Pep Guardiola will rest players in Manchester City’s Champions League match against Marseille but insists it has nothing to do with the Manchester derby on Saturday.

The Citizens welcome the Ligue 1 side at the Etihad on Wednesday night having already booked a place in the knockout stage after finishing on top in Group C with 13 points.

To him, he prefers squad rotation to ensure the safety of his players and provide competition in the team than throwing first-team players in every game.

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When asked if he is resting his best for the Old Trafford fixture, Guardiola told: “I don't rest players.”

“Our team who are going to play (on Wednesday) can play against United and then the guys who don't play (on Wednesday) maybe they'll play again or not. I don't know.

“There is not one team for one competition and one for another one. It is important the last few days that, except for one or two players, everybody was involved. Everybody has to be ready.”