Manchester City Starting XI - 07/08

Post by **admin** » 29 Jul 2007, 22:09

Thoughts on Manchester City's starting XI on this thread please.

Useful links:

http://www.soccerbase.com/teams2.sd?teamid=1718

http://www.4thegame.com/club/manchester ... all-squad/

http://fiso.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=27871

Post by **snout** » 30 Jul 2007, 17:27

Well anyone's guess is good at the moment! There are so many players being rumoured for purchase and quite a few that have already been purchased so this is going to be very speculative:

GK:Isaksson
DF: Richards, Onuoha, Dunne, Ball
MF: Geovanni, Johnson, Ireland, Petrov
FW: Bianchi, Corradi

Slightly controversial choice of Corradi but he appears to be in form and playing well and Sven seems to like him. Midfield is the hardest to predict. The wings should be fairly stable but Johnson and Ireland could be rotated with Hamman, Dabo and Fernades with even the young lad Logan getting a few shouts.

I expect more signings in defence so that will be hard to predict soon too.

Post by **snout** » 31 Jul 2007, 09:25

Interesting article in today's online Times. It suggests Erikkson may ease in some of his foreign imports that have no EPL experience. The last few paragraphs are of the most interest:

[Rolando] Bianchi, the former Italy Under-21 striker signed for Â£8.8 million from Reggina, can expect to start up front having had some time to familiarise himself with his new team-mates and surroundings.

[Martin] Petrov, who arrived from AtlÃ©tico Madrid for Â£4.7 million last week, should be guaranteed a position on the left wing, with [Gelson] Fernandes, the Switzerland Under-21 captain signed from FC Sion, starting in central midfield, but Geovanni, the former Barcelona and Benfica midfield player, may have to be more patient.

It is thought that Eriksson intends to stick with the 4-4-2 formation that he rarely strayed from with England, and for the first few games of the season at least, City might not line up too differently from how they did under Stuart Pearce last season.

Come the middle of September or October, however, and Cityâ€™s team could take on a very different look, with only Richard Dunne, the captain, and Micah Richards, the England defender, likely to be assured of their places among the longer-serving players.

Post by **Karrde** » 31 Jul 2007, 19:01

There is no confidence in Mpenza is there?

Post by **snout** » 31 Jul 2007, 23:08

Karrde wrote:There is no confidence in Mpenza is there?

Very good question. I think he must be injured or have run over Sven's cat at the training ground. On last season's form he was obviously ahead of Corradi, Samaras and Vassell. Now, he seems to be just behind Corradi.

Post by **Auspicious** » 01 Aug 2007, 00:22

Mpenza picked up a knock in Sweden and didnt travel to Charleroi.
I expect the starting eleven on saturday to be very close to the opening day, so keep an eye out.

Post by **boomer181** » 08 Aug 2007, 03:10

i heard they just signed or are about to sign Bresciano for AU 7.2 mil not sure what that is in pounds but he could provide some competition for a left wing spot

Post by **snout** » 11 Aug 2007, 10:06

The MuEN gives us an insight into Sven's mind:

MARTIN Petrov is being tipped as the man to watch by his new boss Sven-Goran Eriksson. The Bulgaria international is the oldest of the foreign legion recruited by the City manager who says that he will be one of the most important.Petrov, captured from Atletico Madrid for £4.7m, is that rarest of players in the English game: a winger with a classy left foot.

Eriksson is expecting a fast start from the 28-year-old who has already impressed in warm up matches. "You can see that he has experience and an extremely good left foot," noted Eriksson. "He can take on opponents at speed, has a variety of crosses in his armoury, is not afraid to shoot from long range and he is tremendous at set-pieces. He will be an important player for us because it seems the base of our team will be young. His experience will be important and he is a good signing. Martin is a very confident young man and I think with his experience he will be one of the leaders on the pitch for us. He has tasted football in several different countries and has played many times for Bulgaria. His knowledge will be invaluable."

