Manchester City

Dunne accepts anger of City fans
Manchester City's Richard Dunne admits he and his team-mates deserved the abuse by their own fans after their dismal 4-0 loss at Wigan on Saturday. Skipper Dunne also scored an own goal as Wigan inflicted City's heaviest defeat of the season. \"The fans are so loyal and behind us that when they do turn on the players, it is even more noticeable and hits us quite hard,\" he told the club website. \"Having said that, it is what we should expect and what we deserve.\" Even chairman John Wardle labelled the performance as 'an embarrassment', warning any repeat would not be tolerated, while manager Stuart Pearce admitted there would be no shirking of responsibility for him or his players. \"We didn't perform,\" added Dunne. \"It was a terrible start and we never realistically looked like getting back into the game. \"I was angry, everyone in the dressing room was angry with themselves because, on the day, no-one performed. We have to look at ourselves and admit it was not good enough.\" However, there is a glimmer of hope for City ahead of Monday's Premiership game against Middlesbrough, with as many as five players back from injury. \"We are hoping as many as possible will return to training by the end of the week, including Hatem Trabelsi, Stephen Ireland, Sylvain Distin, Claudio Reyna and, probably, DaMarcus Beasley,\" confirmed Pearce. Ben Thatcher will also be available, having completed his eight-match ban.

Man City v Middlesbrough
Ben Thatcher is back in contention for Manchester City after serving an eight-match ban for his challenge on Portsmouth's Pedro Mendes in August. Sylvain Distin, Daruis Vassell, Nedum Onuoha, Hatem Trabelsi and DaMarcus Beasley should be fit after injuries. Middlesbrough will be without striker Mark Viduka who has a broken toe and has been ruled out for six weeks. Chris Riggott and Malcolm Christie have returned to full training after ankle injuries but may lack match fitness. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Man City (from): Weaver, Hart, M Mills, Onuoha, Richards, Dunne, Distin, Thatcher, Jordan, Sinclair, Trabelsi, Barton, Hamann, Reyna, Beasley, Samaras, Corradi, Vassell, Dickov. Middlesbrough (from): Schwarzer, Turnbull, Davies, Parnaby, Riggott, Woodgate, Huth, Pogatetz, Bates, Taylor, Arca, Boateng, Cattermole, Morrison, Mendieta, Rochemback, Euell, Parlour, Johnson, Yakubu, Maccarone, Christie.

