***City v Stoke Match Preview***
Posted: Wed Dec 21, 2011 2:39 pmOfficial Man City v Stoke City Preview
Date: Wednesday 21 November 2011
KO: 1945 hrs
Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester
Referee: Mike Dean
The Week That Was
How things change eh? Being the last game of the weekend, all eyes were on us with many of them waiting with baited breath in the hope that Arsenal could turn us over, a team that were in tremendous form, only losing one game going all the way back to the start of October.
The day started with our near neighbours, and closest rivals, going to the top of the league for the first time in 2 months after pummelling a below standard premier league team in QPR, a game that was hailed by all and sundry as the ‘Return of the Champs‘. Earlier, Spurs had scraped a 1-0 victory against a still underperforming BlackCats team and the previous day had seen Chelsea slip up against a plucky Wigan who were well worth the point. There weren’t too many celebrations at Wigan, so contrast that to our Chelsea game where even though there should have been a penalty given for the challenge on ‘Big Dave’ Silva and we ended up playing the last 30 mins or so with 10 men, they jumped around as if they had just won the league. Who’d have thought that against ‘Liddle Ole Citeh’?
It wasn’t to be though for the chasing pack and many of the media didn‘t get their way. The last game of the weekend saw probably the 2 best footballing sides in the league go head-to-head and with the world watching, City went on to take the spoils in what I believe to be the best game of the season. Big Dave got the winner from an excellent Balo cross that clipped off a brave Aguero head. Many chances went our way but Arsenal, who battled well, could’ve drawn level if it wasn’t for an eagled-eyed assistant referee who saw the close offside run from Robin van Persie; Joe Hart didn't do too bad either. I, like many Blues, am very thankful to that linesman, although he may have just messed up many a persons Fantasy Football team.
‘That’s it Boy’s, do it for Bingo’
So, onto the game, well, not quite. We can’t go on without mentioning Signor Mancini’s two year stint, a stint that has seen us go from Top 4 wannabe’s to Premier League favourites. When he was appointed there were many, including myself, who believed he wasn’t the man to take us forward, especially after the humiliating sacking of Mark Hughes. How wrong we were. Two years on and we’re top of the league going into the Christmas period having broken numerous records along the way. The best start to a Premier League season with 50 goals along the way, and to top that we haven’t lost a game at home for a full calender year (28 games with an amazing 26 wins). Could anyone imagine that after some of the, let’s say, not quite City’esque type of football we seen last season, a season where we went on to claim our first Champions League place and win our first Cup for 35 years, that we‘d be in this position now? Certainly not me. And, there’s the little matter of the Derby Day battering of our cross-town rivals, a day that every Blue will be chirping about for many, many, many years to come.
‘How many again Roberto, did you say 6’
Strangely, Wednesday’s visitors are where it all started for Roberto Mancini, in a game where he let the lads play how they wanted and we went onto win the game 2-0, with goals from Martin Patrov and, now wayward, Carlos Tevez. Tomorrow may be a different matter though as we now entertain a Stoke side who are coming off the back of 4 consecutive wins, beating a decent Tottenham on the way, and in the knockout stages of the Europa League, a competition that may see us play them again after our Champions League elimination.
‘Who would you like, Stoke or United?’
The Season So Far
Well, what’s there to say? This season has been magnificent, only losing that dubious away game to Chelsea. We’ve broken numerous records and if you consider that we’ve already played 4 of the other ‘Title Contenders’ away from the Etihad, we are sitting in a very prominent position going forward into the Christmas and New Year period. To top that, we’ve won every single home game this season leaving us the only club in Europe not to drop a point; according to reports. The only downside can be our early knockout from the Champions League, however, our current position has softened the blow and with our upcoming games against Liverpool and United in the Cups, we’ve really got something to look forward to. Let’s hope we can keep our North West neighbours in our shadows as another Cup Final would be great; do you hear me Roberto?
‘Can we repeat this, or go one better?’
