Pep Guardiola explains why Gabriel Jesus plays for Man City vs Liverpool FC over Riyad Mahrez

Pep Guardiola picked Gabriel Jesus to play against Liverpool because he is fresh from his substitute appearance this week.

Guardiola made three changes to his Manchester City side from the team he named against Atletico Madrid, with Jesus, Phil Foden and Kyle Walker replacing Nathan Ake, Ilkay Gundogan and Mahrez.

Walker's return after his Champions League suspension and Foden's recall following his match-winning cameo were expected, but Jesus's selection was more unexpected, especially in place of the in-form Mahrez. However, Guardiola said he prioritised players who are fitter after the difficult Atletico match on Tuesday.

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Speaking to Sky Sports before the game, Guardiola was asked why Jesus played, to which he replied: "His pace and intensity. He is young but has a lot of experience in these games.

"He did not play a lot. I play players three days before."

On Liverpool's threat and the implications the fixture would have on the title race, Guardiola said: "Our closest rival in the table right now. Seven left after this fixture.

"There are 21 points to play and difficult ones for both sides. Today, nobody will be the champion.

"They defend different to teams around the world. I have to adjust something but we have in the past. The quality of the players they have, we have to do something."

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