1 City’s lethal triumvirate
It’s early days but the signs are good.
Raheem Sterling (22), Leroy Sane (21), and Gabriel Jesus (19) have only been on the pitch together twice but the quality of their link-up play has been enough to cause plenty of excitement.
City, it seems, have acquired a trio of young attacking players who have world-class potential.
There’s pace and technical quality in abundance, showcased brilliantly on Wednesday night in the 4-0 win over West Ham United.
Sterling is direct, Sane beats players with ease and Jesus’ goalscoring record for one so young is exceptional. All three work hard - a prerequisite in a Pep Guardiola side - and there’s movement in all directions.
These are exciting times for City supporters.
With the likes of David Silva, Yaya Toure and Kevin De Bruyne – all superb passers – in support, City’s three young forwards should get plenty of supply in the coming months.
Will we see them against Swansea?
2 Toure’s enduring class
At 33, Toure’s very best days are probably behind him.
The marauding midfielder who scored 24 goals in all competitions during the 2013/14 season has been somewhat tamed, but what we’re seeing now is a new, reinvented Toure, a player who sits deep and keeps possession brilliantly, orchestrating City’s play with his superb range of passing.
His display at West Ham may have gone under the radar due to the eye-catching performances of City’s young attacking trio who understandably took the headlines – but it was a vintage 90 minutes from a player with so much to offer even this late in his career.
He’s one of the most important players in City’s history and his significance doesn’t look like fading any time soon.
3 Impressive record
City have lost on once in 11 Premier League matches against Swansea and haven’t been beaten in their last nine.
It’s a mighty fine record, and having gained ground on those above them during the midweek round of fixtures, City will be hoping they can continue their winning run over the Welsh side to keep the pressure on at the top of the table.
Toure has a particularly impressive record against Swansea. He’s been directly involved in six goals in his last six games again them (four goals, two assists).
4 Paul Clement effect
City have already beaten Swansea twice this season – but those victories came before Paul Clement took charge and he has instantly made them harder to beat.
The former PSG, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich assistant has his side well drilled. Indeed, Guardiola said in his press conference on Friday that this could be one of the toughest matches City will face between now and the end of the current campaign.
Suddenly, every player in the Swansea side knows their role and is carrying out the manager’s instructions precisely. This won’t be an easy test.