Stoke’s season hasn’t been too bad either. They are currently flying high in a current untouchable 8th position and with a win, take them level with Newcastle, a team that everyone has been raving about. Tony Pulis has steered them to the knockout stages of the Europa and gained a very high profile game against one of the big Spanish sides in Valencia. But getting there has caused some serious controversy with some. Their style of play hasn’t been taken to heart and certain members of the media have been very outspoken regarding The Potters physical play. One of the most outspoken has been TalkSport’s Adrian Durham, goading Stoke fans over the way they beat ‘one of the fans favourites’, Tottenham. His over the top, reactionary views had Stokies phoning in by the dozen, accusing Durham of a witch hunt against their club. Durham even went onto say that how could Stoke play against such a great Spanish side as Valencia and what shame they are going to bring to the Premier League!
Well, Mr Durham, I disagree. Football is played on many fronts and in many different styles. As I mentioned in my last preview of a Stoke game, I think Pulis and Stoke are going about things the right way. From what I’ve seen, Stoke play to their strengths and change their tactics to suit the opponent. There’s nothing wrong with being physical, many of us were brought up that way. Every team can’t play like Barca either, people should understand that. Against good Premier League sides they use their size and strength to their advantage which proved to be a perfect tactic against Tottenham, whereas against the lesser sides such as Blackburn they mix it up with their strength and flowing football. They walked away 3-1 victors that against Blackburn and although a few elbows were thrown, Stoke were well worth the 3 points. Their tactics make it difficult for the opposition and sometimes lull them into a false sense of perspective, however I’m sure Mancini will brief our lads accordingly and with the likes of Vinny, Yaya and Barry, we’ll be well up for the battle.
‘Kick it away, far, far away’
The Potter View
This week we've had a Potter asking a few questions so I thought we'd throw them back at him to find out his thoughts. Here's what he said:
Beefy: So, how do you think Stoke have done so far this season, and where do you think you will finish in the table?
Potter: Having another great season, just come out of a poor run of form (hopefully) and we have become difficult to beat again, surprisingly we are starting to pick up a few points away from home. Fantastic run in Europe and to get all the way to the last 32 with only loosing 1 game against some decent teams is a great effort. Rewarded with a trip to Valencia in Feb.
Beefy: Who is your star man at the moment ? Anyone we should watch out for?
Potter: Robert Huth, how this guy doesn't play for a top team is beyond me, he's solid. Our shakey patch coincided with TP pissing about with the defence and playing him at RB or not at all. Now he's back in the middle we look much much stronger.
Beefy: What are your feelings/thoughts before, during and after the Cup Final?
Potter: Before I was optimistic, we destroyed Bolton and it gave everyone hope, we ended up with a couple of injury's to key players that really hurt us. Had an absolutely fantastic day and had some good banter with your lot on the tubes and around the ground. It was obvious from early on in the game we were going to struggle. The noise when you scored was something that will live with me for the rest of my life, it knocked the stuffing out of me ! I still can't watch it back, I will save it for a day when I can watch it without feeling totally gutted (maybe after we win something !), HOWEVER it has given us the opportunity to go on a European adventure, something I never thought I would get the chance to do, thanks for getting 4th last season !!
Beefy: What are your honest opinions on Man City (money and all that)?
Potter: Don't mind you at all, have lots of Man City ST holders as mates, we often have a good natter about each others games at work. I enjoy watching you play, Silva is a genius. The money is part of football these days, makes me laugh to see The Rags having a pop at you for it, it was them twats that started it and have consistently spent obscene amounts ever since, maybe they want to take there ball home now they have some real competition !
Beefy: Where do you think we can finish in the table?
Potter: You will win the league, I said it before a ball was kicked this season and I stick by that !
Beefy: What is your score prediction?
Potter: Heart says 2-2 Head says 4-1 !
And finally, I asked about the origin of the 'Delilah' chant that they've picked up, and this was the best I could get?
There are some decent fans at Stoke and I do wish them all the best for the season, however this game is a different matter. Oh, and please don't sing that song. Appreciated. Now back to it.
Head-to-Head
This is the 98th time we have met with City leading 42 wins to 35 but since Stoke gained their Premier League status in 2008 they’ve only beaten us once, and that was at the Britannia. At home, we’ve beaten them 4 times and drawn once with the last game being a 3-0 win straight after our FA Cup victory over them which should bode well for our upcoming game.
