The international break is over and tough games are coming up, even for the rich clubs who seek trophies. If you are not sure, just ask Manchester City. In the next 12 days, the Citizens are playing what could be a crucial game with Liverpool, the only team which can jeopardize their title quest, and Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, twice. So, the pressure is definitely on, as they can potentially lose two biggest trophies they are expecting in less than 14 days. But, players are not fazed or scared, they are excited about their schedule. At least Aymeric Laporte is. Guardiola: If Man United did it – we can do it tooSpain’s center back looks forward to the upcoming schedule and sees it as an opportunity to show that they are the best. “It’s a nice challenge, but more than that, it’s an opportunity. We look at it as the chance to show that we are better than these other teams. We have a phrase in Spain for it: un par de huevos (a pair of balls). We have that about us, to not be afraid of making a mistake. You expose yourself but that’s what the coach asks of us and it hasn’t exactly gone badly for us, has it?” says Laporte. ‘Pep and I pushed each other on insane levels’When talking about the Premier League, two teams often come up in conversation: Liverpool and Manchester United. The Reds are described as “pain in the a**” by Pep Guardiola, as the only team which can challenge the Citizens, while Red Devils are bitter rival from the same city and one of the most successful clubs in England. When asked by Daily Mail if there is anything Liverpool have that he wished City possessed, or vice-versa, Laporte says: “Taking chances and benefiting from opponents’ errors a little more, because often we have the opportunity and don’t take it. We let the other team off. But there’s nothing to be envious about. I think the football that we play, no-one else plays it in the world. We make mistakes too, like everyone. I think they would like even a part of our game. Small talk with Pep left Hart with a broken heartUnlike City, Manchester United has not been in contention for the Premier League of Champions League for years. The Citizens have won 10 trophies since 2017-18 season, while their rivals have nothing to show for in the same period, and Spain’s defender couldn’t pass the opportunity to aim a dig at his rivals, while unintentionally adding another trophy. “They don’t think it’s normal that we always win something. Because if I’m not mistaken we have won 11 trophies in four years and that can annoy some people, like our neighbors who haven’t won anything. They have a lot of supporters and they have a lot of people behind them. We are in the same city. And they’ve spent a lot of money too. That can upset some people. But everyone defends their own interests; I trust in City and I hope we win a lot of trophies this year” said Laporte. PREMIER LEAGUE – ROUND 31Saturday 14.30: (1.15) Liverpool (10.0) Watford (18.0)17.00: (3.05) Wolverhampton (3.05) Aston Villa (2.65)17.00: (1.35) Chelsea (4.90) Brentford (9.50)17.00: (2.45) Leeds (3.35) Southampton (2.90)17.00: (14.0) Burnley (7.00) Man.City (1.23)17.00: (1.50) Brighton (4.20) Norwich (8.00)19.30: (1.55) Man.Utd. (4.40) Leicester (6.50)Sunday 15.00: (1.83) West Ham (3.70) Everton (4.80)17.30: (1.53) Tottenham (4.10) Newcastle (6.50)*** odds are subject to change
