Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola told a news conference that his team is tired and that they need the fans’ help in tomorrow’s blockbuster Manchester Derby. City, having to play a UEFA Champions League quarterfinal clash at Liverpool in midweek, will obviously be at a disadvantage against United, who had all week to rest up.
Expect to see a lot of changes in Guardiola’s team from the one that faced Liverpool. “We would like to feel that [atmosphere], support those guys because they deserve it,” the Spaniard said at his press conference.
“We defend the badge, the club the best way possible. We’re so tired because United rested all week, that’s why it’ll be so important in the bad moments to feel our supporters are there.”
“We are close to being champions. It’s a coincidence because it’s the derby but it doesn’t matter. We just have to be focused on what we have to do to win the game,”
Striker Sergio Aguero has been out of action for several weeks, and he missed the 3-0 loss at Liverpool. Guardiola said his scoring sensation could be in contention to face United, but even if he’s absent, it’s not a cause for concern has Pep has faith in Jesus; Gabriel Jesus.
“I don’t know right now. We have training this afternoon and we are going to see his physical condition,” Pep said about Aguero’s status for the derby.
“Gabriel’s so strong, he knows how we like him and support him. Gabriel is 21 years old, it was his birthday earlier in the week.”
Below, you’ll find the embargoed extras from Guardiola’s press conference, after the loss Wednesday night.
Mourinho Press Conference Video: go to this link
Injury Report: go to this link
United starting XI prediction: go to this link
City Starting XI Prediction: go to this link
Odds via Bet365 City 17/20 United 3/1 Draw 13/5
As always, feel free to post to your own City and/or United starting XI predictions, as well as your score predictions, in the comments section below.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net and TheBank.News, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, currently contributes regularly to WGN CLTV and the Tribune company’s blogging community Chicago Now.
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