Guardiola's Odegaard lament is 'on a human level'

Pep Guardiola says he is not good at playing mind games, but then says he prefers to play against opponents who are at full strength.

As a former player of some standing, I am sure the Manchester City boss can empathise with injured players and on a human level, he says he feels sorry for Martin Odegaard because he will miss a huge game on Sunday.

But deep down, I suspect Guardiola feels it is a positive for his team that Arsenal will be missing their skipper.

It was the same when it came to the schedule.

There are numerous times when it has worked against Manchester City, largely due to the sheer number of games they have to squeeze in.

But this time it is definitely working for them. At home, following a home Wednesday European tie, against opponents who played in Italy on a Thursday.

Guardiola might well prefer to play against opponents who are at full strength. But he knows Arsenal will not be that on Sunday.

And all he really cares about is City - and their result.