Manchester City travel to Selhurst Park on Friday to face Crystal Palace in one of the headline fixtures of Premier League Matchweek 2.
City will be looking to build momentum early in the campaign, while Palace will be determined to make their home advantage count.
The match kicks off at 8pm UK time on Friday, August 28.
Manchester City looking for another victory
Manchester City remain among the leading contenders for the Premier League title and will enter Friday’s fixture as favourites.
Pep Guardiola’s side have the quality to dominate possession and create chances, but Palace have traditionally been capable of making life uncomfortable for the league’s biggest clubs.
City’s ability to break down a compact Palace defence could therefore determine the outcome.
Palace need to be more clinical
Crystal Palace will hope for a stronger attacking performance after failing to find the net in their opening fixture.
Playing at Selhurst Park could give the Eagles additional confidence, particularly if they can frustrate City during the opening stages.
Jeremy Doku injury blow
Manchester City have suffered an injury concern involving winger Jeremy Doku ahead of the fixture, with reports indicating that he is expected to miss the opening game against Bournemouth earlier in the season. His availability remains a point to monitor around City’s squad selection.
Prediction
City have the stronger squad and should create enough chances to win.
Prediction: Crystal Palace 1-2 Manchester City
Palace could make the game competitive, but City’s attacking quality should eventually prove decisive.
SportNexus verdict: Manchester City to win.