The Citizens versus The Swans

Stop the clocks going back. City have lost another game in Europe and hack shrieks of revolt! and mutiny! are widespread. The Blues must respond...

Roberto Mancini:
'Swansea is a good team, they had a fantastic last season. This year they played very well, and yes, they changed their system! They continue to play good football. It will be a difficult game like all the games here.'

Michael Laudrup :
'It's always a difficult game, even more difficult now after what happened atAjax. I think that the City players are disappointed about being last in their group. I was surprised by the result but a lot of credit to Ajax. I don't know how many changes they'll do but I'm sure the eleven that go on the pitch want to show the crowd they're still here, want to win, want to compete for the title. We will have to be even more prepared...we have to be on alert from the first minute. When you play the champions it's always something special.'

OUT:
Jack Rodwell
Javi Garcia
David Silva
Maicon
Pablo Zabaleta
James Milner - Suspended

One of the most prolific strikers in the club's history is due a goal for all his tremendous efforts this season. Despite myriad historical faults, when we are in adversity, El Apache comes out fighting.

Full strength.

In form and dangerous. Laudrup has begun to cunningly use the prolific midfielder as a striker. Michu has scored 6 league goals from 8 shots on target this season!

THE FACTS:
The Citizens have won their last 6 home games against Swansea.

City are unbeaten in 33 Premier League matches at The Etihad.

The Blues have kept 1 clean sheet in their last 14 games in all competitions, conceding a total of 24 goals. Jesus.

El Swans have won 1 of their last 7 away league games.

Head To Head
League: 13 City Wins, 2 Draws, 7 Swansea Wins
- No other competitive fixtures.

This Could Be The Last Time:
Su 11Mar 2012 Swansea 1 - 0 Man City
Mo 15Aug 2011 Man City 4 - 0 Swansea
Sa 07Apr 1984 Swansea 0 - 2 Man City
Sa 08Oct 1983 Man City 2 - 1 Swansea

Betting: City 2/9 Draw 5 Swansea 14 Racing Post Soccerbase

TV Coverage: ESPN and BBC Match Of The Day in detail if we get beat or Mario get's sent off.
LiveOnSat.com

CLICK HERE TO FOLLOW THE GAME LIVE IN THE VMC FORUM

CLASSIC CITY: City 2 - 1 Swansea 1 08Oct 1983

Martin '97 Minutes' Atkinson, West Yorkshire 2011-2012 Record Across All Competitions: 40 Games, 146 Yellows, 11 Reds - Last Season: Su 08Apr 2012 Arsenal 1 - 0 Man City, Mo 16Jan 2012 Wigan 0 - 1 Man City, Su 27Nov 2011 Liverpool 1 - 1 Man City, Sa 05Nov 2011 QPR 2 - 3 Man City, Sa 10Sep 2011 Man City 3 - 0 Wigan -2012-2013 Record So Far Across All Competitions: 10 Games, 42 Yellows, 1 Red

Johnny On The Spot: Time to circle the wagons Planet Blue. Time to ram ultimate arch rag, RTE's Eamon Dunphy's words right back down his foul throat. Roberto Mancini, who was in fine form at Friday's presser will demand a response from City after their insipid no show in Amsterdam and I think he'll get it. A Tevez-Aguero ground attack is called for but I think Balotelli will get another chance to lead the line. After his latest failure following being granted a start, I expect Dzeko to revert to impact duties. City's midfield needs to start protecting the backline however for those strikers to start zero-ing in on their sights. Ultimately, I'm predicting home comforts after a harrowing week. City 4 Swansea 0

all times East Manchester
Sa 03Nov 17h30 West Ham, Upton Park, PL
Tu 06Nov 19h45 Ajax, The Etihad, CL
Su 11Nov 13h30 Spurs, The Etihad, PL
Sa 17Nov 15h00 Aston Villa, The Etihad, PL
We 21Nov 19h45 Real Madrid, The Etihad, CL
Su 25Nov 16h00 Chelsea, Stamford Bridge, PL
We 28Nov 20h00 Wigan, DW Stadium, PL

Use your social login to comment on front page articles. Login using you Facebook, Twitter, Google or LinkedIn accounts and have your say!