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Manchester City vs Crystal Palace Preview: Odds, Tips and Prediction

Date: April 12, 2025 Venue: Etihad Stadium Kickoff Time: 13:30 Man City are holding on to what can be a successful ending to a disappointing season for their high standards if they can secure a Champions League spot and go on to win their 8th FA Cup title. After an intense Manchester derby, the Citizens must turn their focus to yet another tough challenge against a resurgent Crystal Palace outfit. The Eagles have been performing well with Oliver Glasner at the helm, and they too are contenders to lift the FA Cup after finishing runners-up in 2015-16.

Marc Strydom
Marc Strydom

Last Updated: 2025-04-08

Chad Nagel

7 minutes read

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Jack Grealish of Manchester City

Jack Grealish of Manchester City//Getty Images

Pre-Game Odds & Win Probability

  1. HOME: 53/100 (1.53) – 65.4%

  2. DRAW: 18/5 (4.60) – 21.7%

  3. AWAY: 23/5 (5.60) – 17.9%

  4. Odds courtesy of Betway, subject to change.

Head-To-Head Record

Last five meetings (Premier League)

  1. 07/12/2024: Crystal Palace 2-2 Man City 

  2. 06/04/2024: Crystal Palace 2-4 Man City

  3. 16/12/2023: Man City 2-2 Crystal Palace 

  4. 11/03/2023: Crystal Palace 0-1 Man City

  5. 27/08/2022: Man City 4-2 Crystal Palace

Manchester City Current Form – WLDWD

Manchester City have managed to keep themselves in a good position by showing resilience and determination through a tough few weeks. Despite the surprising defeat to Nottingham and the 2-2 draw at home against Brighton, the last five league fixtures have shown notable improvement. 

Guardiola's emphasis on possession-based football, high pressing, and technical prowess has been pivotal to their success. The high standards City has set for themselves after winning the last four Premier League titles have been a distant memory, and a serious squad overhaul is required if they look to regain their dominance next season.

Key Players To Watch

  • Omar Marmoush: Marmoush is known for his explosive and versatile playing style. Primarily a right-footed attacker, he can play as a striker or a winger, making him a valuable asset in various attacking positions. He uses his speed to drive at defences, creating opportunities for himself and his teammates. The Egyptian also has a knack for being involved in goals, whether scoring or assisting, showcasing his all-around attacking prowess.
  • Jack Grealish: Grealish excels in one-on-one situations, using his close ball control, balance, and agility to glide past defenders effortlessly. He has a sharp vision and playmaking ability, often creating scoring opportunities for his teammates with precise passes and clever movement. Under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, Grealish has improved his defensive work rate and decision-making in the final third, contributing to both offensive and defensive phases of play.
  • Savinho: Savinho's combination of technical skills, creativity, and joyful approach to the game makes him a standout player. He is known for his exceptional dribbling skills, often taking on defenders with confidence and flair. While having exceptional creativity and vision, the Brazilian also knows how to find the back of the net by coming in from the right wing to get powerful shots off with his favourite left foot.

Manchester City Team News

The defence is still an area of concern for City as they continue to play without Manuel Akanji, Nathan Ake, and John Stones. The trio have been recovering from serious injuries which has required surgery, and a potential return to action is a possibility before the end of the season for all three. 

Erling Haaland is the latest player to be sidelined after sustaining an ankle injury against Bournemouth in the FA Cup and is expected to be out for the next five to seven weeks – if the latest reports are anything to go by. 

Crystal Palace Current Form – WWWDW

At the beginning of the season, the Eagles lost their identity and confidence in their ability to compete, but since appointing Oliver Glasner at the helm, they have found a way to remain competitive and play exciting attacking football.

Including the FA Cup with the last five fixtures, Crystal Palace has been in superb form, recording six victories, one defeat, and drawing one. Since the 2-1 defeat against Everton, Palace went on to win three consecutive matches, displaying their attacking prowess and defensive solidity, scoring seven goals, conceding one, and keeping two clean sheets in that time. The draw against Southampton and the hard-fought 2-1 victory against Brighton were a testament to the exceptional job Glasner has done, which extended their unbeaten run to five games ahead of this tough matchup with City.

