Manchester City vs Crystal Palace: Premier League Match Preview

Manchester City host Crystal Palace at Etihad Stadium, Manchester, on 13 May 2026 in Premier League Regular Season - 31. City come into this fixture sitting 2nd with 74 points and a goal difference of 40, while Palace are 15th on 44 points with a goal difference of -6.

Manchester City Availability

Manchester City face several concerns.

• J. Gvardiol (Broken Leg) is doubtful.
• A. Khusanov (Injury) is doubtful.
• Rodri (Groin Injury) is doubtful.

All three are important structurally, though none appear among the league’s leading scorers or assist providers. Crucially for City’s attacking threat, E. Haaland (26 league goals, 8 assists) and R. Cherki (11 assists, 4 goals) are fully available, preserving the core of their offensive output.

Crystal Palace Availability

Crystal Palace have a heavier confirmed absentee list.

• C. Doucoure (Knee Injury) is sidelined.
• E. Nketiah (Thigh Injury) is sidelined.
• E. Guessand (Knee Injury) is doubtful.
• B. Sosa (Injury) is doubtful.

Losing E. Nketiah removes a potential attacking option, but Palace’s main goal threat J. Mateta (11 league goals) is available, which limits the overall damage to their frontline.

Impact Summary

Based on team season statistics, Manchester City retain virtually all of their primary attacking output, with their leading scorer and chief creator fit. Crystal Palace lose depth and rotation options in attack but keep their top scorer, meaning their starting offensive ceiling remains largely intact despite reduced flexibility from the bench.