Man City Starting XI vs Crystal Palace: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup

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·13 May 2026

Man City Starting XI vs Crystal Palace: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup

Man City vs Crystal Palace, Guardiola Set for Rotation Test

Etihad schedule sharpens selection call

Man City return to Premier League duty against Crystal Palace tonight with Pep Guardiola facing the familiar problem of abundance, timing and consequence.

With three games in six days, including Saturday’s FA Cup final against Chelsea and a crucial trip to Bournemouth, City’s squad management may matter almost as much as their football.

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Guardiola admitted after the 3-0 win over Brentford that he would rotate, “otherwise we cannot arrive at the final or Bournemouth how we want to”.

Rodri decision could shape midfield

Rodri is “doing better” after the groin issue sustained in the 2-1 win over Arsenal on April 19, but Man City are unlikely to take unnecessary risks so close to Wembley.

That opens the door for Nico Gonzalez to anchor midfield, with Bernardo Silva likely to offer control alongside him. Phil Foden, Omar Marmoush and Savinho are pushing for starts after impressing from the bench, while Jeremy Doku’s recent form makes him difficult to leave out.

Photo: IMAGO

Guardiola said: “It’s not a problem for that game [Palace], we arrived with four days and a half [rest] but, of course, after three days we travel to London and after we come back to play Bournemouth.

“I will have to think about it, yes.”

Crystal Palace challenge demands focus

Crystal Palace arrive as awkward opponents, capable of disrupting rhythm and punishing tired legs. For Man City, this is not merely about names on a teamsheet. It is about maintaining tempo without exhausting the spine of a side still chasing major honours.

Abdukodir Khusanov could return after missing Brentford with a “tough knock”, while Ruben Dias is available again following his hamstring absence. Rayan Ait-Nouri may replace Nico O’Reilly at left-back, adding freshness in a position that demands relentless running.