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Manchester United v Bayern Munich: Preview, expected line-ups, how to watch and prediction

Jon Fisher
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Manchester United v Bayern Munich: Preview, expected line-ups, how to watch and prediction

The State of Play

Manchester United enter matchday six bottom of Champions League Group A after their 3-3 draw with Galatasaray a fortnight ago. They must win at home to Bayern and hope Copenhagen and Galatasaray draw in order to finish second, though a victory will at least guarantee them a third-place finish and Europa League football.

United come into the game on the back of a humbling 3-0 defeat at home to Bournemouth on Saturday – a result that has reopened the discussion regarding coach Erik ten Hag’s future.

Read our other sports news stories here:
Ten Hag urges Rashford to follow examples of Maguire and McTominay
Luton v Manchester City preview
City struggles are a good thing – Guardiola

Ten Hag would not have enjoyed seeing Bayern’s result at the weekend either with the German champions suffering an embarrassing 5-1 thrashing at Eintracht Frankfurt. That defeat means Bayern, who have already qualified as pool winners, will bring a strong side to Old Trafford and seek an immediate response.

Bayern are four points adrift of Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen although they do have a game in hand.

Team News

Expect Ten Hag to ring the changes following the weekend display. Rasmus Hojlund will surely start at the expense of Anthony Martial in attack while Kobbie Mainoo, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Jonny Evans could return after starting the Bournemouth game on the bench.
Marcus Rashford and Martial missed training today through illness but Victor Lindelof was present.

Brazil midfielder Casemiro trained on Sunday but this game is likely to come too soon for the former Real Madrid man. Lisandro Martinez, Christian Eriksen and Tyrell Malacia are all out while Jadon Sancho remains unavailable for selection.

Bayern have named a strong squad with all the big hitters, at least those that are fit, present. Harry Kane is likely to start on his first visit back to England following his summer switch from Tottenham while former Manchester City man Leroy Sane should start on the wing.
Saturday’s defeat was also damaging for Bayern in another sense with first-choice left-back Alphonso Davies suffering an ankle injury that will keep him out until the new year and Serge Gnabry sustaining a thigh problem shortly after coming on. Back-up goalkeeper Sven Ulreich is also missing due to an ankle problem.

Expected Line-ups

Manchester United: Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Maguire, Evans, Shaw; Mainoo, McTominay, Fernandes; Antony, Garnacho; Hojlund

Bayern Munich: Neuer; Laimer, Upamecano, Kim, Guerreiro; Kimmich, Goretzka; Coman, Muller, Sane; Kane

What they said

Ten Hag on his side’s chances
“I never think in negative scenarios. We think positively, we know what we have to do. We have to win to stay in Europe so it’s all about that.
“I will prepare the team with that feeling and that belief that we are able to do it. We have shown in the last few weeks that when we are at our best we can do it.”

Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel on the need for his side to bounce back from the defeat at Eintracht
“We underestimated the danger of the situation and completely gave the game away very early on. But I have confidence in my team.
“There’s no point in bad-mouthing everything now. It continues on Tuesday [at] Old Trafford. We need a reaction there.”

When and how to watch

The game takes place at Old Trafford with an 8pm (local time) kick off. It can be viewed in the UK on TNT Sports.

Prediction

United were already needing a minor miracle to qualify and their task has been made all the harder following the events in Frankfurt. A club with the profile of Bayern Munich should not suffer defeats like they did on Saturday, and their meek surrender has not gone down well with fans or a critical media. Thomas Tuchel knows many more performances like that and his job will start to come under scrutiny.
That, and United’s inconsistent form, means everything points towards an away win.

Award-winning chef to head new restaurant at Rochdale Town Hall

Helen Greaney
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Award-winning chef to head new restaurant at Rochdale Town Hall

Rochdale’s Darren Parkinson has signed up as executive chef to lead the new town hall restaurant.

The stunning building gears up to reopen to the public next year following a multi-million pound restoration, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Darren will head up a talented team of chefs as they create a brand new dining offer for Rochdale, housed in the incredible neo gothic surroundings of the grade I listed town hall.

