Kyle Walker and Nathan Ake are out of Manchester City’s trip to Crystal Palace on Saturday, when Pep Guardiola says he will decide hours before kick-off whether to restore Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne to his starting line-up.
First-choice goalkeeper Ederson is “much better” but Guardiola is unsure whether the Brazil international will return following a three-match absence.
Stefan Ortega was in goal and Ruben Dias and Manuel Akanji formed City’s centre-back pairing in their 4-1 home win over fourth-placed Aston Villa on Wednesday, when top scorer Haaland and midfielder De Bruyne joined John Stones as high-profile unused substitutes.
“I don’t know yet,” Guardiola replied when he was asked about the prospect of the pair starting in the first Premier League match of the weekend.
“Playing at 12.30 after playing two days ago – I have to think. The players know that they can handle it – not all of the time, but most of the time they handle exactly what they have to do.”
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City visit Real Madrid on Tuesday before hosting relegation-threatened Luton Town in their next top-flight match on Saturday.
“We play at 12.30, it’s perfect; more time until the next game, in Madrid, to recover,” said Guardiola. “You have to talk with the doctors or physios and I will decide early tomorrow morning.”
Palace v City ‘difficult’
The reigning champions are three points behind leaders Arsenal and two shy of second-placed Liverpool with eight matches of the season remaining for each team.
Arsenal visit Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday evening and Liverpool travel to Manchester United on Sunday afternoon.
PEP 💬 It has always been tough [against Palace]. [Oliver] Glasner is doing a really good job. They have quality… a good structure, and they are strong defensively with [Joachim] Andersen leading the back five… Selhurst Park is always difficult, we know this. pic.twitter.com/v4EOFPYyl2
— Manchester City (@ManCity) April 5, 2024
“I hope they will [drop points] but it doesn’t solve the problem if we don’t do our job,” said Guardiola, whose side have won 10 times and drawn three since spurning a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 at home to Palace in December.
“Selhurst Park is always difficult. We have to win the eight games left and wait. If we were top of the league, it would be in our hands.
“What we have to do is win our games. If it happens, it’s better. We cannot control it. One game at a time, don’t give up. If you can’t control your destiny, wait.”
