Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola urged his players to forget about the Premier League title race and focus on their upcoming match against Crystal Palace on Wednesday at the Etihad Stadium [1, 2]. Guardiola said, "What you cannot control, forget about it. Do better, what we have not (done) better this season, to arrive in a better position to fight for the Premier League... And (now it is) Crystal Palace" [1]. He added the pressure remains constant, saying, "It is the same (pressure) as a few days ago" [2].
Manchester City currently trail Premier League leaders Arsenal by five points with three matches remaining but hold a game in hand [1, 2]. On Thursday, Arsenal beat West Ham 1-0 to extend their lead to five points over City [1, 2]. City recently won 3-0 at home against Brentford on May 13 and drew 3-3 away at Everton on May 10 [1, 2].
City have not lost a league match at the Etihad since the end of August, winning 13 and drawing three out of 16 home games this season [1, 2]. They have scored at least two goals in 14 of their last 16 home matches [1, 2]. Against Crystal Palace, City have won eight of their last nine meetings in all competitions, with only a 1-0 defeat against Palace in last year's FA Cup final breaking their run [1, 2].
Crystal Palace are currently on 44 Premier League points, guaranteed to finish below last season's total of 53 [1, 2]. Manchester City will host Palace on May 17 before facing Chelsea in the FA Cup final on May 20 [1, 2]. Following the FA Cup final, City have league matches scheduled against Bournemouth and Aston Villa [1, 2].
Injury updates include midfielder Rodri, who is recovering and will be further assessed after training, and defender Abdukodir Khusanov, expected to return after a knock in the Everton draw [1, 2].