MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola expects Crystal Palace to be "professional" in its team selection against Arsenal on the final day of the Premier League season, when the destination of the title might be decided.
Title Race Scenarios
Second-place City is five points behind Arsenal in the Premier League with a game in hand – coincidentally against Palace on Wednesday.
To win the title, City will likely need Arsenal to drop points against Palace, considering the leaders are heavy favorites to win their other remaining game — at home to already-relegated Burnley on Monday.
Guardiola's Confidence in Palace
Asked Tuesday if he was concerned that Palace might play a weakened team, Guardiola said: "They are so professional, the teams. Crystal Palace will play top against us."
He pointed to Leeds' performance against Tottenham as evidence that teams remain competitive even when theoretically with nothing to play for. "We saw Leeds yesterday against Spurs even being out of the relegation battle and staying in the Premier League again how they compete."
"We have played here against Aston Villa in the past, or West Ham — they had nothing to play and we saw how difficult it was. So I'm pretty sure they will do their best."
Palace's Position Secured
West Ham's controversial loss to Arsenal on Sunday ensured Palace cannot be relegated.
Palace manager Glasner said after reaching the Conference League final that it would be "nonsense" for people to criticize him for fielding a weakened lineup against Arsenal.
"I'm not responsible for Arsenal, I'm not responsible for Manchester City, I'm responsible for Crystal Palace," he said. "I get paid for doing the best things for Crystal Palace and not for City and not for Arsenal."