Guardiola to face media before Bayer Leverkusen test

Pep Guardiola said last week that the season starts now following the conclusion of the final international break of the year.

But this period of fixtures started in disappointing manner with a Premier League loss at Newcastle on Saturday when Manchester City were on the wrong end of three refereeing calls.

They can return to winning ways in the Champions League on Tuesday when they host Bayer Leverkusen, knowing victory will strengthen their position in the all-important top eight.

The contest will be Guardiola's 100th as boss of City in Europe's elite club competition, with the crowning moment being that triumph in the final over Inter Milan two years ago.

The Spaniard faces the cameras this lunchtime, with defender Josko Gvardiol also scheduled to be in attendance.