Manchester City v Queens Park Rangers Preview

Manchester City v Queens Park Rangers Preview

Manchester City v Queens Park Rangers

Venue: Etihad Stadium
Date: 01/09/2012
Kick Off: 5.30PM (GMT)

Preview
We all know what happened in this fixture last year, but will it be as dramatic as last time? Fixtures such as Liverpool v Newcastle, Man Utd v Leeds and Arsenal v Tottenham have produced some of the most exciting games witnessed in Premier League history down the years and this tie may be an unlikely addition into that group.

Both teams have started the season sluggishly, City having to come back against Southampton and recording a lucky draw against Liverpool. The R's have not been so lucky, with a 5-0 defeat to Swansea and a draw at Norwich. Two ties they may have been expecting to win, especially considering their business in the transfer market.

The hero and the villain of last seasons title winning story won't feature in tomorrow's clash. Sergio Aguero is still out with a knee injury and Joey Barton has finalised an unusual 'Football Manager' sort of move to French giants Marseille. City fans will also be disheartened as the departure of crowd favourite Nigel De Jong to AC Milan. The fee believed to be a ridiculous £3million.

Mancini will revert back to his trusted 4-4-2 formation following a dodgy performance at Anfield. Silva, Clichy and Lescott are expected to return to the side.

Despite the history of this tie, City shouldn't have any problems on home ground. QPR look extremely vulnerable and should be outclassed by the Premier League Champions. Expect Tevez to have a field day; 3-0 City.

Likely Line-Ups
Manchester City
Hart, Zabaleta, Kompany, Lescott, Clichy, Nasri, Rodwell, Y Toure, Silva, Tevez, Balotelli.

Queens Park Rangers
Green, Fabio, Ferdinand, Onuoha, Bosingwa, Granero, Taraabt, Park, Hoilett, Cisse, Mackie

Injuries
Manchester City
Sergio Aguero, Micah Richards, Gareth Barry.
Queens Park Rangers
Samba Diakite (personal reasons)

Group D: The 'Champions' Group

Group D: The 'Champions' Group

Every City fan watched in fear at Thursday evening's Uefa Champions League draw. Let's face it though, we all knew we'd get the so called 'Group of Death'; it's 'typical City'. However, we shouldn't be too disheartened. To be in a 'Champions Group' you have to actually be Champions funnily enough, something United can't boast this year. Trips to Dortmund, Madrid and Amsterdam will light up the eyes of any eager City follower and you know what, we have as much of a chance as anyone!

Let's get to know our opponents a little better ...

Real Madrid

Group finish: 1st
Tournament finish: Final
Last years finish: Semi-Finals
Star man: Cristiano Ronaldo

It was either going to be Barca or Real for City, and I think we got the easier option. Barca would have had a field day playing the ball beautifully around us (if Swansea can, anyone can). However, Real are a little more direct and I think this will suit City. Mancini will sit back in Madrid and frustrate Los Blancos, but at home, I hope he attacks them. Aguero and Tevez will frustrate the Portuguese hot-head Pepe and I think at home, we could pull off a special result.

Ajax

Group finish: 4th
Tournament finish: Group stages
Last years finish: Group stages
Star man: Christian Eriksen

Ajax go into the group with a great amount of history, but a small amount of hope. Despite them being champions of Holland, they face three champions from three superior leagues and will be massive underdogs in Group D. City will be extremely disappointed if they don't pick up 6 points from the Dutch side.


Borussia Dortmund

Group finish: 3rd
Tournament finish: Group stages
Last years finish: Group stages
Star man: Robert Lewandowski

To beat Champions League finalist's Bayern Munich to both the Bundesliga and the German Cup is an extraordinary accomplishment. The German champions go into the group without the creativity of Shinji Kagawa, however, Dortmund is a breeding ground for some of the future's top players (Gotze, Lewandowski, Hummels, Reus). They will be hard to beat, especially with the help of their crazy fans, but I expect them to just miss out.

Why 3-4-3 is not for me.

Based on what I saw against Chelsea and Liverpool, this new formation is not a viable long term option.

It doesn’t look like 3-5-2 with wingbacks to me; instead it seems to be a Barcelona esque 3-4-3.

The wider players e.g. Milner and Kolarov seem to get isolated on the touchline with little influence on the play further infield. Once the move breaks down the ball is quickly moved forward and the two players in these positions struggle to get back into the game.