Man City 1-0 Middlesbrough
Richard Dunne's first-half goal was enough for Manchester City to record their first win in four games. The City skipper rose to head in Joey Barton's corner on 24 minutes to lift the pressure on boss Stuart Pearce. Pearce included Ben Thatcher in his starting line-up after his eight-match ban, but the defender was virtually untroubled as the visitors toiled. Boro substitute Massimo Maccarone hit the post twice late on but City held on for a welcome win. They did so in front of a crowd of 36,720, the lowest for a City Premiership home game since they left Maine Road in 2003. Those who opted to stay at home will not be regretting their decision after this uninspiring affair. Before the game, Pearce had hit out at the \"farcical\" pressure on Premiership managers following a week in which he had come under fire for City's 4-0 defeat at Wigan. If he wanted to deflect attention away from himself, he did so by including Thatcher in his team for the first time since the defender's horrifying challenge on Portsmouth's Pedro Mendes on 23 August. Thatcher, though, was anonymous in the first half as Boro struggled to impose themselves on the game. City made a predictably nervous start but they sprung to life when Paul Dickov raced down the left channel, only to see his chip over keeper Mark Schwarzer go wide. Moments later, Georgios Samaras burst clear down the opposite side but Schwarzer denied the Greek striker from a tight angle. The pressure told only a minute later when Dunne, who had endured a torrid time against Wigan, rose to head in Barton's corner. Boro desperately needed to improve after the break, and they did - if only slightly. However, with Yakubu and Jason Euell struggling to form a cohesive partnership up front, the visitors were always looking to pick up scraps. Meanwhile, Dickov was demonstrating the determination that had been so lacking in City's capitulation against Wigan. The diminuitive Scot was inexplicably penalised when he appeared to be fouled by Emanuel Pogatetz and was booked for his protests. But shortly after, the striker almost created the second goal when he won the ball on the right and fed Trevor Sinclair, but the winger's pass to Samaras lacked pace and Boro were able to clear. A turgid game provided some welcome entertainment in the closing minutes, with Darius Vassell squandering two good chances to wrap up victory for City. At the other end, Maccarone hit the same post twice - meaning Boro still ended the game without a shot on target. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Manchester City manager Stuart Pearce on the recent media speculation over his job: \"I've had no pressure internally, from the fans or chairman. \"It comes from the media and it's good for coverage, but it wears a bit thin. \"We know what we've got to do and I'll be judged come May. The players put themselves under pressure after Wigan, but I have to admire their character.\" Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate: \"I thought City were there to be beaten but we didn't start well enough and didn't deserve to win the game in the end. \"We had a good go at the end and might have nicked a goal but it's debatable whether we would have deserved it. \"We seemed a bit lifeless in the first half which is not something I expect. It's disappointing to say the least.\" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Man City: Weaver, Richards, Dunne, Distin, Thatcher, Beasley (Vassell 71), Barton, Reyna (Trabelsi 80), Sinclair, Dickov (Corradi 85), Samaras. Subs Not Used: Hart, Hamann. Booked: Dickov, Barton. Goals: Dunne 23. Middlesbrough: Schwarzer, Parnaby (Bates 22), Woodgate, Huth, Pogatetz, Euell, Cattermole (Morrison 66), Boateng, Rochemback (Maccarone 74), Downing, Yakubu. Subs Not Used: Turnbull, Arca. Booked: Pogatetz, Huth, Rochemback, Boateng. Att: 36,720 Ref: H Webb (S Yorkshire).

Charlton v Man City
Striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and midfielder Omar Pouso are pushing for places in the Charlton starting team. Jerome Thomas faces a late fitness test on his bruised hip and the game comes too soon for fit-again defenders Djimi Traore, Gonzalo Sorondo and Cory Gibbs. Manchester City manager Stuart Pearce could name an unchanged side for the first time in 29 games. Ben Thatcher is likely to retain his place in the side after returning from an eight-match suspension. Charlton (from): Carson, Young, Hreidarsson, El Karkouri, Diawara, Rommedahl, Faye, Reid, Kishishev, Holland, Hughes, M Bent, Hasselbaink, D Bent, Andersen, Fortune, Ambrose, Thomas, Pouso. Manchester City (from): Weaver, Hart, M Mills, Onuoha, Richards, Dunne, Distin, Thatcher, Jordan, Sinclair, Trabelsi, Barton, Hamann, Reyna, Beasley, Samaras, Corradi, Vassell, Dickov. # Charlton manager Iain Dowie: \"We are in an upwardly mobile direction as we have not lost in our last three games and there is a belief in the team. \"We believe we should have done better - but it is up to us to deliver now. \"We have got to be positive and energetic. If we do that hopefully we will win.\" # Manchester City boss Stuart Pearce: \"Iain Dowie's a very well organised manager and like ourselves he has brought in a lot of players over the summer. They will take a little while to settle in. \"There was always going to be a transitional period and there are signs they are coming out of that now. \"It will be a tough game for us at Charlton, Iain mentioned us straight after their game at Newcastle thinking there are points available, looking at our away form.\"

Weaver keen to stay at Man City
Manchester City goalkeeper Nicky Weaver wants to stay at the club. The 27-year-old is out of contract next summer but told the official Manchester City magazine: \"I would love to stay here beyond this season.\" Weaver has featured in all but one of City's fixtures this season after four years out with knee problems. \"I have to convince everyone that I can stay fit and focused and the best way I can do that is to play in the Premiership and keep clean sheets.\" He added: \"If I do that then hopefully the manager will offer me a new deal.\" Weaver has capitalised on the prolonged injury absence of £2m summer-signing Andreas Isaksson. The Englishman has been at City for almost a decade and was with the club when they sank to the third tier of English football in 1998. \"I have been in Manchester all my adult life and will have been here 10 years come April,\" he confirmed. \"I don't know much different. I have seen the club in good times and bad. \"It has been incredibly good to me and of course I want to extend that relationship. \"The players who leave here and go to a bigger and better club are few and far between. \"Normally, when they leave they go downhill. I don't want to leave. I want to stay here and fight for my place.\"

