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Pep Guardiola Hints Phil Foden Could Start in Manchester Derby

Pep Guardiola has hinted that Phil Foden could start for his side in Sunday's Manchester derby.

19-year-old Foden has made 25 appearances in all competitions for Guardiola's side this campaign, but he has started just ten times.

However, whenever Foden has been given the opportunity to impress, he has taken it. Recently, he was named Man of the Match as he helped his side overcome Aston Villa to lift the Carabao Cup trophy last Sunday. 

Although the City man produced an outstanding display at Wembley, Guardiola opted not to play him during his side's next clash against Sheffield Wednesday in the FA Cup fifth round last time out - a game which the Sky Blues won 1-0.

However, Guardiola has now hinted why he chose not to even bring Foden on for the final stages of the FA Cup clash, explaining that he is, in fact, ready to play in their next game. 

It just so happens to be that ​Man City's next match is against local rivals ​Manchester United at Old Trafford. When asked why Foden did not feature at all, Guardiola initially explained that he didn't want to change a team that was playing well. 

He said, as quoted by ​the Manchester Evening News: "They were playing good, I didn't want to move much."

However, the 49-year-old went on to add that the talented teenager is ready to play on Sunday. Guardiola continued: “He’s ready. He has to be ready. Next game, he’s going to play.”

Of course, this isn't conclusive because the former Barcelona boss has revealed his plans prior to a contest in the past, before later changing his mind. However, whether he starts or not, ​Foden could be set for an important role in the upcoming Manchester derby.

Guardiola left 34-year-old David Silva out on the field for the whole game against Sheffield Wednesday, while fellow midfielder Kevin de Bruyne is still a doubt. The Belgian ​suffered a back problem during the Carabao Cup final and he didn't feature at all in the FA Cup tie. 

And although the boss did recently ​provide a positive fitness update on him, it remains to be seen whether he will be fit to face United. 


Source : 90min