It hasn’t been a season to remember for the Manchester City supporters here in the Transfer Tavern, with their Premier League title aspirations now looking extremely slim.

Those of a City persuasion are particularly disappointed with their team’s incapability to defend at the moment and they will be hoping for a more robust performance in today’s FA Cup tie with Crystal Palace.

City must improve in order to finish the season with a flourish and reaching the closing stages of the FA Cup would be just the tonic for their disgruntled supporters.

A few of the City faithful have gathered in the Tavern nice and early ready for today’s big game, with the banter already starting to fly around between them and the bar staff.

Writer Lee Clarke looks at two players who Pep Guardiola must play in today’s game.

Gabriel Jesus

The recent Brazilian recruit needs to get up to speed with English football quickly and today’s game could be perfect for him.

Jesus had an effort ruled out for offside in his debut against Spurs last weekend, with his performance going a long way to suggesting that he can be a big player for the club.

One City fan is tucking into an all-day breakfast here in the Tavern and he thinks that Jesus could run Palace ragged this afternoon, if he is given the nod to play.

Angus Gunn

The young goalkeeper is highly-rated by the coaching staff at Manchester City and this could be the perfect opportunity to give him a run out.

Current number one stopper Claudio Bravo had been largely disappointing in his first season in English football and he needs dropping soon.

One City fan is having a chat with the landlord and he thinks that Bravo is useless, stating that he should be put on the first plane back to Spain as soon as possible!