Our injury crisis may not be as bad as some are fearing. Obviously Santa Cruz and Michael ‘couple of weeks away’ Johnson are out, along with Vincent Kompany. Of the rest, Given, Toure, Bellamy, Tevez and Adebayor could all be fit enough to play.
The midfield has looked strongest in pre-season with De Jong alongside Barry and Ireland playing in front. For a tricky away game, this would provide a solid platform even if it allows for only one striker. Bellamy …
Saturday 8 August, 3.00pm
City round off their pre-season fixtures with the Eastlands tradition of a prestige home fixture. Celtic are this season’s visitors and it promises to be an entertaining game with the Scots doubtless in jubilant mood following their Champions League heroics on Wednesday.
Expect to see them singing the praises of none other than Georgios Samaras, and it’s been a while since anyone did that at Eastlands! The opposing fans should also give a warmer reception to Shay Given …
Wednesday 5 August, 7.45pm
City take on Rangers tonight in the first half of a double header against the Old Firm clubs.
Given the ongoing injuries to Carlos Tevez and Roque Santa Cruz, expect to see more of Bellamy and Adebayor trying to forge an understanding, unless Hughes goes for a lone striker set-up.
Gareth Barry looks likely to get a run out after recovering from a minor knock and Kolo Toure should get another opportunity to familiarise himself with his new teammates.
Bellamy …
