Manchester City
Go for it Pep – This French World Cup star will be a massive signing for Manchester City on the long run
Why signing Benjamin Pavard will be a brilliant move for Manchester City
The World Cup has witnessed the downfall of many superstars over all these years but, at the same time, it has brought plenty of little-known names into the limelight. The narrative of the ongoing carnival in Russia should be viewed as the upsurge of underdogs who are gleefully knocking down the football giants one after another.
Germany, Spain, Portugal, Brazil, and Argentina – the prime contenders – have been eliminated, leaving France as the only powerhouse who have made it to the semifinal by defeating Uruguay.
Benjamin Pavard
France have a star-studded squad that comprises of players from top European outfits. But the one who is stealing the attention has to be their 22-year-old defender Benjamin Pavard, the VfB Stuttgart prodigy.
The youngster has surprised everyone by grabbing his chances majestically. Pavard, predominantly a centre-back, was not the first-choice initially.
However, the fitness concerns surrounding Djibril Sidibe handed him a massive opportunity to stake a claim and the youngster has not let his manager down despite being utilized in a makeshift right-back role.
His sublime curler allowed Les Bleus to stage a comeback against Argentina in the Round of 16. And his performances have turned him into a prime transfer target for European heavyweights Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Manchester City.
Benjamin Pavard
The former Lille prodigy made some serious strides in Stuttgart last year that earned him a golden ticket to Russia. Now, the young ace has reached newer heights under Didier Deschamps and is one of the brightest prospects of European football.
Although Bayern Munich’s dominance in German football will boost them in their quest to wrap up a deal for Pavard, City boss Pep Guardiola’s influence should keep the battle wide open.
The Citizens broke numerous records to clinch Premier League glory last term but they are yet to conquer Europe. Their defensive resilience was repeatedly destroyed by Liverpool and the likes of Nicolas Otamendi, Aymeric Laporte and John Stones seemed clueless against the ‘gegenpressing’ Reds.
Otamendi had an impressive run overall but the growing injury concern of skipper Vincent Kompany demands a long-term solution. The 32-year-old Belgian is unbreakable when he is fit, but has featured only 41 times in the league over the past three campaigns.
Pep Guardiola
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Pavard, meanwhile, suits Pep’s style of football with his versatility and ball-playing attributes from the back. He holds it well, tries to pass it after drawing in opponents towards him, thus emptying space for his fellow teammates to carry the ball forward.
Also, he fits in the right-hand side of a back-three, meaning he will offer the gaffer some much-needed flexibility at the back.
France are pretty much on track to be crowned as the new World Champions and Pavard, a gem of a talent, is likely to undergo the most remarkable phase of his career within the next couple of months.
Everton Women host Manchester City on Sunday as the WSL leaders return from the winter break with a six point advantage at the top of the table. Brian Sorensen’s side will be without several key players including Rion Ishikawa due to sickness and Hikaru Kitagawa who is being assessed after feeling her hamstring during training.
Elise Stenevik, Megan Finnigan and Lucy Hope remain unavailable while Katie Robinson has returned to Aston Villa after her loan spell ended, having made 12 appearances for the Toffees. Everton sit 10th in the table, five points above the relegation zone.
Kick-off: 12:00 GMT, Sunday, January 11, 2026
Venue: Joie Stadium, Manchester
TV: TBC
Sorensen Demands Defensive Discipline
The Everton boss knows his side face an uphill task against the league’s highest scorers. “They have a very good team and we have to put a performance in. We have the confidence to know that we can do it if we get it right. But, it is going to be extremely hard. We have to be right in the defensive department. We know how good they are. We need to focus on ourselves and make sure we get our things right.”
Manchester City have been relentless since their opening day defeat to Chelsea in September, establishing a commanding lead at the top. Khadija Shaw tops the scoring charts with support from Vivianne Miedema and Aoba Fujino providing goals throughout the season.
