As the Premier League title race heats up, Pep Guardiola is bracing for a tough test—not just for his Manchester City side, but for their rivals Arsenal as well. With the Gunners currently sitting atop the table, City must secure a win in their rearranged clash against Crystal Palace on Wednesday to keep the pressure on. But Guardiola knows the Eagles won't be an easy opponent, and he's confident they'll give Arsenal just as much trouble when the two meet in the final round of fixtures.

Oliver Glasner's Palace side has a lot on their plate, with the Europa Conference League final looming just days after their clash with Arsenal. That could mean rotation, and the Austrian boss has made it clear his priority is Crystal Palace, not the title race. "I'm responsible for Crystal Palace, and I get paid for doing the best things for Crystal Palace—not for City and not for Arsenal," Glasner said.

But Guardiola isn't buying any talk of a weakened opponent. He expects Palace to be fully focused and professional, regardless of who's on the pitch. "They are so professional," Guardiola said. "Crystal Palace will play top against us. We saw Leeds against Spurs yesterday—how they competed even though they're out of the relegation battle. We've played here against Aston Villa and West Ham in the past when they had nothing to play for, and it was still difficult. I'm pretty sure they will do their best, even with a final a few days later. The quality is there."

A win for City would put them just two points behind Arsenal, with both teams having two games remaining. Guardiola, ever the pragmatist, is focused only on what he can control. When asked about the frustration of West Ham's denied late equalizer against Arsenal last weekend—a moment that could have shifted the title race—he brushed it aside. "I always give the players a day off," he said. "Crystal Palace—thinking what we have to do. What you cannot control, forget about. Do better than what you have not done better this season, and arrive in better positions."

For City and Arsenal fans alike, the next few days promise plenty of drama. And with Palace caught in the middle, the title race is far from decided.