Pep Guardiola wants 'captain' Scott Carson to extend Man City stay

straight to your inboxSergio Aguero is getting over his struggles with Covid-19 and Pep Guardiola believes he will bounce back to “make the difference” in Manchester City’s title challenge.The club’s all-time top goalscorer has “struggled” with fatigue after testing positive for the virus last week, ince when he has had to self-isolate at hom.But Guardiola said Aguero has told medical staff that he is fighting back – and confidently predicted he will bring his considerable influence to bear in

straight to your inboxPep Guardiola credits Manchester City's win away at Southampton in December with kickstarting their season. The Blues headed to St Mary's on the back of two successive draws where they had failed to inspire - first at Old Trafford and then at home to a struggling West Brom team - but battled hard to defend the lead that an early Raheem Sterling strike had given them and pick up a vital victory.

straight to your inboxPep Guardiola suggested Eric Garcia could leave Manchester City this month after resigning himself to losing the centre-back.Garcia stunned his club last summer when he informed them that he no longer saw a future for himself at the Etihad and wished instead to return to former club Barcelona.

straight to your inboxPhil Foden is the one player who has been the 'shining light' for Manchester City in recent weeks.That is the view of former Arsenal and England star Alex Scott, who was very impressed with the City academy graduate during their win over Cheltenham Town in the FA Cup.City looked close to being on the receiving end of a cup upset when Alfie May gave the League Two side the lead, but three goals from Foden, Gabriel Jesus and Ferran Torres secured the win for Pep Guardiola’s

straight to your inboxPep Guardiola was left hoping on Wednesday night that the injuries that forced Kyle Walker and Kevin De Bruyne off against Aston Villa will not be too serious.Manchester City continued their good form, winning their sixth straight league game and ninth in all competitions to reach the Premier League summit for the first time this season thanks to late goals from Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gundogan.However, they had to make do without two of their starting XI for long spells.

direct to your inboxPep Guardiola called upon an answer he has used before when asked how he will spend his 50th birthday today.The Manchester City boss saw his side produce a professional performance mixed with moments of individual quality on Saturday to beat Crystal Palace 4-0 and move up to second in the Premier League with a game in hand over leaders Manchester United.United had earlier drawn 0-0 with Liverpool, allowing City to move above Liverpool and to within two points of United with a

straight to your inboxPep Guardiola praised his Manchester City defenders for toughening up and eradicating the errors that scuppered their Premier League title chances last season.The Blues moved into second in the table - their highest position of the campaign - with a 4-0 dismantling of Crystal Palace that leaves them two points behind neighbours United with a game in hand.Roy Hodgson declared afterwards that the team have all the qualities needed to win the Premier League, and while

straight to your inboxPep Guardiola could not rule out a January transfer for Eric Garcia but hopes that Manchester City will be able to keep hold of the player. Garcia stunned the Blues last year when he opted not to extend his contract at the Etihad and decided that he wanted to return to Barcelona.

direct to your inboxThe date and kick-off times for the FA Cup forth round have been confirmed.Manchester United will welcome fierce rivals Liverpool to Old Trafford on Sunday, January 24, with kick-off coming at 5pm. It will be shown live on BBC One.

straight to your inboxPep Guardiola has suggested that Kevin De Bruyne will continue to be Manchester City's penalty taker despite not dusting himself off to take the spotkick that he won against Brighton. City were struggling to see out the win against a gutsy Brighton side but were given a golden opportunity when Kevin De Bruyne was fouled in the box late on.

straight to your inboxPep Guardiola queried how effective the new protocols for Covid-19 can be in preventing contact on the pitch after Manchester City's FA Cup win over Birmingham. With more regular testing introduced recently across clubs following outbreaks including Newcastle, City, and Fulham, the PFA this week reminded all players not to celebrate with teammates at goals or swap shirts at the end of games in a bid to reduce contact and keep infection rates down.

direct to your inboxManchester City have joined Manchester United in the draw for the fourth round of the FA Cup.United edged past Watford 1-0 at Old Trafford in their third round tie on Saturday evening, courtesy of a Scott McTominay header.On Sunday, City comfortably progressed, thanks to a 3-0 victory over Birmingham City at the Etihad Stadium.Bernardo Silva set Pep Guardiola's men on their way with two goals in the opening 15 minutes, then Phil Foden added a third before half-time.With the

straight to your inboxPep Guardiola is not sure when he will be able to call on Sergio Aguero with the Manchester City striker isolating after coming into contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid-19.

straight to your inboxManchester City booked their place in the Carabao Cup final in midweek, but find themselves back in domestic cup action on Sunday, as they take on Birmingham City in the FA Cup Third Round.City are likely to field a rotated lineup against the Blues, with Sergio Aguero, Bernardo Silva, Gabriel Jesus, Nathan Ake, Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Benjamin Mendy all in contention to start on Sunday.However, Ferran Torres, Tommy Doyle, Eric Garcia, Scott Carson, Cole Palmer and Aymeric

straight to your inboxKyle Walker, Gabriel Jesus and Sergio Aguero will all have to be assessed in training before Pep Guardiola will decide when he can turn to his players again. Manchester City progressed to the Carabao Cup final for a fourth year in a row by beating neighbours United at Old Trafford with goals from John Stones and Fernandinho in a 2-0 win.

straight to your inboxPep Guardiola asked his Manchester City side for the same level of intensity in the second half of their Carabao Cup semi-final win over Manchester United to book their place in a fourth successive final.City and United had exchanged blows in the opening 45 minutes, with both sides having goals ruled out for offside and both goalkeepers making superb saves.

straight to your inboxManchester City have announced that Scott Carson and Cole Palmer, as well another member of staff, have tested positive for cornavirus.