Going off final league standings alone, there is little to suggest that Crystal Palace represent a particularly difficult opponent for Manchester City.
Between 2018/19 and 2021/22, City won the Premier League three times and finished second in the other, while Palace managed finishes of 12th, 14th, 14th and 12th. But only a fool would predict City to have an easy ride when the Eagles visit the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
Palace have become something of a bogey team for City in recent seasons, taking points off Pep Guardiola's side in four of the last eight league meetings. Last season City failed to beat the London-based side, losing 2-0 at home in October before playing out a goalless draw at Selhurst Park in March.
