Table-topping City host West Ham this afternoon in the day’s 4pm kick-off.
The Blues are strong favourites against the struggling Londoners but new Hammers boss David Moyes has dismissed the suggestion his side ‘have nothing to lose’.
He told press: “I don’t want to say that there’s no expectation. There is an expectation.
“You have to try and win all the games. I see us being in a worse position than Manchester City.
“Manchester City might be saying they have to win to stay at the top but my position is as big as theirs in as much as: we need to get away from the wrong end of the table.”
With Pep Guardiola’s men having snatched victory late in the game on several occasions this season, Moyes was asked whether he had plans in place to avoid a last-gasp defeat.
He added: “I think there are ways you can attempt to try it – maybe substitutions can make a difference; maybe altering things.
“But I think that Manchester City are relentless. That’s why you have to admire them – they keep going and they don’t change really.
“It’s not as if they alter what they do – they just try to keep the pressure on even more and eventually it can tell.
“It only needs one slight lapse, one thing to go... Maybe sometimes when you get to 90 minutes, you think you’ve got the job done and ultimately it’s not done until the final whistle.”
In other news, the Daily Mirror’s Neil Moxley believes only Manchester United will challenge City in the title race.
He writes: “Jose Mourinho is the only man capable of stopping Manchester City leaving an indelible mark on English football this season.
“Big statement ahead of next weekend’s derby but there you have it.
“If Pep Guardiola enjoys his day out at Old Trafford and follows it up with a successful month, the campaign will open up like a flower sensing a spring warmth in the air.
“And it will then be entirely within Manchester City’s capabilities to make history. It’s not overstating the case – before anyone starts accusing moi of being over-dramatic.
“Assuming that West Ham are swatted aside by Kevin De Bruyne and Co this afternoon – the hosts are 8-1 on at the bookies – then the gap could well be into double figures if they follow it up with victory on their rivals’ turf.
“And if Lady Luck can smile down with respect to injuries, there is no limit to what the light blues might achieve.”
Finally, there’s a snippet of transfer gossip as Sports Lens clam Tottenham are willing to sell defender and alleged City target Danny Rose – for the right price.
An article reads: “[Mauricio] Pochettino will sanction the sale of the English left back for a fee of £45million.
“The likes of Manchester United and Manchester City are interested in the player and it will be interesting to see whether Rose’s suitors make a move for him in January.
“The Daily Star believe that Chelsea are monitoring the player’s situation as well.
“Spurs are willing to sell him next month as well as the end of the season. Apparently, Pochettino only wants players who are committed.
“Rose criticised the club’s ambitions and their transfer policy earlier this season and that has not gone down too well with the Argentine manager.
“Both City and United require a top class left back in January and Rose would be terrific for them.”
Think you know how today’s game will pan out…? Cast your predictions for the result, starting XI and scorers in the CityMatchday app!
