Crystal Palace travel to the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night looking to derail Manchester City’s Premier League title pursuit.
The Eagles are mathematically safe from relegation and can now focus fully on ending the season strongly ahead of the Europa Conference League final later this month.
However, Palace boss Oliver Glasner has made it abundantly clear that they will not be simply going through the motions.
Match preview
Palace head into the clash after a spirited 2-2 draw against Everton over the weekend.
Glasner’s men twice came from behind and produced another encouraging attacking display, with Ismaila Sarr continuing his sensational form in the final third.
The Senegal international has scored 20 goals in all competitions this season and looks full of confidence at precisely the right moment.
However, the challenge facing Palace could hardly be tougher.
City are unbeaten in their last 16 league matches at the Etihad and remain firmly in the title race despite trailing Arsenal at the summit.
Jeremy Doku has been electric in recent weeks, while Erling Braut Haaland has bagged eight goals in five Premier League appearances against Palace.
Glasner knows his side cannot afford to leave spaces in transition.
The Palace boss admitted City’s attacking players are almost impossible to stop in open situations, insisting compactness and defensive discipline will be essential.
Match stats
Palace have scored twice in each of their last four Premier League away games against City.
The Eagles have also won seven Premier League away matches this season, with only Arsenal and City recording more victories on the road.
However, Palace have lost six of their last nine away league matches.
City are unbeaten in their last eight Premier League meetings with Palace and have scored at least twice in 14 of their last 16 home league games.
The Cityzens have also opened the scoring in all 16 of their unbeaten home league matches since August.
Crystal Palace team news
Eddie Nketiah and Cheick Doucoure remain sidelined through injury.
Borna Sosa and Evann Guessand have returned to training but are not expected to feature at the Etihad.
Glasner could make subtle changes with the Europa Conference League final in mind, although wholesale rotation appears unlikely.
Jean-Philippe Mateta is pushing to start after scoring this weekend, while Yeremy Pino may come into the side ahead of Brennan Johnson.
The £26 million summer signing has looked better than Johnson.
Adam Wharton should continue in midfield after another composed display last weekend, with Daichi Kamada also expected to keep his place.
Daniel Munoz and Tyrick Mitchell retain their wing-back roles.
Crystal Palace predicted XI (3-4-2-1)
Dean Henderson; Chris Richards, Maxence Lacroix, Chadi Riad; Daniel Munoz, Daichi Kamada, Adam Wharton, Tyrick Mitchell; Yeremy Pino, Ismaila Sarr; Jean-Philippe Mateta.
