Manchester City vs. Crystal Palace: Preview and TV schedule

Manchester City and Crystal Palace had something in common on Boxing Day in that they both got wins. While their circumstances in the Premier League are extremely different, the points picked up on Thursday could be important for both sides.

City are chasing their second title in three seasons and could provisionally take over the top spot in the league with a win on Saturday. Whether they stay there depends on Arsenal's result on Sunday, but three points are a must to stay at the top of the title race. Head coach Manuel Pellegrini will probably make several changes in his lineup as he tries to keep players fresh during the busy holiday schedule.

Palace's victory over Aston Villa ended a two match losing streak and pulled them out of the relegation zone on goal differential. Tony Pulis will get a boost for the trip to the Ethiad Stadium with the return of the team's leading scorer Marouane Chamakh from suspension.

Out: Sergio Aguero (calf), Micah Richards (hamstring), Stevan Jovetic (knock). In doubt: Martin Demichelis (knock).

Out: Adlene Guedioura (broken ribs), Jerome Thomas (groin), Jack Hunt (ankle), Paddy McCarthy (groin), Glenn Murray (knee). In Doubt: Stuart O'Keefe (knock), Kagisho Dikgacoi (hamstring).

Sergio Agüero remains out with a calf injury but defender Martin Demichelis could return after missing the Liverpool match with a knock. Palace's injury list remains long with five players out and two doubtful.

Manchester City: Joe Hart, Pablo Zabaleta, Vincent Kompany, Matija Nastasic, Gaël Clichy, Fernandinho, James Milner, Javier Garcia, David Silva, Yaya Touré, Edin Dzeko

Crystal Palace: Julian Speroni, ADrian Mariappa, Jonathan Parr, Daniel Gabbidon, Damien Delaney, Joel Ward, Yannick Bolasie, Jason Puncheon, Mile Jedinak, Barry Bannan, Marouane Chamakh