Source: Man_City
Mancini set for acid test
| Submit Comments| Comments (71)| Printable Version1/1Play SlideshowClose MapKEY TEST: Roberto ManciniRoberto Mancini has made it clear that he expects Liverpool to be among City?s rivals for a Champions League spot this season. And that is why tonight?s clash between the two at Eastlands represents the latest huge test of Mancini?s Blues managerial career. City?s boss came up short in the really big games last season, losing to last-minute goals against neighbours United in the Carling Cup and the Premier League, and going down to Tottenham in what was effectively a Champions League decider. But a draw at Spurs nine days ago was a sign that Mancini?s Blues are learning to grind out results when it matters most. Here, M.E.N. Sport looks at where tonight?s clash against another of the Premier League?s big boys may be won and lost. MANAGERS Like Mancini, Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson has been charged with improving the fortunes of a team who had been underachieving under their previous manager. And Hodgson, like City?s boss, also has to juggle domestic demands with the potentially long and winding road of a Europa League campaign. Both men have had stints in charge of Inter Milan ? with Mancini enjoying the greater success, capturing three Serie A titles. The Blues boss also came out on top when they last met, leading his team to a 2-1 victory at Fulham in March, although Hodgson?s men were recovering from an astonishing Europa League win over Juventus three days earlier. ?Roy is a good manager,? Mancini said. ?I knew about him when he worked in Italy and he did very well at Inter. I have a lot of respect for him.? TACTICS City?s first two competitive games of the season have seen Mancini experiment tactically with his rebuilt squad, trying three different formations. The Blues looked all over the place playing 4-1-4-1 in the first half at Tottenham, and took a while to get going in a 4-3-3 formation against Timisoara. In both games, City began to look more convincing when Mancini switched to 4-2-3-1 ? the set-up often used by Mark Hughes during his only full season in charge ? and created more of a threat down the wings to support the central striker. Carlos Tevez was not a success as a lone striker at Tottenham, too often getting drawn back into midfield, and was far more comfortable playing off Emmanuel Adebayor against Timisoara. Hodgson has stuck with the same 4-2-3-1 set-up used by Rafa Benitez. Defensive midfielder Javier Mascherano, who wants to leave for Barcelona, will be key to frustrating City?s attack if he recovers from a calf injury in time. NEW BOYS Mario Balotelli has declared himself fit to face Liverpool after picking up a knee injury against Timisoara ? although Mancini will have the final say on whether he plays. He may well start on the bench. City?s fans are eager to see more of the 20-year-old arrival from Inter Milan, who picked up a goal and a booking on his debut against Timisoara on Thursday night. James Milner is in line for a debut after finally completing his move from Aston Villa, and the fact that he can play anywhere bar centre-back or goalkeeper means Mancini has plenty of options for using him. Of the other new arrivals at Eastlands, David Silva is still adjusting to the pace of the Premier League, although Yaya Toure is making himself at home in midfield. Aleksandar Kolarov (ankle) and Jerome Boateng (knee) are injured. Liverpool defensive midfielder Christian Poulsen, brought in from Juventus, is in line for a Premier League debut. Hodgson has been using Serbian winger Milan Jovanovic, brought in from Belgian club Standard Liege, on the left flank. Joe Cole, who has played in an attacking midfield role, is suspended. KEY MEN Steven Gerrard, who has started the season as one of Liverpool?s two defensive midfielders, is likely to be pushed into a more attacking role given Cole?s suspension. Hodgson will be hoping that Gerrard?s ability to surge forward from midfield will force Nigel de Jong and Yaya Toure on to the back foot. Emmanuel Adebayor?s aerial threat will be key for City, particularly if they can get a steady stream of crosses in for him to test Jamie Carragher in the air. David Silva?s ability to deliver balls in from the left flank and drift inside to go for goal himself has the potential to cause Hodgson all sorts of headaches. POTENTIAL MATCHWINNERS Fernando Torres, a striker coveted by Mancini during the summer, is returning to full fitness after a groin injury suffered playing for Spain in the World Cup final. He could make his first start of the season for Liverpool in place of David Ngog, who has scored four goals in three games. If Torres does start, it will be a major test for City?s likely centre-back pairing of Kolo Toure and Vincent Kompany. New Blues captain Tevez has yet to really get going this season, but it is hard to imagine that a man who struck 29 goals last term is going to be quiet for too much longer. His willingness to forage for the ball will ensure that Liverpool?s defensive players do not get a moment?s peace. LIKELY LINE-UPS CITY: Hart; Zabaleta, K. Toure, Kompany, Lescott; Y. Toure, De Jong, Barry; Silva, Tevez, Adebayor. LIVERPOOL: Reina; Johnson, Carragher, Skrtel, Aurelio; Poulsen, Mascherano; Kuyt, Gerrard, Jovanovic; Torres. REFEREE: Phil Dowd Where do you think the game will be won and lost? Have your say.| Submit Comments| Comments (71)| Printable VersionAdd A CommentEnter your comments:Sending
