FC Copenhagen ‘v’ Man City – Preview

Firstly, I would just like to thank my able deputy and second-in-command; the genius otherwise known as Plattsy, for so capably filling in for me whilst I enjoyed a warm-weather winter’s break in the sunny climes of Madrid. I’m now back refreshed and better than ever for the end-of-season run in.

After a thoroughly depressing, yet ultimately unsurprising defeat away at Portsmouth on Saturday in the Premier League, mercurial Man City have the chance to display their bouncebackability when they travel to Denmark to face FC Copenhagen in the two-legged last 32 stage of the UEFA Cup. The Blues progressed from Group A after finishing top of the table, a position which they are normally unaccustomed to, whilst the home side, also known as the the Lions, ended in third place in Group G.

Team News

Blues boss Mark Hughes will be hoping his side recover the spark, no pun intended, that was so evidently lacking against Portsmouth, in time for this match, which is expected to be played in sub-zero temperatures. The former Man United (boooooooo), Barcelona and Bayern Munich striker will surely call upon the services of captain and food-lover Richard Dunne, along with the diminutive-in-size, but with the heart of an obese lion, Shaun Wright-Phillips after their suspensions. Despite seemingly having recovered from the injury which forced him off against Portsmouth, Brazilian show-man Robinho is not guaranteed a starting berth, as Hughes searches for extra solidity away from home. Robinho has been under-performing drastically in recent weeks and it is reported that the manager has had a ‘quiet’ word with the superstar about his form. ‘Nifty Nige(l)’ de Jong is unfortunately unable to play as City are only allowed to register three new players in their squad since the group stages: Shay Given, Wayne Bridge and Craig Bellamy. As a result, versatile Belgian international Vincent Kompany will move forward into his defensive midfield role, a position he occupied with great success earlier in the season. Micah Richards is also likely to be available after missing the previous match through injury, although his replacement in that game, academy product Shaleum Logan, made a strong case to be included again following a swashbuckling debut performance.

Dunne will return after suspension to bolster the backline

Copenhagen are in the midst of a winter break at the moment, so the visitors will be hoping to catch them unawares. The home side, do however, possess players of great ability and ones who can cause problems for any defence. Key midfielder Libor Sionko is a Czech Republic international with 32 caps to his name, along with a short spell at Rangers from 2006 – 2007. Another name that will be familiar to may people is that of Jesper Grønkjær, formerly of Ajax, Chelsea, Birmingham and Atletico Madrid. The ridiculously quick winger possesses Usain Bolt-like pace and is sure to cause numerous problems if he plays, although his participation in this match is unlikely as he recovers from a serious injury. Danish defender NiclasJensen will hopefully start for Copenhagen, as he would be facing his former club. The cultured left-back played 51 times for City, scoring two goals, one of which was a superlative 25 yard volley from outside the area against Leeds.

My Team

                                                    Given

Zabaleta                Dunne                               Onuoha           Bridge

SWP                       Ireland                              Kompany         Garrido

                             Bellamy                             Caicedo

Subs: Hart, Richards, Logan, Robinho, Elano, Sturridge, Evans

Key Battles

Niclas Jensen ‘v’ Shaun Wright-Phillips

Jensen will play against his former club and will face SWP, who was so clearly missed against Pompey. The tricky winger will hope to use his pace and skillage to his advantage, whilst Jensen will look to limit SWP’s threat.

Jensen, pictured here in his City days, will mark his former team-mate, Shaun Wright-Phillips

Libor Sionko ‘v’ Vincent Kompany

It will be interesting to see how Kompany fares in his midfield role against the vastly experienced Sionko. The Belgian has done well at the back and will look to transfer his form further up the pitch.

Ulrik Laursen ‘v’ Craig Bellamy

Copenhagen captain Laursen had a short spell at Celtic from 2002 – 2005, so will possibly have seen the talents of Bellamy before, since the fiery Welsh striker had a loan spell at the Hoops around this time. After starting his City career brightly, Bellamy has been lacking in support in recent matches, which is why I would advocate playing Felipe Caicedo to give him some much needed help.

Verdict

FC Copenhagen 1 – 2 Man City

Another exciting European away-day for the Blues, which culminates in a hard-fought victory. Goals to be scored by Morten Nordstrand, Bellamy and Stephen Ireland.