Pep Guardiola explains that Phil Foden’s playing time is being carefully controlled during a hectic schedule, leading to the midfielder starting on the bench against Crystal Palace. Foden has played a key role in helping City remain in contention for a fourth straight Premier League title. In this season, he has scored 14 goals and made seven assists in 30 games, including a hat-trick against Aston Villa. The club is currently three points behind leaders Liverpool and one point behind second-placed Arsenal. The upcoming early kick-off at Selhurst Park gives City the chance to move ahead of both rivals and add pressure. If Foden wants to make an impact, it will have to be as a substitute. Follow live updates of Crystal Palace vs Manchester City. I am content with my current situation at Manchester City and believe we have the potential to achieve success on all fronts once more. Guardiola told TNT Sports before the game that it was tough to leave him out and that as a manager, it can be difficult to prevent players from playing. I always have tough decisions to make. We have many games to play, including Phil’s match against Arsenal, which lasted 96 minutes and left him exhausted even during friendly matches with the national team. There are numerous games available, which is why we chose to participate in them. Kevin de Bruyne, who was also given a break during the week, will be taking the place of Foden in the game against Oliver Glasner’s team.
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