Jack Gaughan

Manchester City's ability to back Pep Guardiola in the transfer market should be further strengthened by cutting the wage bill and posting record revenues in their latest accounts.

Manuel Akanji ruled out and Rico Lewis suspended, leaving just three defenders Spaniard has also admitted that his squad of 20 outfield players is too small

JACK GAUGHAN: Guardiola, who insisted that City are performing well despite seven defeats in 10, ruled Manuel Akanji out of the meeting with Manchester United.

JACK GAUGHAN: That is what comes from a wretched run of form and a severe hit to confidence. Only scratching a win or two from somewhere can change this.

Guardiola admitted that his management of the Premier League champions had not been 'good enough' in the immediate aftermath of Sunday's galling Manchester derby defeat.

JACK GAUGHAN: Pep Guardiola 's admission last week that Manchester City are punishing themselves when conspiring to lose most weeks signified a change in message.

JACK GAUGHAN: City will try to reignite their season by swooping for up to three players in next month's transfer window, but Guardiola fears the club will not get value for money.

JACK GAUGHAN: The 21-year-old was set to be handed the right wing berth by Pep Guardiola at the start of the season following an impressive pre-season in the United States.

Aston Villa 2-1 Man City: Manchester City's dismal run continued at Villa Park as they suffered a sixth league defeat of the season.

JACK GAUGHAN: City head into Thursday's clash at the Etihad against Everton after dropping to seventh place in the Premier League table and having lost nine of their past 12 matches.