Guardiola: Changes are for the good of the team

Pep Guardiola says he cannot be afraid to upset Manchester City’s players with his selection choices as they chase multiple trophies.

City’s all-time leading scorer Sergio Aguero appeared dissatisfied on Saturday when Guardiola took him off before the hour mark for Gabriel Jesus in the 4-1 victory over Tottenham.

The premier league leaders had a narrow 1-0 lead at the time but scored three times in the final 20 minutes at the Etihad Stadium en route to their 16th successive triumph in the division.

“That’s normal,” Guardiola said of his striker’s reaction to being replaced. “I don’t want to hurt the players, believe me.

“Always I understand them because I was a football player and they want to play. But I have to take decisions.”

Guardiola will have more selection headaches for tonight’s Carabao Cup quarter-final clash with Leicester at the King Power Stadium, when those who have been used sparingly in recent weeks could get their opportunity to impress.

Leicester will be without Wilfred Ndidi against City.

The midfielder was sent off after two bookings – the second for diving – in Saturday’s 3-0 defeat by Crystal Palace and will miss the game at the King Power Stadium tonight.

Meanwhile, Arsenal are likely to make a raft of changes for their Carabao Cup quarter-final tie at home to West Ham.

The likes of David Ospina, Mathieu Debuchy, Mohamed Elneny and Danny Welbeck will be hopeful of coming into the side as manager Arsene Wenger freshens things up ahead of Friday’s Premier League clash against Liverpool.

Aaron Ramsey (hamstring) and Santi Cazorla (ankle) are definitely out, while Theo Walcott’s recent groin problem could keep him on the sidelines.

Joe Hart will start in goal for West Ham after losing his place to Adrian for the club’s last four Premier League matches.