MAN CITY v Chelsea: The PREVIEW – City’s Probable Team
13 Apr
The battle for the goalkeeping shirt is arguably Roberto Mancini’s toughest selection dilemma for tomorrow’s semi-final. Costel Pantilimon has played in every round of the FA Cup for the past two seasons, but with this being the final opportunity to claim some silverware this campaign, the manager’s pragmatism might point him towards Joe Hart.
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Micah Richards and Maicon are both in contention after featuring twice recently for the EDS but they are likely to be fighting with each other for one place on the bench. David Silva is not expected to recover from his injury sustained in the derby on Monday in time, which leaves the door open for Sergio Aguero to return, although the manager did favour a slightly more defensive, solid look in the league against Chelsea, with two holding midfielders behind a more advanced Yaya Touré.
Here is the side Mancini could select:
Referee: Chris Foy – This will be the third game he has officiated this season in which City feature. The Blues won the first, at home to QPR, before drawing 0-0 away to Chelsea in the league.
Prediction: MAN CITY 2 – 1 Chelsea – With so many attacking stars on show, it could be an enthralling affair but it is more likely to be tight early on before becoming that touch more open in the second half. Goals to be scored by Sergio Aguero, Carlos Tévez and Juan Mata.
William Hill have some excellent odds for this match: Vincent Kompany, such a threat from set-pieces, is a massive 40/1 to score the first goal, while Sergio Aguero to score first and City to win 2-1 stands out at an enormous 50/1!. Bet here now!
How about Jack Rodwell, is he still injured ? The last time he was fit, he put a great performance against Chelsea.
Chelsea will win the match by a lone goal from Hazard. Watch out.
we watched, and your out
I would expect Pantiman to play- he is a fine keeper, he has earned the start.