In Video: Has Pep Guardiola outstayed his Man City welcome? | Back Pages

Back Pages Tonight: Manchester Derby and More

Tonight on Sky Sports News, we’re bringing you a first look at the sports stories in the morning’s newspapers. Joining us are ESPN’s senior writer Mark Ogden and The Sun’s chief sports writer Dave Kidd. Let’s dive into the back pages!

Manchester Derby Rivalry

The Sun’s headlines scream “Top Trumps” as both Pep Guardiola and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer boast about their respective frontmen. The Express leads with Alexander Isak’s refusal to play, which ruined his relationship with Eddie Howe. The Guardian’s headline reads “The Impossible Job” as Ruben Amorim faces a challenging task at Manchester United.

Ian Ladyman’s piece in the Mail focuses on the Manchester derby rivalry, questioning where the balance of power lies between United and City going into this weekend’s match. Mark Ogden agrees that City have overtaken United in recent years, citing their better football and recent success.

Goalkeepers and Strikers

Dave Kidd discusses the unlikely goalkeepers going into the derby, with Amorim opting for Baynder over Lemans. Mark Ogden thinks Baynder is vulnerable on crosses and set pieces, while Dave Kidd believes City’s summer signing, Harland, is a more reliable option.

The Telegraph highlights the physicality of some of the big summer signings as strikers. Mark Ogden prefers the muscular physique of Victor Yokarez, while Dave Kidd thinks Alexander Isak’s lean build gives him an edge.

Newcastle United and Eddie Howe

The Express also centers around the deteriorated relationship between Eddie Howe and Alexander Isak, with Howe trying to protect the player and the club. Mark Ogden agrees that Howe handled the situation well, given the impossible circumstances.

Dave Kidd thinks there may be a hangover for Newcastle United following the long-drawn-out Isak saga, citing their struggles to score goals and win matches without a proper center forward.

Nottingham Forest and Marinakis

Jamie Carragher’s column in the Telegraph describes Marinakis as a “pantomime villain,” dividing opinion amongst Nottingham Forest fans. Mark Ogden thinks Marinakis pushed it too far by sacking Nuno Espirito Santo and bringing in Postolgo, who plays a different style of football.

Conclusion

In a minute to go, Dave Kidd senses a possible clash between Marinakis and Postolgo, given their passionate personalities. Mark Ogden predicts that the partnership will end in tears within 18 months.

That’s all for tonight’s Back Pages. Join us again at 10:30 on Monday for more sports debate and discussion.