Pep Guardiola explains the intriguing way to beat ‘quality’ Crystal Palace side this weekend

Pep Guardiola admits Crystal Palace have become Manchester City’s bogey team recently ahead of the weekend’s Premier League game.

The Eagles are unbeaten in their last four games against Guardiola’s side and picked an impressive 2-0 win against the Champions the last time they visited the Etihad.

The return fixture at Selhurst produced an entertaining 0-0 draw, and Patrick Vieira’s team buoyed by their fine form that has seen them pick up four points from their last six available, including one at Anfield. They will arrive in Manchester full of confidence.

The Premier League champions were given a scare against Newcastle, needing to score two goals in the second half against Newcastle to earn a point.

They will do well not give themselves a mountain to climb when they host Palace and Guardiola admits playing Palace is always tough.

He explained why they have been unable to beat the London side recently: “Unfortunately it went wrong in many, many things and we lose the games.

“It takes time to change the rhythm because the ‘keeper all the time takes the momentum, long balls.

“They are good at keeping the ball, they have quality, they defend really well with solidarity and defend the gaps and block the shots.

“We cannot say that we had many but we had enough chances in the first half to score.”

Crystal Palace have had an encouraging start to the season having already given a good account of themselves against teams like Arsenal, Liverpool and Aston Villa.

Star player Wilfried Zaha has started the season on form with two goals already to his name, while entertaining winger Michael Olise has returned to fitness and is working his way back into the game.