Manchester City are preparing for a trip down to the capital tonight (Monday) where they will face Crystal Palace.
The Blues are in high spirits coming into this one after thrashing local rivals Manchester United last time out. Patrick Viera's Palace have hit a purple patch of form themselves and beat Wolves in their last outing.
City will be looking for three points to help extend their lead at the top of the table. The gap is now just three points after Liverpool beat Brighton and Hove Albion 2-0 on Saturday.
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Mark Lawrenson
"Patrick Vieira is doing a great job at Crystal Palace. They are good to watch going forward too, with plenty of width, and he has changed the formation and mentality of the team since taking over from Roy Hodgson — the focus before was being difficult to beat, but now it is on their attacking play," Lawrenson explained to the BBC.
"The Eagles beat Manchester City at Etihad Stadium earlier in the season and I am sure they will have another good go at City on Monday evening. I still fancy City to come out on top, though.
"We saw in the Manchester derby how good they can be and I'd be surprised if their levels dropped here. They know they have got Liverpool breathing down their necks."
Score prediction: Crystal Palace 0-3 Manchester City
Michael Owen
Owen told BetVictor : "I thought Palace played some really good football in that win over Wolves last week. There’s not many sides outside the top eight who have the attacking quality that this Palace side has, and they always look a threat.
"United’s performance got a lot of the attention, but Man City were typically dominant in the derby. The second half in particular was typical City.
"They controlled the game and created chance after chance. I wouldn’t be shocked to see Palace scoring here, but City are too strong right now."
Score prediction: Crystal Palace 1-3 Manchester City
Paul Merson
"This is a hard game for Manchester City. They were outstanding last week against Manchester United," Merson told SportsKeeda.
"I think I nearly called that result, didn’t I? City are a bit open on the counter, and I think Patrick Vieira will look to exploit that this weekend.
"Crystal Palace are a better opponent than United for Manchester City, believe it or not. They know exactly what they’re doing, and they’re a proper team.
"Palace will sit back and break with pace and energy, this is going to be a good game. I’m going to back Manchester City to win, but I don’t think this will be a walk in the park."
Score prediction: Crystal Palace 1-2 Manchester City
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