There’s plenty of pre-match chatter doing the rounds this morning and we’ve gathered together the best.
But let’s start with some transfer speculation. Despite Pep Guardiola’s repeated assertion we won’t be doing business any time soon, the papers keep on throwing up names.
Here are today’s…
Transfer news
The Mirror: Team by team January transfer guide
Liam Rice writes: ”Positions they need to strengthen: Centre-back, left-back.
“Who are their top targets: Juan Larios ( Barcelona ), Jonny Evans ( Leicester City), Milan Skriniar (Inter Milan).”
READ: Villa v City | Injury Updates
READ: Which TV channel is Aston Villa v City on?
Opposition view
Aston Villa head coach Dean Smith says: “We played the second-placed team in the cup and now we’re playing the team that are third and have won back-to-back titles.
“They have a world-class coach and world-class players, they can afford to spend £50m on a right back, so we know the test.
“They have had some off days this season - they got beat at Norwich and Wolves - so we must have belief in ourselves, as well as concentration.”
Match previews
BBC Sport: Villa v City - Preview
Mark Lawrenson writes: ”I said a little while back that I thought Manchester City have got their mojo back, and they showed it with their Carabao Cup win over Manchester United.
“Aston Villa got a big win at Burnley last time out in the Premier League but this is a completely different task for them.
“Prediction: 0-3.”
Player quotes
Sport360: Fernandinho exclusive: Ze Roberto inspiration and meetings with Pep Guardiola on new position
Fernandinho says: “I am feeling good, feeling confident.
“I’m happy to be playing in this position, to be playing alongside these players and of course this is motivation for me to stay in that way.
“I think this change has helped me grow up as a player. When you play in certain different positions you can understand the game better and try to help the other team-mates as well.
“I know what role the holding midfielder should do, the centre-back playing left or right and the full back, it’s all really clear in my head. I think this has helped me get better.
“I think I adapted myself, playing the way I played. Sometimes we have a specific way to play, that’s all.
“So playing in defence, it opens your mind, especially under Pep because you can understand the game easier.
“We have a lot of meetings about tactics, positioning, how you have to move the ball, how you have to pass the ball, which player is free and which player you have to man mark. It helped me. For me, it doesn’t matter playing midfield or centre-back.
“Of course when I’m in good form and fitness, then my performance helps the team as well.”
That’s all for this morning’s Media Watch – but stay with us throughout the day here on ManCity.com as we bring you all the latest ahead of tomorrow’s game at Villa Park.