There is too much space between the defence and midfield which the opposition are quickly learning to exploit. The two goals scored by Chelsea were a result of too much time and space for the opposition on the edge of the City 18 yard box. The Suarez non free kick free kick was a result of last ditch defending as Liverpool had time and space and were looking dangerous. Again, close to the City 18 yard box.

Once the City players are committed further up the field and they lose possession it only takes a quick threw ball to put City on the back foot. Chelsea failed to capitalise but last Sunday I lost count of the number of times Vincent Kompany had to make a last ditch tackle in order to keep City in the game.

Against the top sides and especially in the Champions League, this is just asking for trouble.

Ya Ya Toure, probably our most dominant attacking player, does not seem to benefit in this system. It appears he is somewhat restricted in his attempts to get forward and support the attacking players. In the match at Anfield Toure was unable to impose himself in the final third of the field. Case in point, after the changes were made, Toure ventured forward and scored the first equalizer.

A scorer of crucial goals since he’s been at the club, Toure’s goals and creativity is a must for City. To almost lose his goals within this formation will severely damage our attacking options.

The two most creative players in the team will be hampered by this formation. The 3 actually look more like a 1 behind a 2. This would suggest that Silva and Nasri cannot play together as only one will play at a time.

Neither are old school central midfielders with the requirements to play in the middle of the park. For whatever reason; Nasri was first choice for both games in the 1 role. Against Chelsea he looked the part, but during the Liverpool game he lacked any real support and was unable to create anything of real significance. His effectiveness faded and he was eventually substituted.

Silva made a difference when he came on at Anfield and began to find those pockets of space he loves and which cause havoc for defenders. If both Silva and Nasri had been on together from the start two points could have become three.

In the 4-2-3-1 formation which brought City the title, the full backs push on to provide the width. This in turn allows the creative players to use the pockets of space around the edge of the 18 yard box. These spaces provided so many goals for City last season; Zabaletta’s against QPR on May 13^th is a fine example.

When using the new formation these ‘pockets’ do not seem to exist, if they did there is only one creative player to fill them. As pointed out most weeks on certain football shows these spaces are essential to City’s tactics and the way they play.

The right hand side is well covered as I would argue Milner, Zabaletta and Micah Richards could all play that role. The left is slightly different; Clichy is top class going in both directions. However for all his dead ball ability I often feel Kolarov’s defending leaves something to be desired.

If 3-4-3 is to be persisted with; surely City’s number one transfer target this summer should have been Gareth Bale. He can get up the pitch, is a goal threat and provides a real outlet. As he started his career at left back he should be well versed in the art of tackling. His pace, power and skill would be tailor made for that role.

Its one thing for the boys from the Nou Camp to play 3-4-3 but for City to do it is slightly different. Barcelona are potentially the greatest club side in the history of European football. They have arguably world class players in every position. Many of them youth team graduates of La Masia who have grown up together and know each other’s movements, positions, strengths and weaknesses as well as they know their own.

Within that group is a group of three players, Messi, Iniesta and Xavi, who in my eyes could adapt to any formation and set of tactics in the world. Although this is the best City team I have ever seen, we have a way to go to reach that level of elite performance.

If it’s not broke don’t fix it. If only Kevin Keegan had heeded that advice during Newcastle’s exciting yet unfulfilled title challenge of 95/96, that team may have won the title they deserved.

City won the title last season, playing some scintillating, attacking football in a 4-2-3-1 formation. The players are used to it, it suits the type of players we have and it’s a great system for both attack and defence.

A slightly different counter-attacking version of this was used during 10/11 due to Mancini’s regime still building its head of steam. Tevez was almost our only goal threat at this time and the tactics mainly relied on his brilliance in front of goal. City often looked lost without him if he suffered a rare off day. This version also brought us a trophy in the form of the FA Cup.

I do not claim to be a football expert and be able to analyse every part of the beautiful game. This is simply my opinion mixed with my observations. From what I’ve seen I believe it will be difficult to make this 3-4-3 work effectively in the Premier League.

Despite writing all this I am a huge fan of Mancini and trust completely what he is doing at City. I’m more than likely missing the point of this formation and all the positives it brings. If so I apologise.

