Ruben Dias to replace Nathan Ake in single change - Predicted XI: Manchester City vs Crystal Palace (Premier League)

The Premier League champions will host Crystal Palace at the Etihad Stadium in what is set to be a corker of a contest.

Coming off the back of two successive 3-3 draws against Newcastle United and Barcelona, Manchester City will have their sights set on getting a victory against Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon.

While the result against the Spanish side remains inconsequential as it was a mere friendly, leaving St. James’ Park with just one point is likely to still sting Pep Guardiola's side.

With Liverpool looking out of sorts at the start of the new season, City would like to extend their lead beyond the current five-point gap to further strengthen their prospects of defending their league crown.

However, an in-form Crystal Palace side that have won two and drawn one out of their four fixtures in all competitions will pose a tough test.

Much like Newcastle caused City a world of problems on the transition, Palace showcased against Liverpool in their 1-1 draw that they are capable of replicating a similar tireless approach against top sides.

In what could be yet another cracking contest, here is how we expect Pep Guardiola’s side to line up.

Ederson will return to the starting XI after being dropped to the bench in City’s friendly against Barcelona.

With Crystal Palace possessing quality in abundance out wide with the likes of Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze - with Wilfried Zaha reportedly ruled out, the tried and tested full-back duo of Kyle Walker and Joao Cancelo are likely to start.

Now reported by @TheAthleticUK: Wilfried Zaha out through injury. https://t.co/oU4T9O4Axu

— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) August 26, 2022

Considering both Aymeric Laporte and Nathan Ake are unavailable due to injury, John Stones and Ruben Dias look set to be the Sky Blues’ centre-back pairing.

After being rested at the Spotify Camp Nou, Rodri will more likely than not return to the fold once again.

With Ilkay Gundogan scoring two goals in his last three league games and being one of the Sky Blues’ most in-form players, it is next to impossible to drop him currently.

Similarly, Kevin De Bruyne has also started the new season like a man on a mission and is a safe bet to start proceedings.

Considering Bernardo Silva impressed as a right winger against Newcastle with a goal and an assist, he may keep his place in the side.

Erling Haaland has looked like an instant fit at Manchester City and will aim to get on the scoresheet once again on Saturday afternoon.

With Jack Grealish not making the 23-man squad to face Barcelona, Phil Foden remains the only available option at left wing.

Starting XI: Ederson; Kyle Walker, John Stones, Ruben Dias, Joao Cancelo; Rodri, Ilkay Gundogan, Kevin De Bruyne; Bernardo Silva, Erling Haaland, Phil Foden.

Substitutes: Stefan Ortega Moreno, Rico Lewis, Josh Wilson-Esbrand, Sergio Gomez, Kalvin Phillips, Jack Grealish, Riyad Mahrez, Cole Palmer, Julian Alvarez.