Manchester City make the trip to Sicily to take on Palermo at the iconic Renzo Barbera Stadium for the first-ever Anglo Palermitan Trophy, scheduled for Saturday, August 9, 2025.
The one-off match is part of Palermo’s grand 125th anniversary celebrations, paying tribute to their origins as the Anglo Palermitan Athletic & Football Club.
As part of our pre-season betting tips, here is our detailed Palermo vs Man City prediction.
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Palermo vs Man City Prediction: Expect a festival of goals
Key stats
- Palermo have scored 3+ goals in four of their five pre-season friendlies.
- Man City’s last three matches have featured 4+ goals.
- Pep Guardiola’s side have scored 2+ goals in each of their last four, but have also conceded 2+ in their last two.
Correct Score Prediction: Palermo 2-4 Man City
Palermo have been sharp in front of goal this summer, winning all five of their pre-season games and scoring three or more goals in four of them. Their vibrant attack has been led by experienced forwards who know how to take their chances.
But while the Italians have shown their attacking intent, they will be up against a Manchester City side brimming with firepower, even with Kevin De Bruyne gone and Rodri still easing back to fitness.
Erling Haaland is expected to start, and that could spell trouble for Palermo’s backline in what should be a lively, open contest.
Pre-game odds and win probability: No odds available
- HOME: N/A
- DRAW: N/A
- AWAY: N/A
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
No odds are currently available for the match between Palermo and Man City, but we will update this page when they are released.
In the meantime, feel free to check out more of our football betting tips page to read about the games played this week.
Most recent H2Hs: First meeting between both sides
This will be the first time Palermo and Manchester City face each other in any competition or friendly.
Palermo preview: Brunori and Di Francesco to lead the charge?
Palermo’s strength this pre-season has come from their forwards, with the duo of Matteo Brunori and Federico Di Francesco appearing on the scoresheet multiple times.
Despite being clear underdogs, Palermo will not be short on motivation. With the crowd behind them and momentum from their unbeaten summer, they will aim to exploit any defensive lapses from City, who have looked shaky at times.
Predicted XI: Gomis (GK); Ceccaroni, Bani, Diakite, Buttaro, Segre, Blin, Pierozzi, Di Francesco, Brunori & Pohjanpalo
Italy Serie B 13/05/25
D
Carrarese
1
Palermo
1
Italy Serie B 09/05/25
W
Frosinone
0
Palermo
2
Italy Serie B 04/05/25
L
Cesena
2
Palermo
1
Italy Serie B 01/05/25
L
Sudtirol
2
Palermo
1
Italy Serie B 27/04/25
W
Catanzaro
1
Palermo
3
Man City preview: Haaland expected to lead the line
City are using this fixture to fine-tune their shape ahead of the new Premier League season.
With Kevin De Bruyne having exited and Rodri still not at 100%, all eyes turn to Erling Haaland, who is expected to start as he gears up for another prolific campaign.
Jack Grealish is not expected to feature, with a loan move to Everton reportedly in motion.
Predicted XI: Ederson (GK), Ait-Nouri, Akanji, Gvardiol, Nunes, Reijnders, Gundogan, Doku, Silva, Savinho & Haaland
England Premier League 10/05/25
D
Southampton
0
Man City
0
England Premier League 02/05/25
W
Wolverhampton
0
Man City
1
England FA Cup 27/04/25
W
Nottm Forest
0
Man City
2
England Premier League 22/04/25
W
Aston Villa
1
Man City
2
England Premier League 19/04/25
W
Everton
0
Man City
2
Player to watch: Erling Haaland
Haaland remains City’s most dangerous weapon. With 34 goals last season and a summer of rest, the striker is primed to explode. He thrives on service, and with creative talent around him, he could get multiple chances. Against a low-quality Palermo backline, the Norwegian goal machine could easily steal the show.