5 Possible Deadline Day Signings

1. Scott Sinclair

Price: £6.2million
Club: Swansea City
Age: 23
Position: Attacking Right/Left Winger
What he can bring to the team: Out and out pace, more strength than Johnson, an eye for goal.

With the deal almost done, City fans are already questioning Mancini's motives. Many feel he doesn't possess enough calibre to enhance the squad, but City need width and pace. There are not too many faster than Sinclair and with a massive point to prove, I think he could be a great signing for the Blues at a bargain.

2. Javi Martinez

Price: £31.7million
Club: Athletic Bilbao
Age: 23
Position: Centre Defensive Midfield
What he can bring to the team: Cover in defence if needed, great tackling ability, height.

Reports are suggesting that a move to Bayern Munich is imminent, however, City will be waiting in the wings if any deal falls through. The Euro 2012 winner was in top form last season, helping his club to a Spanish Cup and Europa League final. He comes with a hefty price tag but would be a perfect partner for Yaya Toure in the centre of City's midfield.

3. Daniele De Rossi

Price: £25million
Club: Roma
Age: 29
Position: Centre Defensive Midfield
What he can bring to the team: Like Martinez, cover in defence if needed, hard hitting tackles, World Cup winning experience.

The Italian talisman may have pledged his future to his boyhood club Roma, but Mancini is set to test their resolve with one last offer. Mancini has not hidden his admiration for his fellow countryman and he is definitely set on strengthening City's midfield. The deal looks unlikely, but so did the Robinho deal 4 years ago!

4. Javi Garcia

Price: £24million
Club: Benfica
Age: 25
Position: Defensive Midfielder (Again...)
What he can bring to the team: Defensive cover if needed, great tackler.

The latest defensive midfielder to join Mancini's ever-growing list. The ex-Real star has made a huge impact at the Portuguese club and is wanted by a host of top clubs around the world. If City want him, they will have to meet his release clause of £24million.

5. Matija Nastasic

Price: £8million
Club: Fiorentina
Age: 19
Position: Central Defender
What he can bring to the team: Strength, pace, long throws.

Not a lot has been heard about this young Serbian defender, but he seems to possess a certain amount of flair and pace that has attracted some of the biggest clubs in Europe. Reports suggest the deal is close to being done and it would be an exciting one for the Blues who desperately need some defensive cover.

My Lifetime City XI

City XI During my lifetime.....

1.       Joe Hart

At this time there is no doubt he is Premier League and England number one. He keeps getting better every season. Could be City’s best since Trautman.

2.       Pablo Zabaletta

Edges out Micah Richards. Just. A great buy from Mark Hughes. Pab Zab is Mr Dependable. He can play a number of different positions and is often a great outlet down the right. Would run through brick walls for City.

3.       Andy Hinchcliffe

Youth Team Graduate, part of the 1986 Cup Winning side. Settled in easily at Left Back and was a player City fans could be proud of. Great left peg.

4.       Vincent Kompany (C)

The most consistent player I’ve seen at City in my life time. Leads the team with honour and sets a shining example. Kompany is already a City legend. “Stop at Vinnie’s”.

5.       Richard Dunne

My favourite City player ever. Fact. Dunnie Monster was vastly underrated; he was quick, skilful, good with the ball and had an eye for a pass. I’m still annoyed by the way he was treated by City in the end.

6.       Paul Lake

The cream of the crop from the class of 86. Could play anywhere and made inroads to the England Squad. Frightening to think what City could have achieved had we not been deprived of him.

7.       Ya Ya Toure

Currently the most dominant midfielder in the Premier League. Pace, power, skills and goals, Ya Ya has all these wrapped into one bundle. Opposition players must feel like they are trying to stop a tank when he is in full flow.

8.       Georgi Kinkladze

The most skilful player during my time watching City. He could beat man after man after man and make it look so simple. As good as anything United had during that period.  It was such a shame he had to carry such a poor side at that time.

9.       Shaun Goater

Feed the Goat and he will score. He did 103 goals in 212 games for City. This guy scored goals with every part of his body. He once scored a goal against Norwich before I had even got to my seat.

Three goals over two games against United in 2002/03 stand out for me. Imagine how many he would score in the current side.

10.   Shaun Wright Phillips

Another Youth Team product. Found his feet under Keegan in the wing back role. Moved into the right wing position and made it his. Alongside Anelka, SWP was City’s main threat during 03/04 and 04/05.

