Portsmouth preview

Whilst a semi-final defeat would be frustrating enough, the manner in which we exited on Wednesday evening will have resulted in a squad of players eager to get back on the pitch and get it out of their systems.

For a choice of opponent, perhaps Portsmouth are exactly what is required. Currently bottom of the league, players not being paid and facing an uncertain future with a winding up order scheduled in February would be bad enough. Added to this though is the fact that they have failed to win in their past fifteen visits to Maine Road/CoMS and face us in the midst of a thirteen game home unbeaten run and a win will see us set new records in that regard and also for scoring in consecutive home games (currently at twenty).

From the limited time I have seen of Portsmouth they have appeared to be a spirited, if somewhat limited side, perhaps galvanised into a united mentality by the off-field troubles but surely that is sustainable only for so long. The more that emerges about their current plight, the more obvious the sheer scale of mis-management at the club appears to have been.

They have re-signed Jamie O'Hara on loan from Tottenham but have uncertainty over both Asimir Begovic and Younes Kaboul and looking through their squad they will face an uphill battle to avoid the drop this season unless they can somehow strengthen over the next few days.

I would be incredibly surprised (and disappointed) if Roberto Mancini did not revert back to a 4-4-2 formation to accomodate Emmanuel Adebayor. If so, the likely candidate to drop out would be Pablo Zabaleta, although he did enough in the second half on Wednesday to suggest he would be a better fit than Javi Garrido at left back. Mancini may also recall Kolo Toure to the starting line-up in place of Dedryck Boyata.

With Wembley plans now put to one side (at least until the next round of the FA Cup anyway), focus resumes on our bid for a top four spot. It is no stretch to say that three points really is a must if we have designs on Champions League qualification and a win is exactly what I am expecting.

As emphatic a victory as this one would be very welcome.

Game notes:

• City are unbeaten in their last 13 home league matches since a 3-1 defeat by Fulham in April (W10, D3). If they avoid defeat on Sunday it will be their longest unbeaten top-flight run since an 18-match streak ended in September 1981.
• They have scored in their last 20 league matches at the City of Manchester Stadium. If they score against Portsmouth it will be their longest goal-scoring run since 1958.
• Portsmouth have won just one of their last six league games (W1, D2, L3).
• They have lost 10 of their 11 matches against top-half opponents this season - the worst record in the division. The exception was the 2-0 win over Liverpool in December.
• Pompey have scored 19 league goals this season - only Wolves had managed fewer prior to this weekend's fixtures.
• They have only earned two points from losing positions this season.

Everton preview

A trip to Goodison Park is a game that has been labelled by some as Roberto Mancini's first 'real test', following a run of games thought of as easing the Italian into the role.

Fixtures against Everton are not ones we have yielded a great amount of success from in recent times, and tomorrow's game is played with Tuesday's sem-final looming large. Everton's formula is no huge secret, and despite the pace and creativity we possess it will be difficult to break a side as obdurate as Everton are. One plus point since Mancini has taken over is we look far more secure defending set pieces, and for once the hope is that we don't allow Tim Cahill the freedom of Merseyside on corners and free-kicks as we have frustratingly done so often on previous meetings.

The injury crisis that greeted Mancini's arrival appears to be subsiding a little, with Shaun Wright-Phillips, Nedum Onouha and Roque Santa Cruz back in contention for selection, although Stephen Ireland and Joleon Lescott are still to return. With the importance of both this game in terms of league position and Tuesday's semi-final in the hunt for a trophy, I don't see Mancini risking anyone who is less than 100% - with the FA Cup tie at Scunthorpe a likely fixture for those coming back.

Whilst this game is ideally suited for Craig Bellamy, you have to wonder if he starts given his inability to play twice in quick succession and I'm sure Mancini's preference would be to field him on Tuesday. If Bellamy does drop to the bench, it has been speculated that Robinho could start but (fitness permitting) I think Wright-Phillips comes in.

Everton too have a number of players returning to fitness following a horrendous spell of injuries largely repsonsible for their struggles this season. They have in the main continued to grind out results though, and are unbeaten in their last five games (although four have been drawn) and were perhaps unlucky to come away from The Emirates last week with only a point.

Historically, a draw at Everton would be seen as satisfactory and given that Tuesday is on the horizon, most I'm sure would be happy with that return but some momentum has been built under Mancini. The side looks purposeful and confident and we look to be capable of scoring goals, and I think we have too much for Everton and come away with a 2-1 win.

