MAN CITY v CSKA Moscow – The PREVIEW: City’s Probable Team
4 Nov
Aleks Kolarov is sidelined for around a month with the injury he sustained in the warm-up ahead of Sunday’s derby, so Gael Clichy will start on the left of the back four hoping to continue the improvement he showed against United. The only defensive selection dilemma for Manuel Pellegrini will be either Martin Demichelis or Eliaquim Mangala alongside Vincent Kompany.
Samir Nasri may replace Stevan Jovetic in the role just behind Sergio Aguero as he builds up his match sharpness, although Edin Dzeko is another attacking option. Fernandinho could operate in midfield with Yaya Touré pushed further forward, but the manager is unlikely to head down that route at home.
Here is the side Pellegrini could select:
Referee: Anastasios Sidiropoulos.
Prediction: MAN CITY 2 – 0 CSKA Moscow – Despite what Manuel Pellegrini says, this is a must-win game for City and on the back of the confidence-boosting derby victory, I guess the Blues will have enough to claim the three points. Goals to be scored by Sergio Aguero, Edin Dzeko.
Vincent Kompany to score the opener is a cracking 20/1. Get a free £20 bet when you bet £10 here!
Milner has to start before Nasri on current form
I understand the author may be picking the team he thinks
Pelligrini may select but navas, yaya and nasri cannot play effectively defensively in a 4 man midfield. Milner would have to start. Dzeko has done nothing to warrant a start
Think youre right about the fact 3 of the 4 midfielders are more forward thinking, would be suprised with that starting line up. However I do think this could be a good game for Nasri to get some sharpness and he could be a key player in the next few weeks with Silva out.
Personally I would go with Mangala as I think he is a better option in the long term, although the critics will say you need a settled back 4 so would understand if people think Demi should play.
You’re not going to play Milner are you absolutely mental?! Would bet my house on it.
Think in the press conference Pellegrini said Mangala has a problem with his hip/thigh and is not in the squad tomorrow.
Don’t see any evidence that Dzeko deserves the place over Jovetic myself.