The Race For Fourth — 7 games to go

This has been a quite extraordinary season of football. There's currently a three-way battle for the Premiership, a three-way battle for two relegation places — and of course, a four-way battle for that coveted final Champions League position.

The games keep ticking along, and although we are getting closer to end of the season, we are no closer to determining a clear leader in the race for fourth. It's too close to call. So hopefully a bit of statistical and fixture analysis can ease the nerves a bit and see if fourth is obtainable — or not.

4. Tottenham Hotspur
Games played: 31 (same as City)
Goal difference: +28 (nine better than City)
Recent form: 5 wins. 15 points from 15 possible.
Points: 58 (two more than City)

Upcoming fixtures:
A Sunderland (13th)
H Arsenal (3rd)
H Chelsea (2nd)
A Manchester United (1st)
H Bolton (16th)
A Manchester City (5th)
A Burnley (19th)

Tottenham are currently sitting pretty in fourth position, two points clear of Manchester City. They have not dropped a point in the last five matches — a record shared only with Manchester United, and are currently the second best team in the league on form. They do face a tough, tough run in however. Just three of their final seven games are at home, and two of these are against opposition above them in the table. Having said that, there are a few games against winnable opposition, which gives Tottenham a great opportunity to score the dozen points needed to hit the magical figure of 70.

Predicted points total: 69 (11 more)
Wins at Sunderland, Bolton, and Burnley, whilst gaining draws against Arsenal and Manchester City.

5. Manchester City
Games played: 31
Goal difference: +19
Recent form: 3 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss. 10 points from 15 possible.
Points: 56 (a club record!)

Upcoming fixtures:
A Burnley (19th)
H Birmingham City (9th)
H Manchester United (1st)
A Arsenal (3rd)
H Aston Villa (7th)
H Tottenham Hotspur (4th)
A West Ham United (17th)

City have both the luxury (and the added pressure I suppose) of being in full control of their destiny. Four of the remaining fixtures are at home, and two of the three away games remaining are against opposition flirting with relegation. But the home matches are crucial — especially against Villa and Spurs, two teams with similar ambitions for the top four as Manchester City. This is City though, so you can't rule out a win over Arsenal away and losing to Birmingham at home...

Predicted points total: 69 (13 more)
City have averaged just about two points per game under Roberto Mancini, and this form should continue. Wins at Burnley, Birmingham, Aston Villa, and West Ham, with a draw against Tottenham a season defining moment for both clubs.

6. Liverpool
Games played: 32 (one more than City)
Goal difference: +21 (two better than City)
Recent form: 3 wins, 2 losses. 9 points from 15 possible.
Points: 54 (two less than City)

Upcoming fixtures:
A Birmingham City (9th)
H Fulham (12th)
H West Ham United (17th)
A Burnley (19th)
H Chelsea (2nd)
A Hull City (18th)

It's a kind draw for Liverpool, who play three of the bottom four teams in the final six matches. However, Liverpool's season has been dogged by inconsistency, and they have lost the most amount of matches of any team in the top eight. In addition, they have League games interspersed with Europa commitments, which will test their somewhat thin squad. But with a run home like that, the Reds must feel that they are still in with a shout.

Predicted points total: 68 (14 more)
Wins at Fulham, West Ham, Burnley, and Hull, with draws against Birmingham and Chelsea. But if they manage to sneak all three points in one of those games, it's definitely advantage Liverpool — despite giving up four points and one game to Spurs at this point of the season.

The importance of the final week
As already mentioned, it's way too close to call a definite winner at this stage seven weeks out. But I think we'll be in the exact same position in the last week of the season!

Burnley (19th) v Tottenham Hotspur (4th)
West Ham United (17th) v Manchester City (5th)
Hull City (18th) v Liverpool (6th)

Even discounting the importance of the City-Tottenham on the previous Wednesday, the final match day will serve a dual purpose — deciding who goes into Europe and who drops down into the Championship, with literally tens of millions of pounds at stake in each match! City could very well relegate West Ham at Upton Park, whilst at the same time qualifying for the Champions League, and this scenario could happen at either Turf Moor or the KC! We will see three of the most nerve-wracking clashes of the season, with fans from all teams keeping a watchful eye on the progress of the other two games.

The Fearless Prediction
Well the calculations say Spurs on current form. But I think City have the best opportunity to pick up points, and thus should still be the slightest of slight favourites... can someone can send the Twitcher's mob another dodgy lasagne?

Mancini v Moyes Caught On Camera

Tour Duty: Fulham (Away)

While the lads were back home in Sydney, I was at Fulham to enjoy the heart of the game. I had originally planned not to attend this game due to its ridiculous price however at the last minute I sorted out a ticket for 40 quid. After Spurs win yesterday I knew that we had to take all 3 points if we wanted to stand any chance of playing in the champion’s league next year.

Putney Bridge was the last stop on the tube and as I turned on the automatic navigation system to the ground I took in the good weather and rather nice surroundings. I didn’t really know what to expect coming to Craven Cottage but it was definitely a nice day out.

