Pep Guardiola sets Man City new target to top Premier League table

Pep Guardiola played down the importance of Manchester City returning to the top of the Premier League table if they beat Everton on Saturday - but did set a date by which his side could take control of the title race.

City haven't topped the table since a 4-4 draw with Chelsea on November 12 but a run of five successive league wins has put them within striking distance of Liverpool and a win against the Toffees in the early kick-off on Saturday will send them top for a few hours at least.

Jurgen Klopp's side could regain their place at the summit if they beat Burnley in a 3pm kick-off but City do have a game in hand on Liverpool as the season approaches a crunch phase.

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That spare fixture is at home against Brentford, a game that was postponed in December due to City's Club World Cup commitments but is now due to take place on February 20. The Blues play Everton and Chelsea before then but asked about the importance of going top this weekend, Guardiola pointed to the game in hand as the moment the table will really take shape.

"I will answer after the Brentford game in 12 or 15 days because now we don't have the same games as everyone," said Guardiola.

City had won just one of six Premier League games before heading to Saudi Arabia for the Club World Cup, but they have been perfect since returning from the Middle East, although Guardiola has warned his side about the dangers of an early kick-off against Sean Dyche's side.

"I said when results were not good that our level was more than decent, we were playing good. It has been similar all season," he said.