City go into the second leg of their UEFA qualifying tie against Faroe Island’s EB/Streymur with a two goal advantage.
Vital Quotes:
Mark Hughes talks about the game: “It`s good, and we are looking forward to the game. The first leg was a little bit of a trip into the unknown, to say the least, but the players got the job done professionally.
“We`re two weeks further down the line in fitness terms, that was a concern going into the first leg but it won`t be a concern this time around. We`ve done some good work in the last month and we are looking to step things up now.
“We`ve got the cushion of the two away goals, it`s still a situation we need to be mindful of but I would be very surprised if we did not progress.”
He then talks about complacency: “There is always that concern, but I don`t think it will be an issue. We are now very much into our preparation for the Premier League season, which is upon us very soon. The guys that are involved are playing for places and looking to wear the shirt on the first day. I sense they are very much wanting to show what they can do, and trying to impress.
Manchester City FC Team News:
Bojinov is not quite fit for this game; there is no news on whether Rolando Bianchi will be available, but he has not been included in the squad that has been issued to the associated press.
Michael Johnson is available after receiving a knock.
Player to watch: Stephen Ireland
He was City’s best player in the drab display in Hamburg and so I expect that desire to impress Hughes to continue.
EB/Streymur Team News:
With little knowledge of the team all I can say is that it is likely to be the same that started two weeks ago which was: Torgard ,Bo ,Clementsen ,Djurhuus ,Foldgast (Davidsen ,85 ) ,Bardur Olsen ,Jacobsen (Brian Olsen ,76 ) ,Hans Pauli Samuelsen (Eliasen ,77 ) ,Hanssen ,Arnbjorn Hansen ,Niclasen
Subs not used: Magnus Poulsen,Balog,Kruse,Thomassen,
Player to watch: The Goalkeeper
He was their best player in the away leg.
Match Facts & Stats
Probably one of the very few times that a UEFA cup game has had to be moved from an 48,000 seater stadium because of a concert!!!
Ref Watch:
Romanian Augustus Viorel Constantin – not the most experienced referee; lets hope he does as well as our female did for the first leg.
Match Prediction:
With fitnesses improved I expect a much higher scoreline than the away leg. MCFC 5 – 0 EB/Streymur
Next Fixtures:
Stockport County away friendly at Edgeley Park on Sat(2nd) with a 1pm kick off.