MAN CITY v Wigan – PREVIEW: Teamnews and Prediction
4 Mar
Momentum is a powerful tool. And with a fixture list as hectic as Man City’s is at the moment, it plays a key role. Coming into this game, just three days after comfortably sweeping past Aston Villa to reach the FA Cup quarter-finals, the momentum should be with us, confidence should be restored, and despite acquiring just five points from our past five Premier League games, I’m optimistic that this match will bring three points.
The Villa game was perfect in terms of its ease, allowing us to coast to victory whilst simultaneously resting a couple of key players. We never needed to press our foot on the accelelator although this home match with Wigan will prove a stiffer challenge. The Latics didn’t perform too badly against Manchester United, despite losing by a four goal margin, and they will be a combative unit, tough to break down, yet with a real threat in attack.
Roberto Mancini will no doubt restore Carlos Tévez to the side, but whether that is on his own upfront, or partnered by one or both of Mario Balotelli and Edin Džeko, remains to be seen. Vincent Kompany is expected to be fit and will take his place at centre-back, whilst Nigel de Jong should make his return on the bench. At such an important stage in the season, it’s a huge bonus for us that these influential players are back in contention. (Although I don’t address the Kolo Touré situation in this article, I will do shortly.)
Here is the side Mancini could select:
The visitors prop up the table at the moment, having struggled defensively this season, although in attack, the likes of Hugo Rodallega and Charles N’Zogbia are always capable of producing a goal from nowhere. In James McCarthy, they have a midfielder attracing admiring glances from a number of clubs, but it is their defensive frailties which could see them relegated.
Referee: Stuart Attwell – Oh dear. Need I say more?
Prediction: MAN CITY 3 – 0 Wigan - I expect this game could run a similar course to that of the Villa one. An early goal for City would be ideal, and would allow us to dominate proceedings. Goals to be scored by Carlos Tévez, Edin Džeko and Mario Balotelli.
Wigan attacking players are fast and physically strong. I see two issues with the above selections :
1- Kolarov has proven to be a liability against such players (We all remember Blackpool game where Mancini had to replace him).
2- Though Lescott has been solid for the past few games, his pace again is a matter of worry for this fixture.
I prefer Boateng instead of Lescott and Zabaleta as our LB. Not sure we can get a glimpse of our forgotten man Michael Johnson, probably not until JO disappears into thin air by some divine intervention.
Totally agree on your changes as in my opinion Kolarov is
flattering to deceive whether playing at left back or in midfield. I’m thinking he will come good but like his mate Dzeko he is finding his feet slowly and we will see his best work next season, not sure in which position though. Lescott is a funny one for me, I think a more committed defender would have cut the cross out for the Fulham goal though I do think he has been playing better recently. I just think the Kompany/Boateng partnership would be the dream team though, but I am thinking Lescott will get the nod on experience today. One thing is for sure, we cannot allow Wigan any kind of foothold in the game and we must be ruthless from start to finish. 2-0 to City.