In fact, Sunday’s media is full of opinions, predictions and other waffle of how the season will pan out – none of which will appear in this round-up.
It will be a relief to get back to action at Crystal Palace next weekend…
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READ: City DNA: Paid for in photocopiers!
Still, there are a few injury updates, reaction to our FAWSL win over Birmingham and a few other bits and bobs to go at…
Injury news
Ilkay Gundogan missed Germany’s 2-2 draw with Argentina with a minor knock…
“Die Mannschaft will compete in a EURO 2020 qualifier against Estonia on Sunday and Low has confirmed that Gundogan is available.
‘It’s calmed down a bit now,’ the Germany manager said on injuries within his squad.
‘Ilkay Gundogan ad Timo Werner both took part in training yesterday without any problems.
‘It’s a no-brainer. We can’t afford to drop any more points in our group so I’m expecting a professional performance from the team.’
The news will come as a massive relief to Pep Guardiola who can’t afford many more injuries in his squad with Leroy Sane and Aymeric Laporte out long-term plus Kevin De Bruyne, Benjamin Mendy and John Stones also having their issues.
Sergio’s absence from the Argentina squad has also been explained…
MUNDO ALBICELESTE: Messi and Aguero to return to national team ‘next month’
“Lionel Scaloni had this to say about Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero:
“Messi is not here due to suspension. Sergio Aguero is not here because he’s been carrying a problem and has not been training 100% with his club. surely both will be here next month.”
Opinion
Arsene Wenger has been speaking to the Daily Star, with Read Arsenal picking up the quotes…
Read Arsenal: Sterling reminds Wenger of Gunners legend
“Both he and [Leroy] Sane are the highest intensity workers in the league, he is so quick on his first two yards, he reminds me of Marc Overmars. That’s unstoppable.
“What Sterling didn’t have back then was calmness in his finishing but now he has that. Sometimes, with very fast players they want to rush their finish and that’s what he has improved.
“He has confidence. He still misses some, his conversion rate could be improved, but he is an exceptional talent and he can cause damage against anybody.”
Reaction
Another win for City…
BBC Sport: Perfect start continues
“Manchester City’s winning start to the Women’s Super League season continued as they comfortably beat Birmingham City for a fourth WSL win from four.
“A deflected strike from England midfielder Keira Walsh put the hosts ahead in quiet, drab first half.
“City were much livelier after the break and Tessa Wullaert turned in from Janine Beckie‘s cross, before Lee Geum-min’s finish from Lauren Hemp‘s ball.
“The result puts them top of the table, with Arsenal facing Chelsea on Sunday.
“City have won their first seven games in all competitions this term, keeping four clean sheets from a possible four in the league.”
And finally….
Sports Witness: Teen star always chooses City
“One of the sagas we covered a lot last summer was about Argentine wonderkid Thiago Almada.
“It was mostly the Portuguese and the Argentine press who kept saying the winger could leave Velez Sarsfield to join Sporting.
“For the transfer to be possible, it was Manchester City who would pay for the signing, and then keep a buying option to get him from the Portuguese side. It would all be part of a partnership between the clubs.
“Almada ended up not moving, even though the Portuguese press keeps feeding the rumours here and there. But it seems the player still has Manchester City on his mind.
‘The 18-year-old has spoken to La Red this week, and when asked which club he picks when playing video games, he named the Premier League side.
‘I’m grabbing this taste, all my teammates play, they made me start playing. I didn’t have it, I had to buy it now. I always choose Manchester City,’ he said (via Marca).
“The player has also claimed that he “would like to play in Europe, it’s much better there”.
“But Almada has recently signed a new contract, raising his release clause. So, he should be even harder to get in the future.”
More tomorrow…
