Pep Guardiola confident Crystal Palace will not roll over for Man City or Arsenal in title race clashes

Man City need to beat Crystal Palace to keep the pressure on Arsenal (PA Wire)

He told reporters at his press conference on Tuesday: "They are so professional. Crystal Palace will play top against us."

Drawing parallels, he added: "We saw Leeds against Spurs yesterday, how they are now out of the relegation battle, but how they compete. We’ve played here against Aston Villa and West Ham in the past when they had nothing to play for and saw how difficult it was.

“So I‘m pretty sure they will do their best even though they have a final a few days later. They have always been tough games. The quality is there."

A win for City would narrow the gap to Arsenal to just two points, with both teams having two games remaining.

Guardiola had previously expressed hopes for a favourable result from West Ham Sunday, famously ending a press conference with a chant of "Come on you Irons" before their clash with Arsenal. The following day, the Hammers were denied a late equaliser by a stoppage-time VAR review.

While the incident has sparked considerable discussion, Guardiola declined to elaborate on any potential frustration within the City camp.

He explained: "I didn’t see the players yet. I always give them a day off. Crystal Palace – thinking what we have to do. Always I’ve learned, in my career as a manager, what you cannot control, forget about.

Abdukodir Khusanov could return from injury on Wednesday (PA Wire)

“Do better (than) what you have not done better this season and arrive in better positions to fight for the Premier League. We are still fighting."

In terms of team news, City are hopeful that Rodri will be fit after four games out with a groin injury, and Abdukodir Khusanov could also return.

Guardiola confirmed both players were "better" and would undergo assessment in training.