Pep Guardiola explains why Man City are in 'big, big trouble' ahead of must-win Premier League game

Pep Guardiola believes Manchester City are "in big, big trouble" as they look to defend their Premier League title.

One of the tightest Premier League titles in years looks set to go down to the wire, with Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool all fighting to become champions.

Arsenal are currently top of the pile on goal difference, with Liverpool level on 71 points and City one point behind in third place.

With just seven league matches left to play, each of the three contenders knows they can't really afford to slip up.

City are arguably under the most pressure in that regard, as a defeat would allow their rivals to establish a four point gap.

Guardiola's side will look to win a third game on the bounce when they take on Luton Town on Saturday, but fatigue and injury in the squad is not going to help their cause.

After City played out a thrilling - but exhausting - 3-3 draw with Real Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday, Rodri admitted that he needs a rest.

The Spanish midfielder made his 41st appearance of the season at the Bernabeu, but in recent matches he has performed below his usual level.

Rodri has played 3,497 minutes this season, the 23rd most of any player from Europe's top leagues in England, Spain, Germany, Italy and France. Only three players have made more starts and two of those are goalkeepers.

"I do need a rest," said the 27-year-old.

Pep Guardiola on the touchline for Manchester City's Champions League clash against Copenhagen. Image: Getty

"Let's see how we speak, how we live the situation. Sometimes it is what it is.

"I need to adjust. It [rest] is something we are planning, yes."

During his pre-match press conference on Friday, Guardiola admitted that he would love to rest lots of players, but that injuries mean City have a problem.

"If you have a player that doesn't want to play, he won't play," said Guardiola.

"I need to rest the centre-halves too, but John Stones and Kyle Walker got injured in friendlies [for England] so they cannot rest. We are in big, big trouble."

City will likely be without Walker and Nathan Ake on Saturday, while Foden could feature after picking up a knock midweek.

Guardiola confirmed that goalkeeper Ederson is fit to start after a month out.

Topics: Manchester City, Premier League, Pep Guardiola, Arsenal, Liverpool, Rodri, Injury, Kyle Walker

Alex Brotherton

Alex Brotherton is a Sports Trends Writer at SPORTbible. He has previously worked with publications including the Manchester Evening News, GOAL and BBC Sport. He is a football fanatic, but also dabbles in tennis and American football. He enjoys running, cooking and watching non-league football.

@alex_brotherton