Aguero on mend

STAR striker Sergio Aguero is near to a Manchester City return, but will not be risked at home to Stoke City tomorrow.

The Argentina international has been out of action since the end of January after he suffered a hamstring injury.

Aguero has scored 26 goals in 25 appearances for City this season, and his presence was missed in the midweek Champions League clash against Barcelona.

The 25-year-old is likely to be included in the City squad for the Capital One Cup final against Sunderland on March 2.

"Feeling very good about my last week of recovery work," Aguero said on a social network site. "If I keep it up next week I'll train with the team."



MANCHESTER United face a tricky away test at rejuvenated Crystal Palace tomorrow.

Palace looked doomed to relegation when Tony Pulis took the managerial reins in November, but a marked upturn in form has seen them move out of the drop zone.

It’s still tight near the foot of the table, but Palace have only lost once in seven home games under their new manager and are displaying all the resilience that Stoke became renowned for under Pulis.

Marouane Fellaini was an unused substitute for United in the goalless draw with Arsenal last time and could make his return after two months out.