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.
Silva exit 'a big surprise' - Paivapublished at 13:07 BST 13 May
13:07 BST 13 May
Nick Mashiter Football reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,
Bernardo Silva helped Manchester City to the FA Cup final after beating Southampton
Bernardo Silva will stay at the top level of football after leaving Manchester City, according to his former youth coach Renato Paiva.
The 31-year-old will leave the Etihad when his contract expires this summer after nine years at the club.
Paiva coached Silva when he was in the Benfica youth system and expects him to have his pick of the top sides.
The former Botafogo boss told BBC Sport: "I don't believe Bernardo will leave the big three or the big five [leagues].
"I'm surprised he is leaving. He has one of the best world coaches [Pep Guardiola], if not the best. A club like Manchester City is always fighting for titles and the conditions are very high to work.
"He has his reasons but, for me, it is a big surprise."
The Portugal midfielder has scored 76 goals and made 77 assists in 451 appearances for City since joining from Monaco.
He has won 15 major honours with City, including the Treble in 2022-23, and could still win the Premier League and FA Cup this season - having already lifted the Carabao Cup in March.
Paiva said: "It is one of the best histories in modern football. At eight, nine, 10-years-old, very skinny but at every tournament we went to he was the best player.
"I told him he had to make his house bigger because there would not be enough space to put so many trophies.
"The way he understands the game, he is always alone, always an option to receive the ball. Bernardo is incredible.
"If you watched the games, you will see all the tall and strong guys and a skinny guy, not so high. This guy was always playing.
"What are the qualities this guy has to play against these giants? The way he understands the game, the game awareness, the way that he analyses the game always allows Bernardo to take very good decisions.
"Usually the ball leaves his feet with a good decision, since eight, nine or 10 years-old. He was a very good player and, for me, the most important was his game insight."
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?"
O'Reilly wins Premier League's academy graduate awardpublished at 10:43 BST 13 May
10:43 BST 13 May
Shamoon Hafez Manchester City reporter
Image source, Manchester City
Manchester City's Nico O'Reilly has won this season's Premier League academy graduate of the year award.
The 21-year-old, who can operate at left-back or in midfielder, has featured 51 times for City this season, scoring nine times including a match-winning double against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final.
His impressive performances have seen him break into the England team, earning three caps under Thomas Tuchel and he is in line for a call-up for this summer's World Cup.
O'Reilly joins an illustrious list of winners of the award in the past five years including Liam Delap, Cole Palmer, Jacob Ramsey, Bukayo Saka and Mason Mount.
Reiss focused on Youth Cup rather than venue controversypublished at 10:38 BST 13 May
10:38 BST 13 May
Shamoon Hafez Manchester City reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Manchester City Under-18s boss Oliver Reiss says his responsibility is on preparing his side for Thursday's FA Youth Cup final against rivals Manchester United and not where the fixture is taking place.
The showpiece will be held at the 7,000-capacity Joie Stadium, where City's women and academy sides play, as the main Etihad Stadium was unavailable to hold the game.
The decision to play the match there has been criticised in some parts, with United's first-team manager Michael Carrick calling it "disappointing" and "a shame".
It is the first time in 40 years a Manchester derby will take place in the competition, with City triumphing in a two-legged final back in 1986.
German coach Reiss says it is "extra special", adding: "It is an experience and for me it is all about experiences and challenges in terms of developing the players.
"It will be around 7,000 and that is a huge crowd – and more of our supporters. Half the team has not had this experience before.
"I don't know really what the players were thinking about where they would like to play. I can just that say my responsibility at the moment is having the focus on preparing the team and I was not thinking too much about the venue.
"So Etihad was the first idea and is not available. Then it was said that it's the Joie Stadium and we are really happy to play there and for me it's just really the responsibility is having the focus on preparing."
England's future go head-to-head in Youth Cup finalpublished at 08:27 BST 13 May
08:27 BST 13 May
Shamoon Hafez Manchester City reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Manchester City host rivals Manchester United in Thursday's FA Youth Cup final and two of England's hottest prospects go head-to-head for the trophy.
City striker Teddie Lamb has scored 28 goals in just 27 games in all competitions this season, helping the side to winning the Premier League North title.
Meanwhile, United forward JJ Gabriel has netted just one fewer in the same number of games.
"You do everything in your power to make your team win," said 16-year-old Lamb. "For me, either being selfish or being unselfish can help but you obviously have that as a striker. That is what makes you hungry and want to score goals.
"When I was on England camp with him [Gabriel], I was saying, 'you need to stop scoring so I can get that top spot'. It's healthy competition and it pushes me and I think it'll push him, so he wants to score more goals.
"It's pushed me to my limits this season to want to score more goals. It's just the pride you have as a striker, you always want to score goals."
'Smother the in-form Doku with service'published at 15:21 BST 12 May
15:21 BST 12 May
Pat Nevin Former footballer and presenter
Image source, Getty Images
Manchester City fans will be just as furious at that disallowed goal at London Stadium as West Ham's were, but at least they could be proud of their team for not only winning, and winning with style, but also adding to the pressure that clearly affected the Gunners.
