Match Preview: Manchester City vs CSKA Moscow

Group Stage qualification just one win away for City in the Champions League

By Aaron Leggott

Following the 2-1 victory in Russia's capital city a fortnight ago, City and CSKA Moscow meet again at the Etihad Stadium with the Blues needing a win to ensure qualification from the Champions League for the first time in their history.

The reverse fixture between the teams was marred by hundreds of CSKA fans aiming racist abuse at Yaya Touré, and the Ivorian will probably be looking to silence the minority and help his team reach the knockout stages.

And following the 7-0 drubbing of Norwich City at the weekend, City come into the game in good form, winning four of the last five in all competitions.

Photo: Official MCFC Facebook

Manchester City 7 - 0 Norwich City: Thoughts and Ratings

By Adam Bailey

My thoughts

A good old mauling is something City haven't seen in a while, and so Saturday's 7-0 slaying of Norwich City unsurprisingly left us fans drooling. The Blues love scoring goals against the Canaries and we locked them firmly in their cage on Saturday afternoon in a magical performance in which David Silva majestically waved his wand.

Last weekend's late loss to Chelsea left a sour taste in the mouth and an authoritative response was required from Manuel's minions who are still hoping to march towards the Premier League crown. Pellegrini went with a sizzlingly strong squad with Costel Pantillimon occupying the space between the sticks. The inclusion of the big Romanian was expected and although I'd love to comment on his performance, he hardly touched the ball!

Photo: Official MCFC Facebook

Match Preview: Manchester City vs Norwich City

Hart set to be dropped for City's first home game in three weeks

By Aaron Leggott

Following a 2-0 victory against Newcastle United in the Capital One Cup, City are set to welcome Norwich City to the Etihad Stadium as Manuel Pellegrini's men prepare to play their first home game in three weeks.

Photo: Official MCFC Facebook

The win during midweek saw City progress to the quarter-finals of the cup - where they will play Leicester City - a performance which saw Costel Pantilimon replace a out-of-form Joe Hart in the goal. 

In Pellegrini's defence, Pantilimon was always expected to start in the league cup tie, but there is set to be a surprise as the big Romanian has been reported to be replacing Hart against Norwich to make his first Premier League start in City colours.

News: City sign Pantilimon

Earlier today, City completed the signing of Romanian goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon from Poli Timisoara as a replacement for recently departed Shay Given.

It is unknown what the actual transfer fee was for the 6ft 8 giant, but there are rumours flying around that we have paid around £2.5 million for the highly rated Romanian, who is the Romania's number one, ever since making his senior international debut in 2008.

He reportedly attracted some interest from Arsenal and Inter Milan ever since Timisoara were relegated to the Romanian second division last season because of accumulated debt, even though they actually finished 2nd. He chose City though, and we here at TSBV see it as a good deal.