FA Cup Semi-Final Preview: The View From Eastlands

Do you think Roberto Mancini’s the man for the job?

Yes. A lot is made about his ‘negative tactics’ but if you take a look at our goal difference (especially against that of the so called ‘great entertainers’ in Spurs) I think it is quite obvious that he has the club heading in the right direction. I feel like he did get it wrong on Monday against Liverpool but every manager makes mistakes and I am willing to back the manager and stand by his decisions. If you look at the good form of Richards, Lescott and the all round improvement in Adam Johnson’s game since Mancini took charge it shows he is certainly doing something right. For most City fans it is alien to watch a team who actually know how to defend but under Mancini we have built from the back and have a strong foundation to build upon.

Who would you like to see City buy in the Summer?

Well if Tevez goes we will be looking for a forward. There has been a lot of links with Alexis Sanchez but he is still young. I would also push the boat out and try and sign Leighton Baines who is in my opinion one of the best left-back’s in the world. Then there are more luxury buys like someone to step in to David Silva’s role every now and then, I actually think Elano would fit brilliantly into the team but it looks like his time at City came slightly too early.

What do you make of the Rooney ban, is it David Bernstein helping out his old club?

To be honest I think the ban was a little excessive, if it was to be a ban then one game would probably have done. They have set the standard now though and if there is any lack of consistency then they could face a massive backlash, especially where the media are concerned.

Your prediction for Saturday?

As I said before I think it’s one of the hardest games for a while to predict. If we can forget about Monday and go in to it with a lot of confidence then we certainly have the players who can step up to the task. If we get Adam Johnson and David Silva on the ball as much as possible then we are inevitably going to create chances. As far as Tevez absence goes; Balotelli’s played one game this season up front on his own and he scored a hat-trick.

How do you feel about it being at Wembley?

Well obviously United have the home advantage and it will make it a lot easier for United fans to just make the short walk home. In all seriousness though I’m not a fan. I think the semi’s should be played how they used to be, split between Villa Park and St. James’ and kicking off at exactly the same time. Half of the excitement was checking how the other games getting on and seeing who you could be playing next.

What are you hoping for next season?

Well primarily Champions League football. I do think we’ll be up there challenging on all fronts and with a few good summer buys I think it could possibly be the end of our 35 year wait for a trophy. Even winning the league cup will satisfy the large majority of City fans.

If you’re of the Blue persuasion check out Stu’s site ‘Now We’re No Longer Alone’ or follow him on twitter @stu_yearsley

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