'It is going to get worse' - Guardiola on packed fixture list

During the international break, the English Football League confirmed Manchester City's Carabao Cup third-round tie against Watford would take place on Tuesday, 24 September - just two days after Pep Guardiola’s side take on likely title rivals Arsenal in the Premier League.

Greater Manchester Police ruled out the possibility of the game being played on the Wednesday as that would clash with Manchester United opening their Europa League campaign against FC Twente at Old Trafford.

Guardiola revealed City had been offered three options: play the game on Tuesday; concede home advantage and switch the match to Watford on Wednesday; or play the game on Thursday, which was also impractical as his side have a lunchtime game at Newcastle United on the Saturday.

It follows on from the draw itself being seeded to prevent Champions League and Europa League-qualified clubs being paired together as there would not have been a spare midweek date to play the tie.

With all three European club competitions expanding, as well as City potentially facing a later start to the Premier League next season as they compete in the new Club World Cup that does not end until mid-July, Guardiola can only see the problem getting worse.

"We prioritised our preparation for Newcastle of course, but it is going to get worse," said the City boss.

"It is going to happen many times for teams that play in all the competitions."