Here is the team Roberto Mancini has picked for this evenings match.
City Line-Up:
(4-3-3):
25) Hart
–
5) Zabaleta – 28) K Toure – 4) Kompany – 19) Lescott
–
34) de Jong – 42) Y Toure – 18) Barry
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32) Tevez (c) – 9) Adebayor – 21) Silva
Interestingly, Mancini has once-again opted for the three ‘holding midfielders’ in Nigel de Jong, Yaya Toure and Gareth Barry. I think 3 is too many and reduces our team mobility in midfield; leaving only 3 players to effectively score the goals and create the chances.
I expected Adam Johnson to start on the left wing but the inclusion of Adebayor equates for this as we will see Silva and Tevez float in-and-around the big striker. Joleon Lescott has been picked at left-back ahead of Greg Cunningham, the promising academy youngster who was pushing for a start after injuries were sustained by both Kolarov and Bridge earlier this week.
Finally, I expect Mario Balotelli to come on at some point but the fact he is not starting is not surprising as he left training last night, sporting an ice pack.
Prediction:
I predict a tough, cagey game that will see little goal-mouth action but a lot of midfield scrapping. However, I think City’s class will shine through and we’ll edge out a win with goals from Adebayor and Silva.
FC Timişoara 0 – 2 Man City
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