By OkayGoal
Friday night brings something we haven’t seen in a long while, a genuinely new era beginning at Selhurst Park, as Pierre Sage takes charge of his first Premier League home fixture against Manchester City. For a club that spent the summer bidding farewell to Oliver Glasner after all that silverware, there’s a nervy sort of excitement in the air.
The good news is Sage has most of his squad available. The bad news, at least for now, is that Ismaila Sarr remains out with that groin issue, which conveniently or not has kept him away from the transfer noise surrounding Liverpool’s interest. Chadi Riad is also missing through a knee problem, leaving Sage with a few decisions to make at the back.
Crystal Palace predicted lineup vs Manchester City
Dean Henderson continues in goal, which was never really in doubt given his form since arriving. In front of him, expect a back three of Jaydee Canvot, Chris Richards and Takehiro Tomiyasu, a mix of experience and composure that should give City’s forwards little room to breathe.
Daniel Munoz and Tyrick Mitchell look set to occupy the wing back roles, and both will need to be at their sharpest, bombing forward to support the attack while still being disciplined enough to track back against a City side packed with pace and movement out wide.
In midfield, Adam Wharton remains the heartbeat of this team. His ability to break lines with a single pass is precisely what Palace will need if they’re to trouble Pep Guardiola’s men, and he’s tipped to be flanked by the ever adaptable Daichi Kamada.
Up front, Jean-Philippe Mateta continues to lead the line despite the ongoing contract dispute hanging over him, a situation Palace fans will be hoping gets resolved sooner rather than later. Eddie Nketiah and Dwight McNeil are expected to support him just behind, both eager to make an impression against a City backline still finding its feet under new personnel.
Crystal Palace predicted lineup vs Manchester City: Henderson, Canvot, Richards, Tomiyasu, Munoz, Wharton, Kamada, Mitchell, McNeil, Nketiah, Mateta
It won’t be easy, City rarely are, but there’s something rather fitting about testing yourself against the very best on your first night in the job. Selhurst Park should be bouncing.