MCFC 2012/2013: Reading v Manchester City

DATE: 14/05/13

KICK OFF: 20.00pm

VENUE: Madejski Stadium

PREDICTION: 0-1

Preview

An FA Cup lost. A manager 'relieved of his duties'. City have a lot of questions to answer on Tuesday evening.

Brian Kidd begins his short reign as City boss against an already relegated Reading side. The wicked saga of rumours finally came to a close yesterday evening as the club announced that Mancini was to leave. Citing failure to achieve any of the clubs stated targets as the main reason for his dismissal, Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak explained to the fans via the club's official website that the club needed to develop a 'holistic approach to all aspects of football'.

Although they're already Championship bound, the news will excite the Reading faithful who will be craving another Craven Cottage-like performance. The Royals thrashed a disappointing Fulham 4-2 ten days ago after going eleven games without a win. Spirits will be undeniably low in the City camp and Adkin's men will look to capitalise.

Brian Kidd's blues on the other hand will be hopeful of brightening up one of the most woeful weeks in the club's history. The Mancunian has been given the responsibility of leading the team into their last two league games and taking control of their summer tour in the USA at the end of the season.

There will be an interesting atmosphere in the City end of the Madejski tonight. They'll inevitably voice their opinions and sing the name of Mancini one last time. Let's hope it spurs the team on.

COME ON CITY!

Line-Up

Kidd will need to field his best XI if City are to guarantee 2nd spot. The blues only need a point tonight, but will demand that the likes of Yaya Toure, David Silva and Sergio Aguero (all of which failed to impress on Saturday) put in a performance.

Pablo Zabaleta is banned following his red card in the FA Cup Final, Micah Richards is in line to take his place.

Head to Head

Gareth Barry's injury time header was the difference between the two sides in the reverse fixture at the Etihad earlier in the season. The blues will be hoping to put in a better performance this time around.

In terms of history, the teams are fairly even. Reading have won three of the last five games between the sides; City have won twice.

Key Men

Hal Robson-Kanu

The Welshman has been instrumental for the Royals this season with 7 goals in 28 appearances from midfield. Although he hasn't been able to prevent them from relegation, his tenacity and eye for goal have characterised Reading's performances.

Carlos Tevez

Effort is key for City tonight and no one puts in more of that than Carlos Tevez. He was the stand out performer for the blues in their FA Cup Final loss and will need to drag his deflated teammates with his energy this evening.

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