Recent Meetings Favor City
The clubs have already met twice this season with Andrée Jeglertz’s team winning both encounters. City won 3-1 in the League Cup at Joie Stadium in September before edging a competitive 2-1 victory at Goodison Park in November, despite Kelly Gago’s equalizer.
Predicted Lineups:
Everton (4-2-3-1): Ramsey; Vanhaevermaet, Wheeler, Payne, Boje Sørensen; Clare, Hayashi; Thomas, Gago, Bissell; Snoeijs
Manchester City (4-2-3-1): Yamashita; Casparij, Rose, Knaak, Ouahabi; Hasegawa, Blindkilde Brown; Fujino, Miedema, Hemp; Shaw
Also read: Julie Blakstad Officially Joins Tottenham From Hammarby as Spurs Strengthen Backline
Vivianne Miedema has revealed she wants to extend her stay at Manchester City beyond this summer with contract talks currently underway. The Netherlands international joined the WSL leaders on a free transfer from Arsenal in summer 2024 and has been instrumental in their charge towards the title.
“Officially, I have a contract until the summer. We’re working hard to extend that. I’m sure it’ll work out. I’m happy at the club and I feel good about the direction the club is going,” Miedema told FCLeeuwinnen and AD.nl.
Thriving Under Andrée Jeglertz
The 29 year old striker has rediscovered her best form at City after injury troubles plagued her final years at Arsenal. She’s formed a lethal partnership with Bunny Shaw in attack, helping Andrée Jeglertz’s side build a six point lead at the top of the WSL table heading into the winter break.
Miedema scored her 100th WSL goal during City’s 6-1 demolition of Aston Villa in December, becoming only the second player to reach that milestone. Her performances have been crucial to City’s 13 match unbeaten run across all competitions since their opening day defeat to Chelsea.
City Keen to Secure Key Asset
Manchester City will be eager to tie down Miedema to a new deal given her importance to their title push. The striker’s contract situation means she could sign a pre contract with clubs outside England from this month if terms aren’t agreed.
City face a challenging run of fixtures when they return from the winter break, starting with West Ham in the League Cup quarter final before resuming their WSL campaign. Securing Miedema’s future would provide a significant boost as they look to end their four year trophy drought and claim their first WSL title since 2021.
Arsenal Dragon
Why does Arsenal Women vs. Manchester City Women have a new kick-off time: Reason behind change explained
Manchester City’s trip to Arsenal on February 8 has a new kick off time. The Barclays Women’s Super League clash moves to 12:00 (UK) and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports after being selected for television coverage.
The fixture at Emirates Stadium remains on the same date, but the early slot replaces the originally scheduled time. Sky Sports continues dominating WSL broadcast rights, and this matchup between two title contenders merited prime television real estate.
Arsenal vs Manchester City Women Fixture Moved to 12:00 for Sky Sports Coverage in February
Arsenal sit third in the WSL table heading into January having lost just once all season. That defeat came at Manchester City’s Joie Stadium in October when City ran out 3 to 2 winners in a thrilling encounter.
Iman Beney’s late effort cancelled out Chloe Kelly’s equaliser to secure all three points for Jeglertz’s side. The Blues opened through Khadija Shaw’s powerful header, with Mariona Caldentey extending the lead early in the second half before Kerstin Casparij added a third. Arsenal mounted a comeback, but City held on for a crucial away victory.
Title Race Implications
Both sides are genuine title challengers. Arsenal have only one defeat in 11 matches. City, as defending champions, know they cannot afford slip ups against competitors chasing them.
This February 8 encounter will have serious implications for the WSL title race at the business end of the season. Early kick offs often favour teams with clinical finishing and established rhythm, so neither side gets an advantage from the time change.
Recent Form
Arsenal recently booked their League Cup semi final spot with a 2 to 0 win against Crystal Palace. City, meanwhile, demolished West Ham 5 to 1 to reach the last four where they face Chelsea. Both teams are sharp heading into the new year.
The February 8 showdown becomes must watch television for any WSL follower. Sky Sports recognise this is elite level women’s football and schedule accordingly. Winter football at its finest.
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