MK Dons Preview

Following a spate of cancellations Bristol Rovers may go into their New Years Day game with a little ring rust, hopefully not added to by any festive celebrations.

It will be Darren Patterson's first game in charge as caretaker boss since the sacking of Paul Trollope and the Northern Irishman will be chomping at the bit to show his credentials for taking the job on a permanent basis. Both Skybet and Victor Chandler currently have Patterson inked in as third favourite for the job, offering odds of 7/2 and 3/1 respectively. It will also be welcomed by the fans who have now gone more than two weeks without seeing a game for the second time this season.

The Gas played just two games in December, losing 6-2 away at Sheffield Wednesday, despite taking a seventh minute lead at Hillsborough. 4-1 Down at half time a Will Hoskins wonder-volley from outside the area proved to be in vain as goals from James O'Connor and former Rovers loanee Paul Heffernan sentenced the away side to a devastating defeat that dumped them into the League 1 relegation zone. Following that Rovers faced Exeter City in the Johntsone's Paint Trophy area semi-final. Once again it was the Gas who scored first through Will Hoskins and though they took the lead for a second time in the second half thanks to Ben Swallow the game went to penalties in which Rovers went on to lose 5-4. This proved to be Paul Trollope's final game in charge as early the next morning came the announcement that he was to be put on gardening leave by the club. Prior to those results Rovers had gotten two creditable draws away at Brighton and Charlton but the problem lies in the fact that a league game has not been won since the October 16th home victory over Rochdale.

Prior to Tuesday's 2-0 win over Bournemouth the MK Dons had lost their last three games including a 4-1 home hammering by Sheffield Wednesday, but the victory against a Cherries side looking for back to back promotions will do the Dons confidence the world of good, although, there home form is not too bad. From their last six home league games the Dons have lost just one game, that aforementioned defeat to Wednesday, drawn one and won the other four. Despite sitting in 12th place MK Dons are only one point off of a play off place and will be looking to continue their push against the Gas, they will, however, be a man down for the upcoming tie.

The Dons have lost striker Aaron Wilbraham to Championship side Norwich, initially on a loan deal to allow him to play on New Year's Day, with the transfer being made permanent when the transfer window opens later that day. Before leaving Wilbraham had scored 3 goals in 12 appearances for this season. The goals at Stadium:MK and on the road have been shared around by the squad, with fourteen different players having put the ball in the net, the top scorer among them being home grown talent Sam Baldock, who has six to his name, while Scottish midfielder Peter Leven is not far behind on five.

But it's not just the team from MK that have transfer speculation surrounding them as Rovers striker Will Hoskins is understood to have been the target of a bid from Scunthorpe United, a bid that has already been rejected by the Rovers management, while Derby County are also thought to be interested in the Pirates leading marksman.

Since the club moved from London to Milton Keynes their record against Rovers has been very good. The two sides have met six times, with only one win for the Gas, that coming thanks to a Jo Kuffour strike at the beginning of April. In the 2008/09 season Rovers lost both games against the Dons by two goals to one, including an abhorrent performance on Boxing Day 2008 that saw the team booed off of the pitch by the home fans.

In Dons team news away from Wilbraham's exit Sam Baldock is likely to feature at some stage as he makes his return from injury. His fellow striker Angelo Balanta, on loan from Championship leaders Queens Park Rangers, is definitely out with an ankle injury. Defender Jude Stirling is also out with a long-term injury.

Darren Patterson will have a fully fit squad to choose from in his first match in charge of the Gas.

Patterson has been frustrated with the recent postponements but is confident that his side can go and get a result in Buckinghamshire, he told BBC Radio Bristol:

"It's a good stadium, hopefully there'll be a good crowd against one of the much more fancied teams with a much bigger budget and all that.

"But these are the games that the lads really enjoy and, apart from Sheffield Wednesday, we've done particularly well away from home.

"We'll show them the respect we show everybody, but my cup is always half full and I feel on any given day we can beat anybody and I truly believe that."

MK Dons manager Karl Robinson has seen his team through a recent poor run and hopes that they have turned a corner, telling www.mkdons.com:

"I felt we went off the boil a little bit after a fantastic start, but we feel like we're back on track and we're fully focused on what's ahead of us. The attitude and camaraderie among the players and staff is as good as it's been.

"We've come out of it much better people, but it wasn't a severe blip where we didn't win for seven or eight games. It wasn't as if we were totally poor in those games, but afterwards we decided we couldn't leave things to luck, we had to work harder than anyone else to rectify it and get ourselves where we want to be.

"If you work hard as a group, success will always follow. So it's my job now to make sure that the players, the staff and everyone at this Football Club is pulling in the same direction to build that success in 2011."

It could be another tricky day for Rovers, but the first game since the sacking of Paul Trollope will give the team the chance to galvanise themselves and show the spirit in the camp to the fans.

JPT Game Postponed Again

Bristol Rovers Johnstone's Paint Trophy clash with Exeter City has been postponed for the second week in a row due to the recent freezing weather.

Referee Steve Tanner inspected the pitch this morning and declared it unplayable as it was frozen while weather reports for the Bristol area showing a maximum temperature of -2°C for today and -1°C for Tuesday, meaning that the situation was unlikely to change any time soon. The area semi final tie has been rearranged for next week, Tuesday December 14th, with the kick off once again being 7:15.

