VMC Preview: Notts County v City, Team Predictions

Notts County have announced that this match will be a sell-out, with City taking their full 4,700 allocation. After conducting an impressive giant-killing in the last round against Sunderland, Ince will be confident that they can surprise City with their desire and industry. This should be an enthralling Cup fixture.

Notts Team News:

Paul Ince is without his midfielder Alan Judge after news he broke his metatarsal. Mike Edwards is hoping to overcome a hamstring injury to make his 500th career appearance at centre back. Ravenhill returns to the side but Chilvers remains sidelined.

Probable County Team:

4-4-2

17) Nelson

6) Thompson - 4) Edwards - 12) Pearce - 26) Harley

16) Gobern - 21) Martin - 10) Bishop - 30) Woods

20) Westcarr - 9) Hughes

Player to Watch - Lee Hughes

County`s most threatening player has already bagged 11 goals this term and has an uncanny record of producing the business in the big games: finding the net against Wigan, Wolves and Sunderland in recent times. Couple this with Hughes` driven nature and you`ve got a player roaring to go.

City Team News:

Adam Johnson is out after picking up a knee injury in training earlier this week, However, thankfully the injury is less serious than expected and he could make his return in time for the Birmingham game. Mario Balotelli is in America completing his knee rehabilitation whilst Micah Richards could return after back trouble.

Probable City Team:

4-3-3

25) Hart

2) Richards - 4) Kompany - 19) Lescott - 13) Kolarov

24) Vieira - 42) Yaya - 7) Milner

21) Silva - 10) Dzeko - 27) Jo

Match Prediction:

I`m expecting this to be a tighter affair than many anticipate. Notts will obviously be well up for it and will try and press City from the off. I`m expecting them to throw numbers forward when the opportunity is there but try and pack the midfield when not in possession. Dzeko is a certainty to start and it will hopefully be a good opportunity for him to lead the line without Tevez ghosting into his space. Silva should use this game to regain some match sharpness, as we will need the Spaniard at his best for the Derby. As for Notts, I think Hughes will cause us the most problems whilst Bishop will try and disrupt our play in midfield. I think a City win will be the eventual outcome but I`m quite sure we won`t win by a large margin. Prediction: Notts 0 - 2 City.

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