The view from the other side, plus two transfer tales… it’s your matchday media round-up.
City host Burnley this afternoon in the FA Cup third round and yet, the majority of headlines focus on the Blues’ alleged targets in the January transfer window.
Familiar faces feature in the repeated rumours but first, let’s focus on the task at hand.
Pep Guardiola shared his thoughts ahead of today’s clash and so has Clarets manager Sean Dyche.
The Burnley boss, who has guided his side to an impressive seventh place in the Premier League table with just two defeats on the road all season, is feeling confident.
He told the Club’s official website: “All teams are beatable, but with very good reason they are being talked about with this sort of ‘Invincibles’ as you call it because they have a very deep squad, a very good manager and they have some highly talented players.
“They have mainly been connecting that with the Arsenal group of a few years ago.
“I understand why, but equally no-one in football is against getting beaten.
“They might try and be against it, but it just comes your way sometime.
READ: Pep Guardiola provides injury update
WATCH: City v Burnley throwback
“I think that’s the window of doubt for them, that every team that comes says: ‘why wouldn’t it be us, so let’s go and take the game on?’
“We will certainly have that attitude towards the game, while not being naïve.
“However many changes they make they are still a very strong unit and we have seen that over the last couple of years.
“But I’ve really enjoyed working with this group here this year. I have all of my groups, but this year in particular I think there’s a little bit more depth in it and true competition in our group, so we are in a good place.
“Now it’s ‘let the whistle blow and take the game on’.”
Elsewhere, Goal claim to have an ‘update’ on the Alexis Sanchez saga, suggesting City are set to mount a £35million bid.
An article reads: “Gabriel Jesus' knee injury has forced Pep Guardiola to reconsider a winter move for the Chilean, whom he had originally preferred to sign at the end of the season.
Interviews Video January transfer window is tough, says Pep View original post
“Arsenal turned down a £60m offer in the summer from Man City but, with fewer than six months left to go on his contract, they could lose him for free in July.
“Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger hasn't ruled out a January exit for Alexis Sanchez and If the Chilean does depart for Man City in January, Wenger is ready to make Monaco's Thomas Lemar his replacement, according to L'Equipe.”
Meanwhile, Lionel Messi has been linked with a move to the Etihad Stadium for as long as I can remember and Caught Offside have reported a clause in his contract which may allow a move to happen – and on a free transfer.
According to Edward Bennett: “The Argentina international is one of the best players in the history of the game, but could be sensationally granted a move away from the Nou Camp on a free if Catalan independence means the club are removed from La Liga, according to Mundo Deportivo, as translated by the Metro.
“The Metro also list City as possible suitors for Messi, with Pep Guardiola of course working with him during his time as Barcelona manager.
“The pair struck up a great working relationship as the Spanish tactician seemed a major influence behind Messi reaching some of the finest form of his career.
“Premier League fans would dearly love to see Messi in England at some point, and it’s certainly an exciting development to learn that he could even arrive on a free.
“The 30-year-old could slot in perfectly alongside the likes of Raheem Sterling and Leroy Sane in City’s attack, though it must be said a deal obviously remains a long way away as it is yet to be seen what consequences Catalan independence could have on Barcelona’s La Liga status.”
Think you know how today’s game will pan out? Cast your predictions for the result, starting XI and scorers in the CityMatchday app and get in touch on Twitter using #cityview.
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Attention turns to the FA Cup for Pep Guardiola's side.
Manchester City welcome Burnley to the Etihad as they look to extend their unbeaten start to the domestic season.
The Blues have three senior players out through injury with Gabriel Jesus, Vincent Kompany and Benjamin Mendy ruled out for the match.
David Silva could be rested after he returned to Spain in the week, while Kyle Walker is a doubt after picking up a knock versus Watford midweek.
Here's how our writers think City should line up.
James Robson
On the face of it the FA Cup is the perfect opportunity to rest legs - but Pep Guardiola just can't help himself.
All managers claim they want to win every game - even when putting out teams that stand little to no chance of doing so.
But with Guardiola that just isn't the case.
He really is the type of manager who wants to win every single game he is involved in - which is why I'm expecting another strong line up against Burnley.
Of course it helps when you have a squad with the quality of City's - but even still, Guardiola could be forgiven for thinking the FA Cup might be a step too far in his bid for silverware this season.
For me the big question is whether he starts Aguero up front, given his lack or alternatives - but also his reliance on the Argentine during Gabriel Jesus' injury lay off.
Simon Bajkowski
Burnley are going to rotate and it makes sense for City to as well, although the Bristol game does give the manager two games to potentially rest his players.
Claudio Bravo deserves a start for his league cup performances, and Bernardo Silva, Ilkay Gundogan, Danilo and Yaya Toure should all come off the bench.
If Bernardo comes in for David Silva in the middle, that opens up a spot out wide for young Brahim Diaz to impress.
However, the Clarets shouldn't be underestimated and a number of first team players should be fresh enough to play.
Rich Fay
While there might be a temptation to rest players after a busy few weeks the Blues are chasing a vast trophy haul and need to maintain momentum.
With a Carabao Cup tie against Bristol midweek Pep Guardiola will still have a chance to rest key players very soon.
Danilo and Oleksandr Zinchenko should start at full-back following recent injury scares to Kyle Walker and Fabian Delph.
The midfield picks itself, with Ilkay Gundogan replacing the absent David Silva.
Up front there is a start for Sergio Aguero while Bernardo Silva should be given the chance to showcase his first-team credentials.
Agree? Pick your team below
The quadruple remains very much on as Sergio Aguero inspired a second half fight back to send Manchester City cruising into the fourth round of the FA Cup.
Trailing at half time to Ashley Barnes’ strike, City were back to their irresistible best in a thrilling second 45 minutes.
Two goals from Aguero put them in control, before Leroy Sane and substitute Bernardo Silva completed a 4-1 win against Sean Dyche’s men.
And so the impossible dream goes on in what is an incredible campaign for Pep Guardiola's side.
Some 15 points clear at the top of the Premier League, into the semi finals of the Carabao Cup and the last 16 of the Champions League, City’s manager remains adamant they won’t complete a clean sweep.
But even he gave the clearest hint that he is beginning to think otherwise by naming a starting XI that featured seven of what could be considered his strongest team.
John Stones, Nicolas Otamendi, Fernandinho, David Silva, Raheem Sterling, Sane and Aguero represented a statement of intent from him.
Even if he thinks four trophies are beyond his side - he’s not going to stop trying.
And how that paid off in a scintillating second half when City sprung into life blitzed a Burnley side, who might just have been thinking about achieving the impossible themselves.
Stick with us as we bring you all the build up, team news and score updates LIVE from the Etihad.
