Bitter and Blue - Swansea City vs Manchester City, 2016 Premier League: All UpdatesManchester City News, Opinion and Commentaryhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47425/bitter-fave.png2016-05-15T16:50:41+01:00http://bitterandblue.sbnation.com/rss/stream/114387332016-05-15T16:50:41+01:002016-05-15T16:50:41+01:00City draw with Swansea, get top-four finish
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<figcaption>Tom Dulat/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p style="text-align: justify;">Manchester City will play Champions League football next season. The Citizens traveled to Wales and got a tough 1-1 draw against Swansea City, with goals from Kelechi Iheanacho and Andre Ayew for Swansea. In a difficult match, City didn't play their best, but were good enough to get a result they needed and finish the Premier League as a top-four team.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>FIRST HALF</b></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">From the opening whistle, the match was wildly entertaining. Both teams were in attacking mode, and left huge spaces at the back. City struck first with Iheanacho, who was perfectly positioned for a tap-in after Sergio Agüero's shot was saved. With the advantage, the Citizens were comfortable to defend and hit Swansea on the counter, and they had plenty of chances on the break, but the finishing wasn't accurate and the Sky Blues couldn't score.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Swansea, on the other hand, kept possession and looked to stretch City's defense through great wing play, but they also lacked accuracy with their finishing, and Joe Hart had very little trouble. City looked ready to go into the locker room with a victory, but a lucky play got Swansea back in the game. Andre Ayew took a free-kick that deflected off Fernando's head into the net for the equalizer.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">At halftime, a very exciting match, but a dangerous draw for City. They needed a better performance and more goals in the second half to ensure their top-four finish.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>SECOND HALF</b></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The final period was just as open as the first half, with both teams continuing to go forward and create chances. But with the lack of finishing from both sides, the match looked set for a draw. Samir Nasri entered the game looking to make an impact. He didn't, and City looked very satisfied with the result, keeping possession to waste time.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">In the end, an exciting game to watch, and a draw that is good enough for City. A win would have been better, but the goal has been reached: Champions League next season. Thanks for the memories, Manuel Pellegrini. You are a charming man.</p>
<p align="center" style="text-align: center;"><img style="border: 5px solid white;" src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/images/blog/star-divide.v5e9d7f1.jpg"></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Swansea</b>: Nordfeldt | Rangel, Fernández, Amat, Kingsley | Cork, Britton, Fer | Routledge (Barrow), Ayew, Montero (Gomis)</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Goal: <i>Ayew (45+1')</i></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Man City</b>: Hart | Sagna, Otamendi, Mangala, Clichy | Fernandinho, Fernando | Navas, De Bruyne | Agüero (Touré), Iheanacho (Nasri)</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Goal: <i>Iheanacho (5')</i></p>
https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com/2016/5/15/11677954/swansea-city-manchester-city-2016-premier-league-final-score-instant-recapRenatoGoncalves2016-05-15T14:07:54+01:002016-05-15T14:07:54+01:00Swansea v City: Lineups, Match Thread
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<figcaption>Michael Regan/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>City need at least a draw to secure a top four finish. </p> <p>After a long and frustrating 2015-16 Premier League campaign, we've finally arrived at the final match of the season. City take the pitch at the Liberty Stadium today knowing that a draw will get them to the Champions League qualifying stage for next season, with United still 2 points and several goals behind. It's also Manuel Pellegrini's final match in charge as well as likely several players who have been part of the core of this club for quite some time.</p>
