Pep Guardiola is solely focused on Manchester City during the Premier League run-in, as the club welcomes back midfield linchpin Rodri and defender Abdukodir Khusanov from injury ahead of Wednesday night's clash with Crystal Palace at the Etihad Stadium.
City slipped five points behind league leaders Arsenal following the Gunners' dramatic and controversial 1-0 victory over West Ham United on Sunday. That result means the title is in Mikel Arteta's hands, with Arsenal set to lift the trophy for the first time in 22 years if they win their remaining two matches against Burnley and Crystal Palace.
Guardiola's side will finally play their long-held game in hand when they host Oliver Glasner's Palace on Wednesday evening. City then travel to Wembley on Saturday for the FA Cup final against Chelsea.
Guardiola's Mindset
“It's the same as one day, two days, one week ago, two weeks ago – same one,” Guardiola said when asked at his pre-match press conference about City's mindset following Arsenal's win. “Crystal Palace – and thinking what we have to do. As I always learned from my career as a manager, what you can't control, forget about it.”
“Focus and do better what we have not done better this season to fight for the Premier League. We are still fighting and next it's Crystal Palace.”
Injury Boost
City have been buoyed by the return to training of midfielder Rodri and defender Khusanov. Rodri has been absent since picking up an injury in the 2-1 win over Arsenal last month, while Khusanov missed the 3-0 victory over Brentford with a knock.
“Better. We will see in training this afternoon,” Guardiola said regarding Rodri's condition. On Khusanov, he added: “Better as well. He took a tough knock against Beto when he played Everton. He's better.”
Palace Threat
Palace's primary focus is on their Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano on May 27, but Guardiola insists they will not be pushovers. “Always it's been a tough game, since Roy Hodgson especially and now Oliver. They have reached a final, a European final. Maybe they struggled a little bit in the Premier League with a lot of changes. The manager is leaving, they announced it a long time ago. Maybe they are not consistent but the quality is there. The patterns are there.”
Both teams may rotate their squads for Wednesday's fixture, with City facing four games in 12 days at the end of the season. After the win over Brentford, Guardiola praised Omar Marmoush, Phil Foden and Savinho, suggesting that substitutes could start against Palace. “I know it's not easy for them, but I'm pretty sure the next games they're going to play. I want to rotate the team. Because otherwise we cannot arrive in the final or Bournemouth a little bit... We'll see the result tomorrow and after we take our decisions.”
