The Manchester City vs Crystal Palace match being played tomorrow, 13th of May, 2026, is a vital rescheduled Matchday 31 fixture at the Etihad Stadium. Manchester City enters this game in 2nd place, trailing leaders Arsenal by five points. With a game in hand and only a few matches remaining, the Citizens must secure a win to keep their title hopes alive. Crystal Palace, currently in the lower half of the table, are looking to mathematically secure their Premier League status. As the teams prepare for this Wednesday night kickoff, this is a summary of their recent history:
Head-to-Head Summary (Last 10 matches)
Manchester City Wins: 5
Crystal Palace Wins: 2
Draws: 3
Total Yellow Cards: 42
Average Yellow Cards: 4.2 per match
Total Red Cards: 0
Penalties: 2
Manchester City has generally dominated this fixture, though the Eagles have a reputation for being a "bogey team" at the Etihad, notably winning there in 2021. However, City are unbeaten in their last eight league games against Palace and secured a dominant 3-0 win in the reverse fixture earlier this season.
Most Recent Match (14 December 2025): Crystal Palace 0 - 3 Manchester City
Goals
Total goals scored: 32 (Last 10 matches)
Average goals per match: 3.2
Goal Breakdown
Manchester City: 22
Crystal Palace: 10
Home and Away Analysis
Manchester City enters this match with an 81.4% win probability. They have been formidable at the Etihad this season and are currently on a ten-match scoring streak. After a high-scoring 3-3 draw with Everton recently, they bounced back with a 3-0 home win against Brentford, showing they have rediscovered their defensive rhythm.
Crystal Palace travels to Manchester having suffered only one defeat in their last four matches. However, they have struggled to keep clean sheets lately, conceding in each of their last five outings. While they are essentially safe from the drop, they need a few more points to be mathematically certain of survival.
Tactical Matchup and Style of Play
Manchester City
Under Pep Guardiola, City continues to utilize a possession-heavy system anchored by Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal. They focus on wide overloads and the clinical finishing of Erling Haaland, who scored twice in the reverse fixture. With the title race on the line, expect City to push for an early goal to settle nerves and dominate the midfield tempo.
Crystal Palace
Oliver Glasner has maintained a disciplined defensive structure, often relying on a 3-4-2-1 or 5-4-1 block against top-tier opposition. They will look to disrupt City's rhythm and hit on the break through the pace of Yeremy Pino and Ismaila Sarr. A key narrative tonight is Marc Guehi, the former Palace captain, facing his old club for the first time since his winter move to City.
Current Season Form
Manchester City
They are 2nd in the table with 74 points. Their recent form is excellent (W-D-W-W-W), and they boast the league's best attack with 72 goals scored. They are currently unbeaten in their last eight Premier League matches.
Crystal Palace
They sit 14th with 44 points. Their recent form is steady (D-W-L-W-D). While they have a comfortable eight-point cushion above the relegation zone, they are eager to cross the 45-point mark to officially end any lingering relegation talk.
Injuries and Expectations
Manchester City is leaving it late to decide on the fitness of Rodri (groin) and Abdukodir Khusanov (knock), with both being assessed after today's training. Josko Gvardiol is also nearing a return after three months out but is a major doubt for a starting spot. Crystal Palace remains without Eddie Nketiah, Borna Sosa, and Cheick Doucoure, though the rest of the squad is largely fit and ready. Expectations are for a dominant City performance, while Palace will aim to remain compact and frustrate the hosts.
Favourites to win
Given the stats in the Manchester City vs Crystal Palace clash, Manchester City are the overwhelming favorites to win as they continue their pursuit of Arsenal. While Palace can be a stubborn opponent, City’s attacking depth and the motivation of the title race should be enough to secure a comfortable home victory. A 3-0 or 3-1 win for the Citizens is the most likely outcome.