What day is it today?

What day is it today?
A comforting, but crippling, slump into the sofa
A day when the crumbs scratch against the back 
the pots and pans solidify on the side 
I'll do it tomorrow - the most productive line in my book
Pour some wine 
Lay back
Wake from that dream where everything's clean
to the hiss of your boy, he stinks of weed
Why does he never talk to me? 
The question you answer most days of the week but find it too hard to speak
Aloud
£40 out of the purse
Still so proud, so proud
It was nice outside today 
but I still managed to talk myself out of every spontaneous plan I made
the rays were warm but I'll pull blanket over anyway
Immobile from the icy grip of depression

But today's another day
Do I look OK?
You look great 
The lipstick, the coat, the smile on your face
I ask how she could ever feel that way? 
But it's a feeling you wouldn't wish upon your worst enemy
She doesn't ask for sympathy
just a hand on the shoulder, a message in the inbox, a phone call at night, a compliment
Something that makes her feel of worth
In a world where selfishness intoxicates
she lives her life through you
The night she spends alone with her thoughts
the good ones are saved for you
Bank notes and fast cars fill your dreams
Oh for those what you would do
While in the next room she hopes for another day
When her son will say 'I love you'

Manchester City v Hull City: Who plays in the number 10 role?

A place in the Capital One Cup semi-final and a January trip to Wembley are likely to be found on the respective Christmas lists of Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini and Hull City boss Steve Bruce. On Tuesday night, the pair meet to discover who'll unwrap an early gift.


(Manuel Pellegrini and Steve Bruce will meet for the first time February on Tuesday evening - image via www.dailystar.co.uk)

Despite dismissing his most recent injury as 'a harmless bump', Sergio Agüero is unlikely to be risked after limping off with an ankle problem in City's 3-1 win over Southampton last weekend. Wilfried Bony shrugged off a hamstring problem to replace the Argentine and is likely to start. 

A place in the no.10 role behind him, however, is up for grabs. Yaya Touré, Kevin De Bruyne, David Silva and Kelechi Iheanacho are the options available to Manuel Pellegrini and the Chilean must take rest, player development and game time into account when making his decision. 

Yaya Touré
The Ivorian has been criticised for a number of lethargic displays this season in which his defensive shortcomings have been ruthlessly exposed. For that reason, City can't afford to play Touré in a two-man midfield; but they can't afford to remove his attacking qualities either. 

With Fabian Delph and Fernando expected to start, Touré could be moved into a more attacking role where defending won't be on his list of responsibilities. Most City supporters agree that this is the best place for the 32-year-old, and given he's started in 19 of City's 20 fixtures this term, he could be chosen to operate behind Bony on Tuesday. 

Kevin De Bruyne 
Jesus Navas, a favourite of Pellegrini's, played no part in Saturday's win and will surely make a return to the starting eleven. And with Raheem Sterling in need of a confidence boost, City's Player of the Month for October could be moved into the centre. 

In 17 games for the Blues, the Belgian has an impressive seven goals and eight assists, but the 24-year-old could be rested ahead of Saturday's tie against Stoke City to make way for either David Silva or Kelechi Iheanacho. 

David Silva

(David Silva made a return from injury against Southampton on Saturday - image via Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

The standing ovation the Spaniard received as he returned to the Etihad Stadium after a six-week lay-off goes some way to explaining how delighted City fans are to see David Silva back in the squad. The 29-year-old last appeared in the 6-1 win over Newcastle United at the beginning of October - he made two assists - and Pellegrini's side have missed his creativity since. 

With a challenging Christmas run facing the Blues, including games against Arsenal and Leicester City, Pellegrini will be keen to restore his key man to full fitness as soon as possible. 

Kelechi Iheanacho
The early-season hype surrounding City's 19-year-old striker has faded. After netting a last minute winner against Crystal Palace in September and putting in a destructive performance against the same opposition six weeks later in the 4th round of the Capital One Cup, Kelechi Iheanacho has been handed only 84 minutes to shine out of a potential 270. 

Substituted just 10 minutes into the second half against Norwich City last month, Iheanacho fell behind Wilfried Bony and Sergio Agüero in the pecking order and was an unused substitute against Aston Villa despite being the only striker in the squad when Bony limped off with a hamstring problem. The snub angered supporters who questioned Pellegrini's faith in the youngster. 

Defending his decision, Pellegrini insisted that "He’s [Iheanacho] not a striker. Normally he plays behind the striker.”After impressing in the last round, the Nigerian will be hoping the manager backs up those words by starting him behind Bony against Hull.