Wealth of experience

He brings a wealth of experience, having honed his craft at Halifax’s Shibden Mill.

During his 14 year tenure, the restaurant picked up a string of accolades, including two AA rosettes. It was also awarded UK food pub of the year in 2022 and Sunday lunch pub of the year, as well as Les Routiers Inn of the Year. His most recent role was at the Fleece Inn in Ripponden, which also boasts two AA rosettes.

The talented chef grew up in Heywood and trained in catering at Hopwood Hall College, before kicking off his long and successful career in kitchens across the UK, as well as in northern France.

The Martlet

The new restaurant will be named ‘The Martlet’, which is a mythical bird that appears in imagery throughout the building, including in the newly restored, Bright Hall.

The Martlet will offer a variety of foods, including light lunchtime ‘grab and go’ offers, traditional afternoon teas and classic North West dishes like rag pudding and fish and chips.

Guests will be able to see the team in action, with banquette seating and high chairs surrounding an open kitchen. On Friday and Saturday nights, The Martlet will transform into a fine dining restaurant, serving up dishes like Fillet of Beef Wellington and Halibut Loin with shrimp risotto, sea greens and marsh samphire.

Darren said: “It’s gone full circle for me in Rochdale, as I remember doing some catering for an event in the town hall when I was first studying in the 90s. The town hall is an incredibly well known and loved landmark, not just in Rochdale, but far beyond.

“The Martlet will be a really valuable part of the wider town hall offer, which is going to wow our residents and visitors when it reopens next year. I’ve had a successful career that I’ve really enjoyed, but coming in at the beginning of something completely new, which this restaurant will be, is an incredibly exciting opportunity which I couldn’t pass up.

“In addition to our weekday menu, our Friday and Saturday nights will offer fine dining, something which is not widely available in Rochdale, and which will really complement the food and drink offer which we already have here. With cooking at this level and the kind of surroundings you have at Rochdale Town Hall, it will be something really special.

“Our menu will be full of regional produce and we’ve already recruited a number of local suppliers. We’re now putting together our team of talented chefs and we can’t wait to open our doors next year.”

The town hall team has also leaned on the expertise of top chef Tristan Welch, who has worked in the world’s leading restaurants, including Le Gavroche and L’Arpege, as well as appearing on the BBC’s Great British Menu.

Tristan will be advising Darren and the team, including supporting the  creation of the menu, as the town hall gears up to reopen to the public in March 2024.

Councillor Janet Emsley said: “From the very beginning of this restoration, we’ve worked with people who really are the very best at what they do, because we know how important this building is to the people of the borough, to whom the town hall ultimately belongs.

“Now we’re nearing the completion of this huge restoration project, we’ve recruited a first class team, whose responsibility it will be to guide this building once it reopens to the public next year. I’m very proud to welcome Darren, who is Rochdale born and bred, into his role and I know our new restaurant will be a fantastic asset to the building and the wider borough, once it opens next year.”

How to run a small business remotely

Helen Greaney
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How to run a small business remotely

Running a small business remotely presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities.

As the landscape of work shifts, business owners must adapt to managing their operations, teams, and resources from a distance. This change calls for strategic planning, effective use of technology, and a strong focus on communication and team dynamics.

Establishing clear communication channels

Effective communication is the foundation of running a small business remotely. Establishing clear, reliable channels for daily communication is vital.

This includes choosing appropriate platforms for different types of communication such as email for formal messages, instant messaging for quick queries, and video conferencing for meetings. Regular team meetings and one-on-one check-ins should be scheduled to ensure everyone is aligned and informed.

Setting up a robust remote infrastructure

A robust technological infrastructure is crucial. This involves selecting the right tools for collaboration, project management, and document sharing.

Cloud-based services ensure that team members can access necessary resources from anywhere. Investing in reliable hardware and software that supports these functions is also essential for smooth remote operations.

Implementing strong cybersecurity measures

When running a business remotely, cybersecurity becomes even more critical. Implementing strong security protocols, using secure connections, and ensuring that all team members are educated about cybersecurity best practices is necessary to protect sensitive data and maintain client trust.

