MAN CITY v Liverpool: Carling Cup PREVIEW – City’s Probable Team
10 Jan
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At the start of the season, the Carling Cup was very much bottom on the list of priorities. With a maiden Champions League campaign to look forward to, plus the FA Cup to defend, we viewed this as an opportunity to rest our stars and give playing time to the fringe members of the squad. But now, in the wake of our departure from the afore-mentioned pair of highly regarded competitions, the Carling Cup now takes on extra significance.
We’re in the semi-final and it now represents a superb chance to add to our collection of silverware. Just two games away from another visit to Wembley, the Carling Cup should no longer be viewed as a distraction, but as a wonderful opportunity to achieve more success. Liverpool stand in our path and have the quality to defeat us, but should we carry forward the momentum and belief from that unforgettable second half performance against Manchester United, few would bet against us.
Selection wise, Roberto Mancini is devoid of the services of captain Vincent Kompany, whose appeal against his red card on Sunday was rejected by the FA. That means a likely central defensive pairing of Stefan Savic and Joleon Lescott, with Gael Clichy sure to replace Aleks Kolarov on the left. Gareth Barry will return after his one-match suspension and will probably partner Nigel De Jong in midfield.
Both Edin Dzeko and Mario Balotelli returned to training after the derby and should be fit for this fixture, but David Silva is likely to be on the bench after suffering an ankle knock against United and missing training on Tuesday. That could hand a reprieve to Adam Johnson who has failed to impress at all this season but could get another opportunity.
Here is the side Mancini could select:
For the visitors, Steven Gerrard is all set to play, whilst Craig Bellamy, who caused us problems when coming on as a substitute in the league, will hope to be named from the start. Luis Suarez is again missing but Andy Carroll could enjoy the absence of Vincent Kompany to trouble the relatively inexperienced Savic.
Referee: Lee Mason – Has officiated only one other City game this season and that was the frustrating 0-0 away to West Brom. Hopefully won’t be as bad as Chris Foy.
Prediction: MAN CITY 2 – 1 Liverpool – I think it will be a fairly open affair with two slightly uncertain defences. Goals to be scored by Sergio Aguero, Mario Balotelli and Craig Bellamy.
I just can’t see us keeping Liverpool out with the CB pairing of Lescott and Savic. The only time they’ve been together this season we looked really wobbly, with both players being decent defenders, but by no means leaders. I’ll be pleased to see Barry back, but with 10 men on the field (thank you AJ) as well, it’s going to be a huge ask, unless Liverpool play some kids.
Could push richards into the centre and play zab too. Seems a bit harsh to say AJ hasn’t impressed at all this season. He’s scored some blinders just doesnt seem to be able to maintain the high quality for a full 90.
Yeah definitely harsh on Johnson, to be fair to him for the derby once Kompany went off the game would not have suited him at all
I’d really like to see Mancini try out a 4-4-2 with an Inter Diamond midfield and Dzeko/Balo playing together. Give Aguero a spell and utilize the mids we have very well imo.
bring Nedum out of the cold and play him.
games coming to quickly after each other,time to introduce player from the academy -one at a time- Razak/Suarez/Rekik …and dare I say Assulin (where is he?).Mancini complains about the lack of depth in defence/midfield but the lack of reserve strike force relying on the fitness of the trio is worrying.
Just imagine the Toures esp YAYA returning injured .
Finally last game of the season… QPR…Hughes v Mancini !
Nedum is a decent player that I personally like, however; not sure if he is ready to give his 100% provided all the departure news surrounding him. Otherwise; I am all for him
As a liverpool fan, I hope thats your team! There are only 2 or 3 players that could even get into the liverpool team.
Are you mad?!
Hart would get in ahead of Reina…Richards would get in ahead of Johnson…Clichy is better than Jose Enrique…Barry is better than Adams…Milner is better than Henderson…Aguero and Balotelli are better than any striker you possess!
Theres only 2 Liverpool players we’d take, and one of them is a racist bastard.
And I would assure you that not a single player listed above would wish to play for this Liverpool team in his wildest dream! what is left from Liverpool now is just a great history with no future prospect of repeating it much like those great past cultures such as Greeks.
That is only place that you can find solace now as you see others take your place in top 4!
the above team is best team to field after losing silva n kompany… n yes Mancini should field academy players like razak, rekik, saurez, scappuzi etc. n should stop weepin for lackin squad depth. we have so many hidden talents. . pls utilize them mancini…..