MX23RW : Wednesday, April 17 16:06:36| >> :600:360685:360685:

Roy Hodgson aiming to do the double over Man City

Roy Hodgson aiming to do the double over Man City
© Reuters
The Eagles recorded a 3-2 win at the Etihad Stadium last December.

Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson hopes his side can produce another "unbelievable" defensive performance to shackle Premier League title challengers Manchester City at Selhurst Park.

City head to south London on Sunday looking to keep up the pressure on leaders Liverpool, who are currently two points ahead having played a match more.

Hodgson masterminded a memorable 3-2 victory for the Eagles at the Etihad Stadium just before Christmas in what remains the only home league defeat for Pep Guardiola's men.

Former England boss Hodgson knows just what a formidable challenge his side will face again – and now without defender James Tomkins, who is set to miss the remainder of the campaign following groin surgery.

"The only way you are ever going to get a result against them is first of all if your defence is in unbelievable form and players are prepared to work harder than perhaps they ever have on the field before," he said.

"We know that the opponents do not have weaknesses, and what is more, how hard they work.

"The major formula, if you like, for getting a positive result is you know you are not going to have the ball as much as they are, you know you are not going to get as many chances as they will have.

"You have got to make certain that when you get your chance you take it, which is pretty much what happened at Man City.

"I can't come off there saying 'we beat Man City 3-2 because we outplayed them from start to finish' because they had the ball for the best part of the time and had more opportunities to score.

"But luckily enough we defended well enough and took our own chances, it will be no different at Selhurst Park."

Since losing against Palace, when winger Andros Townsend scored a memorable volley, City have won 12 out of 14 league games – including eight consecutive victories, as well as reaching the FA Cup final.

Guardiola's side will be looking for a response following the midweek 1-0 loss in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final at Tottenham.

Hodgson, whose side sit on 39 points as they aim to stay clear of trouble, is in no doubt of just what challenges awaits.

"As much as I like playing at home, with the atmosphere and the support we get from the crowd, it doesn't alter the fact that we're playing a team which most people regard as one of the best teams in Europe, not purely in the Premier League," he said.


Click here for more stories about Roy Hodgson

Click here for more stories about Manchester City

Share this article now:
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola watches on during his side's Premier League clash with Cardiff City on April 3, 2019
Read Next:
Guardiola rejects Gundogan's "nervous" claim
>

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel
Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool34267177205785
2Manchester CityMan City33272486226483
3Tottenham HotspurSpurs332211064343067
4Arsenal33206766402666
5Chelsea34206857362166
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd33197763441964
7Leicester CityLeicester34145154645147
8Wolverhampton WanderersWolves33138124142-147
9Everton34137144644246
10Watford33137134748-146
11West Ham UnitedWest Ham34126164252-1042
12Bournemouth34125174961-1241
13Crystal Palace34116174046-639
14Burnley34116174260-1839
15Newcastle UnitedNewcastle34108163243-1138
16Southampton3399153954-1536
17Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton3396183253-2133
18Cardiff CityCardiff3494213063-3331
RFulham3455243276-4420
RHuddersfield TownHuddersfield3435261967-4814

Subscribe to our Newsletter


Transfer Talk Daily
Match previews - twice weekly
Morning Briefing (7am UTC)
Ultra close-up image of Kevin De Bruyne [NOT FOR USE IN ARTICLES]Get the latest transfer news, match previews and news direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel
Login, I already have my ad-free pass
Log in to customise Sports Mole
Buy ad-free access (show me the options)
Buy monthly ad-free access for £1.20/month
Buy yearly ad-free access for £12 (2 months free)
Settings - Logout - Manage your account
Settings - Logout - Manage your account