Getty

TOPSHOT - Manchester City's Norwegian striker #09 Erling Haaland (R) celebrates with teammates after scoring the opening goal of the English Premier League football match between Crystal Palace and Manchester City at Selhurst Park in south London on December 14, 2025. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. /

Manchester City hosted Crystal Palace on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, in a crucial Premier League Matchday 36 clash at the Etihad Stadium. Manchester City entered the night in second place with 74 points and needed a victory to keep pressure on league leaders Arsenal FC in the title race.

Crystal Palace arrived in 15th place with little left to play for domestically, though attention around the club had already shifted toward the upcoming UEFA Conference League final. The pressure surrounding this fixture remained firmly on City as they looked to take advantage of their game in hand.

Manchester City vs Crystal Palace Match Context

The buildup to Manchester City vs Crystal Palace centered around City’s title challenge and possible squad rotation ahead of the FA Cup final against Chelsea FC later in the week. Despite recent dropped points, City still remained mathematically in the race and could not afford another setback.

Crystal Palace approached the match with less league pressure but still carried confidence from previous meetings. Last season, Palace defeated City in the FA Cup final at Wembley, although City had won the reverse league fixture 3–0 earlier this campaign.

Historically, Palace has occasionally caused problems for City, especially on counterattacks, though the Etihad has largely favored the home side in recent years.

Team News and Predicted Lineups

Pep Guardiola opted for extensive squad rotation to rest key figures ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup Final against Chelsea. Striker Erling Haaland, Jérémy Doku, and Rayan Cherki all begin the match from the bench.

Manchester City (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Nunes, Khusanov, Guéhi, Gvardiol; Ait-Nouri, Bernardo (c), Foden; Semenyo, Savinho, Marmoush.

Crystal Palace (3-4-2-1): Henderson (c); Richards, Lacroix, Canvot; Munoz, Lerma, Hughes, Mitchell; Johnson, Pino; Mateta.