Manchester City v Swansea City

                                                         

Preview
Laudrup's swans face the murky waters of Etihad on Sunday as the blues prepare to amplify their deadly goalscoring tally.


European enterprises held very different outcomes for both sides as Swansea suffered midweek misery and City enjoyed hilarity at home once again. Daniel Parejo's goal earned Valencia a 1-0 win in Wales on Thursday and the Welsh side must record at least a point in their next tie against St Gallen if they are to reach the last 32 of the competition. 

Swansea City will travel to Manchester on Sunday with their ammunition severely depleted. Top scorers Wilfried Bony (10) and Michu (7) both suffered injuries in the mid-week fixture leaving Laudrup with unsettling shortages up top. 

For Manuel Pellegrini's side however, Swansea's injuries have come at the perfect time. A shaky defensive performance on Wednesday night was masked by yet another attacking masterclass that saw Sergio Aguero, Samir Nasri, Alvaro Negredo and Edin Dzeko help City to their 15th goal of the Champions League group stages.


Sergio Aguero scored his 20th goal of the season on Wednesday night.

Omens look good for the blues who have not lost to Swansea on home turf since 1951. Since then, City have scored 15 goals in 7 home games against Laudrup's side and with Sergio Aguero and Alvaro Negredo set to start on Sunday, that impressive tally may well rise uncontrollably.

The Dane's dragoons possess one of the league's better away records and have achieved 9 points from 6 away fixtures this season. However, Manuel's minions are yet to splatter even the smallest speck of dirt on their 100% Premier League home record and without Bony and Michu in their ranks, a 6th league defeat of the season looks likely. 

4-0

Line-Up
With Stevan Jovetic, Vincent Kompany, David Silva and Matija Nastasic ten days away from fitness, the side that thrashed Tottenham Hotspur last weekend is unlikely to be tampered with. Joe Hart may have produced a fine display on Wednesday night, but Pantillimon has done enough in the league to keep his starting place.


Joe Hart is set to remain on the bench for Sunday's tie with Swansea.

Concerns were raised about Sergio Aguero's early exit from play against Plzen, but the substitution was pre-conceived and the Argentine will be fresh for the weekends tie. 

Key Players

Sergio Aguero
Two years ago, Sergio Aguero made a frightening introduction into the Premier League with a man of the match performance on the opening day of the 2011/2012 season against Swansea City. The Argentine is in the form of his life and he'll be expecting to haunt Swansea's defence once again on Sunday.


Jonjo Shelvey
The ex-Liverpool midfielder has proven to be an excellent piece of business from Michael Laudrup and with 2 goals and 2 assists already this season, he is rapidly becoming a hit with the fans. His wide range of passing and industrious approach is sure to cause City some problems on Sunday.

Manchester City 4 - 2 Viktoria Plzen

MANCHESTER CITY 4 - 2 VIKTORIA PLZEN
Aguero 33' (pen), Nasri 65', Negredo 78'               Horava 43', Tecl 69'
Dzeko 89'


Pellegrini's progressors show Hart against a vivacious Viktoria Plzen. 

Manchester City's impeccable home record almost suffered a frightening blow on Wednesday night as a vibrant Viktoria Plzen side launched a full scale assault inside the Etihad.

A relaxed home crowd, buoyed by their side's progression into the last 16 of the Champions League, were treated to yet another goalscoring flurry on home territory. Seven changes were made to the outfit that savaged Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday afternoon and a shaky defence had their attackers to thank in a below par performance.


Aleksandar Kolarov was one of the many changes introduced by Manuel Pellegrini.

City, captained by Aleksandar Kolarov, made a timid start to proceedings against a side that were yet to achieve a single point in Group D. Sebastian Tecl teased and tantalised a makeshift blue back four, but Joe Hart was on hand to produce a number of impressive saves to keep the visitors out.

On 33 minutes, just seconds after he had squandered a delightful opportunity to put his side 1-0 up, Frantisek Rajtoral handled inside the penalty area to present Sergio Aguero with the chance to score his 20th goal of the season. As expected, the Argentine stepped up confidently and struck a wicked penalty into the bottom corner. 


Sergio Aguero scores from the spot to give City the lead.

