Manchester City match may be baptism by fire for Garde

Rémi Garde faces a tough task in his first match in charge at Aston Villa as his team will host the league leaders on Sunday.

Aston Villa haven't won since opening day. Strangely enough, there seems to be almost as much optimism around the club now as there was then, despite Villa sitting in the basement of the Premier League. Rémi Garde has replaced Tim Sherwood, and a fresh start may be just what the club needed.

The true difficulty of the task at hand for Garde may become apparent as early as Sunday, with table-toppers Manchester City paying a visit to Villa Park. He inherits a team that's tallied a grand total of four points through 11 league matches. But there is hope, as a shift away from Sherwood's Stone Age tactical decisions can only be positive.

Jordan Ayew looks to prove his doubters wrong every time he takes to the pitch, and has put in some impressive performances as of late. Goals against both Swansea and Tottenham in the league, and winning a penalty against Southampton in the cup are measurable feats he's achieved. What doesn't show up on a traditional stat sheet is his curling strike from 25 yards out that almost put Villa back on level terms with Spurs on Monday. He's starting to get more comfortable playing in England, particularly when deployed as a central attacker.

While some steel is definitely needed to combat players like Yaya Touré in midfield, there's also a place in this side for creativity. Therefore, both Carles Gil and Carlos Sánchez should see the field against City. The wingers will have to help the fullbacks, as Kevin de Bruyne will be looking to release Raheem Sterling and either Samir Nasri or Jesús Navas into wide danger areas.

Idrissa Gana Gueye is a sensible option in midfield, and has the forward-thinking mentality that makes him a great partner for Sánchez. Gana can have more freedom to get forward in possession, and Sánchez can worry about protecting the back four...

Which should consist of Alan Hutton, Micah Richards, Jores Okore and Jordan Amavi. Hutton is an underrated attacker and routinely finds himself in acres of space when venturing down the right wing. It doesn't look like Ciaran Clark is back to 100 percent yet, which is why Okore could get the nod alongside the captain Richards. Hopefully Amavi has learned whatever lesson Sherwood was trying to teach him in the time he was replaced by Kieran Richardson at left back. Please don't make us watch Richardson anymore, Rémi.

Most of all, this match should give us something to base the rest of the season off of. This is definitely one of those matches you had "0 points" penciled in for when predicting how the campaign would go, so essentially there is nothing to lose. Play positive football, avoid errors and there will be things you can take away going forward, even if it ends in defeat. Remember, City are top of the league and bonafide title contenders.

But let's not forget the chance that Garde starts his tenure with a victory. The winless streak has to be halted soon if there's any chance to avoid relegation, so why not now? Could actually using the best players available create a solid XI that catches the Citizens off guard (sorry) and leads to a much-needed three points?

Possible Lineups:

Manchester City (4-2-3-1):

Joe Hart, Bacary Sagna, Vincent Kompany, Eliaquim Mangala, Aleksander Kolarov, Yaya Touré, Fabian Delph, Samir Nasri, Kevin de Bruyne, Raheem Sterling; Sergio Agüero.

Aston Villa (4-4-1-1):

Brad Guzan; Alan Hutton, Micah Richards, Jores Okore, Jordan Amavi; Scott Sinclair, Carlos Sánchez, Idrissa Gana Gueye, Jack Grealish; Carles Gil; Jordan Ayew.

Who does Garde absolutely need to start? Are there any players you don't want to see anywhere near the pitch? Let us know in the comments!

Sagna settled at City at last

Bacary Sagna believes he's finally beginning to establish himself at Man City ahead of tonight's Champions League tie in Seville. 



The French right-back admits it has been a tough task trying to demonstrate his worth since he arrived on a free transfer from Arsenal 16 months ago. 

But Sagna has been able to come to the fore this season due to the injuries suffered to regular first-choice and fan-favourite, Pablo Zabaleta. 

The 32-year-old insists: "I really feel it and read all the comments on Instagram and it gives me ever more desire to give my all for this club. 

"I came here because I wanted to play for City - one of the best teams in Europe - so it's really nice to hear the fans appreciating what I am trying to do for the team. It means a great deal to me.

" Sagna added: "It's just down to having more playing time this season. I'm learning every day, training with the best and to have a a player with the quality of Pablo Zabaleta in the right-back position, I know I have to keep pushing myself."

Manchester City stars pose in Christmas jumpers - 49 days BEFORE the big day

The players were taking part in the club's annual Christmas photo shoot, where they posed in the club's winter retail wear which is now up for sale.

