Pep Guardiola has dismissed any suggestion that Crystal Palace might field a weakened team against Arsenal on the final day of the season, insisting the Eagles are far too professional to take their foot off the gas.

With the Premier League title race going down to the wire, Palace find themselves in the unusual position of being potential kingmakers. They face both Manchester City and Arsenal in the final fortnight, starting with a crucial clash against Guardiola's side on Wednesday night. A City win would cut the gap to the league leaders to just two points, setting the stage for a dramatic finale.

But it's the Eagles' match against Arsenal on May 24th that has raised eyebrows, coming just three days before their UEFA Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano. Some wondered if Palace manager Oliver Glasner might rest key players with one eye on European glory.

Guardiola isn't buying it. "No. They are so professional, all the teams. Palace will play top," he said firmly. The City boss pointed to recent examples of teams competing hard despite having little at stake, like Leeds United's spirited performance against Tottenham despite being already relegated.

"We have played here against Aston Villa and West Ham in the past with nothing to play for and it was so difficult," Guardiola recalled. "I'm pretty sure Palace will do their best, of course, knowing they have got a European final a few days later."

The Catalan tactician also acknowledged that facing Palace is never straightforward. "It's always been a tough game, especially under Roy Hodgson and now Oliver," he noted. "They have a European final, but maybe struggling in the Premier League because of a lot of changes. The manager is leaving – it was announced a long time ago – and maybe they haven't been consistent, but the quality is there. The patterns are there."

For fans watching the title race unfold, this weekend's matches promise plenty of drama. And with Guardiola expecting Palace to give their all, the stage is set for a fittingly competitive finish to the season.