Manchester City

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  1. Sutton's predictions: Man City v Brightonpublished at 13:02 15 March

    Sutton's predictions graphic

    This is not an easy one to call, because Brighton are on a great run - they have won four in a row and are right in the mix for the Champions League places.

    The Seagulls will move above City in the table if they win, but everyone down to Bournemouth in ninth place could be in the top five by the end of the weekend, it is that tight.

    I have been a bit gutless with City recently and have backed them to win games like this against the teams around them in the table - like last week against Forest, for example.

    I don't really want to make that mistake again but, at the same time, I do think City look a lot more dangerous with Omar Marmoush in the team.

    Also, I'm told that lot of FPL managers have piled in on Erling Haaland this week because they think he is going to score a hatful in City's next two league games, here and against Leicester at the start of April. I can see where they are coming from.

    Sutton's prediction: 3-1

    Read the full predictions and have your say here

  2. Guardiola on criticism from 'Mr' Capellopublished at 16:03 14 March

    Simon Stone
    Chief football news reporter

    Between them, Pep Guardiola (three) and Fabio Capello (one) have won for Champions League titlesImage source, Getty Images

    There are some telltale signs when Pep Guardiola is really irritated by someone.

    One, definitely, is when he adds Mr in front of their name.

    So, to understand his view of former England boss Fabio Capello, you just need to read his response to my question regarding the comments about him made by the Italian earlier this week.

    Capello had labelled Guardiola 'arrogant' for his management style, then said the tactical approach of City's boss actually killed Italian football for a time because everyone was trying to replicate it.

    I started by asking Guardiola if he paid any attention to comments from the likes of Capello, who also managed at the highest level of the game.

    "I listen to everything that people say about me, so be careful," he said.

    "It's not the first time Mr Fabio Capello has said that.

    "I'm not good enough to ruin Italian football. A big hug to Fabio. A big hug."

    We might be waiting a while to see that.

  3. How Grealish needs 'confidence and love'published at 15:40 14 March

    Speaking on The Football News Show, former Manchester City midfielder Michael Brown assesses what Jack Grealish needs to return to form after being left out of Thomas Tuchel's first England squad.

    Media caption,

    Watch The Football News Show on BBC iPlayer

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  4. Guardiola on City improvements, Ederson and Brightonpublished at 13:12 14 March

    Katie Stafford
    BBC Sport journalist

    Pep Guardiola has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Brighton (kick-off 15:00 GMT).

    Here are the key lines from his news conference:

    • On showing signs of improvement in recent weeks before losing to Nottingham Forest last weekend: "We have to reach the highest possible level to qualify for Europe next season. We have to be consistent as possible. There are 10 games, six at home and four away. They are tough games at home and we have to do better because there are many teams with the same target as us."

    • He said they remain "not like they were" and "didn't deserve to win" against Forest based on their performance.

    • On the possibility of finishing in the top four: "It's not a disappointment to be here, it is a challenge. If we can qualify for the Champions League, then it would be a huge success from my point of view. It depends on our football as to whether we will be there or not."

    • He said he watched the Champions League games this week as a "spectator to learn and enjoy it" and did not feel resentful as City "didn't deserve to be there."

    • On criticism levelled at the form of goalkeeper Ederson, Guardiola said: "He is an incredible keeper. That is my thoughts."

    • On Jack Grealish who missed out on a place in Thomas Tuchel's first England squad: "I want the best for him, I want his best on and off the best. I cannot judge the England national manager."

    • On opponents Brighton, who are rivals for a European place: "Brighton are one of the best clubs on and off the pitch. An exceptional young manager, who is doing incredible things. It's not a secret. They deserve to be there."

    • On Saturday's match supporting City's official charity City in the Community: "Everyone knows [what it means to Guardiola]. Part of the area and city. To help people with problems and without problems. To be part of it is so nice. When the club do something, I am part of that through good and bad things."

    Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news (from 13:30 GMT)

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  5. Man City v Brighton: Did you know?published at 13:06 14 March

    Man City players celebrateImage source, Getty Images

    Manchester City have never lost a home league match against Brighton (W12 D2), winning the past 10 in a row. It is the most they have faced an opponent at home without defeat in their league history (14).

    Brighton are enjoying the longest ongoing winning run in the Premier League (four games). It is the Seagulls' longest sequence of league victories since April 2017 in the Championship (five) and their joint-longest in the top flight (also five from April-May 1981).

