MANCHESTER CITY are hoping to give Pep Guardiola a huge title boost, by getting 7,000 extra fans in for their final home game of the season.
The Etihad Stadium’s newly expanded North Stand could be fully open for their showdown with Aston Villa on May 24.
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Pep Guardiola and his Manchester City side will welcome more fans to the Etihad in the final games of the season Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
City are hunting down Arsenal, who have spent large parts of the season at the top of the table Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
That will take the capacity of the stadium to over 60,000 for a game that may be decisive at the top of the table.
And it would be a big lift for Guardiola and his players as they look for a seventh Prem crown in 10 years under the current boss.
Even if the destination of the title is known before then, it still promises to be an emotional day at City’s home.
They will be saying goodbye to two of their favourites in Bernardo Silva and John Stones who have both announced they will leave this summer.
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And they will also want to mark a decade in charge for their boss Guardiola, while praying he will still be in charge next season to see out the final year of his contract.
City are racing to get the approval they need to open the new top tier – and have organised a series of public and private test events.
They are hoping around 3,500 supporters will buy tickets for a special evening of entertainment on May 20.
Having the new area half full should help them carry out more necessary checks and get the green light to open it.
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Man City have found form at the right time and looking to win their 7th league title in 10 years under Guardiola Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
And that would see thousands of extra fans pouring in for what could be another huge day in the recent history of the club.
Danny Wilson, managing director of Manchester City operations, said: “After years of planning and construction, we’re getting close to using the expanded general admission seating section of the North Stand.
“This will be a significant moment in the history of this Club that will see us break the Etihad Stadium’s record matchday attendance.
“Our aim has always been to open the new general admission seating before the end of the 2025-26 season.
Club captain Bernardo Silva will be leaving the club this summer Credit: Alamy
John Stones is another player who will leaving after a decade of service Credit: Getty Images
“To do this, we must host a number of test events so we hope fans will come and be the first to experience the new North Stand.”
The stadium expansion is just part of significant plans around the campus.
These include a fanzone and the Medlock Square complex (*we did this earlier in the spring).which will open later this year.
Those who attend the two-hour test event have been promised appearances from former players, live music, photo opportunities with the Carabao Cup and family friendly actiivites.
Tickets for the test event go on sale on Friday – with an announcement on tickets for the Villa game expected in due course.
