Pep Guardiola explains Man City selection vs Newcastle including Kalvin Phillips

Pep Guardiola has explained he has been forced to rotate his side after an intense start to the season but has 'no doubts' about the players coming in.

Manchester City begin their quest to regain the Carabao Cup with a tough trip to Newcastle United on Wednesday night. Guardiola has made eight changes to the side that defeated Nottingham Forest on Saturday, with Jack Grealish and Mateo Kovacic returning to action after injury.

The manager has also handed out chances to the likes of Oscar Bobb, Rico Lewis, Stefan Ortega, Sergio Gomez and notably Kalvin Phillips while the likes of Kyle Walker, Ruben Dias, Phil Foden and Erling Haaland have been rested.

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"Every player with us is because we rely on them 100 per cent, we don't have doubts," Guardiola told Sky Sports. "We come from a lot of games recently, a lot of players with a lot of minutes, and this competition always we have done, it's perfect to rotate the team. We have done it."

It's a big night for Phillips who is making just his fifth start for the club and two of those came when the Premier League title was already won. With Rodri suspended, it's a big chance for him to make a good impression after a difficult start to life at City.

"Yeah of course, every game you have to prove he is able to play," Guardiola added. "We know his qualities, he plays the national team for England so we don't have doubts.

"But sometimes we need a specific thing that maybe he's struggled a little bit. We're not complaining about anything with him, he's an exceptional person and of course he's a good player. I'm happy for him to play."