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Manchester City composed themselves following the turmoil on Merseyside, holding firm as Europe-chasing Brentford made their way to the Etihad Stadium.
A commanding 3–0 win kept the pressure firmly on a buoyant Arsenal side still riding high from Tuesday's qualification for the Champions League final. West Ham United looked a stern challenge on paper, yet the Gunners departed east London with their title ambitions reinvigorated.
By whatever means necessary, they got the job done. City, still trailing by five points, not only need a convincing result on Wednesday night against Crystal Palace, but will almost certainly need a helping hand from the Conference League final-focused Eagles on the last day of the season.
That hurdle can be dealt with when the time comes. For now, Guardiola's sole focus must be on the fixture City have long had circled on their calendar.
Rúben Dias Available for Midweek Start
Centre-back Rúben Dias returned to Man City's matchday squad over the weekend after recovering from a thigh problem that had kept him out since mid-March. Guardiola instead turned to Nathan Aké to fill in for the injured Abdukodir Khusanov on Saturday, though Dias could be handed a start in midweek.
Guardiola is unlikely to gamble with Khusanov ahead of the FA Cup final this weekend, with the pacey Uzbek defender dealing with nothing more than a minor knock.
Rodri was once again absent against Brentford due to the groin problem he picked up during the win over Arsenal last month. The Spaniard failed a late fitness assessment before the match, but could be in the frame for some minutes midweek as another Wembley trip approaches.
Joško Gvardiol's World Cup prospects have received a lift with his return to training at the club, though the Croatian is unlikely to feature in the remaining fixtures. "Next season we can have him at his best," Guardiola remarked about the left-back.
Man City Predicted Lineup vs. Crystal Palace (4-2-3-1)
GK: Gianluigi Donnarumma—The Italian will be rested for City's second domestic cup final of the campaign, but he'll be manning the goal for the rest of their Premier League matches.
RB: Matheus Nunes—A reliable presence on the right throughout the season, Guardiola appears reluctant to trust any alternatives at right back, even if Nunes is not without his flaws.
CB: Rúben Dias—The Portuguese international has endured an interrupted season through injury, and while Khusanov's knock is unlikely to sideline him for long, Guardiola may well turn to the experienced Cityzen in midweek.
CB: Marc Guéhi—A double change at centre-back would be a gamble, given the significance of this fixture for the home side. The ever-present Guéhi looks set to keep his place.
LB: Rayan Aït-Nouri—Guardiola may have settled on a preferred starting eleven in the run-in, but with the FA Cup final on the horizon, he'll likely feel at ease rotating a few players against a Palace side with different priorities this midweek.
CM: Bernardo Silva—There's no let-up for the captain, however. In what could be his penultimate appearance at the Etihad Stadium, Bernardo will be expected to guide whoever Guardiola selects alongside him, assuming Rodri isn't fit to start.
CM: Nico González—González was among those who struggled on Merseyside in the draw with Everton that may well prove costly in the title race. He should find things more straightforward at home, even with Palace posing a threat on the break.
AM: Omar Marmoush—After capping an impressive substitute appearance with a goal against Brentford, Guardiola hinted that Marmoush could be handed a bigger role before the curtain falls on the season.
RW: Savinho—The Brazilian has had limited starts this season, but showed encouraging signs from the bench at the weekend. Some relief may finally come for Rayan Cherki and Antoine Semenyo.
ST: Erling Haaland—Marmoush won't be pushing Haaland out of the starting lineup should he return. The Norwegian frontman is inching closer to yet another Golden Boot after stretching his advantage over Igor Thiago on Saturday.
LW: Jérémy Doku—Doku has thrived with the added responsibility in the run-in, and it would be difficult for Guardiola to hold him back given the Belgian's current form.