Very much the issue with Mancini last term, having a 'Plan B' can be the difference between one and three points. With the signings that they made over the summer, City now have and abundance of alternative plans, so this should no longer be an issue. However, all three substitutions were made on Sunday were disputably like-for-like, and none effectively changed their dimension City therefore faced the same hurdles from start to finish. Hull's strengths lie in their defence. They've not scored in the league from open play yet this season, but they managed to keep a clean sheet against Norwich despite playing for an hour with 10 men, so like Cardiff, they have the potential to be frustratingly difficult for City to break down. It wouldn't be a surprise if Steve Bruce has spent the entire week analysing the Welsh side's approach in depth. Should the Tigers 'park the bus', then Pellegrini could bring Negredo on alongside Dzeko, rather than instead of (or vice-versa), as two big strikers in the middle are a lot easier to find than one. For another option, he could revisit an old favourite of Mancini's from a few seasons ago and bring on a holding midfielder at the expense of an attacking player, in order to release Yaya further forward. Hull might fancy their chances in at least nicking a point here, but surely City won't slip up for the second consecutive week, especially considering they're at home. Anything short of a win simply won't suffice.
Originally from Manchester, I'm currently residing in Melbourne as part of a round the world trip that I embarked on in November 2011.
I primarily write on football and I'm a lifelong Man City fan and current season ticket holder. I'll try to share my views from an unbiased perspective, but I can't promise anything.
