While we’re always hesitant to rely on the ever-growing influence of Twitter, a recent tweet this evening has revealed some nuggets of team news ahead of tomorrow night’s City vs Stoke clash. The update from Daily Mail correspondent Ian Ladyman states that City will be without Mario Balotelli for the Eastlands meeting with Stoke but, perhaps more significantly, David Silva is rated as a doubt with a knee injury.
The Spanish playmaker was a popular pick ahead of City’s double fixture in gameweek 36, with Fantasy Managers holding for tomorrow night’s potentially profitable home encounter with the Potters. Rotation following Saturday’s FA Cup final was always likely to be a threat and it now appears that Silva is also carrying a knock that will make him an even more likely absentee.
Balotelli’s absence will likely see a start for Edin Dzeko up front with Ladyman also revealing that Carlos Tevez is set for a bench role. Adam Johnson looks set to come into the starting lineup on the right-flank and, there’s every possibility that Aleksandar Kolarov could be given a start on the left with Pablo Zabaleta covering at full-back. Shaun Wright-Phillips or James Milner offer Roberto Mancini further options.
Stoke City are also expected to shuffle their lineup for tomorrow evening’s game following Saturday’s exertions. Both Robert Huth and Matt Ethrington will be concerns having been patched up for the Cup Final, while Jermaine Pennant is a reported doubt with an ankle knock.
We can expect further news from both camps tomorrow of course.
