Manchester City team news: Pep Guardiola gives Ederson and Erling Haaland update

Pep Guardiola has given an update on his team’s fitness status ahead of the trip to Crystal Palace on Saturday. Manchester City secured an impressive 4-1 victory over Aston Villa during the midweek fixtures but they remain adrift of league leaders Liverpool.

“Eddy [Ederson] is much better and will maybe be on the list,” he said, confirming that the Brazilian goalkeeper could be in line for a return.

City’s back-up goalkeeper Stefan Ortega has filled in for Ederson since he was substituted in last month’s 1-1 draw with Liverpool. The first-choice goalkeeper injured himself in the process of conceding a penalty.

Will Erling Haaland play for Manchester City against Crystal Palace?

The Man City boss was also asked about the possibility that Erling Haaland and Kevin de Bruyne could return to starting XI, having missed out on Thursday’s win over Villa. Guardiola confirmed that the famous duo are not suffering from injury but are being rested ahead of an intense period of fixtures.

Guardiola said of their possible return: “I don’t know yet. I don’t know... Playing at 12:30 and played just two days ago, I have to think.”

On Saturday City travel to Selhurst Park to take on Crystal Palace, a team that they have underwhelmed against in the past. Palace enjoyed surprise victories over City at the Etihad Stadium in 2018 and 2021 and picked up a 2-2 draw in Manchester earlier this season.

Palace have recorded a slight uptick in form since the mid-season arrival of Oliver Glasner but they are yet to really show their full potential under the new head coach. Their only victories in 2024 have been home wins against relegation strugglers Sheffield United and Burnley. They host an in-form Manchester City who are looking to secure a historic fourth consecutive league title.