Premier League | Matchweek 16 | Sunday, December 14, 2025
Crystal Palace host Manchester City at Selhurst Park on Sunday afternoon in a rematch of May’s FA Cup Final, which the Eagles won 1-0 to claim their first major trophy. City sit second on 31 points, two behind leaders Arsenal, while Palace occupy fifth with 26 points and a victory would lift them into the Champions League places.
Table Context
City’s plus-19 goal difference (35 scored, 16 conceded) reflects their attacking firepower, though they trail Arsenal by two points in the title race. Palace’s plus-8 (20 scored, 12 conceded) represents the second-best defensive record in the Premier League, underpinning their surprise push for European qualification.
Head-to-Head History
The Wembley triumph in May reshaped this rivalry’s narrative. At Selhurst Park over the last six meetings, City have won three times with two draws and one Palace victory. Overall across the last 10 encounters, City lead 5-3-2 with four wins by two or more goals, including a 5-2 victory in April 2025.
However, Palace have developed a habit of unsettling City early. They have opened the scoring inside the first 10 minutes in four of their last six meetings.
Crystal Palace Form
In their last six matches overall, Palace have recorded W3-D2-L1, averaging 1.33 goals scored and 0.83 conceded per game. A 3-0 Conference League victory over Shelbourne kept momentum rolling.
Their last three home matches show W2-D0-L1 with 1.67 goals scored and 1.00 conceded per game. Selhurst Park remains a difficult venue for visitors, with the atmosphere widely regarded as the most intimidating in the league.
Manchester City Form
City’s last six overall reads W4-D0-L2, averaging 2.33 goals scored and 1.00 conceded per game. A statement 2-1 victory at Real Madrid in the Champions League midweek boosted confidence significantly.
Away form shows W2-D0-L1 in the last three, scoring 2.00 goals and conceding 1.33 per game. City have been vulnerable on the counter but remain prolific, scoring eight of their last 10 away goals in second halves.
Tactical Outlook
The tactical contrast is stark. Palace average 42% possession and thrive on direct counter-attacks, while City dominate at 60% with 16.7 shots per game compared to Palace’s 11.6.
The key battle pits Eberechi Eze against City’s high defensive line. Eze’s pace and creativity could exploit the spaces left by City’s aggressive positioning. Palace’s tendency to start fast against this opponent adds intrigue to the opening exchanges.
Team News
Palace are without Daniel Muñoz (knee surgery), Cheick Doucouré (knee), and Ismaïla Sarr (ankle). Jefferson Lerma faces a late fitness test. Losing Muñoz weakens the right side significantly, with Nathaniel Clyne expected to deputize.
City’s midfield crisis deepens. Rodri (ACL recovery) and Mateo Kovačić (heel) remain sidelined, leaving Pep Guardiola critically short in defensive midfield. John Stones (leg) is doubtful while Kevin De Bruyne may be rotated following the Madrid exertions. Nico O’Reilly or Rico Lewis could be pressed into midfield duty.
Palace are expected to deploy Oliver Glasner’s trademark 3-4-2-1. City will likely field a 4-3-3 or 3-2-4-1 with Lewis inverting to cover the midfield gap.
Numbers to Watch
- 4 of 6: Palace matches against City where they scored inside 10 minutes
- 8 of 10: City’s away goals this season scored in second halves
- 2nd: Palace’s defensive ranking in the Premier League
Where to Watch
Kickoff: 2:00 PM GMT
UK: Sky Sports Main Event / Premier League | US: Peacock, NBC Sports
