As City prepare to take on Newcastle United at the Etihad, we take a look at the latest news and headlines from the backpages.
In today’s media watch, we hear a word from the opposition, we look at the predictions for this afternoon’s game and also find out which City stars featured in last night’s Women’s World Cup qualifiers.
First up, we hear from Rafa Benitez.
READ: City v Newcastle United | Talking points
“We know we had a complicated fixture list and it would be a difficult season,” Bentitez stated in his press conference, quoted by the Chronicle. “But we have to approach City in the best way possible.
“With XI v XI you never know. We don’t need to prove anything. We just need to do what we need to do to get the three points, or one point.
“We’ve been quite goo against the big teams.
“They have top-class players who can make the difference, so everything has to be perfet if we want a result.
“You have to have an ambition, but you have to be realistic. If we want to stay in the Premier League we have to manage expectations.
“City are a great team with a great manager. Are they the best ever? We will see next year. Certainly, this is the most expensive season ever in the Premier League, but that’s why there are teams with such quality.”
Now we move on predictions ahead of the match.
Paul Merson believes that City will seal a 3-0 win over the Magpies.
“Newcastle will go to the Etihad and defend, but City will break them down, 100 per cent,” Merson writes for Sky Sports. “It’s just when, and how many times.
“The Newcastle fans packed the away ends at Nottingham Forest [in the Carabao Cup], and they’re out of the cup already.
“I think they’d probably rather win something and spend another season in the Championship than watch this every week at the moment.”
READ: Champions League | Group F dates confirmed
READ: Carabao Cup | City draw Oxford in third round
Finally, last night was a success for a number of Nick Cushing’s players who are currently on international duty!
In the Women’s World Cup qualifiers, a whole host of City stars made an impact on their country’s victories.
Firstly, Tessa Wullaert played the full 90 minutes for Belgium Red Flames in their 1-0 win over Romania while seven Blues were named in the England squad.
The Lionesses secured a 3-0 win over Wales, with our very own Jill Scott and Nikita Parris finding the back of the net, while skipper Steph Houghton and Karen Bardsley featured for the full 90 minutes. Keira Walsh replaced Scott in the closing moments of the game as the Lionesses qualified for next year’s World Cup.
Abbie McManus and Mel Lawley remained on the bench for the duration.
That’s all for your Saturday media round-up, but we will be back tomorrow morning with all the latest news and gossip from the back pages!
