First to the game at Goodison Park, which will mark the first time defender John Stones has returned to his old stomping ground.
He told Sky Sports’ Patrick Davison he is enjoying the chance to learn from boss Pep Guardiola.
“‘Everyone is well-drilled, there is no uncertainty about your job,’ says the 22-year-old, who still seems to be relishing the chance to learn from a world-renowned coach.
“‘We work so hard on the training pitch in every detail – in playing out, in different sections of the pitch and knowing your job from corners. Even down to simply receiving the ball with the correct foot, going down to the fine detail makes a big difference.
“‘It’s been a relentless few months learning wise, playing and trying to take everything in your stride but it’s been really enjoyable.’”
On his return to Goodison Stones added: “‘There’s mixed emotions. I’ve got a lot of friends there, I played a lot of games for Everton and a lot of my family has got friends there, so it’s a big occasion for them, as it is for me,’ says Stones, who joined Everton from his hometown team Barnsley four years ago this month.
“‘It will be strange to go back, as I’m sure it is for everyone the first time they go back to face their previous club.’”
Now to Abu Dhabi-based publication the National and journalist Steve Luckings, who is the latest to try and articulate the brilliance of David Silva.
He pens: “The catalyst for much of City’s creativity courses through the veins of David Silva. He is the sort of player who unlocks the stingiest of defences, a schemer who plays between the lines of midfield and attack and does those not-so-easy-to-do things like create space when there seemingly is none and thread inch-perfect passes through the eye of a needle.
“Rarely does Silva leave the pitch looking like he has so much as broken sweat, suggesting a lack of work rate.
“But the look is deceptive.
“Like most footballing mavericks, Silva does plenty of work, just in a smaller area of the pitch, the most damaging part: the final third.
“The Spaniard has only won one player of the month award, in September 2011.
“But his influence and importance to the team, under three different managers – Roberto Mancini, Manuel Pellegrini and Guardiola – cannot be overstated.”
Watch El Mago in action in the last game against West Ham
It wouldn’t be the media round up in January without a touch of transfer speculation... so why not go big? The Sun carried a story on Thursday linking City with Barca’s Lionel Messi.
The report reads: “City are prepared to pay a £100million transfer fee and hand Messi a record £800,000-a-week five-year deal to reunite him with ex-Barca boss Pep Guardiola. Messi has just 18 months left on his deal at the Nou Camp.”
Finally, UEFA.com are already looking ahead to the Champions League last 16 tie between City and Monaco.
The intro to their stat pack reads: “Manchester City FC have reason to be wary when they host an AS Monaco FC side unbeaten in knockout ties against English opposition in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League last-16 encounter.”
Well, records are made to be broken after all - check out more stats and facts this way.
We’ll have more at the same time, same place tomorrow and stay tuned to ManCity.com for all the latest breaking news as it happens throughout the day!
