3 mins: Well that half flew by.

Jean-Philippe Mateta’s opener was scored inside four minutes before a wonderfully strike from Kevin De Bruyne brought the equaliser.

Both City and Palace have had chances to score again with this match moving at a rapid tempo. It’s anyone’s game in the second half.

Crystal Palace 1-1 Man City

13:17 , Mike Jones

45 mins: Palace float the ball into the box from the left towards Eberechi Eze. Josko Gvardiol grabs him from behind and the striker falls to ground.

The referee says no penalty and VAR agrees after a check. The Crystal Palace fans aren’t happy.

Three added minutes to play.

Crystal Palace 1-1 Man City

13:15 , Mike Jones

43 mins: Insane!

Palace send the ball into the box from the right wing but it goes down to Rodri. He flicks it back to Ortega who is swept upon by Mateta.

The goalkeeper drags the ball back behind his standing leg as the forward runs past him. He then clears his lines and City are spurred an embarrassing moment.

Crystal Palace 1-1 Man City

13:10 , Mike Jones

40 mins: Rico Lewis creates half a yard inside the Palace box and lets fly on a quick shot. He effort is straight at Dean Henderson who clings onto the ball without too much trouble.

The Palace goalkeeper is having a good day so far.

Crystal Palace 1-1 Man City

13:09 , Mike Jones

37 mins: Woodwork!

A rare mistake from Rodri sees him bullied off the ball by Jordan Ayew. He spins and drives towards the penalty area. Just as he gets into the box Ayew shoots.

The ball continues to rise and hits the top of the crossbar before bouncing out of play.

Crystal Palace 1-1 Man City

13:05 , Mike Jones

33 mins: Nearly!

Tricky footwork from Oscar Bobb out on the right wing sees him beat a couple of defenders before finding Rico Lewis with a short pass.

Lewis’ pull back is a good one but neither Jack Grealish nor Kevin De Bruyne are able to control the ball inside the penalty area.

Crystal Palace 1-1 Man City

13:01 , Mike Jones

30 mins: Josko Gvardiol blazes a shot from range and hits Joel Ward on the head as the defender leaps to block the effort. That one will have stung but Ward shakes it off as City look to come forward once again.

Crystal Palace 1-1 Man City

13:00 , Mike Jones

27 mins: Grealish is down again after Joel Ward’s scrambling effort turns the ball out for a City corner deep in Palace’s half.

Pep Guardiola is pondering this match deeply on the sidelines. Twice City whip corners into the box but twice Ward is there to defend against them.

Crystal Palace 1-1 Man City

12:54 , Mike Jones

24 mins: There’s an electric pace to the match now. City slickly passing the ball around with Palace trying to clear their lines with equal gusto.

Grealish takes a hit after a lunging tackle from Daniel Munoz before Jordan Ayew is bungled to the ground as well.

Crystal Palace 1-1 Man City

12:51 , Mike Jones

21 mins: Chance!

De Bruyne threads an exceptional pass through the middle to play Erling Haaland in behind the Palace defence.

The big forward touches the ball into the box but gets charged down by Dean Henderson who sticks out a leg and manages to keep Haaland’s shot out of the net.

This game has really heated up now.

Crystal Palace 1-1 Man City

12:50 , Mike Jones

19 mins: A chipped pass comes into the box which draws Stefan Ortega off his line. He punches the ball towards Jordan Ayew who takes a touch then pings a good shot just over the crossbar!

Crystal Palace 1-1 Man City

12:49 , Mike Jones

16 mins: That was a special shot from De Bruyne who looks to have the bit between his teeth today. He’s been all over the pitch already slotting in balls, creating chances and now firing in the equaliser.

Can Palace respond?

GOAL! Crystal Palace 1-1 Man City (De Bruyne, 13’)⚽️

12:46 , Mike Jones

13 mins: Oh my god!

What a strike this is. City have been pushing and pushing for the goal. It’s come from a world class shot from Kevin De Bruyne. Jack Grealish takes the ball down the left wing and slips a pass into the penalty area for De Bruyne.

The midfielder checks to the right and rattles a swerving and powerful effort into the far top corner. Dean Henderson had no chance of stopping that.

Crystal Palace 1-0 Man City

12:43 , Mike Jones

11 mins: City are pushing forward and penning Palace into their own final third. Oscar Bobb weaves into the right side of the box and slips the ball to Julian Alvarez. He shoots but the effort is blocked.

Save!

The ball deflects to Rodri who stretches and pings a shot towards the bottom corner. It’s bobbling and spinning away from Dean Henderson but the goalkeeper leaps to his left and tips the ball wide of the post!

Big moment.

Crystal Palace 1-0 Man City

12:39 , Mike Jones

8 mins: Chance!

