Crystal Palace vs Manchester City prediction, H2H and probable lineups — December 14, 2025
Matchday 16 of the English Premier League brings us a showdown between Crystal Palace and Manchester City. The clash will take place in London on Sunday, December 14, with kickoff scheduled for 15:00 Central European Time. Here’s my take on who’s coming out on top in this fixture.
Match preview
Crystal Palace are arguably experiencing the best spell in their history. The team is putting on strong performances at home and, after last season’s sensational run, they’re showing no signs of slowing down.
Many rushed to predict a slump after their FA Cup and Community Shield triumphs, but the Eagles have stayed true to their style and continue to deliver impressive results. Glasner’s side don’t bow to reputations, as Liverpool have found out on more than one occasion.
Back-to-back wins over Burnley and Fulham in recent matches have propelled this modest London club up to fourth in the Premier League table. While it’s clear that competing with the league’s financial giants will be a tall order, Palace have definitely got what it takes to spring a surprise in a one-off encounter.
In the Europa Conference League, the Londoners had no trouble against Shelbourne. A 3-0 victory in Ireland has left them in a strong position for a top-eight finish. In the final group game, Palace will host Finnish side KuPS at home.
Manchester City approach this match in solid form. The team keeps winning and averages over two goals per game in the Premier League — the best record among all clubs at present.
The Citizens do concede quite a bit, which is certainly a headache for Guardiola. Erling Haaland has also slowed down recently, netting just once in his last five matches. On the flip side, Phil Foden is on fire: his five goals have been pivotal in wins over Leeds, Fulham, and Sunderland.
At times, it seems like Guardiola has squeezed every last drop out of this squad, but a quick glance at the table tells a different story. City trail Arsenal by just two points and remain serious contenders for the title.
The Citizens secured a crucial victory in terms of the title race midweek, beating Real Madrid in the Spanish capital. The English side have guaranteed a playoff spot and will now look to clinch a place in the round of 16 in upcoming fixtures against Bodo/Glimt and Galatasaray.
Match facts
- Crystal Palace have won their last three matches.
- Man City’s winning streak is one longer than Palace’s.
- Both teams have scored in each of City’s last four away games.
- Crystal Palace average 1.3 goals per game at home, while Manchester City average 1.9 goals per game away.
Probable lineups
- Crystal Palace: Henderson, Richards, Lacroix, Guehi, Clyne, Mitchell, Kamada, Wharton, Pino, Nketiah, Mateta.
- Manchester City: Donnarumma, Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O'Reilly, Nico, Silva, Foden, Cherki, Doku, Haaland.
H2H
- Crystal Palace have beaten Manchester City only once in the past four years.
- Only one of the last five head-to-head meetings between these sides has featured fewer than four goals.
Prediction
Guardiola’s men are clear favourites according to the bookmakers, but this trip to London promises to be anything but easy. Palace have plenty of quality across the pitch, and their defence is among the league’s best. Haaland and company are in for a real test, but I believe they’ll do just enough to take all three points back to Manchester.
