Pep Guardiola’s men travel to Jose Mourinho’s side, while Nick Cushing takes charge of his final game before departing for a new challenge as Assistant Manager of New York City FC.
There are plenty of talking points on this not-so-easy Sunday morning, including a word from Sergio Aguero and (as always) some transfer gossip…
READ: Nobody recovers quicker than Raheem, says Pep
WATCH: #ThankYouNick | Cushing’s final CityTV interview
TICKETS: City v Real Madrid | Champions League
From the players
Daily Mail: No false modesty from Sergio Aguero as Manchester City striker focuses on place in Premier League history
Joe Bernstein: “Sergio Aguero admits he is motivated by making history.
“While some superstars feign modesty at personal achievements, Aguero has no wish to hide his delight at each milestone he passes.
“Already Manchester City’s record goalscorer, he overtook Thierry Henry as the leading overseas scorer in Premier League history last month and celebrated by going on to complete his 12th top-flight hat-trick — another new record — in City’s 6-1 win over Aston Villa.
“The Argentine currently stands fourth in the league’s all-time goals list with 180. Wayne Rooney (208) and Andy Cole (187) are both within catching distance before Aguero‘s City contract ends in 18 months’ time, though Alan Shearer (260) still looks out of reach.”
Said Aguero: “To me, it’s very important to be the foreign top scorer in the Premier League, breaking the record of most hat-tricks and to be part of the history of the competition.
”It’s something really special and I’m very happy for my career here. That game against Aston Villa meant a lot to me because I broke two records in the same game. I’m focused on doing things well and making history.”
Match previews
Tottenham Hotspur v City
Premier League: Improved Mahrez can keep focus on Spurs’ defence
Adrian Clarke: “Kevin De Bruyne and Sergio Aguero are both in sublime form ahead of Manchester City’s trip to north London, but Tottenham Hotspur will also be extremely wary of Riyad Mahrez.
“The Algerian has seven goals and seven assists to his name this season, from just 13 starts.
“Cutting inside from the right with more confidence than ever and taking the ball past defenders with ease, the 28-year-old’s end product has improved considerably.
“Eclipsing Raheem Sterling, David Silva and Bernardo Silva for direct goal involvements in 2019/20, Mahrez will feel he has earned a place in Guardiola‘s strongest XI.”
City v Arsenal Women
Western Telegraph: Walti: Arsenal wary of threat posed by wounded Manchester City
Lia Walti: “It’s always hard to play teams twice in a row, especially top teams like that. We need to prepare. It’s going to be a new game.
“For me, this game is more important because we want to win the league, we want to go into the Champions League.
“Every time you’re losing you want to win the next game as a top team so City will definitely change their plan, it’s going to be a completely new game. Nothing is won yet.”
READ: Houghton | Let’s finish Nick’s tenure on a high
WATCH: #ThankYouNick | Players’ farewell
TICKETS: City v Arsenal | FA WSL
Transfer gossip
Manchester Evening News: Five centre-backs Man City should target in summer transfer window
Dane Massey: “Finding a consistent and reliable defender to partner Aymeric Laporte and also lead the defence in his absence is a must for City this summer.
“Ruben Dias is a tall, commanding presence at the back. He has shown this for his club side Benfica in their surge to the top of Primeira Liga this season, winning 17 out of their first 18 games and conceding just six goals in the process. Dias has played in every one of his side’s games.
“The Premier League is short of top class centre-backs right now, but one central defender who certainly doesn’t lack quality is Leicester’s Çağlar Söyüncü.
“He’s quick for a defender, good in the air and calm on the ball.
“Milan Škriniar is one of Europe’s most highly rated defenders, and based off his performances for Inter this season he would certainly bring much needed steel to the City backline.
“Brazil have always had tough defenders, and they have one right now in the shape of Diego Carlos who currently plays his football in La Liga for Sevilla.
“Dayot Upamecano is tall and strong, loves a physical battle and is incredibly athletic. At City, Laporte and Upamecano could well complement each other similarly.”