Ones to Watch
City
‘This could be the Captain’s 150th game. Well done that man’
The defence is going to be in for a rough ride but with the chance of Vinnie getting his 150th game for City I‘m sure he‘s going to put in a sterling performance. He’s not been quite up to his usual standard so far but his last run-out against Arsenal saw the Captain come to the fore. He was into everything and alongside Kolo ensured that the attacking flair of Arsenal, and in particular van Persie, did not break through. It’s hard to think that we got him under the Hughes era but we'll all agree what a quality player he has turned out to be. A fans favourite who heads up the players with real City charisma. If he wants, he’ll be at City for many years to come, and I for one will welcome his presence. The question is, who will partner him, Kolo or Joleon?
Stoke
‘Yes Robert, that’s where we want to see you and your team tonight’
I’m going to go with my Stokie friend with Robert Huth. A tower of a man who is not scared to mix it up whether it be in defence or in the oppositions box (literally). He will be a threat from the different type of set piece situations, especially the long, long, long throw-ins from either Rory Delap or Ryan Shotton (towel-in shirts anyone). Something to note is that Huth has only one goal to his name this season but he will undoubtedly get his head to the ball to try and help his fellow players. One saving grace will be that with all the media attention around Stoke’s ‘physical’ game they may have to tone down the pushing and pulling which will allow our attack to get behind them.
Prediction
After calling the Chelsea and Arsenal games I think I’m on a bit of a run and I'm not finding it to difficult for me to call this one. With our run of form, especially at home, I think we will run-out winners by at least 2 goals. It won’t be easy though, Stoke will no doubt play to their strengths and push us all the way but if we want to be top of the league for Christmas, a feat that we haven’t achieved since 1929, some 82 years, then the lads need to work hard and carry on where they left off last time out.
So, do you reckon we'll be Top at Christmas, eh? Just the thought of it makes me smile. Oh, how things have changed!
The Future's Bright, The Future's Blue.
Date: Wednesday 21 November 2011
KO: 1945 hrs
Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester
Referee: Mike Dean
The Week That Was
How things change eh? Being the last game of the weekend, all eyes were on us with many of them waiting with baited breath in the hope that Arsenal could turn us over, a team that were in tremendous form, only losing one game going all the way back to the start of October.
The day started with our near neighbours, and closest rivals, going to the top of the league for the first time in 2 months after pummelling a below standard premier league team in QPR, a game that was hailed by all and sundry as the ‘Return of the Champs‘. Earlier, Spurs had scraped a 1-0 victory against a still underperforming BlackCats team and the previous day had seen Chelsea slip up against a plucky Wigan who were well worth the point. There weren’t too many celebrations at Wigan, so contrast that to our Chelsea game where even though there should have been a penalty given for the challenge on ‘Big Dave’ Silva and we ended up playing the last 30 mins or so with 10 men, they jumped around as if they had just won the league. Who’d have thought that against ‘Liddle Ole Citeh’?
It wasn’t to be though for the chasing pack and many of the media didn‘t get their way. The last game of the weekend saw probably the 2 best footballing sides in the league go head-to-head and with the world watching, City went on to take the spoils in what I believe to be the best game of the season. Big Dave got the winner from an excellent Balo cross that clipped off a brave Aguero head. Many chances went our way but Arsenal, who battled well, could’ve drawn level if it wasn’t for an eagled-eyed assistant referee who saw the close offside run from Robin van Persie; Joe Hart didn't do too bad either. I, like many Blues, am very thankful to that linesman, although he may have just messed up many a persons Fantasy Football team.
‘That’s it Boy’s, do it for Bingo’
So, onto the game, well, not quite. We can’t go on without mentioning Signor Mancini’s two year stint, a stint that has seen us go from Top 4 wannabe’s to Premier League favourites. When he was appointed there were many, including myself, who believed he wasn’t the man to take us forward, especially after the humiliating sacking of Mark Hughes. How wrong we were. Two years on and we’re top of the league going into the Christmas period having broken numerous records along the way. The best start to a Premier League season with 50 goals along the way, and to top that we haven’t lost a game at home for a full calender year (28 games with an amazing 26 wins). Could anyone imagine that after some of the, let’s say, not quite City’esque type of football we seen last season, a season where we went on to claim our first Champions League place and win our first Cup for 35 years, that we‘d be in this position now? Certainly not me. And, there’s the little matter of the Derby Day battering of our cross-town rivals, a day that every Blue will be chirping about for many, many, many years to come.
