It has been another season of consolidation for Crystal Palace, who look to be safe from relegation but don’t have much to fight for in the remaining weeks.
The Eagles could prove to have a decisive say on what happens with the Premier League title though and in the race for the top-four, as they host Manchester City this weekend before travelling to face Arsenal the following week.
Palace’s game against City has been identified as one where Pep Guardiola’s title-chasing side could slip up in their quest to retain their crown, with Roy Hodgson’s men having a decent string of results at Selhurst Park against City in recent years.
However, buoyed on from a defeat against Tottenham Hotspur in midweek, a trio of pundits all believe the clash this weekend will end with City bouncing back ahead of their double-header against Spurs by taking all three points.
You can see what they had to say below.
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Michael Owen (City win, Betvictor )
City were not at their best against Spurs midweek, but they cannot afford to look ahead to the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final given they have a tough game at Selhurst Park on Sunday.
Indeed, Palace are looking to do the double over City for the first time since the 1972-73 season and this will be a severe test of City’s title credentials. Win and the pressure is back on Liverpool – who entertain Chelsea later in the afternoon.
If they drop points, then it will be advantage Liverpool – I expect Pep Guardiola’s side to show their class and mettle in what promises to be a terrific game.
Mark Lawrenson (3-0 City, BBC )
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola cannot have been happy with the way his side played in their Champions League defeat by Tottenham on Tuesday, and I am expecting a reaction here.
Palace are safe - or as good as safe - after their win at Newcastle last week and, with only four wins from 16 games at Selhurst Park, their home record this season is not exactly impressive.
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Paul Merson (2-1 City, Sky Sports )
I think Man City win because Palace haven't been great - especially at home. But it's down to pressure, now. They could be 1-0 up and cruising, with five minutes to play. And then from a set play it could be 1-1 and that could be it.
It's getting to that stage. They lacked a bit of cutting edge against Brighton and again in midweek in the Champions League. I don't know if that's them hitting a brick wall.
I think they'll have just about enough here but it'll be a tense game.
You've seen what the pundits have had to say, now it's time to make your own predictions!
This week's Footie5 matches: Brighton v Bournemouth, Burnley v Cardiff, Fulham v Everton, Southampton v Wolves, Sheffield United v Millwall.
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