Pep’s tinkering strikes again! Guardiola DROPS Phil Foden to the bench for Man City’s clash at Crystal Palace just days after the England star scored superb hat-trick

Phil Foden has been dropped to the bench for Manchester’s visit to Crystal Palace in Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off. 

The 22-year-old has had a season to remember and scored a superb hat-trick in midweek as City thrashed Aston Villa 4-1. 

Kevin De Bruyne has returned to the side, while there is a rare start for Oscar Bobb, with Foden and Jeremy Doku making way. 

Guardiola explained: ‘It was difficult [to leave Foden on the bench]. It’s always tough but we have a lot of games. Phil played against Arsenal, 96 minutes, and friendly games for the national team, and he couldn’t move. 

‘It’s a lot of games and that’s why we decided on that. If we win, great decision, if we lose, why did you do that?’ 

‘Yeah [can play Foden and KDB together]. After tomorrow, we travel to Madrid. We need sometimes fresh. I would love to have Phil on the pitch. I’m not stupid! I like him. A lot of games, a lot of players, that’s why I decide for that [to leave him out].