At the weekend, City showcased one of their great strengths – match understanding.
Pep's men have had to embrace the chaos lately, specifically when 3-1 down at Everton, but crucially it is organised chaos. The organisation is knowing that if one player is in sparkling form, you do whatever you can to get the ball to him and make sure he is as isolated as possible with his marker.
City have an embarrassment of world-class creatives, but they know that right now it isn't Rayan Cherki, Antoine Semenyo, Omar Marmoush, Savinho or even Phil Foden they need to get the ball to first. They have to smother the in-form Jeremy Doku with service while he is unstoppable. That is the organisation, Doku brings the chaos when he gets the ball.
It might not be quite enough in the end, but it has got them very close and it has definitely made Arsenal use up every ounce of energy and good luck.
Guardiola on Rodri's fitness, 'unbelievable' Guehi and Palacepublished at 13:12 BST 12 May
13:12 BST 12 May
Nat Hayward BBC Sport journalist
Media caption,
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has been speaking to the media before Wednesday's Premier League against Crystal Palace at Etihad Stadium (20:00 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Guardiola said Rodri is "better" and the midfielder will train on Tuesday afternoon, while Abdukodir Khusanov is "better as well" after picking up a "tough, tough knock" during the 3-3 draw with Everton last week.
He added that they are not concerns for Saturday's FA Cup final and "we arrive good in terms of the squad".
Guardiola was asked about grappling in the box after West Ham's dramatic late equaliser against Arsenal on Sunday was ruled out to keep the Gunners with the advantage in the title race: "I'm not the right person to ask. What is said, is said in the past. It is a question for the referees - what they decide, not me."
On VAR: "VAR has not been installed in the last weekend, it has been here for many years here. We adapt, we know it. Everybody knows it."
On how Arsenal's result affected him and his players: "I've not seen the players yet. Always, I give them a day off. Crystal Palace [is my focus] and thinking what I have to do, to always learn from my career as a manager, what you control, to do better, what you've not done better this season, to arrive in a better position. We are still fighting."
Guardiola was keen the emphasise the pressure of the title race on City has not changed: "The same - one day, two days, a week ago, two weeks, same one."
Guardiola was asked about Marc Guehi's impact since arriving in January from Tuesday's opponents: "He is an incredible signing. He's focused in every single detail in every game, in his private life, to be a professional. He is an unbelievable signing for this club. We are really pleased. He is behaving how we expected in moments, how we turn around immediately. That defines the big players at the big clubs. I said many times."
On the challenge posed by the Eagles: "It has always been tough games, particularly under Roy Hodgson and now Oliver [Glasner]. They have a European final so maybe they have struggled a little bit in the Premier League. But there have been a lot of changes - the manager is leaving, announced a long time ago - and maybe they are not consistent, but the quality is there."
On whether Palace may be distracted by the Conference League final as they play both City and Arsenal before: "They're so professional, the team. Crystal Palace will play top against us. We saw Leeds yesterday against Spurs - even being out of the relegation battle so they are in the Premier League again - how they compete. We played Aston Villa here in the past - nothing to play for and it was so difficult. I am sure they will do their best, knowing that they have the final."
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).
'Future Ballon d'Or contender' Doku hurtling to the toppublished at 08:05 BST 12 May
08:05 BST 12 May
Freddie Pye Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
For years, Etihad Stadium has perhaps been perceived as the epitome of footballing control, as numerous Pep Guardiola teams passed their opponents into submission.
But, as the title race approaches its most crucial period, that control against deep-lying low blocks has occasionally felt frustrating.
That has crept into the atmosphere of Manchester City fans, who have been crying out for one player to shatter the tactical stalemate with an unpredictability and electricity that many would deem unstoppable - and up stepped Jeremy Doku.
Nobody has ever doubted the Belgian's tools, having long showcased his terrifying pace and an unrivalled one-v-one ability that has demoralised some of the world's best full-backs.
Yet, for all the dribbling mastery, the asterisk has always been his end-product, plus a lack of goals and assists for a player of his quality.
But we are no longer seeing just a dribbler, we have been seeing a killer in front of goal in these final few weeks.
Doku is no longer just hugging the touchline and finding his overlapping full-back or central midfielders, he is taking it upon himself to invade the penalty area and, crucially, find the back of the net, with some much-needed selfishness.
It was his comments following the 3-0 win over Brentford that were perhaps the most exciting and fascinating as he explicitly cited Raheem Sterling as his blueprint.
If Doku can marry his street footballer-like unpredictability with Sterling's unstoppable intelligence around moving towards the back post at precisely the right time, we won't just be looking at a great winger, we will possibly be looking at a future Ballon d'Or contender.
Seeing Doku thrive under the pressure of a title run-in suggests he is ready to make that leap into a decisive, match-winning forward.
