City boss Manuel Pellegrini has his work cut out lifting his players for the visit of Arsenal following the Sky Blues’ midweek defeat to Real Madrid in the semi-finals of the Champions League.
Europe’s elite club competition represented the Citizens’ last hope of silverware this season, but a toothless performance in the second leg ensured that Pellegrini’s final term at the Etihad Stadium will yield only a League Cup triumph.
However, their showdown with the Gunners is by no means a dead-rubber fixture. There is more than pride at stake as City’s arch-enemies Manchester United are currently four points behind them in the table, with a match in hand.
There may be just two rounds of Premier League fixtures remaining, but the race for the final Champions League spot could well go to the wire.
The title race may be over, but for Arsenal, there is still the small matter of challenging North London rivals Spurs for second place and local bragging rights.
Moreover, just three points stand between them and City ahead of kickoff, so the crunch clash at the Etihad could be instrumental in deciding who secures that runners-up spot.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger will be feeling the pressure in the run-up to the match, with two prominent supporters’ groups staging a protest about the way the club is being run by the Frenchman and its board during their last home game.