Managing remote teams effectively

Effective remote team management involves more than just overseeing tasks; it’s about supporting your team. This includes setting clear expectations, providing feedback, and ensuring team members have what they need to succeed.

Understanding the individual work styles of team members and adapting your management approach can enhance productivity and morale.

Fostering a strong company culture remotely

Maintaining a strong company culture is challenging when working remotely. It’s important to create a sense of community and belonging among team members. Regular virtual social events, open forums for sharing ideas, and recognizing employee achievements can help in building a positive remote work culture.

Financial management and remote accounting

Financial management is a key aspect of running any business. For remote businesses, utilising online accounting software to manage finances, track expenses, and process invoices is essential.

Regular financial check-ins and transparent communication about the company’s financial health with your team can also be beneficial.

Utilising efficient time management tools

Efficient time management is vital for remote business operations. Tools like a time clock calculator can be invaluable for tracking hours worked, especially for businesses that bill clients by the hour or have employees working on different schedules. Such tools help in maintaining transparency and accuracy in time tracking.

Navigating legal and compliance issues

Understanding and adhering to legal and compliance issues is crucial, especially when teams are distributed across various locations. This might involve differing employment laws, tax obligations, and data protection regulations.

Staying informed and possibly consulting with legal professionals to navigate these complexities is important for running a remote business.

Embracing flexibility and adaptability

Flexibility and adaptability are crucial in remote business environments. This includes being open to flexible work hours to accommodate different time zones or personal preferences, which can lead to increased productivity and employee satisfaction.

Adaptability also refers to being ready to adjust business strategies in response to changing conditions or technological advancements, ensuring the business remains resilient and competitive.

Prioritising employee development and training

Investing in employee development and training is important for remote businesses. Providing access to online courses, virtual workshops, and continuous learning opportunities can help team members improve their skills.

Regular training ensures that the team is competent in using remote working tools and understands the best practices for remote collaboration and productivity.

Developing effective marketing strategies for remote business

Effective marketing is key to the success of any business, including those operating remotely. Developing a strong online presence through digital marketing strategies such as social media marketing, content marketing, and email campaigns is essential.

Leveraging online platforms to reach and engage with customers can help in building brand awareness and driving sales, crucial for the growth of a remote business.

Conclusion

Running a small business remotely involves tackling various challenges, from establishing effective communication and a robust infrastructure to managing cybersecurity and fostering company culture.

By focusing on these key areas and leveraging appropriate tools and practices, small business owners can successfully navigate the complexities of remote business operations, leading to a productive, secure, and engaged work environment.

Police appeal after man sexually assaulted in Harpurhey

Helen Greaney
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Police appeal after man sexually assaulted in Harpurhey

Police have issued an appeal after a man was seriously sexually assaulted in Harpurhey.

He was on his way to work when he was attacked on Hendham Vale at around 8:15am on December 4.

The offender is described as black, in his mid 30s and around six-feet tall. He was wearing a snood, baseball cap and black hoodie, black jogging bottoms with white markings going down one side and trailing on the floor.

Detective sergeant Carla Dalton, of North Manchester CID, said: “This is a horrific and distressing crime that will rightly cause concern within the local community.

“The victim has bravely provided a statement and is being supported by specialist officers at this difficult time. We are determined to catch this dangerous individual and appeal to anyone who was in the area at the time.

“Members of the public will see extra officers in the area as we carry out our enquiries.

“We are committed to keeping people safe in our communities and I can reassure the public that we are doing everything we can to reinforce this.”

Anyone with information, dashcam footage or who was in the area at the time should contact police on 0161 856 1146 quoting log 1001-04/12/2023.

Information can also be reported via www.gmp.police.uk or 101 or shared anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Reports of rape or sexual assault can be reported to the same.

Tristan Hamm, AKA Mr Adventure, Counters Influencer Stereotypes with Positive Engagement

News Desk
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Tristan Hamm, AKA Mr Adventure, Counters Influencer Stereotypes with Positive Engagement

Tristan Hamm, widely celebrated as Mr Adventure, is actively working to dispel the negative stereotypes associated with influencers, encouraging peers to use their platforms for constructive societal change.

