Real Football Man All of the Football, All of the time
It was eight days ago in which Manchester City played arguably the greatest Champions League game ever when they shared out an 8 goal thriller with Monaco, that tie is still wide open going into the 2nd leg but their must be a result as they play host to Huddersfield in this F.A. Cup 5th Round Replay.
When these two sides met at the Galpharm Stadium almost a fortnight ago it was a hard fought draw as the game ended without a goal. David Wagner’s side were level to everything that a strong Manchester City side threw at them and Pep Guardiola will have been glad to leave Yorkshire relatively unscathed.
Last Tuesday highlighted that for all of City’s attacking prowess they still have defensive frailities and they will be ones that this Huddersfield will look to expose at The Etihad this Evening. The fact that City have not played since that sensational win over Monaco could either work for or against them.
One on hand they will be well rested but on the other hand they will have lost that all important momentum, Huddersfield were in action at the weekend but do not perhaps come into this game in the best preparation after drawing with local rivals Barnsley ast Oakwell.
Huddersfield have surprised so many and perhaps even surpassed their own expectations this season, with the club sitting third in the Championship they will not only want to secure a play-off place but will harbour hopes of still splitting Newcastle and Brighton in the hope of automatic promotion.
That is the ultimate prize for them this season, while for City it will be Champions League success and failing that at least a top four Premier League finish in May. In fairness this will sit bottom of Pep Guardiola’s list in terms of importance but it still represents a decent crack at a first trophy for the former Barcelona and Bayern boss.
Have Huddersfield missed their opportunity to get the better of City after the first encounter between these two sides or will they be able to pull off somewhat of an upset and secure a Quarter Final place and subsequently face Middlesbrough in the next round.
Newcastle and Brighton have already ducked out of the competition and you do have to wonder if an extended cup run plays potentially an appearance in the play-offs could see Huddersfield run out of legs after what will be a very long season.
In all honesty though I think that concern will be alleviated by the fact that City should have enough in the tank especially after a weekend of inactivity. Huddersfield will test City but I think it wil be City’s cabal of superstars that progress to the Quarters. Home win for me.