Man City 0-0 Newcastle
Manchester City and Newcastle ground out a goalless draw that would have done neither of the Premiership strugglers any favours. Substitute Bernardo Corradi and Joey Barton came closest to breaking the deadlock for City. Barton had a low drive drift wide and half-volley tipped over by keeper Steve Harper, while Corradi headed wide twice and had a toe-poked effort saved. Newcastle's Kieron Dyer had a shot blocked by Micah Richards at the death. For those who ventured to Eastlands, with particular reference to the ones who travelled from the North East, they must have wondered whether staying in bed would have been the better option following a turgid first half. Both City and the Magpies have enjoyed better periods in their history and judging by their performances on Saturday, it will be a while before they see another. The Magpies started brightly with some slick passing and tigerish tackling, but that lasted all of 10 minutes before tension and slack control took over. City had the best and only chances of the opening half, with the lively Barton coming close on a couple of occasions. The diminutive star of the side first saw his shot creep wide of keeper Harper's right-hand post. He came closer moments later when a half-volley from the edge of the area had to be palmed over the bar by the Newcastle shot-stopper. City's Claudio Reyna also had a half chance, but after good control inside the area he scuffed his effort against defender Peter Ramage. Things had to get better after the break, and they did, marginally. Both sides made tactical changes early on with the home side bringing on forwards Corradi and Georgios Samaras while Newcastle boss Glenn Roeder opting to add Dyer and Charles N'Zogbia to the field of play. It was Corradi, though, who looked the liveliest and came close to giving his side the lead on three occasions. Two of his efforts came from headers that drifted narrowly wide of Harper's goal but his best chance fell to him inside the six-yard area when a goalbound poked shot had to be saved at the second time of asking by Harper. Newcastle almost stole all three points at the death, but first Dyer had a shot blocked by Richards and then Nolberto Solano's 20-yard drive was deflected just wide by team-mate Antoine Sibierski. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Newcastle boss Glenn Roeder: \"In the opening 45 minutes we looked tired but we survived without conceding up to half-time. \"But the longer the game went on the stronger we became and as the game opened up and became more stretched we passed the ball a lot better. \"The lads could sense there was the chance to win the game late on and we did have two opportunities. \"On the balance of play it is a point gained rather than two lost.\"

Pearce ready to take Distin risk
Manchester City boss Stuart Pearce is willing to risk losing defender Sylvain Distin for nothing as he tries to persuade him to stay at the club. Distin, 28, has failed to sign a new deal to take him beyond this season. The Frenchman could leave for nothing next summer if he does not agree a deal but Pearce said he would not cash in on him in the January transfer window. \"I would rather keep him here and, if he leaves for nothing, that is just the way it goes,\" Pearce said. Distin has made more than 170 appearances for City since joining from Paris St Germain in 2002. Pearce added: \"If it takes me until the last day of his contract to persuade him to stay that is fine.\" The defender was linked with a move to Middlesbrough in the summer, but opted to stay with City. Pearce added: \"When Sylvain told us he didn't want to go to Middlesbrough I instantly looked upon that as giving me extra time to convince him he should follow the other top players who want to be part of this club. \"And I know Sylvain likes playing for us and I know his family is happy in the area. \"But the thing that will persuade him to sign a new contract is not words from me, it is the performances of the team he is part of. \"I honestly believe he will stay but we have to get enough positive results to make sure it happens.\"