Hamm, known for his initiatives in using nature and community to bolster mental health, is based in Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, and commands a significant following of over 2.1 million on social media (@tristanhamm).

Tackling the stigma associated with the term “influencer,” Hamm, who founded Revived Outdoors, is intent on transforming stereotypes and promoting a culture of empathy in the industry.

“I think the term ‘influencer’ has become more of a dig rather than an accolade,” expressed Tristan. “It’s common knowledge that people love seeing others fail, especially those who are doing well in life.”

Committed to positively influencing his audience and reciprocating community support, Hamm has notably contributed over $350,000 (£275,000) in adventure equipment, including camper trailers, as part of a festive giveaway.

“This giveaway was part of a larger initiative where tens of thousands of my followers came together, sharing their personal stories of struggles,” Tristan detailed. “These acts of generosity led to a huge outpour of support and truly showcased the power of social media to unite people.”

Tristan is focused on redefining the role of an influencer, combining his passion for adventure with a meaningful use of social media. He stated, “I hope to combine my passion for adventure while leveraging social media for meaningful change. I’m not about the views and likes; I’m about inspiring change.”

He encourages fellow influencers to shift their focus from likes and shame culture to fostering community and positivity, remarking, “Influencers often get a bad rep. But at the end of the day, everyone has influencers, so we need to come together in community and positively influence. Not shame or search for extra likes.”

Elevate Your Digital Presence: The Impact of Strategic Link Building on Online Visibility Unveiled

News Desk
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Elevate Your Digital Presence: The Impact of Strategic Link Building on Online Visibility Unveiled

In the vast landscape of the digital realm, the key to standing out lies in understanding the intricate dance of algorithms and user behaviour. In this age of information overload, elevating your digital presence is not just a desire but a necessity for businesses and individuals alike. One of the fundamental strategies in achieving this elevation is through the art and science of strategic link building, a process that can significantly boost your online visibility and, in turn, enhance your website’s SEO.

Link building, in essence, is the practice of acquiring hyperlinks from other websites to your own. These links act as digital endorsements, signalling to search engines that your content is valuable and authoritative. As the digital landscape evolves, the importance of these endorsements becomes even more pronounced, making strategic link-building an indispensable component of any comprehensive SEO strategy.

Link building can be approached through various avenues, and two prominent methods have emerged as particularly effective: utilising the services of specialised link-building agencies and implementing a well-thought-out digital PR strategy.

Link Building Agencies: Crafting a Path to Authority

In the ever-evolving world of SEO, the expertise of a dedicated link-building agency can make a significant difference. A Link Building Agency is a specialised service that focuses on acquiring high-quality, relevant backlinks to enhance a website’s credibility. These agencies employ a range of strategies, from outreach to content creation, to secure links from reputable sources within your industry.

One such agency making waves in the digital marketing sphere is Eskimoz SEO agency. With a proven track record of delivering impactful results, Eskimoz combines innovation with experience to create bespoke link-building strategies tailored to individual needs. The agency’s approach goes beyond mere quantity, emphasising the importance of quality links that truly contribute to the overall authority of a website. By partnering with a Link Building Agency like Eskimoz, businesses can navigate the complex web of SEO with confidence, knowing that their digital presence is in capable hands.

Digital PR Services: Building Relationships for Digital Success

Digital PR services represent another avenue to fortify your online visibility through strategic link building. Unlike traditional PR, which primarily focuses on securing media coverage, digital PR extends its reach into the online sphere. It involves building relationships with online influencers, bloggers, and industry thought leaders to secure valuable backlinks.

Crafting a compelling narrative and fostering genuine connections within your industry can lead to organic link acquisition. When others find your content valuable and relevant, they are more likely to link back to your website. Digital PR services leverage these connections, amplifying your brand’s voice and establishing your website as an authoritative source within your niche.

