“Maybe I’ll watch some” – Pep Guardiola sends Fulham message to Mikel Arteta and Arsenal

Crucially, the Gunners play Fulham at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday and have a chance to go six points clear of Guardiola and co before Manchester City kick off against Everton on Monday night.

Guardiola has confirmed that Ruben Dias remains sidelined for Manchester City as he recovers from a hamstring injury sustained in the days leading to the Carabao Cup final.

Rodri is also “much better” but faces a race against time to prove his fitness in time for the trip to Everton, with the Manchester City manager and medical staff unlikely to risk the 29-year-old midfielder ahead of a busy Premier League and FA Cup run-in.

Manchester City must win all five remaining Premier League games as they look to pull one of the greatest title hijacks in English top-flight history, having closed the gap between themselves and Arsenal from nine points in the last month.

Speaking in a press conference on Friday afternoon, Guardiola was asked whether he is planning tune into Arsenal’s Premier League game with Fulham on Saturday evening.

“What time is it? (5:30pm on Saturday) So just after training session, maybe I will watch some (of the game),” said Guardiola as Manchester City reap the benefits of a rare midweek devoid of cup football.

Everton vs Manchester City (Premier League): Match Preview, Team News, Stats, Head to Head, How to Watch

City came from behind to beat Southampton in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley last week as goals from Jeremy Doku and Nico Gonzalez helped the Blues set up an FA Cup final date with Chelsea on 16 May.