With nerves calmed, visions of yet another rout appetised the Etihad. However, with nothing to lose and a recent sublime away record to maintain, Pavel Vrba's men decided to put on a show of their own. Just ten minutes later, Tomas Horava unleashed a speculative strike from 25 yards to equalise. 

Coming into the tie, all eyes were on the returning Joe Hart and pens were poised to record any mistake that may await him. Nothing happened, and the England No.1 produced a fine distributional and shot stopping display to convince Manuel Pellegrini that he should remain between the sticks in weeks to come.

On half time, Sergio Aguero was withdrawn from play in preparation for Sunday's tie against Swansea and expectedly, the game took a tedious turn. Fortunately, Samir Nasri was still showcasing his sultry skill and on 65 minutes, the Frenchman slotted home from a Navas cross to give the blues the lead once again.


Samir Nasri continued his impressive form on Wednesday night with a goal.

The Czech's continued to crusade along the Etihad despite their most recent setback and replied immediately. Sebastian Tecl capitalised on a jittery Joleon Lescott to finish past Hart and give the visitors yet another equaliser.

Defensive slackness is proving to be a persistent problem on the pitch and the return of Vincent Kompany can't come soon enough. At the other end of the field, however, you're unlikely to find a more potent strikeforce.

Alvaro Negredo's introduction provided the blues with a fearsome threat and the Spaniard continued his fine goalscoring record with a tap in to score City's third of the night. Jesus Navas's testing cross wasn't dealt with and the Beast was able to score possibly the easiest goal of his City career.


Jesus Navas and Alvaro Negredo celebrate City's third of the night.

The persevering Pilsener's finally allowed their heads to drop and Edin Dzeko sealed the win with a powerful header a minute before the final whistle. 


Edin Dzeko rises to seal the win for City.

A customary home win for Pellegrini's men gives the blues a chance to top the group with a 3-0 win over Bayern Munich in the Allianz Arena. However, given our away form and our fragility at the back, I think we're all happy to take second.

Player Ratings
Joe Hart 7
A confident performance from the man who had a million eyes glaring at him on Wednesday night. Acrobatic stops and delicious distribution were the highlights of his night.
Micah Richards 6
Remains slightly uncomfortable when attacked but his attacking intent is becoming more and more potent as he regains fitness.

Martin Demichelis 5
Worrying performance from the Argentine who struggled all game with pace and focus.
Joleon Lescott 6
Won the physical battles but lost the ones involving speed. At fault for Plzen's second.
Aleksandar Kolarov 6
Captained the side but struggled with Plzen's pace down the right.

Samir Nasri 8
City's best player of the night always looked like making something happen. Performance was rewarded with a well finished goal.

Fernandino 7
Went close to yet another goal, but the Brazilian performed his duties in a typical calm fashion.
Javi Garcia 6
Quiet game for the Spaniard who made a number of misplaced passes. Shoddy for a man who went into the game possessing the world's best passing accuracy rate.
 James Milner 7
As always, he worked hard and ignited a few of City's more promising moves.

Sergio Aguero 7

45 minutes of agility, pace and tenacity. Oh and yes, another goal.

Edin Dzeko 5.5
His attitude was appalling and although he scored, he was largely anonymous.

Substitutes
Navas 7 - Looks to be settling in and assisted two goals.

Yaya Toure 6 - Added power to the midfield.

Negredo 6 - Yet another goal to add to the tally.

Manchester City v Viktoria Plzen

                                                         

Preview
Champions League minnows Viktoria Plzen are next on the list as a savage Manchester City side look to humiliate at home once again.


The blues have already been signed, sealed and delivered into the last sixteen and will be hopeful of treating their fans to yet another exhibition on home turf come Wednesday night. 

The tie may bear no real importance, but for one Englishmen, it could determine his future in the sky blue of Manchester City. Following City's 6-0 slaying of Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday afternoon, Manuel Pellegrini confirmed that Joe Hart would regain his place between the sticks in Manchester City's penultimate Champions League group fixture. Rumours regarding a swap deal involving Stoke City's Asmir Begovic have been palmed away by the Chilean who insists the England No.1 will not be leaving in January. 


Joe Hart will start for Manchester City on Wednesday night.

The fixture also presents Pavel Vrba's side with an appetising opportunity to demolish City's spectacular home record which has seen them net 32 times in Champions League and Premier League fixtures so far this season. 