We're not sure what has been happening in Manchester, but they appear to be celebrating Christmas early.

On Wednesday, Manchester United's stars enjoyed a premature Christmas party, as manager Louis van Gaal feared that a night on the town any closer to December 25 would affect them ahead the festive schedule.

Just two days later, Manchester City are also getting in on the act.

The blue side of Manchester have got into the Christmas spirit by donning their Christmas jumpers and warm winter wear.

Joe Hart, Bacary Sagna, Eliaquim Mangala, Willy Caballero and Jesus Navas posed alongside club legend Mike Summerbee and an employees dog, Pongo Bongo, to advertise the club's Christmas wardrobe.

Welcome to the mad house: A quiet Christmas with Manchester City

Eyes on the ball: Hart won't be letting this one slip

Bac and the bear: Sagna showing off a cuddly toy

The stars are gathered around an over-decorated table, as a portrait of Manuel Pellegrini overlooks them, and they tuck into some early Christmas dinners.

A fierce-looking Hart is digging into the turkey while Sagna and and Caballero pull a cracker. Navas is chilling on the floor with the dog while Mangala admires the tree decorated in blue.

Summerbee is playing the role of Scrooge, sat on the end of the table looking fed up with his cuppa.

Say cheese: Navas was forced into wearing one of the club's jumpers

Wishlist: Mangala has included this teddy bear on his Christmas wishlist

Happy chaps: The City team-mates look happy with their day's work

City's Christmas retail line went on sale on Friday morning - and £5 from every jumper sold will go to the Premier League leaders' charity projects around the globe.

The club will again be doing a YouTube advent calendar, which will likely involve more Aleksandar Kolarov shenanigans.

Sagna reveals Euro mission

Bacary Sagna says he is determined not to miss the boat for next summer's European Championships in his home country.

The Manchester City and France right-back believes he is evidencing some of the best form of his career during this campaign. And the 32-year-old admits he is on a mission to ensure he makes Didier Dechamps' squad next June after suffering previous heartbreak.

Sagna missed out on Euro 2012 after breaking his leg and knows his international career is winding down.

The defender said: "It's a dream to have France staging these championships. It's, for me, a gift at the end of my national team career because not everyone gets to play such a huge tournament in front of their family and friends and our own fans.

"I have to give my all to have the opportunity to be part of all that and to play for my country.

"I have played for France for eight years and this could be a fantastic way to finish well and win the European Championships on our own soil."

The Frenchman added: "If I can enjoy a fantastic season at City as well, that means this could be my best and most successful year. That's what I am hoping for and I believe it can happen."

Manchester City's Bacary Sagna says hair-raising improvement in form nothing to do with having trademark locks chopped off

Frenchman ''learning every day'' with increased playing time he is getting because of injuries to regular right-back Pablo Zabaleta

Bacary Sagna insists his hair-raising form for Manchester City is not down to having his barnet cut.

Sagna had his beaded locks chopped in the summer and the full-back has started 15 matches for City this season.

The France international claims his success is not down to the reverse Sampson effect of his new hairstyle and instead says he has grabbed the chance given to him by Pablo Zableta’s injuries.

“It’s funny because people have been saying that since I had my haircut in the summer, I’ve been playing better,” he said.

Before: Sagna last season - with his dreads, and on the Man City bench

After: Sagna THIS season - a new haircut, and in the team

“But I’ve twice been voted the right back of the season - in 2007 and 2008 - and I had my old haircut then so I don’t think the haircut has anything to do with it.

“It’s just down to having more playing time this season and learning every day.

“When there’s a player of the quality of Pablo Zabaleta in the right-back position, I know I have to keep pushing myself. I’m lucky because it’s good for Pablo, good for me and good for City.”

Sagna struggled to make an impact at City last season, making just 14 starts following his Bosman move from Arsenal in July 2014, and he is delighted by the turnaround in his fortunes.

He is also pleased by the support he is receiving from the City fans.

“I really feel it,” he said. “I read all the comments on my Instagram and it gives me even more desire to give my all for this club.

In pictures - Sevilla 1-3 Man City:

“I came here because I wanted to play for City - one of the best teams in Europe - so it’s really nice to hear the fans appreciate me.

“If I can enjoy a fantastic season with France in the Euros, as well as with City, this could be my best and most successful year. That’s what I’m hoping for and I believe it can happen.”