Manchester City head into their Premier League encounter with Crystal Palace this weekend knowing that a win takes them to within three points of the title.
After a huge win in Paris in midweek, City travel to south London to take on Roy Hodgson’s side with a massive Champions League semi-final second leg on Tuesday to navigate too. Palace don’t have much to play for, but still have quality in attacking positions and always give them a good battle.
Pep Guardiola is likely to rotate his team ahead of the second leg and with his squad so strong he’ll expect victory, but who should start this game to give them the best chance of sealing three points? 90min takes a look.
Ederson (GK) – The goalkeeper is the undisputed number one and doesn’t need a rest, so he’ll start.
Joao Cancelo (RB) – Cancelo struggled in Paris on the left and was subbed, so should move to his usual right-back spot to get back on track and provide a big threat going forward.
Nathan Ake (CB) – The former Bournemouth man has struggled with injuries in his first season at the Etihad but should get some minutes here to allow Ruben Dias a rest.
Aymeric Laporte (CB) – With John Stones suspended and Eric Garcia pretty much on his way to Barcelona, Laporte should look to continue the momentum of his cup final winning goal by starting here.
Oleksandr Zinchenko (LB) – The Ukrainian was excellent after coming on against PSG and has made the left-back spot his own under Guardiola, so deserves another start here.
Fernandinho (DM) – The captain and standard setter of the side, he should come in to allow Rodri a rest but also to make sure the team doesn’t let their focus slip.
Ilkay Gundogan (CM) – Gundogan has seen goals and assists dry up recently, but his influence hasn’t dwindled and he should continue in the heart of the midfield.
Bernardo Silva (CM) – The Portuguese midfielder’s best performances have come in the middle this season and with Kevin De Bruyne likely to be rested, Silva should get the nod once again.
Ferran Torres (RW) – Torres started the season well but has found opportunities limited recently, so should get the nod here.
Gabriel Jesus (ST) – City have opted to play without a natural striker in recent weeks, but Jesus tends to do well when he does play and should look to force his way into the midweek plans here.
Raheem Sterling (LW) – Six goals and one assist in his last seven games against Palace, Sterling lost his place this season and will be hungry to get it back ahead of the biggest game in the club’s history in midweek.
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