Zaba was the last to return from international duties followed by a long flight back, so it was a good move to rest him on Saturday to save him for Moscow. Garcia was a surprise deputizing very well for Vinny at c/h, but I am not confident enough to risk him in Moscow. Vinny & Demichelis have had long injury layoffs, so I wouldn't risk either on that dodgy over-used surface in Moscow.
Left back has been a problem position for us this year. Last season Clichy was head and shoulders above Kolarov in quality, but this season Clichy is a shadow of his former self, and Kolarov seems more determined to establish himself, although he is not as good defensively as we need but great going forward.
I am tired of hearing about "...Yaya is such an influential player..." and "...everything goes through Yaya..." So I will say again what I have said before, when Yaya plays well City usually play well, but when Yaya is ineffective and struggling then City usually struggles. Some fans forgive him all the poor games (80% of the time) for the occasional inspiring games and goals (unfortunately only 20% of the time). What the team needs is consistency from all our players especially him, so no more lollygagging. Come on Pelle, get a grip.
On Saturday David Silva was an inspiration and our creative influence in midfield, so if he has recovered from the kicking he receiving this weekend, let's hope he is our inspiration again. As they say it will be a heavy pitch, I would prefer to see Milner in midfield in place of Nasri. Up front I would play the 3 in-form strikers who are playing with confidence after the internationals; Negredo Aguero & Dzeko.
After our slow start, every game is now a "must win game", even more so because we are in the midst of 4 consecutive away games in 11 days. If Vinny doesn't play, Zaba should be captain as he always leads by example.
