Ninety-six hours before Manchester City's do-or-die UEFA Champions League game at home to Club Brugge, Pep Guardiola took the unusual step of effectively confirming a selection decision.John Stones will start a game where anything less than three points for the 2022/23 winners will end their participation before the knockout stages.

His side live to fight another day, but Pep Guardiola is in no doubt that whatever Friday's Champions League draw holds for Manchester City, his side will be underdogs. Winning the competition entirely?

Stones shone in the Treble success by transforming into a dependable solution in defensive midfield, largely alongside Rodri, however with the injury sustained by the Spaniard, Guardiola believes it rules out the idea of the England centre-back returning to the role this season.

City boss Pep Guardiola has revealed that Oscar Bobb could be involved in Wednesday’s huge Champions League first phase finale at home to Club Brugge.

A fire broke out in a merchandise stall outside the Etihad shortly before kick-off in tonight’s crucial Champions League fixture between Manchester City and Club Brugge.

Manchester City beat Club Brugge in a huge Champions League showdown and avoided a shock elimination in the process. Pep Guardiola's side knew only a win would be enough for a place in the playoff round and the Spaniard needed to inspire his players.

Premier League champions come from 1-0 down to secure Champions League play-off spot with Pep Guardiola's side to face either Real Madrid or Bayern Munich in the first knockout round

Pep Guardiola’s men came into the match sitting 25th in the league and knew that only victory would be enough to send them into the knockout rounds. Club Brugge, fighting for a place in the next stage themselves, set up with a low block and frustrated City from the start.

Manchester City will compete in next month's Champions League knockout play-off round after beating Club Brugge 3-1 on Wednesday night.

Manchester City Defensive Concerns Grow Before Club Brugge Clash by Alex Bates on Jan 29, 2025 for EPLindex.com

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