Bolton prediction

A tricky one to try and accurately predict as there hasn't been much confirmation as regards the line ups for both sides.

Definites are that Nicolas Anelka misses out through injury, although Gary Megson's suggestion he would have been rested anyway indicates a less than full strength side being fielded given their priorities in the league and UEFA Cup.

Andreas Isaksson will play, and get his chance to stake a claim for the number 1 jersey, but as for the rest of the side it is a little unknown as previous ties have seen Eriksson field a far weaker side than predicted, but reports indicate he is tempted to give those who played at Chelsea a shot at redeeming themselves but I hope that Bianchi is given a chance to come in from his exile.

Saturday's defeat has tempered expectations a little, and perhaps shown that realistically a UEFA Cup position is more achievable, and a win here would take us into the last eight and that step nearer to a Wembley final.

A tight game, but I take City to win 2-1.

City to feature in TV comedy

THE team are riding high in the Premiership and their manager is rarely out of the headlines - it's safe to say Manchester City's showbiz currency has never been higher.

So it's perhaps little surprise that ITV appear to be jumping on the Blues bandwagon - and are looking at screening a new comedy series based around the lives of a group of City fans.

The new comedy has been filmed on location across the region, and follows the lives of a group of City fans who have moved away from Manchester but all travel up to the matches every weekend on the train.

The comedy, called `Til We Die, stars Phoenix Nights' Steve Edge and former Coronation Street favourite Sally Lindsay in the lead roles as husband and wife footie fans.

-MEN.

City take Swede on trial

Manchester City have handed a trial to Swedish starlet Kristoffer Wiktorsson.

Sven Goran Eriksson brought in several experienced players over the summer but he is also planning for the long-term future of the club.

His scouts have been impressed by 18-year-old Wiktorsson, who currently plays for Swedish second division club Degersdorf.

The defensive midfielder has now been invited to train with the City squad for four days and is hoping to make an impression.

-Sky Sports.

Teenager set to sign?

Manchester City are set to hold talks with Nigerian starlet Macauley Chrisantus next week.

The 17-year-old striker was one of the stars of the recent World Under 17 championship as he helped Nigeria seal the title.

Christantus is currently plying his trade in his homeland with Abuja but a move to England could soon be sealed.

The youngster's agent, Adam Mohammed, confirmed that he and the player are set to hold talks with Sven Goran Eriksson.

"I can confirm Sven has written inviting myself and the boy for a discussion and we will be in England next week to conclude talks," he told the News of the World.

-Sky Sports.

I suppose that it appeared in the News of the World maybe enough to dismiss this immediately, but there have been other reports regarding his signing recently.

I haven't seen him in action, but looking at the clubs rumoured to be interested in him suggests he has got a talent, with the piece stating 'Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Ajax, Internazionale and Milan are also reportedly keen to snap up the youngster, but it appears that City have won the race to secure Chrisantus' services'.

Chelsea 6 City 0

I don't know what it must have been like to have been at the game, but it made for uncomfortable listening, and even worse later on MoTD.

A terrible City performance coupled with it finally clicking for Chelsea resulted in a heavy defeat, which at best will be a wake up call, or a reality check to re-focus minds and efforts, and at worst the signal for a slide down the Premier League table.

As bad as everything was about the performance, I don't feel there is any great need to panic and I'm certain that Sven will be instructing the players to banish this from the memory and the positive is is that we have an important Carling Cup tie at Bolton this Wednesday to get this defeat out of our system.

It was evident that we were totally overwhelmed in midfield. It was always going to be difficult against Chelsea as the pace and power they possess in midfield is unrivalled in the league but we were simply overwhelmed and it could well have been more than six. We looked lightweight in midfield and gave the ball away or made the wrong decision too many times against a side who are far too good to do that against.

Our defence was continually exposed and each of their goals (as well as they were taken) were contributed to by some inept defensive positional play (Garrido and Richards in particular) and we just looked outnumbered on far too many occasions.

Alan Hansen - whilst crediting us for 'having a go' (should we have shut up shop from the start?), raised the suggestion that one or two key players (namely Elano) have not been the same player away from home. You can agree to a certain extent but I think that approach is too simplistic. At home, teams will not come at us which gives more licence for the likes of Elano and Petrov that they do not have away from home - especially against the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea where by nature you will be restricted in an attacking sense.

Perhaps there is an argument though for adopting a more pragmatic approach away from home and this could well be one area of reinforcement that Sven targets in January.

A puzzling decision for me yesterday was again leaving Bianchi stewing on the bench - not only in Mpenza's absence where Samaras was preferred but also with introduction late in the game of Vassell. Bianchi's early season performances were encouraging so his continual absence is perplexing - even moreso given the slightly cryptic explanations Eriksson gives for his omission. There was a story this week which suggested a swap deal with Palermo for Marc Bresciano and forward Amauri - and if Sven feels (for whatever reason) Bianchi does not fit in at the club he at least needs to get back maximum value for him rather than leave him on the sidelines for the whole season.

I would hope that Sven resists the temptation to make wholesale changes for the Bolton game and gives the team at least a chance to redeem matters. It will be a tough encounter though as despite their poor form this season, Gary Megson has promised a 'back to basics' approach which should see plenty of muscle being deployed.

It will be a big test.

