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PREMIERSHIP TEAM PREVIEWS
MANCHESTER CITY FC
Coach: Mark Hughes (Wal)
After a glittering career, most famously with Man Utd, Mark Hughes took his first job in management in 1999, taking charge of the Welsh national side; he enjoyed relative success there, taking Wales to the play-offs for Euro 2004 (losing to Russia). In 2004, he was appointed manager of Blackburn, and over the last 4 years he has built a good side that has finished in the top 10 in the last 3 seasons running.
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Recent record: (Pos); Pl; W-D-L; F-A; Pts
2007/08: (9th); 38; 15-10-13; 45-53; 55
2006/07: (14th); 38; 11-9-18; 29-44; 42
2005/06: (15th); 38; 13-4-21; 43-48; 43
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Good:
Most, but not all of Eriksson’s signings last season performed well, with Corluka, Elano and Petrov notable examples of his successes. Highly-rated young player Bojinov, who was injured for most of last season, is fit and should feature prominently for the Citizens.
At £19 million, Brazilian striker Jo could be risky signing, but it could also be the masterstroke that propels Man City to greater heights. He is tall and skilful and his record at previous club CSKA was exceptional, scoring 30 goals in 53 games. At CSKA, he showed that he can adapt quickly, scoring 14 in his first 18 games for the club, so he should be able to make an impact in his first season in the premiership.
Bad:
Persistent speculation over Thaksin Shinawatra’s future and control over transfers has created some unstability at the club, with new manager Mark Hughes rumoured to be unhappy with the situation. At a similar period of unrest at the end of last season Man Ciy’s performances suffered when they lost the last 3 league games.
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Transfers, Loans, Retirements...
IN: Jo (CSKA Moscow), Tal Ben Haim (Chelsea).
OUT; Georgios Samaras (Celtic), Andreas Isaksson (PSV Eindhoven), Geovanni (Hull), Emile Mpenza and Paul Dickov (both released).
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Star Player:
Martin Petrov – Micah Richards
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Summary:
Despite uncertainty over Shinawatra’s position at the club, he has once again this season invested heavily on players, with young Brazilian striker Jo taking up the majority of City’s transfer kitty.
The appointment of Mark Hughes as manger is a brave choice, but he has moulded Blackburn into a consistent top ten side and with the signings of Benni McCarthy and Santa Cruz (costing just £5.5m), he has a good eye in the transfer market.
Man City have the funds, ambition and ability to finish in the top six this season, and if Shinawatra’s future is resolved relatively soon, prospects for the club look very good.
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TO WIN PREMIERSHIP:
Bet on Manchester City to win Premiership: $251.00 @ Bet365
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Match Previews 20-22 December:
Betzine UK is covering just the 15 games this weekend, with the Bundesliga shutting for the winter break.
Among the games are Arsenal against Liverpool at The Emirates, plus Everton's hosting of Chelsea.
read the Previews...:
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*** BETZINE UK RECORD ***
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*** LATEST PROMOTIONS ***
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Paddy Power
London Calling! (Sun 31st Aug)
If Deco scores at anytime, Paddy Power will refund all losing 1st /last goalscorer, correct score & scorecast singles on the match.
Click to open an account with Paddy Power
Read more about the promotion HERE
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Weekend Match Reports
Links to the match reports of games in the Premiership, Ligue 1 and Bundesliga
HERE
Starting this season; news feed for ALL Premiership teams available on Betzine UK
Read the news section HERE
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