Premier League executives 'think Man City will be relegated after huge points deduction' as hearing looms

While everything has gone well on the pitch, however, uncertainty currently surrounds the club away from the action.

City have been accused of breaching Premier League rules, with the reigning champions currently having 115 charges hanging over them.

They have long denied any wrongdoing and insist they're able to clear their name.

A 10-week hearing is set to begin next month, with a final outcome expected early next year.

According to The Times, one executive has claimed there is a consensus that City will be docked between 70 and 80 points.

The chief says that would 'guarantee' the reigning Premier League champions a year of football in the Championship.

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"The collective view I've heard is that an appropriate sanction would have to be a points deduction so substantial — we are talking here between 70 and 80 points — that it guarantees City a season in the Championship," he said.

City have been accused of inflating sponsorship revenues and disguising their true source of funding, among other charges.

If found guilty, they could face relegation, a substantial fine or an unprecedented points deduction.

There has even been rumours they could face expulsion from the Premier League, which would send shockwaves around the club and the country.

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Guardiola's own future at the Etihad is currently uncertain.

His contract is due to expire at the end of the season and he's yet to indicate what he'll do next.

But Guardiola said last year that the club was 'innocent' and that his future wasn't dependent on what happens behind the scenes.

"At the moment we are innocent until it is proved we are guilty," he said.

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"I know the people want it. I know, I feel it. I will wait. Wait and see it and after the sentence has been done we will come here and explain it.

"But absolutely I will not consider my future (if) it depends being here or being in League One. Absolutely.

"There is more chance to stay if we are in League One than if we were in the Champions League."

Everton were docked 10 points in November for breaking Profit and Sustainability Rules.

But Guardiola insisted the cases were 'completely different', with the Spaniard adding: "[People say] 'Why Everton's been punished for 10 points deduction, why is Man City in there?' It's two different cases.

"It's not the same. Honestly. I spoke with my people [they] said it is completely different.

"Okay, the other one is longer because it is more complicated because it's 115 breaches. So wait.

"Then after when the lawyers from both sides present their cases in front of the judge and there is a verdict you can ask me the question."