We need an epidemic to land at their training ground. Do we have any-one who can spread nasty diseases?
Hi Lads - Just had a read through all your thoughts for the game on Sun. First of all there is no way Mancini, players and especially fans will be taking this game lightly - not with our past record of screwing things up when all seems to be going well!! I've been a City fan for the last 27 years and yes its the best team i've ever seen and some of the play (especially at home) last season was exceptional - however its a new season and every city player needs to be up for it, was a good test yesterday against Chelsea so i'm hoping this acted as a good rehersal. As for you guys - from what i've seen on the occassional sky match i've seen you, is that if we aren't at the races we will get beat. Providing Atkins doesn't go 5 at the back and fill midfield or plays with 1 striker as around 16 teams tried that at the Etihad last season (including Chelsea and Man Utd) and they lost and never got more than 40% possession. Sunderland, Everton and Spurs gave us the hardest games as they went for it with 2 strikers and played down the wings with crosses in the box. Anyway enjoy the season lads and i'm sure if the players are half as passionate as your fans you'll be fine!
Thanks for the email KK2011 - you make some interesting comments. Good luck for the season - except against us of course!
Well our Tactics in pre season have been putting a lone striker up front with two wide men supporting (one of which is a natural striker. If what you say is correct it might be wise to go back to our favoured 4-4-2 of last season. Adkins is risking alot with the formation change, hope he pulls it off.
Good advice, well worth remembering, Fran. I also think that if (when) we lose, there are going to be plenty of teams around us who will also have lost and be on 0 points. The bad thing for all of them is that they will have lost to much worse teams than City, and still have City to play at some point. So in a way, we have a huge advantage over all the other teams on 0 points. GD is all we need to be wary of - don't want to get smacked into next week with too big a confidence knock.
Thanks Kippax. You certainly must have been an extremely occasional Sky viewer, though, as we were absolutely pants in all but the first and last Sky matches of last season!
We had a pretty good record at Maine Road I recall. Have things really changed that much!? I've not followed the Premier League for 7 years now....
Our chances of getting a result have increased as Howard Webb has been confirmed as referee for the match.
Howard Webb has been appointed referee for Manchester City v Southampton on 19/08/12. Suppose it means we shouldn't get him for the United game, we know how much he loves Fergie! EDIT: Damn it Alan got in there just before me.