Pellegrini hails Aguero as world’s next great player

Sturridge sidelined for Liverpool's match against Hull City

Manchester City v Swansea City

Manuel Pellegrini, the Manchester City manager, said Sergio Aguero was on his way to becoming the world’s best player.

The Argentine, 25, has been outstanding, having scored 15 goals in his past 12 games and 16 goals overall. Pellegrini said his striker can hit the heights of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

“That is what we are working on every day and what he wants. The ambitions of Sergio will be very important if he can arrive at that level,” Pellegrini said.

Hull City v Liverpool

Daniel Sturridge, the Liverpool striker, is expected to miss his side’s trip to Hull City on Sunday after the club said he had sprained his ankle.

The England international, 24, who has scored nine goals this season, suffered the injury in training. In his last Liverpool appearance, Sturridge came off the bench to score an 89th-minute equaliser in a thrilling 3-3 draw at Everton last weekend.

For Hull midfielder Tom Huddlestone, this is a chance to face one of his idols – Steven Gerrard. “Growing up it was him, [Eric] Cantona and [Marcel] Desailly as my three idols,” Huddlestone said.

Chelsea v Southampton

Jose Mourinho has told his Chelsea stars that he will not tolerate a repeat of their Uefa Champions League flop when they host Southampton on Sunday.

Mourinho was disappointed with his team’s lacklustre effort in a 1-0 loss to Basel on Tuesday and promised changes ahead of the important Premier League clash with Southampton, who will climb above third-place Chelsea with a win at Stamford Bridge.

“I never tolerate it, but I have to live with it,” Mourinho said of his side’s low energy level in Switzerland. “And we will try everything not to repeat.”