Raking the competitions in order of importance, this one would be the last one on the list, and first one to be sacrificed if need be. That said, winning a trophy in March does tend to give any side a boost for the final stretch. So, how will Pep line up his side?
Muric:
The 19 year old 6ft 6 inch goalkeeper was recalled from his loan at NAC Breda after Claudio Bravo suffered an injury early on in the season. It will be interesting to see how the keeper does on his debut, if indeed he is selected on Tuesday.
Danilo:
Taking over from Kyle Walker for Tuesday's fixture. Better on the right than on the left, the Brazilian will be itching to impress with a rare start, just to let Pep know he is here and ready to do a job.
Zinchenko:
Talk of him moving on in the summer was something that was always there just underneath the surface. He went with the side on their pre-season tour of America, and turned down offers of a move. Since then he has been somewhat of a shadow figure for the Blues. Like Danilo, and probably more so, this will be a chance to show what he can do.
Kompany:
I thought the Captain may have started against Cardiff at the weekend. However, he ended up being an unused substitute and City didn't need the Belgium international. Away to Oxford though you would have to expect a tougher defender to be playing.
Otamendi:
Nico did make a start against Cardiff, and eventually took charge of the Captains armband. He wasn't called upon too much, however when he was needed he was there. Bailing out Aymeric Laporte at one point it will be good to see these two back in the center of defense.
Stones:
The only question for Pep right now is who will provide competition, or even a rest, for Fernandinho. Certainly last season Yaya Toure came into these games for that reason, although his legs had clearly gone. In Wales at the weekend, John Stones took the role, and did quite well. It's not unlike Pep to repurpose players for a different role, he' did similar to Delph last season. Certainly John Stones is defensively minded and is comfortable playing the ball forward.
Silva:
Another City legend who didn't actually feature for the Blues at the weekend. No KDB, no Mendy with Kompany and Silva remaining on the bench it shows just how good the squad is. David Silva will be looking to get some minutes in this game though, maybe even a full 90.
Foden:
The youngster came on for the final twenty or so minutes at the weekend, and didn't look out of place. Calls have been made for Foden to be given more playing time this season, and I think he will. However, you do have to be cautious as to not put to much pressure on him too soon. Games like this are ideal in his preparation for a more significant first team role.
Diaz:
Along with Phil Foden, Brahim was given some minutes in the first team last season. He too will be looking for progression in the first team side, and I think he'll impress Tuesday if he starts.
Mahrez:
Scored two goals after coming on for Sergio Aguero. The first, a tap in, seemingly settling his nerves before he slotted the second one home from just inside the area. A continuation of that performance is what Pep will be expecting from Riyad on Tuesday. Maybe not more goals this time, but a sustained quality performance level would be good.
Jesus:
Critics are starting to swarm around Gabby Jesus, and its a little unfair. He is still young and has had a couple of big injuries so far in his Manchester City career. Combine that with the fact he is backup to one of the Leagues most consistent strikers and I think you have to be a little more patient with him. A goal against Oxford, particularly an early one, will do the lad the world of good.
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