As I walked into stadium I rather enjoyed seeing the quaint surroundings. A quick walk around the corner lays the river Thames and in another corner is a lovely little Cottage still standing after all these years. I also liked the fact that the Fulham fans didn’t have to be separated by security guards from the city fans and we’re treated like humans, not animals.

Fulham were just coming off a high after a historic win over Italian giants Juventus. The game kicked off and you could tell from the start that we had finally fixed up our shape in our first half dilemma that had cursed us in recent weeks. In fairness it was quite hard to see what went on with the first goal being so far away but Santa Cruz was on hand to bury from close range and the city fans went crazy. A couple of minutes later and with some beautiful inter-play Tevez found the back of the net to put us two up and sailing quite nicely.

From my observations in the first half one player stuck to mind was Vincent Kompany. He kept Zamora at bay all day and really controlled the heart of the defense. Bellamy and Johnson on the wings also gave us that constant threat, not to forget Tevez who gave us that third dimension whilst attacking.

The second half was a bit more balanced with both teams having 50/50 percentage of the ball. On another day city could have scored 4 or 5 goals with some shots just beaming past the goal. A late penalty to Danny Murphy and that really got my nerves going. A few minutes later the whole crowd roared and my heart dropped as their striker Okaka shot which looked like a goal, however looks can be deceiving from down the other end and it went wide for a goal kick. The final whistle went and we had successfully grinded out a result.

A quick hug to the random city supporter next to me and I left to enjoyed the sun shining brightly over the Thames as I made my way back home. Once again, another perfect day supporting the mighty Manchester City FC.

City til we die.
Adam

Fulham v Manchester City preview

The Overview
Just about every match I mention the fact that it's an important game in the context of our season and the race for fourth spot... but it's true. Every game from here on in is just about a must win. And with Tottenham playing Stoke and Liverpool playing the Rags, it's a chance to gain some points on our rivals.

The key to this match is Fulham's fixture list. They play Juventus in a Europa League tie Thursday 8pm, followed by the league clash on the Sunday, and then it's the FA Cup replay against Tottenham on Wednesday, and to Hull on the following Saturday — four games in ten days.

Fulham don't have a big squad by any means, so you would imagine fatigue is an issue. Something that you don't want against the blistering pace or work-rate of Craig Bellamy and Carlos Tevez.

Wayne Bridge is not eligible for selection, after undergoing a hernia operation. He is expected to be back within a month. Apart from that, most of our key players are fit. Having said that, Roque Santa Cruz might pull a hamstring walking down the stairs between now and kick-off...

The Form
Fulham at home: 9-2-3
• Have not won in five matches in the league.
• Last win was against Birmingham at Craven Cottage on 21 February.
• Playing game five of seven in a 23 day period in March.

Manchester City away: 4-7-4
• Unbeaten away in the last three league matches.
• Sixth in the league currently — can move as high as fourth with one game in hand over Tottenham, and two in hand over Liverpool.

The Betting
Fulham $3.00 Draw $3.20 Manchester City $2.20
Suggested bet: Over 2.5 goals @ $2.10
Prices courtesy of sportingbet.com.au and are subject to change.

The Place To Watch It
If you're in London, then of course it's at the ground. However, Fulham are charging a ludicrous £49 for the privelege. Apparently because our owner is rich, it means our fan base is too. When you factor in travel, beer, food, and beer, it's definitely not cheap. I can't imagine City taking the full allocation to this one — which is a shame, because it's a fantastic away day.

If you're fortunate to live in Sydney, then obviously the answer to this is Cheers Bar. Kick off is at 2am, but I suggest you get there early, because...

This match is preceded by the Rags v Liverpool at 11:30pm. Taking into account that we're watching the game at an Irish pub the weekend after St. Patricks' Day, after the two teams most synoymous with Irish supporters... it will be chockers. If you are not wearing a City shirt, you may not get in.

The Fearless Predicition
Fulham 1 Manchester City 2.
Last season: Fulham 1 (Bullard) Manchester City 1 (Benjani). Oh, and I was there!

Where are they now: Danny Tiatto

"As far as I'm concerned, Danny Tiatto doesn't exist." – This was the famous quote by Kevin Keegan as Danny’s city career began to wind down. After wearing the sky blue for over 139 appearances he was known for his hardman-like attitude and ill-discipline. He wasn't a bad player by any means – he won the player of the season award in 2000-01 – but it was his temper he was most noted for, such as the time he lashed out at a water bottle after yet another sending off.

Danny then made the move to Leicester City, winning the player of the year award in 2005 voted by the supporters. After becoming the club captain Danny then made his way back to home soil to play for the Brisbane Roar.

After three seasons playing for Brisbane Roar and scoring twice, Tiatto was fell out with the coach (Danny getting in an argument? Never!) and made the move down to Victoria to play in the state league for the Melbourne Knights. He may still yet make a return to domestic football in Australia with rumours suggesting that he will sign a one year contract with the new Melbourne A-league team Melbourne Heart.

Throughout his career he has shown 110% on the field and refused to change his playing style. He scored 15 times during his 18 years of his senior career and played for the Australian national side 23 times.

He was the player that made me become a Manchester City supporter and helped exposed me to all the wonderful things to do with this club.

So Danny, thank you.
Adam