With a West Ham double header, there’s plenty of pre-match talk, and of course, there’s always transfer gossip – whatever the weather!
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Match previews
City v West Ham
The Express: Man City team news: Predicted 4-3-3 line up vs West Ham - four changes from Spurs loss
Alex Harris: “Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola could shuffle the pack for today’s Premier League clash against West Ham.
“As a result of his red card, Zinchenko is suspended for West Ham’s visit to the Etihad Stadium.
“He will be joined in the stands by Raheem Sterling, who has been struck down by a hamstring injury.
“Bernardo Silva is likely to come into the XI in place of Sterling, teaming up with Riyad Mahrez and Sergio Aguero in attack.
“The left-back void is likely to be filled by Benjamin Mendy while central defender Aymeric Laporte should return after sitting out last weekend’s loss in place of Fernandinho.
“Guardiola’s other change could see David Silva back in place of Ilkay Gundogan in the engine room to provide additional creativity.”
West Ham: Tomas Soucek: We are capable of getting a good result at Manchester City
Tomas Soucek: “To play away against Manchester City won’t be easy. But we are good players and I believe that we can get our act together and we are capable of getting a good result
“I watched the match (against Tottenham). As a player and a supporter, I watch many Premier League matches.
“The truth is Man City were very unlucky against Tottenham, but we can take advantage if one [opportunity] arises. I know their defeat could be beneficial for us but it’s up to us what happens on the pitch.
“Man City had many chances to score but Tottenham took advantage of the moments when they made counter-attacks. We could do something similar.
“It will be important not to miss any possible chances. We shall rely on our defenders and compactness of our team. This could lead to our success.”
West Ham Women v City:
FA WSL: How will City cope without Cushing?
“After three Continental League Cups, two FA Cups and one Barclays WSL title, Nick Cushing’s reign at Manchester City came to an end with a 2-1 victory over Arsenal last weekend. Now the Sky Blues must get used to life without their inspirational leader.
“They start their new era with a trip to West Ham on Sunday, looking to continue a five-game domestic winning streak which has seen them rise to the top of the table.
“Pauline Bremer found the net once again in the victory over the Gunners, with the German striker one of the hottest properties in the game right now, with eight goals in her last six Barclays WSL appearances.
“Matt Beard will be looking for a response from his side after suffering their heaviest ever defeat in the competition in last week’s 8-0 reverse at Chelsea, but after four consecutive defeats to the Sky Blues in all competitions, the odds looked stacked against them.”
Transfer gossip
The Mirror: Man City join fierce rivals Man Utd in transfer pursuit of Jack Grealish
John Richardson: “Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has joined the growing list of admirers coveting Aston Villa skipper Jack Grealish.
“Despite discreet enquiries during the January transfer window for the midfielder from the likes of Manchester United and Tottenham, there was no way Villa would contemplate selling or the player wanting to jump ship.
“And Mirror Sport revealed this week that United are poised to prioritise a huge summer bid for Grealish after James Maddison moved closer to penning a new deal at Leicester.
“Indeed, the summer will be a different proposition with Villa boss Dean Smith and the club’s board steeling themselves for huge offers for the 24-year-old, who has been at Villa Park since the age of six.
“It would then be left to the player about whether he wants to uproot from the club he and his family have always supported.
“And it looks like he will have the choice of most of the Premier League’s top sides after proving he has the skills to unlock the best defences.”
Sports Mole: Manchester United, Manchester City ‘both interested in Philippe Coutinho’
Matt Law: “Manchester United and Manchester City are reportedly both considering moves for Barcelona attacker Philippe Coutinho during this summer’s transfer window.
“The Brazil international is currently on loan at Bayern Munich, and the Bundesliga champions have the option to sign him on a permanent deal at the end of the 2019-20 campaign.
“Bayern are allegedly unlikely to take up the £102m option, though, which has led to suggestions that Barca would be prepared to sell Coutinho for between £68m and £77m this summer.
“According to The Express, United and City are both monitoring developments ahead of potential bids, although Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool are also considering summer approaches.”
Kathryn Batte: “Pep Guardiola is reportedly keeping tabs on Athletic Bilbao defender Unai Nunez as he looks to overhaul his defensive options ahead of next season.
“The reigning Premier League champions are desperate to strengthen their back-line and have enquired about Nunez’s situation in recent months, according to AS.
“The 23-year-old has a release clause of £30m which Bilbao want to increase but they would need to negotiate a new contract with the player.
“Nunez is currently tied down until 2023 but wants a wage increase that would put him on the same income as team-mates Yeray Alvarez and Inigo Martinez.
“City would reportedly have competition from Bayern Munich, Inter Milan and Barcelona, who are also monitoring the defender’s situation.”
Neil Fissler: “Manchester City are ready to admit defeat in their bid to lure Lionel Messi to the Premier League next season after being told he has got no plans to leave Barcelona.
“Messi, who thrived under City boss Pep Guardiola at Barcelona, has got an option written into his agreement that allows him to activate a clause that gives him the chance to leave for nothing.
“The reigning Premier League champions are one of the few clubs in European football who could afford to match his £600,000-a-week wages.
“And they have been quick to enquire if the Argentinian superstar is serious about leaving Barca, who have been beset by a series of problems on and off the pitch this season.
“But Express Sport understands City have been told by Messi’s advisors that the six-time Ballon d’Or winner has got no plans to leave Barcelona for this summer.”