Great dribbler with a brilliant goal return for a wide man.

11.   David Silva

An artist. Another great playmaker who makes the current City side tick. Silva can beat a man, pick a pass, he scores goals too. Brought a touch of European class to City and quickly settled into the Premier League.

City EDS Vs Middlesbrough Preview

City's new breed of talent began the new season with a deserved away draw at Chelsea and their next fixture is a home game at the Etihad stadium against Middlesbrough. There should be plenty of optimism going round the young blues camp as despite only claiming a point against Chelsea, they played some super football and were very unlucky not to snatch all 3 points.

Many of the City lads have already had a glimpse of playing at big stadiums, but not as big as the Etihad, the home of the blues, where so many great players have graced the field and so many memorable moments occurred on the very same pitch that the young guns will play on tonight.

Although City have some very intelligent and experienced players, it will not be an easy game tonight, especially with tonight's opposition Boro recording a convincing victory in their first game of the new season on Monday. Goals from Matty Dolan, Wilson Kneeshaw, Ryan Brobbel and Jarrett Rivers gave the Teesiders an emphatic  4-0 win over Crystal Palace.

I am expecting a tough and competitive game tonight, both sides possess some real attacking talent and have players who can cause problems. It would be very difficult to predict the score, but I am going for a 1-1 draw, though anything could happen in the game.

Players to Watch:

City:
Denis Suarez: A Spanish U-19 international, who City signed in 2011 for £850,000, beating off interest from Barcelona, Chelsea and United. A naturally gifted player, so calm and composed in possession, has excellent vision and can unlock any defence. A younger version of David Silva, certainly one to watch tonight.

Reece Wabara: A regular for England's U-20 side, Wabara is a brilliant reader of the game, he is predominantly a centre-half but can deputize at full-back if needed. He Signed a 3-year deal last year and made his debut on the final day of the 2010/11 Season against Bolton Wanderers. He will make it difficult for any of the Middlesbrough Attackers and will organise the defence.

Jordi Hiwula: Jordi has come through the ranks at City, and was featured regularly for both the U-16 and U-18 sides. He is a born goalscorer, who will always look to find the net, thrives on good service and if you give him space, he will punish you. Looking forward to seeing the youngster tonight.


Middlesbrough:

Matty Dolan: Skipper of the Boro side, a deep lying midfielder, who does a terrific job at protecting the back four. All action midfielder, full of energy, tough and physical, left-footed and can pass the ball very well. Should be interesting to see him fare against Denis Suarez, looks a good battle in midfield.

Ryan Brommel: A very technical and attacking player who can play across midfield, wide or central. Signed a new contract in 2011, tying to the club until 2014, has the option of playing for either England or Northern Ireland and will test the City backline as much as possible.

Adam Jackson: An England U-19 Centre-Back who loves to start attacks and play out from the back. Comfortable on the ball and a good passer.Adam was a vital member of the England U-17 side that won the Victory Shield and also played a huge part in the Boro side that reached the FA Youth Cup Quarter-Finals. Signed a long-term professional contract last year in his first season as a scholar, keeping him at the Riverside until 2014. Definitely one for the future.

Venue: Etihad Stadium
 Kick Off: 7pm
 Prediction: 1-1

Predicted Lineups:

City: Johansen, Facey, Wabara, Kennedy, Helan, Evans, Drury, Suarez, Lopes, Rusnak, Hiwula.
Boro: Ripley, Burgess, Jackson, Pilatos, Bennett, Dolan, Brobbel, Rivers, Edwards, Fowler, Kneeshaw.

Admission to the game is free, so get down and support City's young starlets!


Thanks to Chris Powlay for giving us some information on the Middlesbrough side.

Liverpool v Manchester City preview

Manchester City will be travelling to Merseyside this Sunday to take on Liverpool and I think its safe to say that Manchester City don't enjoy going to Anfield very much after they haven't won there in 9 years when a last minute winner from former Liverpool man Nicolas Anelka gave City a 2-1 win but Mancini's side will be looking to carry on there good start after 3-2 wins over Chelsea in the community shield and against Southampton in there first game of the season but Mancini wont be very happy about the defensive part of our game on Sunday after conceding 2 sloppy goals from City's point of view and cant afford to leave gaps in the defence like they did against the saints as they will be punished by Liverpool's front men. On the plus side we all know by now that Manchester City have the fire-power to come away with 3 points as the likes of Carlos Tevez and Samir Nasri have started the season in good form and will hope to carry that on.

