City went into the international break with a superbly convincing 3-0 win over Liverpool. Many saw it as a crucial win in the title race. City put their hands up to be Arsenal's primary challengers but Guardiola has been keen to play down any discussion of points differentials.

"We are in November, and in November in this league nothing is final," Guardiola said. "What happens in February or March, be careful. But the season starts now. The first start is when the transfer window is over in the summer. And now again when the international breaks are over.

"Now until March we see each other every three days. Now the real season starts. It is important to be there and to arrive at the end of the season with a chance to fight. Winning would be an important step for us."

Erling Haaland goes into Saturday's game on 99 Premier League goals from 108 appearances. He joined City in 2022. He can break Alan Shearer's record of being the fastest to reach a century on the former England captain's old ground. Shearer's record stands at 124 games.

Haaland's goalscoring exploits continued on the international front over the break. He added another four strikes to his tally. Norway qualified for their first World Cup appearance since 1998. Haaland scored 16 goals in eight games during their qualifying campaign.

"He's incredible this season," Guardiola said. "He's breaking all the records, personal and individual records, Premier League records, records for Norway. I'm happy for him, his national team. I saw that many of the squad for Norway weren't even born the last time Norway were in the World Cup.

"As a football player, a world-class player, he deserves to play a World Cup and live the experience. I'm so happy for him."

Rodri remains out for the weekend along with long term absentee Mateo Kovacic. The Spain midfielder continues to manage his fitness after a recent setback. A brief substitute appearance away at Bournemouth earlier this month was his only appearance since he was forced off at Brentford on 5 October.

"Rodri is making good steps," Guardiola said. "It's almost three weeks since the last step back. He knows that, he has to take the real time to recover mentally and physically with the problems that he's had, to be consistent from now until the end."

Guardiola offered a cautious update. “He does not feel perfect, so we do not take the risk,” he said. “This is a little setback. He needs more time to feel good and play football. What matters is that he’s fine and won’t be out again for long.”

The recently impressive Nico Gonzalez is set to anchor midfield once more. Phil Foden will continue in the No10 role after scoring twice against Dortmund and putting in a brilliant shift, while Bernardo Silva may come in for Tijjani Reijnders,

Rayan Cherki is pushing for a start after scoring off the bench, and Rayan Ait-Nouri hopes to build on recent substitute appearances, though Nico O’Reilly is expected to keep his place at left-back.

Gianluigi Donnarumma and Erling Haaland remain certain starters in goal and attack. Mateo Kovacic is the only long-term absentee.

Predicted City XI (4-1-4-1): Donnarumma; O’Reilly, Gvardiol, Dias, Nunes; Gonzalez; Doku, Silva, Foden, Cherki; Haaland.

The 25-year-old's case for an England recall grew stronger by the minute. He produced two stunning finishes either side of another trademark Haaland goal. Next week's World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Albania loom large, and Foden has put himself right in the conversation.

Guardiola was effusive about his star man's return to form. The Catalan believes Foden is ready to drive City's charge for silverware.

"Phil is back," Guardiola said. "How many times have we seen Phil score these goals? We missed this last season but this season I think he's going to help us."

"When Phil is happy with love and joy, you don't have to say much. He's a special player but we need his goals and today was the step to do it."

Haaland refused to be overshadowed entirely. He hammered home Jeremy Doku's cross to take his tally for club and country this season to an absurd 27 goals from 17 appearances. His overall Champions League total now stands at 54 from 52 games.

Dortmund showed signs of life when Waldemar Anton pulled one back to make it 3-1. He converted Julian Ryerson's set-piece delivery. But City finished with authority. Rayan Cherki added a late fourth to inflict only Dortmund's second defeat of the campaign.

Before kick-off, Guardiola had called the fixture crucial in the race for qualification to the knockout phases. City want to avoid an extra game in the play-off round by securing a top-eight finish.

Unlike last season's appalling Champions League effort, City appear to be comfortably on course for the play-off rounds, with the Dortmund victory lifting the Blues to 10 points from 4 games. 

They have lost just one league match, that being against Liverpool on the opening day. A win over Nottingham Forest last weekend extended their unbeaten league run to eight games.

Their trip to Manchester offers a severe test. Andoni Iraola's side faces the might and wealth of the City squad. History is against them. Bournemouth have lost all but one Premier League fixture against the eight-time top flight winners.

That solitary victory came last season, at their Vitality Stadium home.

City are eager to move past last weekend’s league setback, a loss at Aston Villa. They returned to form midweek in the League Cup. Three goals from Jérémy Doku, Omar Marmoush, and Rayan Cherki saw them fight back to beat Championship side Swansea City 3-1 in South Wales.