Palace overload City in midfield with Adam Wharton regaining possession. Palace fly forward and have a four-on-two advantage though Wharton’s pass out to the left is shocking and he gives the ball away.

That was an opportunity for Palace.

Crystal Palace 1-0 Man City

12:38 , Mike Jones

7 mins: Manchester City won’t panic, even with the title race being as close as it currently is. The added pressure may make the visitors more aware of the fact they now need to score though.

Kevin De Bruyne floats a couple of balls into the box but Palace deal with them easily enough.

GOAL! Crystal Palace 1-0 Man City (Mateta, 4’)⚽️

12:36 , Mike Jones

4 mins: Clinical!

Crystal Palace are giving the ball after a poor pass from John Stones. Two quick passes, one from Adam Wharton sends Jean-Philippe Mateta into space to the right of the centre-backs.

The forward counter attacks and drives into the box. He glances up and slots his shot across goal where the ball strikes the inside of the far post and finishes in the back of the net!

Huge shock early in this match.

Crystal Palace 0-0 Man City

12:33 , Mike Jones

3 mins: Oscar Bobb nicks back possession in the middle of the pitch and slips the ball to Rodri. He threads a pass into the right side of the box for Kevin De Bruyne who’s earlier cross is defelcted out for a corner.

De Bruyne’s delivery sees the ball swung over towards Erling Haaland but Joachim Andersen leaps above him and heads the ball clear.

Kick off! Crystal Palace 0-0 Man City

12:32 , Mike Jones

The Eagles get the ball rolling for this early kick off and float the ball over to the right side of the pitch. Man City gain possession and slot is back to Ruben Dias as Palace drop back into a solid defensive shape.

Crystal Palace vs Man City

12:26 , Mike Jones

Here come the teams.

The players make their way out onto the pitch at Selhurst Park. Manchester City are the overwhelming favourites to win this game and draw level on points with league leaders Liverpool.

City could possibly end the day at the top of the table and they’ll be hoping to build off the back of their win over Aston Villa. Crystal Palace meanwhile will be aiming to cause an upset, if they can score first they’ll be right in the contest.

Kick off is up next...

Crystal Palace vs Man City

12:25 , Mike Jones

Kevin De Bruyne is two short of 100 goals for Manchester City in all competitions, and is set to become the seventh player to make 250 Premier League appearances for the club.

Crystal Palace vs Man City

12:20 , Mike Jones

Eberechi Eze’s five goals in eight home games this term is the highest figure by an Englishman for Palace since Andrew Johnson netted 11 in 2004-05.

Crystal Palace vs Man City

12:15 , Mike Jones

Erling Haaland has failed to score in four consecutive Premier League away games, his longest such run since joining City.

Crystal Palace vs Man City

12:10 , Mike Jones

Oliver Glasner’s side have won three of their last five Premier League home matches, having taken just one victory in their opening nine such fixtures this season.

The Eagles have scored 34 Premier League goals this season - only Everton, Burnley and Sheffield United have worse records.

Crystal Palace vs Man City

12:05 , Mike Jones

Phil Foden has scored nine Premier League goals in 2024, more than any other player. He starts on the bench today.

Crystal Palace vs Man City

12:00 , Mike Jones

Man City’s three league defeats this season have come on the road against Arsenal, Aston Villa and Wolves but they are unbeaten in 15 top-flight matches, winning 11 of them.

Crystal Palace vs Man City

11:55 , Mike Jones

Crystal Palace have earned just one victory in their last eight top-flight games (three draws, four defeats).

December’s draw with City is the only point the Londoners have accrued in seven league matches this season against teams currently in the top five of the table.

Crystal Palace vs Man City

11:50 , Mike Jones

Crystal Palace have failed to score in their last four Premier League home matches against Pep Guardiola’s side. Will the return of Michael Olise to the matchday squad change that today?

Crystal Palace vs Man City

11:45 , Mike Jones

Manchester City are unbeaten at Selhurst Park in their last eight league visits with six wins and two draws. The 2-2 draw at the Etihad Stadium earlier this season was the third time in five meetings Palace have avoided defeat against City.

Foden hitting good levels this season

11:40 , Mike Jones

“Before Crystal Palace all the season [he] had been good,” Pep Guardiola said about Phil Foden’s performances this season, “Not just that - when we talk about that he has learned the lesson.

“So, in the 18-yard box always is dangerous with a top opponent. We saw it last night with Chelsea and [Manchester] United. There you have to be careful, as much Phil learned and everyone - learn the lesson, it’s not a problem. It happens, it’s football and life.

“People do good things and mistakes is part of that but we learn for the future to not do it again.

“I think Phil since then has been good. After [the Palace game] we travelled to Saudi Arabia and he played two really good games in the semi-final and final.