As for the Czech side, they too have enjoyed a recent run of form. Plzen have netted 8 times in their last three games which, worryingly for City, have all been away from home and have all been won by Vrba's men. 

Manuel Pellegrini may be tempted into fielding a new look XI in preparation for Sunday's Premier League fixture with Swansea City, but it's clear that eyes will be planted firmly on one man in particular on Wednesday night. 

Good luck, Joe!

3-0

Line-Up 
Vincent Kompany, David Silva, Stevan Jovetic and Jack Rodwell are all ten days away from full fitness according to Manuel Pellegrini and the line-up could be back to normal come Sunday. The Belgian skipper returned to training on Monday and his influence will be instrumental in pushing City towards the title they so badly desire.


Vincent Kompany returned to training on Monday.

John Guidetti was named on the bench for City's victory over Spurs on Sunday and could make the starting line-up on Wednesday night.

Key Players

Joe Hart
All eyes will be on the goalkeeper on Wednesday night as he makes a return to the starting line-up. Rumours and criticism have circled around the stopper like a swarm of flies and Hart will have to swat them away in a fixture that could save his Manchester City career.


Stanislav Tecl
The striker has netted 6 times for Plzen this season and will be the visitors main threat going forward.

Scout Report: Jean-Paul Boëtius

In a new feature for the blog, I have teamed up with Dutch football expert Luuk Manse(@Officialluuk) who will be compiling a number of scout reports on the biggest and best talent from the Eredivisie. 

This month, it's Feyenoord's
Jean-Paul Boëtius

Full Name: Jean-Paul Boëtius
DOB: 22/03/1994 (19)
Place of Birth: Rotterdam, Netherlands
Height: 6ft, 0 inches
Position: Winger
Current club: Feyenoord
Squad number: 7
Preferred foot: Right

Key Attributes
The Dutch international team is undergoing a rampant renaissance and the world beaters they relied upon four or five years ago need to be replaced adequately. Bayern Munich's Arjen Robben is one of those world beaters, and one player tipped to fill his blissful boots is Feyenoord's Jean-Paul Boëtius.

The tricky winger has a tendency to terrorise and gallops up and down the left wing with a frightening amount of speed. He may sound ferocious, and that he is, but his level-headedness separates him from the majority of raw talent present in European football at the moment.

Boëtius may only be 19 years old, but everything about him echoes maturity. He reads the game brilliantly and gives his side a carnivorous option both going forward and defending counter attacks. 

The young Dutchman commenced his Feyenoord career in shimmering fashion back in October 2012 when a debut goal against rivals Ajax marked the arrival of a new fan favourite. His excellent performance pleased not only the fans, but also coach of the Dutch national side, Louis van Gaal. On 6th March 2013 Boëtius received a call up for the pre-selection national squad. Unfortunately for the winger, he failed to make it into van Gaal's definitive squad. 

Despite his omission from the national squad, Boëtius drew in his admirers. Bert van Marwijk labelled him as 'the best winger in the Eredivisie and his manager Ronald Koeman believes he 'can become a very big player'.

Speed and composure characterise Netherland's brightest new star who has scored two and assisted one goal in 9 games this year, but a niggling knee injury hampered his start to the 2013/2014 season. Unsurprisingly, his return to the side saw him net once again in a 3-3 draw with NEC and the teenager will be hoping his injury troubles don't come back to haunt him once again.

Boëtius has made an irresistable start to his career in football and comparisons have already been made between himself and Dutch legend Arjen Robben. With Ajax, CSKA Moscow, Napoli and Tottenham Hotspur interested in the winger, we may see Jean-Paul Boëtius lighting up one of Europe's top leagues in the near future.



Boëtius's main strengths include:

• Movement
• Dribbling skill
• Pace
• Manoeuvrability
• Ability to use two feet
• Composure

Boëtius's main weaknesses include:

• Strength
• Crossing
• Delivery

Facts

• Since 28/10/2012, Boëtius has played 28 Eredivisie games. He has started 24 times, featured 4 times as a substitution and has scored 6 goals
• He has 2 caps for the Netherlands U21 side and has scored 1 goal for them
• His former team is HOV/DJSCR

Overall Rating

• 1-3 - Not good enough to reach the top level
• 4-5 - Potential to nail down a regular spot in a mid table side
• 6-7 - Potential to be a top European striker
• 8-10 - Potential to be world class

7/10

Manchester City 6 - 0 Tottenham Hotspur

MANCHESTER CITY 6 - 0 TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
Navas 1', 90', Sandro 34' (O.G.), 
Aguero 41', 50', Negredo 55'


Sensational City hit Spurs for six.

