Crystal Palace vs Manchester City predictions and betting tips | Maresca’s men seek another win

Our Crystal Palace vs Manchester City predictions look ahead to the opening game of the Premier League weekend, as Enzo Maresca takes his team to Selhurst Park.

Crystal Palace vs Manchester City head to head overview

• Date: Friday 28th August.
• Kick-off: 8pm.
• Venue: Selhurst Park, Manchester, England.
• Where to watch: Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League.

Crystal Palace vs Manchester City quick tips

• Manchester City to win to nil – 15/8 with Paddy Power
• Draw at half-time – 7/5 with Betway
• Rayan Cherki to score or assist – 20/21 with bet365

Crystal Palace vs Manchester City predictions

Manchester City did not do things the easy way in Enzo Maresca’s first Premier League game at the helm last weekend.

A Bournemouth break was finished off by James Tavernier in the 26th minute to give the visitors a surprise lead at the Etihad Stadium.

City dominated possession and created several chances in the second half, but it looked like it would not be their day.

Until, that is, defensive duo Marc Guehi (who played in midfield) and Josko Gvardiol popped up with late goals to turn the match on its head.

It was not a flawless performance from Maresca’s men, but they were worthy winners overall. Although Bournemouth carried a threat on the break throughout, City fashioned the better opportunities.

We may not see the best version of City until the winter. They have left much of their transfer business late, while it will take a while for Maresca to get his ideas across to a refreshed squad. For the time behind, the aim should be to avoid falling too far behind title favourites Arsenal.

This feels like a good time to play Crystal Palace, who are going through their own transition period following Oliver Glasner’s exit.

With uncertainty over the futures of Ismaila Sarr, Jean-Philippe Mateta and Daniel Munoz, Palace are no doubt desperate for the window to close.

Crystal Palace vs Manchester City tips

Manchester City are looking to make it two wins from two when they face Crystal Palace.

Tough game for Palace

Friday’s game will probably come too soon for Ayyoub Bouaddi to make Manchester City’s starting XI, so we could see Marc Guehi in central midfield once more.

Alternatively, the former Crystal Palace captain could drop back into defence with Mateo Kovacic getting the nod in the engine room. Either way, Enzo Maresca will hope to see a solid, controlled performance from his side. 

It helps that Crystal Palace could be without their two likeliest goal-getters in Jean-Philippe Mateta and Ismaila Sarr.

Without those two up top, Palace’s chances of finding the back of the net would be significantly reduced.

Tip Manchester City to win to nil at 15/8 with Paddy Power

Another late show?

If Crystal Palace are forced to name a second-string frontline, they will focus their efforts on making life difficult for Manchester City at the other end.

If the Selhurst Park faithful sees a committed, disciplined performance from the home team, they will get completely behind a backs-to-the-wall approach.

Holding out for 90 minutes against this City attack will be difficult, but Palace’s first aim will be to make it to half-time without conceding.

City were slow out of the traps against Bournemouth and we could see something similar in south London.

Go for a draw at half-time at 7/5 with Betway

Cherki can make impact

Rayan Cherki wasted little time in making his presence known after entering the fray against Bournemouth last time out.

Introduced shortly after the hour mark with Manchester City trailing 1-0, Cherki provided two assists as the hosts turned the contest around.

It was a reminder of the France international’s creative qualities. Cherki starred in Pep Guardiola’s final campaign in charge and he looks set to be an important player for Enzo Maresca too.

Given City will dominate possession at Selhurst Park, Cherki’s lock-picking invention will be invaluable.

Back Rayan Cherki to score or assist at 20/21 with bet365

Crystal Palace vs Manchester City predicted lineups

• Crystal Palace expected lineup: Henderson; Canvot, Richards, Tomiyasu; Munoz, Wharton, Kamada, Mitchell; McNeil, Strand Larsen, Pino.
• Manchester City expected lineup: Donnarumma; Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly; Anderson, Guehi; Foden, Cherki, Semenyo; Haaland.

Crystal Palace vs Manchester City latest odds

Find the latest Crystal Palace vs Manchester City betting odds here. All odds are provided by our recommended football bookmakers and are subject to change.

• Crystal Palace: 4/1 with Paddy Power
• Draw: 3/1 with bet365
• Manchester City: 8/13 with Betway

More Premier League predictions

We have plenty more Premier League predictions and picks – find our latest betting tips from expert punters in our match preview overview.

Important historical facts about Crystal Palace vs Manchester City for betting

Crystal Palace have only won one of their last 10 games against Manchester City, but the exception was the 2025 FA Cup final. City have not lost any of their last 12 trips to Selhurst Park.

• Last meeting: 13th May 2026; Manchester City 3-0 Crystal Palace.
• Last 6 matches: Crystal Palace wins – 1; Manchester City wins – 4; Draws – 1.

About the author

Greg Lea

Greg Lea is a freelance football writer from London. He predominantly covers the Premier League and has had work published by the Guardian, FourFourTwo, ESPN and others.

Follow Greg on X: @GregLeaFootball

Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to talkSPORT. 18+. T&Cs apply.

Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

• Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
• Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
• Never chase their losses
• Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
• Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk

Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.

For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.