Game notes:

• The last three league meetings between Everton and Manchester City have ended in wins for the away side.
• Man City's 2-1 win over Everton last season was their first at Goodison Park since October 1992, a run of 10 matches.
• Everton have scored 32% of their goals in the last 15 minutes of matches this season, a league high.
• The Toffees' victory over Burnley in their last home game ended a run of six games at Goodison Park without a win or a clean sheet for David Moyes's side.
• Man City have just two points more after 20 games this season than they did in 2007/08 when they finished in ninth position.City have lost just two away matches this season, the fewest in the league along with Tottenham Hotspur.

Blackburn preview

There was a suggestion that the appointment of Roberto Mancini was delayed until after a tricky set of fixtures, to allow the Italian a relatively easy run to kick off his tenure in charge of the club. If this was the case then I'm sure a home game against Blackburn was one where the three points is very much expected.

Mancini has returned a 100% record so far, with wins against Stoke and Wolves in the league and of course Middlesbrough in the FA Cup. With the postponement of the Carling Cup tie against United this has given the squad currently hit by injury and international duty a few extra days rest than they would ordinarily have had and (weather permitting of course) the games gives us an opportunity to jump upto fourth with a win.

Team wise, this game will still come too soon for the likes of Onouha, Ireland, Lescott or Bridge but Shaun Wright-Phillips and more likely Micah Richards could feature. It is unlikley that Patrick Vieira will make his debut on account of a muscle injury picked up during his final appearance for Inter last week.

Blackburn's record on the road has been miserable during 2009/10, winning only one of ten games, scoring seven and conceding twenty-four in the process. They are unlikely to arrive with too much ambition, with a likely gameplan to remain in the game until late before trying to snatch the points.

Mancini has been very pro-active during games judging by what we have seen so far, and clearly he is not afraid to switch formations and personnel if he sees fit. We should therefore see plenty of adjustment with the likes of Bellamy, Tevez and Petrov switching around the attacking positions.

I have been impressed with what I have seen and heard from Mancini so far. He appears very focused on the task at hand, knows the opposition he is up against and has clear plans in place according to the situation of the game.

During the run of consecutive draws that marked the end of the Hughes regime, this would have been a fixture that would have raised some worries. Mancini was brought in to improve upon that failing and tomorrow evening will be another test of that. It is one I expect him to pass.

Prediction: City to win 2-0.

Game notes:

• Six of the past nine fixtures between the two sides have ended in a draw.
• 17% of City's goals this season have come from deflections.
• Blackburn have earned ten points from losing positions this season.
• Blackburn have only scored in three consecutive games once this season. This game offerss a chance to double that.

Tottenham preview

A key game for both sides which has been given extra significance after a pair of frustrating results at the weekend that allowed Aston Villa to move up into fourth place in the table.

Both ourselves and Tottenham have been the two sides tagged as those most likely to be the side to break in to the Champions League positions and I would do some football betting on it, and importantly, both have plenty of scope to strengthen in January to bolster what has been a good - but could have been better - start so far during 2009/10.

There are similarities between the two sides this season. Both have plenty of pace and attacking intent, and are capable of scoring. Both however, have struggled at the back at times with Tottenham conceding 22 and ourselves 21 times so far. It therefore throws up the possibility of an open game between two evenly matched sides, and one that suits the strengths of both teams.

Team wise, the growing importance of Nigel de Jong was evident by his absence at Bolton and the hope is that he has recovered from swine flu to resume his place in the side. A forced change will be to replace Craig Bellamy, and to counter the threat of Aaron Lennon, it has been speculated that Hughes may bring in a more defensive option (possibly even Javier Garrido) on the left hand side of midfield. I would hope that Hughes goes for a positive approach with either Robinho or Petrov to put pressure on Tottenham's right hand side.

Shaun Wright-Phillips will definitely be absent, and again, whilst Vladimir Weiss may be more of a like for like replacement, Hughes will surely opt for Stephen Ireland, the only downside being the loss of pace out wide in what will be an area that may well decide the outcome.

Our record at White Hart Lane is as dismal as can be, losing our last five trips there by the same 2-1 scoreline and it would not be a shock if that was the result again, and I would make Tottenham marginal favourites by virtue of having home advantage.

That said, there is a reason why we have only lost once during 2009/10 and a trip to White Hart Lane is an opportunity to contine to shed some of the past. I think we come away with at least a draw tomorrow, but key to achieving this is to start far better than we have done on more than one occasion this season.

Bolton preview

After the highs of last week a potential trap game awaits.

With the concensus being that we are back on track (amazing what a victory can do) there is the potential to look past the trip to The Reebok to potentially tougher tests at Tottenham on Wednesday and Sunderland next weekend.

