Manchester City’s postponed clash against Crystal Palace suddenly feels like one of the defining games of the 2025-26 Premier League season. They enter the rescheduled fixture knowing every possible outcome could reshape the title race.
The stakes surrounding the Etihad showdown go beyond just three points. Pep Guardiola‘s squad is balancing ambitions with an FA Cup final ahead, while Palace are also managing a packed calendar with European commitments approaching.
That combination adds another layer of unpredictability to a fixture that was already loaded with consequences. For City supporters, it is the match they have been waiting on for weeks: the one that could either reignite the title dream or leave their hopes hanging by a thread.
What happens if Man City beat Crystal Palace today?
If Manchester City beat Crystal Palace today, Pep Guardiola’s side will move up to 77 points and cut Arsenal’s lead at the top of the Premier League table to just two points. With the Gunners currently sitting on 79 points, a victory would keep the title race fully alive heading into the final two matches of the season.
Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City, acknowledges the fans following the Premier League match (Source: Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
The result would also give City momentum after their recent 3-0 victory over Brentford. Guardiola has repeatedly said his players must keep winning and “be there” if Arsenal stumble late in the season. Crystal Palace, meanwhile, have become a dangerous opponent for Manchester in recent years.
What happens if Man City and Crystal Palace tie today?
If Manchester and Crystal Palace draw today, City would move to 75 points and remain four points behind Arsenal with only two matches left to play. While Guardiola’s side would still be mathematically alive in the title race, its chances of catching Arsenal would become extremely slim.
A draw would mean Arsenal remain firmly in control of the Premier League standings at 79 points. In that scenario, the Gunners could potentially clinch the title on Matchday 37. A win over Burnley on Monday would be enough for Arsenal.
For Crystal Palace, taking a point at the Etihad Stadium would represent another impressive result in a season where Oliver Glasner’s side has consistently complicated life for Premier League contenders.
What happens if Man City lose to Crystal Palace today?
If Manchester City lose to Crystal Palace today, they will stay on 74 points and remain five points behind Arsenal with only two games remaining in the season. That result would leave them extremely close to officially losing the Premier League title race.
A defeat would hand complete control of the championship battle back to Arsenal. The Gunners would still lead with 79 points and could potentially secure the Premier League title against Burnley on Monday.
Losing at home to Palace would also be viewed as one of the biggest setbacks of City’s season because this postponed game has been seen as their clearest opportunity to reduce the gap at the top of the table.
The top of the Premier League table ahead of Crystal Palace vs. Man City
| Pos./Team | Points | GP/GD |
| 1. Arsenal | 79 | 36 (+42) |
| 2. Manchester City | 74 | 35 (+40) |
