The Manchester City Project

Mark Hughes started with Adebayor upfront who had “shaken off” his groin strain sustained playing for Togo earlier this week; he was partnered by Bellamy and Robinho in a 4-3-3 formation. Tevez, lacking match practise started on the bench along with De Jong. Wright-Philips, Ireland and Barry made up the midfield, whilst Dunne, Toure, Bridge and Richards were in front of Given in net.

Throughout the first half City were dealing with Rover’s attacks unconvincingly in defence, however City looked to break away quickly and fluently each time they won the ball. 3 minutes in and on a counter attack Wright-Phillips pulled the ball back from just inside the area to Adebayor who struck with power and precision from 18-yards to beat Paul Robinson.

After 10 minutes of City dominance the Blackburn team pulled together and began to over run the midfield, leaving the competitive Barry to stop the Rovers push with numerous last ditch tackles. At the back City looked uncomfortable playing together. There were a number of mix ups between the back line with a number of collisions between players that Blackburn could not take advantage of. It will take a number of matches however before the team really begins to gel – once they do then it is quite clear that City fans will be enjoying a lot of flowing purposeful football.

Rover’s manager Allardyce is clearly correct in targeting a striker to add to the team before the end of the transfer window. Blackburn were unable to convert a number of chances. Steven N’Zonzi had a shot cleared, Jason Roberts smashed over the bar from 12 yards, McCarthy hit a freekick directly at Given who shortly afterwards kept out a Samba header.

City also had their chances with Robinho proving that whilst he can be anonymous for some of the game his contribution can be potentially match winning. Cutting in from the left wing the Brazilian hit a stinging shot that Robinson had to parry over the bar. He was also unlucky half way through the second half but was foiled again as Robinson brilliantly diverted the shot, low to his right.

Carlos Tevez made his competitive debut for City, coming on for Robinho. He too tested Robinson, who again got down low to save.

Blackburn were running out of ideas, the largely ineffective Diouf simply kept standing infront of Given each time Rovers had a freekick. The un-gentlemanly conduct almost paid dividends for Rovers gum munching manager as McCarty’s drive from out side the area whistled over the top right of the net, away from the beaten Given.

Final Score: Blackburn Rovers 0 – Manchester City 2 (Adebayor, 3; Ireland, 91)

Starting Line Ups

Blackburn Rovers: Robinson, Jacobsen, Samba, Givet, Warnock, Diouf, Andrews, Nzonzi, Pedersen, Roberts, McCarthy. Subs: Brown, Olsson, Khizanishvili, Grella, Hoilett, Di Santo, Gallagher

Manchester City: Given, Richards, Dunne, Toure, Bridge, Wright-Phillips, Ireland, Barry, Robinho, Adebayor, Bellamy. Subs: Taylor, Zabaletta, Onuoha, Petrov, De Jong, Weiss, Tevez

Santa Cruz will not be available until next month as he continues to recover from a knee operation whilst Adebayor has suffered a groin strain after playing for Togo in midweek. Carlos Tevez may start the game after recovering from a shower related heel injury. Manager Mark Hughes said: “Carlos has had some good work this week and we are pleased. He is looking in good shape.”

Blackburn Rovers look to be without Captain Ryan Nelsen after injuring his knee last week in the friendly against Dundee. Left back Gael Givet looks set to cover the central defender. Other injury doubts are Brett Emerton (knee), David Dunn (thigh), Steven Ried (knee) and Vince Grella (hamstring). Rovers gum fixated manager said: “It is about keeping players’ fitness and getting Dunn, Emerton, Reid and Nelsen back in the squad as quickly as possible. Those are key players on how good a season we are going to have. That coupled with players we have already got and Franco Di Santo and Nikola Kalinic doing the business and scoring the goals and Steven Nzonzi emerging, will determine whether we have a really good season or just a mediocre one.”

Everyone is wondering exactly what tactics Mark Hughes will employ against Blackburn, with the many options he has at his disposal. However no one will have to guess the tactics that a Fat Sam Blackburn Rovers team will employ – kick City into submission. Midfielder David Dunn gave an eloquent description of the mastermind tactics: “It’s important we do our best and kick lumps out of them – fairly of course,”

“We have to be very strong and organised and the main thing is we will have to be really aggressive against them and knock them about a bit. That’s what the manager will be asking from our lads. We have to make Ewood Park a place no–one wants to come to again.

“I think it is a good time to play City. Unfortunately we don’t have the same resources. But what we do have is an even level on that pitch and as soon as the lads cross the white line the money doesn’t really matter. It’s about how much you want it.”

City look set to start with new signings Toure and Barry in a Mark Hughes line up that will be able to overcome any rough tactics from Blackburn. A lot is expected of Manchester City tomorrow, however it will be a tough game. City did not have the best away record last term and the Blackburn match could well see a draw. Prediction: Blackburn Rovers 1 Manchester City 1

Mark Hughes pre-match press conference

City Line Up (Probable) : Given, Zabaleta, Toure, Dunne, Bridge, De Jong, Ireland, Wright-Phillips, Barry, Robinho, Tevez

Blackburn Line Up (probable) : Robinson, Jacobsen, Warnock, Nelsen, Samba, Pedersen, Emerton, Andrews, Grella, Diouf, McCarthy