The historical head-to-head record between Crystal Palace and Manchester City favors the Citizens, who have won 40 of the 75 total meetings across all competitions. Crystal Palace has secured 18 victories, while 17 matches have ended in a draw, highlighting a fixture that often produces surprising results despite the gap in resources. Most recently, Manchester City defeated Crystal Palace 3-0 on December 14, 2025, in the Premier League, though Palace notably beat City 1-0 in the 2025 FA Cup Final to secure their first major trophy.
In this guide, you will find deep-dive statistics, a look at the most iconic matches, tactical breakdowns of Pep Guardiola versus Oliver Glasner, and practical information for fans attending upcoming fixtures at Selhurst Park or the Etihad Stadium. Whether you are looking for betting trends, historical context, or matchday tips, this authoritative resource covers every angle of this modern English top-flight clash.
Historical Head-to-Head Statistics
Manchester City holds the upper hand in the Premier League era, winning 14 of the 24 encounters compared to Crystal Palace’s 4 wins. The scoring remains heavily skewed toward the Manchester side, with City averaging significantly more goals per game in recent seasons, often exceeding the 2.5 goal line.
However, Crystal Palace has earned a reputation as a “bogey team” for City, particularly at the Etihad Stadium where they have secured shock wins in 2018 and 2021. This unpredictable nature makes the fixture a staple of high-drama weekend football.
Memorable Recent Encounters
The 2025 FA Cup Final stands as the most significant meeting in history for the Eagles, where an Eberechi Eze goal secured a 1-0 win at Wembley. This victory marked Crystal Palace’s first major silverware and ended Manchester City’s hope for a domestic double that year.
In the Premier League, the 2-2 draw at the Etihad in December 2023 saw Palace claw back from two goals down with a late Michael Olise penalty. Such results emphasize that regardless of league position, the tactical discipline of the south London side often frustrates City’s possession-heavy style.
Tactical Battle: Guardiola vs Glasner
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City typically operates in a fluid 4-3-3 or 3-2-4-1 formation, focusing on territorial dominance and high-pressing. Their strategy revolves around creating overloads in the half-spaces, often utilizing Erling Haaland’s physicality to finish clinical passing sequences.
Oliver Glasner has implemented a resilient 3-4-2-1 system at Palace, prioritizing a compact mid-block and explosive transitions. This setup specifically targets City’s high defensive line, using the pace of wing-backs and creative attacking midfielders to exploit gaps on the counter-attack.
Key Players to Watch
Erling Haaland remains the primary threat for Manchester City, boasting a prolific record against Palace including a memorable hat-trick in 2022. His ability to find space in a crowded box makes him the focal point of every City offensive.
For Crystal Palace, Adam Wharton has emerged as a vital midfield engine, capable of breaking up City’s play and initiating quick breaks. His composure under the relentless City press is often the difference between Palace holding firm or buckling under pressure.
Venue Analysis: Selhurst Park
Selhurst Park is widely regarded as one of the most atmospheric stadiums in England, providing a “12th man” effect for the Eagles. The tight pitch and vocal Holmesdale End often unsettle visiting teams accustomed to the more expansive environments of modern arenas.
Manchester City players have frequently noted the difficulty of playing in south London under the lights. The close proximity of the fans to the pitch creates a claustrophobic pressure that complements Palace’s physical defending.
Venue Analysis: Etihad Stadium
The Etihad Stadium offers a stark contrast with its world-class facilities and expansive playing surface that suits City’s passing game. With a capacity of over 53,000, it provides the perfect stage for City to stretch opponents horizontally and vertically.
Despite the home advantage, City has occasionally struggled here against Palace’s low block. The pristine pitch allows for the high-speed ball movement City requires, but also assists Palace’s fast attackers during breakaway scenarios.
Marc Guéhi Transfer Context
The rivalry took on a new dimension in January 2026 following the high-profile transfer of Palace captain Marc Guéhi to Manchester City. This move created significant tension between Palace manager Oliver Glasner and the board due to the timing of the sale.
Guéhi’s move to the Etihad strengthens City’s defensive rotation while leaving a leadership void at Selhurst Park. His first appearance against his former club is expected to be a major narrative point for the March 2026 fixture.
Practical Information and Planning
Attending a match between these two requires forward planning, especially given the high demand for tickets in the 2025-2026 season.
- Ticket Prices: General admission typically ranges from £30 to £65, while hospitality packages start around £150.
- Transport to Selhurst: The stadium is best reached via Selhurst, Thornton Heath, or Norwood Junction stations.
- Transport to Etihad: Use the Metrolink from Manchester Piccadilly directly to the Etihad Campus stop.
- What to Expect: Expect rigorous security checks and a highly energized atmosphere; arriving 60-90 minutes before kickoff is recommended.
- Visitor Tips: If visiting Selhurst Park, grab a pre-match meal in Crystal Palace Triangle for local flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times has Crystal Palace beaten Man City?
In total historical meetings, Crystal Palace has won 18 times against Manchester City, with 4 of those wins coming during the Premier League era.
Where can I buy tickets for the next match?
Tickets should be purchased through the official club websites or authorized partners like SportsBreaks to avoid scams.
Who is the top scorer in this fixture?
Raheem Sterling and Yaya Touré hold the record for most goals in this fixture for City with 7 each, followed closely by Sergio Agüero and Erling Haaland.
What was the score of the 2025 FA Cup Final?
Crystal Palace won 1-0 against Manchester City, with Eberechi Eze scoring the winning goal.
Which stadium is bigger, the Etihad or Selhurst Park?
The Etihad Stadium is significantly larger with a capacity of approximately 53,400 compared to Selhurst Park’s 25,486.
Is the March 2026 match confirmed?
Yes, the reverse fixture is scheduled for March 21, 2026, at the Etihad Stadium.
Who is the current manager of Crystal Palace?
Oliver Glasner is the manager, though recent reports indicate he may depart at the end of the 2025-2026 season.
Has Erling Haaland scored a hat-trick against Palace?
Haaland scored a second-half hat-trick in August 2022 to help City come from 2-0 down to win 4-2.
Can away fans sit in home sections?
No, for safety reasons, away fans must sit in the designated visiting sections and may be ejected if found in home areas.
What is the “Holmesdale End”?
It is the stand at Selhurst Park famous for housing the “Ultras” and providing the bulk of the stadium’s atmosphere.
Final Thoughts
Crystal Palace vs Manchester City rivalry has evolved from a predictable David-vs-Goliath fixture into a genuine tactical chess match. While the Citizens historically dominate the win-loss column, Palace’s recent 2025 FA Cup Final triumph and their ability to secure draws at the Etihad have cemented their reputation as a formidable “bogey team.”
As we move into 2026, the narrative has shifted toward the controversial transfer of Marc Guéhi to the blue side of Manchester and the impending departure of Oliver Glasner. These off-pitch storylines, combined with City’s mid-winter struggle for form and Palace’s resilience, make their upcoming meeting on March 21, 2026, one of the most anticipated fixtures of the season.
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