by AbiWithey@AWitheyJourno
Sarri: City are best in Europe
A word from the opposition boss, a closer look at Leroy Sane’s incredible stats and predictions ahead of our Premier League clash with Chelsea feature in your Friday media round-up!
First, we kick-off with the kind words from Chelsea manager, Maurizio Sarri.
Ahead of our trip to west London, Sarri stated that Pep Guardiola’s side are in another “category", claiming we are the best in Europe.
Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, Sarri explained: “Manchester City are in another category.
“We have to play and to fight to be in the top four. The result is very difficult for this, because I know in every match you have to gain points.
“In the last championship in Italy I lost Serie A with 91 points, so I know very well you have to gain points in every match.
“City are the best team in Europe, maybe the best in the world."
Next, we move on to Leroy’s super Premier League statistics.
As we prepare to take on Chelsea, Adrian Clarke believes that Sane is a more complete attacker this season.
“Leroy Sane has become the best left-winger in the Premier League and the in-form German could be Manchester City's key player for Saturday evening's trip to Chelsea," Clarke scribes. “The 22-year-old is playing with great confidence and his end product has been staggeringly good.
“Across his last five starts Sane has scored four goals, produced four assists, attempted 15 shots and created 13 chances.
“Chelsea right-back Cesar Azpilicueta will have his hands full keeping Sane quiet at Stamford Bridge.
“This season Sane has mixed up his positioning very well.
“He has kept his width during most of City's build-up play, stretching defences. But he is also timing his surges into the penalty box better.
“His average of 10.48 touches inside the area per 90 minutes in 2018/19 is up from 7.4 last season."
Finally, we take a look at a few predictions ahead of our trip to Stamford Bridge.
BBC’s Mark Lawrenson took on World Champion boxer, Josh Warrington, and the pair both eye a win for the Blues.
Lawrenson writes: “Chelsea made a fabulous start to the season but I have never seen them as genuine contenders in the title race.
“This has become an even tougher game for Blues boss Maurizio Sarri with his side losing two of their past three away games, and I am going for a City win here.
“Away from the Champions League, very few teams have really tested City this season - Liverpool gave them a good game at Anfield and they drew at Wolves, but Wolves' goal should never have been allowed anyway.
“So it is going to be interesting to see how close Chelsea get to them, and whether they can make life difficult for the champions at all. I really do have my doubts.0-2.
“While, Josh Warrington states: City boss Pep Guardiola has got his boys flying again and they are looking very strong. 1-3."
That’s all for today, but we will be back tomorrow with all the latest City news and transfer gossip from the back pages…
Friday Gossip
posted on 7/12/18
Wonder who out of our front 5 will start this weekend?
Not sure if Kun is available yet and even if he is I think it will be a bench slot.
That means Jesus may well play and even though he's not sticking his foot out at the right times his movement gives Sane, Stirling and Mahrez room to pick balls up as they played across the box.
Think that it will be Sane and Stirling which is why he (Stirling) was rested midweek.
2 midfielders Silva and Fernandinho a definite with 1 more to follow (would anyone else put Delph in there for this one)
Pick from any 8 for the back 4 though I suspect it will be Walker LaPorte, Stones and Zinchenko/Delph
posted on 7/12/18
Fernandinho should be rested after this match in my opinion.
Not heard any news on Kdb or Sergio to be honest I don’t think either will be envolved tomorrow.
This will be our biggest test of the season, I can see is dropping points tomorrow.
posted on 7/12/18
The way Liverpool are picking up points when not at their best means we do need to be winning this one which really adds pressure. Need a point in the CL but this is a big game. At the moment Chelsea are battling Spurs and Arsenal for the 3/4th spot so they need the points as well. They seem to blow hot and cold, we have to hope they fail to turn up like they did at Spurs where they looked like relegation fodder.Game of the weekend no doubt but I would be happier if Serge and Mendy were there. One we know is out, maybe the other one too sadly. Assuming we get through then give Fern a rest in the CL, play Delph or Gundogan there and give Foden a game further forward.