Analysing Crystal Palace ahead of Friday's Premier League clash | OneFootball

With the help of Opta data, we look at our opponents this Friday…

Men's Team

One moment in time: Toure turns the title race

We head to Selhurst Park for a 20:00 (UK) kick-off looking to build on last week’s opening victory over Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium.

Let’s find out more about who stands in our way…

2025/26 form

Palace had another historic season last time out, winning both the Community Shield and the UEFA Conference League.

Those European exertions may have had some impact on their league form though, ending up in 15th place with 45 points from 38 games.

That comprised of 11 wins, 12 draws and 15 defeats.

Their new campaign started with defeat last week, losing 2-0 at Everton.

Men's Team

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Manager

Pierre Sage is one of nine managers in new jobs across the Premier League at the start of this season.

The 47-year-old is in English football for the first time having made his name with Lyon and Lens in France.

Lens is where he particularly caught the eye, winning the Coupe de France and finishing second to PSG at the top of Ligue 1.

With fewer than 100 games managed at the top level, Sage is still relatively inexperienced.

Transfer activity

Palace have added several senior options since the end of last season, including versatile defenders Oscar Mingueza, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Anan Khalaili.

Further forward, they’ve brought in Zavier Gozo and Dwight McNeil, with the latter on a swap deal with Brennan Johnson going the other way to Everton.

Maxence Lacroix is the biggest absence from last term, with the sold central defender moving to Chelsea.

Preferred formation

Throughout Oliver Glasner’s time in charge, Palace favoured a 3-4-3 system that aimed to get the best out of their wing-backs and hard-working midfielders.

Sage stuck with a similar system in his first game in charge.

Dean Henderson is now the captain, having developed into one of the Premier League’s most experienced goalkeepers.

Jaydee Canvot, Chris Richards and Chadi Riad were across the back three, with Tyrick Mitchell and Daniel Munoz at wing-back.

Adam Wharton and Daichi Kamada were in central midfield, with Dwight McNeil, Eddie Nketiah and Jean-Philippe Mateta forming the front three.

Head-to-head record

We have lost just two of our last 22 Premier League games against Palace, winning 15 and drawing five.

The last time we lost to the Eagles in the league was at the Etihad Stadium in October 2021.

In fact, we haven’t lost at Selhurst Park in the top-flight since April 2015.

How they attack

Only Burnley and Wolves scored fewer goals than Palace’s 41 in the league in 2025/26.

Mateta was their leading scorer in th league with 12, while Ismaila Sarr was close behind on nine.

A key part of their attack is the passes from deep by midfielder Adam Wharton.

He topped their assists charts last year with five.

Only two players across the entire 20 sides recorded more line-breaking passes in the final third in the first game of the new season, with 13.

How they defend

With difficulties in front of goal, the defence was essential last season.

Only seven teams conceded fewer goals than their 51 and only David Raya and Gianluigi Donnarumma kept more clean sheets than Henderson on 11.

Out of possession, they appear to be pressing high under their new manager, having won a league-high 19 high turnovers in their defeat to Everton.

Premier League 2026/27 home tickets now on sale

General admission tickets for Manchester City’s home 2026/27 Premier League fixtures are now on sale to Premium, Matchday and Junior Members.

Season Ticket Members, meanwhile, are now also able to purchase additional tickets for selected games.

Premier League match-by-match ticket prices for junior and adult Matchday Members have been retained at the same rate for a third consecutive season.

It promises to be another thrilling campaign for the Blues as we enter a new era under the guidance of Enzo Maresca, who takes over from Pep Guardiola in the hotseat.

Make sure you secure your spot at the Etihad Stadium for our Premier League fixtures now!

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