Pep Guardiola has sent a clear message to his Manchester City squad: everyone will get their chance as the season reaches its thrilling climax. Following Saturday's hard-fought 3-0 victory over Brentford, the City boss heaped praise on his substitutes and hinted at significant rotation over the next fortnight.

With three Premier League fixtures and an FA Cup final crammed into just two weeks, Guardiola knows fresh legs are essential. "I know it's not easy for them, but I am pretty sure the next games they are going to play," he said. "I'm going to rotate the team, otherwise we cannot arrive at the final or face Bournemouth how we want to."

The bench made a massive impact against Brentford. Omar Marmoush, Phil Foden, and Savinho all came on and changed the game, with Marmoush sealing the win with a late third goal. Guardiola was particularly sympathetic to the Egyptian striker's situation. "Especially for Omar. It's not easy because we normally play with one striker and Erling is so important for us. The rate for goals to minutes played is high, so it's very good."

Speaking of Erling Haaland, the Norwegian machine scored City's second goal, taking his incredible tally to 50 for club and country this season. He's now in pole position to claim his third Premier League Golden Boot in four seasons, having already helped Norway qualify for their first World Cup since 1998 earlier in the campaign.

Guardiola, however, is mindful of Haaland's workload. "There was a period when he was so tired after Norway qualified for the World Cup. The difference, for example, is I saw the minutes of Ousmane Dembele and Erling has played 2,000 more. It's a lot of minutes."

Despite the fatigue, the City boss remains in awe of his star striker. "Erling is always Erling. A threat for the opponent and a sense of goal. He just has to bring players close to him when we arrive from the sides. Then we will score more and more goals. When he's alone in the box, it's so difficult."

Guardiola also had kind words for Jeremy Doku, praising the Belgian winger's relentless ambition. "I want to be one of the best in the world, otherwise you are in your comfort zone," the boss said, reflecting the hunger that runs through this City squad.

With the title race heating up and a cup final on the horizon, City's depth is about to be tested like never before. For fans and fantasy managers alike, the message is clear: keep an eye on those squad players—they're about to become the stars of the show.