Let’s start today with Simon Curtis’ column for ESPN, which discusses City’s run-in and top-four chances.
Curtis believes City’s home form is key – and says if they can take maximum points, leapfrogging Liverpool and finishing third is likely.
“Of the four games left, three are at home and make up the next three fixtures, before the curtain falls on a desperately disappointing season at Watford on May 21,” he writes.
“City entertain Crystal Palace, Leicester City and West Brom and must be looking to gain a maximum nine points from the three fixtures.
“If City can achieve what is expected of them in those matches, it will almost certainly be enough to finish above Liverpool to clinch third place in the table and with it automatic qualification for the Champions League.”
He goes on to discuss City’s recent history of strong finishes, saying: “Now Guardiola faces a new challenge to seal his first year in England: to match the strong finishes which have become a City tradition over recent years.
“In winning the title ahead of Liverpool in 2013-14, City closed with a draw and five straight wins after a 3-2 defeat at Anfield on April 13.
“In 2014-15 they finished one better with six straight wins taking City over the finishing line. Defeat to United at Old Trafford (4-2) on April 12 was the last time Manuel Pellegrini’s side tasted defeat that season. Last season also culminated in a good run to the line, with Pellegrini’s departure heralding an 11-game run-in that contained just two defeats after a 3-0 collapse at Liverpool in early March.”
As expected at this time of year, there are plenty of transfer rumours knocking around and according to the Mail’s Sami Mokbel, City are in contention to sign Tottenham’s Kyle Walker this summer.
The right-back has missed Spurs’ last two matches and is reportedly reviewing his options ahead of a transfer.
“Manchester City are increasingly confident that they will sign Tottenham right-back Kyle Walker in the summer,” Mokbel writes.
“Sportsmail understands Walker could be the first-team player sacrificed by manager Mauricio Pochettino as the Spurs boss looks to raise additional funds to be used in the window.
“The 26-year-old was left out of the FA Cup semi-final loss to Chelsea at Wembley and was also not included in the starting line-up for the north London derby against Arsenal on Sunday.
The Express believe City and Arsenal could hijack West Brom’s move for William Carvalho.
“Express Sport understands West Brom are tracking Carvalho, who is expected to leave Sporting this summer,” writes Joe Short.
“But Italian TV outlet Sport Mediaset say Arsenal and Manchester City are also eyeing the ace.
“The Baggies face a major struggle to land the 25-year-old as two of the Premier League’s big boys wade into the reckoning.”
And, finally, the Telegraph‘s Matt Law says City will battle Chelsea for the signature of Alexis Sanchez when the transfer window reopens.
“Chelsea and Manchester City are both lining up bids for Sanchez, despite Wenger insisting the Chile forward will not be sold to a Premier League rival,” Law writes.
“It is understood that Sanchez has put Chelsea top of his list of potential destinations should he leave Arsenal at the end of the season as he is settled in London and is attracted to the style of head coach Antonio Conte.”
That’s all for today! We’ll be back tomorrow with more news and rumours on mancity.com!
