Man City v Crystal Palace: Team newspublished at 19:02 BST 13 May
19:02 BST 13 May
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola clearly has Saturday's FA Cup final against Chelsea in mind by making six changes to the side that beat Brentford last time out and leaving out some of the big hitters.
Erling Haaland, Rayan Cherki, the in-form Jeremy Doku and Nico O'Reilly are all on the bench, as are Nathan Ake and Tijjani Reijnders.
In come Omar Marmoush, Phil Foden, Savinho, Abdukodir Khusanov and Rayan Ait-Nouri.
There is also a return to the side for Josko Gvardiol, having been sidelined since 4 January with a broken leg. Midfielder Rodri remains out.
Man City XI: Donnarumma, Nunes, Khusanov, Guehi, Gvardiol, Ait-Nouri, Silva, Foden, Semenyo, Savinho, Marmoush.
Crystal Palace also have a Europa Conference League final on the horizon and boss Oliver Glasner has made four changes to the side that drew against Everton last time out.
Jean Philippe-Mateta leads the line aiming for his 50th Premier League goal, while Yeremy Pino, Will Hughes and Jefferson Lerma also come in.
Jorgen Strand Larsen, Ismaila Sarr, Daichi Kamada and Adam Wharton drop out.
Sutton's predictions: Man City v Crystal Palacepublished at 15:16 BST 13 May
15:16 BST 13 May
Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner's focus now is on the Europa Conference League final and getting his strongest team ready for that game at the end of the month.
So, of course he is going to rotate his players between now and the end of the Premier League season.
Will Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola do the same, before Saturday's FA Cup final against Chelsea? I don't think so.
The title is in Arsenal's hands but, however unlikely it looks for City to catch them now, they still have hope and they have to give themselves the best possible chance by winning all their remaining league games.
That's why I think Pep will go strong here from the start. He's got a good squad anyway but rather than making changes, the best idea is surely to go strong and get ahead and then maybe they can take players off when the game is won.
The title could still be decided on goal difference, if Arsenal drop any points, so that must be part of Pep's thinking too.
With what is at stake for them, City cannot slip up again - and they won't.
Man City v Crystal Palace: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 12:00 BST 13 May
12:00 BST 13 May
Prudent Nsengiyumva BBC Sport journalist
Manchester City return to the Etihad on Wednesday night (20:00 BST) with the title race alive but no longer in their control. They must win and hope Arsenal falter but midweek opponents Crystal Palace could have a decisive say in where the trophy ends up.
Man City still pushing for title, but relying on help
Manchester City were not in action on Sunday, yet their fortunes swung with every moment of Arsenal's clash with West Ham. Pep Guardiola had light heartedly offered his support to the Hammers beforehand, signing off his press conference with a playful "come on you Irons".
The late Arsenal winner means City's task is unchanged - keep winning and wait.
Their home form remains a source of confidence. Guardiola's side are unbeaten in 16 league matches at the Etihad and have scored first in all of them, a reminder of how difficult they are to beat once in front.
But recent games have demanded more patience. Despite leading the league for first half goals (38) across the season, each of their past five has come after the interval. Opponents are sitting deeper, and City are having to work harder to break them down.
Jeremy Doku's emergence has been a timely boost.
The Belgian winger has grown in influence, contributing seven goal involvements in his past six matches in all competitions. His direct running and ability to unsettle defenders helped to unlock a stubborn Brentford before City ran away with a 3-0 win last time out. He offers another route through tight games.
A week earlier, however, the draw with Everton raised questions. City led 1-0 but fell 3-1 behind before Doku's stoppage-time equaliser salvaged a point. Was it two dropped or one gained? That may become clearer in the weeks ahead. For now, they must keep the pressure on, and that starts with beating Palace.
Palace carry a threat - but can they deliver?
Crystal Palace have reasons for optimism. Only Arsenal and City have more away wins this season than the Eagles' seven, and they have consistently caused problems at the Etihad, scoring twice on each of their past four visits.
Ismaila Sarr's recent scoring run underlines their attacking threat.
The Senegal forward is in red hot form, hitting nine goals across his past 10 starts in all competitions. Palace have the pace and movement to trouble City - the question is whether they can sustain it long enough to take something from the game.
Oliver Glasner's side have struggled to find rhythm immediately after European fixtures and the draw with Everton at Selhurst Park highlighted that inconsistency.
The stakes, though, are clear. A Palace win would all but end City's title hopes and leave Arsenal in a position to wrap it up before the final day. If City fail to beat the Eagles, the Gunners could secure the Premier League title on Monday night with victory over already relegated Burnley.
