Pep Guardiola has already hinted that Leroy Sane could be in line for a start against Swansea on Wednesday and the Mirror believe that Vincent Kompany could also see some action in South Wales.
David Anderson writes: “Vincent Kompany is set to make his latest long-awaited return from injury for Manchester City in their League Cup tie at Swansea.
“Defender Kompany is fully fit after four months out with a thigh injury and is poised to play as the Cup holders begin their bid to retain the trophy with Wednesday’s third round tie.
“The Blues’ Belgium international skipper was on the bench for Saturday’s win over Bournemouth and the centre-half is desperate to play again after being forced to miss Euro 2016 this summer.”
Unbeaten under Guardiola, analysis of the manager’s new-look Blues has already received many column inches and this week it is the turn of the Swans’ reporters at Wales Online.
With only two wins this season – the most recent of which came in the last round against Peterborough – Phil Smith suggests it is an inopportune moment for Francesco Guidolin’s men to face City.
Smith highlights the Blues’ pace on the counter-attack as well as an abundance of talent down the flanks, as reasons for the away side to pile on the misery, as he suggests: “This Premier League season was presented as likely to be the most competitive and unpredictable of them all, but Manchester City are already threatening to race away from the pack at the top.
“They are the team that no one wants to face at the moment.
“They are certainly not a team that you’d want to face twice in a matter of days, when your own confidence has ebbed after some poor results.”
Elsewhere a transfer rumour that rumbled on across the summer has re-appeared, with Hector Bellerin once again linked with a move to the Etihad Stadium.
City face competition from Barcelona, but have the benefit of a secret weapon which could aide their pursuit of the Arsenal full back.
The Daily Mail take up the story, which reports: “Both clubs have made the 21-year-old Spain full back their top target.
“They asked about him in the summer transfer window and will return in January, although he will be a more realistic signing at the end of the season.
“City also have strong appeal, though, and a secret weapon. Former Barcelona midfielder Pep Guardiola was a hero for Bellerin growing up but more significant is the presence of Mikel Arteta at the Etihad.
“Spaniard Arteta saw Bellerin burst through the ranks at Arsenal and the pair, who signed in the same summer for the north London club, developed a close relationship before Arteta left the Emirates for a coaching role at the end of last season.”
That concludes today’s paper talk. Stick with us on mancity.com as we bring you training ground action and Pep’s pre-match press conference later on today.
