Hull v MAN CITY – The PREVIEW: City’s Probable Team
14 Mar
Mentally and physically drained after the defiant, but ultimately unsuccessful, exertions against Barcelona, City will need to draw on their fighting spirit on Saturday. Hull are by no means a pushover and another lacklustre performance, the like of which has increasingly crept into our game over the past couple of months, would result in a probable defeat and would sting our ambitions of reclaiming the Premier League title.
After such a sapping encounter in Spain just three days ago, Manuel Pellegrini will be tempted to introduce some freshness to the side but as proved recently, our squad is not as deep as many believe. To that extent, with Matija Nastasic, Micah Richards, Stevan Jovetic and Sergio Aguero injured, we may not see as many alterations as desired, with a huge onus on those who started on Wednesday to push themselves forward one more.
Martin Demichelis is expected to replace Joleon Lescott, with Gael Clichy a contender on the left of defence. In midfield, Jesus Navas is likely to inject some pace into the side, but the manager will most likely ask Yaya Touré and Fernandinho to control the midfield once again despite the claims of Javi Garcia and Jack Rodwell, the latter of whom would bring some much-needed intensity to our play. Up front, with Aguero out and Alvaro Negredo not fully fit, Edin Dzeko will most probably be given another opportunity to lead the line on his own.
Here is the side Pellegrini could select:
Referee: Lee Mason.
Prediction: Hull 1 – 2 MAN CITY – A win on Satruday would be testament to the enduring spirit and battling qualities within the squad. We know they have the ability but after such a sapping encounter in the week, the players will have to demonstrate their grit if we are to return with three points. I’m predicting goals to be scored by Samir Nasri, Edin Dzeko and Shane Long.
Team sheets include: Augero, Nasty and Jovetic. I was worried Zab would be banned after sending off but he’s also included.
We could batter these today, but I’m never sure how we’re going to play. We usually look sluggish after a mid-week game
I hate Bruce