Buoyed by last week’s victory over Fulham, Roberto Mancini will be looking for our third consecutive away victory in a potentially tricky fixture against the Potters. Following an FA Cup defeat and hard fought draw in trips to the Britannia Stadium last season, the City manager will be well aware of the dangers posed by Tony Pulis’ side.
It’s no surprise to hear that Mancini has had the squad working on the defending of set pieces in training this week. With Pablo Zabaleta suspended either Jerome Boateng will resume at right back, or Micah Richards if the German isn’t fully fit.
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Roberto Mancini’s band of happy travellers triumphed again as Carlos Tevez inspired a victory over Mark Hughes. The frustrations of two goalless draws at Eastlands were cast aside as the fans were once again singing their praise of the Italian manager.
Mancini reverted to the three man central midfield of de Jong, Barry and Yaya. It wasn’t particularly defensive with the Ivorian playing high up, almost alongside Tevez.
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Blue Days
22 November 2010
Fulham /
Hart – Did well in dealing with balls into the box, aside from one punched effort. No chance with the goal and few saves to make. 7
Zabaleta – He doesn’t score tap-ins! Pablo’s attitude can be summed up by the way he was making a tackle immediately after the game restarted following his stunning second goal for the club. 8
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Blue Days
22 November 2010
Fulham /
However much he tries to play it down, there’s little doubt Mark Hughes ringed this match when the fixture lists came out. After two scoreless draws, the critics will be poised when Roberto Mancini sends out his team at Craven Cottage on Sunday. The Italian’s best answer will be a repeat of the performance at West Brom in our previous away game.
There’s a chance it could happen as well, even without Mario Balotelli, our two goal hero that day. Home sides are more likely to come out and attack than Alex McLeish’s disciplined defensive unit were last weekend. When they do, we have the players capable of exploiting the gaps.
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Blue Days
19 November 2010
Fulham /