City’s Probable Team v Leicester (replay)
Posted on January 17th, 2011 | by Scragg in FA Cup,Leicester,UncategorizedI’ m really looking forward to this replay. Leicester are bound to be up for it whilst City will be intent on completing the job within ninety minutes. Couple this with a excellent travelling away support and the prospect of playing Notts County in the next round and you have should have yourself a good game of cup football. Or at least I hope.
Mancini is expected to name a stronger side than he did at the Walkers Stadium, despite playing an energy sapping fixture only days ago. Some players will be rested after their tireless performances against Wolves; namely Barry, Tevez, Yaya and Zabaleta. Their absences in the team should free up spaces for the the cup specialists to fill – Jô, Lescott and Vieira.
Edin Dzeko is unavailable due to his delayed initial registration whilst Micah Richards remains sidelined with a back problem. Some good news though comes in the shape of a dainty little Spaniard – David Silva is expected to start after improving his match fitness in training after injury. Boateng should start at right back in Micah’s absence with Kolarov retaining his place at left back, allowing him to get as much game-time as possible to help his adjustment to English football. Despite his relatively disappointing start I thought he was very impressive on Saturday; he provided a very useful outlet and bombed down the left flank with vigor. Hopefully, he’ll have a similar effect on proceedings tomorrow.
Due to the forced absence of Dzeko, the injury to Balotelli, the disintegration of Adebayor and Mancini’s tendency to rest Tevez after such a scintillating performance, City’s attack may be spearheaded by the that man Jô. His recent showings have been particularly awful and his presence has even been a hindrance to the team on occasions. I don’t want this to become a ‘let’s all slate Jô’ article but he seriously needs to book his act up, and with the arrival of Dzeko. This could be his last chance to make a real impact this season.
What do you think the team will be?
