Our boys will be intent on bouncing back after a setback against Crystal Palace last time out.

It was only our second loss in the year of 2023 and Mark Robinson has been providing his thoughts on how his team are looking to get back to winning ways against Sunday's tough opponents.

Reflecting on our last game

Robinson discussing the Crystal Palace loss said: 'Everyone is really looking forward to the game. They are an excellent team and we are looking forward to the challenge. Everyone was disappointed with our result against Crystal Palace because losing games has not happened very often and so much of our performance was excellent.'

'The game should have been over in the first half but we were not ruthless in front of goal and there was some detail in our defending that could have been better, certainly for their first goal. These are elements of our game we need to get right against Manchester City if we are to win the game.'

Showcasing development

Throughout the season, head coach Robinson has been focused on ensuring that our boys continue to prioritise their development and learn how they can turn minor setbacks into positives the next time they are on the pitch. The trip to Manchester CIty is another opportunity to showcase an added layer to the squad's mentality.

'I know the players feel the title should be in their own hands because of the way they have dropped points in some games. Personally I think it's been part of their tactical and social, psychological development. Sunday is a great opportunity to showcase their growth in that area of their game'.

Burstow confidence

A player who has been utilised frequently under Robinson is striker Mason Burstow and, fresh from being announced as the PL2 Player of the Month for March, he also gave his thoughts on how the team were looking to approach today's test.

'We have prepared well for the game and we have gone into it like we would any other game,' Burstow said. 'We have respect for our opponents and how good they are but we know we have what it takes to beat them too.'

'Focusing on our strengths as opposed to our opponents will always be our outlook on the matches that we play because we know how good we are. As long as we are clinical and we take our chances it will put us in a great position to win.'

With the title still in play, Burstow gave his thoughts on the mood in the camp.

'For now, the focus is Sunday and taking each game as it comes. If we continue to win and it leads to the title it means that we deserved it. Of course we know there are games we feel we should have won but we can only look ahead.'

Reverse fixture

The game against Manchester City earlier in the season was an exciting tie which ended 2-2 at Kingsmeadow.

In a game that featured Marcus Bettinelli and Carney Chukwuemeka, Harvey Vale and Lewis Hall were our goalscorers, with the latter popping up to equalise for us late on.

There was a late shout for a penalty as Leo Castledine was seemingly tripped by a City defender, but the referee waved away the claims.

Our development squad will be looking to turn one point from the reverse fixture to three in Manchester.