Man City will approach this game with confidence as they now sit in second place and just three points behind the league leaders Chelsea. City have managed five wins on the bounce now, and another win could see them move level on points with the West Londoners as an early Christmas present.

With their top scorer Sergio Aguero out, in addition to Edin Dzeko and Stevan Jovetic being absent through injury, City are likely to play a re-vamped formation without a striker. This means that there will be more emphasis on Yaya Toure, and the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows off his prowess. The Ivory Coast international has now bagged for goals and will look to add to that tally this weekend. He has also grabbed one assist, and if can add to his total of 758 completed passes in the opposition half, he could prove to be a game changer. He is 33/20 to score anytime with 888sport.com.

Another man who is equally likely to make a difference is Spain international midfielder, David Silva. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that he has completed 87.2% of his 671 passes so far this season, and he is also capable of unlocking a defence at any time with his eye for a pass.

At the other end, England international goalkeeper Joe Hart will be going in search of his third back to back clean sheet this weekend, and the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index reveals just how good his form is at the moment. The Blues shot stopper has averaged 2.36 saves per goal conceded so far this season, and will look to further extend that ratio this weekend.

This weekend’s visitors to The Etihad are Crystal Palace, and the Eagles will prove anything but a walkover for the home side. The South Londoners have only lost one of their last five Premier League outings and will be looking for all three points to build a buffer between themselves and the relegation zone.

As ever, the Eagles will look to their inspirational skipper Mike Jedinak to win the midfield battle, and the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows off his prowess. The Australian national team captain has illustrated his quality on the ball by scoring five goals and creating one more already this season. His statistics in defence are even more impressive having won 80.3% of his 76 tackles and made 59 interceptions.

Behind Jedinak, Martin Kelly has been Palace’s most impressive and consistent performer this season, as illustrated by the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. The right back has won 85.2% of his 61 tackles this season, making 68 clearances and 27 interceptions and will be key to keeping City at bay.

At the other end, Crystal Palace will be relying on Dwight Gayle to find the back of the net, and the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows off his talents. His two goals this season have come at an average of every 187 minutes, hitting the target

with 75% of his attempts. Much like Jedinak and Kelly, Gayle is also impressive in defence and has won all of his four tackles this season, showing that defending from the front is key to Palace’s success. He is 5/1 to score anytime with 888sport.com.

Photo: Action Images

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