In conclusion, the quest for online visibility requires a multi-faceted approach, and strategic link-building stands as a cornerstone in this digital journey. Whether through the specialised expertise of a Link Building Agency or the relationship-building prowess of Digital PR services, the impact on your website’s SEO is undeniable. As you navigate the complexities of the digital landscape, remember that elevating your digital presence is not just about being seen; it’s about being recognised as a valuable and authoritative voice in your industry.

South Africa v India: 1st T20I – Preview, expected line-ups, how to watch and prediction

Jon Fisher
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South Africa v India: 1st T20I – Preview, expected line-ups, how to watch and prediction

The State of Play

Many of India’s leading names are missing for the white-ball leg of their tour of South Africa, although the bulk are returning for the Test series that follows. This T20I series marks the start of both sides’ build-up for the T20I World Cup next June.

The recently concluded ODI World Cup marks a natural end point for players and several were absent from the squads when they were announced.

Team News

South Africa will be without Temba Bavuma and Kagiso Rabada, who are being rested for the white-ball series with the Proteas prioritising the Test matches. Bavuma captained the one-day side which reached the semi-finals of the recent World Cup while Rabada was a key part of their pace arsenal. Gerald Coetzee and Marco Jansen are available for the first two T20Is but will miss the third. Lungi Ngidi has been ruled out of the T20 series with an ankle sprain.
Reeza Hendricks will replace Quinton De Kock and is expected to open the batting alongside Matthew Breetzke.

Suryakumar Yadav will captain India as he did for the recently concluded 4-1 T20I series win over Australia. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have not travelled to South Africa for the white-ball series with both men asking to be rested.
Leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi will play having risen to the top of the world rankings for his exploits against Australia.

Expected line-ups

South Africa: Hendricks, Breetzke, Markram (c), Miller, Klaasen (wk), Ferreira, Coetzee, Jansen, Williams, Shamsi, Burger

India: Jaiswal, Gill, Gaikwad, Iyer, Yadav (c), R Singh, Sharma (wk), Jadeja, Bishnoi, A Singh, Siraj

When and how to watch

The match takes place in Durban with a 2pm UK time start. It is being screened in the UK on Sky Sports Cricket with the programme starting at 1.30pm.

Prediction

India come into this series on the back of a 4-1 defeat of a fatigued Australia but a trip to South Africa should present a much sterner test. Having spent so long playing in home conditions, it may take India time to acclimatise so expect the Proteas to take control early on, starting on Sunday.

Manchester United v Bournemouth: Preview, expected line-ups, how to watch and prediction

Harry Carr
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Manchester United v Bournemouth: Preview, expected line-ups, how to watch and prediction

The State of Play

What a difference one game can make. Manchester United approached Wednesday’s clash with Chelsea in crisis again, with the club banning a group of journalists from their pre-match press conference as Erik ten Hag angrily denied reports of unrest in the Red Devils’ squad.

However, a 2-1 win over the Blues, earned with what was arguably United’s best performance of the season, has them looking up ahead of Saturday’s meeting with Bournemouth. Remarkably, a win over the Cherries would put United level in the Premier League table with neighbours Manchester City.

Scott McTominay continued his prolific campaign by netting twice last time out, becoming the Red Devils’ outright top goalscorer across all competitions in 2023-24, with six. Ten Hag opted to make changes in attack as Marcus Rashford was dropped in midweek, and the Dutchman must now decide whether the restore the misfiring England international to his lineup.

Read our other sports news stories here:
Ten Hag urges Rashford to follow examples of Maguire and McTominay
Luton v Manchester City preview
City struggles are a good thing – Guardiola

Despite the positivity brought about by Wednesday’s win, United could face a stern examination next time out against a resurgent Bournemouth side. Andoni Iraola looked to be on the brink when the Cherries failed to win any of their first nine league games under him, but they have since won four of their last six (one draw, one defeat).

Wednesday’s 2-0 victory at Crystal Palace put further distance between Bournemouth and the bottom three, and with the likes of Justin Kluivert, Antoine Semenyo and Dominic Solanke getting to grips with Iraola’s dynamic style, they will be confident of causing United problems.

