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Pep Guardiola’s Man City players face having to prove to their manager that they have the character to wrestle back the Premier League title from Arsenal today, with their gap to the leaders only increasing.
The Gunners host Manchester United later so City must be ready to pounce on any slip-ups, primarily by beating Wolves at the Etihad Stadium. This meeting has been little issue for the reigning champions in recent years, with five straight wins while scoring 16 goals.
Guardiola has decided to recall Kevin De Bruyne to his team following his suprise outburst in midweek, which included choice words for the homee fans following a comeback win at home to Spurs. They face a Wolves side out of the bottom three on goal difference alone, and enjoying some improvement under Julen Lopetegui. Follow Man City vs Wolves via Standard Sport’s live match blog!
Live updates
How will Wolves’ new faces fare?
Mario Lemina is in the XI for the first time with Pablo Sarabia on the bench.
Craig Dawson was signed earlier today but is not eligible to play.
Lopetegui on Guardiola duel
Two Spanish coaches in the dugouts today and Julen Lopetegui is looking forward to a familiar clash.
He said: “We have played together when we were both young, and I know a lot about him, and he knows a lot about me.
“We are talking about undoubtedly one of the best coaches in the history of football, but we have a big illusion in the same way, and we are focusing on our own strengths.”
Around the grounds
Leeds host Brentford in a Premier League game kicking off at the same time as this one.
Then it’s the big one later on, as Arsenal host Manchester United at 4.30pm GMT.
Manuel Akanji hopes Spurs comeback spurs City on
“We tried to show it already with the reaction in the second half, we came back from 2-0 down to win 4-2 at home. It was a great reaction and gives us confidence for this game and hopefully we can show it again today.”
Pep focuses on the positives
Arsenal’s game later this afternoon against Manchester United is not Pep Guardiola’s focus.
But the size of the gap to the leaders, currently five points with City having played a game more, could be worse, he says.
He told reporters: “Still we are here. We are second in the table. We are not 25 points behind, still we are there with 57 points still to play – but in this way [like the first half versus Spurs]? No chance.
“We have the chance to recover for FA Cup, Champions League, next season. It’s unacceptable the goal against Liverpool, the second goal against United…
“I am sorry guys, we will be in the record books for many things we have done but that is the past. Now we are here, and our fans want the second half [performance versus Spurs] more often.”
Countdown to kick-off
The warm-ups are underway at the Etihad with kick-off now in under half an hour’s time.
Wolves legend fears Haaland
Today’s visitors will have to approach this game with confidence despite the threat of Erling Haaland, according to Wolves hero Steve Bull.
He told the Express and Star: “We have to go up there and not give them too much respect. We have to play with confidence and know that we can give it a good go.
“How do you stop Erling Haaland? You lock him in the boot room! He’s a beast. He’s an absolutely class player who is very skilful and a natural goalscorer.”
Countdown to kick-off
The Wolves squad check in at a venue they have only ever won at once.
Man City in the building
With no goals and just one assist since Christmas, will Kevin De Bruyne repay his manager’s faith today?
Lemina handed full Wolves debut
Five changes from Julen Lopetegui as January arrival Mario Lemina starts in favour of Joao Moutinho.
Max Kilman and Nelson Semedo take up their usual spots at the back at Toti and Dexter Lembikisa drop out.
Matheus Nunes and Hwang Hee-chan also start as recent signings Matheus Cunha and Pablo Sarabia make the bench.
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