Manchester City must win at Crystal Palace on Saturday before they begin their Club World Cup campaign, insists Mail Sport's Football Editor Ian Ladyman on It's All Kicking Off.
Pep Guardiola's side have enjoyed a dream-like run in the Champions League that has seen them win each of their six group stage fixtures, but have endured greater tumult in their Premier League defence.
Stymied by injuries and suspensions, Man City won just one league match in November, and had their feet held to the fire in their latest Premier League encounter against Luton, which saw them seal their first win in their last five games.