Guardiola wary of taking Champions League for granted

Five English teams will qualify for next season's Champions League due to their position in the table.

Manchester City are sixth, a point behind Newcastle, who have a game in hand, and Chelsea, who don't.

Given City still have Southampton to play, plus Bournemouth, who are badly out of form, and Wolves, who have been fourth bottom for ages, it would still be a major surprise if Pep Guardiola's side missed out.

He does not quite see it like that.

"I don't agree" was his response to my positive question.

Guardiola pointed to the injuries that have decimated his squad this season and mean he is currently without Erling Haaland, plus defensive trio John Stones, Nathan Ake and Manuel Akanji for tomorrow's encounter with Crystal Palace.

I still think they will do it with a little bit to spare. But it is getting too close for comfort.