Manchester City v Lech Poznan
We cannot begin without mentioning how sad it’s been this past week after hearing that Malcolm “Big Mal” Allison passed away aged 83. Although not alive to witness the fruits of his labour, the club would not be where it is today without the genius that was Malcolm Allison.
So far we’ve not so much terrorized Europe as given it food for thought. But Lech Poznan, at least in Poland, have had plenty of use for an old quote of his, “A lot of hard work went into this defeat.” Europe is a different beast altogether and as it stands it’s so far so good for both sides.
Look who’s coming to town!
Tonight’s Visitor’s:
Our opponents KKS Lech Poznan S.A. came into being on Sunday 19th March 1922. However Poznan has suffered from a bit of an identity crisis down the years changing their name on no less than eleven occassions. The end of the 2010 season saw Lech Poznan pick up their sixth National Champion Title. Poznan’s trophy cabinet is also home to five Polish FA Cups and four Polish Super Cups. This is a club with a proud history and the only trophy missing from their collection is a major European one. For any of those attending the away leg the omens are good as Poznan play at the 24,166 capacity City Stadium!
Last time out:
Although Poznan took a point away from Turin on the opening night they had not scored at home in Europe this season, until Salzburg came to town in round two. Poznan were able to consistently pressurize Gerhard Tremmel’s goal and found their way in after the break through the head of Arboleda. Salzburg had few chances during the game and the one clear break was thwarted by Poznan’s keeper Jasmin Buric. On the 80th minute the points were secured as Jacek Kielb fed Stilic who delivered a penetrating ball that was met by a sliding Peszko. Salzburg’s goal difference could have been even worse had the post not denied Krivets towards the end of the game. With Salzburg rooted to the foot of the table and only an outside shot at progressing it’s now a three horse race in group A. During the tie Poznan committed twenty-three fouls on their way to picking up four yellow cards. If City can retain possession in the attacking third it’s almost guaranteed we will be presented with a dangerous set piece, they have committed 44 fouls in just three games. Poznan excel through a strong work ethic and teamwork, if players are booked early they will be extremely vulnerable to runs from the likes of Tevez, Adam Johnson or David Silva.
Artjoms Rudnevs celebrates scoring in Turin.
Manchester City were perhaps fortunate to come away from their last tie with a point after a late free kick by Del Piero thankfully hit the bar and rocketed out, although the extra official’s couldn’t tell you what happened! A sloppy start from City from all concerned gave Juventus a relaxed introduction to the City of Manchester stadium. Luigi Delneri must have felt blessed every time Patrick Vieira received the ball because he certainly believed he was still with La Vecchia Signora. Inevitably Juve took advantage of City’s slow start and a fantastic individual effort from Vincenzo Iaquinta put the visitors ahead. The response was equally stunning, a sublime ball played down the channel from Yaya Toure put in Adam Johnson who slotted it past ex-gooner Alex Manninger. A disappointing home performance for everyone who watched but a result which makes the Poznan tie all the more exciting.
Form:
Even though they were last year’s champions Poznan currently languish third from bottom, proving no team has a divine right to success. Their last league success came on the 11th September in a 2-1 away trip to Slask Wroclaw. Coincidently it appears their main problem is a lack of goals having to rely on one player to drag the team through sticky situations, only Artjoms Rudnevs has been able to find the back of the net so far. They have scored only nine goals in eight league games. If the forwards or midfield could provide more consistent fire power then Poznan could quickly move up the league as their defence has only conceded eight, the joint fourth best in the division.
The twenty two year old Artjoms Rudnevs is the one to watch up front as he is the leading scorer and in hot form, he is the sharp point at the end of a long spear. Semir Stilic is the dangerman in midfield creating three goals of the six scored by Poznan in Europe this season. If De Jong and co. can keep Stilic quiet Joe Hart should have an incident free evening. At the back the stocky Manuel Arboleda is a strong defensive asset but will be a key threat from the air in any of Poznan set pieces.
De Jong and company will want to keep Semir Stilic from smiling.
Since the Juventus game Mancini has got his side back to winning ways with a home and away win either side of the international break. Again City started poorly against the Geordie Zebra’s with a composed Joey Barton orchestrating the Newcastle passing game. With the tackles flying in City took the lead from the spot but it was soon level after a thunderous strike from Gutierrez. After eventually being allowed off the leash by Mancini Adam Johnson once again made the difference in at times a very scrappy affair. Next up was The Big One a visit to the rejuvenated Bloomfield Road. Facing a high-flying Tangerine side desperate to avoid the drop was never going to be easy and it was only after the hour mark the keepers let it slip. A brace from the Captain and one from Silva propelled City into a three one lead which should have been the end of it. However the Holloway never say die attitude reared its head when Taylor-Fletcher popped up to score in the ninety-third minute, giving many a Blue some discomfort in the closing moments of the game.
Verdict:
With only one more home tie left this game is perhaps more crucial for Manchester City than for Poznan. Europe has already seen how dangerous the Polish outfit can be after racing away to a lead in Turin. Poznan will attempt to defend in a similar fashion to the Italian side by packing the midfield and counter attacking at pace. City must firmly take a hold of the game and play at a high tempo from the off moving the ball quickly to drag players out of position. City will also have to employ patience against Poznan if a goal does not come early. Once Poznan have been breached gaps in their defence will appear like Swiss cheese as Poznan must push forward to gain something from the tie. Possession and patience are the keys to victory in this encounter.
Prediction: Manchester City 3-1 KK Lech Poznan S.A.
Potential City Line-up: Joe Hart, Joleon Lescott, Vincent Kompany, Kolo Toure, Boateng, David Silva, Gareth Barry, Nigel De Jong, Yaya Toure, Adam Johnson, Carlos Tevez.
A special thanks to steveo_88 from www.mancityfans.net for this well researched match preview