Friday’s compilation of City-centric news provides plenty of topics for discussion, as we turn attentions to Saturday’s Premier League trip to Bournemouth.
So, without further ado, let’s dive in…
Well, Sports Mole’s Barney Corkhill is one of many to have previewed the clash, featuring his piece on Raheem Sterling’s fruitful record against the Cherries.
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He scribes: “Manchester City’s title defence takes them to Dean Court on Saturday as they face Bournemouth looking to overhaul the one-point gap which separates them from Liverpool at the top of the table.
“Victory would move them above the Reds until Sunday at least, but City were far from their best as they scraped past West Ham United in midweek courtesy of a Sergio Aguero penalty.
“Raheem Sterling was initially rested for that match just three days after going to extra time and penalties in the EFL Cup final, but he was called upon 10 minutes into the second half as Pep Guardiola searched for the breakthrough - which soon came.
“Sterling will be hopeful of returning to the starting line-up against a Cherries team that conceded five against Arsenal in midweek, and here Sports Mole looks at his incredible past record against Eddie Howe’s side.
“Sterling has scored more goals against Bournemouth than he has against any other club in his career, netting 10 in just eight appearances against the Cherries across all competitions.
“That includes eight goals - and two assists - in just six Premier League meetings with Bournemouth, and his strike in the reverse fixture at the Etihad Stadium saw him become the first player in Premier League history to score in his first six appearances against a single opponent.
“The last five of those games have seen Sterling score exactly once in each - in addition to notching his two assists along the way - but it was his first ever league meeting with the Cherries which he will remember most fondly, netting a hat-trick in a 5-1 win back in October 2015.
“The England international also faced Bournemouth twice during his time with Liverpool, scoring twice in an EFL Cup win but drawing his only blank against these particular opponents in a 2013-14 FA Cup tie.
“One constant throughout his past meetings with Howe’s side has been wins, though, with Sterling ending up on the victorious team on all eight occasions that he has faced them in his career.”
Meanwhile, the Manchester Evening News focus on fond memories from Dean Court, recalling last season’s dramatic last-gasp victory, which sparked an incredible run of form.
“It might only have been the third game of the season, but Manchester City’s dramatic late winner at Bournemouth at the start of 2017/18 season was one of the defining moments of their record-breaking campaign,” Tyrone Marshall recollects.
“It was the moment an okay start became a good one, starting a run of 18 successive Premier League wins that left City’s rivals trailing in their wake.
“As they head back to the south coast this weekend City could do with another moment of magic to kick-start another winning run that propels them to a defence of their Premier League title.
“Their rivals are making City work for the title this season, but if any team are capable of turning on the afterburners in the home stretch and streaking clear it’s City.
“Ten wins out of 10 is an achievable target and they could begin that run with another memorable, inspiring success on the south coast.”
In other news, there are a few snippets of transfer gossip, as Read Bundesliga believe City are eyeing Eintracht Frankfurt striker Luka Jovic, while Sport Witness report City and Liverpool are monitoring teenager Joao Felix.
According to Alex Murray: “Manchester City are reportedly interested in Eintracht Frankfurt striker Luka Jovic, with Pep Guardiola’s scouts keeping a close eye on the free-scoring forward.
“Jovic has 15 goals in 20 Bundesliga appearances this season, and has impressed many in Germany.
“Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid are also keeping tabs on the Serbian striker, who is currently at the side on a two year loan deal.
“Frankfurt have an option to make the deal permanent for just £6 million in the Summer, but are likely to sell if a big enough offer comes in.
“City are looking to strengthen their attacking options in the Summer, with the current Premier League champions struggling with injuries this season up top.”
On Felix, Lucas Sposito claims: “Although Manchester United have been the English club getting most linked to João Félix from Benfica, it seems there are some rivals interested in teenager as well.
“As reported by the Portuguese press today, Liverpool and Manchester City also have plans to watch the youngster next Saturday.
“The information is brought by Correio da Manhã today, as they have a story saying over 20 clubs are expected to scout the youngster in Benfica’s match against Porto.
“João Félix has been impressing for a few months now, and now the Reds and the Cityzens want to see him in what should be the biggest game of the Eagles’ season.
“So with the ‘clássico’ against the Dragons being decisive for the title race, the 19-year-old will have the first big proof of his career, with all eyes on him.
“Earlier today, we’ve covered claims from Record which said Juventus and Manchester United are both ready to trigger João Félix’s €120m release clause. So Liverpool and Manchester City better know they will have to act quickly and spend big if they get convinced to sign the youngster in the summer.”
