MANCHESTER -- Pep Guardiola says Saturday's FA Cup fourth-round clash with Crystal Palace is like a final as he tries to secure his first trophy as Manchester City manager.
The FA Cup could potentially be Guardiola's best option of securing silverware this season, with City out of the EFL Cup and 12 points behind leaders Chelsea in the Premier League, although they are in the round of 16 of the Champions League.
City won 2-1 at Palace in the league on Nov. 19, with two goals from Yaya Toure in his first game in three months, but Guardiola says it was one of City's worst performances of the season.
However, the City boss added he would be happy with the same outcome against a side fighting against relegation under Sam Allardyce.
"It was a real tough game. It was one of the worst games we played this season but we won and when that happens everything is perfect," he told a news conference.
"We imagine a tough game in the FA Cup, every game is complicated. It will be tough for the stadium, the situation of Crystal Palace and because it is away. We want to go through and of course it is a final for us.
"Winning titles of course is important but all the clubs want to win the titles. I am not thinking about it, of course winning helps for the future."
City goalkeeper Willy Caballero will again be recalled for a cup game, giving a break to under-pressure first-choice Claudio Bravo.
Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus is also in the squad after making his debut in last Saturday's 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur.
Club captain Vincent Kompany was on the bench for the game against Spurs and could make his first appearance since the Premier League win at Palace, when he injured his knee ligaments in a collision with Bravo.
Guardiola said: "[Jesus] is fit, he is not injured. He is already three weeks with us so we are going to see tomorrow.
"I don't know [if Kompany will play], we will see tomorrow, but he is fit, he is ready. Last game was on the bench that means he is fit, if not he would not be there.
"Yes, [Caballero] he is going to play."