MCFC’s big cup fortnight continues and it’s to Lincolnshire the team’s minibus heads for another intriguing knock out clash
Vital Quotes:
Roberto Mancini:
‘We will mix it again because I have three or four players who are very tired and I want them to be on the bench. I want to play a few young players again from the start.’
Nigel Adkins:
‘On paper Manchester City should beat Scunthorpe United. On grass they have already beaten us. Although we did get the tie to a 1-1 draw at one stage. But in the second half the quality of players that City have got obviously told and they were worthy winners in that game. But we’re at home. It’s the beauty, the drama and the history of the FA Cup and one we can all look forward to.’
Shaun Wright-Phillips:
‘I know it is a cliché but we have to take one game at a time. The best sides, the most successful sides, keep on churning out wins no matter which competition or which players are involved. We want to win at Scunthorpe and to give ourselves the best chance to do that we have to prepare properly and make sure minds are on the FA Cup and not beating United or meeting them again next week.’
Vincent Kompany:
‘On the back of a good performance against United, going to Scunthorpe might seem like an easy job, but I believe it will be completely the opposite. We’ll have to be at our best and we started preparing right after the derby. We don’t want a defeat there before going to Old Trafford.’
David Mirfin:
‘I’m sure Mancini will have been told by the English staff how important the FA Cup is, but he knows what his priorities are and he’s got players good enough if he chooses to change it. They might have one eye on the Carling Cup, but then they’ve got two international squads they could probably put out.’
VMC City Video Link: Mancio FA Cup Press Conference
Scunthorpe United Team News:
The Iron have Josh Wright available after sickness but Rob Jones is doubtful due to a hamstring injury, otherwise it’s almost a full deck that Adkins has to select from.
Player to watch: Gary Hooper
Scunthorpe’s top scorer certainly knows where the onion bag is. His Iron career record registers one goal every other game, so there is no margin for error for City at the back where this lad is concerned.
Manchester CITY Team News:
The usual raft of injuries persist, although with each passing day at Carrington the situation improves.
Benjani, Martin Petrov and Stephen Ireland are sure to start alongside Robinho, in what is rumoured to be the Brazilian’s last game in a sky blue shirt the day before his 26th birthday. However, Mancio is keeping the nucleus of his strongest possible side together for the trip.
OUT: Johnson, Lescott, Bridge, Santa Cruz, Adebayor (Compassionate Leave), Toure (International Duty) and Vieira.
City (from): Given, Taylor, Zabaleta, Richards, Onuoha, Sylvinho, Garrido, Trippier, Wright-Phillips, Ireland, Kompany, De Jong, Barry, Bellamy, Robinho, Tevez, Benjani, Petrov, Vidal, Boyata.
Player to watch: Stephen Ireland
City need Superman to come through this test with flying colours. This is the time for the lad to come roaring back at a crucial stage of the season.
Against the rags in the League Cup, the midfield sat deep leaving a sizeable gap between midfield and attack and nobody on the park to bridge that gap.
Ireland’s contribution here will be key towards Mancio’s team selection on Wednesday.
Match Facts & Stats
City have won all 5 games ever played against The Iron.
The two sides only FA Cup clash came at Eastlands four years ago. City won thanks to a Fatty Fowler hat-trick.
Scunthorpe are unbeaten in 3 games having prior to that run only won 1 out of 11 fixtures.
The Blues have won 6 games out of the last 7.
Betting: Scunthorpe 13-2 Man City 7-20 Draw 100-30
Follow the game live on Sunday in The VMC Forums’ popular Match Day Thread:
MATCHDAY THREAD: Scünthorpe vs Man City – FA Cup 4th Round – Sun Jan 24th – KO 4pm UK Time
Ref Watch:
Kevin Friend, Leicestershire: Mr. Friend reffed City’s ludicrous 2-2 throwaway at Eastlands last October against Fulham. He has refereed across all competitions this season but has yet to visit Glanford Park. He averages just under four bookings per game. Current Season Record: Games: 20, Yellow Cards:76, Red Cards:3
Match Prediction:
A crucial fixture which SWP is right to identify as being symbolic in our aspirations of continued progress. The Citizens have discovered the knack of winning at difficult, often hostile away grounds this season, Palace, Wolves, Boro and Pompey are noteable examples. More of that newfound resolve will be required here if City are to maintain campaigns on all three domestic fronts. An early City goal will be crucial in that aspect. Should that happen, I’m convinced we will then wrap up the tie comfortably. Johnny On The Spot: Scunthorpe 0, CITY 2
Next Fixtures:
A: the rags, LCSF2, Wed 27 Jan 20h00 GMT
H: Portsmouth, Sun 31 Jan 13h30 GMT
A: Hull, Sat 6 Feb 15h00 GMT
H: Bolton, Tue 9 Feb 19h45 GMT
A: Stoke, Tue 16 Feb, 19h45 GMT