Crystal Palace welcomes Manchester City to Selhurst Park for the Premier League’s second round, with both clubs navigating managerial changes and lineup uncertainties that could impact betting markets
Crystal Palace opens its home campaign in the 2026 Premier League season by hosting Manchester City at Selhurst Park on Friday, August 28, at 9:00 p.m. local time. Both clubs enter the match amid significant transitions, with Pierre Sage making his home debut as Palace manager and Enzo Maresca still shaping City’s identity after taking over from Pep Guardiola. The fixture is available for viewers in Spain on DAZN and through Movistar Plus+ packages, while betting markets reflect the evolving status of both squads.
Lineup Uncertainty and Key Absences
Crystal Palace is expected to maintain a three-center-back formation, but the absence of Chadi Riad due to injury forces at least one defensive change. Up front, Jean-Philippe Mateta’s contract situation creates uncertainty, with Jørgen Strand Larsen likely to start if Mateta is unavailable. Ismaïla Sarr remains a doubt with a groin issue. The projected starting eleven includes Dean Henderson in goal, a back line of Jaydee Canvot, Chris Richards, and Takehiro Tomiyasu, and attacking options such as Eddie Nketiah, Yeremy Pino, and Strand Larsen. Sage’s lineup decisions will be closely watched by bettors and fans alike.
Manchester City, under Maresca, could reward Rayan Cherki with a starting role after his two assists off the bench in the comeback win over Bournemouth. Marc Guéhi, formerly Palace’s captain, is expected to return to Selhurst Park as a City center-back. Jérémy Doku remains sidelined with a calf injury, while Matheus Nunes is available for selection. The likely City lineup features Donnarumma in goal, a defense including Rúben Dias and Guéhi, and an attack led by Erling Haaland, with Phil Foden and Antoine Semenyo supporting. Ryan McAidoo is listed as a doubt.
Recent Form and Head-to-Head Record
Crystal Palace began the season with a 2-0 defeat at Everton, extending their winless Premier League run to eight matches. The club is still adjusting after the departure of Oliver Glasner, who led Palace to FA Cup and Conference League titles. Despite recent struggles, Palace has lost only once at Selhurst Park since mid-February, with Arsenal the only visiting team to win there in that span.
Manchester City opened their campaign with a narrow 2-1 victory over Bournemouth, requiring late goals from Marc Guéhi and Josko Gvardiol to overturn a deficit. City controlled possession and created more chances but needed a late surge to secure three points. Their away form remains a concern, with only four wins in their last ten league road games in 2026. However, City went unbeaten in seven league trips to London last season. The historical record between these clubs shows City with 41 wins, Palace with 18, and 17 draws from 76 official meetings. Palace has not beaten City at Selhurst Park in the Premier League since April 2015. For context on how other Premier League openers have unfolded, see this coverage of Manchester United’s opener against Hull City.
Betting Markets and Predictions
Betting markets for this match reflect both teams’ transitional phases and recent results. Over 2.5 total goals is a popular market, as nine of Palace’s last 12 league games have exceeded this line and City’s recent matches have often featured three or more goals. Defensive absences for Palace and City’s attacking depth contribute to expectations of a high-scoring contest.
Despite City’s status as favorites, their recent away record and Palace’s resilience at home suggest the potential for a draw. City has won only four of its last ten league away matches, while Palace has been difficult to beat at Selhurst Park. Some betting combinations focus on a draw, over 2.5 goals, and a goal from Phil Foden, who scored in City’s last visit to this venue. As always, bettors should review the latest lineups and injury updates before placing wagers.
Understanding betting markets for Premier League matches involves recognizing how odds reflect both recent performance and lineup uncertainty. Bookmakers adjust lines based on injuries, suspensions, and tactical changes, which can create value or risk for bettors. Over/under markets, such as the 2.5 goals line, are influenced by historical scoring trends and current team form. Players should be aware that odds can shift rapidly as new information emerges, especially in the hours leading up to kickoff.
