Welcome to Sportstar’s live coverage of the Crystal Palace vs Manchester City Premier League 2024-25 match being played at Selhurst Park.
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Crystal Palace: Henderson (gk), Chalobah, Lacroix, Guehi, Munoz, Hughes, Lerma, Mitchell, Sarr, Eze, Mateta
Manchester City: Ortega (gk), Lewis, Walker, Dias, Gvardiol, Gundogan, Savinho, Silva, De Bruyne, Nunes, Haaland
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Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola said his side was in dire need of breaking its seven-game winless streak after it beat Nottingham Forest 3-0 in the Premier League on Wednesday.
The English champion’s barren run was the worst run Guardiola has endured in his managerial career. It included six defeats and a draw in the Champions League. However, the victory on Wednesday came at the cost of injuries to defenders Nathan Ake and Manuel Akanji.
“We needed it. The club, the players needed to win but it is just one game,” said Guardiola.
“The problems continue with Manu and Nathan. In general, the most important thing was to break this routine of not winning games and finally we won, but we have to continue,” he added.
Injury woes have been at the heart of City’s struggles in recent months with Ballon d’Or winner Rodri out for the season due to a serious knee problem.
Kevin De Bruyne’s return to the starting line-up for the first time since September was crucial in City breaking the rut. The playmaker set up the opener for Bernardo Silva before finding the net in the 31st minute. Jeremy Doku completed the win with a second-half strike.
Neither Akanji nor Ake are expected to be fit to face Crystal Palace on Saturday, but Phil Foden could return after missing the Forest match due to bronchitis.
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