Manchester City’s new midfielder will have a pivotal role to play against Crystal Palace

An injury-hit Manchester City will take on Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park later today. Today’s match looms as a pivotal Premier League fixture for Pep Guardiola’s side. A win would see them start to build momentum after their recent seven-game winless run. They ended that on Wednesday evening with a 3-nil win over Nottingham Forest. Heading into today’s game Manchester City’s new midfielder will have a crucial role to play based on who is unavailable for the world champions today.

Jack Grealish started in midfield during Manchester City’s 3-nil win over Nottingham Forest on Wednesday night. He put in a fine display in a new role for the England international in Pep Guardiola’s side. Grealish helped his team dominate possession and his ability to work back defensively and control the game was crucial to City’s win. There also appeared to be signs of a midfield partnership that could develop with Kevin De Bruyne. Their games complement each other and that is something to keep an eye on going forward.

But today, Manchester City face a tough test against a powerful Crystal Palace outfit. Oliver Glasner’s side are a physical side. Players such as Cheick Doucouré, Jefferson Lerma and Will Hughes typically play in midfield for Palace. In the case of Doucouré and Lerma, they have the physical attributes to cause City trouble in midfield.

That’s where Jack Grealish comes in. His ability to ride a challenge and maintain possession could be crucial against Crystal Palace. Manchester City’s new midfielder also can pick out a pass going forward. If Pep Guardiola deems it to be a risk to start Kevin De Bruyne for the second time in four days Grealish becomes a vital player at Selhurst Park.

Speaking in the embargoed section of his pre-game press conference yesterday Pep Guardiola joked that he may have been playing Jack Grealish in the wrong position. He explained that the England international is suited to playing in midfield. He explained: “He has attributes to play there – maybe it was my mistake to play him as winger. At Aston Villa with Dean he started from the left-wing position and would go more inside. Here he has more of a fixed position, more in the places. But he can adapt perfectly in both positions. I know he likes playing in his position. We have a lot of needs right now and of course with and without the ball, his impact on the game was really, really good.”

If Jack Grealish lines up in midfield once again today he could have a crucial role to play at Selhurst Park. He could dictate the game for the world champions and that could set City on their way to picking up a precious three points. Where Grealish starts the game if he is selected in the starting lineup will be interesting to watch unfold. If he lines up in midfield the England international could help tilt the midfield battle in City’s favour.