Match Preview

Copenhagen v MCFC

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The question on everyone`s mind is: ‘are we going to do a Shalke 04 or a Racing Santander?’. Two very different away games, the latter epitomising City’s away form.

Vital Quotes:

Mark Hughes said in the build up: ‘Copenhagen have not hand many competitive games recently, which is to our advantage.

‘The game is all about making sure we are in good shape for the home leg and that we are on the front foot to bring them back to the City of Manchester Stadium.

‘Uefa Cup progression is something that we have been aiming towards since the start of the season and that has not changed.

‘The first task was to get through the group and we did that as winners now we want to make the best of that hard work.’

FC Copenhagen Team News:

Dame N’Doye and Martin Vingaard arrived at the Danish club in January and are in contention to make their competitive debuts, however, new signing Johan Wiland is cup-tied having already represented Elfsborg earlier this season in the UEFA Cup.

Key striker Cesar Santin is a major doubt heading into the cup clash.

Player to watch: Morten Nordstrand

With Brazilian striker Santin out, 25 year old Danish international Nordstrand is FC Copenhagen’s main attacking threat.

Manchester City FC Team News:

Richard Dunne and Shaun-Wright Phillips return for City after respective suspensions had ruled them out of recent Premier League games.

Robinho has been declared fit and Micah Richards is expected to overcome an ankle injury in time for the match.

Gelson Fernandes (fortunately) will not be travelling with his team-mates as he is struggling with a tight hamstring.

Player to watch: Shaun Wright-Phillips

Manchester City missed the miniature winger in their Portsmouth clash and he will have nothing to hold back for as he misses City’s next two games through suspension.

Match Facts & Stats

This is Manchester City’s second Danish opponents having previously played FC Midtjylland.

If City overcome FC Copenhagen, they are likely to face a third Danish opponent in Aalborg BK after their 3-0 demolition of Deportivo La Coruna.

Ref Watch:

Unknown

Match Prediction:

StÃ¥le Solbakken’s FC Copenhagen scored goals for fun in the early stages of the UEFA Cup including a 7-0 thrashing.

I expect a bit of trouble for the City defence and if our away form is anything to go by, the best result I can see is a 1-1 draw.

Next Fixtures:

Liverpool away on Sunday 22nd February with a 3pm kick off.

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