MCFC 2012/2013: Manchester City v Norwich City

DATE: 19/05/13

KICK OFF: 16.00pm

VENUE: Etihad Stadium

PREDICTION: 3-0

Preview

Norwich City visit the Etihad on Sunday afternoon as Brian Kidd's 'holistic' army prepare to close the curtains on a fairly disappointing season.

But at least City fans can relax. This time last season, the blues were heading into the final day needing three points to secure their first league title in 44 years.

However, I think we'd take last seasons scenario any day of the week. If both Manchester clubs end their season with victories, 10 points will be the title winning gap. So what went wrong?

On paper, United's team looks ridiculously inferior to ours, but they played for their manager, they played for the shirt and they played for ultimate revenge on the team that broke their hearts last year. Unfortunately, we adopted a style of play full to the brim with complacency. We went into the season thinking we'd already won it. Lethargy and sloppiness saturated our style of play and we most certainly did not play for our manager. Although many fans will disagree, Roberto Mancini is to blame for a number of these problems, and that's why he is no longer here with us.

But it's onwards and upwards for City. As we prepare to welcome proven player pleaser Manuel Pellegrini and an additional 12,000 seats into the Etihad, we definitely have something to look forward to next season. Players such as Edinson Cavani, Fernandinho and Isco have been linked with the club and could be running around in sky blue come August. It is a time of change for City, and a time we as fans must get excited about.

Talking of excitement, seven goals were scored the last time these two sides met. Edin Dzeko netted after just two minutes and his goal sparked a flurry of attacking football that made for a phenomenal spectacle at Carrow Road. The blues finished the game as 4-3 winners, however with Hughton's men safe from relegation, Kidd's side will be expecting a much more comfortable game this time round in front of a full home crowd.

COME ON CITY!

Line-Up

Zabaleta returns from suspension whilst Kolo Toure is ruled out due to an injury he picked up against Reading.

Vincent Kompany and Matija Nastasic were rested against Reading and could partner each other in defence once again on Sunday. City fans will be expecting their money's worth and will want to see the best eleven on show.

Head to Head

In the last four meetings between the sides, City have knocked a staggering total of 18 goals in 4 games past the Canaries.

Norwich last beat the blues in August 2001 with a 2-0 win at Carrow Road. Maybe a Delia Smith 'let's be 'avin' you' pre match speech will plug a leaky Norwich defence.

Key Men

David Silva

The Spaniard looked back to his sparkling best against Reading with a skillful man of the match performance. His assist for Dzeko's goal was reminiscent of his magical 2011/2012 season and will hopefully be a sign of things to come for an all important 2013/2014 campaign.

Robert Snodgrass

The Scot will have felt aggrieved not to have been shortlisted for PFA Player of the Year. Although he would have been unlikely to win it, his performances this season have kept the Canaries firmly above the relegation places.

Fantasy Premier League Leaders

Carlos Tevez 168 points

Joe Hart 156 points
David Silva 146 points