City lock horns with our nearest neighbours at Wembley on Saturday in the traditional curtain-raiser to the new season with the action in the capital getting under way at 3pm (UK).
A number of our players who were involved in the summer showpiece in Germany returned to training this week, including Kevin De Bruyne, Jeremy Doku and Manuel Akanji along with the Club’s Portuguese contingent.
But, speaking at his pre-match press conference, the boss confirmed that Foden, Stones and Walker, who helped England reach the EURO 2024 final, along with Rodrigo, who lifted the trophy with Spain, would not return to training until next week.
“We try to give them the best rest as possible as much as possible. We would like more time but it is what it is, we gave them a lot,” Guardiola said.
“All the players came back, the England players and Rodri will come back next week.
“What we like to give them is what it is, don’t think about the schedule.
“What’s next, training sessions, it’s just step by step, the next game, try to be smart enough to the training and the right amount of time, so be fresh in the mind.
“So rotate the players as much as possible, and game by game we’ll see what happens.”
Saturday’s clash, which will be the 194th competitive Manchester derby, is also a repeat of the last two FA Cup finals.
City claimed the bragging rights in a 2023 with a 2-1 win which concluded a domestic Double and primed the way for the Club’s historic Treble.
However, United gained a measure of revenge last May by securing 2-1 win to deny City what would have been a historic double Double.
And for the boss tomorrow’s encounter carries more than enough incentive, both in terms of prestige as well as further vital preparation for the rigours ahead.
“It’s important, it’s a final against United. But part of that is to try refine ourselves step by step,” Guardiola added.
“Our break for most of the players and the young players, how they behave on a bigger stage [try to play] a good game.
“We will go for it.”
CITY v UNITED
Our official app allows you to follow all of the action from Wembley in one place.
Minute-by-minute text updates will begin in our Matchday Centre two hours before kick-off, while our Matchday Live show will begin at 13:55 (UK).
Special guests Shaun Goater and Andy Morrison will be in the studio on the latest Matchday Live show while presenter FG will be joined by Paul Dickov and Michael Brown at Wembley, all offering their expert insight before, during and after the action.
They will also answer viewer questions throughout the broadcast, with audience participation actively encouraged on Matchday Live.
During the game you can also listen to live audio commentary from Alistair Mann and Michael Brown while our text commentary continues.
Make sure to have push notifications turned on as well, so you can be alerted to key moments in the action, including goals, red cards and the team news.
Highlights from the match, as well as a full-match replay [available with a CITY+ subscription] can be accessed from midday on Sunday.