Currently providing the spark to keep City alive in the top-flight title race in May, the rest of Europe should be very afraid of the player Etihad Stadium has at its disposal.
Lofti: This is definitely a dress rehearsal for the Bournemouth game. Both Brentford and Bournemouth play brilliant attacking football. Winning the title from here is almost a miracle but you can't just lay down the gauntlet and give up. WE FIGHT TILL THE END.
Brian: This was Man City with the bit between their teeth. They meant business from the outset and Brentford also came to win, with both teams looking at league placings. Man City were aggressive and in the mood to score goals. For most opposing teams a dangerous cocktail. The fans played their part in what was a great game of football. It is hard to see Man City winning the Premier League but this win keeps the pressure on Arsenal. Jeremy Doku was outstanding and he has really come of age as a goalscorer. A great foundation to build on for next season.
Youssef: All we needed was a win and I'm happy to add the pressure on Arsenal. Our entire front three were on it and even subs Omar Marmoush and Phil Foden. Well done lads and we continue to fight for the title.
Ian: City seem to create a lot of chances but have a lower conversion rate from chances to goals than I would like. Also Pep seems to put out a weak side and then strengthen it during the game. I'd rather see us field a stronger starting line-up and then take players off when we have established a decent lead.
Brentford fans
George: We were hard done by with the officiating and scoreline but not the result. City were ruthless - defeat leaves us needing a lot of luck and four points from our final two matches to secure our tickets to Europe. Onwards and upwards.
Ian: A disciplined first-half performance. The resistance ended on the hour mark with a top-drawer finish by Jeremy Doku. Brentford played some fine football at times, lacking the end product with a goal. A team that has proven so many wrong this season will continue to prove those doubters for some time. A few tweaks in the close season will strengthen the squad to take Brentford to the next level. Come on you Bees!
Luke: Rubbish. What have they learnt about playing Man City? If you simply put players behind the ball and don't press, it gives them plenty of time to create goalscoring opportunities and you will probably lose. Despite European hopes, they looked like a team who came to get a draw.
Rob: Jeremy Doku was the main threat throughout and ran Michael Kayode ragged. I thought we could have moved Aaron Hickey across to help Kayode and put Keane Lewis-Potter at left-back. I thought the officials were poor and gave all 50/50s to City. Kevin Schade was definitely a penalty - why would he dive in front of goal? We gave a good account of ourselves.
Pep Guardiola's side overcame European hopefuls Brentford in a must-win game to keep their slim Premier League title hopes alive, with the Belgium international playing an "important" part.
"Brentford made it difficult and I was sat there thinking: 'Who's going to produce a bit of magic?' - and it was Jeremy Doku who did with an unbelievable finish," Morrison said on BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily.
"He has been brilliant. He is breathtaking. When he plays like that, he is a world-beater and one of the best around.
"He causes opposition full-backs all kinds of problems by being able to go inside and outside.
"This particular finish against Brentford was outstanding. He has been outstanding.
"If Manchester City want to win the league, he needs to continue to keep these kinds of levels. It will even be important in the FA Cup final."
Gossip: Stones could return to Everton after summer exitpublished at 08:15 BST 11 May
08:15 BST 11 May
Everton have been in talks with John Stones over the England defender, 31, returning to the club when he leaves Manchester City this summer. (Football Insider), external
'The Doku show' - Why Man City's winger is crucial for title hopespublished at 11:01 BST 10 May
11:01 BST 10 May
Shamoon Hafez Football reporter
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Jeremy Doku said last month that he needed to add more goals to his game to be considered one of the best wingers in the world.
Is he part of that conversation now?
The Belgium international's recent exploits are keeping Manchester City in this season's title race, with another star showing in Saturday's 3-0 win over Brentford,
Doku's goal opened the scoring against the stubborn Bees, cutting inside and curling in a delightful finish just as he did to rescue a last-gasp draw at Everton on Monday.
The 23-year-old has now scored four important goals in his past three games - the strike against Brentford, the double at Hill Dickinson Stadium and his effort against Southampton to help City into the FA Cup final.
In fact, he has seven goal involvements in his past six games - with five goals complemented by two assists - as many as in his previous 24.
On Saturday, the winger gave Michael Kayode a taxing time, twisting the Brentford full-back inside and out throughout the game, and he could have scored in the opening two minutes but was thwarted by Caoimhin Kelleher.
His performance was widely praised, with MOTD pundit Ashley Williams saying it is "the best we have seen of Jeremy Doku".
The former Wales international defender added: "From a defender's point of view, I am not sure I would know how to stop him. He is physically strong, can go right or left, his acceleration is something else but also his deceleration can leave you flat-footed.
"He was up against Kayode, who I really rate, and he just couldn't handle him. He has been the best player in the Premier League these last few weeks."
Doku's brilliant showing made him just the third player in the Premier League this season to create six or more chances and complete six or more dribbles after Bukayo Saka and Elliot Anderson.
