…sort of.
Date: 11th May 2013
Venue: Wembley Stadium
Competition: F.A. Cup – Final
Opponents: Wigan Athletic
Result: Manchester City 0-1 Wigan Athletic
We have been warned…
I’m sure I don’t have to tell any City fan with a vested interest in today’s late afternoon / early evening match in north-west London (KO 4:45pm BST, by the way) that our opponents play their league football in the division below us – the Championship. Well, for now at least - only a massive implosion will stop them from making this fixture a Premier League encounter next season.
Similarly, it was already-relegated [to the Championship] Wigan Athletic who joined us in HA9 a decade ago and a bizarre, lacklustre performance from a Manchester City side packed with amazing talent – half of which most Manchester City fans now hail, quite rightly, as club legends and all lead by a manager, whom, a lot of City fans refer to in an endearing way, as “Bobby Manc” – were rightly punished by a far-lesser side, talent-wise at least; after we appeared to ‘rock up’ with the attitude that the silverware was already heading back to M11 without the need to put in a proper or fully-professional shift.
I’ll say it again – we have been warned.
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| Wembley Stadium |
Predicted line-up, subs and outcome:
(Number correct from the starting line-up in the last game: 11/11)
Fluid 4-1-4-1 / 4-5-1 / 4-3-3:
____________________Haaland____________________
Grealish__________________________________Mahrez
____________Silva______________De Bruyne________
_____________________Rodri_____________________
Laporte___________________________________Walker
___________Stones______________Akanji___________
_____________________Ortega____________________
Subs: Ederson, Gomez, Lewis, Dias, Phillips, Gundogan, Palmer, Foden & Alvarez.
A change in keeper sees Stefan take charge of the gloves for this competition.
A slight tweak in defence partly as a result of injury but also a slight nod-also to Wednesday night’s fixture, I think, sees a starting back-4 of Aymeric, John, Manuel & Kyle.
Rodders to ‘go again’ as our deepest midfielder; Jack, Barnardo, Kevin & Riyad are the attacking midfielders / wingers in the ‘starting 11’.
I think Erling will start, which is what I’m going for, but I expect Alvarez to be given quite a few minutes too IF circumstances allow.
Ederson takes a ‘back seat’; Sergio, Rico & Ruben, who I think will be rested / protected, are the defenders on the side. Kalvin, Ilkay, Cole & Phil are the midfielders in ‘the 9’, while Julian is the back-up striker itching to stretch his legs, I’m sure.
Notable absences:
- Benjamin Mendy – Suspended by the club until further notice.
- Nathan Ake – Injured and no indication, as yet, of how sever his-apparent hamstring issue is.
Do I agree with Pep’s (predicted) line-up?
Result? Well, I’ve already thrown out all the ‘warning signals’ but I didn’t just do that to ‘fill a page’. Whatever your opinions are of the quality / standard of the Championship; it’s no mean feat to be the league’s 3rd-top goal-scorers and have the 2nd-best defensive record from 24 teams over a very long season whilst, at the same time, heading for promotion AND reaching the F.A. Cup semi-final.
And our fans can sing ‘Blue Moon’ all they like but I’m betting the loudest song of the day will be one about a chip butty…
Of course we totally outclass our neighbours from across the Pennines but attitude, drive & desire count for a heck of a lot in games like this…and games in general, of course.
Thankfully, I think this bunch of Manchester City players have that aplenty and our current manager, unlike Roberto Mancini 10-years ago, is in no danger of being imminently sacked; such was the case back in May 2013.
I think we do need to ensure that our opponents don’t score first – or at all if we can help it – because if we do go behind; I can see it being a hell of a task trying-to-then break down many red & white-striped barriers.
It’s worth noting at this stage - and to our advantage - that The Blades have had the heart ripped out of their midfield for this one; with both James McAtee & Tommy Doyle on loan from us being ineligible to play. That’s very sad for the two lads but a bonus for us.
Don’t weaken the side TOO much – even with the Arsenal clash looming – and apply the correct attitude; we should see our players returning to the same stadium on 3rd June (the 3rd of flippin’ JUNE!). It’s a City win for me.
Last season’s, corresponding pre-match prediction and result:
Prediction: N/A
Result: N/A
Expected weather conditions during the game: Dull but largely dry throughout the day and into the match. There is a bit of a brisk breeze but as it’s coming from a southerly direction, it keeps the early evening temperature at a reasonable 11 or 12C.
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| Solidarity |
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