Man City star Sergio Aguero charged with violent conduct

The Argentine international now faces a three-match ban that would see him miss Premier League games against Manchester United and Bournemouth and a League Cup third-round tie against Swansea City.

Aguero appeared to elbow Reid in the head on Monday (NZT), a Premier League game City won 3-1. The incident was not seen by match officials so the FA has taken retrospective action.

On Monday, Aguero withdrew from the World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Venezuela due to calf injury

Argentina host Uruguay on Thursday and then visit Venezuela five days later.  

Carlo Ancelloti claims Manchester city's new boss Pep Guardiola will join the 'SACK CLUB'

Carlo Ancelotti has warned Pep Guardiola that he will face the sack at some point in his career, saying it is a fate that no manager can avoid forever.

The Italian is widely regarded as one of the finest football coaches in the world having won the Champions League with both AC Milan and Real Madrid.

To add to that, he has also won the Serie A, the Premier League, the FA Cup and Ligue 1, but even he has been thrown out of the job on several occasions.

Guardiola is one of the few managers who can claim to be even more highly regarded than Ancelotti and has experienced tremendous success at both Barcelona and Bayern Munich, and, more impressively, left both on his own terms.

But as he prepares to take on his biggest challenge yet at Manchester City, Ancelotti has warned him that, at some point or another, Guardiola will join him and a host of other legendary names in the "Sack Club".

"There is no manager in their career that is not sacked. (Sir Alex) Ferguson was sacked, (Marcello) Lippi sacked, (Fabio) Capello sacked, (Jose) Mourinho sacked, (Rafa) Benitez.

“The only one not sacked is Guardiola, but he’s still really young. He has plenty of time. One day he will come into our club, the Sack Club.”

Nigeria football future seems bright with this young talents

Nigeria football future seems bright with upcoming talents like two of Nigeria’s biggest starlets have been on the fringes of proceedings for Manchester City and Arsenal respectively this season, with Kelechi Iheanacho and Alex Iwobi both highly regarded by both club and country.

Two of Nigeria’s biggest starlets have been on the fringes of proceedings for Manchester City and Arsenal respectively this season, with Kelechi Iheanacho and Alex Iwobi both highly regarded by both club and country.

Both players have already made their senior debuts for Nigeria, but it is at club level where they have made the most significant impact.

Last Saturday seemed to be a pivotal day in the careers of both starlets. While Iheanacho was enhancing his rapidly growing reputation by scoring a hat-trick for City against Aston Villa in the FA Cup, Iwobi, in his new position of central-midfield, was producing a terrific performance for Arsenal against Burnley in the same competition.

City have so much faith in Iheanacho’s ability that they elected not to sign an additional forward during the January transfer window, with the prospect, who has an average shot accuracy of 60% in the Premier League this season, considered by manager Manuel Pellegrini to be good enough to make a substantial impact at the highest level of the game despite his lack of experience.

Iwobi, meanwhile, has been racking up the minutes for Arsenal and has made four Premier League appearances so far, registering an average pass accuracy of 90%.

An intriguing prospect, he rose through the ranks as a winger but has adapted seamlessly to playing in central-midfield and is likely to be loaned out at some point next season.

Iwobi is likely to be joined by two more talented young Nigerians at Arsenal soon, with Kelechi Nwakali and Samuel Chukwueze set to seal moves to the club.

The pair, an attacking midfielder and left winger respectively, shone as Nigeria won the U17 World Cup last year and are seen as being the tip of the iceberg with regards to the country’s ever-growing list of talents for the future.

During the recent transfer window, CSKA Moscow forward Ahmed Musa was linked with several major clubs, with the 23-year-old having made a considerable impact for the Russian team.

Musa is already the captain of the Nigeria national team and seems set for a move to a more high-profile side in the not too distant future.

There is a growing body of evidence to suggest that Nigeria are making excellent progress in their youth development. But the most encouraging aspect is that these players are highly regarded by English clubs, who aren’t afraid to provide the prospects with an opportunity to impress.

It will take much more work to transform Nigeria into a nation that is capable of competing for honours on the world stage, but the Super Eagles are certainly moving in the right direction, with the future of their national side looking very bright indeed.

Impossible is nothing as Leicester takes six points lead

Impossible is nothing as leicester city dismantled the league favourite Man city to attain a six point clear in premier league table.

