First up, our very own Raheem Sterling is being tipped to be the player of 2019 already!
The Sky Sports pundits got together to voice their thoughts on who will be the stand out Premier League player in the coming year, and Matt Le Tissier eyes Sterling to be top.
The broadcaster writes: “He has already had an incredible 2018, but I think he will get even better next year. Under Pep Guardiola, he seems to just go from strength to strength.
“And next year I think he will take it to an even higher level, and he will become an extra special player.”
Next, we take a look at the Independent’s opinion piece, which shone a positive light on Fernandinho.
Jack Pitt-Brooke scribes: “He is not City’s best player, but he might be their most important, the man who allows seven of his team-mates to attack together, stopping any counter-attacks as well as getting City’s own passing moving briskly forward.
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“He is the keystone of this City team, bearing the whole weight of the structure.”
The Brazilian has been out of action recently, but Pep Guardiola stated in his recent pre-match press conference that the 33-year-old had been training with the squad.
“Everybody is fit but some players have some problems,” he told the media.
“We will decide tomorrow but Ferna, Gabriel Jesus and Kompany have been in training.
“I’ve said many times how important he (Fernandinho) is – his position and qualities.
“Of course, he is so important, like Kevin De Bruyne. We have to find a solution to win games.
“We tried (to recruit back-up) but the market was not there and it didn’t happen.”
Onto predictions ahead of our clash with the Saints.
This week, BBC’s Mark Lawrenson eyes a 0-3 win for us.
The pundit writes: “City need to forget they are playing Liverpool next week and play their best team in this game, to get back to winning ways.
“They have lost two on the trot but they have not started some of their big stars in those games, so now is the time for Pep Guardiola to get them back in the team from the start, if he can.
“As well as being without some key players, it would also help City if opposing teams would stop scoring wonder goals against them, and they have also conceded with the first shot they have faced in three of their past four league games.
“But, regardless of the circumstances, they have lost some of the aura they once had. It will be interesting to see if Saints do go out and attack them, because I do think it will help City if that happens.”
Finally, we turn our attention to Sunday’s opposition.
Southampton manager, Ralph Hasenhüttl, addressed the press ahead of our visit to the St Mary’s Stadium.
“Like a few teams did in the last games, you need good playing against the ball and to be prepared that you will run a lot without the ball,” Hasenhüttl stated, as quoted on Saints’ website.
“Then, when you have the chance, be sharp and be uncompromising and try to score, and then you can hurt them a little bit. It won’t be easy, but if you find the right moves in the right moment then it’s possible.”
That’s all for your Sunday media watch but we will be back tomorrow with the latest headlines from the back pages!