Would a corner rule change work?published at 11:18 BST 13 May
11:18 BST 13 May
Media caption,
Former Premier League assistant referee Darren Cann has outlined his idea to improve how corners are officiated in future.
In the aftermath of weekend controversy over players grappling in the penalty area, he has told BBC Sport a rule whereby attacking players cannot enter the six-yard box until a corner has been taken would be his preference.
Ex-Premier League defender Nedum Onuoha backed the idea and thinks it will add "creativity" to corner kicks and the move would force "people to think in a different way".
You can watch a clip of the debate above, with Onuoha stating:"Twenty players standing in the six-yard box, you have to ask yourself, is that what you want to see? And is that the best version of the game?"
Palace and Richards hold positive contract talkspublished at 18:46 BST 12 May
18:46 BST 12 May
Nizaar Kinsella Football reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Crystal Palace are keen to extend Chris Richards' contract on improved terms, with the defender having emerged as a regular starter in south London.
Talks over extending the 26-year-old centre-back's deal began in November and are now reaching a key stage, with Richards set either to renew or to delay discussions until after the World Cup.
Richards remains on the initial contract he signed when joining from Bayern Munich in 2022 for just over £10m, which is due to expire at the end of next season.
One of the USA's leaders, along with Christian Pulisic, Tyler Adams and Tim Ream, Richards is set to play a key role at the World Cup, which will be largely based in his home country.
Although he is happy at Selhurst Park, Richards would be ready to sign a new deal on suitable terms, reflecting his increased importance to Palace after a historic campaign.
Having helped Palace reach their first ever European final, against Rayo Vallecano in the Conference League on 27 May, Richards is among the regular starters to have played more than 4,000 minutes across 48 appearances this season.
His importance grew after fellow defender Marc Guehi left Palace to join Manchester City in January, while defensive stability will be a priority with Oliver Glasner set to leave the club this summer.
Glasner on player fitness, 'raising standards' and Vallecano scoutingpublished at 17:37 BST 12 May
17:37 BST 12 May
Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner has been speaking to the media before Wednesday's Premier League game against Manchester City at Etihad Stadium (kick-off 20:00 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
There are no fresh injuries concerns. Most of the players are "available and feeling well" going into the club's final four games of the season.
Evann Guessand and Borna Sosa are back in first team training, however Wednesday night's fixture will come "too soon" for them. He explained: "They will need a few minutes to get back into shape. We are working towards them returning against Brentford."
There has been "a great feeling and a great mood" around the club since progressing to the Europa Conference League final.
Despite already securing Premier League safety, Crystal Palace will be looking to "show their best football" in their remaining league games against Manchester City (A), Brentford (A) and Arsenal (H).
On the feeling after survival was confirmed: "It's mathematically done which is always the foundation - staying in the league. But, nothing changes to be honest. We still want to improve our game, do better, and show the best football we can play. This is the standards we have created here. We are not just playing for ourselves, we are playing to see the best of every player and best of Crystal Palace. It is more important than just the points."
How much can he now look ahead to facing Rayo Vallecano in the Conference League final?: "To be honest, it's started now. I will go to Valencia to see them live on Thursday. But, in the daily work - zero. Our focus is on our team always."
On the suggestion that the Premier League title could be decided by Crystal Palace, who will face the league's top two teams in the final run-in, he said: "We always think what is right for us. That is my responsibility."
He continued: "Our influence in the title race will be definitely less than VAR!"
Glasner said his side are always looking for ways to "improve our game" and "raise our standards", so they will endeavour to do the same against Pep Guardiola's side.
On what the Eagles have been focusing on in training this week, he said: "We have shown the players where we can find our chances to score against Manchester City. We want to be more efficient. We believe we can create chances. But the big challenge is to control their attack."
Man City v Crystal Palace: Key statspublished at 13:01 BST 12 May
13:01 BST 12 May
Image source, Getty Images
Manchester City are unbeaten in their past eight Premier League games against Crystal Palace (W5 D3) since a 2-0 home loss in October 2021.
Palace have scored twice in each of their past four Premier League away games against Manchester City, although have only gone on to win one of those (D1 L2). The only visiting team to score two or more goals in five in a row at the Etihad are Tottenham (current run of five).
Since losing 2-0 against Spurs in their opening home league game this season, City are unbeaten in their past 16 at the Etihad (W13 D3). They've also opened the scoring in all 16 of these games.
Only the current top two sides Arsenal (10) and City (nine) have won more Premier League away games this season than Palace (seven), while no side has fewer draws on the road than the Eagles (two).
