Pep's Battles Beyond The Pitch

Guardiola still has to cope with suspension, injuries as City chase Champions League

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LONDON - Pep Guardiola said he will not check the scores of other games on May 25 while Manchester City play at Fulham, with a spot in the Champions League on the line in what he called by far the biggest game of their season.

All teams kick off at the same time on the English Premier League's final day of this campaign, with City, Newcastle United, Chelsea, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest all battling for a top-five finish and a place in Europe's top club competition next season.

Guardiola's men are in pole position among the teams as they sit third in the table on 68 points, realistically needing only a point from the Fulham clash, unless Villa were to beat Manchester United by at least 17 goals.

"You have to look at ourselves, we need one point to go into the Champions League next season, and you have to go to win against a top side," he said.

When asked if it was their most important match this term, he replied: "By far. We have to deal like a (normal) game, prepare well. But of course, it's really important, first because it's an exceptional team. It will be a really tough game. Top side."