The players were poor, but Manuel Pellegrini also has to shoulder the blame for City's worst league performance since 2007

Manuel Pellegrini, referred to by Manchester City supporters as 'This Charming Man', launched an uncharacteristically violent attack on his players after a 4-1 defeat at home to Liverpool on Saturday. 


(Manuel Pellegrini watches on as his side crumble against Liverpool - image via Michael Regan/Getty Images)

“I am more than angry, it is difficult to understand why we played so poorly,” the City manager said. “In defence, in attack and in possession I have never seen my team play in the way they played tonight. It was not one name or another name who was to blame it was the whole team. I was not happy with the performance of all 11 players. It was a complete disaster.”

Those words will perhaps help to soothe the burns a little. An acknowledgement of this kind usually provokes a change, and after putting on a display comparable to the horror that unfolded seven years ago when Middlesbrough scored eight at the Riverside Stadium, that's exactly what Manchester City need. 

"I will not explain the starting XI, I would pick the same one again but this performance was not normal, we could have conceded three or four more," Pellegrini continued, and the searing pain began to intensify. 

The Chilean's failure to recognise the crucial selection errors he made only applies salt to the wounds inflicted by his side's second 4-1 defeat of the season. This was comfortably City's worst performance under Pellegrini - a day on which none of his players turned up - but tactical mistakes made the job even easier for Jürgen Klopp's side. 

In the red corner, the exact same team, bar Dejan Lovren who filled in for the injured Mamadou Sakho, that ripped Chelsea apart at Stamford Bridge three weeks ago. In the blue corner, a team missing Fernandinho and Nicolás Otamendi, two of City's best performers, and including Yaya Touré in a two-man midfield. While Klopp went with tried and tested, Pellegrini bafflingly went with a system that has failed on multiple occasions. 

(Nicolás Otamendi, City's best performer this month, was left on the sidelines - image via Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

The 62-year-old's decision to go with Martin Demichelis ahead of Otamendi alongside Eliaquim Mangala was his first mistake. Before this game, the Argentine had started just one league fixture and that was in the 4-1 loss to Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane. Bereft of game time and quite clearly no longer able to cope with a demanding 90 minutes of Premier League football, the 34-year-old was tormented by Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino. The fact that Otamendi has been City's best player this month made the decision even more perplexing, especially with Vincent Kompany out injured. 

Mistake number two saw Fernandinho drop to the bench. The Brazilian has won more tackles and has completed more passes than any other City player this season, and given Liverpool's recently established ability to hassle and pressurise their opponents under Klopp's famous gegenpressing philosophy, his absence on Saturday was quite astonishing. 

Even more extraordinary was the sight of Yaya Touré in a two-man midfield - a sight that has gone hand in hand with defeat against quality opposition during Pellegrini's tenure at the Etihad Stadium. Much has been made of Touré's lack of defensive work - in fact, it's become a weekly talking point - so why does Pellegrini persist with a system that doesn't work? The introduction of both Fernandinho and Fabian Delph at half time indicates that he knows the system has its flaws, but the temptation of playing five attacking attacking players on home turf is still getting the better of the Chilean. 

(Yaya Touré was substituted off at half time after an ineffective first half display - image via Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Pellegrini dodged questions about team selection because he was embarrassed. He got it completely wrong, and his substitutions at half time showed that. With qualification to the knockout stages of the Champions League already secured, surely Pellegrini wouldn't be ignorant enough to underestimate Liverpool and save the services of two of his best players for a chance to top Group D with a win against Juventus on Wednesday? 

Unfortunately, that seems to be the case. The club's hierarchy will not tolerate another Champions League upset and winning the group should set City up for a more manageable last 16 draw. Whether the fans or Pellegrini like it or not, City's league form could be comprimised as a result.

Preview: Manchester City v Liverpool

The Etihad Stadium will turn concert hall on Saturday afternoon as renditions of La Marseillaise, Blue Moon, You'll Never Walk Alone and a songbook stuffed with anti-Raheem Sterling jingles prepare to welcome back the Premier League.

(Raheem Sterling has been a hit at Manchester City, scoring six goals and making 3 assists in all competitions - image via Ian Walton/Getty Images)

La Marseillaise - the French national anthem - will be played before this weekend's matches to commemorate the 129 people who lost their lives in the Paris attacks. The infamous international break has long been the subject of castigation from football supporters who bemoan its ability to tear the hamstrings and twist the ankles of their club's best players; but on Friday 13th 2015, the superficial nature of football and minor injuries was laid bare. 

