The clash dominates the Blue headlines, with player and manager previews and predicted line-ups, while there are also a few snippets of transfer gossip to ponder over.
Fabian Delph has been sharing his thoughts on his side’s start to the season, declaring the team spirit has strengthened this year.
Quoted in a Sky Sports article, the midfielder (or left-back!) explained: “The togetherness is there, it is definitely the strongest since I’ve been at the club.
“It is a young bunch of players, so everybody interacts perfectly; everybody gets on well on and off the pitch.
“So I think with me scoring the goal [against Crystal Palace], it was clear for everybody to see the togetherness that is there.
“From pre-season it seemed to go that way. The new additions that came in obviously freshen up the squad, people have to adapt to each other.
“That happened really easy and everybody just seems to be getting on really well and gelling and you can definitely see that in the performances.”
Delph also spoke of his transition to a defensive role and how he is enjoying working under Pep Guardiola.
“It is brilliant for me,” he continued. “I am a guy who wants to learn and keep learning, that is one of the biggest reasons I came here.
“I have had a lot of managers over the years, so this was interesting and one that I am thoroughly enjoying.
“It is different me playing at left-back, I have done it a few times in my career.
“I have always wanted to stay here. I have worked so, so hard since [I was] a young kid to get to the top and I am not looking to run away from it.
“I’m here and willing to put every single bit of me on the line to try and get in the team and help my team-mates.
“And luckily I am still here and scoring more.”
On the subject of Delph’s versatility, Stoke manager Mark Hughes – who tried to sign the midfielder – has joked Guardiola “would play a midfielder in goal if he could!”
Previewing his side’s trip to the Etihad Stadium, he also told press: “The strength at the top of the league is huge and Man City are well equipped.
“They have power and pace and if they have any weaknesses they can address them in the market. It’s a big test for us but it’s not one we are afraid of. We did well there last year.
“The last two home games they have won 5-0 and we will have to be at our best. We have got threats ourselves and players who can change games.”
Meanwhile, the Manchester Evening News believe Guardiola faces a selection dilemma this afternoon, ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Napoli.
Writes Simon Bajkowski: “Manchester City’s biggest game of the season to date has been Chelsea, but Napoli may top it.
“Pep Guardiola has waxed lyrical about the Italians, calling them one of the best footballing teams in Europe and talking up their style under Maurizio Sarri.
“With that - and seven games in three weeks - in mind, does the manager rest a few of his stars for the big game on Tuesday night or is the best way to prepare for it by trying to smash another Premier League opponent and keep the confidence up?
“Guardiola has a big decision to make with his selection, although he has got them spot on every time so far this season.”
(Think you know what the starting XI will be? You can cast your predictions for City’s line-up, the result and scorers in the CityMatchday app!)
Finally, as promised, there are a few rumours of potential incomings flying around, as ESPN claim City are set to go head-to-head with United in a bid to capture Anderlecht midfielder Leander Dendoncker, while Football Transfer Tavern believe Swedish strike ace Kasper Dolberg is also a target.
It’s reported: “United have been keeping tabs on Dendoncker since his impressive display against them in April, with City also checking on his progress in Anderlecht’s 4-3 win away to Mechelen on Friday night.”
“With Gabriel Jesus already on the books, the addition of Dolberg could mean that City have one of the most potent strike forces in Europe for years to come.
“His finishing, speed, and all round maturity in his game for a player so young make him an excellent signing if City choose to snap him up.”
