City can take another step towards securing a top four berth this weekend when Crystal Palace visit the Etihad.
But though there has been no official word from the Club’s medical staff, the Daily Star believe that 31-goal leading scorer Sergio Aguero may be missing against the Eagles.
They write: “Pep Guardiola will discover today whether the Argentine star will play again this season when results of a scan on groin strain become known.
“But City are bracing themselves for the news they will have to try and qualify for the Champions League without their prolific hitman as a result of the injury he suffered in last Sunday’s draw at Middlesbrough.
“Aguero has found the net in 13 of City’s last 14 games and if he plays no further part then Guardiola will be banking on Gabriel Jesus providing the goal threat, despite the Brazilian starlet having only played one full game since breaking his foot in February.”
Let’s hope the news on Sergio is more positive when Pep holds his press conference on Friday afternoon.
Staying with the weekend fixture, the London Evening Standard preview the game and believe Palace are capable of claiming another big scalp on Saturday.
They report: “Crystal Palace will attempt to bounce back from successive defeats and claim another scalp at Manchester City on Saturday.
The Eagles are six points above the relegation zone with three to play, and will be wary of the form shown by drop rivals Swansea given Sam Allardyce’s men also face a trip to Manchester United on the final day.
“Palace have already beaten Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool in recent weeks, and a shock win at City will all-but secure their place in the top flight for a fourth-straight season.
“But City face a battle of their own to make the top four with United and Arsenal breathing down their necks.
Finally, the Manchester Evening News suggest the Blues may be in the market for a goalkeeper this summer to add competition to his current custodians.
They report: “Pep Guardiola has added Jack Butland to the list of goalkeepers he is considering this summer.
“The Manchester City manager has been keeping tabs on the England international, who was long-tipped to succeed Joe Hart as Three Lions No1.
“The 24-year-old’s progress has been hampered by injuries at Stoke, but he remains highly rated and continues to be monitored by City.
“Guardiola is considering bringing in a new keeper this summer to provide competition for Claudio Bravo.
“Butland joins Sunderland’s Jordan Pickford and Ederson of Benfica as options currently being weighed up by City.”
That’s all for our Thursday round-up – check mancity.com throughout the day with our live updates bringing you all the latest news and gossip.
