Pep Guardiola has revealed Ederson hasn't started against West Ham because he wants to give the goalkeeper a rest.
Manchester City are aiming to leapfrog title rivals Arsenal once again to go top of the Premier League table when they take on West Ham at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night. However, Guardiola has made the surprise decision of dropping his first-choice goalkeeper Ederson from the starting XI, with back-up choice Stefan Ortega coming in between the sticks.
Ederson came in for some criticism from Blues supporters earlier in the season and many called for Ortega to get a chance ahead of him. The Brazilian has put in some excellent displays since and though those critics have now got their wish, it's not because of the first choice's ability.
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When asked by Sky Sports why he's decided to drop Ederson for the game, Guardiola replied: "Rest a little bit, so a lot of games it's mentality, to take a rest is good. We have a lot of confidence with Stefan and try for everybody to be involved."
When then asked about the fitness of Kevin De Bruyne, who has missed his second successive game for injury, the manager gave an optimistic update and is hopeful the brilliant Belgian will be back for the weekend's match with Leeds United. "He's feeling better, he's not here no. I hope so, [available for Leeds] I hope so."
Ilkay Gundogan has also been rested and Guardiola explained he has sympathy for the players who aren't seeing as much action and tries to give as much as he can. "Gundo played a lot of minutes," he added. "The last game Bernardo didn't play. The selection, always we try to take the right one but the guys today who didn't start will play perfectly.
"Our job is always difficult for that. Always I'm thinking about the guys who don't play, always I have a thought for them it's not easy. But it is what it is."
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