Guardiola backs Marmoush to play key role in Man City run-in

Pep Guardiola has backed Omar Marmoush to play a crucial role in Manchester City’s run-in as they hold out hope for a domestic treble.

Having already won the EFL Cup in March, City face Chelsea at Wembley Stadium in the FA Cup final on Saturday.

Before the showpiece, Guardiola’s side host Crystal Palace in the Premier League, where title rivals Arsenal are close to securing their first title in 22 years.

The Gunners’ victory over West Ham on Sunday saw them move five points clear with two matches to go, though City still have a game in hand.

The Opta supercomputer has given City a 12.5% chance of lifting the Premier League later this month, though Arsenal are heavy favourites at 87.5%.

City regained some momentum in the league with a 3-0 win over Brentford, with Jeremy Doku, Erling Haaland and Marmoush getting on the scoresheet.

Marmoush became just the second substitute to score a Premier League goal for City this season, while all nine of his league goals for the Citizens have been scored at the Etihad Stadium.

Haaland Marmoush pic.twitter.com/B8WFwtfmtg

— Manchester City (@ManCity) May 10, 2026

Guardiola has backed the Egyptian to play a key role in the last four games of the season, with the City boss also hinting towards some squad rotation against Palace.

“We’ve talked many times. I know it’s not easy for them, but I’m pretty sure in the next games they’re going to play,” Guardiola said about his fringe players.

“I want to rotate the team because, otherwise, we cannot arrive in the final or Bournemouth a little bit [fresh].

“Especially Omar. It’s not easy because, normally, you just want one striker. He’s a proper striker but Erling [Haaland] is there.

“Erling is so important for us but the contribution of Omar – the amount of goals for the minutes played – is so high.”