Manuel Pellegrini will be delighted to welcome back Sergio Agüero for the tie against Liverpool, but had some bad news on the condition of David Silva. 

“Sergio is fit – he’s ready to come back,” Pellegrini announced in his pre-match press conference.

“David continues with some small sprain in his ankle so it’s a risk for him to play.

Samir Nasri, Wilfried Bony and Vincent Kompany are also unavailable. 

(Sergio Agüero could be thrown straight into the starting line up after returning from injury - image via Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

Former City striker Daniel Sturridge could return from a knee injury, but Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp indicated that the 26-year-old's inclusion will be based on a late decision. 

"He [Sturridge] is as fit as he can be after a long break. Of course he is not at 100% and we have to see," the German told journalists. 

James Milner will face his old teammates for the first time since departing Manchester for Liverpool in the summer despite missing international duty, while Dejan Lovren is expected to replace the injured Mamadou Sakho. 

The £49m man Raheem Sterling will be the centre of attention in this one after turning his back on abuse from his former fans still blinded by their club's success in the 70s and 80s; but sitting at the top of the Premier League table and with Champions League qualification already secured, it's safe to say Raheem is better off in sky blue. 

Possible line-ups

Wilfried Bony has impressed in Sergio Agüero's absence, but City will never replace the Argentine

Manchester City's treatment room could barely have been busier this season. The club's injury curse has afflicted no fewer than 10 senior players and has deprived Manuel Pellegrini's team of the qualities of David Silva and Sergio Agüero for the last month. It is by virtue of the Blues' strength in depth that they perch on top of the Premier League table heading into this weekend's international break. 


(Manchester City are ready to welcome back Sergio Agüero from a lengthy injury after the international break - image via Manchester City Official Facebook)

Wilfried Bony was the latest player to limp through the revolving doors of the club's injury room after sustaining a hamstring injury in City's 0-0 draw against Aston Villa on Sunday. Bony will miss the first leg of the Ivory Coast's World Cup qualifying tie against Liberia this evening and will play no part in the home leg on Tuesday. 

The news that Sergio Agüero is expected to return in next weekend's clash against Liverpool, however, will soften the blow of Bony's absence for City fans. The Ivorian has been the subject of criticism since stepping into the void left by Agüero five weeks ago, with an ample section of supporters questioning the striker's contribution to the team. 

Expectations for the 26-year-old were high when he joined City for a fee of £28m in January. A predator and a bully in the penalty area, Bony had scored 25 league goals in 54 appearances for Swansea City and had more goals to his name (20) in 2014 than any other Premier League striker. It's fair to say there was excitement surrounding the arrival of the proven goalscorer who could replace the physicality of Álvaro Negredo and reinvent the 'Beauty and the Beast' partnership the Spaniard enjoyed with Agüero.


(Wilfried Bony has been the subject of criticism from City fans since moving to the club in January 2015 - image via Getty Images)

Almost 10 months on, and the Etihad Stadium is yet to experience the potential profit of an Agüero-Bony alliance. Injuries, coupled with Pellegrini's dwindling affection for 4-4-2, has seen the partnership employed just three times and the two forwards have been judged on their individual performances over their ability to work in tandem with one another. 

And it's clear that Agüero remains the fan's number one choice - a reality that will never change until the South American leaves the club. Regardless of how well or badly the Argentine plays, the support and praise of the Etihad Stadium is guaranteed. That 93rd minute winner against Queens Park Rangers in 2012 certainly goes some way to securing Agüero's status as one of Manchester City's finest ever players; but the 115 goals, three major domestic trophies and the general likability of the former Atlético Madrid striker also have to be taken into consideration when trying to understand how special this individual is to City, both on and off the pitch. 

At City, Agüero is untouchable. Even Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi would have a difficult time filling his boots. 

So imagine how difficult the task must be for Bony. With an excellent goalscoring record and Premier League experience behind him, the pressure on him to hit the ground running at his new club was already heavy; but hang the presence of a striker that will never be replaced over him and it becomes crippling. Bony had no such pressure in South Wales and must be given time by his new supporters to make the adjustment. 

