Manchester City vs Crystal Palace: what to expect from the key stats
Mathematically, a Premier League title challenge remains theoretically alive for Arsenal, but only if Mikel Arteta’s side suffer defeats in their final two matches against already-relegated Burnley and Crystal Palace. Meanwhile, Manchester City would need to triumph against Bournemouth and Aston Villa to keep their hopes intact.
Pep Guardiola’s side remain unbeaten at home since October 2021
Pep Guardiola will likely dismiss such scenarios outright. Even after last season’s FA Cup final loss to Palace, City have dominated the Eagles in the league, going unbeaten in their last eight meetings (5 wins, 3 draws) since October 2021. The reigning champions have also been flawless at the Etihad Stadium in 2025/26, since a single defeat to Tottenham in August. Since then, they’ve opened the scoring in every subsequent league match at home—a trend Palace must address from the first whistle.
City’s attacking prowess is undeniable this season, with 38 goals scored in the first half—the highest tally in the league—and just nine conceded before the break, the lowest figure in the competition. Their defensive solidity is further highlighted by a 23-match unbeaten streak in evening fixtures, though five of their eight matches this year after 19:00 have ended in draws.
Erling Haaland and Jérémy Doku lead City’s attacking threat
Erling Haaland has developed a knack for Palace, scoring in all five of his Premier League appearances against them in a City shirt. Only Mohamed Salah and Raheem Sterling have matched such a feat in their first six meetings against a single opponent, both doing so against Bournemouth.
Jérémy Doku is another player in scintillating form, contributing five goals and two assists in his last six outings—equivalent to his combined tally from his previous 24 appearances for the club.
Crystal Palace’s attacking duo on the radar
Ismaila Sarr has been Palace’s standout performer, netting nine goals in his last ten starts and becoming the first player since Glenn Murray (2012/13) to reach 20 league goals in a single season for the club.
Jean-Philippe Mateta could etch his name into Palace folklore if he finds the net, as a goal would make him only the second player after Wilfried Zaha to reach 50 Premier League strikes for the Eagles. Notably, 17 of his 49 career goals came away from Selhurst Park, with just two of his 11 goals this season scored outside south London.
Palace’s away resilience against City
Palace have shown surprising resilience on their travels to the Etihad, scoring twice in each of their last four away trips there. Yet, they’ve managed just one win from those four encounters (1 win, 1 draw, 2 losses). Despite this, they’re among the top three teams with the most away victories this season, alongside City and Arsenal, and have conceded only two draws on the road.
City, meanwhile, boast the league’s top-scoring attack (72 goals), most completed passes (20,582), and highest pass success rate (89%). They also lead in total shots (549), shots on target (193), and conversion rate (18%). Former Palace captain Marc Guehi has made the most passes for City this season, with 2,126 attempts.
High-scoring first half likely as Palace struggle with possession
Palace, contrasting sharply with City’s dominance, have the league’s lowest pass success rate (78%) and second-worst conversion rate (13%). Expect goals in the final 15 minutes before halftime, a period where City have scored 20 times and Palace have conceded 17.
City have lost just once after taking the lead this season, reinforcing the need for Palace to strike early if they harbour any hopes of salvaging a point.
Injury updates for both teams
Crystal Palace will be without Cheick Doucouré and Eddie Nketiah, while Evann Guessand and Borna Sosa face last-minute fitness tests. Manchester City, meanwhile, could be missing Rodri and Josko Gvardiol, with Abdukodir Khusanov also awaiting a late medical.