Reaction:

"For sure this is a wake-up call for all of us. I am
very disappointed. When you lose 6-0 and I don't think I have ever lost by that,
it is very disappointing. Maybe there has been too much talk about us playing
good football and I will not blame anyone, absolutely not. But if you don't
defend well in football then things will happen that have happened today."If you
give Frank Lampard, Michael Essien, Joe Cole all the time and space we gave them
today, they will kill you and they killed us."We made Chelsea better than they
are today. By two or three passes they are along with our goalkeeper - that is
not defending."I am not talking about the four defenders, I am talking in
general. If you defend in football today, you have to defend with 11. We did
exactly the opposite."

-Sven-Goran Erkisson.

Reports:

Drogba stars as Chelsea hit Eriksson for six of the best - The Independent.

Rampant Chelsea condemn Manchester City - The Telegraph.

Sven hit for six by new-look Chelsea - The Guardian.

Blues punish sorry City - Blue Champions.

Chelsea prediction

To say that getting a win at Stamford Bridge will be difficult is more than understatement. Chelsea have not been beaten at home since pre-Mourinho days and they seemed to have settled a little under Avram Grant and have again churned out results despite not playing to full potential.

Chelsea will be concerned by us though. Eriksson will have us ultra-prepared for this game, with a specific game plan in mind for the encounter.

What will be interesting is the reaction to the result. A win, and no doubt the title talk will go into overdrive and a defeat, and the press will no doubt see us denounced as a flash in the pan and not ready to mix it with the top four.

A big battle will of course how the defence holds Didier Drogba, who has at times been the lone talisman for chelsea over the past year. I remember Richard Dunne playing him pretty well at the home game last season and there will be a big responsibility on both his and Micah Richards shoulders.

We are 11/2 against to win and the bookies don't usually get it wrong. I don't see us winning and fear we will be on the wrong end of a 2-1 defeat.

However, the way this season has gone so far, come 5pm Saturday I really, really wouldn't be surprised if we did come away with all three points.

More pearls of wisdom from Joey Barton

Joey Barton has ripped into Manchester City, insisting his
former club will soon prove him right in moving to Newcastle.
Barton left
Eastlands in order to seek success elsewhere, but it is Sven Goran Eriksson’s
revamped squad who are flying high above The Magpies in third place.
The
controversial midfielder is confident that trend will not continue though,
insisting things are about to come crashing down around a lifeless City dressing
room.
“Sometimes you’d walk in and you could hear a pin drop,” Barton told
The Daily Star.
“It’s lost a lot of characters like Robbie Fowler, Andy
Cole, Ben Thatcher, Nicky Weaver and myself.
“I speak to people still there
and they tell me they have so many languages, there’s no banter now.
“As
well as they’re doing right now, it’s only a matter of time before it comes
slamming to a halt unless they address that.
“(In the Newcastle dressing
room) if anyone speaks talking French or something the gaffer shouts ‘speak
effin English, I don’t want any of that foreign s**t in my dressing
room’.”

-Setanta Sports

Looking back, it seems remarkable that Barton left the club with a large portion of fans feeling quite sad about the whole issue and that he had to left, but from the couple of times he has opened his mouth since leaving, he has surely used up any goodwill that was there.

These latest comments are just plain ridiculous.

I know what kind of dressing room I would prefer at the club, and it involves young, hungry players who want to achieve things and win trophies as opposed to the 'characters likes Robbie Fowler, Andy Cole, Ben Thatcher, Nicky weaver and myself' whose team bonding antics of the past left a lot to be desired.

As for 'banter', I'm sure examples such as using Ousmane Dabo's head for shooting practics and calling your team mates out following a geam was condusive to 'banter' and fostering team spirit.

I think the fact that the interview first appeared in The Daily Star says it all, but a word of advice for Joey - you engineered a move away from the club so do not think you have a right to be able to comment on the goings on this season as you are no part of the success we are currently enjoying.

As for the comments regarding Allardyce's approach in the dressing room - that speaks volumes in itself and we can be thankful that he never made it as our manager.

Fantasy league - week 9 update

No change in the top five, with only clarkywarky and mr belfry switching positions. Full table can be found here and the top five is as follows:

Hose's Blumers (Joseph Millar) week 112, total 1464
Ooka Dooka Dooka Dee (Blue Wisconsin) 66, 1089
Wacko Jacko's under-11s (WYGEVV) 100, 1031
Belfry Allstars (mr belfry) 147, 1025
I've had my fill; my share of losing (clarky warky) 73, 1018

Schmeichel set for Cardiff

Cardiff City are on the brink of signing Manchester City goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel on a one-month loan deal.

Officials of the Premier League club have confirmed the move is '95 per cent done' with just the final stages of paperwork to complete.

The young Dane, who signed a new four-year contract with City in the summer, will go straight into the Cardiff squad for Saturday's match against Scunthorpe.

Schmeichel had been due to join Coventry but that deal collapsed earlier this week due to the club's financial problems, which have led to a transfer embargo from the FA. -Sky Sports.

Far from giving up on Schmeichel, Eriksson claims the move was designed to give him more games, but is still a big drop from occupying the number 1 shirt a few weeks ago to effectively slip down to third in the pecking order thanks to the performances of Joe Hart and return to fitness of Andreas Isaksson.