One more down, 13 to go as immortality beckons for Leicester City. Make no mistake about it - The Foxes's improbable dream has all the hallmarks to become a reality. 

This was the latest test of their incredible title tilt, and once more Claudio Ranieri's side passed with flying colours as they defeated Manchester City for the first time since 2003. 

If ever a match symbolised the extraordinary journey the East Midlands side have embarked upon over the past 12 months, this was it.

Even after all of Leicester's exploits, tipping a 3-1 victory for the Foxes at the home of their closest rivals, a team that had won seven of their previous eight matches at the Etihad, was simply implausible. And yet it sums up Leicester's adventure in a nutshell. 

This 90 minutes of outstanding rearguard backed by a knockout counter attacking punch was merely a microcosm of why they are on the brink of the extraordinary. 

The unlikely assault on the summit of this year's Premier League has been likened to that of fantasy and fiction. Indeed, club ambassador and legendary forward, Alan Birchenall suggested in midweek that even Walt Disney would not have scripted their incredible rise from League One to the Premier League summit.

Kompany fit for Sevilla - Pellegrini

Despite missing the weekend win over AFC Bournemouth, Vincent Kompany is fit enough to face Sevilla , Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini has confirmed.

Pellegrini was angry that Kompany played in Belgium's final Euro 2016 qualifier against Israel despite struggling with a calf problem, and he opted to leave the centre-back on the bench for Saturday's 5-1 victory.

Pellegrini has confirmed that Kompany is ready to play in Wednesday's Champions League clash, however, while Aleksandar Kolarov is also in the squad.

"Vincent was fit for the last game. Aleks is fit so is in the squad list," said the former Villarreal boss. "[Gael] Clichy, [Fabian] Delph, Sergio Aguero and David Silva are injured."

Pellegrini confirmed that Aguero, who damaged a hamstring while on Argentina duty, will definitely face a month on the sidelines - but there is better news concerning City's other injured trio.

"Aguero is out for a month. Maybe next week Clichy, Delph and Silva will be fit," he said.

Pellegrini has backed Wilfried Bony - who netted twice against Bournemouth - to continue his goalscoring form for City against a Sevilla side he expects to produce a stern test at the Etihad Stadium.

"Bony can play with or without Kun - Aguero doesn't have to be missing for him to play. He's a key player for this squad," he continued.

"Maybe everyone thought that Sevilla would be better in the Spanish league at this moment. They've maybe not started well but they beat Barcelona so it's not easy.

"I spoke with the players this morning, we are sure we will play against the real Sevilla tomorrow – it's different to the domestic league.

"I am sure we will see them qualified for the next Champions League at the end of the season. They are an important team.

"Tomorrow we have to win here at home against a difficult team – all the other things are just statistics and history and won't help us to win."

David Silva to miss out of Spain's clash after ligament damage

The Manchester City midfielder will miss out of his country's final EURO 2016 qualifier after suffering a ligament damage in his right ankle.

Spain midfielder David Silva suffered a sprained ankle during their 4-0 win over Luxembourg and will miss Monday’s clash with Ukraine.

Silva lasted nine minutes in Spain’s EURO qualifying match against Luxembourg, forced off after taking a bad challenge from behind.

The Manchester City star was scythed down by Lars Krogh Gerson in the early stages of the match, and immediately signalled for the physio, before limping off. 

Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata was introduced to replace Silva, and Spain have now confirmed the extent of the injury.

"Medical update from the Spain camp: Silva – a 'strong' sprain (Grade II) lateral internal ligament, right ankle. At a guess, 2-3 weeks out.

— AS English (@English_AS) October 9, 2015,,

“David Silva will miss the following match [against Ukraine] due to a sprained internal ligament on his right ankle after today's match,” read a statement.

“The RFEF's medical services have gotten in touch with the services at Manchester City, who have received the relevant reports and the test carried out on the player."

Striker Alvaro Morata was also forced to withdraw from the game after sustaining an injury to his right leg jumping for a header, with Paco Alcacer introduced in his place.

The Juventus man will also miss the clash with Ukraine and is set to undergo further tests to know the extent of the injury

With Aguero set to miss at least a month, Silva’s injury could leave Manchester City without two of their top players in the coming weeks.

