- Pep Guardiola discusses Crystal Palace
- Eagles could impact title race twice
- Arsenal face Palace on final day
Pep Guardiola has addressed Crystal Palace’s role in the Premier League title race, as Manchester City continue their pursuit of Arsenal.
Man City are still chasing Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table. Likewise, the next few weeks will decide the title race, which will come down to small margins.
Naturally, the extra focus is on Crystal Palace, who will face City tomorrow, then take on Arsenal on the final day of the season.
Oliver Glasner’s side also have a European final shortly after that Gunners game, raising questions over how the Eagles will manage their squad during the run-in.
However, for Guardiola, the quality and professionalism of their Wednesday opponent remain the primary issue.
Pep Guardiola makes Crystal Palace prediction
Speaking ahead of Man City’s clash with Crystal Palace, Guardiola admitted that the Glaziers have regularly caused problems in recent years.
The Sky Blues have won three times in their last five games against Palace, losing once and drawing another.
“Always been tough games with Roy Hodgson and now with Oliver. They have a European final, and so maybe they are struggling in the Premier League with a lot of changes,” Guardiola told Sky Sports.
He added, “Manager is leaving, announced for a long time, and they were not consistent, but the quality is there, the patterns are there.”
“In Germany, he [Glasner] did an incredible job, experienced manager in the cups, a top team. They had in the past with Eze, Marc, Munoz, with clear patterns.”
Guardiola addresses Palace rotation concern
While the upcoming game remains the immediate issue for City, Palace’s final day meeting with Arsenal will also be something that Guardiola would look at.
With the Eagles having a European final just three days after the Gunners clash, worries over a weaker squad playing the Gunners have been raised. However, Guardiola believes that Palace will give it their all in the final days.
“They are so professional, they will play top against us, we saw it with Leeds yesterday against Spurs. Even out of a relegation battle, how they compete,” Guardiola said.
The gaffer added, “We have played here against Aston Villa with nothing to play for, but how difficult it was. I’m pretty sure they will do their best knowing they have the final three days later.”
Palace could still shape City’s title race
Palace are in a strange position because they could influence the title race twice without actually being involved themselves.
First, City need to beat Glasner’s side to keep pressure on the Gunners. Then, if the race goes to the final day, only the Eagles can save Guardiola’s side from a second-place finish.
Historically, Arsenal have won four of their last five games against Burnley, their next opponents. However, Aretata’s side have won one less against the Glaziers.
Both the Clarets and Palace have nothing to play for. However, Guardiola trusts the Eagles’ professionalism to give it their all, regardless.
Burnley result shows Arsenal still have work to do
Despite already being relegated from the Premier League, the Clarets have shown grit in their last few games.
They drew fifth-ranked Aston Villa at home, denying Unai Emery’s side a chance to move to fourth place. Previously, they also let City only score one goal at Turf Moor.
Even with easier clashes on paper, both Palace and Burnley will remain a thorn in Mikel Arteta’s side. The Gunners were also barely saved by VAR in their last game, highlighting how the margins are getting to them.
