Man City boosted as Haaland fit for Newcastle, Guardiola cautious on Rodri
Ex-Man City defender Micah Richards says Vinicius Jr is ‘not lying’ over alleged abuse, criticises Jose Mourinho’s comments and urges waiting for evidence in the Real Madrid-Benfica fallout.
Newcastle monitor City keeper James Trafford after Donnarumma’s arrival limited him to 3 league games. Trafford says he will ‘keep grafting’ and is open about his future.
Guardiola calls Rooney’s wish for him to stay a ‘huge honour’ and praises the former striker, while keeping focus on beating Newcastle to cut Arsenal’s lead to 2 points.
Guardiola hails Semenyo’s start for City, citing 5 goals and 2 assists in 9 games and his versatility across the front line, while urging improvements in possession and pressing for Champions League tests.
Manuel Akanji details last-minute loan to Inter amid City’s six-way centre-back fight. He is focused on Inter now and unsure about summer plans.
City chase Arsenal with Haaland and Savinho back. Predicted XI includes Donnarumma, Dias, Guéhi and Haaland. Newcastle miss Guimarães. Recent head-to-head favours City. Prediction: Man City 3-1 Newcastle.
Haaland has not scored in eight straight games vs Newcastle since 2022 and has never netted vs Sunderland, with Eddie Howe and physical defenders cited for limiting the Man City striker.
Guardiola says Savinho is close after six weeks out and could be ‘unbelievable’ once his end product improves. The winger returns to fierce competition with Semenyo, Doku, Cherki and Foden.
Liverpool reportedly lead Man City and Arsenal for Eintracht Frankfurt left-back Nathaniel Brown, valued around £56m, amid uncertainty over Robertson’s future.
Report links PSG with ‘discreet enquiries’ for Haaland, with Arsenal’s move for Dembélé said to aid a PSG push. Haaland has stated he is happy at City after signing a long deal.
Report claims Galatasaray want Bernardo Silva on a free, with Gündoğan to ‘hold a meeting’ to persuade him, while Juventus also monitor his expiring City contract.
City post an X clip of Erling Haaland shielding the ball with caption ‘Seeing out the win’, seen as a dig at Arsenal after they blew a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 at Wolves in the title race.
Spurs target Bilal El Khannouss after 14 G/A on loan at Stuttgart. Report says he previously impressed Pep Guardiola, though Stuttgart may sign him first before any sale.
Guardiola says Rodri returned too soon after knee damage but is improving. He wants the midfielder to stay beyond next summer. Rodri set to face Newcastle as City await FA charge outcome.
Guardiola confirms Erling Haaland and Savinho are fit for Newcastle, with Doku, Gvardiol and Kovacic out. City, refreshed after three days’ rest, can close to within 2 points of Arsenal with a win.
Verdict on City’s alleged 2009-2018 financial breaches is delayed. Possible outcomes include points deduction or relegation, with appeals likely. City insist on ‘irrefutable evidence’ of innocence.