He may not possess the speed and movement of his striker partner, but Bony has done an impressive job in Agüero's absence. Comparisons between the two have made the rounds on social media, but comparing two completely different players on the same attributes is fruitless. Agüero is a speed merchant - able to wrap his opponent's right leg round the left while Bony is excellent in making the ball to stick to the attack and bringing others into play. It is no surprise that Raheem Sterling and Kevin De Bruyne have shone alongside Bony in the last month. 


(A comparison of Sergio Agüero and Wilfried Bony this season)

Bony has not shown the same ruthlessness in front of goal as he did at Swansea City, but his contributions to City's attacking play this term must not go unnoticed. With five goals, three assists and an admirable total of 13 chances created to his name so far this season, the Ivorian has unquestionably played a lead role in City's bright start to the 2015/2016 campaign and criticism is undeserved. 

Aston Villa v Manchester City: A tale of two different reunions for Micah Richards and Fabian Delph

The inauguration of a new manager, a reunion between Micah Richards and the club he left the deep imprint of his personality on, and the return of the 'snake' that is Fabian Delph to Villa Park. On paper, Sunday's tie between 20th place Aston Villa and 1st place Manchester City looks set to be a cracker. 

Gabriel Agbonlahor is facing a race against time to be fit after picking up a calf injury in the 3-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur on Monday. However, after watching the Englishman manage just eight touches of the ball on his visit to White Hart Lane, new boss Rémi Garde may have already decided on the best place for the striker this weekend. 

Manuel Pellegrini welcomes back Gaël Clichy and former Villa midfielder Fabian Delph who is sure to receive a hostile reception should he feature. David Silva (ankle) will not be risked until after the international break and Pablo Zabaleta (knee) will also play no part.

Possible line-ups


Welcome, Mr Garde

(Rémi Garde will take charge of his first Premier League game on Sunday afternoon as he looks to save Aston Villa from relegation - image via Ben Hoskins/Getty Images)

The evidence suggests that Aston Villa's new manager likes to play an attacking game, and that style of football could be effective in clearing up the crime scene at Villa Park along the season. Garde's Lyon side could not be described as being goal shy under his reign; in his last two seasons at the Stade de Gerland, Lyon were only outgunned in scoring charts by champions PSG.

A leaky defence, however, was also characteristic of his three year tenure in the South-East of France, and defending is something the 49-year-old must prioritise this weekend. Villa have conceded fewer goals than any other team in the bottom six positions in the Premier League this term, but must keep their wits about them to deny the division's top scorers. 

A vision of what could have been for Micah Richards

(Micah Richards was Manchester City's most promising academy graduate before injuries began to plague his career - image via Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Emotions will be riding high for both Micah Richards and Manchester City fans. For the travelling supporters, a reunion with a player that bled sky blue for nine years; for Richards, a chance to share a moment with those supporters and to greet old teammates, but also a glimpse at what could have been.

Unlike Joleon Lescott, who was able to fulfill his potential at the Etihad Stadium, Richards' long battle with injury prevented him from reaching his. Although Richards captained the Blues at the age of 19, was nominated for the PFA Young Player of the Year Award for 2007-2008, received his first international call up, and won three major trophies with the club, Richards had it in him to reach greater heights. He was that good. 

Only fond memories exist between City fans and Richards; the man who was known around Carrington for his contagious personality. 

Richards has been a bright spark in an otherwise miserable start to the campaign for Villa. His blocks, clearances, tackles and interceptions have contributed to the side's respectable defensive record and he can be found among the league's best defenders for those statistics. The 27-year-old is rebuilding, not seeing out, his career at Villa Park and form like this will attract clubs free from the threat of relegation.

 
(Image via www.skysports.com - link: http://www.skysports.com/football/news/12799/10054556/micah-richards-impressing-at-aston-villa-ahead-of-man-city-reunion)

Almost ten years ago, a 17-year-old Richards announced himself to City fans with a stoppage-time header and an infamous interview in a 5th round FA Cup tie against Aston Villa. Manchester City will be hoping a similar fairytale doesn't unravel this weekend.

The not-so heroic return of Fabian Delph to Villa Park

(Fabian Delph is set to receive a hostile reception from Aston Villa fans this weekend - image via Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

Expecting a not-so warm welcome on Sunday is Fabian Delph. The midfielder infamously turned his back on pledges he made to Aston Villa by joining Manchester City this summer and the reception he'll receive, quite frankly, is deserved.

After expressing his loyalty to the club amid rumours he was set for a switch to the Etihad Stadium, Delph became a hero at Villa Park - a man who was more about playing time than 'paying time', if you like. 

