A lofty Serbian scapegoat of a striker endears himself to the Birmingham faithful by scuffing a winning goal against local rivals Villa to seal passage to the last four of the Carling Cup. The Baggies won’t be there to meet them however, they bounced out to Championship Ipswich, paying the price for a second string eleven by whimpering out to a 1-0 deficit.
The more illustrious backdrop of the Europa League meanwhile, saw Man City progress to the last 32 with a decisive victory and a brace for the emerging Mario Balotelli and some solo brilliance from the forgotten Adam Johnson…
Alex McLeish demonstrated his commitment to the competition by fielding a full strength side against Villa at St Andrews. Alexander Hleb missed out through injury, allowing Nikola Zigic to come in up front. Zigic once again failed to convince and was often the target for the home crowd’s frustration – that was of course before his late deflected winner. That goal could well buy him further opportunities to lead the attack, starting with the home clash with Spurs this weekend, although much will depend on Hleb’s availability.
Seb Larsson, the scorer of last night’s opening goal from the spot suffered what appeared to be a groin injury and he looks a likely doubt for the visit of Spurs. Craig Gardner, the crowd favourite who was greeted with a warm welcome on a freezing night when he replaced Lee Bowyer on the hour-mark, could well profit with a start as a result.
Gerard Houllier also put out, what is for him right now, a strong side. Ciaran Clark, Barry Bannan and Jonathan Hogg were once again given opportunities in an inexperienced midfield, keeping the likes of Robert Pires and Simon Ireland benched. Gabby Agbonlahor returned to lead the attack with Carew ousted.
Ashley Young picked up his fifth booking of the season in last night’s game and will miss the trip to Anfield this weekend – a major blow for Houllier’s men and a factor that surely boosts Liverpool’s clean sheet potential for the Gameweek. James Collins picked up his fourth booking and is one yellow away from a ban.
Barry Bannan also picked up a groin problem with Houllier revealing that will go into the weekend as another possible absentee.
Roberto Di Matteo’s approach to their Quarter-Final at Ipswich certainly differed to the Baggies’ Midland rivals. The Italian fielded an array of second string players including Boaz Myhill in goal, Abdoulaye Meite and James Hurst in defence, while Steven Reid and Simon Cox also earned opportunities. From a Fantasy perspective there was little to gain from the teamsheet or performance; West Brom were disappointing but it seems unlikely to impact on their showing when Newcastle visit at the weekend. Fantasy Managers will at least have been pleased to see the likes of Chris Brunt and Peter Odemwingie rested here – they looked nailed-on for starts at the Hawthorns against the Magpies and will surely be the protagonists in attacking terms.
Mario Balotelli’s brace grabbed the headlines in the 3-0 Europa League win over Salzburg. City put on a strong performance with the Italian striker looking a menace throughout – his goals, form assists from Pablo Zabaleta and Patrick Vieira – will further boost his reputation and he is undoubtedly on our radars as an alternative to Carlos Tevez for City’s forthcoming run of kind opponents.
The bulk of Roberto Mancini’s post match comments were not surprisingly reserved for Balotelli…
“Mario can play better than that…I am delighted with the goals he scored but he can play better. The fact that he didn’t celebrate is just him. It is normal for him to score. He does it every day. I think he can run more, take more of his chances and choose different options sometimes when passing. I know there is more to come.”
Adam Johnson was also on the manager’s mind after he staked a claim for a regular starting role with a superb solo effort for City’s third. Mancini was happy to acknowledge Johnson’s contribution but once again, couldn’t resist playing down the winger’s ability…
“They [Johnson and Balotelli] could become among the best players in the world, strong players. They need to work hard all the time. They both scored fine goals but they must carry on…In years to come Adam may look back and think ‘Roberto was correct’. I hope that he knows I say these things because I believe in Adam.”
Whether Mancini beleives in him enough to hand him another start at the weekend is doubtful; Johnson could well find himself back on the bench for the visit of Bolton, as Mancini seems set to draft David Silva back into his starting XI having rested him against Salzburg. The likes of Aleksandar Kolarov, Gareth Barry, Nigel De Jong, Vincent Kompany, Joe Hart and of course Carlos Tevez, are all set for recalls against the in-form Trotters; all were rested in last night’s game. Balotelli could well be a doubt for City with reports of a slight hamstring problem.
