Paul Merson has now shared his prediction for the Premier League clash between Manchester City and Crystal Palace on Saturday.
The 55-year-old made the comments when writing for Sports Keeda.
So, what does Paul Merson think will happen when Manchester City welcome Crystal Palace to the Etihad Stadium? Let’s take a look…
Paul Merson shares prediction for Manchester City vs Crystal Palace
Well, the treble winners have only registered one win across their last five Premier League outings – which came against Luton.
That victory at Kenilworth Road was preceded by three straight draws against Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham as well as a defeat to Aston Villa.
Despite this uncharacteristic run of form, Merson – who recently hailed Rodri – is still backing Manchester City to record an easy win against Crystal Palace.
The Arsenal legend wrote: “I think Manchester City will win easily to put pressure on Arsenal, Liverpool and Aston Villa. In my opinion, this is when City go into overdrive and climb up the table. Last week, they fought tooth and nail to come from behind and secure a 2-1 win against Luton Town, so they’ll look to build on it and score a few goals here. Manchester City 3-0 Crystal Palace.”
This Saturday’s clash will be Manchester City’s last outing in England before jetting off to Saudi Arabia for the FIFA Club World Cup.
The treble winners start in the semi-final on Tuesday 19th December, with their opponent yet to be discovered.
Crystal Palace in bad shape ahead of Manchester City visit
Crystal Palace usually give Manchester City a good game at the Etihad Stadium.
The Eagles even went 2-0 ahead in this fixture last season before a goal from Bernardo Silva and a hat-trick from Erling Haaland secured a 4-2 win.
However, Crystal Palace are battling a severe injury crisis right now, which has even robbed the south Londoners of two England international goalkeepers in Sam Johnstone and Dean Henderson.
Therefore, Remi Matthews – who came on for his Premier League debut against Liverpool last week – may be required to start, while the likes of Ebere Eze, Cheick Doucoure, Odsonne Edouard, Tyrick Mitchell and Jefferson Lerma are also doubts.
Nevertheless, Roy Hodgson’s side put up a fight against Liverpool last week, and you can be sure of that happening again at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
