Standalone EPL on Friday: Expert Soccer Picks for 8/28
Written by: Nate Hornung
Published: Thu Aug 27, 2026, 3:00 pm ET
Read Time: 5 minutes
EPL
Spread
Total
Moneyline
+1.0
-135
2
+122o
+390
Spread
Total
Moneyline
-0.75
-125
3
+110u
-145
The opening weekend of EPL matches has passed, but the second is upon us as two teams kick off Matchday 2 on Friday afternoon in London. Crystal Palace were shutout in their first match against Everton on the road, but now in their home opener, they face Manchester City. The powerhouse barely survived at home against AFC Bournemouth, squeaking out a 2-1 win with the winning goal coming in stoppage time, along with a late equalizer. Check out our expert soccer picks for Friday's match at Selhurst Park!
Head over to our EPL Picks Page for our expert's soccer analysis.
Crystal Palace vs. Manchester City EPL Betting Insights
Jean Philippe Mateta and Crystal Palace have a very tough EPL home opener against Manchester City
Both teams conceded more than expected in their opening matchups. Manchester City allowed a goal in the 26′ minute of the match, but overall allowed just four shots on frame, three corner kicks, and 0.63 xG. The hosts went down, but then went on the attack and found goals in the 84′ and 90'+1′ to win. This team essentially started six defenders last game, with Nico O'Reilly at the 10 and Marc Guéhi in central midfield. Oddly enough, things worked out.
Crystal Palace won the expected goals battle over Everton 2.04 to 1.16. They controlled 58% of possession and had three more big chances than their hosts. But none of that mattered, as goals 11 minutes of game time apart sealed the win for the Toffees. Crystal Palace lost to this City team twice last year in the EPL, both by a score of three to nil. Will things change in this match?
Matchup Information – Crystal Palace vs. Manchester City – August 28
- Venue & Location: Selhurst Park (London, England)
- Date: Friday, August 28, 2026
- Kick Off: 3:00 p.m. eastern
- Broadcast: USA Network
Crystal Palace vs. Manchester City Betting Odds
Odds as of August 27, 2026 at 2:26 p.m. eastern.
Moneyline
- Crystal Palace +402
- Draw +310
- Manchester City -145
Spread
- Crystal Palace +1 (-135)
- Manchester City -1 (+114)
Total
- Over 3 (+111)
- Under 3 (-135)
I was a little… surprised (??) with Enzo Maresca's opening lineup for City. As I stated above, he basically played six defensive guys in the outfield, but pushed O'Reilly up the pitch and had Guéhi step in front of the back line. Rayan Cherki came on and assisted both goals, and I firmly believe this guy needs to be starting at the 10 no matter the opponent.
Expect for some more rotation in this contest as Maresca gets comfortable in Manchester, but until then, proceed with a little caution. We got lucky by taking City and the under last weekend, let's hope we have the gambling gods on our side once again this Friday.
Crystal Palace vs. Manchester City EPL Picks and Predictions
Rayan Cherki came off the bench but still assisted on both of Manchester City's goals last weekend
Best Bet: Manchester City ML/Over 1.5 (-114) BetOnline
Manchester City's moneyline has come into playable range in my eyes, and we might see it continue to tick down before Friday's match. I heavily lean with this side despite the struggles we saw last Sunday. Man City is still Man City. They are one of the top clubs in the English Premier League, they have the best striker in the world, and there is tons of talent all over the roster.
Yes, losing Rodri hurts, as that man did the work of two midfielders. But I trust Maresca to figure things out tactically and get his guys to perform at their best. Part of me thinks Palace will try to hold strong defensively, while the other thinks they are hungry for an opening goal with as many great chances last week. I lean heavily with both teams to score and the over 2.5, so I'll cover my own butt just in case City wins this thing 2-0 on the road.
Look for the visitors to avoid playing with their food, however I do think Crystal Palace can at least find their first goal of the EPL season at home.
Prediction: Manchester City Wins 2-1 (+700)
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Nate has been a recreational sports bettor for about 5 years. In that time, he has grown to love the pursuit of winners and sticking it to The Man. Nate loves data and uses his understanding of numbers to help him be a more profitable sports gambler, however he will be the first to tell you this game is about more than just stats.
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