Reuters
London, Nov 19: Four months after quitting Liverpool for Manchester City, striker Raheem Sterling will have the first opportunity to justify the move by getting one over his former employers when the teams meet Saturday at the Etihad Stadium.
Sterling joined City in the close season in a deal worth up to 49 million pounds (record English transfer fee) but the circumstances surrounding the transfer left a bitter taste in the mouths of many Liverpool fans.
Sterling has since said he has no regrets over quitting Liverpool and the Premier League table already offers some justification for the move. Manuel Pellegrini’s City are top of the league, level on points with Arsenal. Liverpool, on the other hand, are still settling down under new boss Juergen Klopp and are 10th. But they will definitely be boosted by the return of Daniel Sturridge after a two-month injury break.
City, who stalled with a goalless draw against bottom side Aston Villa last time out, could welcome back Sergio Aguero, David Silva and Pablo Zabaleta, all having recovered from injury.
Arsenal are unbeaten in their last six league games but visit West Bromwich Albion, Saturday looking to mend the defensive frailties that nearly cost them defeat by local rivals Tottenham Hotspur before substitute Kieran Gibbs rescued a point.
Manchester United, who trail third-placed Leicester City by a point, face 11th-placed Watford with a doubt hanging over their France striker Anthony Martial, who injured his foot in the 0-2 friendly defeat by England at the Wembley. Michael Carrick could also be missing for United after suffering ankle ligament damage in England’s 0-2 defeat in Spain, Friday.
Pressure is mounting on Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho after a torrid start to the season for the champions. The Blues, who host Norwich City, have lost seven of their 12 league games, including the last three, and are languishing in 16th place.
Midfielder Cesc Fabregas however, was quoted as saying in ‘Marca’: “The results aren’t doing our performances justice. We’re playing better but we aren’t having any luck. And the coach is getting the flak.”