Post by **snout** » 11 Aug 2007, 10:13

The MuEN seems to be confident about team news:

Bulgarian Martin Petrov will start at Upton Park most probably in a five-man midfield that will see Italian Rolando Bianchi operate as a lone striker. The Blues will be without Belgian international hitman Emile Mpenza, whose hamstring strain has already kept him out for three weeks and will do so until the beginning of next week. Also missing will be Michael Ball who is serving game two of a three-match ban picked up retrospectively for his stamp on Cristiano Ronaldo in the end-of-season derby.

Eriksson also has the option of deploying Valeri Bojinov and Vedran Corluka after the pair's work permits were finally granted. However, Bojinov is the only one likely to feature as Corluka was forced to return home to Croatia on Thursday night to ensure he got an official stamp in his passport. Home-grown quartet Micah Richards, Nedum Onuoha, Stephen Ireland and Michael Johnson are all expected to figure for the Blues alongside a handful of new signings.

Goalkeeper is proving the most problematic position for Eriksson who may have to choose between rookies Joe Hart and Kasper Schmeichel.

So, my best guess is:

GK: Hart
LFB: Garrido
CB: Dunne
CB: Onuoha
RFB: Richards
LM: Petrov
CM: Ireland
CM: Johnson
CM: Hamman (or Elano if fit)
RM: Geovanni
ST: Bianchi

If I get 9 out of 11, I'll be happy!

Post by **shawpower** » 13 Aug 2007, 11:36

Who do people think will feature midweek out of Corluka & Onuoha? Corluka started for City but came off after 62 minutes. I can't find a reason anywhere? I have Onouha myself as I figured he was most likely to start.

Post by **CanaryYellow** » 13 Aug 2007, 11:39

I listened to the game on the radio and they were suggesting Corluka hadnt played too well. Sketchy memory suggests it was "tactical" rather than an injury.

Post by **snout** » 13 Aug 2007, 12:04

CanaryYellow wrote:I listened to the game on the radio and they were suggesting Corluka hadnt played too well. Sketchy memory suggests it was "tactical" rather than an injury.

I saw the game - bar the first 15 minutes - and I thought he played pretty well. Very strong and tall and tackled well plus he released one glorious 60-yard ball to Bianchi on the edge of the opposition penalty area. He did start to tire quickly in the second half, which is understandable considering he had been flying backwards and forwards between Croatia all week for passport and permit reasons.

I wouldn't normally do this but it might be worthwhile copying the player ratings from the MuEN, which includes Corluka:

SCHMEICHEL - As easy a debut as he could have expected away from home. Looked confident and rarely troubled 6

CORLUKA - Powerful defender wants the ball in attacking positions which is promising - but ran out of steam after an hour or so 6

RICHARDS - Settled the debate about who will play alongside Dunne and even on the left side of the pairing looked highly accomplished 7

DUNNE - Skipper back in his best position and was as solid as ever - not least in communicating instructions to the rest of the side 7

GARRIDO - Booked early on but didn't let it bother him in what was a competant Premiership debut 6

ELANO - Will get fitter and stronger and then Premiership sides really had better watch out. Brilliant on the ball and will delight fans 8

HAMANN - Shared man of the match honours with Brazilian Elano. Turned back the clock to boss the midfield with cleverness 8

IRELAND - Stationed out on the right but was involved in plenty of eye catching attacking moves. This could be a big season for him 7

JOHNSON - Quietest of the midfielders but like the rest of the side fully earned his win bonus thanks to tremendous effort 6

PETROV - Flashes of brilliance and when he settles into the system will be another who will make sure plenty of tickets are sold 6

BIANCHI - Led the line bravely and energetically on his own and his reward was a tap in to open his Blues account 7

SUBS:

Bojinov (for Bianchi 61) - One flashing header nearly found the net 6

Onuoha (for Corluka 61) - Brilliant run and pass set up second goal 7

Geovanni (for Elano 79) - Looked full of running and took goal well 7

Post by **shawpower** » 13 Aug 2007, 18:27

Hmmm. So Corluka did well while his fitness help up, while Onuoha did better in the time he was on.

