Ahead of Saturday’s clash with Middlesbrough at the Etihad, editor Jack Brain spoke to Sky Sports’ North East reporter, Keith Downie.
Here’s what he had to say.
Middlesbrough were on an eight-game winless run before their 2-0 win over Bournemouth. During that run, they showed signs of promise against Arsenal and Tottenham but couldn’t conjure a win. Why do you think that was?
I honestly think that they just play better against the bigger teams. If you look back at their record in the last couple of years (when they were in the Championship), they did really well in the cups against the bigger teams. As you know, they went to City in the FA Cup and won; they went to Liverpool and lost on penalties in the League Cup; they went to Arsenal and lost that night but played well. They seem to have a good structure and have a well-drilled defence that can soak up the pressure and then hit on the break. I think that they have struggled when it has come to forcing their style on the so-called smaller sides – the likes of Crystal Palace at home and Watford at home.
The second reason is that they have brought Adama Traore in for the last couple of games and I think that Aitor Karanka’s team is crying out for some pace. He came in against Arsenal, and he was so fast – it was ridiculous! I think at one point he outpaced Hector Bellerin, who is one of the fastest players in the league. That showed just how quick he was and I think that scares defenders. That allows gives more space to the likes of Gaston Ramirez and Alvaro Negredo, so the introduction of Traore has given them a different dimension. Because of their set-up against the bigger teams, I think that they will do well at City on Saturday. I look at Middlesbrough and think that they have more chance of winning the game away from home than at home.
Middlesbrough have a better defensive record than any of the other teams in the bottom half of the league. Do you think that their sturdy defence will be able to cope with the attacking power that City possess?
On the day, you can never play. City have some really world-class players and beating Barcelona a couple of days ago is a testament to that, but there is no doubt that Middlesbrough have some good defenders. Ben Gibson is rumoured to be getting his first England call-up for the upcoming matches, and Calum Chambers has been in the squad before so you have two good, young English defenders there. George Friend, Boro’s full-back, is also very good. He’s been there for three years now, and he’s improving year-on-year. On their day, I think that they could hold Man City, but I think that if Sergio Aguero comes up with his A-game, then there aren’t many defences that can stop him. I think that they’ve just got to hope that whoever plays in still tired from the Barcelona match and they can take advantage of that. However, I still think that the Gibson-Chambers centre-back partnership is one of the best in the Premier League. I think that they will continue to get better as the season goes on.
Different teams have dealt with(or not) Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City in different ways. What approach will Middlesbrough take – will they apply pressure when City are on the ball or will they look to absorb it?
Definitely the latter. I think that Traore will play again and it will be the same set up as it was against Arsenal – a 4-5-1 switching to a 4-3-3 when in possession. I think that Negredo will be the focal point of the attack and Traore and either Downing or Ramirez will run wings. Then, there will be a solid midfield three of Adam Clayton, Adam Forshaw and possibly Grant Leadbitter, who has been sidelined all season but returned to training in the last couple of weeks. As I’ve mentioned already, when you’ve got pace on the break like Traore and Ramirez then you can set up perfectly for counter-attacking football.
Fans’ favourite Alvaro Negredo is returning to the Etihad this weekend. How’s he been getting on so far?
He started off well and scored a couple of goals in his first few games, but he’s struggled recently. I don’t think he has scored in his last 5/6 games. He’s not had much support, though, with Karanka playing the 4-2-3-1 until the last few games. But, even now, Karanka still plays with one striker. I think that Negredo is better with a strike partner. Having David Nugent or Jordan Rhodes up front with him frees up more space for him. I think for a guy who is used to playing for teams that have a lot of the ball, it is going to take time for him to adjust to not getting as many touches of the ball. At times, he has looked isolated, but there’s no doubt that he will score goals. I think that he’ll score 10+ goals this season. He’ll be desperate to score on Saturday against his former employers – that’s for sure!
Which Boro player could trouble City the most and why?
I would say Traore for his pace, but Ramirez played well last week and scored a goal. Even so, Traore is your man. He has become a fans favourite practically overnight because he has only made 1/2 games, but with his blistering pace, I think that if there’s is one man that will trouble City then it will be him.
Finally, what’s your score prediction?
Hard to tell. I think that Middlesbrough have a chance of getting something but would bite your hand off for a draw. City might still be tired from Wednesday night, but that have the squad depth to bring in the likes of Kelechi Iheanacho and Jesus Navas and still have a great team. I think that they’ll have too much for Middlesbrough. I don’t think they’ll run away with it; I think that it will be close, but I do think that City will take the points. I must say, though, with the way that Middlesbrough set up, I would not be surprised if they took something from the game.
NOTE: Read Man City would like to thank Keith Downie for taking the time to speak to our editor, Jack Brain.