Silva has arguably been the best player in the Premier League this season, the quarterback of the City attack, which has scored a league-leading 19 goals through eight matches.

City travels to Old Trafford for the Manchester derby on October 25, which falls into that 2-3 week range for Silva’s recovery. In a match that could decide who sits top of the table, Manuel Pellegrini would be very shorthanded without Silva and Aguero.

Moses and Sakho ends Machester city unbeaten record

Victor Moses and Sakho have added salt to the injury of Manchester city after the loss to Juventus at the UEFA champions league first round group stage and then stunned by Westham

Six minutes wonderful low strike from Chelsea loanee put the Hammers on the lead before Sakho pen down the second goal of the game to give the visitors a 2-0 lead at 31st minute but Belgian play maker Kevin De Bruyne scored his first goal for Manchester city to pull one back at the stroke of half time

Manchester city still finds themselves on top but Manuel Pellegrini was in a terrible mood after having loss David Silva in the warm-up and seen his side conceeded two soft goals before half time.

In contrast, Hammers boss Slaven Bilic was super-bubbly, very apt given the songs coming from the away end at full-time, along with “We're going to win the League”.

'It has been a difficult week,' grimaced a curt Pellegrini. 'I told the players that West Ham would be hard opponents but we conceded two easy goals – we must be more concentrated.'

Moses and Sakho goals ends Man city unbeaten run

Victor Moses and Sakho have added salt to the injury of Manchester city after the loss to Juventus at the UEFA champions league first round group stage and then stunned by Westham

Six minutes wonderful low strike from Chelsea loanee put the Hammers on the lead before Sakho pen down the second goal of the game to give the visitors a 2-0 lead at 31st minute but Belgian play maker Kevin De Bruyne scored his first goal for Manchester city to pull one back at the stroke of half time

Manchester city still finds themselves on top but Manuel Pellegrini was in a terrible mood after having loss David Silva in the warm-up and seen his side conceeded two soft goals before half time.

In contrast, Hammers boss Slaven Bilic was super-bubbly, very apt given the songs coming from the away end at full-time, along with “We're going to win the League”.

'It has been a difficult week,' grimaced a curt Pellegrini. 'I told the players that West Ham would be hard opponents but we conceded two easy goals – we must be more concentrated.'

Pellegrini lauds record-breaking City

Manuel Pellegrini said the way his imperious Manchester City side performed at Everton gave him more satisfaction than equalling the club record for consecutive top-flight victories. according to soccerway

Second-half goals from Aleksandar Kolarov and Samir Nasri stretched City's winning run to nine Premier League matches - matching a record set way back in September 1912.

City made an early statement of intent by beating champions Chelsea 3-0 last Sunday and seven days on were hugely impressive once again at Goodison Park, where they made it three wins out of three at the start of the Premier League season.

Pellegrini stated that seeing his side perform in such a manner to return to the top of the table was more satisfying than entering the record books.

The City boss told Sky Sports: "I think it was a very professional performance, we were playing against a very difficult team.

"Both in the first and second [half] we very confident and solid and had more chances to score than Everton. Again we scored more goals and got a clean sheet, we are playing very well.

"We have a good squad and it is important to have all the players involved. It also important to understand we are just starting the season, we have only played three games. 

"Before the game someone told me that we can equal a club record, but more importantly we are top of the table and the most important thing is to see the team play as well as we are doing.

"I repeat it is only three games and the season finishes in May."

Kevin De Bruyne is still being strongly linked with a move to City and Pellegrini is not ruling out doing more business in the transfer window.

"The transfer window finishes on August 31, so we will see what happens," said the Chilean.

Pellegrini backs Sterling for improvement at City

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini believes Raheem Sterling will justify his hefty price tag and improve on his goalscoring return for the Premier League contenders.

City prised Sterling to Manchester from Liverpool in a deal believed to be rising to £49million last month - making him the most expensive English player in history and the club's record signing.

Sterling produced an assured performance on debut as City defeated West Brom 3-0 in their Premier League opener on Monday, having two good opportunities to open his account at The Hawthorns.

The 20-year-old England international will undoubtedly face a greater challenge on Sunday against defending champions Chelsea, who were reportedly interested in Sterling before City completed the deal.

And Pellegrini has backed Sterling to repay the faith and transfer fee, after scoring just seven goals in 35 Premier League appearances for the Reds last term.