Man City 'in takeover discussion'
Manchester City look set to be the next Premiership club to be the subject of a takeover after revealing they have opened talks with investors. Chairman John Wardle said at City's annual general meeting: \"We are currently in talks with an investor that may lead to potential investment.\" SSB understands that one of the interested parties talking to City is an individual. And it is believed they could be ready to launch a £70m takeover of the club. It is no secret that City have been searching for new investment. And chief executive Alistair Mackintosh has recently borne the brunt of fans' frustration at the lack of money available at the club. City have been struggling to compete financially with similar-sized rivals - and that could worsen following the recent takeovers at Aston Villa and West Ham. Wardle added: \"The board is aware that we need further investment to maintain our challenge in an increasingly competitive and high-finance Premier League.\" And it now seems that City will follow the recent trend of Premiership clubs accepting buyouts. But is not yet known whether that investment will come from a foreign source, as it has in the shape of US tycoon Randy Lerner at Villa and Icelandic businessman Eggert Magnusson at West Ham. Their entry into the Premiership follows high-profile takeovers by Roman Abramovich at Chelsea in 2003 and Malcolm Glazer at Manchester United in 2005. And Liverpool are in talks with the Dubai government. Wardle added: \"We have identified a series of leads regarding possible investment in the club. \"Talks are at a very early stage and accordingly we are not yet in a position to disclose the identity of the possible investor. \"Hopefully, something comes of these talks because I would be prepared to pass the baton on if it allowed the club to get back into the honours.\"

Man Utd v Man City
Manchester United left-back Patrice Evra is a major doubt after picking up a calf injury. Evra was only able to do some light jogging on Friday and will be replaced by Gabriel Heinze if not fit. Manchester City midfielder Dietmar Hamann could be promoted from the bench depending on which formation manager Stuart Pearce employs. Utility player Sun Jihai (hamstring) and winger Trevor Sinclair (knee) are both missing with long-term knocks. Man Utd (from): Van der Sar, Kuszczak, Neville, Brown, Ferdinand, Vidic, Silvestre, O'Shea, Evra, Heinze, Ronaldo, Scholes, Carrick, Fletcher, Giggs, Richardson, Rooney, Solskjaer, Saha. Man City (from): Weaver, Hart, Isaksson, Onuoha, Richards, Dunne, Distin, M Mills, Thatcher, Jordan, Trabelsi, Reyna, Barton, Hamann, Ireland, Vassell, Corradi, Dickov, Samaras. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Manchester United captain Gary Neville: \"If we win to go nine points clear of Chelsea at the top of the table it would be a great boost for us. \"We have got a squad which I believe is ready to do something. We're determined and happy with the way we are playing. \"We are playing with such attacking penetration and speed that one thing we are confident of doing is creating chances. We just have to take them.\" Manchester City boss Stuart Pearce: \"It's our local derby, we're looking forward to the game and our tails are up a little bit. \"I honestly believe that the club's going forward. We've got a good squad of players here. \"You can never got to Old Trafford and be complacent because they are too good a side. But we have to go there and impose ourselves on them.\"

Man City v Tottenham
Manchester City defender Micah Richards and goalkeeper Nicky Weaver (dead legs), Claudio Reyna (hamstring) and Dietmar Hamann are doubtful. Ben Thatcher and Bernardo Corradi are both suspended while Trevor Sinclair and Sun Jihai (both knee) are out. Tottenham will still be without striker Robbie Keane (knee) and midfielder Jermaine Jenas (ankle). Didier Zokora is suspended and Teemu Tainio missed the midweek Uefa Cup win over Dinamo Bucharest through illness. Man City (from): Weaver, Isaksson, Hart, Onuoha, Richards, Dunne, Distin, M Mills, Jordan, Ireland, Reyna, Barton, Dabo, Trabelsi, Beasley, Hamann, Vassell, Samaras, Dickov, Miller. Tottenham (from): Robinson, Chimbonda, Assou-Ekotto, King, Dawson, Huddlestone, Malbranque, Ghaly, Lennon, Berbatov, Defoe, Mido, Tainio, Lee, Stalteri, Murphy, Davenport, Davids, Ziegler, Cerny. Tottenham captain Ledley King on trying to record a first away win in the Premiership this season: \"It's been a problem this season and something we want to put right as soon as possible. \"It's a tough place to go, we got a good result up there last season and, with the way it is starting to come together, we will be confidence again. \"City are a good side at home and it could take some doing to win there.\"

