Manchester City vs Blackburn Rovers Match Preview
City beat Championship side Middlesbrough 0-1 last weekend to extend new manager Roberto Mancini\'s winning record to three since he took over for Mark Hughes. The midweek derby clash against Manchester United was postponed due to weather, and though fans were disappointed by the postponement, the managers were undoubtedly relieved to get some rest for their weary men. Mancini is looking to bolster his squad in January. City is said to be close to a deal for Inter\'s Patrick Viera, while Argentine midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron turned down an offer from Mancini for family reasons.
Making it to the semi-final stage of the Carling Cup gives Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce some hope for honors this year for his club. In the league however, with two losses and four draws in their last six matches and currently sitting in 13th place, the season\'s outlook is more subdued. South African striker Benni McCarthy is unhappy with his playing time at the club and is said to be looking to move on, but Allardyce wants to keep him. Big Sam will be happy to get Brett Emerton back into the side following an absence through injury as he will need defense against Manchester City\'s very capable strikers Tevez and Bellamy.
