Notts County v MAN CITY – THE PREVIEW: Teamnews and Prediction
29 Jan
After a disappointing loss in the Premier League to Aston Villa, despite having a record percentage of possession for an away side in losing a game, Man City turn their attention to the FA Cup and face a potentially tricky away trip to Meadow Lane to play Notts County. The Magpies, formerly managed by ex-City bosses Sven Goran Eriksson, Hans Backe and Howard Kendall, are now led by Paul Ince, who is sure to receive a frostier reception than Sven did in the previous round!
Current City manager Roberto Mancini played against Ince for Sampdoria when the former Man United midfielder represented Inter Milan. Ince was designated to man-mark Mancini but was left in awe of the Italian’s skill as he taught him a lesson in trickery and skill. Turning attention to this match, and Notts County are a dangerous proposition and will want to produce the upset of the round.
With regards to team selection, Mancini has stated that he has no intention of making wide-ranging changes. The likes of Patrick Vieira, James Milner and Jô may well be handed a start, but it will be a very strong side which takes to the field. Mario Balotelli and Adam Johnson are sidelined with injury, but Micah Richards has recovered from back trouble and will challenge for a place in defence.
This is the side I would play, although Mancini will likely differ:
Hart
Zabaleta Boateng Kompany Kolarov
Vieira
Milner Barry
Silva
Džeko Guidetti
Subs: Given, K. Touré, Lescott, De Jong, Y. Touré, SWP, Tévez
Key Opponent
Lee Hughes – A veteran striker, who has scored goals wherever he has played, most notably as West Brom, Oldham, Coventry and at his current club, where his record is 37 goals in just 51 appearances. He spent time in prison after being found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving, but managed to rehabilitate himself and become yet again a prolific scorer.
Referee: Chris Foy - Refereed the soporific Manchester derby without much controversy but has received a lot of criticism recently for his officiating.
Prediction: Notts County 1 – 3 MAN CITY - City may have to weather a storm in the early stages but should settle. Goals to be scored by Lee Hughes, Edin Džeko, Carlos Tévez and Aleks Kolarov.
It would be really nice to see Guidetti playing,this lad has great potential. I can not help noticing how Boyata has faded in shadows. I think it is worth having him as our right back in tomorrow’s game and then Zabaleta replaces Vieira.
Who’s Guidetti?
Young Swedish striker. Just been out on loan to Burnley, did OK. Scored hat-trick in midweek for our reserves. Very highly regarded.
I told you about him years ago…….I always said he would come good and Im sticking by that!
HOW VERY DARE YOU….
“Current City manager Roberto Mancini played against Ince for Sampdoria when the former Man United midfielder represented Inter Milan. Ince was designated to man-mark Mancini but was left in awe of the Italian’s skill as he taught him a lesson in trickery and skill.”
>>> I think it is great how you have added this in, it really adds to your blog. Something completely different, adding another personal touch on this awe-inspiring game.
“He spent time in prison after being found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving, but managed to rehabilitate himself and become yet again a prolific scorer.”
>> Really like this bit too. He gets a lot of stick does Lee Hughes and im sure he will tomorrow, but fair play to the lad, he’s got his career back on track and has put prison behind him. (Dont for one second think that I have forgiven him for taking someones life though…)
Its a really strong side you pick there Steven, I think the boss will play…
Hart, Richards, Boateng, Kompany, Kolarov, Silva, Barry, Milner, Vieira, Tevez and Dzeko, so very smiliar. Just think he’ll gie Micah a game to aid his recovery.
Like this very short preview and im looking forward to the game…if we score, look over to the main stand, i’ll be the one standing up and cheering………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………and then being escorted out of the ground!
If we put out this team, we would have no width so would be pointless playing dzeko as no crosses would be put in to him.
Zabaleta and Kolarov?
I would like to think so but in the previous two games in which dzeko has played I can only think of one cross that has been put in for him?
Milner and Silva?! If thats not width then I dont know what is?!
Silva likes to operate behind the strikers in his “free role” and I think Milner will be playing more centrally aswell.
The only out and out wingers we have at the club are swp and Johnson, jo isnt a player nevermind a winger so I don’t know why Mancini likes to play him. I’ve seen guidetti in a few reserve games and have been impressed so would like to see the lad have a chance. He can’t be any worse than jo!!
By all accounts, Jo does a very good job in training, but admittedly, he’s awful in a game situation!!
This is the side I would play, although Mancini will likely differ:
Hart
Zaaletta Boateng Kompany Kolarov
di Jong
Milner SWP
Silva
Džeko Guidetti
Subs: Given, K. Touré, Lescott, De Jong, Y. Touré, SWP, Tévez
This is the side I would play, although Mancini will likely differ:
Hart
Zaaletta Boateng Kompany Kolarov
di Jong
Milner SWP
Silva
Džeko Guidetti
Subs: Given, K. Touré, Lescott, De Jong, Y. Touré, SWP, Tévez
I’m hoping this is gonna be the Dzeko show and we are gonna win this by at least 2 goals. A home tie in the next round against Crawley after that and the disappointment of last week’s Villa game will be a distant memory.
Just to add, I know we had disagreements about the team selection but I thought this was a brilliant article.
I WAVED AT JOHN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!