<p>As we sign off for the season and put the disappointment into a box tucked away in the basement for a few months, let's also take a moment to remember the good memories that old core of players has brought us over the years. Yes, they're past their prime now, but it's been a damn good ride if you ask me. Hopefully, Pellegrini gets the send off he deserves as well, and not the absolutely pathetic 1/4 filled Etihad from last weekend's farewell speech after the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/">Arsenal</a> match. As mixed as the opinions on him are, he's filled the manager's role with nothing but class and integrity over his three years, and you really cannot find that at any of the other top English clubs during that time. Onwards and upwards next year, but let's close this one out right.</p>
<p><i>How to watch:</i><br><b>TV</b>: UK - Sky Sports 2; USA - NBC; Canada - Sportsnet<br><b>Streaming</b>: UK - Sky GO; USA - <a href="http://plstream2.nbcsports.com/" target="_blank">NBC Sports Live Extra</a> (direct link for American audiences); Canada - Sportsnet World Now; Australia - Foxtel Play<br>Full global listings <a href="http://mcfc.co.uk/News/Team-news/2016/May/Swansea-v-City-Global-TV-Listings/1463129849" target="_blank">here</a>. Listings for NBC's full slate of Championship Sunday matches, including wrap-up show <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/soccer-insider/wp/2016/05/12/nbc-sports-sets-broadcast-schedule-for-final-day-of-premier-league-season/" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>
<h3>City XI</h3>
<p>Hart; Sagna, Otamendi, Mangala, Clichy; Navas, Fernandinho, Fernando, De Bruyne; Iheanacho, Aguero</p>
<h3>City subs</h3>
<p>Caballero, Sterling, Kolarov, Demichelis, Nasri, Toure, Bony</p>
<h3>Swansea XI</h3>
<p>Nordfeldt; Rangel, Fernandez, Amat, Kingsley; Britton, Cork; Routledge, Fer, Montero; Ayew</p>
<p>-----------------------------</p>
<p>City remain unchanged from the side that faced Arsenal last week, the only exception at all being the return of Samir Nasri to the bench. 4-4-2 one last time from Pellegrini and Kelechi gets another start.</p>
<p>Thoughts on the lineup? Predictions for the match? Comment away and say goodbye to the 2015-16 campaign!</p>
https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com/2016/5/15/11677678/swansea-v-manhester-city-lineups-match-thread-final-day-premier-leaguesonics0972016-05-15T09:00:02+01:002016-05-15T09:00:02+01:00Swansea vs Man City: How to Watch Online, TV
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<figcaption>Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p style="text-align: justify;">The Charming Man will say goodbye, but he still has a job to do.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Manuel Pellegrini is out of Manchester City this Sunday, after the last Premier League game of the season for the Citizens, on the road against Swansea City. A successful three-year career as City coach ends with a huge game for the club, and one that Pellegrini has to win. If he doesn't, then he'll hand over the job to Pep Guardiola seeing the Catalan managing a Europa League side.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Contrary to conspiracy theorists everywhere, the Chilean will not try to mess things up on purpose just so Guardiola has a tough beginning to his managerial stint with the Citizens. He's a professional and he wants to save his legacy by finishing his last season in the best possible way. A victory will clinch a Champions League spot for the Sky Blues, and the Charming Man will leave still a beloved figure. A loss or a draw, and things won't look so pretty.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">With the title and relegation races over, this is the most important game of the last Premier League fixture list of the season, and is one you should definitely not miss.</p>
<h4 style="text-align: justify;">Match Info</h4>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Date/Time</b>: Sunday, April 15, 2016, 3pm local time (UK), 10am ET, 7am PT (US), 7:30pm IST (India)</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Venue</b>: Liberty Stadium, Swansea, Wales</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Referee</b>: Mike Dean</p>
<h4 style="text-align: justify;">How to Watch</h4>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>TV</b>: NBC (US), Sky Sports 2 (UK), Sportsnet (Canada), Star Sports HD 1 (India), <a href="http://www.livesoccertv.com/match/1614230/swansea-city-vs-manchester-city/" target="_blank">more</a></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Online</b>: NBC Sports Live Extra (US), NBC Deportes En Vivo Extra (US - Spanish), Sky GO, NOW TV (UK), <a href="http://www.livesoccertv.com/match/1614230/swansea-city-vs-manchester-city/" target="_blank">more</a></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">(<a href="http://www.livesoccertv.com/match/1614230/swansea-city-vs-manchester-city/" target="_blank">Listings via LiveSoccerTV</a>)</p>
https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com/2016/5/15/11677180/swansea-city-manchester-city-2016-premier-league-tv-listings-start-time-live-streamRenatoGoncalves2016-05-14T10:00:03+01:002016-05-14T10:00:03+01:00Swansea vs Man City: Projected Lineups
