City travel to Selhurst Park to play Crystal Palace, aiming for two consecutive Premier League wins, with Enzo Maresca preparing key defensive changes after some opening-day vulnerabilities.
Defensive realignment: Guehi and Dias?
Following a shaky defensive display against Bournemouth, Maresca is poised to restore Marc Guehi to central defence alongside Ruben Dias.
With Matheus Nunes not yet fully fit, Abdukodir Khusanov could feature at right-back, while Nico O’Reilly is expected to move to left-back.
Midfield balance: Anderson and Cherki potential starters
Cherki is in line for a starting spot in the ten role just off Erling Haaland after sparking City’s comeback last week.
In central midfield, Anderson is set to slot in alongside Mateo Kovacic to offer more control against what is expected to be a resolute Crystal Palace side. Another option is some minutes for new signing Ayyoub Bouaddi.
Predicted Starting Eleven vs Crystal Palace
With Jeremy Doku unavailable, Phil Foden and Antoine Semenyo are expected to operate as the wide players. As detailed in the Manchester Evening News’ Manchester City vs Crystal Palace coverage, City will look to control the tempo of the game against Palace, a feature of their style of play under pre-Maresca.
City Predicted XI: Donnarumma; Khusanov, Dias, Guehi, O’Reilly; Anderson, Kovacic, Cherki; Foden, Haaland, Semenyo.
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