Manchester City beat Swansea 4-0 in their first Premier League game, a game that ignited City’s push for the title and one that gave Swansea a baptism of fire.
Eager to put that game behind them, the Swans will undoubtedly be looking for revenge. In form Vorm will be the man who City have to beat if they are to come away with the double.
Mancini’s side will be confident of victory, but the added pressure of United playing simultaniously could upset the balance.
Vital Quotes:
When asked about United, City enforcer Nigel de Jong was determined to stay focused on one game at a time, stating: ‘”We`re not thinking of the derby at the end of the season. What is the point of that? We start with Swansea and we take it from there.
“It is going to be tough.
“Swansea are new to the Premier League, but they have shown that they are good enough for this level. We have to take care because beating the leaders would be a massive result for them.’
Swansea City Team News:
Nathan Dyer misses out due to suspension, while Andrea Orlandi and Kemy Agustien are absent through injury.
Player to watch: Micheal Vorm
Swansea’s goalkeeper has performed exceptionally this season, and is perhaps the reason why this Swansea side are so assured in going forward. With such solidarity between the sticks, the team is given the freedom to express themselves.
Regardless how much City’s attacking line-up cost, they are going to face a real challenge this afternoon.
Manchester City Team News:
Injuries to City captain Vincent Kompany and utility man Pablo Zabaleta mean that Roberto Mancini will yet again have to shuffle around his back four.
Golfing supremo Carlos Tevez is still about a week away from match fitness.
Player to watch: Micah Richards
The City fullback will replace the injured Pablo Zabaleta at right-back and will be looking to impress interim England manager Stuart Pearce.
Richards has gone from strength to strength under Roberto Mancini and his bombing runs down the right flank will surely cause Swansea problems.
Match Facts & Stats
Manchester City had 15 shots on target in the crushing 4-0 reverse fixture, the most in any Premier League game so far this season.
Ref Watch:
Lee Mason officiates todays game.
Match Prediction:
While I admire Swansea’s attacking flair, it is highly unlikely that they will breach City’s watertight defence today. They will certainly test the visitors and come close on occassion, but the only real problem Mancini’s men will face is their own complacency.
City have been poor in comparison with the start of the season and the goals have dried up, however Swansea present the opportunity to get back into a solid groove until the end of the season. I predict a solid but unspectacular game with City coming away victorious. Swansea 0-1 Manchester City.