Real Football Man All of the Football, All of the time
Manchester City go into Tonight’s with the advantage but if it wasn’t for Defensive blunders then the advantage could have been even greater as they prepare for the 2nd leg of their Champions League Quarter Final against PSG. Those preparations took a slight knock as Vincent Kompany hasn’t managed to return from the troublesome calf injury that has kept him out for large periods of 2016.
City warmed up for this tie with a win over West Brom on Saturday Evening, although it wasn’t all plain sailing as they went behind to Stephane Sessegnon’s fizzing shot after just 5 minutes. That admittedly woke City into life and they had Sergio Aguero and on hand from the spot and Samir Nasri to thank for getting all 3 points and strengthening their current 4th place in the Premier League.
City know that a win or either draws of a 0-0 or 1-1 nature will be enough to see them through to their first ever Champions League Semi Final but with PSG’s attacking options at their disposal you get the feeling that City could very well have that advantage eroded bY Zlatan Ibrahimovic and co.
With the Ligue 1 title wrapped up last month the final few games of the French season are nothing more than glorified friendlies for Laurent Blanc, the focus is solely on Champions League progress and not only progress but victory. They go into Tonight’s clash missing both David Luiz and Blaise Matuidi through suspension. With Luiz getting booked after 15 seconds and at fault for City’s first you could argue whether they will actually miss him or not.
City are still struggling to shift tickets for this one and there will likely be protests before and during the game as fans raise the ire at the fact that ticket prices have been increased to £50 for the game. Whether it’s a full house or not, shouldn’t take anything any from the spectacle as we should have a close encounter on her hands Tonight.
With City not necessarily having to win the game you would be slightly in the box seat, with the Premier League a foregone opportunity to now they will be looking to win the title as a parting gift for Manuel Pellegrini. I have a feeling that this one will end in a draw, whether it’s a draw good enough to see City through to the Semi’s remains to be seen. I’m going to stick my neck on the line and say City to qualify.
Papa Johns – If your team scores twice then it’s half price
