View From A Blue

Bacary Sagna got the nod at right-back against Bayern Munich in the last Champions League tie, but it is expected that Pablo Zabaleta will start in defence for this crucial encounter. In the centre of defence, Vincent Kompany is likely to be risked, such is his importance to the side. Samir Nasri is finding his [...]

With Vincent Kompany injured and Eliaquim Mangala suspended, Martin Demichelis will be partnered at the heart of defence by either Dedryck Boyata or Bacary Sagna. Matija Nastasic, whose treatment this season by Manuel Pellegrini seems a little spiteful, perhaps as a result of the Serb’s refusal to leave in the summer, supposedly has a groin [...]

Pablo Zabaleta looks set to replace Bacary Sagna on the right of the back four, despite the Frenchman’s impressive display against Bayern Munich. Eliaquim Mangala was another to star in that encounter and he is battling with Martin Demichelis for a place alongside Vincent Kompany. Aleks Kolarov is still sidelined with injury, meaning Gael Clichy [...]

Manuel Pellegrini’s hand is rather forced with a string of injuries and suspensions, and the only defensive dilemma is whether the Chilean partners Vincent Kompany with Martin Demichelis or Eliaquim Mangala. If the Frenchman gets the nod, it wouldn’t be a huge surprise in turn to see Demichelis appear in central midfield, acting as a [...]

Pablo Zabaleta’s poor showing in the midweek Champions League disaster against CSKA Moscow, combined with the amount of games he has played recently, could result in a rare start for Bacary Sagna, whilst Vincent Kompany’s absence means that Eliaquim Mangala and Martin Demichelis will form the backbone of the side. James Milner has been in [...]