It has been a daunting task at times but Brendan Rodgers said Celtic’s confidence is improving in the Champions League ahead of their showdown against Manchester City.
Rodgers: Celtic growing in confidence in Europe
Manchester City
‘It’s the best thing I have ever done’
For nine-year-old Sam, last month’s Manchester derby in the EFL Cup will live long in the memory as he stepped out with his heroes at Old Trafford as a matchday mascot.
Chelsea trio strengthen FPL credentials
The Bonus Points
Diego Costa (£10.7m) collected the maximum Fantasy Premier League bonus points in Chelsea’s 3-1 victory at Manchester City.
City focus on league matters
Pep Guardiola has urged his Manchester City players to focus on the Premier League in the next few months, having made sure of progress in the Champions League. A 1-1 draw away to Borussia Monchengladbach was enough to ensure that the Citizens will finish in second place in Group C, although Barcelona’s 2-0 win at Celtic means that top spot is now beyond the reach of City.
Gundogan: Further progress needed
Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan says his side still have a way to go before they become genuine contenders to win the Champions League. The Citizens go into the game away to Borussia Monchengladbach knowing that a win or a draw would put them well on the way to the knockout stages of the competition, with Gundogan urging his colleagues to utilise the confidence gained from a superb 3-1 win over Barcelona last time out.
Conte predicts tough title fight
Chelsea head coach Antonio Conte believes the battle for the Premier League title this season is ‘perhaps the most difficult one ever’. The Blues rose to the summit with a hard-fought 1-0 victory at Middlesbrough on Sunday, with the Londoners being closely pursued by Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham, while Manchester United are currently nine points off the pace in sixth place.
Guardiola calm after City slip up
Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola maintains he is happy with his side’s form, despite recent struggles in the Premier League.
Manchester City vs Barcelona
Manchester City vs Barcelona
UEFA Champions League – Group C
Date: Tuesday, 1st November 2016.
Kick-off at 19:45 UK.
Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester.
Conte happy with 3-4-3
Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is confident that 3-4-3 remains the right formation for his side despite their midweek EFL Cup exit. After arriving in the summer, the 47-year-old utilised a 4-5-1 in his opening few games but despite a bright start, his team’s defensive foibles were soon exposed.
Guardiola: Aguero a special player
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola says that Sergio Aguero is a special player and he hopes the striker will stay at the club for a long time.
The Argentine’s future had been cast in doubt after he was left out of City’s 4-0 defeat at Barcelona in the Champions League.