Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne were rested for the Aston Villa clash and Pep Guardiola has revealed whether they will play against Crystal Palace.
♦ Haaland and De Bruyne rested in Villa win
♦ Duo could miss clash against Crystal Palace
♦ Guardiola provides update on duo’s situation
WHAT HAPPENED?
Haaland and De Bruyne missed out on the Phil Foden show entirely when City took on Aston Villa, as the defending Premier League champions cruised to a comfortable 4-1 win. With a trip to Selhurst Park fast approaching, boss Guardiola has provided a rather gloomy update on the duo’s availability.
WHAT GUARDIOLA SAID
Speaking to the media ahead of the trip to London, Guardiola said: “I don’t know yet, we just played a couple of days ago. I have to think about that.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Guardiola knows that the spectacular goal-creating and goal-scoring duo of De Bruyne and Haaland will be crucial for the direction the club’s season will head with City alive and kicking in all three competitions. However, due to their fitness concerns over the past couple of months, the Spanish manager will likely use the duo cautiously to keep them fit for the Champions League mainly.
WHAT NEXT FOR MAN CITY?
The defending Premier League champions will head to London to take on Crystal Palace on Saturday, April 6 as they look to close down the gap to Liverpool in the league title race.