“I love the club and I can’t wait to be captain next season,” the 25-year-old insisted in a very public showing of devotion to the Midlands club. But just one week later, Delph was pictured holding up a sky-blue shirt in Manchester. It was the ultimate betrayal to Villa who had helped him become one of the country's most improved players. 

Delph is unlikely to make his first start for his new team on Sunday after just returning from a hamstring injury, but could be given some minutes to improve his fitness later in the game. The reception won't be pretty, but instead of worrying about Villa supporters, Delph should focus on endearing himself to the fans of his new club who have seen very little of him thus far. 

Sevilla 1 - 3 Manchester City: Thoughts & Ratings

A chorus of boos met the sound of the Champions League anthem at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium on Wednesday night, but Manchester City danced off the field to raucous applause from 2,500 travelling supporters as they beat Sevilla 3-1 to progress into the knockout stages of the competition. 


(Manchester City supporters show their feelings towards the UEFA Champions League anthem prior to kick off - image via @MailSport)

And there was something unfamiliar about the way the Blues became the first English team to seal qualification. Propelled by the brilliance of Fernandinho and Raheem Sterling, City comfortably and confidently dismissed a side that have won their last 10 European home games. 

Within the first 11 minutes, the away side were 2-0 up and cruising. A central midfield trio of Yaya Touré, Fernandinho and Fernando acted as a barrier against Sevilla's attacking play and a platform on which City launched their own. With Touré occupying a deeper role, it was Fernandinho who was given the freedom to drive forward and his superb through ball into Sterling for the opening goal demonstrated how effective the Brazilian can be higher up the pitch. 

Manchester City have long deliberated who and how they will replace Touré when his glittering career at the Etihad Stadium eventually grinds to a halt, but they'll face a similarly insoluble problem finding a successor to the 30-year-old who has been their best player this season. 

Fernandinho's 90-minute stats

Shots: 5

Chances created: 3

Goals: 1

Assists: 1

(Fernandinho nods in his side's second of the evening - image via Ian Walton/Getty Images)

Sterling, who has been criticised for his conduct in front of goal this term, showed no signs of agitation as he coolly slotted past Rico with his weaker left foot. Questions were raised over Manuel Pellegrini's decision to leave Kevin De Bruyne on the sidelines, but the 20-year-old Englishman gave a performance that made the £49m transfer from Liverpool this summer feel like robbery. Sterling put on an exhibition of pure pace in a dazzling display that cemented his status as one of Europe's hottest prospects. 

His acceleration helped fire City into a 2-0 lead just after the 10 minute mark. Sterling skipped past his man and found Wilfried Bony. The Ivorian's effort was parried by Rico into the path of Fernandinho who headed in.

Sterling's 90-minute stats

Attempted take-ons: 10

Chances created: 5 

Shots: 2

Goals: 1

(Raheem Sterling proved his worth against Sevilla on Wednesday night - image via Ian Walton/Getty Images)

This was much easier than expected for Pellegrini's men.

But for all of City's early dominance, the first half still left time for them to take a foot off the pedal. Aleksandar Kolarov was beaten far too easily by Coke on the left-hand side and the Spaniard's looping cross was headed in by Benoît Trémoulinas.

City have been partial to a few defensive mistakes this term, but going forward, they were too strong for their opponents. Jesus Navas, enjoying his first experience of the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium in the colours of another team since his move in 2013, was toying with his former teammates in one of his better games in sky blue. After hitting the post just minutes earlier, the 29-year-old fed Wilfried Bony who netted City's third.

The Ivorian, desperate for a fix of morale coming into the game, was visibly relieved. 

A professional second half display ensured the Blues would avoid the drama that had characterised their last two Champions League victories and Pellegrini's men marched assuredly into the last 16 of the tournament.

This was a different Manchester City to the club that have made their tempestuous relationship with the competition, on and off the field, so public. This was an intelligent, aggressive and efficient Manchester City - the Manchester City we see squash trample their opponents in the Premier League week in week out. A switch may have been flicked. 

Player Ratings

Joe Hart 7

Bacary Sagna 7

Nicolas Otamendi 7

Vincent Kompany 7.5

Aleksandar Kolarov 6.5

Fernandinho 9

Yaya Touré 8

Fernando 8

Jesus Navas 8

Raheem Sterling 9

Wilfried Bony 7.5

Substitutes

Kevin De Bruyne 6

Fabian Delph 6

Martin Demichelis - no time to mark