In my opinion, Parker should definitely get that deep role in midfield. Carrick is a great passer of the ball, but I think Parker is the best of the two defensively, he's really a great battler and can cover large areas. As for the tournament, I have a soft spot for Italy and hope either them or Spain can overcome their problems with the championships. The problem is that they've made themselves so dependant of Totti's brilliance. (which really should be unneeded, considering the likes of Pirlo, Luca Toni, Gilardino, Cassano, Camoranesi etc. in the side) Totti is definitely capable of securing a trophy for Italy, but he also has his bad days - which the European Championship showed - and when Italy's tactics are so dependant of him, it can blow up in their faces. That being said, if Totti has the championship he is capable of having, I think Italy can be a major competitor for the title.

Well, he did moan himself to a yellow card didn't he? I think both Lucas and Savage played them onside, it was a perfectly timed pass from Benayoun. The marking by Savage wasn't top notch though, Harewood could easily draw back to head in their goal.

You mean the Walkers? In all seriousness, I can't say I blame him. And this has, as you probably understand, nothing to do with you, but with his position as a well-known footballer. Sure, it's nice if they stop and chat with the fans, but even with their wages -> they're human, and I'm sure most of us would get tired of these kind of things. I certainly don't blame him for trying to leave the ground unnoticed. (might be better off with a rovers shirt and a caps though)

Also, Thompson has played two times for the reserves this season. Maybe the coaches who see the players day in, day out has seen something that you've missed, Unleaded? Oh, and saying "this guy is so fat and the academy is doing nothing about it" is both very rude to a 17 year old boy you've seen once (?) and (unless you have very good contacts within the academy) at best speculative.

Jemal doesn't seem to break into the first team just yet, so I guess this deal might happen - considering our deal with Cercle.

Kelvin Etuhu scored three, Grimes, Williams and Marshall the three others - according to mcfc.co.uk.

Slight sidenote, Pardew is refusing to sell Anton Ferdinand according to the media, believing that even a 15 million pound bid would be rejected. 15 millions??

The media, fans, players and managers can say what they want for all I care- we've got three points and a leap away from the bottom five-six teams. That's what counts, and on Saturday we want three more.

Fantastic result, that's what counts! Good to see us get three goals, and horrifying to see our defensive game. Zura was truly awful, not the assured centerback without a muscling Nelsen or Todd alongside him. Neill did okay in his new position, but I feel him and Zura are too similar to play in a 2 man central defence. Reid did allright aswell, a bit late on Zamora's goal though. Others.. Tugay a bit complacent and dragged the tempo down in the first half, better in the second. Silly yellow card, both him and Dickov. Savage did well, worked hard and had a few good attempts on goal from set pieces. Bentley wasn't too much involved 1st half, a neat through chip to Dickov who (according to the linesman) was offside. Worked hard and did okay, all things considered. Nelsen or/and Todd hopefully back next match, and our solid defense will come back with them.

Gally's scored a penalty for Stoke, who's 3-2 up. Forgot the match, it's actually broadcasted here in Norway for some reason:)

Reid and a fit Toogs next match? Get Thommo and Kuqi in there. Friedel Zura, Nelsen, Todd Emerton, Thompson, Reid, Gamst Pedersen Bentley Kuqi, Bellamy

No that was a dislocated knee cap methinks.

Yet you did!

Kuqi is picked over Gally because Gally is on loan at Stoke. Oh, and because Kuqi can muscle way for Bellamy, whilst Gally is at best lightweight. Why you constantly claim Hughes is no fan I don't know, everyone who saw Gally in the Prem last season must've seen that he's a talented player, who was in need of first team experience. We can't afford giving him that right now, so hopefully he can benefit from his loan move and come back to claim a place next season. I think you are talking about Justin Hoyte btw, who's a right back?

Sunderland? Everton, Fulham, Portsmouth, Charlton, Bolton and in fact Tottenham are all one-home-grown teams though.. It's all coincidences though, no one wants Hibbert, Knight, O'Neil and Nolan - that's why they're still there

All of them good backup players though, perhaps with the exception of Taylor - who really had great talent, but wasn't learned how to use it The last few months we've been bringing in quite a few youngsters from outside UK. Do you think that would've happened without the academy? With so many youngsters, with so many youth caps, I'm sure one or two of them will come up and do a job for us.

Can't remember the game he was axed for tbh, but I do remember him doing very well in the first few games after his debut. So can't really blame him for being disappointed in being axed - and surely Souey didn't talk him through it, it was never his style was it? Not sure what you mean though, drog, I sense some sarcasm but it might also be my imagination fecking with me Anyway, it seems like he's put those little problems behind him, I truly hope he returns to claim a place in the team soon. Good to see Gally scoring again, and I'm a bit bemused that Douglas isn't playing - I thought Leeds had severe injury problems? Any reports on their game then, Rover6?

Come on, we can't compare ourselves to those relegation scrappers! I guess we'll settle for one point, making it four out of the last five unbeaten. Skysports reckon' MGP was our best attacking player today, which makes good reading - been a bit worried of his lack of form recently. His allround game has never been that outstanding, but he's vital considering the lack of competition down that side..

Those of you waiting for David James to mess up, I think you will be disappointed. Fact is, James has been very consistant for City, it's when he's called up to the national team he's had his worst matches. James has probably been one of the best goalkeepers in the Premiership, I'm pretty sure if you ask a City-fan - he wouldn't swap him for any other 'keeper in the Prem. (perhaps with the exception of Cech)

Why do bad things always happen to nice people?

Erm.. yes, his brother. Which might be millionpints' point exactly?

Explanation needed.

Keane wouldn't give us much imo, at least not enough for us to spend 70-100k a week on him. And as said above, it's abroad or retirement. Good riddance.

Fascinating to read opponents preview's - seems like everyone thinks of Tugay as a "kicker" in midfield. Let's hope Psycho thinks so aswell, they'll be in for a surprise

Friedel Zura, Todd, Nelsen, Gray Reid/Bentley, Savage, Tugay, Gamst Pedersen Dickov, Bellamy Prefer having Zura in centre of defence, but if both the Admiral and Todd is fit - it's not too likely that Reid is pulled down to right back. (where he has played well before)