Yes he Kun
Sergio Aguero went from sentimental pick to real, live option for Manchester City in two typical moments at Crystal Palace.
The striker looked rusty and out of sorts in the first half, but burst into life after the break with a classic touch and finish to open the scoring, and a driving, scurrying run that opened the defence for Ferran Torres to score the second.
Pep Guardiola will no longer have any qualms about using Aguero should he find himself needing a goal, either tonight or in big games ahead.
Final hint
Guardiola already has his Champions League final starting XI in his head, providing City finish the job against Paris Saint-Germain tonight.
There will be four league games still to play before the showpiece in Istanbul on May 29, with the Blues favourites after winning the first leg in Paris 2-1, so plenty of time for the manager’s head to be turned.
But the bench at Crystal Palace gave away his team for tonight - Guardiola’s old penchant for surprise selections and formations appears to have been shelved.
And, barring a dramatic change in form - good or bad - tonight’s XI is in pole position.
Left-back battle
The only real question mark over Guardiola’s selection is at left-back, with Joao Cancelo and Aleks Zinchenko in a straight fight.
Cancelo had a tough time against Angel Di Maria in the first half in Paris and City scored both goals, and dominated the game, after he was replaced by Aleks Zinchenko.
The Ukraine international started on the bench on Saturday, while Cancelo played the full game, which might indicate Zinchenko has the nod.
Stop Neymar
City were at their best when they stopped worrying about Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Di Maria and focussed on their own team strengths, in the first leg.
But Neymar’s creativity remains the biggest obstacle between them and Istanbul, so a plan to deal with him dropping deep and orchestrating PSG’s play would be in order.
As they did with Harry Kane, City are likely to detail Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva to drop in and press the Brazil ace quickly when he gets on the ball.
Fan fair
City fans plan to turn up at the stadium to show their support and appreciation for Guardiola and the players before the game - and to repeat the show before what could be a title-clinching league game with Chelsea on Saturday.
The contrast between that positive intent and the raging fury of United fans at Old Trafford is a poignant one.