"It is always important for young players to play with good players. You can improve, the same way Sterling did with Luis Suarez or Steven Gerrard for Liverpool," said Pellegrini.

"Here he will play with David Silva, Sergio Aguero, Yaya Toure - players that will make him improve in a lot of ways. Young players always learn from important players.

"Sterling will be a very dangerous player. Maybe we were criticised for the amount we paid for him but I am sure he will demonstrate during the year, especially against the big teams, why he was valued so much.

"Last year he scored 11 in all competitions. I am sure this season he will improve."

Aguero taking no risk for Chelsea clash

Sergio Aguero has revealed he may not be ready to start Manchester City's mouth-watering Premier League clash with Chelsea on Sunday.

The prolific striker came on as a second-half substitute when City started their top-flight campaign with a 3-0 victory at West Brom on Monday.

Argentina international Aguero returned for pre-season training late due to his participation in the Copa America and has hinted that he may have to settle for an impact role off the bench at best against the champions.

"Whether I start or not remains to be seen," the former Altetico Madrid frontman told City's official website.

"I'm trying to get there and be in top condition, but arriving for pre-season later having taken part in the Copa America with Argentina means I need some additional time.

"With the whole season in mind, what matters the most is that I get in top form and don't take any risks."

Chelsea finished eight points clear of second-placed City last season, but Aguero is expecting a more dramatic title race this time around. 

"One thing you can say about the Premier League is that every year, it gets better," he added.

"Once again, many teams have made very important additions and that means there's no single rival for us this season.

"It'd be very naive to think that Chelsea will be the only team competing for the top position - there will be many of us and each one will challenge in their own style.

"We'll stay hungry for glory, we'll do our jobs, we'll win all we possibly can and see where that takes us."

Pellegrini hints at further City signings

Manuel Pellegrini has revealed that Manchester City could make further signings ahead of the new season, but stopped short of naming any targets.

City have been busy in the transfer window, signing Liverpool forward Raheem Sterling in a reported £49million move while also bringing in midfielder Fabian Delph from Aston Villa, as well as teenagers Patrick Roberts and Enes Unal from Fulham and Bursaspor respectively.

The Premier League club have been linked with Wolfsburg's Kevin De Bruyne and Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba as they seek to regain the Premier League title, having finished eight points behind champions Chelsea last season.

Pellegrini said ahead of Tuesday's International Champions Cup clash with Roma: "I don't talk about rumour and names.

"When we have the player that we want you will know in that moment but at the moment we just have Delph, Sterling and Patrick Roberts.

"We will see in the future maybe more players will arrive but we cannot talk about names because we are not sure who will come.

"Our target is to try and have the strongest squad. I am not talking about names or positions but in the next days probably you will see who will arrive here. We are trying to have only the strongest squad and we will see which is the position we need."

Yaya Toure accused by Jamie Carragher of ducking out of Puncheon free-kick after City loss

    Puncheon takes the free kick that dent the hopes of Manchester City title challenge

According to dailymail.co.uk: Yaya Toure was accused by Jamie Carragher of ducking out of the way of Jason Puncheon's free-kick which killed off Manchester City's hopes of salvaging something from Selhurst Park.

Toure was part of a five-man wall when Puncheon stepped up to double Crystal Palace's lead, but Sportsmail columnist Carragher feels the City midfielder did not do enough to stop the winner.

'That's not acceptable when you go into a wall,' Carragher said on Monday Night Football. 'The rest of them are desperate to be hit with the ball in the face and it's poor from Yaya Toure.

                           Yaya Toure ducking out of the way of Puncheon free-kick 

Crystal Palace dent Manchester City title hope challenge

Crystal Palace put a huge dent in Manchester City's hopes of retaining their Barclays Premier League title with a 2-1 win at Selhurst Park on Monday night.

Goals either side of half-time from Glenn Murray - his fifth in as many matches - and Jason Puncheon sealed all three points for Palace, with Yaya Toure's thumping late drive proving scant consolation for the champions.

Manuel Pellegrini's side now sit nine points adrift of Chelsea having played a match more, and they head into Sunday's derby with Manchester United in fourth and a point behind their rivals having lost three of their last five league fixtures.

