Middlesbrough home match preview
The last game before the international break. Ugh. But at least I get a couple of weeks to relax and sort my life out I suppose. But onwards to the match first. Yaya Toure has recently apologised on behalf of himself and his agent, which is good to see. If City get a couple of injuries to their midfield, he'll become very useful I reckon. His legs are gone, he isn't quick and isn't the greatest of passers, but he can sweep up, hit a lovely shot and play lovely balls when he can be bothered. He probably won't be in the squad tomorrow but you may see him from now until January though and who knows, maybe he may start a match or two. Delph is out injured tomorrow and won't play, Sagna too. Sagna should be back after the international break so good news for resting Zabaleta but with Maffeo's impressive display against United, I am no longer worried about RB. Kompany is fit and may play, he may start or he may not, we'll see. They're easing him back in and no need to overuse him so this is good. Personally, I'd give Otamendi and Stones another chance, they did well against Barcelona in areas so a good display here won't go amiss. Clichy could start, Kolorov too, Zabaleta too. I suspect we may go 3 at the back again with Kolorov acting as the 3rd CB so we aren't rushing Zabaleta back, but then again, Fernando could slip at RB, who knows? This is unpredictable Pep.
City need to wary of Middlesbroughs counter attacks, they have the beast, former City striker Negrado up front, he's tall, strong and quicker than he looks and shoots well if he is on form and given the chance. Ramirez too. Other than that, Clayton might cause problems, their wingers need to be on their game as that will be their only outlet to play out and attack City. I'm sure M'boro will look to hold defensively, set up for a 0-0 so if City can get ahead early with a couple of goals before half time, they could be on their way. I think this game will be closer than some will expect. City concede far too many and I'm sure boro will fancy to score. I fancy City to score at least one, so if you fancy a BTTS bet, I'd put this on it (I have). I think if City score first, the game will be better. Boro will try to repeat what they did at the Emirates and get a 0-0 and they are more than capable. I don't think they will show ambition like they did in the FA Cup a few years ago and try and win the game away from home, which is a shame as they played fantasticly. Their team had a lot of pace back then though, the pace just isn't there for them. I City are too good not to score once. If Boro set for a 0-0, they will lose. City can have 70 or even 80 percent possession and really tire them out. Pellegrini was great at it. If City show the same desire to win as Tuesday night and last week away at WBA, they will win and they will score. My head tells me 2-1 City but my heart says 4-0. I wouldn't rule out a 0-0 but if City score then that opens the game up. I hope Boro have a go though, for the games sake. Watching a team park the bus isn't nice to watch and is exactly what is wrong with the mentality in England. Spain aim to play nice football, even Atletico, who park buses against possession teams, alter against others and play possession, play out from the back and attack with pace and press. Boro could do the same tomorrow and I'll be disappointed if they don't try and get a result. They are good enough. City need to be careful. There is no such thing as an easy game in professional football.
For City, Bravo will start in net. They will play the ball out, which is why I was thinking of the 3 at the back like Everton so if Boro have the same tactics as Everton, City will need to be clinical like Tuesday night. I expect Aguero to start. How good was he against Barcelona? He didn't score but his intensity and will to win and do the right thing was great. Navas and Sterling too. Sterling should start, Navas could too. I don't know if Sane is injured but if he isn't he could feature too. Gundogan and Fernandinho will occupy a two in midfield with Silva and De Bruyne above them. De Bruyne is my man to watch and if he gets going, City will win. If they shut him out, Middlesbrough have every chance of a 0-0 or a win, if they want it. I fear they won't risk losing for the chance of winning. I know how City will play tomorrow, Middlesbrough, I have a rough idea about so will they surprise and attack at times?? Who knows. But I will review this on Sunday. My last note for the preview, look out for some fireworks... Sorry I couldn't resist, it's bonfire night. Might De Bruyne spark City into action. Will City start like a rocket? Can Middlesbrough frustrate and burn out City? Can Middlesbrough go for it and sparkle with a win? Or will City deliver a show stopper to display in front of home fans? ... I'll stop now. See you Sunday. Stay safe from the fireworks everyone and look after young children and pets if they're scared by bangs. But most of all, have fun and enjoy yourselves. Have a good one guys and girls.
