CRYSTAL PALACE host Man City on Saturday in the Premier League. Marcus Ally (@Marcus_Ally_4) oversees the encounter.
Crystal Palace vs Manchester City | Saturday 1st May 2021, 12:30 | Sky Sports
In what is looking like Roy Hodgson’s final stretch in the dugout at Selhurst Park, Pep Guardiola has the chance to seal the Premier League title, in what is likely to be his last meeting with the 73-year-old.
The second half of the campaign has been a damp squib for the Eagles, who somewhat due to the lack of quality in the bottom half, have found themselves in a comfortable position for most of the season.
The market provides more value in backing the visitors because of their Champions League exertion and in that a shorter recovery time especially for an early kickoff, but this is Manchester City, they have the squad to cope with that.
Process
Palace are fortunate to not be fighting tooth and nail to stay in the division. A lack of motivation for results and performances in recent months has seen their numbers regress alarmingly, they now have created the lowest expected goals (xG) of any side in the league, even Sheffield United have been more productive going forward.
The defence first approach from Hodgson does not suit his teams to strong xG data and that has seen Palace rank 17th for defensive process, conceding 54 from 57.5 xGA this term. There will be an almighty turnover of players in the summer with an enormous chunk of the squad out of contract, Steve Parish and the recruitment team at the club have a lot of phone calls to make.
Manchester City will be worthy winners when crowned, whether it be this weekend or not, they have been head and shoulders the best team in the division, with the signing of Ruben Dias proving one of their most shrewd signings ever. Guardiola’s men are completely superior to Palace and with the finishing line in sight, will have the bit between their teeth.
It was a physical battle against Paris Saint-Germain but in Aymeric Laporte, Raheem Sterling, Ferran Torres, Fernandinho and more, who did not play a minute in midweek, the Eagles have a difficult afternoon lying ahead of them.
Goals?
I want to get an unders play on side, there have been three goals or less in all of City’s last 11.
- Palace have scored in six of 10.
- Palace have conceded in seven of 10.
- Palace have seen both teams score in five of 10.
- Palace have seen over 2.5 goals in five of 10.
- City have scored in nine of 10.
- City have conceded in six of 10.
- City have seen both teams score in five of 10.
- City have seen over 2.5 goals in five of 10.
Attacks win games but defences win championships, City should get over the line in South London.
Best Bets
Crystal Palace vs Manchester City – Manchester City to Win + Under 3.5 Goals (24/25 888sport)