Tottenham Hotspur were treated to a sizzling Spanish menu of misery on Sunday afternoon as Jesus Navas, Sergio Aguero and Alvaro Negredo ran rampant at the Etihad Stadium. The Spanish speaking trio perfectly performed a goalscoring lesson to their visitors who have managed only 9 goals since the start of the season.

With Jesus Navas in the starting line-up, the tie was always going to be a pacy encounter and after just fourteen seconds, the Spanish speedster followed up from an Aguero effort to curl a delicious finish into the top corner. The weekend has been a platform for goalkeeping mistakes and Hugo Lloris's comedic clearance into the path of Sergio Aguero can certainly be added to that list. 


Jesus Navas scored his first Premier League goal of the season after just fourteen seconds.

City were sizzling; Spurs were sickened and not even the bullish Sandro could hold in his spew at the sight of his Brazilian counterpart Fernandinho running the show. 

The visitors reacted positively and Erik Lamela was unlucky not to level when Martin Demichelis was on hand to stop his shot on the line. Possession was in Spurs' hands but a carnivorous City were ready to pounce on their goal-shy guests. With ten minutes of the half left to play, Hugo Lloris palmed an Aguero chip into the path of Alvaro Negredo who acrobatically finished to make it 2-0. However, a ricochet off the foot of Sandro on its way in denied the Spaniard his fifth goal of the season.

 
Negredo's shot canons in off Sandro.

The fixture, tipped to be a 'close one' by the majority of pundits, was taking a turn for the worst for Andre Villas Boas as Roberto Soldado and Erik Lamela drifted out of the game and deeper into their own half. But Manuel's minions weren't finished and marched to a third goal courtesy of Kun Aguero four minutes before the break. Jesus Navas was displaying all the speed and wide play he was brought in for and slipped in a sumptuous ball for Aguero to net his ninth of the season.


Aguero makes it three before the break.

As the blues headed down the tunnel for a feast of complements from their manager, Spurs underwent a Portuguese grilling after tarnishing their impressive defensive league record. AVB's words went unheard and the most prolific home side in English football went in for the kill. 

Just five minutes into the second half, Yaya Toure decided to come to the party. The Ivorian left a chasing Kyle Walker for dead on a characteristically supreme surge into the box and selflessly squared to Aguero for his second brace of the week. With Spurs dead and buried, the Chilean chancellor could begin preparing for City's midweek tie with Viktoria Plzen and City's leading scorer was applauded off the field of play.


Sergio Aguero celebrates his second goal of the afternoon.

Surprisingly, given the sparkle of the performance, the best was yet to come for the home side. After witnessing Sandro being awarded his goal in the first half, Alvaro Negredo went into 'Beast mode' and exquisitely turned Michael Dawson to curl a mouthwatering finish into the far corner of Lloris's goal. The effort can definitely be considered an early contender for goal of the season.


Alvaro Negredo curls in a peach to make it five.

The Etihad was in party mode and memories from the Stadium of Plight two weeks ago began to fade fast. Spurs were never likely to compete for the title, but the gulf in class between the sides almost sealed their minimal hopes of clinching the crown shut. 

With seconds left to play, James Milner switched an incredible sixty yard ball into the path of Jesus Navas who slotted past Lloris for six. The rout was over and the Etihad roared in all its invincible might. 


Jesus Navas completes the scoring.

It was yet another prolific afternoon at the Etihad where City have now scored twenty-six times (17 more goals than Spurs have managed both home and away all season). 

On home form, the title is already ours, but on the road, we're fighting to stay in the league. If Manuel Pellegrini and his magical minions can find a remedy for their repulsive away form, we could see City rocketing uncontrollably up the table.

Player Ratings
Costel Pantillimon 7
A couple of fumbles from crosses almost made for an embarrassing afternoon, but the Romanian keeper showed how safe his hands are with a solid display.

Pablo Zabaleta 8
Allowed Navas to exhibit his true qualities and saved Demichelis's bacon on a number of occasions. 

Martin Demichelis 6.5
Struggles to find his own men with passes on too many occasions, but he solidified in the second half.

