The VMC Match Preview: MCFC v Blackburn

Losing like we did to Sunderland was a bitter pill to swallow.

I expect Roberto Mancini to have analysed what went wrong and eager to get us back to winning ways.

Roberto Mancini:

'We suffered a defeat in the last seconds at Sunderland after a fantastic first half when we had a lot of chances.

'It is very hard when you have lost and it is two weeks until the next game.

'Blackburn are a strong team and all games at the start of the season are very difficult.

'This year we will meet many teams that will stay with 10 players behind the ball. But if we stay calm until we find a solution we will be okay.

'When you play Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United you do not have this problem because they play to win. But this is football.

'We must work more and get better results this month.'

Sam Allardyce:

'If he [Mancini] gets it right, as Jose [Mourinho] got it right for Chelsea after the huge amount of spending that Roman [Abramovich] did, and if you look back here with Kenny, he got it right and Blackburn won the Premier League.

'You can buy a league now, obviously Blackburn have proven that, Chelsea have proven that, and you can do it in a short period of time. If you manage the players right and get that team spirit right, then you'll win anything.'

Michel Sagado:

'They [City] are building a big club but Real Madrid is a historical club with big pressure to win a title every year.

'They have to spend money to battle with the best teams in Europe. Maybe Manchester City in the future can get closer to Real Madrid but now it's a different story.

'They are signing eight new players every year and that's a problem. First of all you have to build a team.

'The most important thing is for the manager to try to control the changing room. To get everybody happy is very difficult when you are dealing with big players.'

Balotelli, Bridge and Kolarov are all out, while Micheal Johnson is still gaining fitness levels.

Carlos Tevez is doubtful after being stretchered off in Argentina's victory against World Cup winners Spain.

On a more positive note, Boateng could be in contention to make his debut and will face a late fitness test.

Blackburn will we wary of the effectiveness of Adam Johnson and James Milner and it should mean that City's wing play is limited somewhat by Blackburns effective defence.

Yaya Toure showed what he was all about with supurb attacking play against Sunderland, setting up the easiest of tap-ins for Carlos Tevez.

I expect big things from Yaya against Blackburn.

Olsson and Andrews are sidelined for Blackburn.

Benjani could make his debut against his old club, but should recieve a mixed reception after his recent comments regarding 'trust' in the City camp.

Blackburn have some effective players going forward at home, but at CoMS it will see most of their chances limited to set pieces. Samba's strength and arial presence in the box is a match for any defender.

Blackburn are an effective unit with 10 men behind the ball. City have found opportunities at a premium this season, with the lowest amount of shots this season and could find it difficult to break down a well organised side. Match Prediction: MCFC 2-1 Blackburn

Thursday, 16th September v Red Bull Salzburg. EUROPE @ 19:00 (A)

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