[Archived] Manchester City V Rovers Preview

[BPF]

Expect 11 men behind the ball, constant long balls out of the defence in the 2nd half.

[Nelsta]

just want to get to half time at 0-1

[Commondore]

The long throw nearly turns against us, only a saving tackle from Salgado hinders Johnson from a great opportunity for a counter attack.

[RibbleValleyRover]

Rovers hanging on now, can't let a team with City's firepower freedom to pass it around just outside the box. Need better possession, losing the ball so easily just reapplies the pressure on us.

[Nelsta]

come on rovers, just get in at half time without giving away a goal.

[BPF]

Half time

[AHoyle90]

Holding our own so far. Good to see Niko amongst the goals this season.

[RibbleValleyRover]

Looks like Niko was limping at the HT whistle?

City are going to throw the kitchen sink at us after the break. We are going to have to defend really well in the second half and keep hold of the ball better if we are to sneak this win.

[joey_big_nose]

Brilliant defensive performance, terrible with the ball! M Diouf and Jones have been impressive - Jones has got a lot of stick on here but the amount of energy he gives our central midfield is truely impressive. Very quick too. Grella and Pedersen have been poor imo, Gamst particularly so.

I think Kalinic will be coming off. Benji to make an immediate impact? Man City defence looks awful.

[Iceman]

Sheikh Mansour 0-1 Uncle Ali

[Amo]

I'm still expecting us to get walloped in the second half.

[Mr. E]

fantastic result so far, and deserved based on most of how we played this half. Towards the end City got back into it, but then the referee seemed to want to play until they scored. It's going to be really tough hanging on to this if we have to fight with him too.

M. Diouf, Salgado and Robinson have been immense so far. Jones is playing very good too.

[BPF]

I'm still expecting us to get walloped in the second half.

Can't shake that feeling either.

Big Sam is going to hold on to a 1 - 0 victory with both hands and feet. So, I think this is going to be largely dependant on whether or not City come out on fire in the second half...

[RIML]

I'm gutted Nelsen's gone off. He crunched some of the City players. I wish he was 10 years younger but sadly at his age now, he comes off worse when challenging for the ball. I just hope it's not too serious COYB!

[Iceman]

I'm still expecting us to get walloped in the second half.

It reminds me of the United game a few years back. We were also leading 1-0 at half time, and got ripped apart in the 2nd half. Not sure who got our goal, think it may have been Dunn or MGP

[Amo]

I'm gutted Nelsen's gone off. He crunched some of the City players. I wish he was 10 years younger but sadly at his age now, he comes off worse when challenging for the ball. I just hope it's not too serious COYB!

For more reasons than one, eh? Eh?

[rebelmswar]

Grella is trying Gamst is trying just not succeeding.

Did anyone see that lovely one touch stuff between Samba and the two spits? Quality.

[Commondore]

I'd like to see us try to get a bit more possession in the 2nd half, even though it's much to ask for against City away these days. Mame Diouf hasn't really been involved yet, perhaps he can drop deeper to link up the midfield with Kalinic? I'm afraid the desperate hoofing we're employing now won't get us through the this game in one piece.

[Nelsta]

i'm in agreement with most on here, I can sense bad Ju-ju, not looking forward to the next 45 mins.

[tonyoz]

Some surprising lack of organisation in defence at times. City took a couple of short corners where we were asleep. Very loose passes from Grella and Pedersen too.

Tevez receives the ball with no one within 2 metres of him......he needs to be crunched a few times.

[AHoyle90]

Pedersens been very wasteful in possesion and were not holding it up front unless it falls to Mame Diouf. Niko looked like he tweaked his hamstring and was struggling to run a bit towards the end of the half.

[RIML]

For more reasons than one, eh? Eh?

Ha! I didn't think of that. I'm 22, it would be the perfect match

[rebelmswar]

Pedersens been very wasteful in possesion and were not holding it up front unless it falls to Mame Diouf. Niko looked like he tweaked his hamstring and was struggling to run a bit towards the end of the half.

Thought Hart kneed him in the back of the leg when challenging for the ball.

Should be able to get that loosened up.

[BPF]

Eating Wasabi Peas and watching Football, brilliant combination. Get them in Ewood!

[rebelmswar]

Chimp on for Salgado.