Pep Guardiola is confident that Crystal Palace will not field a weakened team against Arsenal, emphasizing their professionalism. The match is crucial for the Premier League title race as City aims to close the gap on the leaders.
Guardiola not phased by potential Palace rotation against Arsenal
Pep Guardiola believes Crystal Palace are too professional to play a weakened side when they face Arsenal on the final day of the season.
The Eagles could play a huge role in the Premier League title race as they face both Manchester City and the Gunners in the final fortnight of the campaign.
City can reduce the gap to the leaders to just two points with a win over the south London outfit on Wednesday night. Oliver Glasner’s men will then host Arsenal on 24th May, just three days before they battle Rayo Vallecano in the UEFA Conference League final.
Asked if he was concerned about Palace rotating heavily against City’s title rival, Guardiola answered: “No. They are so professional all the teams. Palace will play top.
“We saw Leeds yesterday against Spurs. Even being out of the relegation battle, we saw how they competed.
“We have played here against Aston Villa and West Ham in the past with nothing to play for and it was so difficult.
“I’m pretty sure Palace will do their best, of course, knowing they have got a European final a few days later.”
Pep Guardiola expressed confidence that Crystal Palace will not play a weakened side against Arsenal, citing their professionalism.
The match is significant as Manchester City can reduce the gap to Arsenal to just two points with a win over Crystal Palace.
Crystal Palace will face Arsenal on May 24th, shortly before their UEFA Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano.
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Guardiola expects a tough challenge from Palace. “It’s always been a tough game, especially under Roy Hodgson and now Oliver,” he said.
“They have a European final, but maybe struggling in the Premier League because of a lot of changes.
“The manager is leaving – it was announced a long time ago – and maybe they haven’t been consistent, but the quality is there. The patterns are there.”