Erling Haaland has scored in all five of his Premier League games against Crystal Palace, netting eight goals in total. The only players to score in their first six games against an opponent in the competition are Raheem Sterling and Mohamed Salah (both versus Bournemouth).
Is Henderson battling Pickford for his England spot?published at 07:55 BST 12 May
07:55 BST 12 May
Alex Pewter Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
There it is, the final lingering piece of Premier League intrigue may have departed us, at least as it pertains to Crystal Palace. For the most pessimistic among us, they can't even speak of an Oldham-esque outcome anymore.
Palace can still be influential in the race for the league title but with their eyes on the Conference League, it's hard to imagine that thwarting either Pep Guardiola or Mikel Arteta is a high priority this month.
So, as Sunday's result against Everton was possibly not the most consequential, there was a separate battle that will be for Thomas Tuchel and England this summer - the goalkeepers.
There is little argument over Jordan Pickford and Dean Henderson being the leading pair of options. The broader debate may be that they are the only two credible options.
There are clear similarities between the two with the self-belief they exhibit and the leadership roles they play within their teams. More importantly, they are both great shot-stoppers. In that sense, they are often rallying points for both sets of fans.
A clean sheet may be the most overused or overstated statistic in football. How often have we seen a keeper escape 90 minutes unchallenged and given credit over a player called into action?
In the past two games, despite conceding three, Henderson saved nine others on target. The saves against Pedrinho and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall were game-changers in each. In the opposite goal on Sunday, Pickford was key in earning a point for his team.
By Opta's goals prevented metric, these performances have held up throughout the season. Henderson is +4.4 to Pickford's +5.6, placing both in the top five goalkeepers in the division.
Pickford, despite the chants from the Palace fans, may still be England's number one in June. Fortunately, should anything prevent that, the team are still in safe hands with Henderson.
Rich: Gifted Everton the lead on two occasions but managed to level both times. We looked a little jaded at times after Thursday's heroics but as the game progressed we looked the stronger, fitter team. Again, missed chances have cost us the three points our performance deserved but happy nonetheless.
Steve: After the euphoria of Thursday night, it seemed predictable Palace would concede early. After fighting back so well, going behind again straight after half-term was hugely disappointing. The constant failure to defend corners and a surprising vulnerability to the long ball down the middle kept everyone on edge. But the side's character shone through yet again to salvage a point.
Oliver: Good performance from Palace especially that last 20 minutes when you would expect us to be tired from Thursday. Building more momentum for the final.
Jason: Great second-half performance for Palace. Was impressed by the mentality to keep coming back.
Everton fans
Tim: Everton had plenty of chances to put this game away but couldn't convert. Once again, defending mistakes and the inability to close down attacks cost them points. Fourth game in a row Everton give up points from a winning position.
Thomas: Just pathetic really. How many times this season have we thrown away the chance to make a genuine stride towards Europe? It's a pattern.
Ian: Evertonians need to stay positive, Europe this year a step too far but let's rebuild in the close season and come back stronger next season.
Mark: Same as usual lately just not got enough to push through for Europe. Would need a massive revamp, not ready yet.
Analysis: Point puts Palace focus back on Europepublished at 17:48 BST 10 May
17:48 BST 10 May
Chris McKenna BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
There was never really any danger of Crystal Palace getting dragged into a relegation fight, with Oliver Glasner continually pushing the point that the chance of European glory was their focus for the remainder of the season.
This point should mean they will not slip into a surprise domestic survival scrap before the first European final in their history when they play Rayo Vallecano on 27 May in the Conference League decider.
Yet given they play both Manchester City and Arsenal, the title-chasing sides, Palace could still have a big say on where the Premier League title ends up.
Despite playing as recently as Thursday night, Palace looked the stronger team in the latter stages against Everton.
BothJean-Philippe Mateta, who was brought on in the 65th minute, and Ismaila Sarr were threats, and they came close to winning it when Adam Wharton's long-range effort struck the post.
The draw stops a run of two defeats on the bounce in the league and, even though they have not won a domestic game since beating Newcastle on 12 April, their energy is on finishing the season with another trophy having lifted the FA Cup last season.
Crystal Palace 2-2 Everton: What Glasner and Sarr saidpublished at 16:51 BST 10 May
16:51 BST 10 May
Media caption,
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner speaking to Sky Sports: "I am pleased with the performance, especially in the second half. In the end, it felt like Everton played three days ago.
"We made so much pressure, created chances and missed a few.
"I am really proud of the team's effort and the belief we had and also the mentality to play for a win. I think it was a huge performance."
Palace goalscorer Ismaila Sarr, speaking to Sky Sports: "It's a tough game. Everton are very physical. Our team was ready for this game.
