Napoli v MAN CITY: The PREVIEW – City’s Probable Team
21 Nov
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Win and we’re through. Draw and we’re still in control. Lose and our destiny is in the hands of others.
That’s pretty much the equation as we head to Italy for a crunch match with Napoli. This fixture is being billed as key and there is no doubt it’s the one match on which much hinges. We’re currently two points ahead of our hosts heading into this fixture and although a win would be incredible, Napoli haven’t been beaten on their home ground in European competition since 1994.
As has been stated elsewhere, the atmosphere is sure to be electric. The home fans are known for creating an intimidating feel at the Stadio San Paolo so it will be a tough ask for City although we travel full of confidence and with the knowledge that should we play to our best, we can progress from the group stage on the night. Unbeaten in the Premier League this season, we’ve struggled a touch in the Champions League but two wins on the bounce against Villarreal, combined with Napoli’s recent defeat to Bayern Munich, have left us in a dominant position.
With regards to team selection, I’d imagine Roberto Mancini will make a few changes from the side which comfortable swept aside Newcastle. Both fullbacks could change, with Pablo Zabaleta and Aleks Kolarov likely to play, such is Mancini’s rotational tendencies. Gareth Barry could come into the side to combat the threat of Napoli’s electric counter attacks, whilst David Silva is sure to return. Edin Dzeko is pushing for a place after being left on the bench at the weekend, though on current form, it would be impossible to leave out Mario Balotelli or Sergio Aguero.
Here is the side Mancini could select:
As we saw at the Etihad Stadium, Napoli are a more than capable unit and have enjoyed a superb start to their Seria A season. Their much vaunted forward trio of Edinson Cavani, Marek Hamsik and Ezequiel Lavezzi caused us problems in the return fixture and they will be the dangermen again. The pace with which they broke was frightening and they managed to deny the likes of Silva and Aguero too much space. With their vociferous home crowd behind them and needing a win, it promises to be a classic encounter.
Referee: Damir Skomina – He’s 34, Slovenian, a real estate agent and his hobbies include futsal, movies and the beach.
Prediction: Napoli 1 – 1 MAN CITY – I’ve got the feeling this could be a superb battle between two very technical competent sides. Chances may well be at a premium and with so much at stake, there are sure to be a few nerves around. Goals to be scored by Edinson Cavani and Mario Balotelli.
It’s kind of an insane task picking a line up right now. I have a feeling Dzeko starts, but like you said who sits? My guess is Mario because he played two games this week with Italy and again on Saturday. Similarly, how on earth can you sit Richards and Milner with the way they’ve played? But someone has to sit. I think there’s a chance De Jong sits, as despite being the kind of patroller who’ normally be ensured a start against this sort of team he has been a bit slow in recovering from injury. Good problems to have.
hart
richards kompany lescott kolarov
de jong toure
balotelli/aguero milner silva
dzeko
Well I will go with same team but Edin will be in there whiles Balo goes on the Bench…and City will win by 3-0
Here are my two cents, I believe Mancini should play Dezko and Richards. I could not help noticing Napoli’s lack of physical bite in the first game, so I think our strong players such as Yaya, Dezko and Richards could muscle them around a bit and win the match for us.