Thaksin money clean says lawyer

BANGKOK (Reuters) - Ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has nothing to fear from a Thai investigation of his purchase of Premier League football club Manchester City, his lawyer said on Wednesday.

"We don't need to pull our pants down to prove that we are innocent," Noppadon Pattama told reporters after the Asset Examination Committee (AEC) said it had begun a probe into whether the club was bought with legitimate financing.

The deal was legitimate and Thaksin was not concerned, he said.

"He is not not paying attention to this bid to discredit him, but working on how to make the City the number one club," Noppadon said of a team which has started the season well and now lies league after finishing the last season 15th.

-Reuters.

Our owner was also in the news again recently, given plans to release a DVD of his post-political career in Thailand ahead of the December elections - a move designed to gain support for his political allies claim his critics, but not so according to Noppadon; "If you like a leading actor named Thaksin, you're welcome to see it," he said. "For those who dislike him, but like his ideas, they should see it to utilise his approach."

Sven to spend big in January?

"I am told there is money available in January but how much I don't know yet," the manager admitted.

"Before I get into lists of players in whom we might be interested I think it is vital to know what that spending figure will be. If we want to strengthen the squad then we have to be very clever about it.

"We must not buy average players. We have to buy top, top-class and for them to be better than we have already. That will cost a lot of money.

"We have to compete reputation wise with the big four who can offer Champions League football, but I am sure that we are one of the teams that foreign players are looking at and thinking: `I would like to play there.' And that is very good."

-MEN.

As I've mentioned previously, don't expect another glut of arrivals during the next transfer window, but Eriksson - perhaps feeling he is ahead of schedule in terms of progress, would no doubt love to add two or three genuine quality players to the club or what potentially could be a run at the Champions League, but certainly will be done with the aim of UEFA qualification.

He has been a savvy operator thus far in the transfer market, and I believe he knows the players he would like to bring in. With the start we have made, and if we are in a similar league position come the turn of the year, expect significant funds to be made available should Eriksson want it.

Interestingly though, for all the talk of the ten players or so Eriksson has brought into the club and that we needed a new team upon his arrival, there have only been four of his signings featuring on a regular basis - Garrido, Corluka, Petrov and of course Elano, with the remainder of the side made up of holdovers from the previous regime.

Shinawatra to face fresh probe

BANGKOK, Oct 22 (Reuters) - Thailand's anti-graft body said on Monday it had begun a probe into whether ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra bought English Premier League soccer club Manchester City with legitimate financing.

The Asset Examination Committee (AEC), set up after Thaksin was ousted in a bloodless coup last year, will ask the central bank to provide details of his money outflows and the British government to help verify the takeover.

"We want to know if Thaksin really bought the club. If so, where did he get the money from and whether that money had been declared with the Counter Corruption Commission," as required by law, AEC chairman Nam Yimyam told reporters.

Another AEC member, who declined to be identified, said the panel would ask the British Embassy in Bangkok to help find out whether the takeover was done by Thaksin himself or by nominees and how it was financed.

"If the probe shows he actually bought the club, we then will have to find out whether the money came from stock manipulation or legitimate businesses," the AEC member said.

The Guardian.

So, after a quiet news day with only Didi's brush with the law and the usual transfer 'scoops' from Tribal Football to keep us interested, comes news that our owner is to face further investigations into his finances - specifically how he financed the purchase of the club.

I suppose it easy to suggest that it is yet another political manouevere from Shinawatra's enemies, perhaps concerned atthe effect his popularity may have on the impending elections, specifically when they havefailed to pin anything on him thus far.

What could be of interest for Blues in this though (assuming the investigation is actually completed) is if it shows that Shinawatra did NOT directly finance the takeover of the club. A bad situation for the government in Thailand no doubt, but would that open up a can of worms here in Manchester?

There is a body of thought I have read that believe the purchase was not as simple as Shinawatra buying the club outright with his own money, but through a series of loans that were very beneficial for Shinawatra and resulted in him getting an extremely good deal in the long term.

The elections are now around two months away in Thailand, and the piece in The Guardian does suggest there is concern from the government that Shinawatra's supporters are likely to fare well, so this could be yet another ply to destabilise pro-Shinawatra opinion in Thailand by proving it was tainted money (certainly from a Thai perspective) that purchased the club.

If they are proved otherwise (something they are unlikely to admit publicly I guess), it could open a line of questioning this time not from the Thai government, but from fans who I'm sure will want to know just how and on what terms Shinawatra actually acquired the club.

Brum Scum Heap Disgrace on Defeat

Manchester City 1 - 0 Birmingham City

Elano's first half strike was enough to make it six wins on the bounce at home for city, In truth our least fluent performance since Blackburn away, however, with a bit more ruthlessness both Samaras and Mpenza should have both bagged.

It was a resilient rather than sparkling perfomance from City, which is understandable given the amount of players on international duty. The character shown by the likes of Petrov and Elano to track back and tackle showed what a great team ethic and willingness to work for each other Sven has instilled in the squad.

BBC Report
MEN Report

The game did however end on a sour note. Earlier in the week reports had surfaced that surprisingly (given they normally bring about 600) had sold out their allocation due to a 25th Anniversary meeting of the Zulu Army. This was confirmed by a large police presence right from the start.
The flash point came as fans made there way out of the ground and it quickly escalated into an ugly brawl in the south stand which continued out of the ground.

