And one Liverpool star has been discussing their prospects of usurping City as champions this season.
Here are today’s main stories…
Opinion
Manchester Evening News: Why Man City’s international break couldn’t have gone better for Pep Guardiola
Joe Bray writes: “Most of Guardiola‘s players will return with a fresh spring in their step having hit headlines for their performances this week.
“Sterling continued his fine run of form in front of goal by scoring England’s second against Bulgaria, earning praise from both Harry Kane and Gareth Southgate for translating club performances to the international stage over the last year.
“Another City man on a hot streak is Kevin de Bruyne who scored one and set up three in Belgium’s 4-0 win over Scotland. Between him and Sterling, they have eight goals and eight assists already this season.”
READ | Sterling dazzles in England win
TRAINING | Tuesday tune-up ahead of Norwich trip
POTM | Trio up for Etihad award
Manchester Evening News: Why Man City and Liverpool FC fixtures after international break could give Pep Guardiola edge in title race
Stuart Brennan writes: “Manchester City have made a habit of hitting the accelerator pedal as they come out of the first international break of the season.
“In the last two seasons, in which the Blues have won consecutive Premier League titles, they have dropped points in August by drawing a game.
“But they have then moved through the gears between the September and October international breaks, winning seven of their eight games in those two seasons.
“The only points dropped in that spell were due to the goalless draw at Anfield last season, when Riyad Mahrez’s penalty miss denied them all three points.”
News
The Express: Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk makes Man City admission - ‘That is the only way to think’
Virgil van Dijk says: “It is very hard to say whether the same points total as last season would be enough this time. If you win your games, that is the only way to think.
“We know exactly how good Manchester City will be in the Premier League again this season.
“But there also the other competitions where we can look to have success. The next few weeks we will be playing Saturday/Tuesday almost all the time.
“And there are some tough games. We have Chelsea away, and Napoli away in Europe. The League Cup is never easy.
“So we know how tough it is going to be, both this next period and the rest of the season. But we have the mentality and the players to win every game ahead of us.”
That’s all for this morning’s Media Watch - but stay with us throughout the day as we bring you all the latest City news.
