What a week we have in store, with a vital Champions League tie followed by the derby, and the potential significance of the next few days has not been lost on one of the biggest hitters in the UK sporting press.
Patrick Barclay is already fully focused on next Sunday's seismic encounter over at Old Trafford, which we will go into ahead of our local rivals, and everyone else for that matter, something not lost on Patrick in his Times column.
"With respect to Chelsea.....the event in Manchester could be the earliest title decider since hype began. Three points for City would put them five in front of the champions with a derby at home to come - and they don't have the air of a side who would let such an advantage slip, whatever the strains in the star-sprinkled dressing room."
And the performances of the enigma that is Mario Balotelli have not gone unnoticed, either.
"Balotelli is looking the exceptionally gifted practitioner we were promised by his Italian admirers. He has the knack of making the game look easy. What he would become should he grow up - and he is only 20 - can only be described as mind-boggling."
Historical context comes over in the Independent from Simon Hart, who says: "Queen Victoria was on the throne when Manchester City last began a league season with seven wins and a draw. As it happens, their Victorian forebears fell short in that 1897-98 campaign, missing promotion to the top flight by one place, and perhaps leading some mutton-chopped Mancunian to mutter "Typical City" for the first time.
"City's prospects of avoiding another anti-climax certainly look rosy after the way they equalled that 114-year record by dismantling a hitherto unbeaten Aston Villa, their 4-1 victory taking them above Manchester United at the Premier League summit – the perfect fillip before a key Champions League meeting with Villarreal, then Sunday's derby at Old Trafford."
But the phrase "don't believe the hype" comes to mind when you see James Milner's typically down-to-earth assessment of both our position and his own excellent form. The versatile Yorkshireman did a spot of post-match press stuff on Saturday which has been spread far and wide - here's the version on The World Game:
"Often a victim of his own versatility, he could be forced to make way for any one of a number of big-name players waiting in the wings, but he insists that team success should always come before personal preference.
"Where the manager asks me to play I will play," he said.
"I've obviously got better positions and places where I feel I can perform to a better standard but I will do the best I can wherever I'm asked to play.
"Manchester City winning matches is the most important thing. It's not about individuals, it's about the team.""
Mario Balotelli 'turns party planner' for Manchester City's Christmas do
Mario Balotelli has finally found a role that suits his advanced mischief-making skills - party planner for Manchester City's Christmas do.
The Italy striker has earned a reputation for crazy behaviour since joining City last season, something that has helped him become a real favourite with the fans.
His exploits include crashing cars, driving round Manchester with pockets stuffed full of cash and throwing darts at youth team players.
Given the track record of footballers with a few festive drinks inside them, putting Balotelli in charge of the Christmas party seems about as sensible as asking Mike Tindall to recommend a quiet bar in New Zealand.
But the 21-year-old apparently volunteered for the job and the development has some of his team-mates worried.
A source told the Daily Star Sunday: 'Mario isn't one for drinking and falling out of clubs, he just thinks he can take a party to the next level.
'But some of the lads aren't so sure. They are half-expecting imported snow with tigers and dwarves.'
The ex-Inter Milan star has certainly demonstrated he has an unusual idea about what constitutes fun and after he was caught driving into a women's prison in Brescia because he was curious what it was like, his City colleagues have every reason to be concerned about the venue and theme of the party.
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[/spoiler]OTHER BOLLOX
Luka Modric is reportedly having doubts about signing a new contract at Spurs, as he fears manager Harry Redknapp will leave at the end of the season. Metro
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says skipper Robin van Persie is refusing to discuss a new deal as the striker enters the final year of his contract. Daily Star
Manchester United face a fight to hold on to French youngster Paul Pogba, whose is coming to the end of his contract. Daily Mirror
Everton manager David Moyes has sent scouts to watch Bosnian international striker Vedad Ibisevic play for German side Hoffenheim. Daily Mirror
CSKA Moscow's Seydou Doumbia has emerged as Tottenham's top target for the January transfer window and boss Harry Redknapp is ready to use Roman Pavlyuchenko as part of a swap deal. Full story: Metro
Queens Park Rangers midfielder Joey Barton says he is yet to see the so-called genius of team-mate Adel Taarabt. "I don't know whether it's because he does not work hard enough or whether he tends to sulk," Barton said. the Sun
Wolves boss Mick McCarthy said he was furious with West Brom's Paul Scharner for winding up his players by revealing a T-shirt which had a Baggies emblem on it to celebrate the 2-0 win on Sunday. Daily Mail
Liverpool midfielder Charlie Adam rejects claims that he dived for the free-kick awarded to the Reds that led to Steven Gerrard's opener in the 1-1 draw with Manchester United on Saturday. the Sun
QPR boss Neil Warnock believes a dressing room source is responsible for tipping off a supporter about his team selection, which ended up on a fans website. "It is possibly a player who is probably not wanted," said Warnock. Daily Express
Wayne Rooney will get a helping hand in his appeal against his three-match ban for England from the Montenegro defender who he kicked. Daily Mirror
An unnamed Premier League club has tested the DNA of its players to determine who is most prone to injury. Daily Mirror
more bollox soon ....
