How Manchester City could line up against Crystal Palace

Manchester City take on Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park this weekend, seeking a first win in three attempts against their opponents.

The Citizens suffered a shock 3-2 loss in the reverse fixture at the Etihad Stadium in December, nearly 12 months on from drawing 0-0 against the Eagles in South London.

Only victory will do for City on Sunday, though, as any dropped points will give Liverpool the title advantage as the Premier League finish line draws into sight.

Here, Sports Mole looks at how Pep Guardiola could set out his side this weekend.

Out: Claudio Bravo (Achilles), Vincent Kompany (muscle) Doubtful: Bernardo Silva (muscle), Oleksandr Zinchenko (thigh) > Click here for Man City's latest injury and suspension news ahead of this match

This is City's second successive trip to the English capital, having succumbed to a 1-0 defeat against Tottenham Hotspur in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie earlier this week.

The Citizens will have an eye on the return match with Spurs on Wednesday, meaning that Guardiola may be tempted to make some changes, despite the importance of Sunday's meeting with Palace.

Kevin De Bruyne and Leroy Sane started on the bench at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and appear certain to return to the starting lineup for this one.

Both players were introduced as late subs, while Gabriel Jesus was given 20 minutes when taking over from Sergio Aguero. With the Argentine striker struggling for fitness, Jesus would be the smart choice to start up top against Palace.

Bernardo is still carrying a muscle injury and is unlikely to play any part, but Benjamin Mendy made his latest return from injury last weekend and is in contention to start his second game in a week on Sunday, which could mean Fabian Delph making way.