Manchester City v Reading
Sunday, 13 March 2011
City of Manchester Stadium
Reading travel to the City of Manchester Stadium for Sunday’s FA Cup quarter final as the only club from outside the Premier League left in the competition.
In the last 16 they caused a shock by beating Everton in the fifth round thanks to a goal from Matthew Mills at Goodison Park and will be hoping to spring another surprise on a top flight club.
Their illustrious opponents Manchester City are at this stage of the cup for the third time in six years, though they have not made the final our since 1981.
Midfielder Nigel De Jong says that City will not be taking their opponents lightly despite the gulf in class on paper, especially after Thursday’s disappointing defeat to Dynamo Kyiv in the Europa League.
“Of course it’s a big game,” he said. “Not just for the players, but the whole club because it’s been such a long time since we progressed past this stage.
“We are so close to Wembley. There’s no doubt that it’s a really good opportunity for us to reach the last four and the disappointment we are feeling from the Kyiv defeat could be forgotten and we can give ourselves a huge boost.
“We know we have got a lot of individual quality in our team. What we need to do is combine them as one in the team. But it takes time. Rome was not built in a day. We just have to try hard and it will come.
“Our fans obviously really want to win a trophy. And so do we. We know all about the history of this club so we know how long it’s been since we won anything. We are often reminded about it. Everyone knows what’s at stake.”
In team news, Mario Balotelli may be absent following his midweek substitution for an apparent grass allergy while James Milner’s injury means he remains sidelined.
De Jong is expected to start following his return from an ankle injury, though Kolo Toure remains suspended pending an investigation into his recent failed drugs test.
Meanwhile, Royals defender Ian Harte insists the pressure is all on the ‘big boys’ going into the game.
“They have some world class players and with no disrespect to any team in the lower leagues, when you’re playing Premiership football and have players with that amount of talent, you should win the game,” he said.
“But if we can go there and keep them quiet, who knows. It’s just up to us to play at our best. We’ve just got to go there, express ourselves and see how it goes.
“There’s no fear, because the pressure is on them. They are the ones who are expected to win, they are the ones who the press are all saying will have a semi-final tie against whoever.”
Reading currently lie tenth in the Championship and will be looking to draw on the Premier League experience of the likes Harte and Zurab Khizanishvili.
Former City man Mills is a doubt with a groin injury but will be given until the last minute to prove his fitness, however both Adam Federici and Andy Griffin are definitely out.
Key Players:
Manchester City – Carlos Tevez
It’s a cliché to say that a striker is due a goal, but Carlos Tevez really needs to end his barren run which stretches back to February when he netted in the 5-0 drubbing of Notts County. The Argentine has been rested in recent weeks and it’s now time to step up to the plate for what is a very important period in the club’s season.
Reading – Ian Harte
Yes that’s right, a left back as the key player. Harte has long been renowned for his vicious set pieces, something which can hardly be said for any of City’s players this season. Joe Hart has at times looked uncertain on crosses and there is no doubt that the former Republic of Ireland international poses a huge threat around the penalty area.
Prediction:
Manchester City 2 (Tevez, Silva)
Reading 1 (Long)
A massive thanks to Xavi6 for this weeks Match preview brought to you by www.mancityfans.net