As Manchester City gear up for a thrilling season finale, manager Pep Guardiola has high hopes for striker Omar Marmoush to be a game-changer in the closing stretch. With just four matches left—including the FA Cup final—City are locked in an intense 12-day sprint that could secure them a domestic treble, adding to their League Cup triumph.

Despite City's deep squad, the Egyptian forward has only started seven Premier League games this season. But Marmoush proved his value off the bench on Saturday, scoring in a commanding 3-0 win over Brentford. Guardiola now believes he and other squad players will be crucial as City, with a game in hand, aim to close a five-point gap on league leaders Arsenal with three matches to play.

"We've talked many times," Guardiola said. "I know it's not easy for them, but I'm pretty sure in the next games they're going to play. I want to rotate the team because otherwise we cannot arrive in the final or at Bournemouth with fresh legs."

The manager singled out Marmoush for praise: "Especially Omar. It's not easy because normally you just want one striker. He's a proper striker, but Erling Haaland is there. Erling is so important for us, but the contribution of Omar—the amount of goals for the minutes played—is so high."

Haaland's record-breaking form has kept Marmoush on the sidelines for much of the season. The Norwegian international netted his 50th goal of the season for club and country at the weekend—a staggering feat. "It's incredible," Guardiola added. "There was a period when he was so tired in November when he came back from Norway qualification."

With the title race heating up and key fixtures ahead, Marmoush's ability to step up could be the edge City need. For fans and players alike, it's a reminder that depth and determination often define champions.