Some big decisions for Terry. Let’s hope he gets them right Detestable manager of the opposition. Let’s do them and get back on track. City 3-1
GRANT MCCANN HAS NO FRESH INJURY CONCERNS AFTER THE STALEMATE WITH MIDDLESBROUGH AT THE WEEKEND AND WILL WELCOME JOSH MAGENNIS BACK INTO THE FOLD AHEAD OF WEDNESDAY NIGHT’S HOME GAME AGAINST PRESTON NORTH END. The Northern Irish international has missed the last four games against Derby County, Fulham, West Bromwich Albion and Middlesbrough following his second red card of the season away at Nottingham Forest in late October. However, with his suspension now served, Magennis comes back into contention for the clash with high-flying North End at the KCOM Stadium. “Josh is a big player for us,” McCann said after Sunday’s draw with Middlesbrough. “It was nice for him to get the two games with Northern Ireland under his belt during the international break. “I spoke to Michael O’Neill leading into the first game and told him that Josh had played some U23s games and had been doing extra training so, if you want to use him, he’ll be fine. “All we need to do now is keep him free of suspension. We don’t want to take the aggression out of his game because that’s key to how he plays. He’s a strong boy, but we probably needs to be a wee bit more cuter. “I’ve got decisions to make in other areas as well because Dan Batty and Josh Bowler came on and made a huge impact at Middlesbrough, while we’ve got numerous other players who have been on the bench waiting for an opportunity.” Jon Toral and Norbert Balogh remain unavailable through injury for the Tigers, while Preston will make a late check on central defender Ben Davies, who was replaced during the second half in their 1-0 defeat to Derby County at Pride Park at the weekend. Alex Neil will also be without the services of Andrew Hughes, Tom Clarke and Louis Moult for the trip to HU3.
I put this on the Middlesbrough thread but it belongs on here. "I've also been thinking that moving DeWijs up to midfield, but in the center, would give us the strength and aggression we've been missing in the middle of the park. De Wijs never loses a 50/50 header, is a good long-ball passer, and has the mobility to get into the opposing penalty area. And he's a fearsome figure. Batty alongside him and Irvine as #10. We have Tafazolli as a strong CH replacement for DeWijs alongside Burke (and young Greaves who has been outstanding if recalled from Cheltenham in January as back-up). Lichaj and Elder as RB/LB. If Grosicki isn't ready to play on the left, put Magennis out there, Bowler on the right, and Bowen in the middle. So...Long, Lichaj, Burke, Tafazolli, Elder, Bowler, Batty, DeWijs, Grosicki (or Magennis), Irvine, Bowen." We really need to strengthen center mid-field. DeWijs might be the answer.
It's about time we played well at home. I think we've been pretty poor at home this season overall, even when we've got the win at times. We're great on the break which is perfect in away games, but at home we need to be able to move the ball better. It's too sloppy too often. And we definitely need to be more efficient in the penalty area. Almost every home game at least once, often multiple times, Grosicki gets put clean through on goal and we fail to score.
I would really like City to get one over on PNE for 2 reasons. Firstly the 3 points, and secondly Alex Neil is one of my most disliked managers which is only accelerated my hatred as he comes from north of the border. I can see Magennis coming back in for Eaves or possibly Bowler coming in and pushing Jarrod down the middle again. Other than that possibly Batty for Lopes, as being still very young maybe would benefit from a rest for a game or two.
'He understands the game and he got an assist': Jose Mourinho thanks ballboy for helping to set up Harry Kane's equaliser against Olympiacos by quickly giving the ball to Serge Aurier for throw-in if only our ball boys could show some interest in the game
Unlike like that Doctor woman at Chelsea who got him into a whole load of bother. The player Hazzard? should have known better too.
Sorry CT, doesn't belong on here, belongs in the waste paper bin JDW is never a starter for CM!!! Happy with Steward and Batty as starters tonite.
In this day and age of deep austerity and asset stripping, I'd be surprised if we had any spare balls, let alone ball boys !