Patrick Vieira believes his Crystal Palace side can cause Manchester City problems when they host the Blues at Selhurst Park on Saturday.
Palace are yet to win in the Premier League this year, with just five points from an available 27 pulling them towards a relegation fight. Three goals in their last six games is a clear indication of where the problem lies for the former City and Arsenal midfielder.
In City they face a side unbeaten in seven across all competitions and desperate to close the gap on league leaders Arsenal, but Vieira has belief in his side and knows a brave approach at Selhurst Park can pay dividends.
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"We have to be brave and play as best as we can and give them problems," Vieira said. "I strongly believe we can give them problems. I think the excitement to play City or any of the top teams is there, especially at home."
The reverse fixture saw City come from 2-0 down at the Etihad to win 4-2, thanks in part to a 19-minute hat-trick from Erling Haaland. It was the Norwegian's first goals at the Etihad and the first of three consecutive home league hat-tricks. 33 in all competitions for the City forward has him on track to break countless records, and Vieira has praised the 22-year-old.
"Obviously he [Haaland] is an important player for City. He’s at the end of all the opportunities they are creating."
Palace will be without Cheick Doucoure for the visit of City after he was sent off in the 1-0 defeat at Aston Villa last weekend, but Vieira will continue to hope the fit again Wilfried Zaha can inject life into his struggling side.
Pep Guardiola revealed on Friday afternoon that Phil Foden will be available, with the in-form forward causing concern after the 2-0 win against Newcastle by admitting more discomfort in the foot that has caused him so many problems.
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