Tonight’s match-up at the Etihad is crucial, both in terms of the title race, and the battle for fourth spot. Here are five questions we hope to find out the answers to tonight.
Can David Luiz cope without John Terry?
Brazilian defender David Luiz spent most of February being criticised, but this month looks to have upped his game. He earned praise for the way he added more of a ‘no nonsense’ element to his defending, rather than over elaborating. Last week against Napoli he helped the side keep it as tight as possible, on their way to a storming 4-1 victory. For tonight, John Terry has been ruled out, meaning Luiz will partner Gary Cahill in the centre of defence. He will need to be at his best, along with Cahill, if they are to keep quiet a high-scoring City attack.
Are City cracking?
Manchester United fans are comparing Manchester City’s losses in 2012 to Newcastle in 1996. Since the turn of the year they have lost to teams including Sunderland and Swansea City, and find themselves behind Manchester United for the first time. This is their first match since they lost the top spot, and now four points behind United, they need a win more than ever to keep the pressure on. Tonight will reveal more about the character of the City side, are they up for the title fight? If they have doubts now, you can only imagine what it will be like if they fail to get three points tonight.
Are Chelsea the biggest threat so far to City’s home record?
Last season it was a superb home record which won Manchester United the league. This year it is Manchester City who have turned their home stadium into a fortress. This game, under the lights and in front of the television cameras, will put scrutiny on their winning record. Chelsea are resurgent after their Champions League win, and will feel anything is possible. City have come through home games against Arsenal and Tottenham, narrowly, but a Chelsea side who beat them at Stamford Bridge could represent their biggest challenge at the stadium so far, ahead of Manchester United’s visit in late April. Much will depend on whether Didier Drogba fancies it tonight, who has not scored an away goal in 2012. He will be determined to change that.
Is David Silva’s superb form beginning to slip and is Fernando Torres finally improving?
Spaniard David Silva has Manchester City’s star performer this season, creating chances, goals, and scoring more than his fair share. In recent games though, he has looked short of his scintillating early season form, and fans will be hoping he can get back on track. If one thing is for sure, it is that he is a big game player, with goals against Arsenal, Liverpool, and playing starring roles against Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United. Fernando Torres on the other hand has been hopeless all season, but finally has a flicker of hope after two goals against Leicester City in the FA Cup. Will he be selected to start? And if he does, can he confirm his re-emergence, or will it be another case of one step forward, two steps back?
Will Carlos Tevez play a part in the match, and the title race?
So much has been said about Carlos Tevez’ refusal to warm up in Munich and subsequent suspension there is little point going over old ground. What is relevant now is that he is back in City’s first team fold and ready to fight for the club’s Premier League title. Roberto Mancini has been complimentary about his recent attitude and commitment to the cause, as have his teammates, with Joe Hart likening him to a new signing. He may just give City the lift at the right time. Could he be a surprise starter or will he make an impact off the bench? Chelsea will not be glad to see him, the Argentine has scored six goals in six games against the club, for three different teams, and he could just be the difference maker.
What do you think will happen in tonight’s match?
image: © sdhansay
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
