Picture Special

Limbering up for Liverpool

City return to Premier League action on Saturday with the visit of Liverpool to the Etihad Stadium.

The Blues secured a solid start to the 2017/18 campaign, with seven points from nine and will look to end their jinx over the Reds to clinch a first home win of the season.

Preparations stepped up at the City Football Academy on a wet and windy Wednesday afternoon.

It was a little too cold for some. As you’ll see, Benjamin Mendy hasn’t quite acclimatised to his new surroundings just yet - the gloves came out!

The session focused on fitness and fast-paced, small-sided games. Club Photographer Victoria Haydn captured it all...

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THE GLOVES ARE OUT: Benjamin Mendy, struggling to acclimatise to the Manchester weather!

THE GLOVES ARE OUT: Benjamin Mendy, struggling to acclimatise to the Manchester weather!
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LAUGHING LEROY: It isn't a complete gallery without a shot of Leroy Sane's pearly whites!

LAUGHING LEROY: It isn't a complete gallery without a shot of Leroy Sane's pearly whites!
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BLUE BUDDIES: Jokers off the pitch but focused on it!

BLUE BUDDIES: Jokers off the pitch but focused on it!
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RONDO, RONDO, RONDO: Eyes on the prize!

RONDO, RONDO, RONDO: Eyes on the prize!
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STRETCH TIME: Fabian Delph readies himself

STRETCH TIME: Fabian Delph readies himself
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GLAD TO BE BACK: Ilkay Gundogan is enjoying being back in the thick of the action

GLAD TO BE BACK: Ilkay Gundogan is enjoying being back in the thick of the action
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BELGIAN BLUE: All smiles for Kevin De Bruyne

BELGIAN BLUE: All smiles for Kevin De Bruyne
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ON THE FLOOR: Stretching those legs

ON THE FLOOR: Stretching those legs
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ON THE BALL: Ilkay Gundogan plots his next move

ON THE BALL: Ilkay Gundogan plots his next move
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FUN AND GAMES: Mikel Arteta gets involved!

FUN AND GAMES: Mikel Arteta gets involved!
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THE BOSS: Pep Guardiola enjoys the session

THE BOSS: Pep Guardiola enjoys the session