City striker Sergio Aguero is suspended for Saturday’s clash so the focus of Sky Sports this morning is on who might replace the Argentinian in Pep Guardiola’s line-up.
Adam Bate writes: “Iheanacho would be the closest thing to a straight swap having been a substitute under Guardiola in the Premier League so far.
“The young forward boasted the best goals-per-minute record in the league last season and deputised for Aguero against Steaua Bucharest.
“Left-winger Nolito is capable of filling is as a forward, which would allow summer signing Leroy Sane to come in for his debut.
“Another possibility is to deploy Sterling in a central position, although both of these moves would involve changing something that’s working.
“Whether it’s Iheanacho’s big moment, a false nine or some other tactical tweak, the challenge for Guardiola is to find the answer without Aguero.
“City have managed it before but if Guardiola can do so away to Jose Mourinho’s United it would really send a message.”
Elsewhere, the Daily Mail has been analysing the performance of City defender John Stones in England’s 1-0 victory over Slovakia on Sunday.
Matt Lawton’s piece reads: “Hodgson did not put much faith in John Stones but the ambition Allardyce showed in selecting him for a World Cup qualifier of such huge importance was handsomely rewarded.
“Stones was composed and commanding in defence, albeit against a Slovakia side that Allardyce said were more interested in parking ‘a double decker’ at the opposite end of the field.
“But he was also a creative force in midfield, so assured was he when pushing forward in possession that it made Rooney’s persistent searching for the ball all the more unnecessary.
“Allardyce confirmed that Stones had been given a licence to roam. Indeed he had instructed Eric Dier to drop back whenever Stones saw an opportunity. And it was a tactic that proved increasingly valuable as the match progressed, especially once Alli had replaced Jordan Henderson.”
That’s all for this morning’s round-up! We’ll have plenty more throughout the day on mancity.com and on Twitter at @mancity.