I'm getting the impression Corluka will keep his starting place midweek. bigger.

Post by **snout** » 14 Aug 2007, 16:20

The Daily Mail speculates:

Valeri Bojinov and Emile Mpenza are pushing for places in Manchester City's starting line-up against Derby tomorrow. Sven-Goran Eriksson has hinted he may play two strikers at home instead of the 4-5-1 winning formula he used at West Ham at the weekend. Bulgarian striker Bojinov is the most likely change, replacing Michael Johnson, but Mpenza came through a reserves match last night after recovering from a hamstring problem and is also in contention. Andreas Isaksson remains unavailable with a fractured thumb.

N.B. Joe Hart came through the same reserve match last night.

Post by **Maradona_Is_God** » 14 Aug 2007, 17:43

Hey guys, quick question -

Who will be Man City's number one left back this season - Javier Garrido or Michael Ball?

Post by **snout** » 15 Aug 2007, 10:40

Maradona_Is_God wrote:Hey guys, quick question -

Who will be Man City's number one left back this season - Javier Garrido or Michael Ball?

Garrido.

Post by **snout** » 16 Aug 2007, 16:04

I think we saw the confirmed pecking order in City strikers last night:

1. Bianchi
2. Bonijov (came on for Bianchi on 77)
3. Mpenza (last minute time wasting sub)

Post by **dandg** » 16 Aug 2007, 22:16

VS DER

Post by **snout** » 17 Aug 2007, 17:28

I think we'll probably stick with that line-up for the next two, tough games home to United and away to Arsenal. Onouha may get a run-out at right-back to rest Corluka in one of those two and we are expected to sign a new keeper before the transfer deadline but Schimechel should keep his spot until then.

The second stringers should get a run-out against Bristol. We have another tough away game after that at Blackburn so 4-4-1-1 will probably stay but after that we have Villa at home and Fulham away then a run of three winnable home games so we might switch to 4-4-2 with one of Hamman, Ireland or Johnson dropping out to let Bojinov go up front with Bianchi and Elano dropping back into the vacant midfield slot.

Post by **Fantasist** » 17 Aug 2007, 18:16

Sounds like a small concern over Elano here Nash, but suggests he'll be fit in unchanged team, as you predicted.

http://www.premierleague.com/page/Match ... 32,00.html

Post by **snout** » 20 Sep 2007, 17:39

The official site reports on Sven's meeting with the media:

Sven-Goran Eriksson has today faced the media at the City of Manchester Stadium ahead of Saturday’s game against Fulham at Craven Cottage. And after keeping a fourth clean sheet of the season against Villa on Sunday, with surely the youngest ever Premier League back five, the main question of the day was whether there would be a place for the returning Richard Dunne.

With his usual ease the Manager assured: “With Richard Dunne, if the question is will he play or not on Saturday, he’s going to play on Saturday. I was absolutely delighted with the job they did [against Villa] and it’s good to have options. I think [Verdun] Corluka played well, I think [Nedum] Onuoha played well at right back, but Dunne is our captain and he’s available again so he will play.”

The Blues boss reported no injury worries ahead of the 5.15 kick-off on Saturday with the exception of long-term absentee Valeri Bojinov.

Post by **snout** » 24 Sep 2007, 17:05

The MuEN reports:

SVEN-GORAN Eriksson will use the Carling Cup clash with Coca-Cola Championship strugglers Norwich to hand several fringe players some much-needed game time. Among those pencilled in for a start are Italian striker Rolando Bianchi and Brazilian midfielder Geovanni, both of whom have mainly had to content themselves with substitutes' roles this season. Joe Hart comes in for Kasper Schmeichel in goal, while Eriksson has also refused to rule out forgotten striker Georgios Samaras playing a part in the match at Eastlands. [...]

