- Minute-by-minute updates from the 8.15pm BST kick-off
- Gündogan tests positive for Covid-19 before City opener
- Email Simon here or tweet @Simon_Burnton
8.06pm BST
I do like a bit of Nuno Espirito Santo. I find him very easy to listen to, and that he says interesting things in interesting ways. This is what he’s got to say about this game:
We know that today’s going to be a new challenge, a new game. All things are going to be different. We have to play good, we have to be organised, compact, solid, because Man City have a lot of good players. Competing is always staying in the game, knowing that every ball is important, that every moment of the game requires focus, and bouncing back from mistakes, organising again, and having the will to have the ball and try to hurt Man City. We have talented players and we want them to express their talent.
7.58pm BST
“I see there is a Delap on the City bench,†notes Will Lane. “Please tell me his first name is Rory and English football has finally ground Pep down to reverting to long throws. Maybe he will sign Phil Bardsley as defensive cover too.â€
Sadly it is not Rory but Rory’s son, Liam, a 17-year-old striker. “Mixing power with panache, the 17-year-old also boasts an explosive turn of pace, prodigious skill and a genuine hunger and thirst for goals,†raves City’s website. “Delap relishes the physical side of the game and despite his tender years he is a formidable presence on the field. But he marries that athleticism with guile and skilful creativity to make him a hugely exciting prospect.†No mention of throw-in prowess, I’m afraid.
