mancityblues.com

Interesting, this game, as usual.

Not to rake over the embers, but it was a disheartening first leg in Greece, and an away goal for Aris tomorrow could sink us. So the watchword of the day must be class. We have to show our class at home and prove the doubters wrong - again!

Having most of the possession and passing well didn't carve a way through an Aris side so afraid of conceding at home and so Mancini must and will put out a strong side in an effort to ensure our progress in the competition. News of injuries to Micah and Milner add to an already packed physio room, so a strong side may end up looking like this-

--------------Hart-----------------
Zabaleta--Kolo----Boateng--Kolarov
------------Vieira-----------------
---SWP-------------------Y.Toure----
-------------Silva-----------------
--------Dzeko------Tevez--------

Aris will be set up to take advantage of any loose balls and hope to nick a goal, Kompany has been rested for the last two ties so may figure in this, although Boateng has been a strong substitute and may be allowed to continue. City must beware of errors that result in set-pieces, hopefully Paddy V will have as good a game as he had in the FA Cup, and not give away too many free kicks, he is prone to that and they are bound to get lucky at some stage. SWP will cause them headaches if he's as sharp as he was in the first leg. David Silva of course, such a cool customer in front of goal, and so important to us now - if he could only score! He's getting closer every game!

Fortunately our three strikers are all available; Balo may start on the bench, or maybe Dzeko will have to sit out the first hour or so, who starts isn't as important as who can net a couple or three. My guess is that Dzeko will partner Tevez at first, as that partnership does seem to be working, or showing early promise at least. Balo scares me, he always looks as though he's about to boil over, but he's a talent for sure.

~CLEVBLUE~