Premier league preview: Manchester City Vs Blackburn Rovers
In what would be their fourth match of the Premier League season, Manchester City host Sam Allardyce’s Blackburn Rovers in what is expected to be an intriguing encounter. City suffered the only loss of the season against Sunderland 2 weeks ago, as a last minute penalty by Darren Bent shattered the hearts of City fans. On the other hand, Rovers managed to hold off Arsenal’s threat for most part of the game, but fell short when they lost 2-1. Manchester City has however always shown great heart and strength whenever they are in front of their beloved home crowd and Sam would need different tactics if he is to topple the 300 million pound team.
Team news- Manchester City
There is trouble at the City camp as Manchester City would have to do without newly signed Italian Mario Balotelli. The former Inter Milan striker has been ruled out of action for 6 weeks minimum owing to a knee injury suffered in his debut match. Balotelli has a mixed start to his Eastland’s career as the player managed to score on his debut match. However, he picked up the ankle injury, ruling him out of action for month and a half. Also, City didn’t look the lustrous side with so many superstars in their defeat to Sunderland, as theylooked lazy and sluggish in the contest. Their away form needs to improve desperately if they are to break into the “top four”.
What City lacks is the a strong defence. Newly signed defenders Jerome Boateng and Aleksander Kolarov would be unavailable for this month while long recovering Wayne Bridge still has a long way to go. Jolean Lescott has taken over as left back and would be needed to stay there for quite some time. In the centre, Kolo Toure and Vincent Kompany are anything but rock solid and with City employing three Defensive midfielder, it shows the manager’s lack of confidence in the back line.
City however pride on their forward line, with Adam Johnson, James Milner and Carlos Tevez taking charge up front. Johnson has recently found a green patch of form and would be looking to add to his goal tally. David Silva still needs some time to adapt to the Premier League fully, which has failed even the best of players on the planet.
Team News- Blackburn Rovers
Rovers have come under a possible buy over bid by Ahsan Ali Syed. Blackburn would be proud of their performance against Arsenal at Ewood park, where the held the Gunners for most of the match. They were a bit unlucky of not managing a single point against them, as Arsenal won a tightly fought match. Loan signee Mame Biram Diouf is having a wonderful time at the Rovers, as he has already scored 4 goals this season. This includes a hatrick managed by the former Molde Fk man, which he scored in a Carling Cup tie. Pace is what lacked at Ewood park and Diouf is giving exactly what was lacking.
Predicted line ups- Manchester City (4-5-1)
Joe Hart, Micah Richards, Vincent Kompany, Kolo Toure, Jolean Lescott, Yaya Toure, Gareth Barry, Nigel De Jong, James Milner, Adam Johnson, Carlos Tevez.
Blackburn Rovers (4-4-2)
Robinson, Salgado, Nelson, Samba, Givet, El Hadj Diouf, Grella, Jones, Pederson, Mame Diouf, Kalinic
It would be a game for the visitors as City will dominate in front of the home crowd. I expect a 2-0 Victory in favour of Manchester City
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