Premier League | Matchweek 16 | Sunday, December 14, 2025
Manchester City travel to Selhurst Park on Sunday with their midfield stretched to breaking point and fatigue from a grueling Champions League battle in Madrid still lingering. Crystal Palace, fresh from a routine Conference League victory, sense an opportunity to complete a remarkable double over Pep Guardiola’s side following their FA Cup Final triumph in May.
The Rodri Problem
City’s title challenge hinges on solving their midfield crisis. Rodri remains sidelined with his ACL recovery while Mateo Kovačić nurses a heel injury. The pair’s absence leaves Guardiola “wafer-thin” in defensive midfield, forcing creative solutions that have yielded mixed results.
Nico O’Reilly or Rico Lewis may be pressed into unfamiliar central roles. Lewis has shown capability inverting from full-back, but Palace’s direct approach will test any makeshift midfield configuration.
John Stones (leg) faces a late fitness test, adding to selection headaches. Kevin De Bruyne may be rotated following Wednesday’s intense 2-1 victory at Real Madrid.
Rest Advantage
The fixture schedule favors Palace significantly. While City expended energy in a high-stakes Champions League knockout atmosphere at the Bernabéu, Palace strolled to a 3-0 Conference League victory over Shelbourne with minimal exertion.
That freshness could prove decisive. Palace have opened the scoring inside the first 10 minutes in four of their last six meetings with City. Their direct, high-tempo approach from kickoff has consistently troubled Guardiola’s men, and tired legs struggle to match early intensity.
City’s second-half pattern offers hope for visitors. They have scored eight of their last 10 away goals after the interval, suggesting Guardiola’s side often require time to establish control.
Palace’s Defensive Foundation
Dean Henderson’s form has underpinned Palace’s remarkable season. The Eagles boast the second-best defensive record in the Premier League, conceding just 12 goals in 15 matches. They have kept four clean sheets in their last 10 games.
That solidity gives Oliver Glasner’s side a platform to frustrate opponents and strike on the counter through Eberechi Eze and Jean-Philippe Mateta.
In their last three home matches, Palace recorded W2-D0-L1, averaging 1.67 goals scored and just 1.00 conceded per game. Selhurst Park’s intimidating atmosphere amplifies their effectiveness.
Glasner’s Counter-Attack Blueprint
The tactical matchup favors Palace’s strengths. City will dominate possession at approximately 60%, but Palace thrive with just 42% and rely on rapid transitions. They generate 11.6 shots per game compared to City’s 16.7, but make their chances count.
Eze versus City’s high defensive line represents the critical duel. His pace and creativity could exploit the gaps left when City commit numbers forward, particularly against a midfield lacking its usual protective screen.
Palace Absences
Palace have injury concerns of their own. Daniel Muñoz (knee surgery), Cheick Doucouré (knee), and Ismaïla Sarr (ankle) are all unavailable. Jefferson Lerma faces a fitness test.
Losing Sarr diminishes counter-attacking speed on the flanks, while Muñoz’s absence forces Nathaniel Clyne into the right wing-back role. Clyne provides experience but lacks the same attacking dynamism.
Glasner will deploy his trademark 3-4-2-1 with Eze and Daichi Kamada operating behind Mateta.
Numbers to Watch
- 0: Rodri and Kovačić available for City’s midfield
- 4: Palace clean sheets in their last 10 matches
- 8 of 10: City away goals scored in second halves this season
Where to Watch
Kickoff: 2:00 PM GMT
UK: Sky Sports Main Event / Premier League | US: Peacock, NBC Sports