Manchester City (from): Schmeichel, Hart, Corluka, Onuoha, Sun, Dunne, Richards, Garrido, Ball, Fernandes, Geovanni, Hamann, Johnson, Ireland, Petrov, Elano, Mpenza, Bianchi, Vassell, Samaras.

Post by **snout** » 27 Sep 2007, 17:31

The City official site says:

Rolando Bianchi will miss out on Saturday’s visit of Newcastle United after aggravating a slight injury during Tuesday’s Carling Cup win. Blues boss Sven-Goran Eriksson says that his squad does not have too many fitness worries ahead of the Premier League clash with Sam Allardyce’s side. “Rolando is out,” Eriksson confirmed on Thursday afternoon. “It’s a groin problem that he had had before last Tuesday but he felt it during the second half. We hope he’ll be back training again on Tuesday, [Darius] Vassell is also not back yet from his knee injury and of course [Valerei] Bojinov is still out but apart from that we are fine.”

Andreas Isaksson is also a long way down the road to recovery, but the Manager does not think he’s quite ready to challenge Kasper Schmeichel for the first team goalkeeper’s jersey. “He’s not quite there, first he had his thumb injury, then he played for Sweden but came back to us and picked up an ankle injury. He did well in training today, but I doubt that he can say that is 100% yet. He had a good session, but I know that his ankle is sore and he is still having treatment so I hope he is back to 100% very soon to compete with the other two.”

Post by **pixies** » 30 Sep 2007, 09:56

Has anyone heard about Corluka's injury from yesterday, have scanned around, he isn't mentioned.

Also seems strange that Corluka plays right back whilst Richards plays centre back when Corluka seems to lack the moblity to play that position.

Post by **snout** » 30 Sep 2007, 10:45

pixies wrote:Has anyone heard about Corluka's injury from yesterday, have scanned around, he isn't mentioned.

Also seems strange that Corluka plays right back whilst Richards plays centre back when Corluka seems to lack the moblity to play that position.

Richards' best future position is considered to be at centre-back and this is his first season in that slot. Corluka is also best as a centre-back but Richards takes priority. Nedum Onuoha is more of a specialist right back and will get games ahead of Corluka, especially in Carling Cup games or around the internationals.

I think Corluka was taken off as a precaution yesterday after he had the ubiquitous "knock". If it had been a key match, I reckon he would have stayed on. No news on whether he faces a lay-off, I'm afraid.

Elsewhere I wasn't too suprised to see Schiechel rested but I was suprised that Hart came in. Young Kasper had been living on luck in a few games and didn't organise his wall correctly for Fulham's second goal last week. Once Isaksson is properly fit, he should be straight into the team.

Post by **pixies** » 30 Sep 2007, 10:55

Thanks Nash.

The goalkeeping postion does look a problem and even if Isaksson gets himself fit he needs to keep himself fit which he didn't manage under Pearce.

Personally I think Richards should play right back, he has all the attributes which aren't put to best use when playing in the middle.

Post by **snout** » 01 Oct 2007, 10:16

This is a bit of a puff piece on Elano from Squarefootball but has a few useful snippets:

City’s Elano swoop puts Big Four in the shade

Over £500million was spent on transfer fees in England this summer, yet where were the big boys when Manchester City were spending £8million on Elano?

[...] If [Rafa] Benitez was unaware just how versatile the City player is, he need only research the players’ time at first club Santos. Signed as a striker, it is claimed that Elano played in every position bar goalkeeper. “I don’t mind where I am playing,” he said upon his arrival in England, “I find it easy to play in several positions.”

[...] Elano was part of the successful Santos squad which also included Alex, Diego and Robinho, who are now at Chelsea, Werder Bremen and Real Madrid respectively and are regulars in the Brazil national squad. A record of over thirty goals in three seasons persuaded Shakhtar to take him to the Ukraine, where his form won him the majority of his 24 caps to date, and convinced Sven Goran Eriksson to pay £8million on Thaksin Shinawatra’s money for him.

