Having lost out on the opportunity to capitalise on the dropped points by league leaders Arsenal FC, Manchester City will be hoping to set things right against Crystal Palace on Saturday, with David Silva returning to the starting XI.
With the shadow of Pep Guardiola looming large, Pellegrini’s decision to rest David Silva in the midweek tie against Everton raised more than a few eyebrows.
Everton held them to a 0-0 draw at the Etihad, and the Citizens failed to take advantage of Arsenal FC’s 3-3 draw with Everton’s crosstown rivals Liverpool FC.
Silva set to return
Having played just 15 minutes in the midweek, Silva will be fresh and raring to go against Crystal Palace, a side that has performed admirably so far in the season and sit in 8th place, just 9 points off City.
The return to the starting XI for the Spaniard will ensure that the quartet of Sterling, De Bruyne, Silva and Aguero will be unleashed on Allen Pardew’s men, with Yaya Toure bombing forward from the central midfield and Alexandre Kolarov expected to cause problems down the left hand side.
Central defence still an issue for City
Both, Vincent Kompany and Eliaquim Mangala are out of the tie, prompting the manager to draft in Martin Demichellis and Nicolas Otamendi in the starting XI.
Samir Nasri is ruled out of the tie as well, with Wilfred Bony remaining a doubt for the game.
Both, Bony and Fernandinho will undergo late fitness test and their fate would be decided on Saturday, but, it is expected that the duo will return to the squad.
Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1): Hart; Sagna, Demichellis, Otamendi, Kolarov; Fernandinho, Toure; Silva, De Bruyne, Sterling, Aguero
