Carling Cup 3rd Round, Wednesday September 22nd
Like it or lump it, one characteristic of ‘the modern game’ is the devaluation by both those struggling for league survival, and aiming for league glory, of the League Cup. The 4th most important trophy, it’s been called by managers of sides competing in Europe. So, when newly promoted West Brom and title aspiring, Europa League participating City line up at The Hawthornes on Wednesday night, except the inevitable- Changes. Lots of them.
City are afforded the luxury, though, of being able to part with one starting XI and replace it with another of International quality players, with even a few spares. West Brom, meanwhile, are in nowhere near as fortunate a position, but the romanticism of the cup is of course a distant second priority to survival in the cutthroat, business orientated Premier League of 2010. So, which bench-warmers might we expect to see in action?
For the Baggies, Boaz Myhill, who impressed at Hull last season despite their relegation from the Premier League should start between the sticks and in doing so would have the opportunity to displace Scott Carson from the Albion goal. Pablo Ibanez, an experienced Spanish defender who joined up on a free transfer in July from Atletico Madrid, may have an opportunity to redeem himself following his exclusion from the side since the 6-0 opening day demolition at the hands of Chelsea. Despite surely being hopeful of regular first team action, another new signing, Stephen Reid, may have an opportunity to raise his fitness levels. The Irish international held much promise as a youngster but peristent injuries have hampered what could have been an altogether more glittering career. Nonetheless, he has made a few substitute appearances so far this season and will hope bad luck is now a thing of the past.
Eighteen-year-old Sam Mantom will be hoping to play a part too, following his inclusion in the last round at Leyton Orient. The midfielder is a Dudley local and will hope to take another small step towards fan favourite status with a big showing against a club of City’s stature, should he feature. Giles Barnes, who like Reid, showed huge potential in his early years, but was blighted by serious injuries at Derby County. Time is on the tricky winger’s side though, at only 22 years old and he will hope to give his manager food for thought if selected. Up front, it is expected that Simon Cox, whose stunning displays for Swindon Town earned him a £1.5million move to West Brom, will partner Luke Moore, who was somewhat surprisingly omitted from their 25-man Premier League squad.
City, meanwhile, will opt for a series of changes, however among the replacements will be some altogether more familiar names. Premier League stalwart Shay Given was disposed of his duties as No.1 following Roberto Mancini’s decision to opt for youth in the shape of Joe Hart, and the Irishman made it abundantly clear through media interviews that he was unhappy with the outcome, but ultimately stayed put during the transfer window. Having also selected Hart for City’s three Europa League encounters thus far, Mancini has stated that tonight is now Given’s opportunity to impress.
Three graduates of City’s hugely respected academy are likely to start the game- all of whom featured in the academy’s FA Cup success of 2008, and who emerged from the reserves into the first-team picture at the turn of the year. Dedryck Boyata, a 19 year old Belgian central defender, who has shown much promise in his appearances to date (including two League Cup Semi-Finals against Manchester United, no less) will likely earn the opportunity to further his burgeoning reputation at The Hawthornes. Greg Cunningham is an Irish teenager whose impressive displays in Roberto Mancini’s first weeks as City boss earned the young left-back his first Ireland caps. With Aleksander Kolarov, Joleon Lescott and Wayne Bridge all carrying knocks of varying severity, this is Cunningham’s perfect opportunity to stake a claim. Abdi Ibrahim had a very enjoyable spell following Mancini’s arrival at the club last season, with a full debut at Scunthorpe followed soon after by a substitute appearance against Liverpool in the Premier League, and topped off with a sparkling new 4 year contract. The Somali-Norwegian 19 year-old is an energetic central midfielder, with some at City likening him to teammate Patrick Vieira, who is expected to add a little experience to the midfield. The much maligned Frenchman has performed well in his limited appearances this season and mindful of the fact that he is below the likes of Nigel de Jong and Yaya Touré in the pecking order, will be appreciative of a runout, and also the opportunity to lead his younger colleagues.
Joao Alves is likely to be selected up front, having scored in his first City start for 18 months away at Salzburg last Thursday. The Brazilian has often been the architect of his own downfall since arriving in Manchester from CSKA Moscow, but with a new season comes a clean slate for everyone and with 4 preseason goals preceding his Salzburg strike, perhaps Jo, as he’s better known, is finally taking the opportunity to excel. John Guidetti, a young Swedish striker and academy graduate may win some playing time as well. Strong, with an excellent first touch and eye for goal, Guidetti has excited watchers of City’s youth and reserve sides for a couple of years now and has been training recently with the first team.
So, Roberto Di Matteo’s West Brom side won promotion from the Championship last season playing an exciting brand of attacking football, and on the evidence of performances over Sunderland and Birmingham thus far, wish to continue in that vein now that they’ve arrived. Admirable, given the altogether less attractive route taken by Stoke City, for example. Is that philosophy one that can exist irrespective of the personnel Di Matteo opts for, and furthermore, will he risk such a philosophy against a side of City’s calibre given the ease at which Chelsea disposed of them only a few weeks ago?
For his namesake and countryman, Mr. Mancini, the question will be whether some of the names who have voiced their unhappiness at being out of action can justify their complaints. Given City’s hectic fixture list, which sees Chelsea visit Eastlands on Saturday lunchtime, and play host to Italian giants Juventus a few days later, the hope will be that his players produce a professional, clincal performance to see themselves through to the next round.
The thing is, of course, as Brentford showed us last night, you can take the romanticism out of the cup, but it still throws up its shocks. West Brom will hope to shock a few people tonight.
Huge thanks go to Colin The King of ManCityFans.net for writing this preview.