Viktoria Plzen v MAN CITY – The PREVIEW: City’s Probable Team
16 Sep
After two doomed Champions League group stages over the past couple of years, the time has come once again for City to make a positive impression on the top European platform. Lead by a manager whose appointment was partly influenced by recent strong showings in the competition, the Blues have the quality to advance from the group and progress to the latter rounds, but performances will have to seriously improve upon last season’s inept displays.
In terms of team selection, Vincent Kompany, whose recent absence has highlighted what an influential player he is for the team, is likely to start: a slight risk as he isn’t expected to be 100% fully fit. Micah Richards and Gael Clichy haven’t travelled, so Aleks Kolarov, 14/1 to open the scoring with Paddy Power, will continue on the left, with Kompany partnering either Matija Nastasic or Joleon Lescott.
The temptation is there for Manuel Pellegrini to strengthen the midfield with an extra body, both providing cover in front of defence and enabling City to control the centre, so Javi Garcia is a contender to feature. David Silva is injured and faces a race to be back for the derby at the weekend, but if the manager is feeling bold, we could see Yaya Touré and Ferndninho as the midfield partnership, with four more attack-minded players slightly further forward.
Here is the side Pellegrini could select:
Referee: Paolo Tagliavento – The Italian, who owns a hairdressing salon in Italy, will be taking charge of his first ever City match.
Prediction: Viktoria Plzen 0 - 1 MAN CITY - The Blues haven’t exactly sparkled in the past three matches and this could be a tighter affair than many expect. I don’t envisage there being too many goals, so I’ll go for Sergio Aguero to score the only one.
Zab’s been disappointing this term and I’ll be happy when Micha’s back.
We need to see a settled side established before we start to introduce our fringe players (players that cost £20 plus?)
I’m glad this web-site’s back; I missed my usual round up before the Stoke game. I was that desperate for a bit of City that I almost ventured onto the Blue-moan site.
If we don’t beat this team Pellegrini will be under pressure; he looked stunned after the Stoke game
The defence has been disappointing, full stop. Injuries, new manager, new system – back to man-to-man marking, have all contributed. And dodgy defences often become self-fulfilling; if you are wondering what your suddenly mistake prone partner is about to do next, you may well become the same. Vince coming back is a huge plus – and we have conceded no goals in the past three games. All will be well.
Maybe Pelligrini has realised that, Navas aside, we have no searing pace over middle distances which means we struggle to vary from slow, slow, qu–slow, slow!
Anyway, much as I am tired of the lethargic YaYa, I would play him further forward so he doesn’t have a job description that requires him to track back (this is of course ignoring his obscene salary which should mean breaking sweat is a given). 4-2-3-1
Russell Abbott;
Zab, Kompany (if fit), Nasty, Kolorov (gulp)
Fernandinho, Milner;
Navas, YaYa, Jovetic or Augero;
Negredo
That is exactly what I do. I also do not mind playing Rodwell instead of Yaya, he has a good nose of showing up in the right places in the opponent’s box and does track better than Yaya
I like this idea – Navas-YaYa-Jovetic behind the central striker (Aguero or Negredo)
Dinho and Milner in front of the back 4 really sounds intriguing as well
Oh, and actually like the look of Liverpool. Pacey, direct, yet with quick feet and nice interplay – and a good defence. Bit like I thought we would be but early days I guess.
Though their new centre back looks good. Hmmmmmm
Hart
Zaba kompany Nastasic. Kolarov
Yaya dinho
Navas aguero Jovetic
Negredo
Probably wont ever happen, but I want to see that front 6 some time!
I think we’re gonna line up
Hart
Zaba kompany lescott kolarov
Navas Dinho yaya nasri
Negredo dzeko
With negredo maybe dropping off every now and again don’t think its as easy as people think I’d take a 1-0 win as I believe we can win all 3 home games people are going on about us having to travel all that way to moscow but they have to do the same thing when coming here