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After a couple of disastrous results last week, City did what was expected of them against AC Omonia and passed safely through to the UEFA Cup group stages.
Thursday’s game took a while to get going as City looked surprisingly nervous and disjointed in the first half and it took a sweet strike from Elano to settle the tie once and for all.
In both games, try as they might, Omonia looked really short on the quality needed to push City harder and although they grabbed a consolation late on, the Blues passage through was inevitable.
SWP’s goal added to the calls for his inclusion in the next England squad and he has to be selected on current form…as an old left-back (no jokes about my age please!) I would rather face Beckham and Bentley than Walcott and SWP. Pace is so important these days and those two have it to burn.
Progress in Europe is vital, as after being eliminated from the Carling Cup, it really only leaves the FA and UEFA cups as realistic targets and although there’s a energy-sapping 19 games to play to get to the final in Istanbul, City have to make it a priority.
The draw for the groups is made next week and with City a possible third seed, they will face two tough away trips, which will indicate whether they have the squad and mentality to press on to the knock-out phase.
It’s back to Premier League action on Sunday and in Liverpool, City look like they’re up against possible title contenders this season.
The Reds have been well off the pace in recent years, but Rafa Benitez will believe his side can go all the way after a very positive start to their campaign, winning games without playing that well…always a good sign.
Benitez has chopped and changed his side throughout his tenure, making many signings along the way as he looks for the right blend but regardless of who he’s brought in, he still relies heavily on three major players.
Jamie Carragher, Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres are the backbone of his side and if Liverpool want to leave the City of Manchester Stadium with 3 points on Sunday, these three will need to excel.
Gerrard and Torres catch the eye with their dynamic attacking play and goals, but it’s Carragher who I think is the star of the show. [Is this because Andy’s an old defender?]
Liverpool through and through, his consistency is incredible and I find it disappointing that he wasn’t capped more times by England.
His decision to leave the international scene has helped his club career and Robinho and Co will find out what real defending is all about this weekend!
Last season’s 0-0 draw was drab, but with both clubs full of new and exciting talent, I’m sure we’ll get much better fare this time around!
The Chinch predicts: City 2-2 Liverpool
TOTAL FOOTBALL on Key 103 and Magic 1152 Manchester brings you EVERY Blues game this season.
Join me on SUNDAY 5 OCTOBER from 2 o’clock, live from the CITY OF MANCHESTER STADIUM as City face Liverpool.
Then have YOUR say on my after-match phone-in by calling 0161-288-0103.
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