Sheff Utd 0-1 Man City
Stephen Ireland's first goal for Manchester City handed the visitors a fortunate victory at Sheffield United. The visitors should have been awarded a penalty in the first half when Robert Kozluk blatantly punched Micah Richards' towering header off the line. They were under siege for much of the second half with Christian Nade and Rob Hulse going close after goal scrambles. But Ireland stole the points on 77 minutes with a sweetly-struck left-foot drive after Georgios Samaras' lay-off. The result means City move three points clear of their opponents, but Stuart Pearce's side can count themselves lucky to have taken maximum points. Neither side flew out of the traps and the final ball on both sides lacked the penetration and quality to unlock the opposing defence. And a tufted pitch as well as a lack of quality in the final third contibuted to a scrappy first period of few chances. City's best two opportunities of the first half involved an element of fortune for the home side. The first came when Ousmane Dabo's tame effort from distance bobbled up off the pitch and hit Blades keeper Paddy Kenny on the forehead before falling to safety. The second came when Kozluk punched Richards' towering header off the line. With the ball heading into the net, the Blades full-back cheekily fisted the ball to safety with referee Mark Clattenburg failing to spot the misdemeanour. Sheffield United enjoyed the better of possession and chances in the first half with Nicky Weaver twice forced into making fine diving saves. The first came from Stephen Quinn who hit a half-volley from the edge of the box to Weaver's left, the second a rasping half-volley from similar range from Phil Jagielka that was palmed round the post. The hosts started the second period well and soon began to pepper Weaver's goal. Quinn blasted a bouncing ball over the bar and an unmarked Nade was denied from close range by the superb Weaver. But it was City should have taken the lead 10 minutes into the second half with Samaras shanking a glorious close-range opportunity out for a throw in. The Blades dominated proceedings in a lively second half and laid siege on Weaver's goal with a succession of goal-scrambles and blocked shots. But City, led by an inspired Richard Dunne, held firm and took the lead with a rare foray forward with 13 minutes remaining. Samaras chested down Hatem Trabelsi's pass and Ireland hit his drive into the left corner of Kenny's net. The Blades piled forward in the last 10 minutes in search of a deserved equaliser, but City dug in to deny United a point. Sheffield United manager Neil Warnock: \"It's difficult to know what to say after that, we dominated the game so much. \"The lads gave me everything. I'm disappointed for them - one team came to win and one team didn't want to lose. On another day we could've scored three or four, but it wasn't to be. \"Their goalie made some great saves and Paddy Kenny's not had to, other than to pick the ball out of the net.\" Manchester City manager Stuart Pearce: \"It was a hard-earned victory, we were fortunate at times and I was pleased with our resilience but not so pleased with our football. \"Every time you play here you have to fight for everything you get. \"The resilience we showed was commendable. We've come out fighting and shown great character, there's is a lot of character in the dressing room.\" Sheff Utd: Kenny, Kozluk, Morgan, Davis (Bromby 68), Geary (Armstrong 26), Gillespie, Jagielka, Tonge, Stephen Quinn, Webber (Nade 76), Hulse. Subs Not Used: Alan Quinn, Kazim-Richards. Booked: Bromby, Morgan. Man City: Weaver, Richards, Dunne, Onuoha (Jordan 85), Distin, Trabelsi, Barton, Dabo, Ireland, Vassell (Miller 90), Corradi (Samaras 46). Subs Not Used: Isaksson, Beasley. Booked: Barton. Goals: Ireland 78. Att: 32,591. Ref: M Clattenburg (Co Durham).