This game starts a crucial period for the club. They host Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Wednesday. Then Liverpool visit the Etihad next Sunday.

Boosted by the return of Erling Haaland, City must secure three points here to regain momentum.

Guardiola didn’t sound especially worried. “We’re going hiking in the mountains,” he said with a grin. Translation: the squad will be lying down in dark rooms, hoping their legs start working again. “Friday is recovery,” he added. “We’ve got injuries. The best thing is rest, rest, rest.”

In the past he has complained that English sides are stitched up by the calendar. On this occasion he waved the topic away. Perhaps even Pep has realised the Premier League isn’t going to reshuffle the diary for him.

the bigger question is whether Rodri can face Arsenal. The midfielder is still working back from the knee injury he picked up against the same opposition a year ago. He asked to come off after an hour on Thursday, admitting he didn’t feel quite right. He had already been substituted in the Manchester derby before the end.

“He was smart,” said Guardiola. “It was 1-0 at the time, but he didn’t feel good. Yesterday in training he said he wasn’t comfortable, then insisted he’d be fine today – and he was excellent. With him we’re calmer, but you have to be careful after an injury. We’ll decide on Sunday.”

So City head to Arsenal with little prep, a tired squad and a decision to make on their midfield anchor. All perfectly straightforward then.

The move raised eyebrows given Donnarumma's instrumental role in PSG's treble-winning campaign last term, which included their maiden Champions League triumph.

"My intentions were crystal clear - this was where I wanted to be," Donnarumma explained. "No other destination crossed my mind. City was my sole focus, my only ambition."

The 26-year-old revealed the groundwork for his switch had been laid months earlier, with Pep Guardiola's persistence proving decisive.

"City's interest became apparent before the summer, but things intensified following the Club World Cup," he said. "Knowing the manager was championing my arrival meant everything. The warmth shown by everyone here filled me with immense pride. There was no hesitation on my part."

Donnarumma's Premier League bow could hardly have gone better. A commanding clean sheet performance in the 3-0 Manchester derby victory showcased exactly why Guardiola pursued him so relentlessly. His stunning denial of Bryan Mbeumo's effort drew immediate acclaim from teammates, notably Erling Haaland.

"Beyond being an extraordinary footballer - arguably the finest on the planet - Erling possesses remarkable character," Donnarumma observed. "That combination elevates him further. Our bond formed instantly upon my arrival."

The Italian captain described feeling immediately at home despite his brief tenure at the club.

"The reception I received suggests I've been here for years rather than weeks," he reflected. "Football teams must operate like families. When a teammate produces a crucial save, everyone should celebrate as passionately as scoring a goal. Unity remains paramount. Our derby triumph demonstrated our collective ambition to reach even greater heights."

Thursday brings a particularly poignant fixture as City host Napoli in the Champions League, Donnarumma's hometown club from his native province.

His journey began at AC Milan aged 14, where he broke through two years later to become Italy's third-youngest goalkeeper to start a senior match. After 250-plus appearances for the Rossoneri, he departed for PSG in 2021 on a free transfer, accumulating four Ligue 1 titles, the European Cup, and two Coupes de France.

Antonio Conte's Serie A champions will provide stern opposition, something Donnarumma readily acknowledges.

"This represents a challenging examination," he admitted. "Napoli holds special meaning for me - countless friends and family remain there. Thursday's encounter fills me with anticipation, though playing at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona would have added extra spice."

Ederson was central to City’s passing game, setting a standard few goalkeepers could match. Guardiola, however, has no intention of asking Donnarumma to play in the same way.

“I always adapt to the players I have,” Guardiola said ahead of Sunday's derby. “Ederson was the best I’ve ever seen with distribution, short and long. Gigi isn’t here to copy that. He has different qualities.”

The manager pointed to Donnarumma’s stature and experience as his main assets. “He’s massive. He has presence. He’s played at the top level, in the biggest matches. Of course he’ll concede goals, every keeper does, but the team will work with him. He’ll give us something else.”

City may head into Sunday’s derby with problems elsewhere. John Stones remains doubtful after withdrawing from England duty last week with a muscle issue. The defender has started all three of City’s league games this season but endured an injury-hit campaign last year. Guardiola admitted his chances of facing Manchester United are uncertain.

Omar Marmoush, meanwhile, will not feature. The forward suffered a knee injury on international duty with Egypt. Tests are ongoing but City believe the lay-off will be measured in weeks rather than months, with a return expected before the October internationals.