‘How many again Roberto, did you say 6’
Strangely, Wednesday’s visitors are where it all started for Roberto Mancini, in a game where he let the lads play how they wanted and we went onto win the game 2-0, with goals from Martin Patrov and, now wayward, Carlos Tevez. Tomorrow may be a different matter though as we now entertain a Stoke side who are coming off the back of 4 consecutive wins, beating a decent Tottenham on the way, and in the knockout stages of the Europa League, a competition that may see us play them again after our Champions League elimination.
‘Who would you like, Stoke or United?’
The Season So Far
Well, what’s there to say? This season has been magnificent, only losing that dubious away game to Chelsea. We’ve broken numerous records and if you consider that we’ve already played 4 of the other ‘Title Contenders’ away from the Etihad, we are sitting in a very prominent position going forward into the Christmas and New Year period. To top that, we’ve won every single home game this season leaving us the only club in Europe not to drop a point; according to reports. The only downside can be our early knockout from the Champions League, however, our current position has softened the blow and with our upcoming games against Liverpool and United in the Cups, we’ve really got something to look forward to. Let’s hope we can keep our North West neighbours in our shadows as another Cup Final would be great; do you hear me Roberto?
‘Can we repeat this, or go one better?’
Stoke’s season hasn’t been too bad either. They are currently flying high in a current untouchable 8th position and with a win, take them level with Newcastle, a team that everyone has been raving about. Tony Pulis has steered them to the knockout stages of the Europa and gained a very high profile game against one of the big Spanish sides in Valencia. But getting there has caused some serious controversy with some. Their style of play hasn’t been taken to heart and certain members of the media have been very outspoken regarding The Potters physical play. One of the most outspoken has been TalkSport’s Adrian Durham, goading Stoke fans over the way they beat ‘one of the fans favourites’, Tottenham. His over the top, reactionary views had Stokies phoning in by the dozen, accusing Durham of a witch hunt against their club. Durham even went onto say that how could Stoke play against such a great Spanish side as Valencia and what shame they are going to bring to the Premier League!
Well, Mr Durham, I disagree. Football is played on many fronts and in many different styles. As I mentioned in my last preview of a Stoke game, I think Pulis and Stoke are going about things the right way. From what I’ve seen, Stoke play to their strengths and change their tactics to suit the opponent. There’s nothing wrong with being physical, many of us were brought up that way. Every team can’t play like Barca either, people should understand that. Against good Premier League sides they use their size and strength to their advantage which proved to be a perfect tactic against Tottenham, whereas against the lesser sides such as Blackburn they mix it up with their strength and flowing football. They walked away 3-1 victors that against Blackburn and although a few elbows were thrown, Stoke were well worth the 3 points. Their tactics make it difficult for the opposition and sometimes lull them into a false sense of perspective, however I’m sure Mancini will brief our lads accordingly and with the likes of Vinny, Yaya and Barry, we’ll be well up for the battle.
‘Kick it away, far, far away’
The Potter View
This week we've had a Potter asking a few questions so I thought we'd throw them back at him to find out his thoughts. Here's what he said:
Beefy: So, how do you think Stoke have done so far this season, and where do you think you will finish in the table?
Potter: Having another great season, just come out of a poor run of form (hopefully) and we have become difficult to beat again, surprisingly we are starting to pick up a few points away from home. Fantastic run in Europe and to get all the way to the last 32 with only loosing 1 game against some decent teams is a great effort. Rewarded with a trip to Valencia in Feb.
Beefy: Who is your star man at the moment ? Anyone we should watch out for?
Potter: Robert Huth, how this guy doesn't play for a top team is beyond me, he's solid. Our shakey patch coincided with TP pissing about with the defence and playing him at RB or not at all. Now he's back in the middle we look much much stronger.
Beefy: What are your feelings/thoughts before, during and after the Cup Final?
Potter: Before I was optimistic, we destroyed Bolton and it gave everyone hope, we ended up with a couple of injury's to key players that really hurt us. Had an absolutely fantastic day and had some good banter with your lot on the tubes and around the ground. It was obvious from early on in the game we were going to struggle. The noise when you scored was something that will live with me for the rest of my life, it knocked the stuffing out of me ! I still can't watch it back, I will save it for a day when I can watch it without feeling totally gutted (maybe after we win something !), HOWEVER it has given us the opportunity to go on a European adventure, something I never thought I would get the chance to do, thanks for getting 4th last season !!