Grow up you sad Brummie twats that scene died fifteen years ago. Hopefully their club will take direct action and we wont be seeing a lot of them for another 25 years.

Birmingham prediction

Back to Premiership action this Saturday following the international break (has it really only been two weeks?), with a couple of worries with players coming back with slight knocks (Petrov), on the back of a physically demanding trip (Richards, Elano) or indeed, other issues (Ireland).

Much talk has been of Elano and his potential jet-lag, with Eriksson leaving the decision to him but I expect him to at least start the game with Geovanni perhaps getting half an hour or so.

Birmingham come into this game a little unsettled off the field with Bolton having an approach for manager Steve Bruce turned down. On the pitch, Birmingham have started well in parts this season with a couple of good results and performances, but lie just above the relegation places and I doubt they will approach this game with too much ambition other than to come away with a point from the trip.

One of the criticisms labelled against Sven during his england reign (how funny to look at his 'underachievement' eh?) was being unable to hold onto a lead, yet it is quite the opposite in charge of us, as scoring first guarantees the three points so far this season.

Much like the Middlesbrough game, this is a game we should be well capable of winning and I expect us to do so. Three goals has been a feature of the past few games, and whilst I don't expect another three this game, we should come away comfortably with all three points and I'd go for a 2-0 win.

As an aside to this, has there been a home game as heavily publicised in the press and on radio as this one? The 'Just Like Watching Brazil' ads have been all over this past week and is it a sign that a less than bumper attendance is expected - despite this being a rarer than rare occurence, a 3pm Saturday kick off?

West Brom eyeing long term Miller deal

West Brom are believed to have agreed a £2million fee with Manchester City to sign on-loan striker Ishmael Miller on a permanent basis. -teamtalk.com

Miller's hot start to the season is definitely making the loan deal look a savvy move indeed.

Upon Eriksson's arrival, Miller's less than stellar pre-season play and lack of appearances suggested he would be one of the casualties, however in a surprising move he was given a new three year deal and farmed out to West Brom for this season.

I've yet to be convinced that Miller does have a long term future at the club, and it maybe that this season is somewhat of a make or break for him, but what is smart about the loan move is that it puts him in the shop window for an extended period of time and should he play well, score a few goals and grab some headlines (all of which he has done so far at this early stage), what he will do is ensure a host of clubs willing to take him on a permanent move at the end of the season - and in turn inflating the transfer fee from what it would have been last season.

Alternatively of course, Miller may well do enough during his time at West Brom to convince Eriksson he does have a future with us and that is combination of size and pace is something he covets up front going forward from next season.

All in all, a win-win situation for both the club and Miller himself.

If he does well, increases value and increases interested clubs plus contract gives more cash to us on transfer fee.

Was heading nowhere at City so win-win when sent him out as could come back after strong season

Football Fans Census kit survey

The Football Fans Census are currently running a nationwide survey on football club kits. To take part, go to the following link.

Bojinov set to return

Valeri Bojinov is continuing to make good progress in his recovery from the knee injury he suffered in August's derby.

The Bulgarian striker, signed from Fiorentina in the summer, was stretchered off after just six minutes of his first starting appearance for the Blues with cruciate ligament damage sustained when he landed awkwardly from an aerial challenge.

Surgery on the injury was a success, and City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson has given an update on the situation with the 21-year-old.

"The latest is that I have seen the report from the doctor who operated on him in Rome, and it looks very good.

"You never know with such a big operation, but if everything goes as we hope he might be back in light training in late November or early December.

"So far it looks very good, but you can’t rush a player after an operation like that, so it’s very important that you don’t start too early." -mcfc.co.uk

Keegan interview

Kevin Keegan interview as part of the BBC 'Inside Sport' programme aired this week.

An interesting comment from it was "I mean I haven't watched a game of football, I mean live, since my last game at Manchester City and I can't even remember what game that was now."

Unfortunately for most of us Kevin, we still can.

Hamman looking for new deal

Dietmar Hamann has revealed he would like to sign a new contract at Manchester City.

The 34-year-old midfielder has enjoyed a renaissance under Sven Goran Eriksson and has played a key part in the team's success this term.

Although discussions have not taken place over a new deal, with his present contract set to expire at the end of the season, the German veteran is keen to thrash out extended terms.-Setanta Sports

Hamman's renaissance this season has most definitely been a surprise after his non-event of his debut season during 2006/07.

He has obviously been buoyed by the arrival of Eriksson (who himself admits how surprised he has been by Hamman) and has had an injury free off-season which meant he hit the ground running in pre-season and continued this into the Premiership, and has played an important role in the development of Michael Johnson.

The difficulty in contract negotiations I imagine would be the length of the deal, given that Hamman would look for a two year extension, whilst his age and previous injury problems may limit the clubs offer to a single year offer.

A lot could well depend on the money available to Eriksson both in January and next summer, and who arrives at the club but for me Hamman has certainly warranted another season, particularly as Eriksson looks to build on the squad going into next season.

Backe to return

Sven-Goran Eriksson has been boosted by the news that assistant manager Hans Backe will be back at the club later this week.

Backe was given compassionate leave to be with his family in Sweden a month ago but is due to be back at Carrington on Thursday, where his return will coincide with the Blues’ international contingent returning from national duties. -mcfc.co.uk

Bianchi linked with early exit

Out-of-favour Manchester City striker Rolando Bianchi has revealed he will consider his position at the club in December. The Italian, who was Sven Goran Eriksson's first signing as City boss, is frustrated at his lack of first team action.