"I'm happy to take one point, but we needed three points today and came out with a draw. We will prepare for the next game.
"This team is very good, I'm happy and I give 100% to the team."
Did you know?
Ismaila Sarr scored his 20th goal of the season across all competitions, becoming only the second Crystal Palace player to hit 20+ goals across all competitions in a single season as a Premier League club, along with Andy Johnson in 2004-05 (21).
Crystal Palace have won just one of their last six Premier League matches directly after they've played a midweek European match.
You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Crystal Palace v Everton" or "ask BBC Sounds to play West Ham v Arsenal", for instance.
Sutton's predictions: Crystal Palace v Evertonpublished at 10:00 BST 10 May
10:00 BST 10 May
Crystal Palace are another team who have had Europe on their minds and it might be difficult for them to shake off that mindset.
Everton have developed a frustrating habit of conceding costly late goals - it has happened in their past three games against Liverpool,West Ham and Manchester City - and they have lost ground in the race for sixth place.
I am expecting a different ending for David Moyes and his side on Sunday, however. This time, they will hold on for a win.
Crystal Palace v Everton: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 14:03 BST 9 May
14:03 BST 9 May
Prudent Nsengiyumva BBC Sport journalist
Crystal Palace welcome Everton to Selhurst Park on Sunday (14:00 BST), fresh from making history by reaching their first European final. Both sides are searching for consistency as the Premier League season enters the final straight.
Can Palace overcome their European hangover?
When these teams met in October, Palace were in the middle of a club record 19-match unbeaten run. Jack Grealish's 93rd-minute winner ended it and they have struggled to rediscover that momentum since.
The Eagles have lost 16 of their past 42 matches in all competitions, as balancing domestic fixtures with Conference League commitments has taken its toll. They have won only three of their 14 Premier League matches played immediately after European games.
Will Everton's away form hold up?
Despite the disappointment of a late defeat by West Ham, Everton's disciplined and organised approach away from home has stood them in good stead this season. They are firmly in the mix for European qualification – adding further edge to their run-in.
David Moyes' side have built one of the stronger away records in the league this season. They stay in games, manage key moments well and carry a threat on the counter-attack.
'A crowd in unison, fully invested in this squad'published at 17:20 BST 8 May
17:20 BST 8 May
Alex Pewter Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
There are few moments as a football fan, or perhaps just as a Crystal Palace fan, when you can truly celebrate before the final whistle.
A year ago, as Ismaila Sarr swept home the third goal in the FA Cup semi-final, the crowd was already in party mode. On Thursday, Sarr gave the team a three-goal cushion once again in a semi-final, this time on aggregate. With 40 minutes to go, the fans were already celebrating on the road to Leipzig.
Many had their travel pre-booked and pre-planned after the 3-1 first leg. An optimistic gamble, from a fanbase usually grounded by pragmatism.
The fans have been blessed with many incredible nights at Selhurst Park over the past decade, and the Shakhtar game certainly must rank among the events to remember. A crowd in unison, fully invested in this squad.
Our first experience of a European campaign has been eye-opening. It was never likely to be all sunshine and rainbows, but it has been a grind. Ultimately, given the weight of fixtures, travel, and challenges, the aim is simply to make sure you reach the final 16 by any means, then the final eight, and so on.
There are no style points on offer, and the manner of victory isn't important - and in that sense, Palace have unquestionably succeeded.
A lot of credit for how the team has managed the knockout games goes to Oliver Glasner, who already has a Europa League medal to his name. That experience has shown in the knockout matches. Not every match has been the cleanest, but they have managed the ties well over the two legs and were never out of control.
Rayo Vallecano and Leipzig await. Thousands of Palace fans will be descending on East Germany, and it will be a spectacle to behold, with it all to play for.
Iraola heads Palace shortlistpublished at 17:19 BST 8 May
17:19 BST 8 May
Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola heads Crystal Palace's shortlist of candidates to replace outgoing head coach Oliver Glasner next season.
Glasner, who has led the club to their first European final, is leaving Selhurst Park this month, confirming his decision to step down in January.
Palace are at an advanced stage of identifying the Austrian's successor, with multiple sources indicating Iraola, who last month announced he will leave Bournemouth this summer, is the club's preferred option to replace Glasner.
In addition to Iraola, it is understood that Coventry manager Frank Lampard, Ipswich's Kieran McKenna, former Tottenham boss Thomas Frank, ex-Nottingham Forest manager Sean Dyche, Fulham's Marco Silva and Lens' Pierre Sage are among the candidates Palace have explored.
