EPL: Crystal Palace v Man City preview
Crystal Palace v Man City preview
Manchester City will check on Vincent Kompany, Fabian Delph and John Stones ahead of Sunday's trip to Crystal Palace
Victory for City in this match will see them equal the record winning run in one of Europe's top five leagues - Bayern Munich, managed by Pep Guardiola, won 19 consecutively in the 2013/14 season.
Much has been made of City's relentless attack that has plundered 61 goals in 20 league games, but Guardiola has been keen to point out his side's impressive defensive efforts, with Nicolas Otamendi singled out for specific praise.
Pep Guardiola believes Manchester City would not be sitting 15 points clear at the top of the Premier League without the performances of Nicolas Otamendi
"What counts is what we have to do against Crystal Palace and the four amazing strikers they have," Guardiola said when asked about City's chances of setting records throughout the remainder of the campaign.
"Everybody has spoken about a lot of players like Raheem [Sterling], Kevin [De Bruyne], Sergio [Aguero], they deserve it, but if I can point some attention to a player who deserves the respect is Nico [Otamendi]. He has been amazing - he is one of the hugest competitors I have ever seen in my life."
Defeat against Arsenal on Thursday ended Palace's eight match unbeaten run, but they remain one point above the relegation zone after improving tenfold under new boss Roy Hodsgon.
Pep Guardiola's ability to improve players will go down as the Manchester City manager’s 'legacy' says Shaun Goater
Kompany's calf injury is not as bad as feared while left-back Delph could return after a minor muscle problem. Centre-back Stones is now back in training after 11 games out with a hamstring injury and closing on a return.
The availability of David Silva, who has missed three of the last four games for personal reasons, is unclear while left-back Benjamin Mendy (knee) and midfielder Phil Foden (ankle) are out.
Crystal Palace's Yohan Cabaye is a doubt for Sunday's encounter after suffering a knock in the defeat by Arsenal.
Should the midfielder not be passed fit to start, he is expected to be replaced by James McArthur, who took his place as a substitute during Thursday's fixture.
Joel Ward has been struggling with a groin problem, but he could yet return to contention.
Much has been made of City's relentless attack that has plundered 61 goals in 20 league games, but Guardiola has been keen to point out his side's impressive defensive efforts, with Nicolas Otamendi singled out for specific praise.
Pep Guardiola believes Manchester City would not be sitting 15 points clear at the top of the Premier League without the performances of Nicolas Otamendi
"What counts is what we have to do against Crystal Palace and the four amazing strikers they have," Guardiola said when asked about City's chances of setting records throughout the remainder of the campaign.
"Everybody has spoken about a lot of players like Raheem [Sterling], Kevin [De Bruyne], Sergio [Aguero], they deserve it, but if I can point some attention to a player who deserves the respect is Nico [Otamendi]. He has been amazing - he is one of the hugest competitors I have ever seen in my life."
Defeat against Arsenal on Thursday ended Palace's eight match unbeaten run, but they remain one point above the relegation zone after improving tenfold under new boss Roy Hodsgon.
Pep Guardiola's ability to improve players will go down as the Manchester City manager’s 'legacy' says Shaun Goater
Kompany's calf injury is not as bad as feared while left-back Delph could return after a minor muscle problem. Centre-back Stones is now back in training after 11 games out with a hamstring injury and closing on a return.
The availability of David Silva, who has missed three of the last four games for personal reasons, is unclear while left-back Benjamin Mendy (knee) and midfielder Phil Foden (ankle) are out.
Crystal Palace's Yohan Cabaye is a doubt for Sunday's encounter after suffering a knock in the defeat by Arsenal.
Should the midfielder not be passed fit to start, he is expected to be replaced by James McArthur, who took his place as a substitute during Thursday's fixture.
Joel Ward has been struggling with a groin problem, but he could yet return to contention.