And we’ll kick-off with Edin Dzeko’s continued affection for City and the supporters he just can’t forget…
READ: City DNA: ‘Love will tear us apart’ - Ian Curtis and City
Former Players
Transfer Tavern: ‘Our bond is stronger than ever’ says Dzeko
The report reads: “Speaking in an exclusive interview with AS Roma’s official website via City Chief, former Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko waxed lyrical over the club’s fans – prompting supporters to beg for a homecoming.
“The Bosnian target man was a mainstay during Manchester City’s first couple of Premier League title wins, providing much-needed height going forward alongside Argentine duo Sergio Aguero and Carlos Tevez.
‘I think they appreciate me even more now than they did when I was there – even if I must say that the City fans were always there for me,’ explained the 33-year-old.
‘But I still hear the City fans occasionally singing my name, you know, and some write to me calling me a legend. It’s nice.’
International action
Daily Mail: De Bruyne shines in Red Devils romp
It reads: “Christian Benteke and Kevin De Bruyne scored two goals each as Belgium thrashed Cyprus 6-1 in their Euro 2020 Group I qualifier at the King Baudouin Stadium on Tuesday.
“Belgium finish top of their pool with a perfect 10 wins from 10 games, scoring 40 goals in the process, as Yannick Carrasco and an own goal from Kypros Christoforou completed the rout of Cyprus.
“The visitors had silenced their hosts with an early strike as Nicholas Ioannou drilled the ball into the corner of the net, but the Belgium supporters were soon back on their feet after an exhibition from their side after that.
“Carrasco’s excellent pass provided the opportunity for Benteke to level the score, before Cyprus goalkeeper Michael Neofytos somehow allowed De Bruyne‘s weak shot to squirm past him.
“Carrasco was the provider again as he teed-up De Bruyne to complete a brace, before the former grabbed the goal his performance deserved a minute before the break after burying his shot from Eden Hazard’s pass.”
Opinion
Meanwhile Gabriel Jesus gave his thoughts on two prominent African talents during Brazil’s visit to the UAE…
African Football: Jesus praise for Mahrez and Salah
It reads: ‘Salah has shown his quality in the last two seasons, he has scored a lot.’ Jesus said.
‘I don’t train with him, but I know he is quality. I do train with Riyad.
“The 22-year-old marksman also lauded Algeria captain Mahrez as one of the most technical players he has played with.
‘He is one of the most technical players I have played with; his first touch is amazing,’ Jesus said.
‘An amazing player that showed the world how good he is at Leicester [City] and is now playing well for us, scoring goals and making assists all the time.’
Predictions
Metro: Michael Owen tipping City
Said Owen: ‘City won the corresponding game 6-0 last season, but Chelsea did win the reverse fixture at Stamford Bridge earlier in the season and only penalties were able to split the sides at Wembley in the League Cup Final back in February.
‘After their defeat at Anfield in their previous game City cannot afford to drop points, especially at the Etihad, if they are to put pressure on Liverpool in their quest for a hat-trick of titles.
‘Chelsea have improved under Frank Lampard and their exciting young side are confident and talented. But beware a wounded Pep Guardiola and his side – it will have been a long international break for the City boss.’
Mirror: Hazard urges Chelsea to erase six-goal thrashing
The report says: “When asked by Sky Sports if he thinks Chelsea can beat City Hazard said: ‘Of course I think so. It’s not going to be easy. It’s hard to play there.
‘Last time we played them we lost 6-0, so bad memories for me and Chelsea. But I think this season they are really good. They are really young, but they are really good, so why not go there and win the game?
‘When I watch them, no Hazard but it’s a party! They can score, they can score a lot of goals, the fans are happy, they are third in the league, so it’s going to be a great season. They just need to stay there, win games and that’s it.’
Indeed it is – more gossip, opinion and rumour tomorrow…
