The Blues are back in Premier League action this weekend with the visit of Watford to the Etihad Stadium, as Pep Guardiola’s men look to take another step forward to retaining the title.
It’s still a little early for definitive match previews but in the absence of a press conference (until Friday afternoon), the Manchester Evening News’ have penned a piece on Sergio Aguero’s excellent form, highlighting another Premier League record the Argentine ace could potentially smash this weekend.
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Simon Bajkowski explains: “Seven goals in his last three home games have taken the Argentine onto 96 goals at the Etihad since signing for the club back in 2011.
“Only three players have managed more at a single ground in the competition’s history; Alan Shearer scored 97 at St. James’s Park, Wayne Rooney managed 101 at Old Trafford and Thierry Henry bagged 114 at Highbury.
“Aguero needs two to move into third place and six more to overtake Rooney, leaving just Henry ahead of him. If he keeps scoring at current pace, the outright record could fall before the end of next season.
“City’s No.10 has an excellent record against Watford having scored ten in six games against them in all competitions, including hat-tricks in the 4-2 FA Cup win in 2014 and the 6-0 Premier League win last season. He is also in excellent form, with no player involved in more goals in 2019 than the 30-year-old.
“Pep Guardiola may choose to use Gabriel Jesus for at least some of Saturday’s game after assessing the freshness of his squad.
“The manager spoke of Aguero‘s tiredness last week when an injury to Jesus meant there was no respite for the club’s sharpest shooter, and the Brazilian was brought on for the final minutes at Bournemouth to see out the 1-0 victory.
“City’s coach has also experimented with both Aguero and Jesus in the team, a shape perfected in the 6-0 win away to Watford last season.”
In other news, following another dramatic night of Champions League action, Calcio Mercato share quotes from former Blue Edin Dzeko, who claims City are one of the favourites to lift the trophy.
“Barcelona, Real Madrid (now eliminated) and Manchester City,” he predicted.
“And Atletico would play the final at home – this is definitely a strong motivation.
“I believe one of these three teams.”
Elsewhere, When Saturday Comes take us on a trip down Memory Lane, with a piece on City legend Georgi Kinkladze, who earlier this week revealed plans to launch his own brand of wine and open up a wine bar in Didsbury.
“He spent seven seasons in English football and was relegated three times, but it was the playmaker’s flashes of brilliance that stood him apart from the rest,” the article reflects.
“For much of his time in England, Georgian midfielder Georgi Kinkladze was an outstanding player in a struggling team. Manchester City fans will wonder what he might have achieved with them had the club not been in a state of disarray that led to two relegations in three seasons.
“He made his debut in a draw with Spurs at the start of 1995-96, but after failing to win any of their first 11 games, City were rooted to the bottom.
“Manager Alan Ball stuck by him, describing Kinkladze as the most talented player he had ever worked with.
“This belief was repaid with some memorable goals, notably jinking individual efforts against Middlesbrough and Southampton. The latter match, a 2-1 win at Maine Road on March 16, lifted City up to 15th, their highest position of the season.”
Highly recommended reading.
Finally, as always, there’s a snippet of transfer gossip, as Sport Witness believe City and United are set to do battle in the transfer window.
Writes Lucas Sposito: “As newspaper Tuttosport reports Juventus’ chase for the Fiorentina midfielder Federico Chiesa, they claim that the Old Lady should have competition from both Premier League clubs.
“That’s why club director Fabio Paratici is looking to make some early efforts and guarantee the signing before the Manchester sides get any chance.
“But to have the money to spend on Chiesa, Juve need to make some cash in the summer. That’s why they are planning to sell Douglas Costa.
“Tuttosport claims that the Brazilian is still on United’s radar, and is always a possibility for Manchester City, as Pep Guardiola has already worked with the player at Bayern Munich.
“Juventus have reportedly rejected an offer of €80m for Costa last summer, but this time they will simply try to make as much money as they can, then take this cash to afford Chiesa’s transfer.
“Selling Costa to either Manchester club would therefore be rather convenient for Juventus, and perhaps Tuttosport are being a little optimistic.”