Bianchi has started only three of the team's nine Premier League games so far with Emile Mpenza Eriksson's preferred option in attack.

The former Reggina hit-man has indicated he could well move on in the January transfer window if his situation at Eastlands does not improve.

"I'm not used to being left out of the side and we will have to see what happens," Bianchi told Corriere dello Sport.

"Eriksson has explained that he wants a faster striker and he seems to have been proven right by the results, but Manchester City is a test I will succeed in.

"I have set a reasonable deadline of December for things to change and then we will have to consider options as I don't like playing five or 10 minutes of games." -Sky Sports

Typically, The Mirror translated this into part of a 'Angry Blues set to quit' headline, and the rest of the press have picked up the comments - all coming in the wake of the 'Owen to City' stories.

I don't think Bianchi's comments were either a threat or a true intention to leave, more the words of a frustrated player who is looking to get more minutes on the pitch than he is doing.

I still maintain it is a surprise that Bianchi has fallen a little out of favour, as particularly with the injury to Bojinov it left us thin up front and he had certainly impressed in the early games notching a couple of goals and talked about how well he was settling in both at the club and in England following his move.

However, Eriksson has favoured Emile Mpenza since the first month of the season as we have stuck with the lone man up front policy, and recent results do back up the tactic so it is likely that Bianchi's frustration is set to continue.

Hair today, gone tomorrow?

Fears were growing last night that Stephen Ireland, the troubled Manchester City midfield player, will give up international football at the tender age of 21.

The player is already on temporary “leave”, having withdrawn from Ireland’s squad for the European Championship qualifying matches at home to Germany and Cyprus, after missing the previous international week amid sensational developments in which he misled his club and the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) about the reason behind his unavailability.

He claimed that a grandmother had died before finally admitting that he had withdrawn from the squad because his girlfriend had suffered a miscarriage. Although still playing for City, he is receiving counselling for his problems and his club have enlisted specialist help from the United States.

Newspaper reports in Dublin at the weekend claimed that the reason that Ireland put his international career on hold was that he had been mocked by his Ireland colleagues over an alleged hair transplant or his wearing of a hairpiece.

This taunting, it was said, degenerated into two teammates pinning him to the floor and attempting to remove the “evidence”. It is understood that Ireland’s distress at the reports could shatter his recovery. “If this goes on, there’s now a great fear that Stephen will retire from Ireland for good,” a source said. Another source told The Times that it was “more basic ribbing but he took it really badly”. The FAI denied that any bullying took place.

-The Times.

A bit of a turn up this one. Is the real reason for Ireland's recent problems then more to do a bout of schoolyard-style bullying than the previous reason(s) Ireland offered?

Whilst support for Ireland came from Stuart Pearce, who also praised the club in how they handle players, if the reports are true then it surely must rank as one of the most bizarre explanations for making yourself unavailable for a game. It is almost hard not to laugh in a way, but for it to get to the level it has done it is obviously a serious issue for Ireland, and whilst dressing room banter is a time honoured facet in all sports you have to question how some of the quoted incidents can occur in a (professional) international football environment - and certainly did transcend mere ribbing.

Whilst not quite a change of Elton John proportions, it must be said though that Ireland's locks certainly look far fuller and volumous this season - after previously looking pretty thin on top from a lad barely into his twenties.

We know where all eyes will be anyway the next time Ireland steps out on a football field, and perhaps MoTD will have a guest celebrity hairdresser in the studio to try and clarify matters.

One thing is for sure in all of this, whatever the truth, it is unlikely Ireland will have heard the last of this from fans (and opposition players) around the Premier League and if he is unable to cope mentally he will be in for some tough times ahead.

Judge for yourself from this Stephen Ireland interview from youtube.

Eriksson silencing the doubters

The MEN ran a nice piece on Sven a couple of days ago as he passed the 100 day mark in charge of the club, and looking back to when he took over, the progress made to this point today is really something.

In the piece, Eriksson talks about some of the methods he has introduced to the club since taking over - citing a strong 'team spirit' and 'respect' as a huge part of his approach, and his belief that these factors are vital throughout the whole club from top to bottom. It is elements such as these that explain why we have had the start we have had, and why we are seeing the manner of performances that we are doing.

It's easy to forget Eriksson took over a side which had just returned to pre-season training, with a new ownership group in charge and already into the transfer window. He quickly assembled a near new staring XI in quick time, brought in a back room staff and navigated the pre-season encounters with relatively ease.

Then hitting the ground running, we saw ourselves topping the table after a home win in the derby. Despite the media still being sceptical, we then bounced back from a pair of defeats to put wins together to leave ourselves in the top three at the quarter mark of the season. We have put five wins in home league games together after turning in such dour, miserable efforts last season and the side is playing with an air of confidence and attacking spirit not seen for some time.

What is perhaps surprising at this point in the season given how we have fared so far is that there was a considerable groundswell of opinion against his appointment both before and after he was named as Stuart Pearce's successor. There were comments on this blog against him, as were some of the established fanzines and of course the farcical circumstances in which it was claimed '70% of fans' were against the appointment.