  6. City 'will be fifth' in 'season of transition'published at 09:50 14 March

    Your views banner
    Pep GuardiolaImage source, Getty Images

    We asked you to tell us in one sentence why Manchester City will qualify for the Champions League.

    Here are some of your comments:

    Trevor: City have the squad and depth of experience to qualify for the Champions League and they know they have the full support of the fans.

    Brian: Man City have belief and that triggers uncertainty in others so the Blue Moon will shine.

    Paul: City will be fifth this season and just qualify for Europe. A season of transition is what we've just seen and they will be stronger next season.

    Abdul-Koza: City know how to grind out results.

    Mark: Man City will qualify because the teams around them are even more unreliable when it comes to winning games

    Scott: Manchester City will qualify for the Champions League via their league position after a run of eight wins from their final 10 games.

    Tony: Experience at the end of the season.

    Rashid: Simply because City is the best club in the Premier League.

    However, not everyone was convinced so here is a flavour of the other side of the argument:

    Chris: They won't because of a stubbornness to change.

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  7. Three times Doku got it right for Man Citypublished at 09:43 13 March

    Jeremy DokuImage source, Getty Images

    On Wednesday, former Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha said Jeremy Doku has the potential to be "one of the best wide forwards in the Premier League" but is "obviously not the finished article".

    Now in his second season in Manchester, and already a Premier League champion, the 22-year-old winger represents a key figure in City's future and current transition period.

    Here, BBC Sport looks at three performances that showcased Doku's high potential.

    Jeremy Doku celebratesImage source, Getty Images

    Four assists against Bournemouth (4 November, 2023)

    Four assists and a goal in a 6-1 win, this was the performance that truly announced Doku to the Etihad Stadium faithful.

    "When he takes the ball everyone gets excited - me too," Guardiola said on the winger's showing, who scored the opener before setting up four more to equal the Premier League record for most assists in a single game.

    Jeremy Doku celebratesImage source, Getty Images

    Stunning winner against Fulham (5 October 2024)

    After coming off the bench just after the hour mark with the score at 2-1, Doku exhibited the explosive way he can impact games.

    Drifting in from the left-hand side, he produced a couple of his signature body feigns to create space for a shot before crashing a fearsome strike into the top corner.

    It turned out to be the game's decisive goal after Fulham scored late to make it 3-2.

    Jeremy Doku scoresImage source, Getty Images

    Goal and assist against Nottingham Forest (4 December, 2024)

    An unprecedented seven-game winless run for City under Guardiola was ended with a 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest in December and, not for the first time this season, Doku provided the inspiration.

    A calm assist for fellow Belgium international Kevin de Bruyne followed by an excellent finish into the far post showed a glimpse of the end product that, if shown more often, would make him one of the league's most productive wingers.

  8. Why will City qualify for the Champions League?published at 08:22 13 March

    Have your say banner

    Ten games to go and we need your positivity.

    It is looking likely the Premier League will be awarded an extra Champions League spot for the 2025-26 season, so finishing fifth will mean a seat at Europe's top table.

    We want you to tell us, in just one sentence, why City will qualify for the Champions League next season.

    Let us know here

  9. Gossip: Man City join race for Frimpongpublished at 07:16 13 March

    Gossip graphic

    Manchester City, Manchester United, Barcelona and Real Madrid are interested in 24-year-old Bayer Leverkusen and Netherlands winger Jeremie Frimpong. (Teamtalk), external

    However, Leverkusen remain confident 21-year-old Florian Wirtz will extend his contract at the club, despite links with City and Bayern Munich. (Bild, via Get German Football News), external

    Want more transfer news? Read Thursday's full gossip column

    Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

  10. Are City 'too predictable'? Fans on issues under the radarpublished at 18:51 12 March

    Your views banner
    Pep GuardiolaImage source, Getty Images

    We asked you what one thing people are not talking about at Manchester City but should be.

    Here are some of your comments:

    Tom: Pep Guardiola's tactics are no longer efficient or effective. Teams know how to defend against it and we've been lucky to pick up results against some bad teams. It's also terribly boring to watch as a long-term fan.

    Manish: It's too predictable! The same tiki-taka. Opponents have figured them out.

    Brian: Do people have any idea how hard it is to maintain the levels we have done over the past four to five years? Plus we have had a bad year of injuries. Don't worry Pep will build and we will be back.

