City workload being shared

DESPITE the absence of superstars Sergio Aguero and David Silva, Manchester City were superb at times during their 3-1 Champions League win against Sevilla.

Raheem Sterling, Fernandinho and Wilfried Bony were on target in Spain on Tuesday and their contribution — with that of Kevin De Bruyne — in recent matches has eased the pressure on boss Manuel Pellegrini to rush back his star duo.

City must wait until Sunday to for the next Premier League match against Aston Villa who, although bottom of the table, should be invigorated by the appointment as manager of Remi Garde.

The former Arsenal midfielder is viewed by some as a natural replacement for his ex-boss Arsene Wenger at the Emirates Stadium.

But first he must find a way to steer Villa clear of the relegation zone.

It doesn’t get much tougher than a home fixture against an in-form City team, though, and one which Pellegrini believes will get even better following their win in Seville.