The second round of the 2026/27 Premier League season kicks off with Manchester City visiting Crystal Palace.
By Neel Shelat
Pierre Sage set to lead Crystal Palace at home for the first time
After Oliver Glasner opted to leave Crystal Palace when his contract ran out at the end of the 2025/26 season, Pierre Sage took on the unenviable task of succeeding the man who delivered the Eagles’ first pieces of silverware.
The French tactician came to England on the back of an impressive season with Lens, leading The Blood and Gold in a title race against the far richer Paris Saint-Germain. He had previously also done well at Lyon amid tough circumstances.
Sage’s Premier League debut ended in a 2-0 defeat against Everton, though his side’s first half performance was particularly encouraging. So, they will hope to get points on the board shortly.
Manchester City’s recent dominance at Selhurst Park
Even though Crystal Palace famously got the better of Manchester City in a recent FA Cup final, the Eagles have generally struggled against the 10-time English champions. Their recent record on home turf makes for particularly rough reading, as they have lost nine and drawn the remaining three of their 12 meetings since 2015.
While Enzo Maresca did get off to a winning start in his first Premier League match in charge of the club, City’s performance against Bournemouth wasn’t entirely convincing. They trailed for most of the game and endured relatively long spells without clear-cut chances, only coming away with all three points thanks to a very late turnaround.
Crystal Palace will be no pushovers at home, so City will need to step up their game to be sure of maintaining their dominant record at Selhurst Park.
Team news
Chadi Riad had to be stretchered off due to a knee injury last weekend. Its severity is yet to be revealed, but the Moroccan defender likely won’t return soon. Ismaïla Sarr, meanwhile, was not a part of the squad as he recovers from a slight injury and could also make a move away before the end of the transfer window.
Jérémy Doku’s calf injury is expected to keep him out for a few more weeks. He should be City’s only absentee, since the knock Elliot Anderson picked up against Bournemouth was nothing serious.
Key players
Adam Wharton remains the heartbeat of Crystal Palace whenever they have the ball. He was the subject of a recent transfer enquiry from Manchester City, but the Eagles are unwilling to let him go at this point. His battle against Anderson will be one of the keys to this match.
Daniel Muñoz may end up leaving South London within the next week, but for now, he will have an important job to do on the wing. Jean-Philippe Mateta is another potential departee, so this might be his last opportunity to hit the ‘BOOM’ with Palace fans.
Of course, the most likely name to feature on the scoresheet has to be Erling Haaland, who has eight goals in five appearances against Palace so far. Rayan Cherki could well set him up, having provided both assists last weekend.
Prediction
Palace are a bit short on attacking quality, so Manchester City could edge out a low-scoring win.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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