Personally, the qualities I thought he would bring to the club - his qualities in dealing with players, attracting 'name' signings, organisational skills and bringing a reasoned calmness to the job (lacking in previous managers) have all borne out thus far, and what has been perhaps most surprising is that general media who were so critical during his time in the England job, have been throwing platitudes and compliments from all angles at him and the side this season.

Still, 100 days on, and not many could have predicted things would have move quite as far and fast as they have done so far. He has (obviously backed by the new ownership) ushered in a new era at the club and helped reverse the worrying direction that the club was headed in.

Roll on the next 100.

Over at OleOle

I look at the punishment handed out this week by UEFA to Dida and Celtic.

City's best midfielder

The MEN ran a feature today where Chris Bailey shortlisted his six best midfielders to have played for the club with a quest to establish who was the best - clearly the international week is having a big effect on day to day City news, and with very much an emphasis on the present day there was the suggestion that Elano may well top the pile, not jumping the gun in any way, shape or form.

The six listed were Elano, Ali Bernarbia, Eyal Berkovic, Gio Kinkladze, Ken Barnes and Colin Bell. Now, I never saw Ken Barnes or Colin Bell play so I cannot really comment on their worthiness (suffice to say opinion of those who did is probably good enough to suggest they deserve their place in the City hall of fame), but for me there is no contest as it is Kinkladze for me.

Still to this day if you see any old DVD or youtube footage his skills take your breath away. As goodas Elano will be, or that Bernarbia or Berkovic were they were in the main surrounded by talent and good teams who were succesful.

Kinkladze by contrast was almost a tragic hero figure, his talent shining despite being in some of our worst sides in recent times - something that is used as a knock against him but should elevate him even more given he was a virtual one man time, and often singled out for some brutal attention from opponents (particularly after we were relegated).

During those dark times, it was Kinkladze who stood out, gave us hope and something to believe in. For me, as good as any player may end up being, I cannot see a player surpassing Kinkladze.

Owen next on the list?

Clearly the latest news on John Terry's injury or whether Frank Lampard or Gareth Barry deserve to start in midfield is not enough to sate the appetite for Premiership news (a loose term I know) but todays link sees speculation that Michael Owen may make his way to Eastlands, with Sven ready to persuade Thaksin Shinawatra to part with the necessary funds to release him from his contract:

Sven Goran Eriksson is a known admirer of Owen and, according to reports, will ask City's owner Thaksin Shinawatra to provide the funds needed to take Owen to Eastland's. The unease perceived to exist at St James' Park may allow Eriksson to tablean offer of around £15 million in the January transfer window and expect to be successful. -The Telegraph.

All the Owen speculation must clearly be frustrating for Newcaslte fans to see Owen continually linked with a move away from the club, and having seen the 'big four' shy away from a move in the summer, are we now perceived as the next in line?

Whether or not there is any substance in all of this, at least we are now in a position where OUR best players are not continually linked with a move away.

Eriksson interested in Lehmann?

One or two rumours doing the rounds today suggesting their may be some interest from the club in Arsenal 'keeper Jens Lehmann, recently marginalised at The Emirates following some patch early season form and injury.

Despite his ousting at Arsenal, he has managed to keep his place in the German team - something which has clearly irked long time rival Oliver Kahn, but more importantly has concerned team management who have stressed he needs to be playing regularly in order to keep his place in the national team.

All of this may well have led to journalists putting two and two together, but it may well be that Lehmann does indeed seek to move during the transfer window to keep his Euro 2008 hopes alive, and perhaps more pertinent is the fact that Sven may want to add another 'keeper to the squad to either facilitate a loan move for Schmeichel or Hart, or even a permanent move for Andreas Isaksson - who although returning to full fitness does not appear to have the total confidence of hsi compatriot.

Eriksson has previously stated that his intended targets have so far gone under the radar of the press - something his summer signings also did, so it would be a surprise if he did bring Lehmann in - even if one of the current trio leaves either on a temporary or permanent basis.

Logan loaned to Grimsby

Grimsby Town manager Alan Buckley has completed the loan signing of Manchester City teenager Shaleum Logan.
The 19-year-old, who can play on the right side of defence or midfield, is to spend a month at Blundell Park.
Logan has made two first-team appearances for City this season in the Carling Cup. He signed a three-year contract at the City of Manchester Stadium in the summer after progressing through City's successful youth academy. -BBC Sport.

Another one of the Academy graduates goes out on loan to see them gain some experience as opposed to continuing with the reserves. Although Logan has featured in two first games in the Carling Cup this season, he is still some way off a regular first team spot and although it is a relatively short space of time, he may well go out on loan again in the future with a higher division side - a move which is paying dividends with Ishmael Miller at West Brom this season.

It could also be an indication that Sven could well be fielding a full-strength side in the Carling Cup tie at Bolton.

Fantasy league update - week 8

This is fast becoming the Joseph Millar fantasy league as he is walking away with it at the moment after another huge week saw him stretch his lead to well over 300 points. No new breakers into the top five, but a good week from myself puts me onto the fringes of contention.

Full table is here, and the top five is as follows:

Hose's Blumers (Joseph Millar) week 230, total 1352
Ooka Dooka Dooka Dee (Blue Wisconsin) 120, 1023
I've had my fill, my share of losing... (clarky warky) 96, 945
Wacko Jacko under 11's (WYGEV) 68, 931
Sven's Blue (ali_rainsbury) 93, 903

Johnson injury blow exposes midfield

MANCHESTER City have been dealt a blow with the news that Michael Johnson may have to undergo surgery on a groin injury.

