Man City travel to Selhurst Park: Maresca calls for reinforcements

Manchester City will travel to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace in Premier League Matchday 2, kicking off at 19:00 GMT (2:00 AM Hanoi time on August 29). The match is highly anticipated as both teams have had contrasting starts to the new season.

The hosts Crystal Palace lost 0-2 at Everton in the opening round. Meanwhile, Manchester City needed two late goals to come from behind and beat Bournemouth, following their 0-3 defeat to Arsenal in the Community Shield.

Maresca wants to sign more leaders

Man City manager Enzo Maresca expressed his desire for the club to use the final days of the transfer window to find 'one or two leaders' more, in order to strengthen a squad that has been significantly rejuvenated this summer.

Man City have parted ways with a host of experienced players such as John Stones, Bernardo Silva, Rodri, and Nathan Ake. The two most notable signings are young midfielders Ayyoub Bouaddi (18) and Elliot Anderson (23). The club is still reportedly interested in Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez.

"We have experienced players, we have leaders," Maresca said in his Thursday press conference. "Now we need to wait another four or five days to see if we can add one or two leaders alongside Ruben (Dias) and Erling (Haaland) - who are the captains."

The Italian coach confirmed that no deals are close to completion at the moment, apart from new signing Ayyoub Bouaddi who arrived on Wednesday.

In other news, Tottenham Hotspur have officially signed Man City striker Omar Marmoush on loan until the end of the season, with an obligation to buy.

Bouaddi needs time to adapt

Ayyoub Bouaddi, the young Moroccan star, could make his Man City debut in the match against Crystal Palace. However, manager Maresca called for patience with the most expensive teenager in Premier League history, after the club paid €100 million to sign him from Lille.

"He is ready to play," Maresca said. "But we need to take it slowly because he is young, coming from a different country. There is no need to rush. He will definitely help us in the present and the future. My job and the club's job is to manage him in the best way, without putting pressure on him."

Notable statistics

Last season, Man City beat Crystal Palace 3-0 at home at the Etihad in May, with goals from Antoine Semenyo, Omar Marmoush, and Savio. In the reverse fixture at Selhurst Park, Man City also won 3-0 thanks to a brace from Erling Haaland and a goal from Phil Foden.

Palace's last win over Man City came in the FA Cup final in May 2025, with a single goal from Eberechi Eze. In the Premier League, they have not beaten Man City since October 2021 (a 2-0 win). Palace's last home win over Man City was in April 2014 (2-1).

Team news and predicted lineups

Crystal Palace will be without Ismaila Sarr (groin injury) and Chadi Riad (knee injury).

For Man City, manager Maresca said Elliot Anderson has recovered from cramp, Matheus Nunes is not at 100% fitness, and Jeremy Doku is still unavailable.

According to Opta's supercomputer predictions, Man City have a 57.5% chance of winning, while Crystal Palace have only 20%.

This will be the 76th meeting between the two sides, with 41 wins for Man City and 18 for Crystal Palace.