Pep Guardiola sets Man City challenge for next three fixtures that could define season

Pep Guardiola says Manchester City's next three fixtures will determine the success of their season.

City have a rare week off before travelling to Crystal Palace in the Premier League, and then have a huge Champions League last-16 second leg with RB Leipzig at the Etihad after the first-leg draw.

In a fortnight, Vincent Kompany brings his Burnley side to the Etihad in the FA Cup quarter-final, with City looking to make big strides in the three competitions they remain in.

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Guardiola said on Saturday that the three games would define what City will be able to do for the remainder of the season, and expanded on the comment by saying the next week will set up City's chances of success for chasing a treble.

He said: "John is back, Aymer is back. The same time, it's good to not think much, two days off for everyone. We need it, it's been a tough February, not the games that we are used to but away, travels, away, travels.

"Now we have two days off and we will prepare well for the game at Palace, always really difficult. Leipzig, I have the same opinion I had when we played them in the first leg. Burnley with Vinnie come back here before the international break.

"If we are able to win the games, we will be still alive in three competitions, and in the last part of the season we will be there. If we lose we are out of the competitions. Arrive in the stage if you are there, you know if you lose you are out of the competitions. We know exactly now is the moment it's going to happen."

However, Guardiola said he didn't have to remind his players of the importance of the next two weeks - instead looking forward to the opportunity to reset and coach