City vs Chelsea [R]

The biggest concern is Jo, Robinho, and Elano. They're just back from international duties and if they are still 100% for this game, then we should have a chance to beat Chelsea. Our boys who played for European Countries will be slightly better off as the travel isn't that bad.

Essien is out for the remainder of the year and I think there's a few more injuries on the Chelsea side, can't remember.

 

odds that SWP will score?

 

Petrov is definately out, doubts on Micah and Johno.

Robinho will definately play some part though, how much they are not sure though.

Big game.

Too bad it starts at 2:30 in the morning in Aus, i'll have to set an alarm !

 

It will definitely be a new team out on the pitch and raring to go and win it. There's a few that will pull out all the stops to be on the wining side in this one, besides SWP. Reputations to solidify (and justify the amount of money that brought them to CoMS).

Does anyone foresee problem areas/weaknesses for us? Are Chelsea up to full strength, I heard that Essien was out. Mikel is fit as is Drogba (but Drogba may only be fit enough for 45 mins – unless this is just a ‘spin’ by Chelsea and he’s really match fit!).

Come on City

 

I am interested in seeing Zaba, from what I hear he is just as good as Corluka, if not better. (I don't get to watch many Argentina games)

 

I like the diamond 4-4-2 better. More versatile, plus it leaves more options for subs. If City's ahead, late in the match, you can sub Didi for one of the front five, to solidify the D. If they're tied, or behind, you sub in Sturridge, Evans, or Boljinov (is he available?) for Elano, and go with a 4-3-3.

 

I like the 2nd option the best. Take control of the mid-field - a better chance to stop the attacks, help defend and help the forwards. It can be changed to option 1 at the start of the 2nd half if we need to apply pressure to secure a home win. MH's pick/formation will be interesting.

Come on City

 

MH on the Chelsea match:

http://www.mcfc.co.uk/default.sps?pagegid={DBD12D53-8346-431D-A04F-5D0F8664DE80}&newsid=6618125

I love this quote:

"The 5.30pm kick off is a complete sell-out, and the world’s media have also taken a huge interest in the game, even possibly at the expense of the Liverpool-Man United game on Saturday lunchtime.

I know that there’s huge interest in this game, and by all accounts there’s another quite large game going on the same day that this one has possibly superceded!” Hughes laughs."

Love it, love it. A Man City relative of mine (and a season ticket holder) said that there's a lot more about City in the media than United. The City store is packed out and it takes two hours to get through the check-out - he's going to the match early!

On SWP's homecoming:
“He is going to get a fantastic reception, his homecoming in the media has possibly been overshadowed a little bit by the Robinho transfer, but come Saturday I think you will see Shaun get an outstanding reception."

Can't wait to hear it, see it. Not a dry eye in the stadium, nor here.

 

Richards may be fit for the match:

http://www.mcfc.co.uk/default.sps?p...ommonth=7&fromyear=2008&tomonth=9&toyear=2008

"Hughes says: “Micah’s had the shoulder looked at, he has had treatment and we will look at it again nearer the day – but we are hopeful . He will be a little sore for a while, he has damaged the cup of the shoulder but if the pain is manageable then he will be able to take part."

Let's hope so, hate for him to miss this mega match.

 

MH had his eye on Zaba before coming to City, but was a bit out of his range in his previous job. (Money talks!)

Here's the link:

http://www.mcfc.co.uk/default.sps?p...ommonth=7&fromyear=2008&tomonth=9&toyear=2008

“I’m delighted that we brought him here, people are going to see that he’s a high-energy player, he has a real desire to win and he’s very dynamic."

 

I am worried that Zaba, Elano, Robinho, and Richard Dunn won't be rested enough for this game. All of them played 90 minutes yesterday. Then again, most of the Chelsea players played on international duties as well, so we'll see.

 

Do any of you guys have any news on Nery Castillo. Is he even considered to be on the bench? Any news will help, thanks guys.

 

wow...i remember that guy, has he even done anything significant since that great performance against brasil in the CA opening match??

 

wow, thanks for the info.

 

I doubt he will start FutGod, i don't think he is even in the squad.

The premier league doesn't really suit him at all, he probably hasn't been given a fair go, but that's life.

He almost left on another loan to Spain, but that got cut down so we may see him sometime this year. I wouldn't hold your breath though, doesn't seem he is in Mark Hughes plans.

 

Futgod the club being sold recently hurt Castillo with the addition of Robinho. I am postive he would have gotten playing time if the club had not been sold. I was looking forward to it. At the end of the last season, which ended horribly, he was beginning to link up with Benjani. But at current time it will take injuries for Castillo to get in. As far as him not fitting in he needed to be able to start this season as a starter and I believe he would have contributed.

 

Games starting in 20 minutes.

I'm getting excited.

These are the teams
Teams

City: Hart, Zabaleta, Dunne (c), Richards, Ball, Kompany, Hamann, Ireland, Wright-Phillips, Robinho, Jo.

unused subs: Schmeichel, Ben Haim, Elano, Garrido, Fernandes, Evans, Sturridge.

Chelsea: Cech, Bosingwa, Carvalho, Terry (c), A Cole, Malouda, Mikel Obi, J Cole, Deco, Anelka.

unused subs: Hilario, Ivanovic, Bridge, Kalou, Alex, Belletti, Drogba.

 

Cmmmmooonnnn Abu Dh.... I mean Manchester City!



Robinho looks great in a sky blues kit.. although I can hardly believe it.

Good luck guys. A win here would be a statement of intent.

 

Avram Grant and Thaksin sitting next to each other in the city stands.

 

Brazilliant!