Crystal Palace vs. Man City Picks, Odds, and EPL Betting Analysis — Citizens Vulnerable Favorites at Odds-On?

• When: Friday, August 28, 2026. 3:00 PM ET
• Where: Selhurst Park, London, England
• How to Watch: NBC

Match Result	Odds
Crystal Palace	+415
The Draw	+325
Man City	-154
Total Goals: Over/Under 2.5	+116/-132

Crystal Palace vs. Man City EPL Preview

The second weekend of the 2026-27 Premier League season gets underway at Selhurst Park on August 28, as Man City bid to build on an opening weekend win against Bournemouth. The Citizens will be favored at the best soccer betting sites when they travel to Crystal Palace, but could Enzo Maresca’s side be vulnerable on the road?  

ALSO SEE: Premier League 2026/27: Our Experts Make Their Winner, Relegation, and Top Scorer Picks

Sage Chasing Perfect Start in First Match at Selhurst Park

Pierre Sage was given a stern reminder of the difficulty that comes with competing in the Premier League in his opening defeat against Everton last Saturday. Crystal Palace could have easily been ahead in the opening 45 minutes, but the Eagles were wasteful in the final third of the field.

That would ultimately cost them, as the Toffees ran out 2-0 winners. Things still appear unsettled at Selhurst Park, with main stars such as Jean-Philippe Mateta, Ismaila Sarr, and Daniel Munoz all pining for moves away from the club.

However, if still at the club, all three will start against Man City on Friday. The Eagles could hand first-team minutes to Zavier Gozo on Friday. The winger signed from MLS club Real Salt Lake after scoring six goals in 16 appearances in 2026.

Likely Lineup:

(3-4-2-1) Henderson (GK); Canvot, Richards, Riad; Munoz, Wharton, Kamada, Mitchell; McNeil, Mateta, Nketiah

City Ride Their Luck in Maresca’s Opening Day Win

Enzo Maresca was in desperate need of a victory on the opening weekend following a disappointing 3-0 loss against Arsenal in the Community Shield. Man City ultimately got over the line with two goals in the final stages, but they consistently looked unsettled in the transition when Bournemouth broke at pace.

However, it should be respected that City showed grit and determination to get over the line, and there were always likely to be teething problems following Pep Guardiola’s departure. A midfield signing is essential before the deadline, as Marc Guehi looked unsuited to a holding role alongside Elliott Anderson.

Rayan Cherki’s introduction made the difference against the Cherries, registering two assists. The 23-year-old Frenchman will likely be preferred to Phil Foden on Friday, as the Englishman struggled to get involved in the game on the opening day.

Likely Lineup:

(4-2-3-1) Donnarumma (GK); Nunes, Dias, Guehi, Gvardiol; Anderson, O’Reilly; Semenyo, Cherki, Lewis; Haaland

Head-to-Head Stats

• Crystal Palace have won just three of their last 28 Premier League fixtures against Man City.
• Man City have won 12 of their previous 17 away matches against the Eagles in all competitions.
• The Citizens have scored at least three goals in each of the previous three EPL clashes against Crystal Palace.

Crystal Palace vs. Man City EPL Picks

Crystal Palace were slightly unfortunate against Everton on the opening day, as they missed countless clear openings to get ahead in the game. They are unlikely to get away with as many missed chances once again against Man City, who will only improve under Maresca. City’s dominant head-to-head record against the Eagles is concerning for the hosts, making the away win among the standout picks to consider on Friday.

• Man City (-154)