United also have selection concerns. Ruben Interim is without Matheus Cunha, Diogo Dalot and Mason Mount, though Noussair Mazraoui could come into the side. Despite bringing in Senne Lammens, Amorim confirmed Altay Bayinder will start in goal, with the hapless André Onana having departed to Turkey on loan.

Possible line-ups

City: Donnarumma; Ake, Khusanov, Dias, Nunes; Rodri, Reijnders, Silva; Doku, Bobb, Haaland.

United: Bayinder; Shaw, De Ligt, Yoro; Diallo, Mazraoui, Casemiro, Mainoo; Fernandes, Mbeumo; Sesko.

Marmoush, who arrived from Eintracht Frankfurt in January for £59m, has scored eight goals in 28 games for City. He will now fly back to Manchester for further scans and to begin recovery work.

His absence is a setback for Pep Guardiola, already short of attacking options. Rayan Cherki is out with a hamstring problem, while Phil Foden sat out the Brighton defeat before international the break.

City confirmed that early tests in Egypt suggested Marmoush would not be fit for the derby at the Etihad on Sunday afternoon.

Marmoush is the second City player to be injured during the international break, after John Stones withdrew from the England squad last week.

It is concerning that City already have a significant injury list, despite only being three games into the new season.

England manager Thomas Tuchel confirmed the withdrawal, explaining that Stones arrived carrying a slight issue which had not improved. “He came with minor muscle problems and didn’t progress as we’d hoped,” Tuchel said. “We won’t take the risk against Andorra or Serbia.”

It is another setback for a player Tuchel has yet to use since taking charge. Stones missed the previous two squads through injury, and his absence again removes a calm, experienced option from England’s back line ahead of a difficult trip to Belgrade.

Tuchel has spoken repeatedly of his admiration for Stones’ versatility. The 30-year-old is one of the few defenders in the squad comfortable enough in possession to be considered as cover in midfield. With England short of a natural holding player, Tuchel had been exploring the idea of using him there.

Instead, he must reshuffle again while he continues to fine-tune his system. For City, the hope will be that the issue proves minor and that Stones is fit to return for the derby on September 14th.

The Gelsenkirchen-born playmaker leaves with a fantastic legacy at the club. Across 358 appearances, he netted 65 goals and established himself as one of Guardiola's most trusted lieutenants. His seven-year association with City yielded five Premier League titles and that memorable Champions League triumph in Istanbul.

"Manchester City will always hold a special place in my heart," Gündogan reflected on his departure. "We achieved incredible things together, particularly during the treble-winning campaign when I had the honour of captaining the team.

"Lifting the Champions League in Istanbul was extraordinary - especially meaningful given my Turkish heritage. City will continue winning trophies, and I'll be watching from Turkey, a country close to my heart."

Gündogan's City journey began in 2016 when Guardiola identified him as his priority signing from Borussia Dortmund. After seven successful seasons, Barcelona lured him away on a free transfer in 2023. However, his Catalonian adventure lasted just one campaign before he returned to Manchester last August.

His second spell proved less fruitful. Though he featured regularly - making 33 league appearances - City endured a disappointing campaign by their standards, finishing third behind Arsenal and Liverpool. The midfielder's influence waned as younger players emerged, prompting both parties to consider a fresh start.

Hugo Viana, City's director of football, paid tribute to the departing German. "İlkay's name will forever be linked with Manchester City's golden era. His contribution to our success cannot be overstated."

For Galatasaray, securing Gündogan represents a significant coup. The Turkish champions gain a world-class operator with vast experience in elite competitions. His familiarity with Turkish culture - his parents emigrated from Turkey to Germany - should ease his transition.

The move also suits Gündogan's career timeline. At 34, he seeks consistent minutes ahead of what may be his final international tournament cycle. Galatasaray's participation in European competition provides the perfect stage for him to showcase his enduring quality.

City's willingness to release Gündogan reflects their squad's evolution under Guardiola. With promising youngsters pushing for opportunities and new signings settling in, Pep seemed comfortable sanctioning his departure. 

Gündogan's departure closes another chapter in City's recent history. From Yaya Touré to David Silva, to Kevin De Bruyne, the club has grown accustomed to bidding farewell to midfield maestros who helped build their modern success. His legacy, however, remains secure - a cultured performer who thrived when it mattered most, and a top bloke off the pitch.

His arrival marks a tactical departure between the posts for City. Where Ederson revolutionised goalkeeping with his distribution, Donnarumma represents a more orthodox approach. Yet his shot-stopping prowess helped drive PSG to Champions League glory last term.

Speaking whilst away with Italy's national squad, Donnarumma dismissed questions over his suitability for City's possession-based approach. He revealed Guardiola's personal interest proved irresistible from the outset.

