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Crystal Palace vs Manchester City, 2016 Premier League: Players to Watch

A few players to look for as the Sky Blues take on Palace at Selhurst Park.

Manchester City v Crystal Palace - Premier League Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

Manchester City and Crystal Palace are set to face off on Saturday in a match which turned out to be a 4-0 win for City in January 2016. Both teams have made drastic changes since that fixture, including the additions of world class players like John Stones and Christian Benteke.

Here’s a list of players from both sides who could make a strong impact on this game.


Wilifred Zaha

The Ivory Coast winger has helped Palace stay out of the relegation 3 by providing his team with 4 assists and a goal, which includes 3 assists in their last three Premier League games. His dribbling skills and crosses to partner Christian Benteke could be deadly in a Crystal Palace attack.

Claudio Bravo

Bravo has performed questionably since his arrival to Manchester, as his sweeper-keeper style of play has often left the back exposed for attackers to exploit. He limped off the field after a collision with Santiago Arias in Chile’s World Cup Qualifier game against Colombia, so it remains to be seen whether Bravo will be fully fit for tomorrow’s match.

Steve Mandanda

When Mandanda left Marseille for London, Palace fans were hopeful to finally have a solid shot-stopper in net, but the French keeper has not met expectations. Over the last three games, Palace has conceded 10 goals to Leicester, Liverpool and Burnley. A high-flying City offense will have no remorse up top if Mandanda cannot step up his game.

Kevin de Bruyne

Kevin de Bruyne will return to the City starting 11 after being subbed on in the 1-1 draw against Boro. The #10 player and attack creator of this City side has the potential to wreak havoc upon a weak Palace defense. Look for a big performance from this Red Devil for the Sky Blues.


Overall, the game ahead should be entertaining and high-scoring. Both teams have a rapid offense backed up by inconsistent defenses, and it should be a good game for City to bounce back from their recent struggles.