Kevin Nolan makes Man City title claim
Speaking to Sky Sports, Kevin Nolan talked about the new generation of players at the Etihad. He claimed that they are stepping up for City despite the pressure.
The former West Ham midfielder pointed towards the culture that Guardiola has built around the club. He believes that Man City have a ‘winning environment’ which has helped them win multiple titles in recent seasons.
“We talked about this, about it being a new generation, a new crop of players. Can they now adopt what the Man City of old did, where they went on that incredible run and hunted Liverpool down? I think what we’ve seen is that they’ve got something,” Nolan said.
He added: “Everybody knows when you go in today, you go walking into a winning environment, and if you can’t handle that, you’ll soon be put on the sidelines with Pep.”
“And I think what we’ve seen is that there’s been a lot of them players who he’s bought over the last year, who’ve started stepping up in the last few weeks.”
Nathan Ake offered to Serie A clubs
According to journalist Nicolo Schira, Ake has been offered to Juventus, Roma and Inter Milan by an intermediary.
The Italian journalist also previously claimed that the Dutchman is now ready to leave Man City in the upcoming transfer window.
However, there is no indication that City have received official offers or that talks are in an advanced stage.
The situation appears to be an early-stage club search with Ake weighing up his options in European football.
Clinton Morrison praises John Stones
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Sport, Morrison claimed Stones is one of the most technically gifted players of his generation.
His ability to play out from the back is what tempted Pep Guardiola to sign the defender from Everton in 2016.
“He’s won everything. John Stones, as Don just said, Mark Guehi is like a Rolls-Royce. He [Stones] was a Rolls-Royce,” Morrison said.
The former Crystal Palace forward added, “He was so comfortable. John Stones was one of the defenders. You always see defenders putting row Z. He said no, I’m not doing row Z.”
“I’m going to bring the ball out, get my body in and try and play out from the back. Fantastic player.”
Man City fight back against Aston Villa to reach PL2 semi-finals
Manchester City booked their place in the Premier League 2 play-off semi-finals after coming from behind twice to beat Aston Villa 3-2 at Bodymoor Heath.
After beating Arsenal in the Round of 16, Man City’s Elite Development Squad progressed to the semi-finals with a 3-2 win over Aston Villa yesterday.
They had previously defeated the Lions 4-0 in the league phase in March. However, Friday night’s knockout proved much more difficult for the visitors.
Despite falling behind in the opening minutes, the Sky Blues made a comeback twice. The U21 side finally sealed the deal in the second half, completing the comeback.
Paul Merson predicts Man City will draw with Everton
In his weekly predictions for Sportskeeda, Merson has predicted a 1-1 draw between the Carabao Cup winners and the Toffees.
Once again, it is another negative prediction from an ex-Gunner who seems unable to put his personal bias aside.
He explained: “The pressure will be on Manchester City here. If Arsenal don’t win against Fulham, I would back City to win two-nil or even three-nil in this game.
“But I think Arsenal will win and that could force City to slip up in their chase. Everton have a lot of footballers who can hurt City.
“I thought they were very unlucky to lose against Liverpool and West Ham in the last two games. Not long ago, I remember them slaughtering Chelsea at this stadium!
“This is a difficult game for City. If Arsenal lose to Fulham, City can afford to draw one of their upcoming games and still win the league,” Merson continued.
“But I just think it won’t get to that stage, I’m predicting the title race to be over this weekend with a Manchester City draw at Everton.”
Abdukodir Khusanov earns big praise
Speaking on the Fan Debate from The Overlap, a fan highlighted Khusanov’s impact at the Etihad in the absence of Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol.
Gary Neville first thought that the current City team was too early when it came to experience and challenging for the title. However, Scholes pointed out the changes in January that helped the Sky Blues regain their form.
“I thought, City, this was one year too early. In fact, I couldn’t see where this new team was coming from, probably pre-Christmas,” Neville said.
Scholes added: “The two signings in January were big as well, weren’t they? Guehi’s made a massive difference.”
Reacting to Khusanov’s rise, one fan said, “Khusanov has been brilliant as well. Khusanov’s been, like, unbelievable, for his age as well.
“I think he’s been unbelievable. The confidence he’s got at such a young age as well and how fast he is. Every time anyone gets in behind, it’s like having Kyle Walker at centre-back, he’s so quick.
“And yeah, I think he’s been massive for us this season.”
Etihad Stadium North Stand will include enhanced singing section
After conversations with supporter groups, City confirmed via their website that both safe standing sections and an enhanced singing area will be part of the redeveloped stand.
The club statement read: “Following conversations with City Matters, the Official Supporters Club (OSC) and 1894, we want to understand the demand for a condensed section within the safe standing section for fans who want to help lead, build and sustain noise inside the Stadium.
🎟️ | Relocate to our expanded North Stand…
— Man City Fan Support (@ManCityHelp) May 1, 2026
Season Ticket Members can now pre-register to relocate their seat to our expanded North Stand ahead of the 2026/27 season!
You can let us know if you would like to relocate to a new seat, safe-standing area, or our enhanced singing…
“While every part of the Stadium plays a role in creating a fantastic matchday atmosphere, we’re offering fans the opportunity to register their interest to be part of an ‘Enhanced Singing Section’. These seats will be located from the back row of the new North Stand.
“Fans can pre-register for this area by clicking ‘Enhanced Singing Section’. Fans in the ‘Wider Safe Standing’ sections will still be encouraged to play a part in creating an incredible atmosphere on matchday.”