Hopefully that will not be the case though as players and management alike should be only too aware that this is the type of fixture that was prevalent in our recent run of draws.

Bolton are of course in the relegation zone and have struggled recently, with pressure growing on Gary Megson after a disappointing defeat against Wolves last weekend. Recent history at The Reebok - as the match facts below show - is not in our favour though and it will in all likelihood be a scrap of a game.

Whether this influences the shape of the side remains to be seen, but although there will need to be one change at left-back, with Sylvinho expected to start, it may be that Hughes foresakes some of the attacking threat on the left and shores up that side by restoring Bellamy (or even Petrov) in place of Robinho.

Team wise, Bolton captain Kevin Davies returns to the side after serving a one-match suspension against Wolves. Long-term absentees Joey O'Brien and Sean Davis are the only players unavailable to manager Gary Megson.

Sylvinho could make his first Premier League start for Manchester City in place of the injured Wayne Bridge. Craig Bellamy may return after missing last weekend's win over Chelsea with a virus, while Stephen Ireland has recovered from a knee injury.

It wouldn't surprise me if we came away with a draw (scoring draw naturally), but the side has shown earlier in the season that they have the wherewithal to grind out victories away from home.

Another one would be ideal tomorrow.

Match facts:

• Manchester City have failed to score in their last four league visits to the Reebok Stadium.
  
• It is 398 minutes (six hours and 38 minutes) since City last scored at the Reebok Stadium in the league, Joey Barton netting in a 1-0 win on 18 December 2004.
• Bolton are the only team in the top flight not to keep a clean sheet this season.
• City are the only Premier League club not to have been awarded a penalty this season.

Chelsea preview

Back to league action as we host leaders - and concensus Champions elect - Chelsea, who constrastly to ourselves come into the game on the back of a Carling Cup defeat.

Whilst our victory gave a much needed boost following recent struggles, I doubt whether Chelsea's defeat at the hands of Blackburn derails their league form any, and they have been the impressive side in the league so far during 2009/10.

Hesitancy and nervousness has been a feature in our run of draws, leading to plenty of leads being lost but there were more positive signs on Wednesday as we continued to press and attack even after taking the lead. Not to denigrate our defence, but the key for a victory tomorrow is in our attacking play.

At times on Wednesday we were at our best. Quick and concise, we were able to create a number of opportunities which (unlike recent games) we managed to convert. Chelsea are no slouches in defence but pace is one asset that can truly trouble teams - and we have that abundance going forward.

None moreso than in Shaun Wright-Phillips who returned to form on Wednesday in what was arguably his best game since returning to the club. It will be interesting to see what changes (if any) Hughes opts for. It wouldn't be a stretch to imagine de Jong or Kompany being drafted in to bolster the midfield. Whilst Ireland may be the likely casualty, it is possible that Tevez could be the player to make way with Wright-Phillips (if fit) pushed further forward. Robinho could see a return to the side given doubts over Craig Bellamy.

Norfstander makes an interesting suggestion regarding the need for Roque Santa Cruz to get some minutes behind him ahead of what will be a busy January, but this is not the game for that and I'd agree that the latter part of December looks more likely.

Chelsea's form at both Maine Road and Eastlands is an impressive one, with the 1-0 win (via Nicolas Anelka's penalty) a few seasons back our only victory. More worrying is the number of clean sheets they have kept against us; 12 in the last 14 games.

They have slipped up on the road this season - defeats at Villa, Wigan and of course Blackburn but history does not bode well. It will be a dificult task to take anything from tomorrow's game, and whilst we have talked so much this season about a changing mentality in our approach to games. We have taken steps in the right direction in this regard but to take three points is probably a leap too far.

At best a point then, but even that would represent something of a surprise.

Hull preview

Back on home turf, and welcoming the side who went into meltdown following (or during if you are Phil Brown) a heavy defeat in the corresponding fixture in 2008/09.

A first half shellacking resulted in the bizarre sight of Brown conducting his team talk on the pitch, a move that endeared him to virtually no-one in the game and hardly resulted in galvanising his side into action either in that fixture or the remainder of the season as they dropped like a stone down the table, barely surviving the drop back to the Championship in the process.

The draw last weekend at Anfield was a classic case of the 'half full, half empty' argument. Many view it is a good point won at a difficult place to visit. Equally, however, many view it as two points dropped from a position of strength (taking the lead with fifteen or so minutes remaining).

This has of course led to grumblings in the press about a disappointing lack of ambition being shown; that top four ambitions are some way off for the rich pretenders.