“But before always I think Phil is at a good, good level this season.”

Crystal Palace vs Man City team changes

11:35 , Mike Jones

Oliver Glasner names an unchanged Crystal Palace side from the one that suffered defeated to Bournemouth on Tuesday but the big news is that Michael Olise returns to the squad after missing seven games.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola makes four changes from Wednesday’s win over Aston Villa. Manuel Akanji, Jeremy Doku, Bernardo Silva and Phil Foden drop to the bench with John Stones, Kevin De Bruyne, Erling Haaland and Oscar Bobb coming into the side.

Ederson starts on the bench.

Crystal Palace vs Man City line-ups

11:31 , Mike Jones

Crystal Palace XI: Henderson, Munoz, Ward, Andersen, Lerma, Mitchell, Wharton, Hughes, Eze, Mateta, Ayew

Man City XI: Ortega, Lewis, Stones, Dias, Gvardiol, Rodri, De Bruyne, Bobb, Alvarez, Grealish, Haaland

Glasner on Olise’s return

11:27 , Mike Jones

“We didn’t train a lot this week because it’s the third game now, but of course he [Michael Olise] has shown his individual quality in possession,” Glasner said. “His dribbling, his finishing is great.

“But he was out now for eight weeks and for the fourth time this season, so he was more in rehab than on the pitch. We will give him the time to find his best performance, to get his quality back.

“Everyone needs rhythm, everyone needs minutes, needs training. He is now starting [to get that] so I don’t expect him at the best level after eight or nine weeks of injury, but he can play 15 or 20 minutes.

“If it is still a tight game at the end, then maybe he can have one or two decisive situations to decide the game against us.”

Glasner issues updates on Olise and Guehi

11:23 , Mike Jones

Crystal Palace manager, Oliver Glasner has confirmed that Michael Olise will be in the Crystal Palace squad to face Manchester City but says Marc Guehi is still some weeks away from returning to full fitness.

“All the players who were in the squad in the last games are fit again,” said Glasner during his pre-match press conference, “Michael [Olise] is coming back into the squad.

“We spoke to the medical team and the advice is for 15 or 20 minutes. He is ready and it gives us one more option towards the end of the game so we are happy.

“[Marc Guehi] is not training with the team at the minute. I would say he will be at least two or three weeks.”

Guardiola on Foden’s quality

11:18 , Mike Jones

While speaking at Friday’s pre-match press conference Pep Guardiola claimed that Phil Foden needs to be in the conversation for this season’s many Player of the Year prizes.

“I think he is a contender, like many others,” said the Man City boss, “There are many, many players who play really, really good all season. Not just Phil.

“But I think he can be a contender, for sure, because of the numbers, consistency and the level of his game. Always he has [an] incredible work ethic.

“You see the last game he played, he was fouled, it was not given, he go down, stand up, press, recover the ball and net. Always Phil had that. From the day one, at 16/17 years old training, having an incredible dynamic and he still has it.

“But of course, football [is] defensive [and] offensive. Like I said before, your quality depends on the performance of your mates.

“How you move depends on the decisions of your mates, you have to take a decision quicker and after, smarter and always there is margin to improve.”

Pep Guardiola still deciding on Erling Haaland and Kevin de Bruyne returns

11:13 , Luke Baker

Pep Guardiola is unsure about whether to restore Erling Haaland and Kevin de Bruyne to his Manchester City line-up at Crystal Palace this afternoon with Real Madrid looming on Tuesday.

The pair were unused substitutes in midweek as City stayed three points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool by brushing aside Aston Villa 4-1, with Phil Foden bagging a sensational hat-trick.

But as the visit to Palace at lunchtime on Saturday is followed by a mouthwatering trip to the Spanish capital to face Real 56 hours later in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final, this season’s leading goal-scorer Haaland and key playmaker De Bruyne might be kept on ice once again this weekend.

“I don’t know yet,” Guardiola said on Friday, when asked about the prospect of Haaland and De Bruyne returning to face Palace. “Playing at 12:30pm and playing two days ago, I have to think. There are so many games.

“We play less than two and a half days after our last game. Some players recover quicker than others. A long week is completely different but a short week, you have to talk with doctors, physios and staff.”

Pep Guardiola refuses to look beyond vital Crystal Palace clash

11:05 , Luke Baker

Pep Guardiola is refusing to look beyond Manchester City’s visit to Crystal Palace despite Real Madrid looming as a Selhurst Park slip-up would leave their Premier League title hopes in tatters.

A win for City in Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off will move them level on points with leaders Liverpool, who head to Old Trafford for a clash with arch-rivals Manchester United on Sunday afternoon.

