Pep Guardiola says Premier League and Champions League are ‘much more important’ than Carabao Cup as he hints at squad rotation

Pep Guardiola believes Manchester City's upcoming Premier League and Champions League games are more crucial than the Carabao Cup.

City started the new campaign off the back of their treble winning season and will be keen to replicate such success this term.

They appear to have put defeat to Arsenal in the Community Shield behind them with a perfect start in the Premier League as they sit top of the table.

Guardiola and co. also kicked off their Champions League title defence with a 3-1 win over Red Star Belgrade.

Up next for City is a Carabao Cup third round clash away at Newcastle on Wednesday night as they bid to win the competition for a ninth time.

However, Guardiola believes that Premier League and Champions League football takes priority in his team selection plans.

Speaking on Tuesday, he said: “Tomorrow is important but the Wolves, RB Leipzig and Arsenal [games] are much more important.

“That’s why you have to see, the guys who didn't play much are going to play, and we will see what happens for the rest to try to make a good starting eleven. We will travel there to win the game, there is no doubt about that.

«But I have to take into consideration that a lot of effort we have in this period, with many players, a lot of minutes. And we have to avoid to get injured again, otherwise we’ll be in trouble.”

City's trip to Newcastle will spell the chance for Guardiola to offer some minutes to bench players and youngster stars.

He has already had to do without Kevin De Bruyne since the 23rd minute of their opening win of the season against Burnley.

The Belgian playmaker has been sidelined with a calf injury he picked up in the 3-0 victory over the Clarets.

City travel to Wolves three days after Newcastle, with two crucial games