The midfielder, who has been called up by England's under 21 squad for the European Championships qualifier against Montenegro, could be sidelined for a "few weeks" if it is decided that he needs an operation.

City manager Sven Goran Eriksson confirmed that Johnson will have to have the injury assessed, but has still been cleared to report for England duty on Tuesday. -MEN

It has since been announced of course that Johnson has been withdrawn from the under-21 squad, and Sven-Goran Eriksson confirmed at the weekend that Johnson has been carrying the injury formost of the season - limiting his ability to participate fully in training.

It does appear more of a case of when, rather than if Johnson may have to undergo surgery on the problem, and his loss would certainly be felt by the midfield which has functioned superbly this season but in all honesty lacks depth outside of the obvious starters.

Johnson - aided by a resurgent Didi Hamman, has been a revelation this season, progressing on from his brief spell in the team last season and more than replacing the loss of Joey Barton. He is a vital link between Hamman and the more attacking due of Petrov and Elano. The difficulty is of course is that the loss of Johnson would not be easily dealt with.

Options are limited, a possibility is moving Stephen Ireland into the centre, with either Vassell or Sun Jihai potentially filling in on the right. Alternatively, Ousmane Dabo would have to be recalled or even play Elano in a more withdrawn role with an additional forward being deployed.

All of which are not ideal of course, and do highlight the lack of quality depth we have beyond the starting XI and it is clear this is an area Eriksson will have to target in January.

If Johnson does require an operation then a positive of sorts is the current timing, given that we are on a international break and then face Birmingham at home - a game which on paper at least is emminently winnable.

If the 'few weeks' recovery is more accurate than stretching into months then it may well be the most sensible course of action to have Johnson operated on as soon as possible to ensure he misses as minimum amount of time possible.

Ireland withdraws from Irish squad

Manchester City midfielder Stephen Ireland has withdrawn from the Republic of Ireland squad for the upcoming Euro 2008 qualifiers because he "would not do his country or himself justice".

The news comes as a further blow for manager Steve Staunton for the Group D meetings at Croke Park with Germany on Saturday and Cyprus four days later following full-back Stephen Carr's withdrawal earlier today with a hamstring problem. -independent.ie

It did appear as though Ireland had put the previous incident behind him, and his form has been excellent since being restored to the line-up following his ommission against Aston Villa - and Sven-Goran Eriksson was praising him only today in the MEN.

Still, it is difficult to gage a persons mind and Ireland clearly did not feel he could either himself or the Irish team justice for their upcoming double-header against Germany and Cyprus. Although both games are at home, perhaps there is an issue with Ireland being away from home for a period of time - something experienced (although on a far larger scale) by cricketer Marcus Trescothick:

"I have thought long and hard about whether I would do my country and myself justice if I joined up with the squad," said Ireland. "Unfortunately, I don't believe I would on this occasion. The support I have received from [the Republic of Ireland manager Steve] Staunton and the FAI has been excellent and everybody at Manchester City has also been superb. However, I do not believe I can make a positive contribution to our efforts to qualify."

All we can hope from this issue is that Ireland manages to resolve whatever issues he does have and manages to continue both his club and international career.

City 3 Middlesbrough 1

Things just keep on getting better.

A fifth straight home victory keeps us well placed in the top three, and perhaps importantly, results elsewhere see us put further distance between ourselves and the teams who will likely be realistic challengers for the European positions.

Three more goals left fans and pundits praising the manner of the performance, with a new king ready to be annointed as Elano once again had the usually reticent Eriksson praising him as he has now well and truly burst on to the national consciousness.

I found it ironic that it was Gareth Southgate - believed to be behind the 'we needed Churchill, we got Ian Duncan-Smith' put down when describing an Eriksson England team-talk, who was the manager who has to turn around a half-time deficit, which of course he failed to do. I think it is clear that Southgate is struggling as a manager - and very much like Stuart Pearce proved, the Premiership is no place for a rookie to be cutting his teeth. Shorn of attacking options in Yakubu and Viduka, I don't envisage Southgate lasting the season.

Following his thunderous free-kick last week, Elano followed this up with a beautifully crafted finished from outside the area following a cheeky back heel from Michael Johnson, and a free-kick which for me surpassed the Newcastle effort. It was perfectly placed and weighted, the ball seeming to almost float into the net as if carried along by a gentle breeze - leaving Schwarzer grasping around to try and keep it out - all to no avail. It was something that I rewound and watched again and again on MOTD2 last night.

As we approach the quarter mark of the season, it is clear that the team is beginning to gel as the players become a lot fitter and benefit from being more familiar with one another - which makes our start even more impressive (and all credit to Eriksson) for us being able to grind results out during the early stages of the season.

One thing Eriksson was keen to point out is that (Bojinov and Isaksson apart) we have been fairly injury free this season, and the squad is light and quality past the obvious starting XI - something which I expect to be rectified in the January transfer window. It is to be hoped that we manage to keep the key players healthy during what will be a testing part of the season.

