Premier League news: go bananas: Maresca loving fans’ show of defiance; James injury blow for Blues

Manchester City manager feels inflatables a strong response to external criticism while Chelsea captain could be sidelined until new year Manchester City manager embraces response to external criticism while Chelsea captain could be out until new year Enzo Maresca has called on Manchester City fans to bring inflatable bananas to help inspire the team in their first Premier League home game since being found guilty of financial breaches when they take on Ipswich on Saturday. Supporters packed the away end at Liverpool with the novelty items as a nod to the club’s history last weekend. Blow-up bananas became popular among City fans in the 1980s and 1990s when they spent time in the second and third tiers, and have been revived in reaction to the threat of being sanctioned with relegation and to show there is plenty to reflect on before the 2008 takeover.

“Very nice,” Maresca said of the inflatables. “I didn’t know the history behind the banana. I hope tomorrow I can see many bananas in the stadium. I think it creates a nice environment for the fans and for everyone that is in the stadium. I have four kids, they already asked me [for bananas], but tomorrow they’re going to be at the stadium and we’ll see.” It comes after Maresca dropped points for the first time