Pep Guardiola has played down suggestions that Manchester City’s greater experience will be key in their showdown with Arsenal for the Premier League title, saying his team must be perfect to come out on top.
Defending champions City, who are seeking an unprecedented fourth consecutive English top-flight title, are second in the table, one point behind the Gunners, but with a game in hand.
Arsenal, with 80 points and three games remaining, have the chance to put pressure on City when they host Bournemouth early on Saturday.
City host Wolves at the Etihad later in the day, desperate to avoid a repeat of the 2-1 defeat suffered at Molineux earlier this season.
Guardiola’s men, unbeaten in 31 games in all competitions, are hot favorites to win the Premier League for the sixth time in seven seasons, but the City manager is taking nothing for granted.
He was asked at Friday’s press conference whether his team’s intelligence in winning the title would be essential.
“I would love (that), but I don’t know, I don’t have an answer to that question,” he said. “I would love to think ‘yes’ but we have to prove that tomorrow against Wolves and in the games to come.
“We know we have to get 12 points, otherwise it will be difficult because Arsenal are very strong, very consistent and it’s difficult to see them drop points.”
Guardiola said top scorer Erling Haaland was fit enough to start after coming on as a substitute against Nottingham Forest last weekend and scoring in the 2-0 victory.
“When everyone is in shape, they need to be ready,” he said.
“I don’t know exactly what I’m going to do tomorrow.
“Of course I have few doubts about one or two players in the squad, but as for the rest, the game plan, what I want to do, I’ve had time to think about it and watch the last few Wolves games, but he’s ready. “
Guardiola confirmed that Ruben Dias and Phil Foden, who missed the Forest game through illness, will be available, as will goalkeeper Ederson.
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