View From A Blue

We’re through! Seeing as there is still one game left of a two-match tie, that could sound arrogant. In reality, it’s far from it. After a convincing victory at the Etihad Stadium, City travel to London with a six goal lead and the knowledge that, baring a disaster it’s impossible to even contemplate, we will [...]

After the thumping cup victory over Blackburn in midweek, Manuel Pellegrini is expected to resort back to his first-choice side as he looks to avenge Cardiff’s defeat of City earlier this season. Joe Hart will replace Costel Pantilimon, whilst Pablo Zabaleta, Vincent Kompany, Martin Demichelis and Aleks Kolarov are all expected to return after sitting [...]

Costel Pantilimon is set to appear in goal once more in a cup competition, whilst Micah Richards could return on the right of defence and Gael Clichy on the left. Manuel Pellegrini may want to rest Vincent Kompany for this fixture, meaning Martin Demichelis may be partnered by Matija Nastasic. Jesus Navas and James Milner [...]

Joe Hart will be restored to the starting line-up after the previous couple of games in cup competitions in which Costel Pantilimon featured. Matija Nastasic is competing with Joleon Lescott and Martin Demichelis for a place alongside Vincent Kompany, whilst there is a battle between Gael Clichy and Aleks Kolarov on the left of defence. Manuel [...]

A trip to Ewood Park is the first hurdle to overcome as City look to go one step further than last season’s spineless defeat in the FA Cup final to Wigan amid rumours of bust-ups, in-fighting and the departure of Roberto Mancini. In contrast to the utter deflation that followed that loss, there is a now [...]