Man City<\/a> must win their remaining three games and hope Arsenal drop points in either of their last two fixtures of the campaign to clinch the title. With no margin for error, it was a surprise when Haaland was omitted from the starting lineup against Palace.<\/p>\n But what\u2019s the reason?<\/p>\n Man City Prioritizing FA Cup Final City have a chance at silverware this weekend. | Mark Cosgrove\/News Images\/NurPhoto\/Getty Images<\/p>\n Haaland\u2019s absence from the starting lineup against Crystal Palace isn\u2019t injury-related but rather a precautionary measure. It seems like Pep Guardiola is prioritizing having his star striker rested and ready for the 2025\u201326 FA Cup final against Chelsea<\/a> on Saturday at Wembley. <\/p>\n The Norwegian had a goal and an assist in City\u2019s 3\u20130 win over Brentford over the weekend, and Guardiola will likely use him off the bench against Palace if needed. <\/p>\n Guardiola also made the risky decision to also bench starting attackers Rayan Cherki and J\u00e9r\u00e9my Doku. Meanwhile, Rodri and Nico O\u2019Reilly, two more crucial City pieces as of late, aren\u2019t even included in the squad against Oliver Glasner\u2019s side. <\/p>\n Anything but a win against Crystal Palace on Wednesday night would open the door for Arsenal to become Premier League champions with a win against Burnley next Monday. <\/p>\n Guardiola\u2019s selection decisions could easily backfire, but City still have a wealth of talent to replace their regular starters. <\/p>\n Man City Confirmed XI vs. Crystal Palace<\/p>\n Omar Marmoush, who scored his first goal for City since early March at the weekend, will replace Haaland in the XI against Crystal Palace. Phil Foden and Savinho will get a chance to start as well, with Antoine Semenyo completing the attack. <\/p>\n For the first time since Jan. 4, Croatia international Jo\u0161ko Gvardiol is back and he\u2019ll start at left back.<\/p>\n Summer signing Rayan A\u00eft-Nouri will fill in for O\u2019Reilly and push up higher on the field at left winger.<\/p>\n Man City starting XI vs. Crystal Palace (4-1-4-1): Donnarumma; Gvardiol, Gu\u00e9hi, Khusanov, Nunes; Silva; Savinho, Semenyo, Foden, A\u00eft-Nouri; Marmoush<\/p>\n Subs: Trafford, Stones, Ak\u00e9, Dias, Kova\u010di\u0107, Cherki, Reijnders, Haaland, Doku<\/p>\n![\"Erling](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/01knw03re0b4pegep4ts.jpg\" "\\"Erling")
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