Barton & Konchesky lose appeals
The Football Association has rejected appeals against red cards from Manchester City's Joey Barton and West Ham defender Paul Konchesky. Barton will serve a three-match ban after losing an appeal for wrongful dismissal in the 2-0 defeat against Bolton at Eastlands. And Konchesky will serve a one-match suspension after receiving a red card late in the goalless draw at Fulham. Their cases were both heard by the FA's disciplinary commission on Thursday. At a hearing in London, it was decided referee Mike Riley had not acted incorrectly in dismissing Barton for serious foul play when he launched himself towards Abdoulaye Faye. And it was also ruled Konchesky rightly received his marching orders for a second bookable offence when he chopped down Wayne Routledge, denying the Fulham forward a clear goalscoring opportunity The City midfield man will miss Premiership encounters against West Ham and Everton as well as the FA Cup tie at Sheffield Wednesday. Konchesky is ruled out of the Premiership game against Manchester City. City boss Stuart Pearce said after Barton's red card: \"It was not a sending-off in my book. The most the tackle deserved was a yellow.\"

Man City v Everton
Manchester City will check on Richard Dunne's fitness ahead of the visit of Everton after he played against West Ham despite suffering from illness. Paul Dickov should return after a toe injury but Dietmar Hamann (back), Joey Barton (ban), Trevor Sinclair (knee) and Claudio Reyna (hamstring) are out. Everton manager David Moyes has no new injuries to contend with. But Alan Stubbs could again be missing with the knee problem which has kept him out of the last three games. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Man City (from): Weaver, Onuoha, Distin, Dunne, Thatcher, Miller, Richards, Dabo, Jordan, Ireland, Trabelsi, Beasley, Vassell, Corradi, Samaras, Dickov, Isaksson, Mills. Everton (from): Howard, Neville, Yobo, Lescott, Weir, Naysmith, Osman, Carsley, Davies, Arteta, Van der Meyde, McFadden, Johnson, Beattie, Vaughan, Wright, Stubbs, Anichebe.

Sheff Wed v Man City
Sheffield Wednesday defender Madjid Bougherra is suspended while Wayne Andrews has returned to Coventry. Wade Small is fit after a knee injury, David Graham is available after returning from a loan spell Steven MacLean is hoping for a recall. Manchester City midfielder Stephen Ireland is expected to return after a hamstring injury. But Joey Barton is suspended while Claudio Reyna, Dietmar Hamann and Danny Mills remain out injured.

Everton set for fresh Barton bid
Everton may still launch a bid to buy Manchester City's Joey Barton - despite being told he is not for sale. Barton has a clause in his contract allowing him to speak to any club that offers City £5.5m. The 24-year-old's agent Willie McKay told SSB: "This is Joey Barton's clause, not Manchester City's and it is a clause they were happy to put in. "If a club offers £5.5m, it is Joey's right to speak to that club if he wants to, or not if he doesn't want to." Everton have targeted Barton to strengthen their midfield, and despite him saying he wanted to stay at City, boss David Moyes may hope that his lifelong allegiance to the club could tempt him to switch to Goodison Park. Moyes hopes to fund a deal for Barton by off-loading Simon Davies to Fulham in a deal worth around £3m. He confirmed his move for Barton but revealed: "Manchester City made it clear he was not for sale." Moyes, however, has yet to make a firm offer and if he follows up his inquiry with a bid that triggers the clause in his contract, City will be obliged to allow Barton to consider the deal. Everton will also watch Sheffield Wednesday's Madjid Bougherra in their FA Cup third round replay at City on Tuesday night. Fulham are understood to have offered just over £2m for Davies, who has struggled since his move to Everton from Spurs in May 2005. But Fulham boss Chris Coleman, a fellow Welshman, is still an admirer of Davies and is expected to pursue the deal, releasing cash that Everton can use to land Barton. Ironically, Barton was fined £2,000 and warned as to his future conduct after baring his backside at Everton fans following the Premiership match at Goodison Park on 30 September. City star Barton, who is tipped for an England call-up after impressing coach Steve McClaren, has been linked with Newcastle United but their interest has cooled. The player has also said recently he has no wish to leave City but Moyes wants to test that resolve in a bid to step up Everton's pursuit of a Uefa Cup place. Everton currently lie seventh in the Premiership and Moyes has cash at his disposal from the £2.5m sale of Kevin Kilbane to Wigan earlier this season. Moyes is also an admirer of 24-year-old Owls defender Bougherra but it is unlikely he will be able to complete both deals if his move for Barton is successful. Charlton have already had a £1.3m bid for Bougherra rejected.

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