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Manchester City can secure consecutive Premier League victories at the start of the Enzo Maresca era when they travel south to face Crystal Palace on Friday evening.
The Cityzens needed a late comeback to claim all three points in last weekend's opening fixture against Bournemouth, with goals from unlikely heroes sealing a 2–1 victory. Marc Guéhi equalized with six minutes remaining before Joško Gvardiol completed the turnaround in stoppage time.
Improvements will be needed when facing the south London Eagles, but Maresca's squad is worryingly stretched following the recent exits of several key players. The midfield remains a particular concern for the Italian manager, while attacking depth is also an issue.
With that in mind, here's how City could line up in London.
Man City Predicted Lineup vs. Crystal Palace
GK: Gianluigi Donnarumma—The Italian shot-stopper will be keen to record his first clean sheet of the campaign against Palace, who failed to score at Everton last weekend and are struggling for attacking creativity amid uncertainty surrounding Ismaïla Sarr and Jean-Philippe Mateta.
RB: Rico Lewis—Maresca has confirmed that Matheus Nunes is still nursing a knock, despite making a substitute appearance in the Bournemouth win. Lewis, who started last Sunday, is expected to retain his place at right back for now.
CB: Rúben Dias—One of City's most experienced players and the club captain, Dias is vital in guiding the team through the transitional period following the switch from Pep Guardiola to Maresca.
CB: Marc Guéhi—Guéhi was deployed in midfield last weekend—a surprising call that Guardiola himself might have made—but could be moved back to his natural position at center back.
LB: Joško Gvardiol—The Croatian scored the winner against Bournemouth and has consistently posed an attacking threat from either center back or left back. Prior to an injury-disrupted 2025–26 season, Gvardiol had netted at least five goals in each of his Manchester campaigns.
CM: Elliot Anderson—There was significant concern when Anderson limped off at the Etihad Stadium on his official City debut, but it was later confirmed the issue was cramp rather than a serious injury.
CM: Nico O'Reilly—Having played as an attacking midfielder in the previous match, the versatile Englishman is expected to drop into a deeper role to accommodate Rayan Cherki. While new $117 million signing Ayyoub Bouaddi is reportedly available according to Maresca, it is his fellow youngster who should get the nod at Selhurst Park.
RW: Phil Foden—City are in desperate need of Foden rediscovering the brilliance that earned him the 2023–24 Premier League Player of the Season award. Another underwhelming campaign simply won't be acceptable.
AM: Rayan Cherki—The graceful Frenchman produced two game-changing assists from the bench against the Cherries and is set to earn an immediate place in the starting eleven for the trip to Palace.
LW: Antoine Semenyo—With Jérémy Doku sidelined, Sávio having left the club and Omar Marmoush set to follow, City are light on attacking options. Fortunately, the ever-reliable Semenyo remains available.
ST: Erling Haaland—Haaland's new look produced no goals on his Premier League return, but last season's leading scorer is never silent for long. With eight goals in six outings against Palace, he looks well-placed to get back on the scoresheet.