Pep Guardiola is now talking of securing Champions League football as early as possible and, while Crystal Palace may be no walkover, victory would take Manchester City a minimum of 15 points clear of fifth place. This game is too early for Aymeric Laporte but the defensive lynchpin’s return is imminent to further brighten the mood at the Etihad. Jamie Jackson
Saturday 3pm
Venue Etihad Stadium
Last season Manchester City 2 Crystal Palace 3
Referee Graham Scott
This season G12 Y36 R3 3.50 cards/game
Odds H 1-12 A 28-1 D 10-1
MANCHESTER CITY
Subs from Bravo, Carson, Angeliño, García, Harwood-Bellis, Doyle, Cancelo,
Foden, Zinchenko, Jesus, Otamendi, Gundogan, D Silva
Doubtful None
Injured Laporte (match fitness, Feb), Sané (match fitness, Feb)
Suspended None
Discipline Y41 R2
Form WWLWWW
Leading scorer Agüero 13
CRYSTAL PALACE
Subs from Henderson, Hennessey, Camarasa, Dreher, Lokilo, Wickham, Pierrick, Benteke, Ward
Doubtful Ward (knee)
Injured Schlupp, Townsend (both groin, Feb), Dann (calf), Meyer (ankle), Sakho (hamstring), Van Aanholt (hamstring, all unknown)
Suspended Milivojevic (second of three)
Discipline Y34 R1
Form DLWDDD
Leading scorer Ayew 6
