Pep Guardiola’s men continue our defence of the Carabao Cup with a quarter-final trip to Oxford United tonight.
The press analyse who may feature at the Kassam Stadium, while there’s also word from the U’s camp and a tale of a potential new recruit, dubbed ‘Sergio Aguero‘s worthy heir’...
Match preview
Manchester Evening News: How Man City should line-up against Oxford United in Carabao Cup
Simon Bajkowski: “Phil Foden may have to sit this one out after starting the last two games but Tommy Doyle equipped himself well enough against Southampton to suggest he should get another chance against Southampton.
“Eric Garcia and Taylor Harwood-Bellis have also been solid when given opportunities and the latter has also impressed against lower league sides in the EFL Trophy this season.
“There aren’t too many options up front to be able to rest players but Jesus thrives more on confidence anyway and Riyad Mahrez should be champing at the bit to show his class.
“Having apologised in the last round for not playing him, Guardiola can start Ian-Carlo Poveda if he wants to let Raheem Sterling put his feet up.”
View from the opposition
Oxford United’s official website: Karl on Manchester City
Karl Robinson: “I’m really excited by the challenge that this time of year presents. Every club has a busy time with Christmas but we have the extra incentive of playing Manchester City in the middle of it all.
“It’s a great opportunity for our young players to show what they can do and we are likely to have four players who have started out in our Academy, which is a fantastic achievement.
“They will get a chance but it also shows everyone following along behind them that there is a clear opportunity here. I trust them and believe in them and they work so hard to constantly improve.
“The focus is on the game on Wednesday and it’s obviously going to be difficult but everyone is upbeat.
“The message we have been giving to the players is that you have to have a belief in what you are doing to achieve anything in life. Nothing just falls in your lap.
“It’s like someone saying ‘you were lucky to win the Lottery’. Well they bought a ticket…”
Oxford Mail: Oxford United believe they can shock Manchester City
Cameron Brannagan: “People might laugh at me, but I believe we can win. I’m not just saying that.
“We’ll go into the game confident and with the ability we’ve got we can hurt anyone.
“At the end of the day it’s you versus him.
“I honestly believe we can do it.”
Transfer gossip
This Is Futbol: Man City: Club met with representatives of Lautaro Martinez
Harry Symeou: “The representatives of Inter striker Lautaro Martinez met Manchester City to discuss a potential move in the summer this weekend.
“That’s according to FCInterNews.it, who claim the Italian giants have reportedly already made it clear they are willing to almost double the player’s salary but that hasn’t deterred the Manchester club or Barcelona who are also said to be monitoring the forward’s situation closely.
“His performances during the 2018/19 campaign put the Argentinian on the map and the rest of Europe has been watching ever since. His current contract is not due to expire until 2023 but that won’t prevent the likes of City and Barcelona from trying to prise him away.
“A tenacious, hungry and instinctive striker who has captured the hearts and imaginations of the Inter faithful Lautaro is currently valued at £72m but you suspect the club will demand more if they’re to consider letting him leave in the summer.
“However, the prospect of having him as an option with the likes of Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus as well, could just tempt the Manchester City hierarchy to splash the cash and capture another exciting South American forward.”
