West Brom came from behind with two quick second-half goals to knock City out of the Carling Cup. Roberto Mancini made a full 11 changes from the side that won on Sunday, while Roberto Di Matteo made 10 for West Brom.
Critically, Mancini also had to allow for injured players in Boateng, Richards, Kolarov, Bridge, Lescott, Michael Johnson, Balotelli and Adebayor. As a result he was forced to field several youngsters with half the team in effect a third choice outfit. Shaun Wright-Phillips was also missing which may mean he had a knock as well.
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City begin their Carling Cup campaign at the Hawthorns with Roberto Mancini keeping one eye on a Saturday lunchtime date with Chelsea. Rotation enables a manager to keep his squad fresh and tonight should see a host of changes.
The Carling Cup appears to be the least of City’s priorities this season which may be a pity as it requires the fewest number of games to pick up some silverware. Just six fixtures have to be negotiated to end City’s quest for a trophy.
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Falcao, the Brazilian futsal legend, has paid a visit to City this week to demonstrate his skills to City’s under 18 squad. Never mind the under 18’s, there’s plenty in the first team who could learn a thing or two from from Falcao!
For those unfamiliar with futsal, it’s like five a side with a smaller ball and is hugely popular in Brazil. The main reason for this article is an opportunity to show some Falcao on video.
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Whether Wayne Bridge would have been sufficiently up to speed to play in the Chelsea game is now immaterial as Mark Ogden reports that he’s set to be out for two weeks with a thigh injury.
With Kolarov and Lescott also missing, Roberto Mancini is down to his fourth choice left-back for a match against the free scoring champions. Hardly ideal.
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