Bolton v MAN CITY – PREVIEW: City’s Probable Team
21 May
After 37 gruelling Premier League games, 12 mediocre Europa League games, 1 disappointing Carling Cup game and 8 successful FA Cup games, we have reached the final match of the season. A trip to the Reebok Stadium to face Bolton is what awaits Man City, all in the knowledge that a victory would guarantee Champions League group stage football. The destiny is in our hands.
We lie just one point ahead of Arsenal, meaning that we must, at the minimum, equal their result away to Fulham. It has been a hugely successful season for the Blues – finishing in the top four and winning our first trophy in 35 years has seen to that – and now we have a chance, a fantastic chance, to end the campaign in style.
The style of football we played against Stoke during the week was pleasing on the eye, an attacking, free-flowing display which secured the three points. The confidence garnered from victories over Spurs, Manchester United and then Stoke in the FA Cup final is there for all to see and few would bet against the Blues continuing their impressive run of form on Sunday.
This could well be the final time we see Carlos Tévez in a Manchester City shirt, although I’m sure his will he/won’t he go transfer saga will provide us with many column inches over the summer. Should they play, it will be a final farewell for the likes of Shay Given and Jo, whilst the future of Patrick Vieira is still up in the air.
With regards to team selection for this fixture, Mario Balotelli is expected to be fit and is pushing for a start, whilst David Silva should be fit after being taken off against Stoke with a slight knee injury. Pablo Zabaleta is struggling to make it after yet another facial injury, picked up courtesy of a Stoke boot to the face. James Milner, who impressed in central midfield on Tuesday, is vying with Gareth Barry for a start, and with this being such an important fixture, I’d imagine Roberto Mancini will select a full strength team.
Here is the side he could select:
Bolton have lost their past four matches but have enjoyed a fantastic season under the guidance of Owen Coyle. He has managed to get a side previously known for its love of the long ball to play some attractive football. In Kevin Davies, they still possess player who are more than comfortable in a physical encounter, but the likes of Chung Yong Lee, Martin Petrov and Daniel Sturridge, on loan from Chelsea, add genuine quality.
Referee: Chris Foy – Not got the greatest reputation with City fans, but he’s solid enough. Doubt this will be the hardest game to officiate.
Enjoy the game! Let’s finish the season on a high and grab third place!
I could not agree with you more on the team. Milner should definitely start. He has been fantastic in last few games.
As for Tevez, he should make his mind whether he wants to stay or to leave. The last thing City needs is another drama and drama queen.
Viera definitely should hang his boots and I would not mind to see Scott Parker in his place.
Let’s hope that City would give us the great Finale with a win and position above Arsenal.
Scott Parker is a pub player so get real !! Playing for second rate teams like charlton, west ham and the barcodes proves that !! 15 games for chelsea doesn’t make him a good player either…..if it does then we should sign steve sidwell !!!!
I watched him in a few games when I had no choice because the West Ham games were only ones braodcasted in North America and to be honest, he was really good. And I know that he was just named the player of the year award by football association. Certainly, he should not be as bad as what you describe esp for 8 million pounds [if the news I read is correct.]
Not a chance we buy Scott Parker. We don’t need any more holding midfielders, especially with Michael Johnson being fit next season
I was wondering if your comment on Michael Johnson is a hunch or you have it from horse’s mouth. I like this lad and I do hope he can have a come-back. He was destined to be a very good player before his unfortunate injuries.
Johnson will be sold in the summer. He’s not at the level we are at after so long out injured. It’s over as far as his City career goes.