Filed under: Blackburn Rovers, Manchester City, Premier League, Football, Match Previews
PREMIER LEAGUE: EWOOD PARK, SATURDAY OCTOBER 1, 2011. KICK-OFF: 1500 BST The drama which unfolded on the visitors substitutes bench at the Allianz Arena may have deflected attention away from
Roberto Mancini's tactical failings in Germany.
But there will be no hiding place for the Manchester City manager and his players when they look to put a terrible week behind them against Blackburn.
Mancini will not need reminding that the last time his side returned to domestic action after a Champions League game they blew a 2-0 lead at Fulham.
And that was with
Edin Dzeko and
Carlos Tevez in the side.
Tevez will definitely be missing as an investigation into his alleged refusal to come on as a substitute during the 2-0 defeat against Bayern Munich continues.
And Bosnian striker Dzeko is sweating on a place in the side after his behaviour when hauled off in Germany.
Dzeko has since issued an apology, but it remains to be seen whether Mancini, who was less than impressed with the players's actions, is in a forgiving mood after the most testing week of his reign.
Yet Mancini knows that failure to defeat Blackburn will only increase the pressure, and he may have no choice but to play Dzeko, who scored the winner in the corresponding fixture last seaon.
Mancini is not the only manager feeling the heat.
Despite masterminding a dramatic comeback victory over Arsenal recently, Blackburn's
Steve Kean remains a manager under pressure after last week's disappointing 3-1 defeat against Newcastle.
There will be a familiar face missing from the home dug-out.
Assistant manager
John Jensen had his contract extended in the summer, but the club confirmed his departure on Thursday.
The reasoning behind the decision has yet to be discovered but Kean, who brought the Dane to the club in January, will be hoping it does not disrupt his players.
Key Match-up: Yakubu v
Joe Hart: City keeper Hart was one of the few positives from the defeat in Germany, with the England international making a host of quality saves. And while Hart will not expect to be as busy at Ewood Park, he will have to be on alert to ensure Yakubu does not add to the two goals he scored against Arsenal.
Form Guide: City have scored 19 goals in six league games, their only blip coming in a draw away at Fulham. A hard-fought win over Everton last week proved their ability to grind out results.But will they suffer from a Munich hangover? After a first league victory against Arsenal, Blackburn returned to old habits last week with a 3-1 defeat at Newcastle.
Odds: Blackburn 5/1, Manchester City 8/13, Draw 11/4
BLACKBURN: Kean reckons he may have to turn to fringe players as his injury problems mount.
Michel Salgado and
Gael Givet both picked up injuries during the defeat at Newcastle and are doubts, while
Ryan Nelsen continues to struggle with a knee problem.
Kean said: "Some of the players who perhaps haven't had much of a run this season could get their chance. Obviously if the injuries tot up then the lads that have the opportunity have to grab that.
"If they get given the chance then they have to take it. These are the times when you look at the depth of the squad. Thankfully we have other players in these positions and they can come in and play."
Kean admits his side also have to put last week's poor display at Newcastle behind them as they prepare to welcome City.
"It was a disappointing result because we felt we could go to Newcastle and get something. I do think though the way we came back into the game was positive.
"But we will go again against Manchester City full of confidence."
Strategy: Rovers know they are up against it, but will look to take advantage after the traumatic week their opponents have endured. Yakubu is expected to start up front on his own despite being somewhat isolated last week at Newcastle.
Injury Update: Salgado (hamstring) and Givet (leg) are doubts, while Nelson (knee) remains sidelined.
David Dunn (calf),
Morten Gamst Pedersen (thigh) and
David Goodwillie (thigh) are expected to be available after injury.
MANCHESTER CITY: Mancini has continued his hardline stance over the ongoing row regarding Tevez's alleged refusal to play by insisting it is 'not my problem'.
The Italian claimed that Tevez was 'finished' after the Bayern Munich defeat.
Tevez in a statement blamed "confusion on the bench" for the "misunderstanding", denying he refused to play in Munich.
But Mancini does not appear to have softened his views over the matter.
"It is finished," said Mancini.
"I am the manager, our focus is regarding the Premier League, the Champions League and the FA Cup.
"Other things - it is not my problem."
Tevez has been suspended for two weeks by City as they investigate the chain of events before making a decision on the future of the Argentina international.
Mancini is trying to draw a line under the unsavoury incident and insists he is focused on helping City achieve success.
"Blackburn is an important game," he added at the pre-match press conference where the media were warned not to ask questions about Tevez.
"It will be difficult but we have to try and win."
Strategy: This is all about City attempting to return to show it is business as usual following this week's extraordinary events. A strong performance is required to send out a clear message that Mancini's is squad remains united.
Mario Balotelli may make his first league start while the quality of
David Silva and
Sergio Aguero ought to prove too much for Blackburn.
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Source: http://www.fanhouse.co.uk/2011/09/30/blackburn-v-man-city-preview-mancini-insists-carlos-tevez-not/
Nemanja Vidic
At least France had their wobbly moment in a game with little consequence. The French were shambolic and chaotic against Tonga yet they still sneak through to the quarter finals.
Manchester City brushed aside all talk of 
On the surface, 
Sir Alex Ferguson
Tommy Fleetwood