Man City change training plan after unwelcome Nottingham Forest pitch twist

Manchester City have changed their training schedule this week after Nottingham Forest nearly caught them high and dry by not watering the pitch.

Pep Guardiola was critical of the surface after City's last away game, commenting wryly that the home side may have taken their chances if the ball had rolled better. And with memory of last season's difficult trip to Fulham at the front of the City manager's mind, he had the players train this week on a pitch that was specifically dry, in case they have to face that surface again.

Premier League rules stipulate that the grass cannot exceed 30mm in length, although Guardiola has the grass at the Etihad cut to 21mm to maximise his team's chances of winning the game. Home teams can prepare their pitch however they like as long as it is in the rules.

And while the difference may seem minuscule, City's manager says it is as significant as playing tennis on grass or clay.

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"I don't know about the grass, last season it was so so high and dry. We have to adapt like with Nottingham. Try to fight back with three points," said Guardiola.

"Yesterday [Thursday] we trained part of the session dry to feel it, and after we went to normal pitch. Massive [difference]. Massive, massive.

"It's another game, another game, you have to adapt. We have played a few times in that, we have to adapt. The difference is important. We have to feel it and know what we have to do.

"It is something we have to think about. 12.30pm and 8pm is completely different. We have to adapt.

"It's sunny tomorrow in London. We have to adapt in that situation, play