Success For City Starts At The Reebok Stadium

After back-to-back victories against 'big four' opposition in Arsenal and Chelsea, Manchester City now have the task of beating relegation contenders, Bolton Wanderers.

The convincing manner in which Mark Hughes' side thrashed the Gunners, before their determined conquest against the league leaders, proved to everyone that they are a force to be reckoned with.

Unfortunately, apathetic displays against poorer opposition have let leads slip and have lost us valuable points along the way. If we have any ambitions of earning a place in the Champions League, we simply cannot be complacent when playing teams like Hull, Burnley and indeed, Bolton.

Gary Megson is on his last legs at the Trotters, the 'ginger one` somehow clinging on to survival, like a boxer with a weak chin.

Losing to Wolverhampton Wanderers was the lowest his side has sunk. Should his team be defeated on Saturday without putting up a fight, Megson will surely be packing his bags - much to the delight of most fans.

As for the Citizens, under pressure boss Mark Hughes has emerged from the dark tunnel of seven successive draws to bask in the light of his recent successes. Certainly, he has proved that he can assemble a good squad and get them competing with top opposition, but if he cant motivate them against the bottom half of the league, question marks will appear yet again.

The fact that we have failed to score in our last four league visits to the Reebok Stadium makes for poor reading, and Kevin Davies returning to their line-up will add an extra boost to the relegation candidates

As for City, the absence of Wayne Bridge could certainly be a problem for our gelling defense. Will Sylvinho get a start, or will Barry be drafted in to take that responsibility?

Regardless of who is playing, the Citizens have to win, no excuses. We are at a crucial stage in the season where gaps start to be created between teams and we do not want to see any more gaps forming ahead of us. With Liverpool playing Arsenal tomorrow, someone is going to lose points. Fourth spot is the aim, but we have the opportunity for more if we want it.

Join the debate, will City trounce the Trotters? Or will the 'ginger one` strike lucky with Kevin Davies?

VMC Forum Link: Manchester City v Bolton (A) - Saturday, Dec. 12th, 3PM UK Time KO - Matchday Thread

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