Matija Nastasic 7
A sturdy display from the Serbian before being taken off at half time.

Gael Clichy 7
Linked up with Nasri well and despite struggling with Lennon's pace early on, had a satisfying game.

Samir Nasri 8.5
Tormented his old foes with his trickery and played a part in the second goal.

Fernandino 8.5
Went unnoticed in a game that exhibited so much attacking flair, but he quietly went about threading in passes for the players in front of him.

Yaya Toure 7
Poor and anonymous in the first half which left him frustrated, but he livened up in the second and expertly provided for Aguero's second of the match.

 Jesus Navas 9
Displayed everything Manuel Pellegrini brought him into the club for with a 100mph performance. Assisted, scored and scared the life out the Tottenham back four with his pace.

Sergio Aguero 9

Two customary finishes for the Argentine who now has 14 goals in 11 games for the blues. It's hard to picture him not scoring.

Alvaro Negredo 10It's not often I award a 100% rating for a player, but Negredo was on another planet today. Brings other players into the game with his touch and composure and his goal was nothing short of brilliant. What a player and what a buy. 

Substitutes
Lescott 7 - Solid and didn't let Adebayor have a sniff.

Garcia 6 - Brought Yaya into the game.

Milner 7 - Brilliant ball into Navas to make it six.

Manchester City v Tottenham Hotspur

                                                                                         

Preview
Pellegrini's under-performers look ahead to a Sunday spar with Spurs.


Late comebacks and late goals have been a welcome characteristic of City-Spurs clashes down the years, but is it too late for Manchester City to resurrect their fading title hopes?

The blues slump in a dismal 8th place after eleven Premier League games and contemptible comparisons are already being made regarding City's irresistible home and painful away form. Pellegrini's men suffered a customary 1-0 loss at 'The Stadium Of Plight' a fortnight ago in a phlegmatic performance and a number of dark clouded questions now lie over the Chilean's head.

 
City crashed to an all too familiar loss at the Stadium Of Light a fortnight ago.

The dullness of the International break has been affecting even the media who have taken their time to concoct a menacing cauldron of rumours designed to render City's path up the table even more slippery. Star striker Sergio Aguero and Yaya Toure are the latest players to declare their happiness in Manchester and refute claims of an impending move away from the Etihad.

Andre Villas Boas's side may sit a point ahead of their hosts, but the Portuguese has also experienced some niggling problems this campaign. The Lilywhites have struggled in front of goal since Gareth Bales £85m move to Real Madrid in summer and crashed to an unpalatable 1-0 loss at home to Newcastle two weeks ago. With only nine goals to boast as opposed to City's twenty-eight, Spurs will be relying on their solid defensive record to keep out Sergio Aguero and Alvaro Negredo on Sunday.


Tottenham have struggled for goals so far this season.

City fans will have hoped that they could escape the times when City v Spurs games wielded so much importance, however, Sunday's 8th v 7th clash could potentially kick start either team's average start to the season.

If home form is anything to go by, it should be an easy Sunday afternoon for the blues, but unpredictability, I'm sure, will continue to shadow us for decades to come.

2-0

Line-Up
Matija Nastasic and Fernandinho are expected to make a return to the starting line-up after missing out on City's 1-0 loss to Sunderland. Tottenham midfielder Sandro has highlighted his Brazilian teammate as City's main man and says his side will have to stop the £30m man if Spurs are to achieve a result on Sunday.


Fernandinho could be City's main man on Sunday.

Vincent Kompany, David Silva and Stevan Jovetic are set for at least another week on the sidelines and are expected to return for an away tie at the Hawthornes on the 4th December.

Meanwhile, Tottenham's Christian Eriksen has been ruled out for four weeks with an ankle injury.

Key Men

Alvaro Negredo
If City are to bustle with a rigid Spurs defence, the strength of Spain striker Alvaro Negredo will be their most potent weapon. With only 6 goals conceded this season, Villas Boas's men have the second best defensive record in the league and Negredo will be hoping to dismantle that impressive record.


Andros Townsend
The England winger has stepped into the shoes of Gareth Bale rather comfortably this season and his pace and trickery is sure to trouble City's leaky defence on Sunday. With Christian Eriksen injured, Spurs may exploit the flanks rather than play against City through the middle.