Crystal Palace vs Manchester City prediction 14.12.2025 | Premier League

Under Oliver Glasner, Palace have combined a conservative defensive base with clinical transitional moments. After 15 league games, Palace have scored 20 goals and conceded 12 (goal difference +8), placing them among the top four defensive records in the division. Their most recent result - a 3-0 Conference League win in Dublin - saw Glasner rotate the squad and protect key players ahead of the Manchester City clash, while younger squad members were given valuable minutes.

In Premier League terms, the Eagles enter Sunday’s fixture on the back of two consecutive defeats against Burnley and Fulham. Despite generally strong form across competitions, they have struggled to translate performances into consistent home wins. Although Glasner’s men have lost only once at Selhurst Park this season, they have also collected just two wins from a possible seven (W2 D4 L1).

The club’s injury situation remains significant: Glasner has been managing minor knocks by resting key starters in Europe and continues to adopt a cautious approach with any players carrying slight injuries ahead of this heavyweight Premier League test. Cheick Doucouré, Caleb Kporha, and Daniel Muñoz are currently ruled out.

Manchester City arrive having rediscovered their offensive rhythm in recent weeks. They have looked close to the attacking superpower they were a couple of seasons ago, scoring over 2.5 goals in five of their last six Premier League matches. Pep Guardiola’s side will also take confidence from their crucial midweek Champions League victory away at Real Madrid.

The Citizens come into this match on a four-game winning streak across all competitions, recovering strongly from the brief dip in form that included back-to-back defeats against Newcastle and Leverkusen. Nevertheless, Guardiola’s men have conceded 16 league goals - higher than in several of their title-winning campaigns - suggesting that Palace may find opportunities if they press intelligently.

City remain without John Stones and Mateo Kovačić, who are still sidelined. Rodri did travel to Madrid with the first team but was not included in the matchday squad. Sunday’s encounter at Selhurst Park may offer the Ballon d’Or winner the chance to return with a limited second-half appearance, depending on his fitness assessment.