Portugal Colonial - Man City boss Guardiola backs Marmoush to play big role in run-in

City have four games left this campaign, including the FA Cup final, in a busy 12-day spell that could yet see them finish with a domestic treble following their League Cup success.

Such is City's squad strength, Egypt forward Marmoush has made just seven Premier League starts this season, but he proved his worth with a goal off the bench in Saturday's 3-0 defeat of Brentford.

City manager Guardiola now hopes Marmoush and other fringe players can step up when called upon as his side, who have a game in hand, look to overhaul a five-point gap to Premier League leaders Arsenal with three matches to play.

"We've talked many times," said Guardiola. "I know it's not easy for them, but I'm pretty sure in the next games they're going to play.

"I want to rotate the team because otherwise we cannot arrive in the final or Bournemouth a little bit (fresh).

"Especially Omar. It's not easy because normally you just want one striker. He's a proper striker but Erling (Haaland) is there.

"Erling is so important for us but the contribution of Omar -- the amount of goals for the minutes played -- is so high."

The prolific form of Haaland has been largely responsible for Marmoush's prolonged spell on the sidelines, with the Norway international Haaland scoring is 50th goal of the season for club and country at the weekend.

"It's incredible, and there was a period when he was so tired in November when he came back from Norway qualification," said Guardiola.

"It was a struggle."

T.Batista--PC