    David: Abdudokir Khusanov is an amazing signing and, because he made a mistake against Chelsea, that's all commentators see but he is lightning quick.

    Mujeeb: Pep Guardiola publicly downplayed the importance of the League Cup suggesting he might field academy players, yet he opted to start a full-strength senior squad against Tottenham. That decision proved costly, as several key players sustained injuries during the match - a turning point that seemingly sparked Manchester City's downward spiral this season. While hindsight invites speculation, it's impossible to say whether resting those players would have altered the team's trajectory - but the consequences of that game undeniably marked the beginning of their struggles.

    An image detailing how to follow your Premier League team on BBC Sport: "On the app? Tap the bell icon to get news about your club sent to you. Signed in on a browser? Hit 'Follow' to stay up to date.
  11. Why Doku's dribbling stats need backing uppublished at 15:53 12 March

    Joe Bradshaw
    BBC Sport Senior Journalist

    Graph showing Jeremy Doku has the highest number of completed dribbles in the Premier League and the best completion rate

    On this page earlier, former Manchester City player Nedum Onuoha said Jeremy Doku's next step is to become more efficient.

    The eye test is clear: Doku regularly has his opposing full-back on toast, often beating them more than once, just because he can.

    Bafflingly, against Liverpool he had 21 successful dribbles but City lost the game 2-0 and rarely looked like breaching the league leaders.

    That is a pattern.

    The Belgium winger has completed the highest number of dribbles in the Premier League and is second for most attempted.

    His success rate in second place is impressive too – and he is only a smidgen of a per cent below Brentford's Mikkel Damsgaard who has attempted 53 fewer dribbles than the City forward.

    Graph showing the Premier League's most prolific dribblers by goal involvement - it shows Jeremy Doku in sixth place

    In total, there are nine players who have attempted 90 or more dribbles this season and Doku is seventh on that list for goal involvements. The graph above has removed the outlier of Mohamed Salah whose 40 goal involvements dwarfs everyone else.

    On the face of it, four goals and three assists seems insufficient for someone of Doku's dynamism. Indeed, team-mate Savinho has seven assists and one goal from 33 fewer attempted dribbles over the season.

    Perhaps a good point of comparison would be the likes of ex-City player Morgan Rogers at Aston Villa or Antoine Semenyo at Bournemouth who both have seven goals and four assists from a similar stat profile to Doku.

    They have also created more chances for their team-mates than Doku.

    Of course, that comparison may not be fair. After all, City's possession-heavy style of play often leaves Doku taking on his full-back and forced to help break down a low block whereas Villa and Bournemouth get more opportunity for rapid counter-attacks.

    Perhaps the onus is on boss Pep Guardiola to not only give his winger the freedom to dribble but to better harness Doku's undoubted talents in order to bring more goals.

    That would be a way of making his ultimately fruitless dribbling numbers count for something.

    An image detailing how to follow your Premier League team on BBC Sport: "On the app? Tap the bell icon to get news about your club sent to you. Signed in on a browser? Hit 'Follow' to stay up to date.
  12. 'Efficiency' is Doku's next step - Onuohapublished at 12:44 12 March

    Nedum Onuoha, BBC Sport columnist banner
    Jeremy DokuImage source, Getty Images

    Jeremy Doku himself has to have the drive to understand efficiency is a big part of what football is.

    The ability to beat a player is great but what is the end product?

    Defenders who have faced him one-on-one know they will always be in for a tough game. He got the better of Trent Alexander-Arnold quite a few times against Liverpool and Ola Aina had to be at his absolute best for Nottingham Forest and seek help to slow him down.

    But, efficiency is king and this is when you realise Doku is still a young player and still getting a feel for playing in the Premier League.

    He will get better and the fans are really into the sense of excitement he brings.

    The next stage of his development is to have more end product. It is not to say he does not have any, but a more conclusive output that provides others with big opportunities is key.

    That comes from him, he will understand that himself. Relatively speaking, he has played a lot of games, he is a full Belgium international and he is playing under one of the best coaches and player developers in the history of the Premier League.

    Pep Guardiola would not be picking him if he did not have the belief the end product will be there.

    I think he is on the right track. Obviously he is not the finished article but if he does become that, as Guardiola believes he can, then I believe City will have one of the best wide forwards in the Premier League.

