Pep Guardiola does not do easy away days. And Selhurst Park is about as far from easy as you can get.
Manchester City travel to South London on Sunday knowing that three points could blow the title race wide open. A defeat? That could end their hopes of catching Arsenal before Christmas.
Crystal Palace, meanwhile, are having the season of their lives. Fifth place and genuine European contenders. Oliver Glasner has turned the Eagles into one of the most exciting teams in the division.
Something has to give.
The title implications
City sit second on 28 points, five behind Arsenal heading into the weekend. If the Gunners slip up against Wolves on Saturday night, Guardiola's men could close that gap to just two points with a win at Selhurst Park.
That would set up a thrilling Christmas period. City have the quality and experience to hunt down any team, and Arsenal know better than most how it feels to let a title slip away.
But Palace are no pushovers. This is not a gimme. Glasner's side have already beaten Liverpool this season and took points off Chelsea. They fear nobody.
Palace's remarkable rise
Remember when people thought Palace were in trouble after selling Michael Olise? What a joke that looks now.
Glasner has built a team greater than the sum of its parts. Marc Guehi has emerged as one of the best centre-backs in England - his 87th-minute winner against Fulham last weekend showed his importance at both ends of the pitch.
Eberechi Eze pulls the strings in midfield. Jean-Philippe Mateta leads the line with intelligence and aggression. And the likes of Tyrick Mitchell and Daniel Munoz provide pace and energy from full-back.
Palace are well-drilled, dangerous on the counter, and absolutely lethal from set pieces. City will need to be at their best.
City's weapons
When City click, they are still the best team in the world. The problem is they have not clicked consistently enough this season.
Rayan Cherki's arrival from Lyon has added a new dimension. That rabona assist against Sunderland was outrageous - the kind of skill that reminds you why City paid big money for the French playmaker.
Erling Haaland remains the ultimate weapon. The Norwegian has scored 15 league goals already this season and is on course to break his own record. If Palace give him a sniff, he will punish them.
Phil Foden has found his form again in recent weeks. Kevin De Bruyne is fit and firing. The midfield talent at Guardiola's disposal is frightening.
The Selhurst factor
Here is the thing about Selhurst Park - it is one of the toughest away days in English football. The crowd is right on top of you, the pitch is tight, and the atmosphere is hostile.
Palace's fans create an intimidating environment that can unsettle even the best teams. The noise when the Eagles score is deafening. The pressure on referees is relentless.
City have won at Selhurst Park before, but they have also dropped points there. This is not a ground where you can coast to victory. You have to earn every single point.
Key battles
Guehi versus Haaland is the match-up everyone wants to see. The Palace captain has been magnificent this season, but stopping Haaland is a different challenge entirely. If Guehi can keep the Norwegian quiet, Palace have a real chance.
In midfield, Eze against Rodri will be fascinating. Both are intelligent players who control the tempo of games. Whoever wins that battle could decide the outcome.
Barry's prediction
Crystal Palace 1-2 Manchester City
This is going to be tight. Palace will make City work for every inch, and there will be moments where the visitors look uncomfortable.
But City's quality should tell in the end. Haaland will get a chance, and he will take it. Guardiola's men will leave South London with three points - but they will know they have been in a proper game.
The title race is heating up. And Sunday at Selhurst Park could be a defining moment.
