The FA Cup represents the blue half of Manchester's last chance of silverware this season but 4th, and even 3rd, in the league is still well within your sights. Would you take 4th place or the FA Cup?
A) .......it's hobsons choice ...... a cup win would end our search for a trophy after all these years , but finishing in 4th place would probably make people realise that genuinely we mean business this time ..... but we need to start winning silverware on a consistent basis , and as quickly as possible , so maybe the FA Cup , this season , is as good a place as any to start.
The Potters are well known for a physical style. Will Man City try and pass us off the field or get stuck in aswell and what team can we expect with a vital league fixture days later?
A) ....... I doubt if there'll be much difference in the teams that Mancini puts out for both these fixtures , as he's taking the FA Cup very seriously ...... i think you're gonna be facing a very strong Man City side in both games ........ as for the game itself , although we are not playing all that well , i'm sure that City will try to play their normal passing game .... mind you it doesn't always come off!
With the way the draw has fell this is probably the tie of the round in terms of two good sides facing off. Were you happy when the draw was made or would you have preferred an easier tie?
A) ....... Stoke haven't made much impression on their trips to COMS as yet , and you could well offer much sterner resistance in this Cup match ....... i'm certainly expecting you too anyway ......... i would have preferred an easier game , but at this stage you can't always have the draw that you want!
Are there any Stoke players you are wary of?
A) ....... Stokes fighting spirit will be our main obstacle ... not any one player ........ although obviously Delaps long throws will cause problems if we pick this game to be slack at the back!
Who should we keep an eye out for?
A) ...... Stephen Ireland could pick this game to shine , after a few lean weeks ...... but City have a few names who could trouble you ...... least of all the free scoring Tevez ....... watch out for our new winger too , Adam Johnson , who should feature in at least one of the games.
...and finally, a prediction?
A) ........ I think this will be very close , with maybe a scrappy goal or a penalty winning it .....
Man City ....... 1 Stoke ......... 0