Perhaps there is a nerviness in our play at the moment though. This could make matters difficult tomorrow. Very much like the last visitors to Eastlands - Burnley - Hull travel with a woeful away record. One point gained, four goals scored and seventeen conceded in their five away matches.

This does not tell the full story though. Since new Chairman Adam Pearson arrived with a less than confidence boosting endorsement of Phil Brown, Hull have taken seven points from nine (including a win in midweek against Everton), showing a hitherto unseen spirit. This of course coincided with the return of the infectious Jimmy Bullard, a talented and energetic spark who spent the best part of 2009 sidelined through injury.

We should win the game of course. Our attacking potency being too much for a porous defence but given our propensity for losing leads of late, even a winning position will likely not quieten nerves in the stands.

The significance of the result is also magnified given the weeks other fixtures - a midweek Carling Cup quarter-final against Arsenal and then followed by a visit from Chelsea, who are looking every bit the title favourites.

I wouldn't suggest confidence in the side has been dented by recent results, but there is no doubt the restoring powers a good win can provide. Hull have the capabilities to cause problems for us but I would be surprised if we didn't run out comfortable victors.

Still no clean sheet though in a 3-1 win.

Liverpool preview

There are going to be fixtures at various times that are considered (overwhelmingly by the media it has to be said) as a chance to 'lay down a marker'.

Tomorrow's visit to Anfield will no doubt be seen as such an opportunity.

Of course, the outcome of tomorrow lunchtime's game is not going to decide anything over the course of a season barely a quarter of the way in but it is a game whereby the result could have ramifications over the short-term at least.

We head into the game on the back of five consecutive draws (or unbeaten since our only defeat of the season at Old Trafford), with the first sign of questions being asked of a side that came out of the gate at a tremendous pace at the beginning of the season. A defeat would therefore likely lead to more questions and a feeling that we have to make the necessary step up, whilst victory would announce our intention as a side with genuine aspirations; something Mark Hughes is all too aware of:

"Liverpool have been at the top end of the table and in Europe for a long, long time but we have to go to places like Anfield and get results. We showed with our performance at Old Trafford that we are more than capable of going to the 'big 4' clubs and turning in good performances. We are looking to do that again and make sure we have a real go. It's important because Liverpool are one of the teams we want to overcome this year."

The intrigue is heightened given Liverpool's recent troubles. On the brink of a Champions League exit, they have also stuttered badly in the league with a usually sound defence looking less than cohesive (what has happened to Jamie Carragher?). They have suffered five defeats already this season, yet they do stand only a point behind us with shows that whilst defeats are damaging, draws can so often derail ambition.

Following some of the more scurillous headlines and reports during the recent international break (do these seem to be longer and longer?) the MEN suggests that Robinho could be set for a 'shock' return. I expect Mark Hughes to switch back to a 4-4-2 line-up adopting away from home for the most part this season with Nigel de Jong regaining his place at the expense of either Gareth Barry or Stephen Ireland, with the latter the most likely to make way. This would mean Robinho on the bench, providing a fantastic option if the game is in the balance heading into the latter stages.

Much has been written of Liverpool's injury woes of late, with Fernando Torres likely absent and Alberto Aquilani not quite ready, but Steven Gerrard has pronounced himself fit.

Despite the odd result, Anfield has been a less than happy hunting ground over the years and a visit there is never usually cause for much optimism. The obvious outcome on recent form would be a draw, but I have a feeling there will be a definite result and will take us to get a come from behind 2-1 victory.

Burnley preview

Expectation, expectation, expectation.

With a sense of frustration following four games on the spin, the unanimous feeling around the blogs and forums this week is that tomorrow's game takes on an extra significance. Back at home (easy to forget three of the four draws were on the road) and against a side who have badly struggled on their travels so far suggests three points is a given.

Burnley have impressed so far this season, proving that endeavour and belief can stand promoted sides in good stead as opposed to apprehension and an attempt to merely grinding out points. Sure this is likely to lead to more defeats but picks you up the wins that can be the difference between staying up and relegation. The current table is evidence of this, showing that they have yet to draw but have as many wins as ourselves so far.

Of course, these wins have come at Turf Moor and they their record away from home reads P5 W0 D0 L5 F2 A17 Pts0. Little wonder we are such heavy favourites.

Recent absentees Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Adebayor are set to return to the side, but key on everyone's lips this week has been the name of Stephen Ireland with the view that we have been lacking a little craft and guile of late. My hope is that the 4-4-2 is abandoned, and the understable caution shown away from home gives way to a more attacking outlook. My changes to the side would be Adebayor to replace Santa Cruz and Ireland to come in for Wright-Phillips with a switch to a 4-3-3 line-up. This leaves the one change at the back with Toure's return, and despite Kompany impressing the past couple of games he will be the one to make way.

