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.
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.
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."
Guardiola added that he has seen similar situations before, noting how Leeds competed against Tottenham even while being out of the relegation battle.
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."
Glasner added that he has not yet decided on his lineup, noting that the league title may be decided on the last day and everyone gets what they deserve over the 38 matchdays.