Pep Guardiola has urged Manchester City supporters to show unrelenting backing in Tuesday’s crunch clash with Aston Villa amid continued fan protests over ticketing issues.
City fan groups will continue demonstrations against a variety of issues at the Etihad Stadium but have chosen to organise those for pre-match rather than repeat the nine-minute boycott during the victory over Leicester City.
Guardiola’s side are fourth after consecutive wins but defeat by Villa would serve as a significant blow to their Champions League aspirations.
Five teams – Newcastle United, City, Chelsea, Nottingham Forest and Unai Emery’s Villa – are separated by two points in the battle for three spots.