City lifted by Pep talk

MANCHESTER City and Manuel Pellegrini face European champions Bayern Munich tonight with a ringing endorsement from the man plotting their downfall, Pep Guardiola.
Guardiola, who took charge of the German giants in the summer, is hugely impressed by the progress made by City in recent years and is a big fan of Pellegrini.

City are trying to make an impression in the Champions League this season after previous failures, but face a stern test tonight at the Etihad Stadium.

Guardiola - himself linked with City before taking over in Munich - said: “Manchester City are one of the biggest clubs in Europe. I think they have made big steps forward. If they qualify, they will be one of the toughest teams in the next round.”

City playmaker David Silva is back in contention for tonight’s match after five games out with a thigh strain, while striker Sergio Aguero returns after missing Saturday's loss at Aston Villa with a minor knock.