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<figcaption>Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p style="text-align: justify;">Manchester City are three points away from a place in the Champions League next season when the Citizens face Swansea City on the road in the last Premier League fixture of the season. Coach Manuel Pellegrini will certainly look to end his career with a victory, and should line up a great team on Sunday.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">With a few key absentees, Pellegrini has some thinking to do to select his starting lineup. We try to predict.</p>
<h4>Manchester City (4-2-3-1)</h4>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: center;">Hart</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Sagna - Otamendi - Mangala - Clichy</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Fernandinho - Fernando</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Navas - Touré - De Bruyne</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Agüero</p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;">With two full-backs and Vincent Kompany out, it's not hard to figure out the City defense for Sunday. This group has done well at the back, and there's no reason to change it. The Brazilian Fernando Duo has had a strong season, and are likely to feature as the holding midfield pairing as well. Jesus Navas, Kevin De Bruyne and Sergio Agüero are locks to start, and will be key to break down Swansea's defense.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The toughest position to figure out is the third midfielder, the man behind Agüero. That could be Raheem Sterling on the left wing, with De Bruyne drifting back into the middle; if Samir Nasri starts, he could play centrally or switch positions with KDB throughout the game; maybe Kelechi Iheanacho or Wilfried Bony will start, and Agüero would get a striking partner. With all those possibilities, however, Pellegrini might go with the simpler choice: give Yaya Touré the start in what is going to be the last game of the Ivorian's career at City, a choice Touré will certainly appreciate.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Regardless of the choice, City will attack and go after the game, and the attacking forces on the team will need to be at their best to get a victory and give Manuel Pellegrini a reason to smile in his farewell.</p>
https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com/2016/5/14/11674640/swansea-city-manchester-city-premier-league-2016-projected-lineupsRenatoGoncalves2016-05-14T08:00:02+01:002016-05-14T08:00:02+01:00Swansea vs Man City: Team News
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<figcaption>Stephen Pond/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p style="text-align: justify;">As Manchester City prepares for the season finale, they'll miss key starters for the Premier League closer against Swansea City.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Coach Manuel Pellegrini spoke to the press ahead of the visit to the Swans, and he delivered mixed news. First, the bad: David Silva, Vincent Kompany, Aleksandar Kolarov and Pablo Zabaleta are all out because of injuries. The Spaniard was unable to recover from a muscle injury, and while he had a chance of returning in time to face Swansea, he couldn't be medically cleared.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Kompany is out for the season and will miss Euro 2016 because of a groin injury that requires surgery, while Kolarov and Zabaleta also miss out because of injury. The quartet will not even travel with the group, and will watch the game on television.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">But there is good news from the Chilean manager: Samir Nasri is back from injury, and has a chance of making an impact in his bid to stay with the Citizens as incoming coach Pep Guardiola will manage an overhaul on the City squad, with Nasri rumored to be on the list of departures. The Frenchman has gone through a litany of physical problems all season, but might just be healthy enough to help Pellegrini in his last game and impress the next boss.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Swansea will rest four key starters (Lukasz Fabianski, Ashley Williams, Neil Taylor, Gyifi Sigurdsson) as coach Francesco Guidolin will give his main players an extra week to prepare for the Euros. The Swans have nothing to play for on Sunday, and without their most important stars, they could make City's job easier.</p>
https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com/2016/5/14/11674664/swansea-city-manchester-city-premier-league-team-news-david-silva-kompanyRenatoGoncalves