City relieved to be in good Kompany
Reporter: Les Chapman
Date published: 31 January 2012
The City kit boss and former Latics star writes every week for Chron Sport
VINCENT Kompany returns to the heart of Manchester City’s defence tonight when we travel to Everton in the Barclays Premier League.
Our skipper is a class act. We have certainly missed him during his four-match suspension for a harsh red card received in the FA Cup defeat to United.
That feels like a long time ago. I am sure his presence at the back will boost our title aspirations. He has trained well over the last few weeks so there isn’t much danger of him being short of fitness.
Unfortunately, another key player, Mario Balotelli, is absent after receiving a retrospective ban for a perceived kick aimed at Tottenham’s Scott Parker.
But this is where having a good squad comes in handy and I am sure we can shuffle the pack tonight.
Everton have been one of our jinx teams over recent years both at home and at Goodison Park.
However, David Moyes’ side have actually been better on their travels this term, so hopefully the trend continues for a little while longer.
Our record there is not great but I do believe we are much stronger now than we were on previous trips to Everton.
Wherever we go we are confident of coming away with a positive result.
The players have also had an extra few days without a match due to our elimination from the FA Cup in the third round.
The fourth round was full of drama at the weekend, with United out of the competition following a 2-1 defeat at Liverpool.
I believe Kenny Dalglish’s side can go all the way in the FA Cup. It is probably between the Anfield outfit, Chelsea and Tottenham this time around.
Liverpool played very well against us last week, knocking us out of the League Cup to reach a Wembley final against npower Championship outfit Cardiff City.
Don’t be surprised if they do the double, which would be a good achievement for Kenny in his first full season back at the helm.
And for the neutrals, it is probably a more interesting competition now both Manchester clubs have departed.
