Manchester City vs Crystal Palace Prediction & Betting Tips - Premier League

Prediction published on 16/12/2023, 01:34  by Steve Ashfield in Premier League Predictions

Fourth placed Manchester City can move up to second with a home win over 15th in the Premier League. City begin the weekend four points behind leaders Liverpool but only three behind second placed Arsenal. The Citizens have been struggling for form in recent weeks but seem to be heading out of that bad patch. Last Sunday saw the Blues come from behind to win 2-1 at Luton Town. That ended a run of four league games without a win for Pep Guardiola's side. Midweek saw a much-changed line-up win 3-2 at Red Star Belgrade in the Champions League. City continue to be difficult to beat at home and this season have won five of their seven Premier League games and drawing the other two. They have now gone 18 home league games without defeat since a loss to Brentford in November 2022. The last two against Liverpool and Tottenham have both ended in draws and not since 2016 have they gone three home league games without a win.

Crystal Palace are still seven points above the relegation zone. They don't need to panic yet but come into this fixture having only earned one point from their last five league games. Last week saw them lose at home to Liverpool 2-1 after leading at one stage. A form guide for the last ten league games has them in 16th place with only eight points out of 30. Away form is a problem at present with only one of the last four league fixtures being won. We go for Manchester City to win this (with or without the doubtful Haaland) and lead at half and full time.