Reaction:

We played good football and there were good combinations and
Elano scored two fantastic goals.
"I was pleased we scored from a corner as
well. I am very happy.
"Maybe we defender better last weekend than we did
today but that is a minor criticism. We have been doing very well at home and if
we keep going like this, that is very good."

-Sven-Goran Eriksson.

We planned to keep things tight. But we were on the back
foot after an early set-piece.
"We had as much possession as them and
created chances. But we are giving away sloppy goals and that costs you games.
"We had to be more offensive after the break and we had a couple of chances,
but they broke, we conceded a free-kick and they punished us."

-Gareth Southgate.

Reports:

The exhilarating Brazilian samba beat at the heart of Sven-Goran Eriksson's revivified Manchester City thumped out loud and clear again at Eastlands yesterday afternoon as Elano, first with a wonderfully struck right-foot shot, and then with a mischievously chipped free-kick, kept the Blues in the top three and sent the home fans skipping out of the exits with thoughts of Europe and - whoever would have thought it - the Premier league title. -The Guardian.

Manchester City’s renaissance under Sven-Göran Eriksson gathered momentum yesterday when two goals from Elano and Chris Riggott’s defensive blunder secured an emphatic victory for the home side and strengthened their grip on third place in the Barclays Premier League. -Times Online.

Sven-Goran Eriksson says he can't ask any more of Brazilian superstar Elano after Manchester City romped to a 3-1 win over Middlesbrough. -Channel4.com

Boro suffered their fifth defeat in six games on Sunday as they became the latest victims of Sven-Goran Eriksson's stunning start in charge of Manchester City. -Fly me to the moon.

Middlesbrough prediction

Rarely must we have gone into a Premier League game with as much confidence of coming away with a win as we do today - a feeling shared by the bookies.

100% home record, whilst Middlesbrough have lost three of four, no injury worries and a side that in the past couple of games are beginning to play some excellent attacking football to go along with the organised and resolute defensive displays.

Middlesbrough are one of the sides I expect to come to Eastlands with a defensive mindset; a play for a point but see if we can snatch a win in the latter stages mentality. This is something they have been capable of previously (who can forget the 'win without shooting' game a couple of seasons back?) but I expect things to be different now.

We look an organised side, where all the players know their positions and responsibilities. The side look charged with a licence to create and play football, and in looking at both squads we should have too much for our opponents today.

I have been extremely impressed with everything Sven-Goran Eriksson has done so far this season (even moreso with the 'thankyou' message to Joey Barton), and he does seem to have a real ability to prepare sides thoroughly for each game.

It would be a real surprise if we didn't comfortably take all three points today and I pick us to come away with a 2-0 win.

Favorite City chants

Dear Bitter and Blue,

At present I am
conducting research into the wonder that is terrace chants for use in a future
book.
Included in the book will be chants old and new, kind and cruel from
clubs all over the country.
It would be a great help in my research if you
could put forward some suggestions from fans so that your club can be
represented.
All chants and terrace songs would be welcome but I do ask that
if the chant is based upon a particular song that you could also mention which
song, to ensure the full effect when translated into writing.
Needless to say
your fanzine will receive a mention in the acknowledgements page.

Thank you for any assistance you can lend and best wishes to you
and your team for the rest of the season.

Yours
faithfully,

Matt Smith

If anyone has a particular favourite (for whatever reason) that they want to be included, fill up the comments section and I'll forward them onto Matt.

Joey Barton - The Saviour

Barton Article from MEN

"Were it not for myself, Micah Richards and Richard Dunne the club wouldn't have had Shinawatra, the Premier League and Sven.
"I think they could easily have gone down last season but for a couple of results."

Yep Joey if it hadn't been for a couple of results we would have gone down, those results if you remember correctly Joey were over Christmas, when you where suspended after one of your little petulant strops.

Now go practice trying to beat the first man on corners and stop making your self look a bigger twat than you are.

Fantasy league update - week 7

If Sven-Goran Eriksson has had the midas touch so far this season, then Joseph Millar mustn't be far off as another high points haul this week sees him extend his lead to over 200 points.

A big week from mrbelfry sees him close in on the top five and Mr Banks tinkering appears to not be paying dividends as slides out of the top ten.

The current top five is as follows, and the full league table can be found by clicking the link to the right of this page, or via the Squad God homepage:

1. Hose's Blumers (Joseph Millar) - Week 173, Total 1122
2. Ooka Dooka Dooka Dee (Blue Wisconsin) - 111, 903
3. Wacko Jackos Under 11s (WYGEV) - 92, 863
4. I've had my fill; my share of losing...(clarkywarky) - 144, 849
5. Sven's Blue (ali_rainsbury) - 139, 810

Carling Cup Draw - Bolton V Manchester City

Forgot too mention this one in all that happened over the weekend.

Scheduled for w/c 29th October. It has also been confirmed that it is not a sky game.
Could be a good turnout of blues if Bolton price this right. Bolton will almost definitely play a full reserve team given their current league position and the fact that two of their three games beforehand are Chelsea and Arsenal I don't really see that improving.

I would like Sven to play enough of the big guns to see us safely through to the quarters.

Paul Merson - Degenerate Crackhead ?

For those that missed it, youtube link from a city fan to your on sky sports, responding with zest to Paul Merson's comments earlier in the week that he wouldn't have a season ticket given to Manchester City.

Why not Paul you could sell it for some more gear ?

Degenerate Crackhead