Top match at Selhurst Park
While it initially appeared that Arsenal Football Club would be able to pull away at the top of the Premier League table early in the season and cruise to the title, the top teams have recently closed the gap significantly. With the Gunners winning only two of their last five PL games, Manchester City, their closest rival, has reduced the gap to two points. The Cityzens picked up 12 out of a possible 15 points in the same period.
In general, Pep Guardiola’s team, which even won 2-1 at Real Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday and is now on a four-game winning streak in competitive matches, can be said to be in really good form. So, in theory, the Sky Blues have everything they need to make a prediction of an away win between Crystal Palace and Manchester City on Sunday come true. Nevertheless, the calculation must not be made without the host, in this case Oliver Glasner’s team.
The reigning FA Cup winners, who were still active in the Conference League on Thursday and picked up three important points against Irish representatives Shelbourne, are having a strong season so far. Very few experts would have believed in the summer that the Eagles would be ahead of Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham, Newcastle, and Manchester United after 15 matchdays in the world’s strongest national soccer league. In fact, the Londoners are in fourth place and, with ten points from their last five PL matches, are one of the strongest teams on the island.
The Crystal Palace’s showpiece is undoubtedly their meticulous defensive work. Only leaders Arsenal have conceded fewer goals (nine). The capital club has kept a clean sheet in four of its last six Premier League games. However, a solid defense will also be needed this weekend in the 16th round of Premier League fixtures, as the country’s best offense comes to town. Man City have scored three or more goals in each of their last three wins, tallying a whopping 35 goals this season and boasting the highest xG value of any team. It is therefore helpful to make a prediction about the expected course of the game between Crystal Palace and Manchester City in advance.
Of course, Pep’s team will have more of the game and generate significantly more possession. But that could play into the hands of the home side. After all, Glasner’s team has won 17 of its last 20 league games when it had less than 50% possession on paper. Thirteen of these victories date back to the 2025 calendar year. With a focused performance against the ball and quick transitions, the Eagles want to upset the next favorite.
However, I don’t think they will succeed. The FA Cup winners have been too weak and harmless at home so far this season. They have picked up just ten points from seven PL home games (15th place). Their nine goals scored so far even put them in the bottom quarter of England’s top flight.
Only one of their last four home games has been won. In three of the seven home games mentioned, the Eagles failed to score. If this happens again, you can cash in on attractive Crystal Palace vs. Manchester City odds of up to 2.90 on “Palace not to score.” Just as interesting, however, is a match combo that targets a point win for the favored visitors in combination with a maximum of three goals in the game.
Crystal Palace – Manchester City Head-to-head record
Crystal Palace have not won a PL home game against Manchester City since 2015. City have won seven of the last ten games at Selhurst Park. Three draws round off the record. In general, the Sky Blues’ recent record against the Eagles is impressive. Thirteen wins, five draws, and only two defeats adorn the picture of the last 20 encounters.
However, the most recent direct duel went to the Londoners. It was the FA Cup final in May 2025, which Glasner’s team sensationally won 1-0. Whether the former industry leader’s desire for revenge will further influence the Crystal Palace vs. Manchester City betting odds would have to be asked of the betting providers.
Crystal Palace – Manchester City Tip
In terms of the table, this is the top match of the day in the English Premier League. Fourth-placed Crystal Palace face second-placed Manchester City, who have won their last four competitive games in a row and are in impressive form, especially in attack.
Nevertheless, the Sky Blues may well have to be patient in London on Sunday. After all, the Eagles from the capital have one of the best defenses in the league. From a relatively deep defensive block, coach Oliver Glasner’s charges will want to build on their strong transition game and possibly cause another surprise – similar to the FA Cup final in May.
Nevertheless, it must be noted that the hosts are currently the best away team in the Premier League and struggle primarily in front of their home crowd. Just nine goals scored are an indication that it will be difficult to end their ten-game winless streak at home against City. Ahead of the Crystal Palace vs. Manchester City match, I therefore prefer the X2 & Under 3.5 bet, which is offered at 1.98 at Betano. My fictional stake is four units.