Beefy: What are your honest opinions on Man City (money and all that)?
Potter: Don't mind you at all, have lots of Man City ST holders as mates, we often have a good natter about each others games at work. I enjoy watching you play, Silva is a genius. The money is part of football these days, makes me laugh to see The Rags having a pop at you for it, it was them twats that started it and have consistently spent obscene amounts ever since, maybe they want to take there ball home now they have some real competition !
Beefy: Where do you think we can finish in the table?
Potter: You will win the league, I said it before a ball was kicked this season and I stick by that !
Beefy: What is your score prediction?
Potter: Heart says 2-2 Head says 4-1 !
And finally, I asked about the origin of the 'Delilah' chant that they've picked up, and this was the best I could get?
It all started in the early ninetys when Stoke got relagated, we were so feed up with watching us lose every week we started to amuse ourselves by singing songs like, 'We all go Stoke, We dont know why, We never score, It makes me cry (the piranas song) and then in the home stand there was 2 big red doors, and when they opened, the fans left the ground and we used to sing (started by a lad called Anton):
.....So, before, they come to open the door,
forgive us Stoke City we just couldnt take anymore,
Ohhhhh, why why why do we bother.........
I saw her mott as she pissed on her pot by the window, ohhhhhh,
I saw the cigarette singe on her minge alnight long, ohhhhhh,
she stood there laughing, ha ha ha ha,
I put my Cock in her hand and she laughed no more,
Ohhh why why ect,
I hope this help you to understand why we sing this today ( a different version of it but one line remains, 'I put my Cock in her hands', not very popular with dads watching there kids singing it,) we are Stoke …..
There are some decent fans at Stoke and I do wish them all the best for the season, however this game is a different matter. Oh, and please don't sing that song. Appreciated. Now back to it.
Head-to-Head
This is the 98th time we have met with City leading 42 wins to 35 but since Stoke gained their Premier League status in 2008 they’ve only beaten us once, and that was at the Britannia. At home, we’ve beaten them 4 times and drawn once with the last game being a 3-0 win straight after our FA Cup victory over them which should bode well for our upcoming game.
Ones to Watch
City
‘This could be the Captain’s 150th game. Well done that man’
The defence is going to be in for a rough ride but with the chance of Vinnie getting his 150th game for City I‘m sure he‘s going to put in a sterling performance. He’s not been quite up to his usual standard so far but his last run-out against Arsenal saw the Captain come to the fore. He was into everything and alongside Kolo ensured that the attacking flair of Arsenal, and in particular van Persie, did not break through. It’s hard to think that we got him under the Hughes era but we'll all agree what a quality player he has turned out to be. A fans favourite who heads up the players with real City charisma. If he wants, he’ll be at City for many years to come, and I for one will welcome his presence. The question is, who will partner him, Kolo or Joleon?
Stoke
‘Yes Robert, that’s where we want to see you and your team tonight’
I’m going to go with my Stokie friend with Robert Huth. A tower of a man who is not scared to mix it up whether it be in defence or in the oppositions box (literally). He will be a threat from the different type of set piece situations, especially the long, long, long throw-ins from either Rory Delap or Ryan Shotton (towel-in shirts anyone). Something to note is that Huth has only one goal to his name this season but he will undoubtedly get his head to the ball to try and help his fellow players. One saving grace will be that with all the media attention around Stoke’s ‘physical’ game they may have to tone down the pushing and pulling which will allow our attack to get behind them.
Prediction
After calling the Chelsea and Arsenal games I think I’m on a bit of a run and I'm not finding it to difficult for me to call this one. With our run of form, especially at home, I think we will run-out winners by at least 2 goals. It won’t be easy though, Stoke will no doubt play to their strengths and push us all the way but if we want to be top of the league for Christmas, a feat that we haven’t achieved since 1929, some 82 years, then the lads need to work hard and carry on where they left off last time out.
So, do you reckon we'll be Top at Christmas, eh? Just the thought of it makes me smile. Oh, how things have changed!
The Future's Bright, The Future's Blue.