Man City players know they face extra scrutiny from Pep Guardiola vs Copenhagen

Pep Guardiola admitted the biggest problem Manchester City face for this game is underestimating their opponent.

Erling Haaland has induced a collective giddiness around the Etihad and a 6-3 thumping of Manchester United at the weekend did little to puncture that bubble. Having already beaten Sevilla and Dortmund in the group, a double header with FC Copenhagen looks like a straightforward proposition.

However, Guardiola and City have not won the matches and the trophies that they have over the past few years by taking any game lightly - turning it on whether they are playing Burton or Barcelona. The players have to treat every game with the upmost importance because they know that the manager is watching out expecting 100 per cent from them no matter what.

Also read: Haaland surprised his Man City teammates with reaction to Man Utd win

It is easy to be motivated for a big derby, but these next games against Copenhagen - and Southampton at home between the Champions League double header - will test how focused the squad can be.

At some point Haaland will have to watch a City game from the bench, but can Guardiola leave him out after three successive hat-tricks at the Etihad? The fact that the Norwegian stayed on for the full 90 minutes against United suggested there are no issues over his fitness.

City's manager admitted Haaland's record in this competition is untouchable and the 22-year-old is in the sort of form that can quickly take the match away from Copenhagen. When you have someone that good in such form, it is almost impossible to leave them out.

Guardiola hasn't been pleased with plenty of City's play in their last two matches straddling the international break, despite two big wins. It was a sloppy finish that