PEP NEEDS SOME ROAR PASSION

PEP GUARDIOLA has called on Manchester City's fans to haul them over the line in the race for a Champions League spot.

- BY DAVID MCDONNELL

The race for next season's competition could not be tighter, with City, Newcastle, Chelsea, Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa fighting for three spots in a race where every win can change the landscape.

City host Villa tonight, with Guardiola describing the game as a final and urging supporters to push the team closer to qualification.

Guardiola even claimed City, who won the Champions League in 2023 but failed to make the last 16 this season, can go all the way and win it again next year if their fans get behind them.

"We need our people because I think our people will win the Champions League next season again," said Guardiola. "Hopefully they can help us from minute one.