The first Manchester derby of the season commences next weekend, with City perhaps already holding an ace up their sleeves.
Manchester City’s early Champions League qualification into the last-16 means they can rest key players for their Group C finale against Marseille on Wednesday, unlike Manchester United – who must go full force at RB Leipzig.
The Citizens secured their status as group winners in a 0-0 draw with FC Porto last week in Portugal.
Pep Guardiola later confirmed in his post-match conference that the focus is 100% back on the Premier League. Therefore, he will probably rest key men ahead of next Saturday’s derby away to United.
Such a luxury is hard to get these days, with top clubs averaging around one game every three days in this heavily congested winter schedule.
But Guardiola reckons the intense rivalry between City and United will negate any potential advantage his side may gain from resting players.
“I’m pretty sure it’s a derby and we will focus and commit and this means the players are not tired, completely the opposite,” said the City boss as quoted on ESPN.
Recent history favors United in this one, having won both their derbies in the league last season.
But City have begun to hit their stride after a difficult start to this season, leaving Guardiola satisfied.
He added: “We are in a good moment right now, I would say.
“We are better than one month ago, but that is normal. Without preparation, without time, it’s normal what happened.
“What’s important is that we are not far away from the top of the league and already qualified for the next round [of the Champions League]. This is important. Now we want to continue being there.”
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