Aguero back from ban, looking to kick-start turbulent season
It has been a strange season for Sergio Aguero. The goals have flowed for Manchester City — nothing new there — but other factors have transpired to make it one of the most turbulent periods of the Argentine’s career.
The season started with Aguero, one of the world’s most feared strikers, being publicly urged by City manager Pep Guardiola to change his style of play in order to become a more complete footballer. He has been dropped for big games by both his club and his country, and found himself sitting out seven of City’s 18 English Premier League games through suspension following two separate acts of violent conduct.
The last time Aguero was seen in a City jersey, he was walking sheepishly off the field at Etihad Stadium on December 3 after being shown a red card for a reckless, two-footed lunge on Chelsea defender David Luiz. It has been a grind for City amid their star player’s four-match absence, with a humiliating 4-2 loss at Leicester followed by wins over Watford, Arsenal and Hull that lacked the sparkle of earlier in the season.
Now Aguero is available again — and his return can’t come quickly enough for City. His first game back is away to Liverpool, who have beaten City three straight times in the league and have not lost at home to their upcoming opponents in 13 years.
CLOSEST RIVALS
In the context of the title race, it is a huge match with Liverpool lying second and City in third. It is a no-lose scenario for Chelsea, who hold a six-point lead and know one or both of their two closest rivals will drop points.
With struggling Stoke visiting Stamford Bridge on Saturday, there their a strong chance that Chelsea will be extending their winning run to 13 games — matching the top-tier record in English soccer.
For a promoted team, a game at United’s iconic Old Trafford stadium is always something to look forward to. It will be particularly special for Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka.
Sixth-place United have won their last four league games to move back in touch with the Champions League qualification positions.
Sunderland’s hopes of getting out of the bottom three took a hit ahead of the game against their likely relegation rival, with manager David Moyes saying goalkeeper Jordan Pickford would miss the next “six to eight weeks” with a knee injury.
Sunderland are third from bottom, six points behind Burnley.
Leicester take on West Ham and Southampton face West Bromwich Albion. Tomorrow, fifth- place Tottenham visit Watford and fourth-place Arsenal host Crystal Palace.