The good news is this is the last international break of the calendar year, so we’re on the home straight now!
There are a few morsels worth looking at this morning, starting with our favourite staple – transfer gossip.
Jamie Anderson reports: “Lewandowski has been in spectacular form for Bayern, netting 19 in 18 appearances - including a five-goal haul against Wolfsburg.
“The unstoppable striker has drawn plaudits from across Europe, with many looking to lure him away from Bayern Munich with astronomical wages.
“Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool have all been linked with Lewandowski in recent weeks, but it appears the Citizens are leading the race for his signature.”
Hmm.
The ever reliable barometer of betting odds seem to be behind that one so I’d advise caution! As ever, it’s all speculation and rumour, and no deals are done until you see confirmation on mcfc.co.uk.
Elsewhere, and with Joe Hart donning the England captain’s armband last night the Manchester Evening News have used the opportunity to give the keeper some well-deserved praise for his performances so far this term.
The City and England no.1 was disappointed with the outcome of the friendly in Alicante, which England lost 2-0 to Spain, but the MEN’s Anthony Jepson has written an interesting piece charting how Hart has silenced his doubters over the last 12 months.
Writes Jepson: “His form this season has been excellent. He produced another stand-out Champions League performance against Borussia Monchengladbach, keeping City in the game with a string of remarkable saves during the first period when the Bundesliga side were on top.
“His one big error this season saw him drop straightforward cross against Norwich that saw Cameron Jerome tap home into an empty net and equalise with seven minutes remaining, but moments later he produced a superb save low to his left to keep City on level terms.
“They went on to win the game thanks to a late Yaya Toure penalty, with Hart’s stop proving crucial in securing the three points. It was further evidence of his mental fortitude.
“For a short period, it looked as though some of the City fans may have fallen out of love with the man who was an instant hit after his loan spell at Birmingham came to an end and former boss Roberto Mancini made him his first-choice ‘keeper back in 2010.
“But any question marks have all but dissipated. He’s been arguably the best goalkeeper in the Premier League this season, and City fans wouldn’t swap him for anyone.”
You can read that piece in full right here.
Finally for today, James Milner is hoping to be back from injury in time to face City next week.
After swapping the Etihad for Anfield in the summer, this will be the England man’s first opportunity to return to his former home.
Although James has been forced to miss time with club and country with an injury problem, he’s aiming to be back in time to take to the field in seven days’ time.
He is quoted in the Daily Star as saying: “Obviously missing last weekend and the England games is disappointing.
“It shouldn’t be too long and hopefully I’ll be back for the next game, but we’ll have to wait and see.
“You never like to put a timeframe on it because it’s a hamstring and they’re always difficult and a bit unpredictable, but hopefully I’ll be alright.”
That’s your lot for today but we’ll be back, same time, same place tomorrow morning…
