April 11, 2012 2:45 PM EDT
Etihad Stadium — Manchester
Etihad Stadium — Manchester
Roberto Mancini's men will hope to bounce back from defeat to Arsenal at the weekend and continue their strong form at the Etihad Stadium against the Midlands side
Roberto Mancini will be without controversial striker Mario Balotelli after he received a red card in City’s loss to Arsenal on Sunday. Yaya Toure may also be unavailable as he was substituted in the first half against the Gunners with a knee injury. However, David Silva could be set to return to the fold following his absence due to a knee injury.
Roy Hodgson is likely to stick with the same team which beat Blackburn at the weekend but could opt to go with five in midfield against City, recalling Paul Scharner in place of Saturday’s goal scorer Marc Antoine-Fortune. Jerome Thomas could be fit to return although, due to the performance of Chris Brunt and Graham Dorrans at the weekend, Hodgson may opt to leave him on the bench.
Roy Hodgson is likely to stick with the same team which beat Blackburn at the weekend but could opt to go with five in midfield against City, recalling Paul Scharner in place of Saturday’s goal scorer Marc Antoine-Fortune. Jerome Thomas could be fit to return although, due to the performance of Chris Brunt and Graham Dorrans at the weekend, Hodgson may opt to leave him on the bench.