    Nedum Onuoha was speaking to BBC Sport's Nat Hayward

    An image detailing how to follow your Premier League team on BBC Sport: "On the app? Tap the bell icon to get news about your club sent to you. Signed in on a browser? Hit 'Follow' to stay up to date.
  13. Paying top dollar - but is it for top quality?published at 09:25 12 March

    Pat Nevin
    Former footballer and presenter

    SavinhoImage source, Getty Images

    The reality for Manchester City is that they have lost great players to the ravages of time and their efforts to replace them seem less inspired than days gone by.

    Other than Erling Haaland, who was a blindingly obvious acquisition that every football fan on the planet knew about, and maybe Phil Foden who was not bought, the players coming in lately have tended to be good or even very good, but not necessarily great.

    The spending of nearly £200m in January should have given them an uplift, but it has been marginal at best. Compare that with the improvement at Aston Villa, in January they traded Jhon Duran out for £50m and acquired Marco Asensio (loan), Marcus Rashford (loan) and Donyell Malen (£21m), to find themselves immediately stronger and also in profit.

    City are clearly buying for the long term, but can they match their previous ability to get excellent value for money. Kevin de Bruyne cost £55m for 10 years of brilliance. That's a measly £5.5m per season! David Silva at £43m also lasted 10 years, so £4.3m per season for that little genius. A long list of others were also cheap at the price considering their successful years.

    Do we think that Jack Grealish (£100m) will be considered the same great value when he finally leaves? Will the likes of the youthful Omar Marmoush, Nico Gonzalez and Savinho (two goals in 37 games so far), eventually be as good value, deliver as many trophies, dominate the game and show that they are as rounded players as their illustrious predecessors? It is a big ask.

    You never know, that slippage from the acquisitions team might recover, but the problem is that others have caught up and City can no longer blow everyone out of the water financially due to PSR.

    Sign up to read more from Pat Nevin in his Football Extra newsletter

  14. What is going under the radar at Man City?published at 08:36 12 March

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    Manchester City are out of the Champions League and in a battle to qualify for the tournament again next season, but hopes of silverware this term remain, with Pep Guardiola's side in the last eight of the FA Cup.

    And there is no doubt plenty more going on that you know far more about than we do.

    So tell us, what's one thing - good or bad - that no-one is talking about at City but really should be?

    Let us know here

  15. Gossip: Gyokeres open to Man City movepublished at 07:53 12 March

    Gossip graphic

    Liverpool, Manchester City or Arsenal would be Viktor Gyokeres' preferred destination if the 26-year-old Sweden striker leaves Sporting this summer. (A Bola - in Portuguese), external

    Leeds have a verbal agreement to re-sign 29-year-old England midfielder Kalvin Phillips from Manchester City, subject to the Whites earning promotion to the Premier League. (Teamtalk), external

    Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

    Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

  16. How long before we should fear missing out on Champions League?published at 12:21 11 March

    Freddie Pye
    Fan writer

    Manchester City fan's voice banner
    Manchester City players dejectedImage source, PA Media

    There is no other way of saying it: Saturday's loss at Nottingham Forest was a huge blow.

    Not only does it once again bring the squad back down in terms of confidence, but it also damages hopes of qualifying for next season's Champions League.

    It was the same flaws in performance that have hurt the club throughout the campaign, albeit this time there was an element of defensive strength, perhaps largely thanks to the added impetus of Abdukodir Khusanov.

    However, City found themselves severely lackingcreativity in central areas and struggled to provide service to Erling Haaland, with the Norway striker isolated for the most part.

    It is no coincidence that Bernardo Silva's inclusion in the starting line-up has caused problems too. Once an engine with relentless energy, the 30-year-old is now slow in recycling possession, moving the ball high up the pitch or getting it out to wide men, all while offering little to nothing in an attacking sense.

    Questions also need to be raised around Phil Foden. Last season's Premier League player of the season is light years away from his best. At a time when Pep Guardiola and his colleagues will be eyeing long-term replacements for Kevin de Bruyne, now is exactly the time a player of his experience and ability must step up.

    But after another defeat in the Premier League, this time at the hands of a direct top-four rival, how long before City fans should start getting concerned over the chances of the club qualifying for Europe's premier club competition?

    On paper, a largely favourable fixture list awaits after the international break but, given the uncertainty and unpredictability surrounding Manchester City at the moment, no game is a guarantee.

    Guardiola needs to start getting results - and fast. But he knows that and nobody will be working harder to get the best out of those available to him.

    Find more from Freddie Pye at City Xtra, external

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