Pep Guardiola‘s side knows that a win at the Etihad will secure their fourth Premier League title in five years.
Stones hasn’t played since limping out in the first leg of City’s Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid, and Walker’s absence helped the Spanish side win the tie late in the second leg.
Both were notably absent as West Ham seized a 2-0 lead over City last Saturday, only for the defending champions to come back to draw 2-2.
Guardiola has also lately been without centre-back Ruben Dias, forcing him to play Fernandinho, 37, out of position in the center of the defense.
At his pre-match press conference on Friday, Guardiola remarked, “We have amazing doctors and physios, and they have made incredible recoveries.” “It’s great to see them again.”
After yet another dramatic title race, City leads Liverpool by a point at the top of the table.
While the Reds are still in position for an unprecedented quadruple, City need the title to avoid becoming only the second coach in Guardiola’s 13-year career to go without a trophy.
He stated, “We know what we’re playing for.” “We know what we need to do; we’ve discussed it — stay positive and don’t give up.”
“Do what you’ve been doing for the past month, both at home and abroad, and go for it. It’s simply a football game at the end of the day. We will not take any more steps.”
City has dominated the domestic scene under Guardiola, but has yet to win the Champions League.
Guardiola, on the other hand, repeated his conviction that winning a league title over the course of 38 games is a better accomplishment than conquering Europe.
He stated, “I would say because it is more challenging.” “With more weeks and games, there are more challenges. Injury struggles, good and bad moments, and diverse situations with a tough opponent (Liverpool).”
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