Brendan Rodgers will be hugely disappointed by his sides performance on Saturday as they went down to a to a 3-0 defeat away at West Brom and will be looking for a vast improvement come Sunday when they host the citizens and he will know they have to up there game massively if they want to get anything from the game. There were positives he would of taken from the game at the Hawthorns as Liverpool created a lot of opportunities that mostly fell to Luis Suarez who could of had a Hat-trick and if Liverpool can play to the abilities that they're capable of they will cause Manchester City some problems especially in front of the home crowd and with Liverpool's record being fantastic over City at Anfield they will be confident that they can get the victory they need to prove they can be a top 4 side.

Players to watch:

Carlos Tevez: Carlos is certainly the player to watch for Manchester City on Sunday after his performances in pre-season and the game on Sunday against Southampton. Tevez has come back from pre-season looking sharper than ever and looks raring to go and seems to want to perform in the city shirt again.

Luis Suarez: Suarez has been around long enough in the premier league now for people to know what he's capable of which is a lot, he may of been criticized of late for his chance conversion rate which isn't great but he's still the player to watch in my eyes and has the potential to cause city some problems

My views: I believe that City will have too much for Liverpool on Sunday and come away with the win I still expect the game to be tight as it usually is at Anfield as it's a tough place to go and play your football. I think Agger will be a big miss for Liverpool on Sunday after his red card against West Brom as he is a big part of Liverpool's defence and I believe City will exploit that weakness. Aguero's injury is a big blow but feared it could of been a lot worse I think City fans will be happy with only a month out as it was first feared it could of been a lengthy spell out but Manchester City have enough strength in depth to cope with his absence.

My prediction: Liverpool 1-2 Manchester City

Transfer Speculation

In:

Scott Sinclair- A lot of people were shocked by this link and doubted Roberto Mancini for Scott to be a transfer target but I can totally understand this. I believe he's got everything a winger needs, he's quick, he can finish and also I think his attitude on the pitch is brilliant in the sense of he likes to beat the defenders that are in front of him. I think, if this deal can be done, this would be a great addition to the squad because i think sometimes in games last season we were a little bit narrow and didn't really have a plan B and i think he could bring a lot to the team.

Edinson Cavani- I think this deal seems unlikely but his name has been rumoured so much in the past month i feel i should comment on him anyway. I saw Cavani quite a lot last season and I have to admit I think he's a great talent and I believe he would make any squad stronger, but weather we could fit him in the squad right now I don't think so but if one of the front men were to leave likely to be Edin Dzeko then maybe this deal could happen and would be welcomed by all City fans.

Fernando Llorente- Again this is a deal that is unlikely to happen but again its been rumoured and i rate this guy really highly. I've seen some performances in spain and i believe he would be perfect for the premier league, I think people started to notice how good he was with his outstanding performance in bilbao's 3-2 win at the swamp in the Europa league, but again this deal would only happen if Edin Dzeko were to leave.

Daniele De Rossi- It seems that in the past few days this deal has been put to bed by him coming out and saying in a press conference that he wanted to stay at Roma which in a way is a nice thing to see from a footballing point of view because loyalty to a football club is very rare in today's game but from a City point a  view I think the fans are disappointed he's a big game player and him and Yaya would be a rock in that midfield, but you never know what the future holds.

Out: 

Adam Johnson- I think a deal for Adam Johnson to leave the club is imminent. I think his performances of late have been really disappointing which is a shame because on his day is a fantastic player, but i think Mancini  has given up on  Adam after giving him chance after chance after chance and just hasnt been good enough to succeed at the club Suderland seems his likely destination at this moment in time.

Stefan Savic (loan)- The question is, is Stefan good enough to succeed at the club now? The answer in no but could he be good enough if he got some experience somewhere else for a season or two? I dont know. To be fair to him i think he's had a very good pre-season but i think if Kompany and Lescott were to get injured this season we can't rely on him and this was proved last season after we scraped through at Loftus Road for example.

Kolo Toure- This is a man we can rely on if our 2 centre backs were to get injured, he's bin there and done it and he knows what the leagues about and what is expected of him. We can only afford to lose him if we get someone else in but personally i would like to see him stay especially because then we can sing the yaya kolo song! Ac Milan have come into the picture the past few days and believe this would be a good move for him if he were to leave.

