Champions League can give Man City the Carabao Cup solution they needed

The atmosphere at the Etihad was back on the agenda at the weekend after Pep Guardiola was seen calling for more noise during a match where both sets of supporters were not at their best. The lunchtime kick-off did not help and there wasn't too much to shout about during the game, but there is also a conversation to be had about the fans attending.

City's phenomenal success, as well as the arrival of Erling Haaland, has seen more people than ever from around the world wanting a ticket to enjoy the show at the Etihad. And they are perfectly entitled to attend, but those numbers are on the rise and don't necessarily marry with those fans who have been previously and are going to the game to support the team at least as much as they are to enjoy the match.

A Champions League game against an unfancied opponent where City need a point to qualify isn't the game to draw any general conclusions from, but it will be interesting to see how full the ground is - City have sold an impressive number of tickets already this season - and how that translates to the noise.

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Jack Grealish was back in training after his illness and will be looking to work his way back into the team after Jeremy Doku impressed the majority against Liverpool. Oscar Bobb is also an option if Guardiola wants to rotate, with the young Norwegian netting his first goal for the national team earlier this month.

Other than that, injuries mean there is not too much scope for changes. Kalvin Phillips should feel he has every chance of starting the game, but Guardiola may feel like he needs Rodri to see them through to top spot.

Josko