Guardiola accepts a draw or defeat would all but end their aim of claiming a fourth-successive title so even the prospect of a trip to the Spanish capital on Tuesday evening will not divert his attention.

City are also defending their Champions League crown and take on Carlo Ancelotti’s side in the quarter-final first leg but Guardiola will only start thinking about the clash after facing Palace.

Pep Guardiola refuses to look beyond vital Crystal Palace clash

Phil Foden’s imperious hat-trick against Aston Villa revitalises Manchester City’s title challenge

10:55 , Luke Baker

If hat-tricks used to be Erling Haaland’s personal domain, a rival is emerging. The Norwegian may have the largest collection of match balls at Manchester City but he had a watching brief as Phil Foden scored his second treble of 2024 and his third in 19 months.

For someone who isn’t a striker, Foden is contriving to outscore virtually all of them – if not his Norwegian teammate – and his evisceration of Aston Villa took him into previously uncharted territory. He now has 21 goals for the season, reaching 20 for the first time in his career.

And this was another victory City can attribute to their main men. It is just that it is a description with a difference now. Last season, it would have been a reference to Haaland and Kevin de Bruyne, the players with 52 goals and 29 assists respectively. This year, if the individual honours stay at the Etihad Stadium, the prizes will go not to Haaland but to Rodri or Foden.

And as Haaland and De Bruyne watched on from the bench, Rodri and Foden underlined their importance by powering City to a restorative victory. The Spaniard got them underway, consigning the rarity of a first goalless game for City in 57 attempts at the Etihad Stadium to the past. Then Foden took over, his trio banishing another statistic. City had not won a league game against a top-five team this season, until they did so in emphatic fashion against a team who outshot them 22-2 in December.

Read Richard Jolly’s full report from City’s 4-1 thrashing of Aston Villa in midweek:

Phil Foden’s hat-trick against Aston Villa revitalises Man City’s title challenge

Early Man City team news

10:47 , Luke Baker

Manchester City will continue to be without Kyle Walker with a thigh injury and Nathan Ake will also be absent after picking up a knock in midweek, while Ederson remains a doubt for the match.

Predicted Man City XI: Ortega, Lewis, Dias, Akanji, Gvardiol, Rodri, Silva, Doku, Foden, Grealish, Haaland

Early Crystal Palace team news

10:41 , Luke Baker

Palace have a host of injury problems and are likely to be without Marc Guehi, Rob Holding, Odsonne Edouard, Michael Olise, Matheus Franca de Oliveira, Jes Rak-Sakyi and Sam Johnstone.

Predicted Crystal Palace XI: Henderson, Ward, Andersen, Lerma, Munoz, Wharton, Hughes, Mitchell, Eze, Mateta, Ayew

How to watch Crystal Palace v Man City

10:36 , Luke Baker

When is it?

Crystal Palace vs Man City will kick off at 12.30 pm BST at Selhurst Park in south London on Saturday April 6.

How can I watch it?

The match will be shown live in the UK on TNT Sports 1, which subscribers can stream live via the Discovery+ app and website.

If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch major sporting events, you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN round-up is here to help and includes deals on VPNs in the market. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are, and also with the terms of their service provider.

Everything you need to know about Crystal Palace v Man City

10:34 , Luke Baker

Manchester City kept up their chase at the top of the Premier League with a dominant 4-1 win over Aston Villa in a packed midweek schedule.

Phil Foden was the star for Pep Guardiola’s side netting not just a hat-trick, but his third in just 19 months, taking his goal tally for the season to 21, the first time he has passed 20 in his career.

City might have dropped points during their dull goalless draw against Arsenal on Easter Sunday, but they have not lost a match in any competition in 2024.

Crystal Palace on the other hand, have just one win in their last five, although they have a buffer of eight points between themselves and the relegation zone.

Here’s everything you need to know:

Is Crystal Palace vs Man City on TV? How to watch Premier League fixture

Crystal Palace vs Manchester City tips: Premier League predictions, betting odds and free bets

Friday 5 April 2024 17:54 , Jack Rathborn

Man City kept themselves on track in the Premier League title race by beating Aston Villa in midweek but a visit to Crystal Palace on Saturday will prove a challenge (12.30pm, Sky Sports Main Event).

The Cityzens moved level on points with Liverpool after brushing aside Unai Emery’s men at the Etihad Stadium courtesy of a hat-trick from Phil Foden, although the Reds’ triumph over Sheffield United kept them ahead of both Arsenal and City at the summit.

The England international’s performances have been key to Pep Guardiola’s men pushing for the title, and he will be called upon again to maintain their push for a fourth straight crown, although football betting sites are now favouring Liverpool to end City’s dominance.

Crystal Palace vs Manchester City tips: Premier League predictions, betting odds and free bets