Martin Kelly for Pape Souare was the hosts' only change from their 2-1 win at Stoke City last time out, and it was the former Liverpool defender's dangerous cross in the second minute that Wilfried Zaha hit over from close range.

City responded strongly to that early scare and pinned Palace back with a period of constant pressure. David Silva twice brought smart saves out of Julian Speroni, while Sergio Aguero struck the base of the left-hand post.

Aguero stabbed over as City continued to dominate but then, against the run of play, Palace took the lead in the 34th minute.

Dann got on the end of Joe Ledley's flick and, after his effort was saved by Hart, the ball ran kindly for Murray to tap home from two yards.

Palace doubled their lead three minutes after the restart when Puncheon sent a superb 20-yard free-kick over the wall and into the bottom-right corner, leaving Hart with no chance.

James McArthur did brilliantly to clear another Fernandinho effort over the bar as the visitors piled on the pressure, and Toure's superb left-footed strike from 20 yards raised hopes of a comeback.

City substitute Samir Nasri and Toure both went close with deflected efforts late on but they could not find the equaliser as Palace's resurgence under Alan Pardew continued.

Wilfred Bony doubtful for Sunday's derby

Wilfried Bony has given Manchester City a major injury scare.

Bony has missed tonight's trip to Crystal Palace after turning an ankle in training on Sunday.

Mirror Sport understands the £28m striker now faces a race to be fit for the Manchester derby at Old Trafford next Sunday.

That is a major blow for City as they desperately try to clinch a place in the top four.

Pellegrini wants reinforcement

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has already started planning for next season by stating he wants to sign high-profile reinforcements.

City - fourth in the table heading into Monday's trip to Crystal Palace - appear destined to relinquish their Premier League crown as Chelsea top the standings by nine points ahead of Pellegrini's men with eight matches remaining.

Pellegrini faces an uncertain future with City set for a trophy-less season after bowing out of the UEFA Champions League last month.

But the Chilean boss provided an insight into how City will approach the transfer window at the end of the 2014-15 campaign.

"It is the way of thinking that big teams need to sign a big player. It is very difficult to do it every year, but every two years you must do it," said Pellegrini, whose side can reclaim second spot with victory at Selhurst Park.

"I'm not just talking about Manchester City. You see Real Madrid, Manchester United, Chelsea, Barcelona and Bayern Munich – all the big clubs – they all do it. It is important to have big names.

"I don't want to talk about plans for next season because we have to finish this season. It is very important the way we finish this season before we analyse all the players. So it is not the right moment to talk about it."

City won't give up - Hart

Chelsea have been warned by Joe Hart they face a challenge for the Premier League title, with champions Manchester City preparing a late resurgence.

City - fourth in the table ahead of Monday's trip to Crystal Palace - face an uphill battle in their bid to retain their crown after falling nine points behind leaders Chelsea with eight matches remaining.

Manuel Pellegrini's men have lost two of their last four league matches - against Liverpool and Burnley.

But City goalkeeper Hart has not given up hopes of lifting back-to-back titles, pointing to City's late surge last term, which saw the club edge Liverpool for top spot after winning their five remaining fixtures.

"We will never give up. It's kind of how we do it. We like to do it a different way," Hart said.

"We've not necessarily reached the standard week in, week out that we wanted to, but the beauty of football is that you get another chance – and that starts on Monday.

"We've proved it and the fans have proved it. That is one thing that is part of Manchester City, which we've taken with us from the olden days. We'll never give up while anything is possible."

Hart added: "We'll go for it. We know that the way we won the league the first time [in 2012] set a DNA.

"We have definitely moved on as a team since then. That was a massive achievement, but now we expect it of ourselves.

"We have been disappointed at certain times this season, but there are eight games to go and we'll give it all we've got.

"We've got some massive games - eight big games to reach a level that we need to reach.

"We've not necessarily done that all season, but we feel we are in the right place now.

"We have a lot of rest time and there are no excuses. Everyone is fit and ready to go.

Hart: Aguero more difficult to face than Messi

Joe Hart rates Manchester City team-mate Sergio Aguero as the best finisher he has come up against - not the "phenomenal" Lionel Messi.

Barcelona star Messi and Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo continue to raise eyebrows with their incredible goalscoring records in recent times.

England goalkeeper Hart, however, has seen enough of the world's best strikers to class Aguero as the most impressive finisher in the game.

