Man City face Eagles to keep hopes alive – Beat Crystal Palace and stay on Arsenal’s trail
Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 13.05.26. | 14:35
Another must-win game awaits Pep Guardiola and his side, who need all three points at the Etihad to remain in the hunt during one of the most thrilling Premier League title races in recent memory
Manchester City have no margin for error as they welcome Crystal Palace this evening, knowing only a victory will keep their Premier League title hopes alive.
Arsenal tightened their grip on top spot with a hard-fought win over West Ham United on Sunday. The match ended in controversy when Callum Wilson thought he had rescued a point in stoppage time, only for his goal to be disallowed after a foul on David Raya was spotted during the scramble in the box.
Midweek football under the Etihad lights ✨
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That result moved the Gunners five points clear at the summit. City can reduce the gap to two with a win over Palace, but they will still need Arsenal to slip up in one of their final two matches if they are to retain the crown.
Palace may be safely in mid-table, but Oliver Glasner’s side showed at the weekend they remain highly competitive, earning a draw against Everton and denting the Toffees’ hopes of European qualification.
City, meanwhile, returned to their best with an emphatic 3–0 victory over Brentford. However, despite their convincing performance, Arsenal’s continued winning streak means Pep Guardiola and his players can only focus on taking maximum points and hoping for help elsewhere.
A trip to Selhurst Park on the final day means Arsenal still face a potentially awkward test, and Palace will be eager to maintain momentum ahead of their upcoming UEFA Europa Conference League Final clash with Rayo Vallecano.
City could make a few adjustments with the FA Cup Final on the horizon. Rodri remains doubtful after missing the Brentford game with a groin issue, though he may be fit enough to feature from the bench. Omar Marmoush is among the players pushing for a starting role after an impressive substitute appearance at the weekend.
• Are you concerned that Crystal Palace will play a weakened team vs Arsenal due to their Conference League Final?
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🚨🗣️ 𝗡𝗘𝗪: Pep Guardiola: "No, all the teams are professional. Aston Villa had nothing to play for when we faced them, and it was so difficult to beat them. So I… pic.twitter.com/TEFsO9Djt9
Palace continue to deal with several injury concerns. Eddie Nketiah and Cheick Doucoure are unavailable, while Evann Guessand and Borna Sosa are also major doubts.
ENGLAND PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 31
22.00: (1.20) Man.City (6.75) Crystal Palace (14.0)
***odds are subject to change***