Europa League Preview: Man City - Timisoara

Posted Thursday, August 26, 2010 by Goal.com

The Tone Has Been Set

Success is expected at Eastlands on all fronts this season. After a summer of huge investment, Roberto Mancini’s side are not expected to fail, and even though Manchester City’s first priority is certainly not the Europa League, the Citizens will be expected to make an impression on the continent to alert Europe’s finest to the progress that is being made.

On Monday evening a glimpse was given as to their potential as City marched past Liverpool 3-0 with some ease. With Adam Johnson dancing down the flank effectively and Carlos Tevez persistently burrowing holes in the Reds’ rearguard, there never looked to be any other outcome, though when goalkeeper Joe Harte was called upon he was once again solid and reliable.

Mancini is unlikely to deploy all his big guns against Timisoara on Thursday, particularly after new signing Mario Balotelli picked up a problem in last week’s opening tie, which the Italian player decided with its only goal.

“Monday's performance was one that should set the tone for the season,” Nigel de Jong told AFP before indicating the importance of maintaining such a level. “We must not get carried away with one result.”

Boasting a deep squad, even if Mancini rotates his side to the maximum, he can still call upon players such as Emmanuel Adebayor and Shay Given, who should prove much too good for the Romanians.

A Taste Of The East

Timisoara gained Europa League status this season by finishing fifth in the Romanian Liga, matching Manchester City’s position in the Premier League, though obviously at a considerably lower level. Going to England facing a one goal deficit, it will take something of a miracle for Vladimir Petrovic to mastermind a turnaround.

Domestically it’s been something of a mediocre start to the campaign. With five matches played, Timisoara remain unbeaten, though their three draws mean that they linger four points off the early pace, which has been set by Bucharest duo Steaua and Dinamo.

Europa League Preview: Man City - Timisoara

On the continent, the Viola dramatically dispatched MYPA in the previous round, coming back improbably after falling 3-0 behind at home in the second leg. Needing three goals in the closing 40 minutes, Timisoara grabbed them, leaving seconds to spare as Marian Cisovsky slammed home what was the equalising goal on the night to push the hosts through 4-3 on aggregate.

Such drama has allowed the modest Romanian outfit to travel to the opulent surroundings of Eastlands, and it is an occasion they are sure to make the most of, despite the slim chances of actually progressing beyond this stage.