Manchester City vs Crystal Palace Clash: Full Premier League Lineups, Head-to-Head Stats 2026

Key Points

• Manchester City face Crystal Palace at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday, 13 May 2026, with a 20:00 UK kick-off in a key Premier League fixture.
• The match is live on Sky Sports in the UK, with Manchester City’s Matchday Centre starting at 18:00 UK time for text updates and audio commentary by Alistair Mann and Nicky Weaver.
• City sit second in the Premier League with 61 points from 30 games (18 wins, 7 draws, 5 losses), two points behind leaders Arsenal, making this a vital game in the title race.
• Crystal Palace are mid-table with 39 points from 30 games (10 wins, 9 draws, 11 losses).
• Head-to-head: Manchester City have won 22 of 31 meetings since 2004, Crystal Palace 4, with 5 draws; City average 2.4 goals per game against Palace.
• Recent form: City won their last four league games, including 3-0 over Brentford; earlier this season, City beat Palace 3-0 at Selhurst Park with goals from Erling Haaland (brace) and Phil Foden.
• Pep Guardiola holds a press conference on Tuesday, 12 May 2026, at 12:30 UK time.
• Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has led the team to record points totals and their first major trophy last season.

Manchester City(Manchester Mirror)May 11, 2026 – Manchester City prepare to host Crystal Palace in a pivotal Premier League encounter at the Etihad Stadium tonight, as the title race reaches its climax.

What is the Manchester City vs Crystal Palace Lineup for 13 May 2026?

Team news remains fluid ahead of kick-off, with Pep Guardiola expected to provide updates at his press conference today. As per Manchester City’s official preview, no specific injuries were detailed, but the squad’s recent form suggests key players like Erling Haaland and Phil Foden will feature prominently.

Crystal Palace, under Oliver Glasner, may rely on their solid defensive setup seen earlier this season. In their December 2025 meeting at Selhurst Park, Palace lined up in a 3-4-2-1 formation with Dean Henderson in goal, though they fell 0-3.

Sky Sports previews note City’s depth allows rotation, but with Arsenal leading by two points, Guardiola is unlikely to rest stars.

Why is Manchester City vs Crystal Palace Crucial in the Title Race?

Manchester City enter on a four-match winning league streak, including a 3-0 victory over Brentford that closed the gap to Arsenal. A win tonight would apply maximum pressure on the leaders, who have three games left matching City’s schedule.

As reported by the official Manchester City site, this fixture is part of their run-in, following draws against Nottingham Forest and West Ham, and wins over Chelsea, Arsenal, Burnley, and Brentford.

Crystal Palace, holding 39 points, aim to build on mid-table security but face a tough test against City’s attack.

What Are the Head-to-Head Stats Between Manchester City and Crystal Palace?

Historical data shows dominance by Manchester City. Across 31 games since 2004, City have 22 wins, Palace 4, and 5 draws, per AiScore statistics.

City scored 75 goals to Palace’s 25 in those encounters, averaging 2.4 goals per game. In the last five meetings, City won three, one draw, Palace one.

Sky Sports head-to-head form ahead of the December game highlighted City’s edge, a trend continuing into 2026.

How Have Manchester City and Crystal Palace Performed This Season?

Manchester City boast 61 points from 30 matches: 18-7-5 record, with 32 goals conceded and high shot volume (390 shots, 193 on target per BBC stats).

Their away form includes draws at West Ham and Everton, but home strength is evident, like the 2-1 win over Arsenal.

Crystal Palace have 10 wins, 9 draws, 11 losses, conceding more (44 goals). They sit fifth in some analyses post-December but overall mid-table.

What Did Pep Guardiola and Oliver Glasner Say Ahead of the Game?

Pep Guardiola’s pre-match thoughts will emerge from today’s 12:30 presser at the City Football Academy.

On Glasner, Manchester City’s preview details his career: from Ried player to Wolfsburg’s Champions League spot, Europa League win with Frankfurt, and Palace’s triumphs including a 1-0 Wembley win over Chelsea and Community Shield over Liverpool.

“Glasner has led Palace to consecutive record points totals,”

the preview states.

No direct quotes from Glasner in sources, but his tactics neutralised City earlier before late goals.

What Are the Key Stats and Form Guide for This Fixture?

City’s recent title push: wins over Chelsea (3-0), Arsenal (2-1), Burnley (1-0), Brentford (3-0); earlier 3-0 at Palace with Haaland’s header (41′), Foden’s strike (69′), penalty (88′).

Palace hit the woodwork twice via Jean-Philippe Mateta and Adam Wharton in that game but couldn’t convert pressure.

BBC stats show City’s shot superiority: 390 vs Palace’s 291 this season. Sporting News predicts a City win, citing last season’s 5-2.

Background of the Development

This fixture stems from the 2025/26 Premier League schedule, with City’s game in hand rescheduled to May amid a congested calendar. The December clash at Selhurst Park saw City prevail 3-0 despite Palace’s resilience under Glasner, who took over in 2024 and delivered silverware. Head-to-head dates to 2004, with City’s rise under Guardiola tilting balance heavily. The Etihad hosts this return leg as both chase seasonal goals: City the title, Palace European spots or stability.

Prediction: How This Can Affect Premier League Fans

A Manchester City win levels points with Arsenal at 64, shifting momentum into the final two games (Bournemouth away, Aston Villa home), potentially deciding the title for millions of supporters nationwide, including in Stockport where City have strong backing.

Should Crystal Palace hold or win, it aids their mid-table buffer and dents City’s challenge, benefiting rival fans hoping for Arsenal’s retention or a tighter race. Neutral observers gain from high-stakes drama in the season’s penultimate week.