Phil Foden
The Stockport-born 16-year-old hit the headlines in December when he was named on the bench for the Champions League game against Celtic. He didn’t get on that night, but he is highly thought of on and off the field and it would be wonderful for such a local lad to break into the first team.
Monaco in the UCL last 16
Given the Champions League’s habit of throwing up familiar opponents, it was a pleasant surprise to draw Monaco out of the last 16 hat. Leonardo Jardim’s side are flying in Ligue 1 this season and the phrase ‘glamour tie’ seems appropriate given the glitz associated with the French Principality. Bring it on!
Ilkay Gundogan return
The affable German midfielder’s exit against Watford brought an emotional response from the player, his team-mates and fans alike. Having battled back to fitness and form, it was a galling blow for him to suffer cruciate knee ligament damage. He’ll be back in 2017 though, and there will be a huge cheer when he steps onto the Etihad Stadium turf again.
A fit-again Vincent Kompany
Kompany’s return should come much sooner than Gundogan’s, but it will be equally cheered. The big Belgian has struggled with a number of unlucky injuries in recent times. Here’s hoping we see the power-house defender we all know and love defying opposition attacks week in, week out for City in 2017.
Gabriel Jesus
Gabriel Jesus chose City ahead of a host of big name clubs and it will be fascinating to see what the Brazilian striker will bring to the team in 2017. He has all the tools to become a top Premier League striker but he is young and in a new environment – good luck Gabriel!
Friday night football
A relative novelty for fans is the return of Friday night football. City face West Ham this Friday away from home in the FA Cup, but there could be one to look out for at the Etihad Stadium if games are moved for TV in the Premier League.
Five-year anniversary of 93:20
Can you believe five years will have passed since THAT moment when May 2017 comes around. Yes, Aguero scored arguably the most memorable goal in English football league history against QPR as City landed the Premier League in 2012. Look out for a special CityTV programme nearer the time!
Tosin Adarabioyo
The Chorlton-born defender has made three first team appearances this season, including two in the Champions League. The elegant centre-back looks a good fit for boss Pep Guardiola’s style and we hope to see more of him in 2017.
MCWFC UCL
It’s not only the men who are stepping out in the Champions League in 2017, Man City Women face Denmark’s Fortuna Hjorring in the UWCL in March. Having won the Women’s Super League title, Europe is the next competition for Nick Cushing’s team to conquer.
Tunnel Club
Next season will see the introduction of the Tunnel Club – a brand new hospitality offering in the Colin Bell Stand. It promises to be one of the most innovative and immersive experiences in global sports… watch this space.
Aguero climbing all-time list
Sergio Aguero continues to climb the list of all-time City top scorers – he’s currently joint third with Colin Bell and Joe Hayes on 152. Second place is Tommy Johnson on 166 and Eric Brooke leads the way on 178. Could 2017 be the year that Aguero takes the crown? Let’s hope so!
Man City content
Here at City we strive to bring the best coverage of the Club to fans at home and abroad. 2016 saw us experiment with a number of innovations: a new responsive mancity.com, live matchday coverage on Facebook, Snapchat Spectacles, Instagram Stories, virtual reality, and as much great content as we can think of on our YouTube channel (we’re close on 300m all-time views!). We’re looking forward to capturing the best of the team’s action in 2017 and we hope you follow us!
Chinese New Year
Here at City we always like to celebrate Chinese New Year. We’ll be creating some content to look out for, plus events at the stadium so keep an eye out for it!
Returning loan stars
A range of City youngsters are furthering their footballing education around Europe via loan deals, it will be interesting to see the new, improved players return! Enes Unal has been lighting up Holland’s Eredivisie, while Marlos Moreno and Manu Garcia are playing in Spain’s La Liga. – not to mention Patrick Roberts at Celtic That’s just to name four from a host of players – you can keep up to date with their progress via our Loan Watch feature.
Goals
Here at City, we love beautiful football and, of course, goals. City have scored 112 in 2016 – here’s to plenty more in 2017.
Guardiola style
The Catalan boss has completed the first round of Premier League matches, and his characteristic style is being worked into the City squad. The more time the coach has with the side, the more his footballing philosophy should be in evidence – and that is something to look forward to! Come on City!
Brahim Diaz
Spaniard Brahim has repeatedly dazzled for the EDS and made his first team debut against Swansea in the League Cup. He is a genuine edge-of-the-seat player and if he continues on his current trajectory will surely be wowing supporters at the Etihad Stadium before long.
