Crystal Palace will make their first home appearance of the 2026-27 Premier League season when they welcome Manchester City to Selhurst Park on Friday evening, with Pierre Sage looking to respond to the opening-day defeat at Everton.
The Eagles lost 2-0 at Hill Dickinson Stadium last weekend but created enough chances to take something from the match. Their immediate challenge is considerably tougher, with Manchester City arriving after a late 2-1 victory over Bournemouth.
Crystal Palace team news
Palace will be without Ismaïla Sarr and Chadi Riad for the visit of Manchester City. Head coach Pierre Sage has confirmed that Sarr remains unavailable with a groin injury, while Riad continues to recover from a knee problem.
Sarr’s absence is particularly relevant to Sage’s attacking options, while Riad’s injury leaves Palace with a decision to make in the back three. Axel Disasi, who joined on loan from Chelsea this week, is available after completing his move, but the latest predicted lineups do not expect him to go straight into the starting XI.
The remaining squad is largely available, with Dean Henderson expected to continue in goal and Daniel Muñoz and Tyrick Mitchell retaining their wing-back roles. The latest prominent projections also favour Jaydee Canvot, Chris Richards and Takehiro Tomiyasu as the three central defenders.
Predicted lineup
Crystal Palace: Dean Henderson; Jaydee Canvot, Chris Richards, Takehiro Tomiyasu; Daniel Muñoz, Adam Wharton, Daichi Kamada, Tyrick Mitchell; Dwight McNeil, Eddie Nketiah; Jean-Philippe Mateta.
Defence
Henderson should keep his place between the posts after starting the season at Everton. Canvot and Richards are expected to retain their positions in the back three, while Tomiyasu is the leading candidate to replace the injured Riad.
That combination would allow Sage to maintain the three-man defensive structure used in the opening match while introducing Tomiyasu’s experience alongside Richards and Canvot. The same defensive trio features in the latest Sports Mole projection.
Midfield
Muñoz and Mitchell should operate as the wing-backs, with Wharton and Kamada forming the central midfield pairing.
Wharton remains an important part of Palace’s build-up play, while Kamada provides another technically comfortable option in the middle. The pair started the opening league match and are expected to continue together.
Attack
Sarr’s absence should see McNeil and Nketiah operate behind Mateta once again.
Mateta is expected to remain the central striker, with Nketiah providing a second attacking presence and McNeil offering width and movement from the left side. Palace created four big chances against Everton despite failing to score, so Sage is likely to retain much of the attacking structure from that match.
Crystal Palace predicted XI: Henderson; Canvot, Richards, Tomiyasu; Muñoz, Wharton, Kamada, Mitchell; McNeil, Nketiah; Mateta.
When is Crystal Palace vs Man City?
Date: Friday, August 28, 2026
Kick-off: 8pm BST
Venue: Selhurst Park, London
The Premier League confirmed the fixture for a 8pm BST kick-off on Friday, with the match moved from its originally scheduled Saturday slot for live UK broadcast.
How to watch Crystal Palace vs Man City
UK: Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League, Sky Go and NOW
India: Star Sports Select HD1, Star Sports Select 1 and JioHotstar
Read more – Crystal Palace vs Man City Prediction, Team News & Lineups
Also see – Leon Goretzka Aston Villa: Can the Former Bayern Star Revive His Career?
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