Manchester City defeated Nottingham Forest 3-0 in the middle of the week to get back to winning ways.
Pep Guardiola’s team will now look to capitalize on that momentum at Crystal Palace today after the Blues’ triumph at the Etihad on Wednesday night broke their seven-game losing streak.
With Nathan Ake out due to a hamstring injury sustained in the middle of the week, City will have to make at least one change. Another backline reorganization will result from John Stones’ absence as well.
Ruben Dias and Manuel Akanji, who was substituted at halftime against Forest due to fitness concerns, could be called upon to play in the middle of the back four. Josko Gvardiol will probably stay on the left, while Stefan Ortega, who recorded a clean sheet in the middle of the week, may keep his position.
We can’t tell from today’s pick who will start in Italy when the Champions League resumes next week because neither Rico Lewis nor Kyle Walker played in midweek. Given Walker’s background, he might be chosen at that point, so Lewis starts at Selhurst Park.
Up the field, Guardiola has to strike a balance between fitness and rotation while without altering a winning squad. While Jeremy Doku’s impressive performances in his last two games should be sufficient to keep him in the starting lineup at the expense of Savinho, Ilkay Gundogan, Jack Grealish, and Bernardo Silva appear likely starters
Kevin De Bruyne was excellent against Forest, but his minutes need to be controlled. With Juventus approaching and Christmas approaching, he might be benched in favor of Mathues Nunes. Erling Haaland will start at the front. Oscar Bobb, Mateo Kovacic, and Rodri are still out, and Phil Foden is still sick.
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