Sergio Agüero: September 2025 Football Insights & Predictions

Stake Ambassador and footballing legend Sergio Aguero has shared his thoughts ahead of this week’s blockbuster Manchester derby, a fixture where Aguero cemented himself as a Manchester City multiple times.

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Agüero's Q&A on the Manchester Derby

Does City's start to the season worry you? They have made their worst start in 21 years..

Can't say it's been a stellar start. I chalk it off to a very eventful transfer window, with a lot of players coming and going. They are still going through a process of rebuilding the squad, and some time might be needed for the team to perform at full capacity. I'm sure they'll be able to achieve it.

Ederson has just left. What are your memories of playing with him and how big a loss will he be?

We've shared the field and achieved great things together. It shouldn't come as a surprise if I say he's been a cornerstone for City's team. He had an amazing, very enjoyable run, but it's a fact of life that all cycles must come to an end. I wish him the best in this new stage of his career.

Guardiola keeps talking about why he needs a smaller squad and has just sold key players like Akanji and Gundogan to achieve it. Do you agree with him? As someone who spent the last season not playing very much do you agree that players can become demotivated within a big squad?

I believe Pep's achievements should merit consideration for his point of view. I'm still amazed that he's getting fresh criticism after a not-so-stellar season, and a rocky start to this one. For years on end, Pep has led the team to take many titles, and when we couldn't, we were consistently one of the key challengers. He has built an enormous legacy, something everyone should value. Is it possible the team has hit a slump? Perhaps – but that only serves as a foil for the epic accomplishments of his tenure. Fighting every tournament every year is no easy thing to do. That's why I trust him to correct course and show us the path to return to form.

You were partly responsible for Man United's decline. What has been the biggest factor in their fall since Ferguson left?

I think two processes happened simultaneously. On the one hand, the title we won in 2012 signified the beginning of a new era for City, to rise up to be among the top teams of the world. To this day, Man City is expected to have top billing in major competitions. On the other hand, it wasn't long after that Ferguson left. When a longstanding leader departs, it's hard to turn the page, find a replacement, and kickstart a new cycle. Man United have tried and so far it hasn't panned out. I couldn't pinpoint a single reason, but I believe great clubs will sooner or later find a way.

What is your score prediction for the Manchester Derby, and how will the game play out?

Derbies are always emotional moments for teams and their supporters, living outside the realm of their regular ups and downs. This one arrives with both sides raring for a change in fortunes. There's a spanner in the works too – the FIFA matchday that will have some players arriving worn out from international games. But I trust City will take the win.

Does form completely disappear for derbies like this? Could Man Utd easily turn up and win if Man City don’t come prepared?

These are usually tight matches, won by whoever better capitalizes on their opportunities. A few exceptions here and there to this rule, no doubt – but I don't see any one of the two teams being overwhelmingly better than the other. I'd expect a high-intensity match.

Who will be the standout player in the game?

Oh, I wish I knew! I think it'll come down to midfield possession, so whoever gets more chances to stand out in that area, perhaps. It's a shame that Cherki is out, for this reason. That being said, I think City has the players to ensure controlling the ball as I mentioned.

Who was the Man Utd opponent you liked playing against the least? Ferdinand? De Gea? Rooney?

Ferdinand was a dogged defender to play against. Great all around, lots of character and potency. And, in the back of my mind, I always knew Rooney was on the prowl to score. I was lucky enough to score plenty on De Gea. He and I were buddies from our time playing with Atletico Madrid – but that mattered little in a derby.

Gianluigi Donnarumma has just signed for Man City. Man Utd will be his first game if he starts. Is he a great signing?

Absolutely. He had a decisive role for PSG's last season, and I think he'll be as important to City too.

What happens to James Trafford? Have Man City spent £27m on a goalkeeper to stay on the bench?

Pep should know best who to put on the main squad. Any great team needs to have two top-of-the-line goalies if they want to win major titles. Donnarumma makes one, and Trafford was the best of Burnley's last Championship season. He's young and promising.

Are Liverpool favourites to win the Premier League?

