Man City fans are asking manager Pep Guardiola why he has decided to drop Riyad Mahrez for the clash against Crystal Palace.
Mahrez has been in scintillating form in recent weeks , grabbing three goals and three assists in the last five Premier League games, and was the Man of the Match in the 6-1 mauling of Aston Villa last week.
The Algerian got the scoring underway by hitting a fine brace in the first-half and the performance prompted high praise from Guardiola ahead of Saturday's game, saying he was in the form of his City career.
"Yes - especially because he plays regularly," he said. "It’s difficult for the players when you play one game and then another and then after don’t play.
"Everybody needs rhythm and Riyad is now creating often. He is clinical in front of goal - you always have the feeling that when he has the ball there he will score a goal. That feeling is so nice for him and for all of us."
However, the Blues boss has opted to drop Mahrez for the game, selecting Bernardo Silva and Raheem Sterling on the flanks instead.
Though it may be explained by the fact that City are back in action on Tuesday in an, on paper, tougher fixture against Sheffield United and he may want to keep Mahrez fresh.
Still, Guardiola has confused fans by taking his in-form star out of the side against a Palace side who have threatened to become a bogey side in the past.
The last time the Eagles visited the Etihad they dealt a shock 3-2 defeat to City, however, the Blues have won the last two meetings comfortably, recording a 2-0 victory at Selhurst Park earlier this season.
You can see a selection of City fan's reactions below:
Man City XI vs Crystal Palace: Ederson; Cancelo, Stones, Fernandinho, Mendy; Gundogan, Silva, De Bruyne; Bernardo, Aguero, Sterling.
Substitutes: Bravo, Walker, Otamendi, Rodri, Foden, Mahrez, Jesus.
