Monday 15 May 2017 14:53, UK
Pep Guardiola has told Manchester City to expect a motivated West Brom in their latest "final" on Tuesday night.
City need four points from their remaining two games against Albion and Watford to guarantee Champions League qualification in Guardiola's first season.
Both opponents are safe in mid-table, and Guardiola's top-four rival Arsene Wenger said on Monday "some teams are on holiday", but the City boss is not anticipating an easy ride against visitors who have gone almost two months without a win.
"They are professionals, they will play to win," Guardiola said at his pre-match press conference. "Tony Pulis' teams don't play thinking it doesn't matter. It's a real final for us, and we are going to be ready.
"Our game tomorrow (Tuesday) is a final and next Sunday is a final. We played two finals against Crystal Palace and Leicester, we have two more and hopefully the players are focused and committed."
A Gabriel Jesus penalty made the difference against Leicester at the weekend and was the Brazilian's fifth league goal in six starts for the club.
Guardiola spent part of Monday morning reviewing Jesus' performance with the Brazilian, whose willingness to learn has impressed his manager.
"His gap to improve is huge and we want to help him do that," he said. "He is so open minded - his first mentality is to help the team.
"When he loses the ball, he runs to fight for it back. I love that. The way he listens to his team-mates - Fernandinho etc - he wants to become a great player, a better player."
