City return to Premier League action with the visit of Nuno Espirito Santo’s side to the Etihad Stadium on Sunday in a 2pm kick-off with both sides having registered European victories in midweek.
The main discussion of Saturday’s headlines looks ahead to the clash, while in-form forward Raheem Sterling is tipped to shine again, striker Ellen White also opens up on her move to Manchester, Club legend Kevin Horlock predicts the title race and there’s a snippet of transfer gossip…
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View from the opposition
Wolves: Nuno proud of fighting spirit: On preparing to face Man City
Nuno Espirito Santo: “What I see is a fantastic and amazing team, fantastic squad, fantastic manager, the champions of the Premier League, one of the best teams, so a really good challenge for us.
“Sustaining a level of high performance through all the season is very difficult. The big teams do it; City does it, Liverpool does it, other teams do it. A comparison with these teams is fantastic for us because two seasons ago we were in the Championship.
“Their quality is all over the pitch. They are a fantastic team and the idea of football, the way they play football – the how – it’s very difficult to find solutions to stop how they do it, but we’ll try, and we have to play also.
“We are going to compete, and we enjoy playing against good teams because that can only raise our standards and make us better.”
Prediction
Sky Sports: Charlie Nicholas’ Premier League predictions
Charlie Nicholas: “Wolves can be awkward, but Manchester City should have a comfortable afternoon.
“If Liverpool drop points on the Saturday before, then it is a chance they simply have to take. City are brilliant to watch, and they are only just getting started.
“Wolves are a dangerous side and they got their first win last week, but by the time they have come from Thursday’s tough trip to Besiktas, it may be too much for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side.”
Fantasy Football
Premier League: Scout Selection: Bank on in-form Sterling
The Scout: “A visit from Wolverhampton Wanderers gives Raheem Sterling (£12.1m) the chance to get more goals in Gameweek 8 of Fantasy Premier League.
“The Manchester City winger was an unused substitute in his previous home match, against Watford in Gameweek 6.
“But that rest appears to have benefited Sterling, who has since scored in each of City’s last three fixtures in all competitions.
“Sterling was named on the bench for the UEFA Champions League victory over Dinamo Zagreb on Tuesday evening and his second-half introduction proved decisive as he grabbed a goal and an assist.
“He is handed the armband in the Scout Selection line-up, with Mohamed Salah (£12.5m) named as vice-captain.”
Opinion
Daily Express: Why Man City will beat Liverpool to the Premier League title despite five point gap
Kevin Horlock: “I can’t look beyond Man City to win the league again.
“I know at this early stage everyone will say Liverpool. I seem to remember a lot of people saying Liverpool last year when they were nine points clear.
“And yes, they have improved, and they’re the most likely to pip City if anyone is going to.
“But, for me, you can’t look past City. Injuries aside in larger numbers than they’ve already got, I can’t see anybody being consistently better than Man City.
“I think at times it can be that experience of winning it before. It can be the difference.”
From the players
BBC: Ellen White: Steph Houghton aided England striker’s Man City move
Ellen White: “I spoke to Steph and, while playing in the same team as your best friend is a dream, it wasn’t really about our friendship as such.
“I wanted to know the culture, the environment and what the coaching is like, asking her ‘are you being developed, what are you doing in training?’
“I wanted to know the more in-depth pieces of information and she was really good. She sold me on Manchester life.
“I was approached by Nick Cushing and [City’s head of women’s football] Gavin Makel and I felt very privileged and proud that they wanted me to be a part of Manchester City.”
Transfer gossip
Ben Nagle: “Manchester City are reportedly eyeing Martin Odegaard as their long-term replacement for David Silva after watching him impress for Real Sociedad.
“The 20-year-old is attracting interest from various Premier League clubs after shining at Sociedad on loan from Real Madrid, including City’s rivals Manchester United and Arsenal.
“City are wary that talisman David Silva is leaving at the end of the season - and Pep Guardiola is on the hunt for his long-term successor.
“According to El Desmarque, the manager believes Odegaard could be that man after returning to form with goals against Mallorca and Atletico Madrid.
“The young Norwegian has played only twice for Real Madrid in four-and-a-half years at the club, but it has been reported that they still want more than £60m for him.”