"Strong interest from a club of City's calibre reflects your hard work," he explained. "Having one of football's greatest managers pursue you creates feelings I cannot properly describe.

"I've maintained my standards throughout my career and couldn't wait to join City because their desire was genuine. The manager's personal backing filled me with pride. Being pursued so intensively by the world's finest club brings pride, emotion and happiness."

This goalkeeper brings serious pedigree. European Championship winner. Champions League victor. Not merely present for these triumphs, but instrumental to achieving them.

During Italy's Euro 2021 campaign, he denied three penalties across two shootouts - the semi-final against Spain and final victory over England. Tournament officials named him player of the competition.

Even this past season, whilst PSG's attacking talents dominated headlines, particularly during their 5-0 final demolition of Inter, Donnarumma's five crucial saves across both Arsenal semi-final legs deserve recognition.

Here stands a goalkeeper operating at peak performance during his prime years. His reputation stems from delivering under the ultimate pressure. Beyond those defining moments, he's competed across Europe's major leagues for a decade. At just 26.

His journey began in December 2014 when AC Milan's academy coaches identified exceptional talent in the 14-year-old. Such was his promise that Milan's goalkeeping coach personally petitioned owners Silvio Berlusconi and Adriano Galliani for first-team promotion.

Guardiola explained their absence was purely precautionary, citing insufficient training time and match sharpness following their extended summer breaks.

"Rodri and Phil weren't ready for 90 minutes against Wolves, but they're prepared now," the Catalan said during Friday's press conference. "They missed training and rhythm because they didn't travel to Palermo whilst others were completing the full pre-season programme."

The Spanish midfielder's return carries particular significance given his lengthy absence last season following a serious knee injury. Guardiola remains cautious about managing his Ballon d'Or winner but showed no doubt about his capabilities.

"I want consistency from Rodri - nothing more," Guardiola said. "He remains the world's finest player until someone else claims that crown in a few months. Quality isn't the question. Regular training, consistent minutes, steady progress - that's what matters."

Brazilian goalkeeper Ederson missed the Wolves victory through illness but has recovered fully. Guardiola faces a selection dilemma between the veteran and James Trafford, who impressed on his City debut at Molineux.

"We'll decide tonight or tomorrow morning," Guardiola said of his goalkeeper choice. "James brought youth and hunger - the desire to succeed at the club where he was raised. It's only one match, but we're pleased with his performance."

The manager praised how new arrivals inject fresh energy into his squad, comparing Trafford's impact to previous additions throughout his tenure.

City will continue without Croatian pair Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovacic, whilst Brazilian winger Savinho also remains unavailable against the the club he has been strongly linked with over the past fortnight.

Tottenham arrive at the Etihad having made their own statement with new signings. Mohammed Kudus started against Burnley last weekend, with João Palhinha introduced from the bench. The Portuguese midfielder looks set for a starting berth this time around.

Spurs face familiar defensive concerns with Radu Drăgușin, Destiny Udogie, James Maddison and Dejan Kuluševski all sidelined. Djed Spence will deputise at left-back again, whilst Rodrigo Bentancur could replace one of last week's midfield trio of Pape Matar Sarr, Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall.

Guardiola emphasised the need for improvement despite the impressive opening-day scoreline.

"We must maintain consistency in our approach and raise our level for Spurs," Pep added. "Better performance is required."

Predicted Line-ups:

Manchester City (4-2-3-1): Trafford; Lewis, Stones, Dias, Ait-Nouri; Nico Gonzalez, Silva, Reijnders; Doku, Bobb; Haaland

Tottenham (4-3-3): Vicario; Porro, van de Ven, Romero, Spence; Palhinha, Bentancur, Matar Sarr; Kudus, Richarlison, Johnson

Match Details:

Kick-off: 12:30pm BST, Saturday 23rd August 2025

Venue: Etihad Stadium

Television: TNT Sports

Donnarumma confirmed his departure from the French capital last week, leaving Europe's elite clubs (and Manchester United) scrambling for his signature. 

The timing could hardly be better for City. Ederson appears increasingly likely to join Galatasaray, with the Brazilian goalkeeper keen on a fresh challenge after eight years in Manchester. Stefan Ortega has also been linked with a move away, leaving James Trafford as the current first choice.

Trafford impressed during pre-season and his Premier League debut at Wolves, but lacks the experience for City's biggest matches. Donnarumma would solve that problem immediately. The 26-year-old Italian remains one of world football's premier goalkeepers and would represent a significant upgrade.

