Hart – A stunning double save to protect our two goal lead brought a standing ovation. Great to see him at Eastlands again. 8
Richards – A teriffic return after a torrid time against Gareth Bale. Micah thoroughly dominated his opponent in one of his best ever defensive displays. 8
The first home match of the season sees Roy Hodgson bring Liverpool to Eastlands in a game neither manager will want to lose as they bid to claim a Champions League slot. James Milner is in line to make his debut for City as we seek our first league victory.
Last season saw City and Liverpool play out two draws with the game at Eastlands in particular condemned for a lack of adventure by Roberto Mancini and Rafa Benitez. Roy Hodgson is hardly known for his gung-ho tactics either with his Fulham side managing just four away victories in the last two seasons.
With injuries to Aleksandar Kolarov, Jerome Boateng and Wayne Bridge it looks like Roberto Mancini will have to put on hold any plans to use attacking full-backs. This is an early blow as such players are increasingly important at the top level of the game.
4-2-3-1 is the formation of choice these days and relies on full-backs to overload the opposition on the flanks. Maicon at Mourinho’s Inter is a perfect example and it’s no coincidence that both Mancini and Mourinho are believed to have wanted Maicon and Kolarov as their attacking full-backs this season.
City opened their Europa League campaign with a victory in Romania thanks to super Mario playing the super-sub role. Roberto Mancini demonstrated his Italian heritage with a cautious opening giving way to an attacking finale that could have seen the blues score more.
With uncertainty over Shay Given’s future, Joe Hart started in goal and kept the Irishman from being cup-tied. Zabaleta replaced Micah at right-back and it will be interesting to see which of them starts against Liverpool. Was this rotation or was Micah dropped after his struggles against Gareth Bale? Only Mancini knows.
Hart – Under employed for most of the evening. A relief after the Spurs game. 6
Zabaleta – Tighter on opponents than Micah and came close to conceding penalties as a result. 6
City’s team to take on FC Timisoara is:
Hart, Zabaleta, K Toure, Kompany, Lescott, de Jong, Barry, Y Toure, Silva, Tevez, Adebayor.
Today feels like relative calm after the drama of yesterday, with the main story in the Spanish press claiming Barcelona are looking to lighten Ibrahimovic from their wage bill. Unfortunately the player himself only has eyes for Milan.
The lack of Champions League football at City is again cited as the reason Ibra doesn’t fancy our ‘project’ along with a fondness for Milanese life. The big drawback for Barca is Milan’s lack of cash.
Another huge day for City in the transfer market sees a deal for James Milner finally agreed with Stephen Ireland heading to Villa in part exchange. The exact breakdown of the deal isn’t clear with figures of between £16.5m and £18m said to be going to Villa plus extras. Ireland may be getting £1m for his pay-off.
Cardiff are to be congratulated on beating a host of clubs to the loan signing of Craig Bellamy.
Here we go again! City’s new season begins as our last one ended, in terms of meaningful games, with a mouth-watering clash against Spurs. Both teams will be desperate for a positive start.
Whether either manager believes his side is ready for such a clash is another matter. Harry Redknapp complained about his own pre-season schedule and the bout of international friendlies.
With the international friendlies over, it’s back to transfer dealings in what looks like being a busy 48 hours before the season opener against Tottenham.
According to the Birmingham Mail, James Milner was all set to drive up to Manchester last night, until Villa told him otherwise. A hitch regarding Stephen Ireland’s move to Villa was cited as the reason.
