Pep Guardiola faced the biggest crisis of his managerial career last month. Manchester City endured six consecutive defeats followed by a draw, with the 3-3 result against Feyenoord in the Champions League—after leading 3-0—feeling like a disaster. The Citizens were falling apart, leaving everyone questioning what had happened to a team that had experienced fewer failures in two entire seasons. A 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest four days ago gave the English champions a slight morale boost, but whether their struggles are truly behind them will be tested today at Selhurst Park against Crystal Palace in the 15th round of the Premier League.Pep addresses rumors of his rift with De BruyneDespite their struggles, Manchester City hasn’t given up on defending their title, even though Liverpool has pulled nine points ahead. Arsenal has also experienced a slump, while Manchester United and Tottenham are not serious title contenders. Chelsea has been surprising, and City hopes Arne Slot’s Reds will also lose momentum. Crystal Palace, on the other hand, has shown signs of life. Their recent win against Ipswich lifted them out of the danger zone, and they are unbeaten in their last three matches. As a result, the London team welcomes Guardiola’s still-vulnerable squad with optimism.Special One is back! Mou slams Pep in emphatic fashionOne of City’s most influential players in the last decade, Kevin De Bruyne, has been the subject of rumors about friction between him and Guardiola. Speculation suggests the experienced midfielder could leave the club, with the newly-formed MLS team San Diego reportedly a potential destination. De Bruyne has been plagued by injuries in recent seasons and, at 33 years old, is no longer the player he once was.”There are players whose impact on this club is eternal. Of course, it won’t be easy if he leaves, but if and when that happens, we’ll need to find the best way to adapt“ said the Spaniard. Cityzens smiling. FinallyManuel Akanji’s status is uncertain, while City will be without the ill Phil Foden and the injured Nathan Aké. Also unavailable are John Stones, Mateo Kovačić, Oscar Bobb, and Rodri—the latter, widely regarded as the best player in the world, whose early-season injury disrupted City’s winning rhythm. For Crystal Palace, Rob Holding, Luke Plange, and Brazilian Matheus Franca are out. Last season, City defeated Palace 4-2 in London and drew 2-2 at the Etihad. However, the Citizens are currently on a rare three-match losing streak in Premier League away games, having fallen to Bournemouth, Brighton, and Liverpool. Victory at Selhurst Park is imperative. Meanwhile, the hosts have struggled at home this season, managing just one win in seven matches—a 1-0 triumph over Tottenham at the end of October.ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE – MATCHDAY 15Saturday 15.30: (7.00) Everton (4.75) Liverpool (1.48)18.00: (1.37) Aston Villa (5.10) Southampton (7.75)18.00: (2.95) Brentford (3.70) Newcastle (2.40)18.00: (5.50) Crystal Palace (4.35) Man.City (1.62)20.30: (1.65) Man.Utd. (4.00) Nott.Forest (5.20)Sunday 17.00: (5.80) Fulham (3.90) Arsenal (1.60)17.00: (3.60) Ipswich (3.50) Bournemouth (2.15)17.00: (4.70) Leicester (4.10) Brighton (1.75)19.30: (3.20) Tottenham (4.00) Chelsea (2.15)Monday23.00: (1.95) West Ham (3.60) Wolverhampton (4.20)***odds are subject to change***