Edin Dzeko- I dont want too see him leave and i dont think a lot of City fans want to see him leave. Some of his performances have been top class last season notably at the start of the season and the 5-1 win at White Hart Lane. I can see him leaving before the transfer window shuts but i hope i'm wrong he's scored some important goals for us at important times but i dont think he will want to be a bit-part player.

Nigel De Jong- He's an absolute legend in mine and a lot of the fans eyes I believe Nigel loves the club and the fans and he gives 100% every time he wears the shirt and would hate too see him leave City. Inter Milan have shown a lot of interest in Nige of late and no wonder because he's a fantastic player and is a huge asset to City in my opinion.

Thankyou for reading, please comment on what you think of the piece

Assessing Jack Rodwell's performance against Saints

We learnt many things from the blues 3-2 win over Southampton, one is that we just love to win the hard way, 2 is that Samir Nasri has improved vastly and is playing brilliantly, 3 is that David Silva is not a penalty taker and 4 is that signing Jack Rodwell may be a good bit of business, unlike others had claimed.

I have always been a fan of Rodwell since he broke into the Everton starting 11, making his debut at the age of 16. Watching him, he has always looked very comfortable sitting and protecting the defence. He may not chip in with a bunch of goals, but he contributes to the team excellently and will work hard and give 100% every game.

Even before he had played a game for City, I was happy with the signing, because although he is still young and improving, he is a very mature lad and listening to his interview, he seemed very down to earth and happy to be part of the project at City. One moment in his career that always vividly stands out, is his goal against United, his first career goal. He powered past Jonny Evans and calmly slotted the ball past Van der Sar, almost identical to Yaya Toure's goal in the Semi Final of the Fa Cup at Wembley.

Starting the recent fixture with Southampton, was actually quite a major surprise for Jack and most City fans. He had only trained with his team-mates twice and to make your debut infront of a big crowd at the Etihad, isn't easy.

So here is an assessment of the youngsters performance:

Passing: His passing looked superb, he was able to play some great short passes into the path of Yaya Toure, Silva and Nasri, aswell as playing some lovely cross field passes. Apart from the one missed-placed pass for the 2nd Saints goal, his passing was very good. It is a good area of your game to have if your going to be playing for City, as they focus on a keeping possession and moving the ball around the pitch quickly. 8/10

Composure: For a 21-year-old to be making his debut for the Premier League Champions, he was so calm and confident when on the ball. He didn't panic at all and he has good control of the ball, when pressured on the ball, he doesn't quickly get rid of the ball, he looks up and spots a team-mate in a good position. He may not of had the confidence to take on defenders, but as a Defensive Midfielder, he was very composed on the ball. 7/10

Vision: As a Midfielder, having good vision is what you look for in a Midfielder, and Rodwell has showed that he can pick out team-mates easily on some occasions. He linked up very well with Yaya Toure, and despite starting play from the back and passing backwards to Kompany, Lescott, Clichy and Zabaleta, he also found Silva and Nasri and played some incisive balls into the path of the two mercurial magicians. He is a very intelligent player and his vision clearly shows that. 7/10

Overall Performance: On the whole, I personally think it was a good debut for Rodwell, he was very impressive and showed some promising signs for the season. Apart from one mistake, he was solid, he was committed and determined, everything City fans want in a player. He may not of had the debut that consisted of Samir Nasri providing 3 assists in the game against Spurs, or Aguero's stunning cameo debut against Swansea, but it is only the start of things to come from Rodwell and if he comes up with more performances like these and improves on other area's of his games, it could eventually become a excellent signing for the blues. 7/10

My thoughts and predictions on the top 5.

The other day i was in the shop, wearing my city shirt and the man behind the till asked me.. "whos going to be in the top 5 this year?". I replied "i don't know" after i left the shop it got me thinking. who really has the best chance.. City? United? Spurs? Chelsea? Arsenal? Liverpool? Everton?

So i got home and sat down and wrote out the possible contenders and bullet pointed the reasons why and why not they will do it. Here are my thoughts and predictions on who will finish clinch the top 5 places.