The reigning champs? Surely a candidate, especially after bolstering their squad. But can't say they are the sole favourites. Arsenal is going to be a team to watch out for – their last L notwithstanding, it was a very tight match. I'd expect City and Chelsea to put up a fight too.

How will the dynamic between Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak work at Liverpool? Will they rotate or play together?

I'd say Liverpool's manager would know the answer to that one.

Did you enjoy playing as a two, with the likes of Edin Dzeko, Mario Balotelli, Alvaro Negredo,or did you prefer playing as a lone striker?

Playing alongside a forward 9 was very fruitful for me. That was the case at Independiente, with Frutos. Same at Atleti with Forlan or Diego Costa. As for City, you've named them: Edin, Alvaro, Mario... even Gabriel Jesus when we were sent out simultaneously.

Which Premier League defender was the toughest opponent you faced?

I'd say Ferdinand. He's the full package as a centre-back, someone I've always had to watch out for. As for my later seasons, that'd be Van Dijk. A fantastic sprinter, with a lot of personality in the way he played. And quite hard to outmaneuver! He'd stare me down and the second I'd make a start for it, Van Dijk would match me and steal the position. I think the two of them are stellar defenders and among the best the Premier League has had.

There has been a lot of talk about Man City’s spending on players over the years, but Liverpool have gone and spent £400m this summer, what’s your opinion on that? Is it hypocritical?

I can't bring myself to see it like that. City has caught a lot of flak for their spending for quite some time, sure – but every single team has dished out a lot of money to strengthen their rosters. What should matter is that City's achievements were a product of what we were able to accomplish in the field.

Arsenal have had a lot of criticism about their playing style, especially at Anfield recently. Do you agree that Mikel Arteta sets up his team too defensively in the big games?

That's not how I read it. It was two of the top rivals for the Premier League facing off, and the game came down to a freekick goal – a beauty at that, though. Both Arsenal and Liverpool came prepared for the clash. Both will continue to fight for the title. And both will continue to be tough opposition.

Do you miss the Man City vs Liverpool games? Were they the best kind of title-defining matches?

Those were amazing games. Truly unique. We were fighting head-to-head for the title. I like to remember the ones we won, of course, like that championship deciding goal. While I never got to score on Liverpool at Anfield, sure... but I did score plenty!

You said before that Chelsea could be title contenders. Are they the closest team to challenging Liverpool this season?

Most definitely one of the teams to beat. They come from playing out two seasons with a young roster that still needed to grow into the senior division of the Premier League. Now their side feels more mature, with a strong, steady performance. Consistency is key in the Premier League, and the most consistent winner will likely have a shot at the title. That could be Chelsea, if they keep up the fight til the very end.

Enzo Fernandez has been scoring goals - can he replicate Cole Palmer’s output if and when he is injured?

It's an apples-to-oranges situation, they have different profiles and positions. Enzo's flexibility allows him to play back or closer to the opposing goal. Not many players can replicate that. Chelsea would certainly stand to benefit from having both on the main squad.

Do you like the look of Xavi Simmons? Could he be a great player for Tottenham?

A: Great players can elevate a team, they help to bring out the best from their team-mates. I've always said so.

Newcastle United haven’t had the best transfer window. How do you think they’ll do this season?

The last few seasons have brought Newcastle to the forefront once more. We'll have to see Isak is onboarded on the go, but overall I think their leadership have shown to be very capable, so they'll find a way to make it work.

Is welcoming Barcelona to St James’ Park a great way to put the club back on the map in European football?

It could be but it won't be a walk in the park. One can never underestimate a rival in the Champions League, for one, and then you've got to remember that no single match will seal a team's fate in the new system. Every contender will have to play more matches to make the cut, so I'd take a look at the larger picture.

Will St James’ Park be a tough test for Lamine Yamal?

I think we're a long way past asking ourselves that type of question. Despite his short career, Yamal has proven he can brush that pressure off and perform at top form in any scenario, even at an international level.

Jack Grealish seems to be loved by the Everton fans already. Are you happy to see him back to his best?

Fantastic start for sure. Everton stands to profit from a player like Jack, and he, in turn, will have a great chance there to realize his potential.

Could Grealish still have a career with Man City?

Who knows! Time will tell.