Waiting his turn: Nolito happy to be part of Pep’s rotation

Spaniard says he trusts coach’s selection policy ahead of visit to champions Leicester

LEICESTER: Manchester City forward Nolito admits he has been happy with Pep Guardiola’s rotation policy as he eyes a return to the team to face Leicester City on Saturday.

Guardiola’s side face the defending champions at the King Power Stadium with the City manager forced to make at least one enforced change to his starting line-up.

Argentina striker Sergio Aguero, who was shown a red card for a reckless challenge on Chelsea’s David Luiz last time out, is set to miss four matches through suspension.



Nolito is eager to start ahead of striker Kelechi Iheanacho but revealed that even if he is left on the bench he will accept Guardiola’s decision.

“Coming to a team like this I knew how difficult it would be to play in such a competitive team, with very good players,” said Spain international Nolito. “The manager is rotating — sometimes he plays one player, another time he’ll play another — and honestly, right now, I’m very happy.”



Arsenal put trust in Sanchez, Ozil

Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil will spearhead Arsenal’s attack against Stoke City as their ongoing contract talks continue to dominate the club’s off-pitch agenda.

The decisive duo will both be out of contract in 2018 as things stand, prompting fears they could leave the club.

Arsene Wenger has vowed they will not be sold prior to the end of their contracts, but was unable to give fans any assurances about their futures at the Emirates Stadium.

“They have 18 months left on their contract and they are completely committed to do well as long as they are here,” said the Frenchman. “Beyond that, we’ll try to extend their contracts, but I cannot make that the subject in every press conference.”



Moyes backs Sunderland to sink Swansea

Sunderland Manager David Moyes is wary of Swansea City’s midfield threat but is confident his strikers Jermain Defoe and Victor Anichebe will earn his team three Premier League points.

Sunderland, who are 18th in the table but have won three of their last four league games, visit bottom club Swansea who were trashed 5-0 by Tottenham Hotspur last weekend.

Swansea put five goals past Crystal Palace in November, and Moyes said the team’s midfield trio of Gylfi Sigurdsson, Jack Cork and Leroy Fer could pose problems.

“Sigurdsson, Cork and Fer are very good midfield players,” said Moyes. “At home, [Swansea] will want to get them on the ball.”

Anichebe and Defoe have scored six goals for Sunderland in the past four games and the former in particular has impressed Moyes with his contribution.

“I think Victor Anichebe has exceeded many expectations,” he said. “[Defoe] is also in a real purple patch. He’s fit, he’s sharp and I hope he keeps scoring goals.”

Published in The Express Tribune, December 10^th, 2016.

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