Swansea v MAN CITY – The PREVIEW: City’s Probable Team
31 Dec
Pablo Zabaleta will return to the side after being rested for the nervy victory over Crystal Palace, whilst Gael Clichy and Aleks Kolarov are competing for a place on the left of defence. Away from home, and against an accomplished passing side, Manuel Pellegrini may well be tempted to include Javi Garcia in a holding midfield role, enabling Yaya Touré to be deployed from his more advanced position.
David Silva is suspended but James Milner has recovered from a slight knock and is an option in midfield. Alvaro Negredo is certain to start and depending on how bold the manager’s selection is, he could be partnered by Edin Dzeko.
Here is the side Pellegrini could select:
Referee: Phil Dowd.
Prediction: Swansea 1 – 2 MAN CITY – Both sides enjoy playing open, attractive football and that could lead to an exciting match, but City have begun to find form on the road and the Blues’ extra quality should prevail. Goals to be scored by Alvaro Negredo, Samir Nasri and Wilfried Bony.
Yes, i’d agree with you in all its entirety. Though, i’d prefer Rodwell to Garcia in the substitute role. Prediction? City win 2:0
I’d love to see Jovetic start alongside Negredo, that is if he’s still alive
If not I’d start rodwell for Dzeko, not a big fan of the Dzeko-Negredo partnership
Yes I do believe the local CORONER did the Medical !!!
Milner for Dzeko. Push Toure forward with Milner/Fernandinho holding so we are 4-2-3-1.
Dzeko can be brought on for last 15/20 if we are struggling and he can play against leggy players. I’m afraid his inability to keep possession interrupts our style and will be costly away from home. Plus his strike rate is not good enough, particularly when away from home as chances are that we’ll get fewer opportunities.
I’ve written off Jovetic for this season as he seems to be in a rut of injuries that are feeding off each other. I keep seeing Gudetti on tunnel cam in track suit but no where near the pitch – is he still ill/injured or surplus to requirements?
I do agree with you on Milner for Dezko. Swansea tend to hold on the ball and it is key to win the midfield battle.
Well ive just seen the team and you were spot on my fellow Blue. Personally I would have swap Rodwell for Dzeko, Lets hope it still works out.
We will I hope start to have a bit more luck with injuries maybe at the business end of the season ?
I think we will draw 2-2.
Very good win particularly bearing in mind conditions and up coming games. BUT!
What the holy fuck is Garcia doing coming on ahead of Milner?!?! Seriously, Milner is wasted here. He could stay here his whole career and play 15/20 a season or dominate Everton; Liverpool; Villa; Spurs midfield. He is being wasted!!!
Great win guys in dreadful conditions.
Kompany had a rare off day but we still managed it.
Think we need to make a couple of changes in defence during the jan Window, but we are on roll
Dreadful performance against Blackburn I foolishly thought the days of that type of performance had gone !!!!
If we are to rotate our squad as often maybe we need to increase the quality we have???? Cannot think of any positives apart from still being in the Cup.