1st place:
Manchester City
Reasons why:

• Champions 2011-12, its there's to lose. But will they crumble under the pressure as they have never retained a trophy before? i don't think they will.
• Good Quality players.
• Good Leader in Kompany
• Aguero and Tevez Partnership
• David Silva,Yaya Toure and Samir Nasri can provide goals and assits
• Joe hart won the golden gloves award last season proves hes one of the best

2nd place:
Chelsea
Reasons why:

• Current European champions, so they can win big games and cope with big pressure 
• New talents players e.g. Hazard and Oscar
• Good managment team
• Defiantly will give city a fight for the title.

One of my concerns is Chelsea's senior and experienced players are told old now?

3rd place:

Manchester United 
Reasons why:

• Finished on the same amount of points as city last season
• Could the RVP and Rooney partnership work or not?
• Sir Alex Ferguson is a very successful manager
• Won 19 top flight titles so they have experience
• Can de Gea improve from his poor first season?

4th place:
Spurs
Reasons why:

• Got some great strikers e.g. Adebayor and Defoe
• I don't think they will be contenders for the title if AVB does the same as he did at Chelsea
• Will give United,Arsenal and Liverpool a run for the 4th place Champions League spot.
• Have great defenders and attacking wingers, e.g. Vertonghen & Bale.

5th place: 

Liverpool or Arsenal

Reasons why:

Liverpool

I had to think long and hard for this one who would finish fifth? I was stuck between Liverpool and Arsenal. So i started to analyse the quality of the squad and the managers.

Liverpool  have won the champions league in the last 10 years.. and won 18 league titles they know how to take pressure. 

My major concern with Liverpool is will they be the leagues biggest flop this season?

Arsenal

• Good young talented squad, e.g Chamberlain & Gibbs
• Good fans base
• Great rivalry with the team above
• Cause a real threat with the likes of Podolski and Cazorla. 

My major concerns:

• Will they be able to cope with out RVP and Song?
• Is Arsene Wenger the right man for Arsenal still, after all his years in charge.
• No silver wear recently.

So there you have it my thoughts and opinions on who will finish in the top 5 this season. 

Free CITC Fun Day

Manchester City's city in the community.

Manchester City's 'City in the community' are holding a FREE fun day on the 30th august 2012. The fun day will hold sessions related to sport and health.

There is something for everyone with football,boxing,t-shirt design,cooking dance mats and much more!!!! 


It will take place at Manchester tennis and football center located at the Etihad Stadium from 11am-3pm.

for more information contact Sophie Payne on 0161 438 7830 or email Sophie at sophie.payne@mcfc.co.uk

Transfer Gossip.

The reigning Premier League champions have been surprisingly quiet during the summer transfer window, with Jack Rodwell their only signing to date. City have, however, been linked with a number of players from across Europe. We take a look at some below

 Sky Sports sources understand that reports claiming man city have lodged a bid for Athletico defender Diego Godin are wide of the mark. Speculation suggested that a €10million (£7.9m) bid had been put to Atletico for their South American centre-half.

Sky sports also understand Manchester City are yet to lodge a bid for Fiorentina star Stevan Jovetic.

Swansea first-team coach Alan Curtis has confirmed that the club are preparing to sell Scott Sinclair to Manchester City. The 23-year-old winger scored 27 times for the Swans in the 2010-11 season before adding a further eight goals last season as they finished mid-table on their top-flight return.

Reports are suggesting Bayern Munich are set to beat Manchester City to the signing of Javi Martinez but the German club's manager, Jupp Heynckes, is refusing to give anything away.

Rumours last night suggested that Manchester City had a bid accepted for Edinson Cavani but rumours this morning are that Chelsea are set to place a £35million bid for him. 

Sky Sports understands FC Twente are one of a number of clubs to make an enquiry for Manchester City's Dedryck Boyata.

Roberto Mancini has confirmed that England winger Adam Johnson was left out of Manchester City's squad to face Southampton in order to help him find a new club. Sunderland have held talks with Manchester City over an initial £10million deal for out-of-favour winger Adam Johnson.

Ezequiel Cirigliano claims there is no substance to reports suggesting Manchester City, Real Madrid and Manchester United have all bid for his services.

The agent of Manchester City starlet John Guidetti claims 15 clubs have expressed an interest in taking the highly-rated striker this summer.

Daniele De Rossi has snubbed a big-money move to Manchester City by pledging his future to boyhood club Roma.