Key Players To Watch

  • Jean-Philippe Mateta: Mateta is known for his physicality, aerial dominance, and clinical finishing. He often finds himself in the right place at the right time to capitalize on goal-scoring opportunities. Despite his size, Mateta has good technical ability, allowing him to control the ball well and link up play with his teammates. 
  • Ismaila Sarr: Sarr is incredibly fast, often using his pace to beat defenders in one-on-one situations and create scoring opportunities. He can play on both flanks and even as a center-forward. This flexibility makes him a valuable asset for his team. The Senegalese is capable of delivering precise crosses from wide areas and can also score from various positions, whether it's from range or close to the net.
  • Marc Guehi: Guehi has made great strides, growing into a complete defender for club and country, and is known for his defensive solidity, tactical intelligence, and leadership qualities. He has a keen sense of positioning and is adept at reading the game, which allows him to make crucial interceptions and tackles. 

Crystal Palace Team News

Chadi Riad is expected to be sidelined for the rest of the season and potentially Crystal Palace’s pre-season campaign due to a serious knee injury, likely an ACL rupture, sustained in training.

Cheick Doucoure is out for the rest of the season after needing surgery on his knee injury of his own and is expected to return for pre-season.

Predicted Line-Up

  1. Man City: 4-2-3-1

    Ederson, M. Nunes, A. Khusanov, R. Dias, J. Gvardiol, M. Kovacic, İ. Gundogan, Savinho, K. De Bruyne, J. Grealish, O. Marmoush

  2. Crystal Palace: 3-4-2-1

    D. Henderson, N. Clyne, M. Lacroix, M. Guehi, D. Munoz, A. Wharton, J. Lerma, T. Mitchell, E. Eze, I. Sarr, J. Mateta 

Suggested Bets

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  1. Man City to win: The Citizens have improved over the last few games, and having home-ground advantage will inspire a performance worthy of earning another important victory on the way to securing Champions League football next season. 51/100 (1.51) with Pinnacle.

  2. Man City to Win By 1 – 2 Goals (Yes): Man City will assert their dominance, control proceedings, and dictate the tempo of the game, which will create more scoring opportunities than Crystal Palace as they will utilise counterattacking football on the day. 6/5 (2.2) with 1xBet.

  3. Over 2.5 Goals: Goals are written all over this fixture. Both teams have managed to put a string of positive results together, and taking from how the last encounter ended, expect the same to happen here. Get on at 14/25 (1.56) with Stake.

Value Bets

By utilising effective sports betting strategies and tips, you can make informed bets that reduce the bookmaker’s edge.

  1. Last Goal (Crystal Palace): Although this may be a tough fixture for Palace, they still pose a threat in attack and have players who can score if opportunities present themselves. 2/1 (3.00) with Betway. 

  2. First Goal Time (From 21 To 30 min): Despite City’s relentless attack, Crystal Palace will be tactically disciplined in the early parts of the game, but as time goes on, creativity and quality will show, pushing Palace deeper into their own half, which will present scoring opportunities. 23/5 (5.6) with BetWinner.

  3. Man City Exact Goals (3): Man City has scored at least two goals in the past three matches leading up to this fixture, and with the new-found confidence, I see them netting three, especially with the home crowd getting behind them. 7/2 (4.5) with Bettilt.

Prediction: Man City to Win

Man City are not only the favourites in this fixture but are more superior in terms of quality. The Citizens are playing with confidence and fluidity, which will put Crystal Palace under pressure, despite Palace coming into this fixture in high spirits. Although they shared the spoils in the first encounter, expect Guardiola and his men to be aggressive as they aim to secure much-needed points. Those evaluating this matchup can explore insights from trusted betting sites.

Marc Strydom
Marc StrydomSports Writer

Marc Strydom is a dedicated sports lover with a wealth of experience in the sports betting industry, mostly as a Chief Editor of a sports betting publication in South Africa. While Marc’s enthusiasm covers many sports, football and NBA are his favourites. His articles feature on multiple top-rated platforms, covering a wide range of topics.

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