Friday, February 24, 2012

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25.02. (Sat) 18:30 Manchester City - Blackburn Rovers

UEFA Europa League - Manchester City FC vs FC Porto, Sergio Aguero
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PROBABLE LINEUPS

MANCHESTER CITY

Hart
Richards, Kompany, Lescott, Clichy
Milner, Y. Toure, De Jong
Silva, Dzecko, Aguero
BLACKBURN ROVERS

RobinsonOlsson, Dann, Hanley, Givet
Hoilett, Petrovic, N'Zonzi, Pedersen
Formica
Yakubu

Manchester City have a full squad to choose from except for the ongoing absence of Carlos Tevez but, with Roberto Mancini claiming he has forgiven the Argentine. he may soon be back into the fold at the Etihad.

Blackburn's are still without Chris Samba (hamstring) but he would be a doubt anyway with his future at the club remaining in the balance. Young defender Grant Hanley may be the man Steve Kean chooses to deputise.

Gael Givet could also make a start on the left side of defence to cover for the injured Michael Salgado (rib) for this trip to the Premier League leaders.

DID YOU KNOW?

  • Manchester City have not lost in eight Premier League matches against Blackburn Rovers, winning five and drawing three.
  • Joe Hart has kept four clean sheets in City's last five home games.
  • Manchester City are also on a 17 game winning streak at home.
  • Yakubu has the best shot-to-goal ratio in the Premier League, converting 38% of his chances.
  • But Joe Hart has the best shot to save ratio from all of the Premier League's goalkeepers with 79%.
  • Opposite number Paul Robinson has saved just 52% of shots at his goal.
  • Blackburn have only managed to come away with two victories on the road in their last 21 trips.
  • They have also kept just one clean sheet during their last 31 away games.
Prediction
Blackburn have caused some upsets against the bigger sides this season, but it is hard to see past the league leaders, who have looked unbreakable at home this term.
The ruthless nature of the Citizens will doubtless kick in and once they pick up one goal they will not stop attacking a weakened Blackburn defence until the final whistle.
Editor's Prediction
Manchester City 3-0 Blackburn Rovers