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

Crystal Palace lineup vs Manchester City: Predicted XI for Pierre Sage’s first home game

Crystal Palace face an immediate test of Pierre Sage’s credentials on Friday, with Manchester City heading to Selhurst Park for the new Eagles boss’s first home Premier League fixture.

Sage has inherited a squad that is largely available, although injuries and off field issues have complicated his selection. Ismaila Sarr remains sidelined with a groin problem, while Chadi Riad is unavailable because of a knee injury. Jean-Philippe Mateta also remains a notable selection, given his ongoing legal dispute with the club over his contract.

Pierre Sage faces early Crystal Palace selection test

There is little reason to expect Sage to make wholesale changes for such a demanding fixture. Dean Henderson should retain his place in goal, with Palace expected to line up with three centre backs in front of him.

Jaydee Canvot, Chris Richards and Takehiro Tomiyasu are the likely defensive trio. It gives Sage a combination of physicality, mobility and experience, qualities that will be required against a Manchester City attack capable of stretching a defence in several different ways.

Daniel Munoz and Tyrick Mitchell should operate as wing backs. Their role could prove particularly important, because Palace will need to offer an attacking outlet while remaining disciplined when City have possession.

Adam Wharton key to Palace game plan

Adam Wharton could be one of the most important players on the pitch for Crystal Palace. His ability to play progressive passes through midfield offers Palace a route out when City inevitably apply pressure.

Daichi Kamada is expected to partner Wharton in central midfield, providing Sage with a player capable of contributing in possession and helping Palace maintain their shape without the ball.

Photo IMAGO

This could be a demanding tactical assignment. Palace cannot afford to spend the entire match defending deep, because eventually the pressure from Manchester City is likely to tell. Wharton’s distribution could therefore be crucial in turning defensive recoveries into meaningful attacks.

Jean-Philippe Mateta leads Crystal Palace attack

Mateta is again expected to lead the line, despite the contractual dispute surrounding his future. His physical presence gives Palace an obvious focal point and could offer them a way of bypassing City’s midfield when playing through the press becomes difficult.

Eddie Nketiah and Dwight McNeil are likely to operate just behind him. Both players have an opportunity to make an impression against a City side that, while possessing plenty of quality, has a new-look feel to it.

For Sage, this is an intriguing first home assignment. Crystal Palace need to show enough ambition to threaten Manchester City, while retaining the defensive discipline required to stay in the contest.

Crystal Palace possible starting lineup:

Henderson; Canvot, Richards, Tomiyasu; Munoz, Wharton, Kamada, Mitchell; McNeil, Nketiah; Mateta