PSG initially valued Donnarumma at €50 million, but their position may soften as the transfer window enters its final phase. With just 12 months remaining on his contract, the Parisians risk losing him for nothing next summer.

Journalist Alfredo Pedulla reports that City have held "close and direct talks" with PSG over the past 48 hours, marking the first serious negotiations between the clubs.

The deal's progression depends largely on Ederson's situation. City would prefer to keep the Brazilian but won't stand in his way if Galatasaray meet their asking price. That sale would provide both the funds and the vacancy to pursue Donnarumma seriously.

Guardiola has worked with world-class goalkeepers throughout his career, and Donnarumma fits that profile perfectly. The Italian's shot-stopping abilityand big-match temperament would complement City's possession-based approach.

United remain in contention, and let's face it they are desperate, but City's immediate need and financial muscle make them favourites. With September's deadline approaching fast, this transfer saga could reach its conclusion within days.

Lewis played 44 times across all competitions last year but often found himself behind Matheus Nunes — usually a midfielder — in the right-back rotation. He has spoken with Pep Guardiola about his place in the squad yet knows the responsibility lies with him. “Everyone wants security,” he said. “But it’s on me to prove myself. I played more last season than the year before, and the target stays the same — to establish myself.”

His manager showed faith at Wolves on Saturday, starting Lewis ahead of Nunes in a 4-0 win that featured two goals from Erling Haaland and debut strikes for Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki.

That victory came with Lewis addressing speculation about his future. “I’ve never seen myself leaving,” he said. “Playing for City has always been my dream. When you’re on the pitch with players of this quality, it brings out the best in you. I couldn’t be happier.”

The defender also admitted last season’s missed title has left its mark on the dressing room. “We want to move forward, but it’s there in the back of our minds. Maybe it’s given us even more drive. We feel stronger together. There’s always hunger here, but maybe there’s extra hunger now.”

Forest did manage to prise away James McAtee in a £30m deal after targeting both him and Lewis. “I felt ready for a new challenge,” McAtee said after completing the move. “Forest had a really good year, and I want to add to that.”

The Dutchman, fresh from his move from AC Milan after being named Serie A's midfielder of the year, pulled the strings with devastating effect. His sublime piece of skill set up the opening goal after 34 minutes, threading a delightful through-ball to Rico Lewis, who squared for Erling Haaland to tap home.

Reijnders wasn't finished. Moments later, he demonstrated why Pep Guardiola was so keen to bring him to the Etihad, curling a first-time effort into the far corner with his left foot. The finish was pure class.

The 27-year-old completed his masterclass with another assist in the second period, teeing up Haaland for City's third. If this is a glimpse of life after Kevin De Bruyne's eventual departure, the transition looks seamless.

Cherki, Lyon's former wonderkid who arrived for £34m, added the cherry on top with nine minutes remaining. The French international cut inside from the right before bending a superb strike into the bottom corner, a goal that will have sent shivers down the spines of City's title challengers.

This wasn't just about the new arrivals. City looked sharp, hungry and focused throughout. The movement was crisp, the passing incisive, and defensively they were rarely troubled by a toothless Wolves attack.

Guardiola will be particularly pleased with how quickly his summer signings have adapted. Both Reijnders and Cherki looked like they'd been playing in his system for years rather than weeks.

With Phil Foden and Rodri still to return from their extended breaks, City's squad depth is looking formidable once again. Saturday's home clash with Tottenham will provide a sterner test, but on this evidence, the Sky Blues are ready to mount another serious title challenge.

City had already turned their noses up at an initial £43million approach, signalling they won't be pushed into a quick sale and are determined to extract maximum value for Savinho from Daniel Levy as payback for the Harry Kane saga three years ago.

However the North London side remain undeterred. Sources suggest another bid will land before the window shuts in a fortnight, with Tottenham convinced they can still get their man.

Savinho's representatives have jetted into England to smooth the path for negotiations, indicating all sides see potential for a deal. The Daily Mail reported earlier that his agent had touched down in London specifically to advance talks with Spurs.

Journalist Jorge Nicola revealed on Thursday that City have made their position crystal clear to interested parties. The price tag sits at €80million (£67m) - take it or leave it.

Should Tottenham meet that demand, Savinho would become their most expensive signing ever, surpassing the £65million splashed (wasted) on Dominic Solanke from Bournemouth last year.

City's hardline stance reflects their determination to extract maximum value for a player they rate highly. Pep's squad may still be deep, but they won't be selling quality on the cheap.

The Brazilian winger impressed during his debut season at the Etihad, showing the pace and trickery that initially caught City's eye. His ability to drift wide or cut inside has made him a versatile weapon in Guardiola's tactical arsenal.