Manchester City 3-2 Southampton

Southampton, a team oozing with pride and confidence after back to back promotions with manager Nigel Adkins has seen them reach top flight football once again, but this trial may have come so far so soon. They take on the champions, Manchester City, at their own ground, the Etihad. It would be a suprise not to see City triumph here, but does fate have another card it wishes to play? Manager Roberto Mancini has been frustrated with the new policy denying him from making further additions to the team, but a settled side may deem formidable as players improve their rapport with one another.

Having written his name into the history books at the end of last season, Aguero started the new campaign with a moment that he will hope will not last so long in his memory.

The Argentine forward appeared to twist his knee under the sliding challenge of right-back Nathaniel Clyne – who cleanly won the ball – and, after one attempt to get back to his feet, left the Etihad Stadium on a stretcher.


Almost unnoticed amidst the worries of Aguero, Southampton had settled into the game nicely, with Ward-Prowse rushing forward with confidence from central midfield and Joleon Lescott under scrutiny for a tackle on Rodriguez in the City box.

Soon after Dzeko had replaced Aguero, Nasri flicked David Silva's pass into the path of Tevez, who spun past centre-back Jos Hooiveld into the box and was tripped by the Dutch defender's outstretched leg, leaving Howard Webb no choice but to point to the spot.

With Aguero withdrawn and other regular takers Mario Balotelli and James Milner on the bench, Silva had the chance to send City in front but his penalty was poorly struck and Kelvin Davis saved to his left.

Southampton found breaks forward more difficult to come by as the half wore on but defended resolutely, keeping Dzeko away from crosses aimed by full-backs Pablo Zabaleta and Gael Clichy.

Southampton were five minutes away from reaching the break with the deadlock intact when Nasri, allowed too much time and space in the visitors' half, picked out Tevez with a chipped pass that the Argentine scurried on to – just staying in line with Jose Fonte – and rifled past Kelvin Davis at the near post.

Southampton did make it to the break trailing by only a goal but the game was almost put to bed shortly after the restart. Nasri, perhaps only second to Tevez in influence exerted in the first half, fought off Clyne on the left-hand side before directing a low cross into the path of Dzeko, but the Bosnian failed to get proper contact on the ball from point blank range.

Adkins had seen enough, calling Lambert to the touchline in one of two moves that would turn the game on its head, but the striker was still waiting to replace Rodriguez when Silva passed up another golden opportunity. Tevez sped down the right and forced Kelvin Davis to parry his powerful cross before the Spaniard volleyed on to the crossbar after Nasri had controlled the rebound.

It took Lambert less time to find his range and make his mark on the top flight. Guiding a Southampton attack forward, the 30-year-old superbly steered home a precise shot from the edge of the box after Lescott had blocked his attempted through ball back into his path.

The Saints' second-half possession had hovered around the 20 per cent mark and from that point it seemed that preserving their point at all costs would be the order of the day but, once again, Adkins found a way to inspire his team from the bench.

Steven Davis was brought into the fray this time and when Rodwell's poor pass sparked a counter-attack, the former Rangers midfielder took advantage of Adam Lallana's lay-off to find the bottom corner with another fine finish.

The story, with City trailing 2-1, seemed a familiar one and it was to take a familiar next step. This time, it did not take as long for the man who gave the fans inside the Etihad Stadium back in May a shred of hope to find an equaliser. Vincent Kompany returned Nasri's corner to the penalty area with a low shot and after Toure had scrapped for the ball it fell for Dzeko to slam home.

Substitute Balotelli failed to convert a sublime low cross from Nasri as City searched for another dramatic third goal before Dzeko glanced a header narrowly wide.

Once Dzeko had equalised, a winner seemed almost inevitable and City found it with 10 minutes still to play. Clichy's cross from the left was poorly dealt with by his opposite number Danny Fox, with Nasri making no mistake after the defender had headed the ball directly into his path.

Fonte had one chance to grab a point as Southampton pressed for a late leveller but City held out to register their first points of the new campaign.

A promising game from the visitors as they gave city a real fight and more than likely frightened the home fans when they took the lead. But of course, this was the champions they were playing and City quickly rallied their men and began piling on the pressure once again, giving them another late drama come-back.

A good result for newly promoted Southampton and the champions scraped their first win of the campaign to defend their title as 'The champions of England.