Blackburn v Manchester City Preview

City’s results at Blackburn since returning to the premiership have been patchy with one topsy turvy 3-2 victory at the beginning of the 2003/4 season where we briefly went top of the table.

A dour 0-0 draw as part of Stuart Pearce honeymoon start to his City career. A 1-0 defeat in the 2002/3 season from a goal from Mr Injury, David Dunn. And finally last season’s end of season abomination 2-0 defeat.

Most City fans will probably be glad to see Dietmar Hamann make his first start in a City shirt as he should add a lot more stability to the team.

Hatem Trabelsi looked quite useful when coming on for the spoilt brat Micah Richards who may see himself start on the bench after that display. This game may come to early for the injured DaMarcus Beasley who would surely offer more than Claudio Reyna ever could in that position.

Pearce will have a dilemma as to who he plays up front with Paul Dickov returning to his old club, Corradi needing time to fit in and so needs to play, but Georgios Samaras looked quite lively when he came on against Reading on Monday.

The anorak statistic of the game could be if Nicky Weaver starts for City he will be making his 150th league start for the Citizens. If City fail to inspire in the final third yet again this season then that one penalty goal this season will start to become a real monkey on their back.