Being such heavy favourites can bring an added pressure in itself of course, but this is a pressure that comes with the territory. Our form at home really does have to be the platform we build our season upon, and after the recent draws we round the month out with tomorrow's game, followed by a trip to Liverpool and then a home game against Hull.

Seven points from these three will put us on 26 points through the first 13 games (a third of the way through the season). A good platform indeed and should see us continue our position in the top four heading into December.

Prediction: 3-1.

Fulham preview

I've posted previously about a changing mentality in this City side, whereby if we are to make a genuine attempt at a top six (or higher) position there needs to be an expectation of achieving victory heading into games - in that the three points become a formality rather than something hoped for.

A home game versus Fulham has to be such a game. They are undoubtedly a useful side - which Thursday nights draw against Roma in the Europa League showed - and have the upper hand over us in recent times. Brede Hangeland looks a towering presence at the back, and perhaps more worryingly, a threat from set pieces. They are a hard working unit and capable of creating opportunities, yet I feel lack a real cutting edge in attack for all their industry.

An advantage for ourselves heading into the game is that they have played twice this week already - Monday night against Hull and then in Europe on Thursday, and as we ourselves experienced last season it is difficult to balance both competitions effectively and we should be the fitter, sharper side on Sunday.

Sides who harbour realistic hopes of success do not drop points in these circumstances and recent form evidences our dominance at home, having won the past six and twelve out of thirteen on home soil.

Team wise, we still have doubts over Bellamy and Toure who both missed out against Wigan whilst Pablo Zabaleta serves a one-match suspension. With Bellamy possibly absent, Hughes may well stick to the 4-4-2 we have seen in recent games, although my preference would be to adopt a less rigid 4-3-3 formation which has served us well at home and offers a more fluid and potent attacking threat.

The Carling Cup tie is proof that Fulham (then with a much changed side) are not to be taken lightly but our home form has been nothing short of superb (and as good as anything in the league) of late and I will take us to win by a margin of 3-1.

Game notes:

• We have gone twenty-six home league games without a draw.
• We have not dropped points from a leading position so far this season.
• Fulham have won three of their past four visits to the City of Manchester Stadium.

Aston Villa preview

It is a measure of our start this season that heading into this game - whilst a tough fixture - it is with a sense of expectation for the victory, rather than merely hoping to come away with the win.

Both sides (along with Tottenham and Everton) were installed as favourites at the start of the season for the Europa League places and to potentially challenge the top four. Whilst we have made undoubted progress since the end of 2008/09, it is fair to say Villa's has been less so.

Yet, this is perhaps a measure of quite how good a season they had last time around and it is easy to dismiss (with much focus on ourselves and Tottenham) the start they have had to the season following their opening day loss at home to Wigan as they have flown under the radar somewhat.

Both sides possess pace and attacking threat which could lend itself to a game featuring plenty of opportunities, but I see us having that extra quality in the key positions that can determine the outcome.

Both Stephen Ireland and Emmanuel Adebayor are again available, and whilst Adebyaor should slot straight back into the side I imagine Ireland will likely battle Shaun Wright-Phillips for the final midfield spot with Hughes probably lining up the 4-3-3 we have seen for the most part this season.

The game of course will see recently departed Richard Dunne face us. Whilst there was a hint of acrimony and one or two barbs fired when the transfer was completed there is no doubt Dunne will receive the reception he deserves for his time at the club. Conversely, Gareth Barry will line up against his former side and despite one or two pleas from his former team-mates, his reception is certain to be hotter than the one Dunne will receive.

Villa Park, historically, has been a happy hunting ground for us and there have been some notable victories down the years so we should travel in good spirit and know a win will see us make ground on some of the sides above us in the table.

Following a dearth of draws so far this season, the Premier League saw plenty this past weekend and most predictions appear to suggest the spoils will be shared this evening. Not me however, as I am in confident mood and take us to come away with the points with a 2-1 victory.

Game notes

• We have won all five league matches this season when opening the scoring - the best record in the division.
• Our return of five wins from their opening six games is their best start to a top flight season since 1961-62. They went on finish 12th that season.
• Gabby Agbonlahor could become the first Villa player to score in five consecutive league matches since Paul Rideout in the 1984-85 season.
• Villa have conceded the fewest goals in the Premier League this season (five).
• Villa are attempting to keep a third successive clean sheet at home for the first time in two years.