Manchester City continue their post-Pep Guardiola era as they travel to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace in the second round of the English Premier League. The match is scheduled for Friday, August 28, at 8pm local time (19:00 GMT).

New manager Enzo Maresca has had a mixed start, losing the Community Shield 3-0 to Arsenal and then needing two late goals to beat Bournemouth in the league opener. The pressure is already mounting on the Italian.

City have undergone a major squad overhaul this summer, with experienced players like John Stones, Bernardo Silva, Rodri, and Nathan Ake leaving the club. In their place, the club has signed young midfielders Ayyoub Bouaddi (18) and Elliot Anderson (23), signaling a shift towards youth.

Maresca told reporters that the club may still add "one or two more captains" before the transfer deadline, emphasizing the need for leadership in a young squad. Reports in the UK media link City with Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez, but Maresca denied any imminent deal.

Tottenham Hotspur have signed Omar Marmoush on a season-long loan with an obligation to buy, further depleting City's attacking options.

Bouaddi, the most expensive teenager in Premier League history, is "ready to go" for his debut, but Maresca urged patience, saying the 18-year-old needs time to adapt.

Crystal Palace, who lost their opening match 2-0 to Everton, will be looking to bounce back. They have a recent history of upsetting City, including a famous FA Cup final win in May 2025.

The Opta supercomputer gives City a 57.5% chance of victory, while Palace have a 20% chance. In 75 previous meetings, City have won 41 times, with Palace winning 18.

Team news: Palace are without Ismaila Sarr (groin) and Chadi Riad (knee). City will be without Jeremy Doku and Matheus Nunes, but Elliot Anderson has recovered from cramp.

Source: www.aljazeera.com