Crystal Palace’s Struggles and Manchester City’s Challenge: Haaland's Next Move

Crystal Palace opened their campaign with exactly the kind of afternoon managers dread: slow out of the blocks, away from home, and hanging on at Everton. The performance raised questions, and the transfer noise around the squad is only turning up the volume.

Liverpool’s interest in Ismaila Sarr is one more distraction Palace do not need. Losing him now, with the window ticking down, would cut right into their attacking edge. The club simply cannot afford to watch their best talent walk out and then try to patch things up on deadline day.

Even so, this isn’t a side without threat. There is a goal in this Palace team. The concern is what’s left around it if key players start to drift toward the exit.

City clunky, but still in control

At the other end of the division, Manchester City did what Manchester City usually do: they beat Bournemouth and looked the stronger side. It wasn’t flawless, though.

Mark Guehi’s deployment in midfield gave the champions a slightly awkward feel. It worked well enough to get the job done, but it was hard not to imagine Mateo Kovacic watching on and wondering how that experiment sits with his own role.

City now have another intriguing piece in Ayyoub Bouaddi. The youngster brings energy and promise, but he will need time to adjust to the pace and demands of this team. Pep Guardiola’s sides rarely hand out free minutes; every appearance is an examination.

This next match is unlikely to be a procession. City should expect a contest, a proper shove back, rather than a training exercise in sky blue.

Haaland’s response

One detail from last weekend stands out: Erling Haaland didn’t score. That usually doesn’t last long.

When Haaland draws a blank, the response tends to be ruthless. With service around him and City still creating chances, the expectation is that he will reset the numbers quickly.

Prediction

City to be tested, but not toppled.

Sutton’s prediction: 1-3