- Champions City visit Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Saturday
- Cityzens earned much-needed victory over Nottingham Forest midweek
- Kevin De Bruyne's return to the starting XI crucial in 3-0 win over Midlands side
Manchester City earned a little respite midweek as they brought their seven-game winless run to a conclusion and the reigning Premier League champions are seeking a second win on the bounce this Saturday.
Victory over Nottingham Forest on Wednesday evening was needed to bring a disastrous run of six defeats and a draw to an end but Pep Guardiola's side must build on the win as they aim to close down league leaders Liverpool.
The Cityzens are currently nine points behind the table-topping Reds and victory away at Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon is essential to City's bid to become Premier League champions for a fifth straight season.
With injuries causing issues for City, here is how Guardiola could line his side up.
Man City predicted lineup vs Crystal Palace (4-1-4-1)
GK: Ederson - Stefan Ortega has surprisingly started City's last two matches after an underwhelming spell for Ederson, but the Brazilian surely can't continue being on the sidelines?
RB: Kyle Walker - Questions have justifiably been asked of Walker after a difficult start to the season but the Englishman's experience could come in handy against the energetic and skilful Eberechi Eze.
CB: Manuel Akanji - With Nathan Ake suffering yet another injury during the win over Forest, Guardiola will be forced into a defensive reshuffle at the weekend. Akanji, who started at right-back midweek, could return to the centre of defence.
CB: Ruben Dias - The absence of the imposing Dias proved costly for City during their woeful run without victory but his return has already helped bolster the backline. The powerful Jean-Philippe Mateta will keep Dias entertained.
LB: Josko Gvardiol - Gvardiol has endured a difficult few weeks for club and country with a series of error-strewn performances. A relatively comfortable outing against Forest should help rebuild his confidence.
DM: Ilkay Gundogan - Gundogan is all that City have left in defensive midfield as Mateo Kovacic and Rodri reside in the treatment room. The German is not the same player he was during his first spell at the Etihad but he can still be a classy operator on his day.
RM: Savinho - The Brazilian hasn't started any of the last three matches but his pace and direct approach could work well against Palace's wing-backs. He still awaits a first goal for the Cityzens despite racking up 18 appearances across all competitions.
CM: Kevin De Bruyne - The maestro made his first start since mid-September against Forest and instantly proved the difference maker. A goal, an assist and a generally outstanding performance set City up for victory and the Belgian scored twice at Selhurst Park last season.
CM: Bernardo Silva - Silva has been a surprise underperformer for City this season given his usual consistency. Scoring midweek will have done his confidence levels no harm at all ahead of the busy winter period.
LM: Jeremy Doku - Doku has rightfully been called out for his lack of end product since arriving at the Etihad but he grabbed a goal and assist against Forest. Always offers energy and positivity even if he's yet to find consistency.
ST: Erling Haaland - Now three Premier League matches without hitting the back of the net, Haaland will be desperate to return to the scoresheet on Saturday. Palace have actually conceded fewer goals than City in the league this season and are no slouches in defence.
