Crystal Palacevs.Man City

The Citizens came away unscathed from their 4-1 victory over Aston Villa on Wednesday, but there are still concerns over the fitness of Kyle Walker (hamstring), Nathan Ake (unspecified) and Ederson (muscle) - the former two are expected to miss the visit to Palace, while the latter is a doubt.

John Stones, meanwhile, has watched on as an unused substitute in City's last two league games since sustaining a groin problem on England duty, and it remains to be seen whether the defender will be fit to feature in some capacity on Saturday.

Should both Stones and Ake not feature, a back four of Rico Lewis, Manuel Akanji, Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol could remain intact, with Lewis given the licence to drift into midfield as he did against Villa. However, left-back Sergio Gomez could be called upon by Pep Guardiola is he wishes to manage Gvardiol's game time amidst a busy fixture schedule.

Both Rodri and Bernardo Silva were withdrawn with 15 minutes remaining against Villa and the midfield duo are expected to start on Saturday, with the latter either continuing in a central role or operating out on the right wing.

After scoring a hat-trick in midweek, Phil Foden will be looking to earn another start in the number 10 role, although Guardiola will consider recalling Kevin De Bruyne, who was rested against Villa, and could either start the Belgian instead of or alongside Foden in a central role.

Jeremy Doku and Jack Grealish both impressed on the flanks against Villa and will be hoping to retain their starting spots, although considering the latter has only recently returned from injury, he may begin as a substitute this time around.

Like De Bruyne, Erling Haaland was somewhat surprisingly benched in midweek, but the striker - who has not scored in 12 of his last 17 appearances for club and country - is expected to return on Saturday, which would likely see Julian Alvarez make way.

Manchester City possible starting lineup: Ortega; Lewis, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol; Rodri; Bernardo, De Bruyne, Foden, Doku; Haaland