Former defender Micah Richards has highlighted the importance of everyone within the Manchester City squad remaining fit following their 2-0 win over Brentford on Wednesday evening.
Goals either side of the half-time interval from Riyad Mahrez and Kevin De Bruyne were enough for City to secure a seventh successive Premier League win at the Etihad Stadium, moving them 12 points clear at the top in the process.
Liverpool will be aiming to reduce City's advantage to nine points when they welcome Leicester City to Anfield on Thursday evening, but Pep Guardiola's side, regardless, will remain in the driving seat to retain their Premier League crown.
City, who did not need to produce anything too spectacular and sparkling to see off the west London club, still have the opportunity of clinching a famous treble this season, with the club still alive and kicking in both the Champions League and the FA Cup.
With that in mind, Richards, who described City's performance against the Bees as a "professional" one, believes it is important that Guardiola avoids any injury concerns.
Richards told BBC Sport : "Keeping everyone fit as well [is important] as they have got the Champions League coming up soon as well.
"They have got a good lead in the table now. I know Liverpool have got a couple of games in hand, but it was a good, professional performance."
Alongside Richards in the Match of the Day studio was former Manchester United and Norwich City striker Dion Dublin, who reiterated his fellow pundit's thoughts, highlighting that it was a solid, professional showing from the Premier League table-toppers.
"It was a frustrating game for them," said Dublin. "It wasn't a great game to watch, let's be fair.
"But City just found a way to get over the line, get their points and stay where they are. It was very professional."
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