The Swede claims to have never had a player like Elano before in all his time as a manager. When you consider some of the names he has worked with in the past – Ruud Gullit, Juan Sebastian Veron and Clarence Seedorf to name just three – this is high praise indeed. And as many choose to rightly sing the praises of Cesc Fabregas this season, it may also be worth noting that City’s star player has just as many assists as the Arsenal youngster.

It is, of course, to Eriksson’s immense credit that City can boast such a player in their side. Currently playing just off the main striker, it is believed that the former England coach will use him as a right sided midfielder once, as expected, he brings in another front man in the January transfer window and adapts a 4-4-2 formation. Clearly, this won’t be a problem for the hugely talented Elano.

Post by **snout** » 01 Oct 2007, 10:19

Football365 reports on the great City keeper debate:

Andreas Isaksson will begin his bid for a Manchester City first-team slot with an outing for the Blues second string against Newcastle on Tuesday. Sweden's World Cup goalkeeper has been plagued by injuries since arriving at Eastlands last year and is yet to figure at all under new coach Sven-Goran Eriksson. Isaksson broke his thumb during City's pre-season campaign and then, after returning home to play for his country in their Euro 2008 qualifier against Denmark last month, immediately picked up an ankle injury.

Although youngsters Kasper Schmeichel and Joe Hart have performed creditably for City so far this term, Isaksson is the only experienced goalkeeper in Eriksson's squad at present, so his availability would be a major plus. And while the 26-year-old is unlikely to be considered for Sunday's Premier League clash with Middlesbrough, he could be in contention once the forthcoming international break is over providing he comes through Tuesday's outing unscathed.

"We were happy for Andreas to go away with Sweden, it did him good," said Eriksson. "But he has needed a lot of treatment on his ankle because it has been quite sore. However, he has had two good training sessions at 100% now, so, if everything goes okay, he will play for the reserves at Newcastle."

Eriksson admitted he cannot decide who is the first choice out of his three goalkeepers, although the reasons behind Hart's inclusion for Saturday's win over Newcastle were telling. While Schmeichel has done far better than many could expect of a player who spent time on loan at Falkirk last season, comparisons with his dad Peter are wide of the mark. The young Dane remains shaky under the high ball, so, with Mark Viduka earmarked as a particular threat for the Magpies, Eriksson stuck with Hart, the current England Under-21 keeper signed from Shrewsbury for £800,000 by former boss Stuart Pearce.

"It was a very difficult decision because Kasper has done extremely well and kept a lot of clean sheets," said Eriksson. @But I was a bit afraid of corners, free-kicks and crosses. Hart is physically taller and can handle them better."

Post by **Fantasist** » 01 Oct 2007, 12:10

Still going well for the Eastlands Svengali! Defence still looks tight, and the new midfield seem to be able to support the lone-striker well too, whether it's Mpenza or Bianchi.

Today's question: Any City fans got an opinion on a TFF choice of either Petrov or Elano? I like both of them and can't seem to decide.

I see Elano as City's key man for on-pitch creativity. Offers plenty of assists (although would be even better under old KC rules!) and good play, liable to earn MOM awards. Doesn't seem likely to get a massive amount of goals himself though.

Petrov on the other hand may not have the same involvement in terms of game play, but is always likely to score, and as City seem to play alot on the break, I fancy him to get a decent share of assists with his pace too.

In summary, this is how I'm rating them so far in terms of points potential. Elano edges it 22-21!

Goals: Petrov 8 Elano 6
Assists: Petrov 7 Elano 8
MOM: Petrov 6 Elano 8

Any thoughts?

Post by **snout** » 01 Oct 2007, 16:41

Fantasist wrote:Any thoughts?

Get them both!

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Manchester City Starting XI - 07/08

Manchester City Starting XI - 07/08