The tension is already building and the match hasn’t even started yet.
Just hours before the massive showdown between Manchester City and Crystal Palace, panic has quietly started spreading around the City camp after reports emerged that one of their most important defensive stars is facing a late fitness test ahead of kick-off.
And now? Palace believe they can smell blood.
Sources close to the situation claim the player was absent from parts of final training, sparking immediate concern among coaching staff and fans alike. While insiders insist the issue is “not serious,” the uncertainty has already created a storm online, with supporters desperately waiting for confirmation before team news drops.
For Palace boss Oliver Glasner, this could be the opportunity his side has been waiting for.
The Eagles have quietly built a reputation this season for punishing vulnerable teams, especially when opponents arrive distracted or weakened. And with City already battling pressure in the title race, any disruption inside the dressing room could completely change the mood before a ball is kicked.
What makes this even more dramatic is the identity of the player involved.
The England international has become one of the most reliable figures in City’s setup this season, delivering commanding performances week after week. His calmness on the ball, ability to read danger early, and leadership at the back have made him nearly impossible to replace in big matches.
Now, suddenly, there are doubts.
Fans noticed something strange almost immediately after clips from training surfaced online. The defender appeared uncomfortable during certain drills and was later seen speaking with medical staff away from the main group. That was all it took for social media to explode.
Some supporters are already fearing the worst.
Others believe the club may simply be protecting him ahead of an important run of fixtures. But inside the Palace camp, there’s growing belief that this situation could swing momentum heavily in their favour.
One Palace insider reportedly described the situation as “the perfect chance to attack City mentally before kick-off.”
And honestly? They may have a point.
Even the smallest uncertainty can become dangerous at this stage of the season. Pep Guardiola knows better than anyone that defensive stability is everything in matches like these. Losing a key organiser at the last second could force tactical reshuffles, panic substitutions, or even changes to the entire defensive structure.
That’s exactly why Palace are suddenly feeling confident.
The Eagles have already shown they can hurt elite sides when given space to counterattack. Their pace in transition, aggressive pressing, and fearless attacking approach have troubled top clubs throughout the campaign. And if City’s defensive line is weakened even slightly Palace believe they can expose it.
Meanwhile, City fans are praying the issue is nothing more than precaution.
The last thing Guardiola needs right now is another major fitness concern. Injuries have already disrupted parts of City’s season, and the timing of this latest scare could not be worse. With pressure mounting from rivals and every point becoming crucial, dropping points here would be a massive blow.
As speculation intensified throughout the afternoon, one name continued dominating the conversation.
Eventually, the reports became impossible to ignore.
The player at the centre of the drama is none other than Marc Guéhi.
The defender, who has been heavily linked with several top Premier League clubs in recent months, was expected to play a major role tonight. But now, there are serious questions over whether he will be fully fit or whether City may be forced into a late decision that nobody saw coming.
And Palace know exactly what that means.
If Guéhi is missing, or even operating below full fitness, the psychological advantage could instantly swing toward the visitors. Confidence matters in football, and Palace can sense the uncertainty growing by the minute.
Supporters online are already calling this “the biggest pre-match twist of the week.”
Others are wondering whether Guardiola is hiding the full truth to avoid giving Palace an edge before kick-off. But one thing is certain: the pressure inside the City camp is real.
Now all eyes turn toward the official team sheet.
Will Guéhi start and silence the rumours?
Or are Crystal Palace about to walk into the Etihad sensing one of the biggest opportunities of their season?