Each of the title-contending duo face Oliver Glasner’s side in their final games
Pep Guardiola says he expects Crystal Palace to approach their final-day Premier League meeting with Arsenal professionally despite the club having a European final just days later.
The title race could still be decided at Selhurst Park, with Arsenal currently five points ahead of Manchester City, who also have a game in hand against Palace on Wednesday. City are likely to need Arsenal to drop points in south London if they are to retain the title.
Palace face Rayo Vallecano in the Conference League final three days after hosting Arsenal, leading to speculation that manager Oliver Glasner could rotate his squad ahead of one of the biggest matches in the club’s history.
Guardiola, however, said he has no doubts about Palace’s commitment.
“They are so professional, the teams,” Guardiola said. “Crystal Palace will play top against us. 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 [Palace] will do their best.”
Palace secured their Premier League safety after West Ham’s defeat to Arsenal on Sunday ensured they could no longer be relegated. Glasner dismissed suggestions that he should prioritise Arsenal or City’s title ambitions when selecting his team.
“I’m not responsible for Arsenal, I’m not responsible for Manchester City, I’m responsible for Crystal Palace,” said Glasner. “And I get paid for doing the best things for Crystal Palace and not for City and not for Arsenal.
“Again, I don’t know what we’re doing yet. Maybe we’ll be playing with the same lineup that we’ll play against Vallecano. Maybe it feels like the league title is decided on the last day. But at the end, it’s a result of 38 matchdays and everybody gets what they deserve.”
