De Bruyne set to make Man City debut against Palace

Andy Hampson 07:27 12/09/2015
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  • Raring to go: De Bruyne.

    Club record signing Kevin de Bruyne is poised to make his Manchester City debut as David Silva sits out this weekend’s trip to Crystal Palace.

    Silva is not being risked by manager Manuel Pellegrini ahead of next Tuesday’s Champions League encounter against Juventus after suffering an ankle injury during the international break.

    That should make it straightforward for the Premier League leaders to slot their new £54million (Dh306m) man into their formidable-looking side.

    Pellegrini said: “In his position it is more easy, maybe, to settle in our team. He needs maybe to be included in the movements of our squad for more time, but if we need him at this moment he can play without problems.”

    Pellegrini made just one change to his starting line-up in City’s first four games of the campaign – all of which were won convincingly without conceding a goal.

    Former Chelsea player De Bruyne’s big-money move from Wolfsburg came after the last of them, against Watford almost a fortnight ago, and has since been away with Belgium.

    Pellegrini would have liked more time to work with him but does not think his lack of familiarity with his new team-mates will be a problem.

    He said: “It is not the best way to arrive, to go to his national squad, but it doesn’t matter. He is a very young player, 24 years old. I always say when good players arrive at a good team with very good players like David, Kun (Sergio Aguero), Yaya (Toure), just to name some, they will continue improving.”

    Palace, who beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge before the international break, will be without Joel Ward after the right-back was ruled out for up to a month with a knee injury.

    Connor Wickham is doubtful with a knock and fellow striker Marouane Chamakh has suffered an abductor injury so Chelsea loanee Patrick Bamford is set to start in attack.

    Midfielder Yohan Cabaye is available despite going off with a groin problem while playing for France.

    Manager Alan Pardew said: “Beating Chelsea must enhance our confidence. Our technical ability is now matching our work rate.”

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