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On the back of a morale-boosting victory against Arsenal in the last match, City travel to Schalke 04 in the second match of the Group A stages of the UEFA Cup. City recorded a victory last time out against Steve McLarens FC Twente side and will be looking to make it two out of two when they travel to the Veltins-Arena. Schalke have attained four points Brent Celek Jersey from their two games so far, including a 3-1 victory against Paris Saint Germain and 1-1 stalemate with Racing Santander of Spain.When naming his side for this game, bo s Mark Hughes will surely have in mind the match against the other team from Manchester, aka, the Rags, on Sunday. Braziliant star Robinho is doubtful for this game after the his ankle injury picked up against the Gunners. Argentinean right-back Pablo Zabaleta is also battling to be fit, whilst hopele s Swi s midfielder Gelson Fernandes is definitely out. Elano is another absentee, with the Avonte Maddox Jersey attacking midfielder choosing to remain at home with his wife after the birth of his baby on Wednesday. These injuries may hand starts tothe vastly experiencedDietmar Hamann, and Israeli international Tal Ben-Haim will be competing with England under-21defender Nedum Onuoha for the right-back slot.I dont know a great deal about Schalke to be honest, but from what I gether, they will pose a dangerous attacking threat and are solid defensively. They have a number of highly talented players including Peruvian striker Jefferson Farfn and experienced German Kevin Kurnyi.Key Battles:Kevin Kurnyi v Micah Richards.After Brian Dawkins Jersey a shaky and unconvincing start to the season, Richards lookedback to his imperious best in the last match against Arsenal. Kurnyi is a very wily and dangerous character up front for the Germans. This contest will play a major role in deciding Shaun Bradley Jersey the final result.Z Roberto v Dietmar HamannAs a huge fan ofdefensive midfielderHamann, it will be great to see him back in action to replace Robinho. Z Roberto is aBrazilain winger and is sure to cause problems for the City backline. This battle of creative midfielders will prove highly intruiging and hopefully a joy to watch.Marcelo Bordon vBenjaniBordon is a former Brazilian international, winning six capsfrom 1995 2004. Benjani has been below par in the last few games since returning from injury and must up his game if he is to cause Schalke any problems.Verdict: Schalke 2-1 CityUnfortunately, and for the first time in my blog career, I feelthat City will Andre Dillard Jersey lose this game. A decent gamewill be decided by the odd goal. I hope Im proven wrong and the Blues of Manchester can return with the three points and secure their place in the knockout stages, but ultimately, I think Schalke po se s enough quality to defeat an under-strength City. |
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发表于 2023-5-31 17:14:38