Man City Starting XI vs Crystal Palace: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup

Man City Starting XI vs Crystal Palace: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup Man City Team News: Ayyoub Bouaddi Ready for Crystal Palace Debut Call Manchester City have a new option in midfield and Enzo Maresca has already made one thing clear, Ayyoub Bouaddi is available straight away. The 18-year-old arrived from Lille in an £86 million deal on Wednesday and could make his debut against Crystal Palace on Friday night at Selhurst Park. Maresca was direct about the player’s condition. “He is ready, he was working with his former club so he is fit,” Enzo Maresca said in Thursday’s press conference. “We will see how long it is in terms of adaptation but for sure he is ready to go.” Bouaddi Gives Man City Fresh Midfield Option That does not automatically mean a start. The manager’s tone pointed more towards caution than urgency. Bouaddi is in the squad, he is physically fine, and he offers another serious midfield profile after impressing for Morocco at the World Cup this summer. Still, City are not in the business of loading immediate pressure on an 18-year-old. Maresca spelled that out too. “No rush for him. For sure he will help us now and in the future. But he is just 18,” the Man City boss added. “It is my job and it’s the club’s job to manage him in the best way, don’t put pressure on him, he is young and he needs time.” Crystal Palace Test Could Reshape Selection If Bouaddi does start, the obvious consequence is a reshuffle. Marc Guehi, used in defensive midfield during the 2-1 comeback win over Bournemouth, could drop back or make way in that role. Elliot Anderson is fit despite taking a knock in the opening match, which gives Maresca another decision to make. Photo IMAGO Further forward, Rayan Cherki looks set for a recall after creating both goals last time out. With Jeremy Doku injured, Phil Foden may again be pushed into a wider role, simply because there are fewer natural options on the flanks. Predicted Man City XI and Injury Latest Predicted XI: Donnarumma; Khusanov, Dias, Guehi, Gvardiol; Anderson, Kovacic; Semenyo, Cherki, Foden; Haaland Injured: Doku Doubts: Nunes Kick-off is 8pm BST on Friday, August 27 at Selhurst Park. The main talking point is straightforward, Bouaddi is ready, but whether Maresca decides to use him from the start is a different question.