KEY ISSUES FOR BLUES

■ CITY PLAYERS OWE DE BRUYNE

PEP Guardiola has said that records do not matter as much as memories and experiences, and whether Kevin De Bruyne sets a new Premier League record for assists or not this season he will still go down as one of the best players to have graced the league.

But he really should be able to set the record and it will be down to his City team-mates if he does not.

With just five assists needed in the 10 games left when the league restarted, the 29-year-old should already have well beyond the 19 he currently has. With absolutely nothing else riding on the Norwich game, it is time for De Bruyne’s teammates to pay him back for his generosity.

■ GUARDIOLA SELECTION CALLS

De Bruyne will need a bit of help from his manager too, who has made a point of putting the needs of the team above any individual aims and has freely rotated his starting XI throughout the season.

With almost a fortnight between the Norwich game and Real Madrid, and with the players having enjoyed a couple of days off, giving De Bruyne and Ederson the opportunity to claim the solo prizes on offer to them would be a nice gesture for two of the best players this season that should not have repercussions for the Champions League tie.

■ MENTALITY CHECK

This game sees the league’s top attackers go up against the worst defenders...but the same was true when the sides met at Carrow Road.

Then, City suffered a horrible defeat that took the wind out of their sails and set the marker for what has been a season filled with too many inconsistencies.

Having set a new best of four straight victories with the win over Watford in midweek, three points at the Etihad can at least see Guardiola’s side end their Premier League campaign on a high as they prepare for the Champions League and a quick turnaround for next season.