First to matters of defence, and new centre-back Stones has revealed how seamlessly goalkeeper Claudio Bravo has slotted into the squad behind the scenes.
After a baptism of fire in the derby win at Old Trafford, Bravo pulled off a remarkable one-handed stop against Borussia Monchengladbach, as well as setting up possession in trademark style from the base of the team.
Stones told Goal.com: “He’s come in and picked up where we started since I came in.
“He’s fitted in really well, he obviously knows a few players and got to know everyone well.
“It was the same when I came in, everyone went out of their way to talk to me and make sure I was all right. That’s what’s happened with him. It’s credit to him. He’s come in, got his head down and worked hard and put in good performances.
“It’s credit to him for coming over to a different country with a different atmosphere. It’s a bit of the unknown for him and I think personally that he’s done brilliant. It’s nothing more than he deserves.”
Stones also had kind words for hat-trick hero Sergio Aguero, describing his goalscoring record as “a joke” - while fit-again midfielder Ilkay Gundogan also praised the Argentinian.
“Every team needs to score to win games,” The Germany international told Sporting Life. “And if you have such an incredible striker... then it gives you the safety you are always able to score.
“He did it three times and he did an amazing performance. We are all very happy to have him.”
Whether Gundogan will face Bournemouth after returning from his lengthy lay-off is the subject of speculation in the Manchester Evening News, but no matter who boss Pep Guardiola puts out at the Etihad Stadium, Cherries boss Eddie Howe is expecting a tough game.
The Daily Mail report: “Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe is impressed by the impact that Pep Guardiola has had over Manchester City since joining in the summer.
“City have won their opening four league games of the season, including beating local rivals Manchester United 2-1 at Old Trafford, and the Cherries travel to the Eithad Stadium to face the Premier League leaders this weekend.
“Speaking about the appointment of Guardiola, Howe said: ‘I think they’re an outstanding team. Individually I think they’ve got outstanding players and they’ve got a manager who, in my opinion, is right at the very top.
“‘I think the biggest compliment I can give him is the impact he’s had on that team so early - you can see when they play he’s stamped his authority on that team.
“‘They’ve started the season incredibly well.
“‘When I watch them play, I enjoy it - and it’s rare for me to say that when I watch an opponent play. They’ve been very impressive.’”
Finally, an update on incoming foward Gabriel Jesus, whose superb scoring form continued for Palmeiras after his quick return from injury.
FourFourTwo report: “Future Manchester City forward Gabriel Jesus has thanked Palmeiras’ medical staff after his speedy recovery from injury saw him score in a 1-1 draw with Flamengo.
“The Brazil international had left their previous game against Gremio on a stretcher just four days earlier, but was fit to play the full 90 minutes and net an equaliser in the Serie A clash.
“After firing Palmeiras level, Gabriel Jesus ran to celebrate with the physios on the bench, later praising them for their role in his remarkable return to health.
“After the goal, I came here to embrace one of the physiotherapists,” he was quoted by Globo Esporte. “Jomar [Ottoni], Marcelo [Gondo], everyone in the medical department. I owe a lot to them.”
That’s your lot for today - more same time on Saturday as we build up to the match!
