Scunthorpe United Vs Manchester City- FA Cup 4th Round Preview

The FA Cup returns to conclude a dramatic week of cup action, with Scunthorpe hosting a buoyant Manchester City side, on Sunday (16:00).

With some 3rd Round fixtures only being completed this week due to the adverse weather conditions earlier this month, coupled with two dramatic Carling Cup semi-finals, the advert for cup football has never been stronger.

Aston Villa completed a magnificent comeback in the Carling Cup to overcome Blackburn, booking a place at Wembley for the first time in 10 years, knowing they will face one of the Manchester clubs. City on the other hand delighted the blue half of Manchester with a 2-1 victory at Eastlands over local rivals Manchester United. Much has been talked about the Citizens lack of silverware, 34 years to be precise; however the two Manchester sides have had differing fortunes in the Domestic cups this year, with this perhaps being their best opportunity to bring down the banner at Old Trafford, which clearly outlines their lack of success in recent years.

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The FA Cup is another opportunity for City to take advantage of this, as they face struggling Championship side Scunthorpe, who currently lie in 20^th place in the league, whereas rivals United were knocked out by Leeds United, of League One, in Round 3.

Inspirational Carlos Tevez, who scored both goals against United in midweek, could be rested by Mancini for the trip to Glanford Park, with Benjani a possible replacement, providing West Hams reported interest is not followed up prior to kick off.

19 year old Belgian, Dedryck Boyata, could start again, with Mancini looking favourably upon the youngster, so City’s injury worries could be eased slightly with his emergence. Another figure that could be in line for a start is Robinho, despite not featuring on Tuesday and his humiliation at being substituted at Everton last week, the Manchester City boss may test his commitment to the cause by handing him a start, and also using it as an opportunity to rest Craig Bellamy.

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Nedum Onuoha is also in line for a start after coming on against United and the same applies to veteran Sylvinho, as Mancini still has Bridge and Lescott unavailable, with Kolo Toure still on International duty. However, on a positive note, Emmanuel Adebayor could return to action over the next 10 days, following the attack on his team bus at the African Nations Cup.

New signing Patrick Vieira is touch and go to make his debut, following a calf strain which he brought with him, following his switch from the San Siro. Moving in the same direction, from AC Milan this time, could be former Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini, also reportedly on an initial loan to the end of the season. Mancini also voiced his interest in Fernando Gago of Real Madrid, stating both were “possible” short term moves for the Eastlands club, meaning if one, or both moves were to come off, the likes of Barry, De Jong, Zabaleta and Johnson would face stiff competition for places.

Scunthorpe however, have struggled in the Championship this season and after beating Barnsley in the 3rd Round, will welcome a money spinning home tie against City.

Currently lying in 20th place in the league, the second half of the season could be even longer than the first for the supporters. However, Nigel Adkins will be expecting a full house as The Irons look to turn their season around with a cup run.

The Championship side have not lost in their last 3 games, starting with the 1-0 victory against Barnsley, in this very competition. The supporters will no doubt be in somewhat of a catch twenty two situation, as the likes of Robinho and Vieira lining up under the lights on Sunday would be a great sight, however in the backs of their minds, perhaps would like to see a number of first team players rested.

Scunthorpe will be waiting on the fitness off both Josh Wright and Rob Jones with Cliff Byrne likely to start at centre half. Michael O’Connor will miss out through suspension and also set to be on the sidelines for the Irons is Joe Murphy, who has been struggling with a shoulder injury. Josh Lillis is therefore likely to start between the post for Scunthorpe, with the hope of keeping a City side brimming with confidence, at bay. If Lillis manages to do this, it will be Scunthorpe’s first trip to the 5^th Round in 40 years.

An away win for Manchester City looks the most likely result on Sunday, however after the performances by Leeds and Reading respectively in the 3rd Round, knocking out Manchester United and Liverpool, the bookies won’t be counting their takings just yet. Following those stand-out performances in the last round and the gripping games in mid-week, it appears after all the doom and gloom about the cup competitions having lost their magic, there could be life in the old dog yet. Roberto Mancini and Adkins will both be aware that this game, along with the other ties this weekend, is by no means a formality but with City coming into this one on the back of a derby victory and with their whole squad with something to prove to the new manager, the blues short odds could be justified.

This entry was posted on Friday, January 22nd, 2010 at 6:32 pm by Lyndon Roberts.