Picture Special

Thursday training: Fun in the sun...

City stepped up preparations on Thursday ahead of the weekend visit of Crystal Palace against a backdrop of yet more glorious April sunshine at the CFA.

Our latest Premier League encounter sees the Eagles visit the Etihad on Saturday for a 12.30pm kick-off.

With just seven games of the league campaign remaining, it will be another crucial clash as City seek a strong finish to try and secure Champions League football next term.

It also promises to be a tough test against an in-form Palace side who, like City, are also through to the FA Cup semi-finals later this month.

But as our gallery demonstrates, Pep Guardiola’s players were in great spirits as they went about their work.

View the best of Thursday training in the gallery below…

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READY TO RUMBLE: Kevin De Bruyne, Jack Grealish and Jeremy Doku get set for business.

READY TO RUMBLE: Kevin De Bruyne, Jack Grealish and Jeremy Doku get set for business.
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ALL SMILES: The expression on Claudio Echeverri's face summed up the positive mood in camp.

ALL SMILES: The expression on Claudio Echeverri's face summed up the positive mood in camp.
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GLOVE STORY: Goalkeeper Scott Carson is put through his paces.

GLOVE STORY: Goalkeeper Scott Carson is put through his paces.
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THE BOSS: Pep Guardiola watches over proceedings.

THE BOSS: Pep Guardiola watches over proceedings.
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RING OF STEEL: Jeremy Doku goes through a training drill with a difference.

RING OF STEEL: Jeremy Doku goes through a training drill with a difference.
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FORWARD MARCH: Omar Marmoush turns on the power.

FORWARD MARCH: Omar Marmoush turns on the power.
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HAND IT TO EDDY: Ederson is a study in focus.

HAND IT TO EDDY: Ederson is a study in focus.
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SPECIAL K: Mateo Kovacic weighs up the options.

SPECIAL K: Mateo Kovacic weighs up the options.
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SOLID AS A ROCK: The April sunshine met with Abdukodir Khusanov's approval!

SOLID AS A ROCK: The April sunshine met with Abdukodir Khusanov's approval!
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SUNNY SIDE UP: James McAtee was also in great spirits at Thursday's session.

SUNNY SIDE UP: James McAtee was also in great spirits at Thursday's session.
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EYES ON THE PRIZE: Josko Gvardiol and Rico Lewis contest possession.

EYES ON THE PRIZE: Josko Gvardiol and Rico Lewis contest possession.