United have already lost five times at Old Trafford in all competitions this campaign. Can Bournemouth inflict another humiliation on the Red Devils, or will their win over Chelsea represent a real turning point?

Team News

United’s selection issues are starting to ease somewhat, with Mason Mount back in training and Jonny Evans making his return from injury as a substitute against Chelsea. However, Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, Lisandro Martinez and Tyrell Malacia are still sidelined, as is Victor Lindelof.

Ten Hag’s main dilemma is in attack, where he must decide whether to reintroduce Rashford in place of Antony or Alejandro Garnacho. Kobbie Mainoo is also pushing for another start in midfield, though Sofyan Amrabat produced a solid showing in midweek.

Bournemouth, meanwhile, could be unchanged. Alex Scott, Tyler Adams, Max Aarons and Lloyd Kelly are all sidelined, though the Cherries have made light of those absences with a four-game unbeaten run (three wins, one draw).

Expected Line-ups

Manchester United: Onana; Dalot, Maguire, Shaw, Reguilon; McTominay, Amrabat; Antony, Fernandes, Garnacho; Hojlund.

Bournemouth: Neto; Smith, Zabarnyi, Senesi, Kerkez; Christie, Cook; Sinisterra, Kluivert, Semenyo; Solanke.

What they Said

Ten Hag on his team’s recent form
“We know the direction we are heading. We are in a better place in better form, you can see the performances are improving. But we know this league is very competitive. Everyone is killing everyone in every game, so we know we have to be ready for every game.”

Iraola on facing Manchester United
“I think like every European team, they are having a really tight schedule.
“It’s very difficult – we are suffering in this way, and they do this every, every single week.
“They are getting the results and they are improving and they are being, for me, a very efficient team, very efficient.
“They are not conceding, especially in the league, a lot of goals and especially against teams like ours, let’s say in the second part of the standings, I think they’ve won everything except (Crystal) Palace, I think they’ve won the rest of the games.

When and How to Watch

The game at Old Trafford will kick off at the traditional time of 15:00 on Saturday and will not be shown live in the UK.

Prediction

Bournemouth were hammered 6-1 on their last trip to Manchester as City’s Jeremy Doku ran riot against the Cherries in November. Iraola’s team have improved massively since then and should make this one a much closer contest, but United’s individual quality should give them enough.

Expect a hard-fought 2-1 United victory, with Ten Hag’s team having repeatedly made hard work of breaking down bottom-half opponents this season.

Ten Hag wants Rashford to follow examples of Maguire and McTominay at Manchester United

Jon Fisher
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Ten Hag wants Rashford to follow examples of Maguire and McTominay at Manchester United

Erik ten Hag has urged Marcus Rashford to follow the examples of Harry Maguire and Scott McTominay and win his place back in the Manchester United side.

Rashford was dropped for the midweek win over Chelsea following a lacklustre display in Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at Newcastle.

Read our other sports news stories here
Luton v Manchester City preview
City struggles are a good thing – Guardiola
Maguire named Premier League Player of the Month
Guardiola won’t put any pressure on injured De Bruyne

The England forward has looked a shadow of the player he was last season when he scored 30 goals in all competitions, earning himself a new contract. He has managed just two this term and his body language has not been that of a player enjoying his football.

Ten Hag, who was today named the Premier League Manager of the Month for November, said: “Rashford is an incredibly good player. You can’t do it with 11 players and he can’t play in every game.

“He is not in the form he was last year, but I am sure he will get back.”

Maguire and McTominay have also been in and out of the United team this season but are currently key components of a side that has won seven of their last 10 league games.

Ten Hag added: “I said the same thing about Scott McTominay and Harry Maguire, it is up to them. Every week, the team will line up in training and the best players will form the best team and they will play.”

McTominay scored regularly for Scotland during their successful Euro 2024 qualifying campaign and has, this season, started displaying that same predatory instinct for United.

“From the first moment, I saw he has a very good smell in the box,” said Ten Hag. “He is a very good finisher. That is not a surprise to us.

“We want to play him in the position so we can get the balls in there, [we know] he will finish.”

