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Man City team news: Predicted 4-3-3 line up vs Crystal Palace – De Bruyne, Aguero decision
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has a number of key selection decisions to make when the reigning Premier League champions return to action against Crystal Palace tonight (5.30pm).
Premier League: Man City vs Crystal Palace match preview
Manchester City are set to welcome Kevin de Bruyne and John Stones back from injury when they take on Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
The international break has been fruitful for the Premier League champions with both De Bruyne and Stones returning to training.
Benjamin Mendy is also on the comeback trail following fitness issues while Sergio Aguero escaped injury after a nasty car crash on Thursday,
Speaking about squad fitness in his pre-match press conference, Guardiola said: “Yeah, some of them are better. Kevin is back and John trained the last two days good.
“Mendy as well. Mendy a little bit later, but [recovering] as well.”
Guardiola went on to confirm that Aguero suffered had no ill-effects after his road accident and is available for the weekend.
Therefore the Spaniard is presented with a number of key selection choices, starting in central defence.
Nicolas Otamendi and Fernandinho struggled in the 2-0 defeat to Wolves last time out so the Brazilian could make way for the return of Stones.
Joao Cancelo and Kyle Walker are battling for a starting spot at right-back, although the former could also be deployed on the opposite side of defence if Guardiola overlooks Oleksandr Zinchenko.
Fernandinho may be recalled to his natural midfield role but Rodri would be unlucky to drop out after impressive displays since his summer switch from Atletico Madrid.
Ilkay Gundogan is most likely to make way for the returning Kevin de Bruyne while David Silva should retain his midfield berth.
Riyad Mahrez has played his way into the starting XI at the expense of Bernardo Silva, Raheem Sterling is an almost certain starter on the right flank and Aguero should be preferred to Gabriel Jesus once more.
Manchester City predicted line-up vs Crystal Palace – Premier League
(4-3-3): Ederson; Cancelo, Stones, Otamendi, Zinchenko; Fernandinho, De Bruyne, D. Silva; Mahrez, Sterling, Aguero