Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has offered a hint on his team selection ahead of the final Champions League group stage match of the 2022/23 season.
The Premier League champions have a rare opportunity to heavily rotate their squad on Wednesday night, and potentially hand opportunities to some of their rising academy talents.
The match against Sevilla has nothing riding on it, with all positions in Champions League Group G now cemented prior to matchday six.
Advert
Manchester City confirmed top spot in the group during the last matchday, in a 0-0 draw against Borussia Dortmund in Germany, while Sevilla sit in third and will be playing UEFA Europa League knock-out football in 2023.
When asked of the possibility of making significant changes to his Manchester City line-up, speaking during his pre-match press conference this week, Pep Guardiola said, "I have to see the training session.
"Four days (after Leicester), recovery is three (days). We play Brighton, then in Germany. I'll take a look."
Advert
The Manchester City manager continued, "The players who don't play regularly, will play (against Sevilla)."
Guardiola then continued on the subject of Cole Palmer and Rico Lewis specifically - two players that have impressed many and remain on the fringes of the Manchester City first-team.
The Catalan coach said of the duo, "Potentially they'll play, but let me see the training session."
Advert
Cole Palmer was absent from the Manchester City squad that travelled to Leicester City on Saturday afternoon.
The official word from the club was that the England youth international was 'not fully fit', but Pep Guardiola offered a much more positive update on the 20 year-old ahead of Wednesday's Champions League clash.
Guardiola said, "Yes, he trained after the game (against Leicester) and trained really well.
"He doesn't have to show me nothing. If he plays, I'll speak with staff and doctors and decide.
Advert
"He has all the attributes to play with us. Every game we want players to play their best. Not tomorrow to prove anything his opportunity."
Sevilla at the Etihad Stadium is one of four fixtures Manchester City will play before the season pauses for the commencement of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
City host Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium in the Carabao Cup next week, while Fulham and Brentford also visit the home of the English top-flight champions in Premier League fixtures.
Freddie Pye