LONDON, Sporting Alert – Big money signing Kevin De Bruyne starts on the bench for Manchester City in today’s English Premier League clash at Crystal Palace.
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De Bruyne linked up with the Citizens in the closing days of the summer transfer window on a £55m move and he was expected to replace David Silva in the starting lineup after the Spanish international picked up an ankle knock during the international break.
However, manager Manuel Pellegrini has decided to start with Samir Nasri in the midfield, with Sergio Aguero getting a strike partner in fit again Wilfried Bony.
Jesus Navas, Fernandinho and Yaya Toure all start in the midfield with Vincent Kompany and Eliaquim Mangala continue to be Pellegrini’s preferred choice at centre-back, with Martin Demichelis and Nicolas Otamendi both starting on the bench.
For Crystal Palace in the meantime, Bakary Sako comes into the starting lineup and will play as the main striker, as Alan Pardew looks for another shocking result against a top four side from last season.
The Eagles defeated champions Chelsea before the international break, but could find the going tough against leaders Manchester City, who are yet to concede a goal this season.
Midfielder Yohan Cabaye has overcome a groin problem and starts in midfield with James McArthur, Wilfried Zaha, Jason Puncheon and Yannick Bolasie also starting.
Crystal Palace v Manchester City Teams
Crystal Palace: Alex McCarthy, Kelly, Dann, Hangeland, Souare, Cabaye, McArthur, Zaha, Puncheon, Bolasie, Sako. Subs: Mariappa, Campbell, Hennessey, Lee, Jedinak, Gayle, Mutch.
Manchester City: Hart, Sagna, Kompany, Mangala, Kolarov, Jesus Navas, Fernandinho, Toure, Nasri, Bony, Aguero. Subs: Caballero, De Bruyne, Demichelis, Roberts, Otamendi, Iheanacho, Garcia.