He said: "From working with him [Aguero] on a daily basis and from what I've seen this season, Aguero just knows how to score.

"In training he particularly excites you most days but he's also got that ability on the day to do it. We've got a good team, but a long clearance could turn into a goal because he's got that ability to take it round five people and score.

"It's a great thing to have. Sergio is a very natural player and in a situation one-on-one there is nothing complicated about it. He takes that option to score.

"Messi is absolutely awesome, he is a phenomenal player, but I'm backing Sergio."

Manchester City 3 West Brom 0: Mistaken identity dismissal takes centre stage

According to soccerway,

 An apparent case of mistaken identity stole the spotlight on a day when Manchester City recovered from back-to-back defeats with a 3-0 victory over 10-man West Brom.

While Manuel Pellegrini's men - beaten by Burnley last time out in the Premier League before suffering a UEFA Champions League exit at the hands of Barcelona - cut the gap to leaders Chelsea to three points, the focus fell firmly on referee Neil Swarbrick.

The key talking point unfolded in the second minute at the Etihad Stadium, when Wilfried Bony was fouled outside the box by Craig Dawson, with Swarbrick allowing play to go on before Gareth McAuley dispossessed the Ivorian.

Swarbrick then awarded a free-kick for the initial infringement, but inexplicably sent McAuley from the field - despite Dawson appearing to concede that he should be the one to go.

City made the extra man count as Bony opened his account for the club in the 27th minute and Fernando capitalised on some shoddy defending to double the lead before the interval - chalking up the club's 1000th Premier League goal in the process.

Boaz Myhill was excellent in the face of sustained attacking pressure after the break, while Frank Lampard and Bony struck the woodwork - as did Saido Berahino at the other end - before David Silva wrapped it up late on.

The champions' task of retaining their title remains a tall order, with Chelsea - who face Hull City on Sunday - having two games in hand, while West Brom still cannot rest easy in their survival bid.

Tony Pulis had to reorganise quickly after McAuley's early dismissal as City dominated possession and territory.

Myhill would have expected to be kept busy, but the goalkeeper's first major test did not come until the 24th minute, when he kept out Silva's powerful strike.

Jonas Olsson's poor attempted clearance forced a save from his own goalkeeper, with Fernando on hand to tap in the loose ball for a landmark City goal.

The pattern of play continued after the interval - the hosts in control, pressing and probing for openings against an organised but embattled 10-man side.

The division's top scorers were frustrated by the woodwork twice in one attack, as Lampard struck the upright before Bony's untidy follow-up was hit into the ground and looped onto crossbar.

Berahino hit the underside of the crossbar with a close-range header - preserving a 100th Premier League clean sheet for Joe Hart - and City responded to that scare by extending their lead further with Silva deflecting Stevan Jovetic's shot in.

Despite the home side's celebrations, the focus will fall firmly on Swarbrick, whose decision to dismiss McAuley will surely be overturned.

Pellegrini rubbishes ´disaster´ talk at City

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has dismissed talk of a crisis at the club following their UEFA Champions League exit and faltering Premier League title defence.

City were knocked out of the UEFA Champions League at the hands of Barcelona on Wednesday, having previously slipped six points behind league leaders Chelsea with a shock defeat at Burnley last weekend.

As Pellegrini's men prepare to return to domestic action against West Brom on Saturday, the Chilean has moved to play down criticism aimed at City. 

Asked on Friday whether he was still enjoying the job, Pellegrini answered: "Yes. I have just played Barcelona in the Champions League, now we are fighting for the best league in the world.

"If you do not enjoy it, you should see a doctor. We are in second position and that's not a disaster, only Chelsea have done better. We try now to play the last nine games at our best.

"I have been here less than two years. Last year we won the league and a cup [the League Cup]. That is not easy. Everyone in England is strong.

"Every manager, when they have not been winning, is under pressure. It has happened with Liverpool, Arsenal, now me.

"In Spain, the same has happened with [Real Madrid coach] Carlo Ancelotti and he has won four titles."

For the visit of West Brom, Pellegrini looks set to be without Yaya Toure due to an Achilles injury, with Aleksandar Kolarov (muscle) and James Milner (knee) also doubts.

"We haven't had long to recover. Maybe we are going to refresh the team mentally," the City boss added.