United face in-form Bournemouth at Old Trafford tomorrow and Ten Hag is optimistic his side remain on the right track.

“We know the direction we are heading,” he said. “We are in a better place, in better form, you can see the performances are improving. But we know this league is very competitive. Everyone is killing everyone in every game, so we know we have to be ready for every game

Luton v Manchester City: Preview, expected line-ups, how to watch and prediction

Jon Fisher
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Luton v Manchester City: Preview, expected line-ups, how to watch and prediction

The State of Play

Does this constitute a crisis? A winless Premier League run stretching to four games would be merely a blip for most clubs but for Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, it should be viewed as being potentially significant. City have looked a long way short of their best for much of the season, perhaps not surprising with key midfielder Kevin De Bruyne missing since the opening day and Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez moving on over the summer.

They have had a tough run of fixtures recently – Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham and Aston Villa would test any team – but there’s no doubt City have looked uncharacteristically vulnerable.
Prior to the Villa game which they lost 1-0 on Wednesday night, Guardiola stated that he thought his side would still win the league for a record fourth successive time but, to do so, they need to return to winning ways and quickly.

Read our other sports news stories here
McIlroy not bitter over Rahm defection to LIV
City struggles are a good thing – Guardiola
Maguire named Premier League Player of the Month
Guardiola won’t put any pressure on injured De Bruyne

That Luton were so obviously devastated by their last-gasp defeat to Arsenal on Tuesday spoke volumes as to how far they have come. Manager Rob Edwards has built on last season’s play-off final win and continued to mould a team that is difficult to play against with their intense press and excellence at set-pieces.
Kenilworth Road will be at its most hostile for City’s visit and it will be a fascinating test of aggression versus artistry.

Team News

The good news for Guardiola is the returns of Rodri and Jack Grealish from suspension. Rodri, in particular, was a notable absence at Villa Park with City pushing John Stones into midfield – an experiment that didn’t really work.
Grealish is also likely to start at Kenilworth Road if Jeremy Doku cannot prove his fitness.
Stones will likely revert to a more customary central defensive role at the expense of either Josko Gvardiol or Manuel Akanji.

Albert Sambi Lokonga may return for Luton but Tom Lockyer, Cauley Woodrow and Marvelous Nakamba are unlikely to be fit. Edwards will likely choose from the same squad that performed so well in midweek.

Expected line-ups

Luton: Kaminski; Kabore, Mengi, Osho, Bell; Townsend, Mpanzu, Barkley, Doughty, Brown; Adebayo

Manchester City: Ederson; Walker, Stones, Dias, Akanji; Rodri, Silva; Foden, Alvarez, Grealish; Haaland

What they said

Guardiola on the how their recent winless run could be a good thing
“For everyone at the club, it’s a good thing that we are living, it is necessary.
“For a long time, we have looked at how good we are. Maybe we need this to say ‘guys, this is business, it’s terrible, we are not able to win one game.
“For myself first, maybe I need that challenge to prove I am a good manager to help the players overcome this challenge. And for the players it’s a good challenge, for them to say ‘my God, Aston Villa were much better than us’.
“And even the club, the whole organisation, we can be out of the Champions League next season. We need to work hard after what has happened over the last few years.

Edwards on his admiration for Guardiola
“Man City are amazing. I’ve got such admiration for Guardiola as a manager, wherever he’s been he has been a winner and they have built this football club over the years, it’s incredible to see the culture they have built with the players they have.
“To continuously evolve them and keep winning, including the treble last season, everyone will now be trying to knock them off their pedestal, so it’s a big challenge for them.
“They’ve been in tight games where they could have won all of them, we know how tight games are and that’s just the nature of the Premier League.”

When and how to watch

The match takes place at Kenilworth Road, with a 2pm kick-off. It is being screened live on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Ultra HD as part of Super Sunday.

Prediction

Luton proved against Arsenal they can give any team problems, particularly from set-pieces. And with the likes of Ross Barkley in midfield they can now add brains to their obvious brawn.
I’d still take City to win, and end their run of poor form, but it should be a real test of character for the European champions.

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