The news follows Saturday's home game with Bournemouth also being rearranged, a new date is yet to be set for that fixture. It has also been confirmed that the FA Youth Cup tie with Aston Villa, set to be held at the Memorial Stadium on Wednesday, will not go ahead either and will instead take place on January 12th at 7PM.

Rovers manager Paul Trollope has been frustrated by the weather and it's effect on team training, he told bristolrovers.co.uk:

"We always prepare thoroughly, and as soon as it was called off Saturday we were straight on to preparing for the next game, and hopefully sooner rather than later there will be a game that it on.

"It does become frustrating in terms of training without playing and first and foremost missing the games is the most disappointing thing.

"We are hugely frustrated because the two performances before the break were very good, and we were very keen to gain momentum off the back of that.

"We have had an enforced break, and it is always a balancing act between getting the physical work and the football work, but also keeping their minds fresh.

"You are trying to juggle a lot of things, but the main thing is that when we do play the players are ready."

Rovers next scheduled game is away to Sheffield Wednesday this Saturday where the Gas will want to continue their respectable run of away results following a 2-2 draw a table topping Brighton and 1-1 scoreline against Charlton at The Valley.

Snow Chance? - AFC Bournemouth Preview

When writing a match preview the emphasis is normally on whether or not Rovers will win, but this time it's different, we're looking at whether or not the game will actually be on in the first place.

One game has already been cancelled this week, the Johnstone's Paint Trophy tie with Exeter City, which has subsequently been moved to Tuesday the 7th. At the time of writing Rovers believe there is 'a reasonable chance' of the game being on. With temperatures not expected to fall below zero on Friday and to reach 5°C on Saturday that may not be too far away from what will occur. The club are looking for volunteers to help remove covers from the pitch pre-match, with helpers being paid with a bacon sandwich and a cup of coffee.

Update: Referee Graham Sainsbury has confirmed that the match has been postponed.

But onto the game itself, Rovers will go in on the back of two decent results, earning draws away to the top two teams in the league, leading at some point in both matches. Prior to that was the last home game where the Gas went down 3-0 to Leyton Orient in an abysmal performance that saw them play most of the game with ten men after Carl Regan's red card for a rash challenge on O's captain Stephen Dawson. In all competitions you have to go back to the game before Orient for Rovers last win, their 6-3 thrashing of Wycombe in the JPT, but in terms of pure league form Rovers haven't won in six, the last victory coming against Rochdale in mid-October.

Rovers haven't played since the November 23rd and so should be quite fresh but the same can be said of Bournemouth who had their FA Cup tie against Notts County postponed due to the weather conditions in Nottingham. The Cherries went through November unbeaten, winning three and drawing two of their matches, the most notable result being the 5-3 FA Cup win over Tranmere Rovers where they let a three goal lead slip away before eventually going on to win. They also relieved a two goal lead against Leyton Orient in a league game, though they were unable to find a winner on that occasion. Away from home Bournemouth's form has not been up to the impeccable levels they have set themselves this season, winning just one of their journeys in the league and that was against Tranmere back in August. They have, however, drawn their last four games on the road, and have shown they are not easy to break down. One of the Cherries eyes may be on Tuesday nights game, the rescheduled FA Cup tie with Notts County with a potential game away to Premiership Sunderland the reward for the victors.

Since their last game, a 2-0 home win over Yeovil, Bournemouth have lost the services of top scorer Josh McQuoid who has moved on loan to Championship Millwall with a view to a permanent move in January. McQuoid had been in excellent form since early in the season, making up for the loss of the previous seasons top scorer Brett Pitman, who moved to Bristol City in August. But twelve goals, including hat-tricks in consecutive games in November, meant that the Northern Ireland international became hot property and, despite the best efforts of Cherries manager Eddie Howe, the striker wanted to move away.

There is only one player in either squad who has played for both teams, namely Rovers striker Jo Kuffour. The former Arsenal trainee is tied with Jeff Hughes as second top scorer for the Pirates this season, behind only Will Hoskins, and will be hoping to recapture a performance akin to his JPT hat-trick at Wycombe when his former side visit the Mem.

With the loss of McQuoid a lot rests on Bournemouth's summer signing Michael Symes, captured on a free from Accrington Stanley. His current tally for the season stands at four but much of the mantle is now on his shoulders but another particular danger will be Marc Pugh. The right winger has scored nine goals for Bournemouth, eight of them in the league, and set up numerous others.

Rovers have a poor recent record against Bournemouth, losing the last five times the teams have played including being knocked out of both the FA Cup and Johnstone's Paint Trophy in 2008/09 when the Cherries were a division below the Gas. Ironically the last time that Rovers beat Bournemouth they were the side in a lower division, back in 2006 where Richard Walker scored the only goal of an FA Cup replay at Dean Court. In the overall records Bournemouth are far superior, winning 52 of the 115 encounters between the two sides, losing 42 with 21 draws.

The home side will be without Carl Regan, still awaiting to serve the third game of his three match suspension. Byron Anthony, returning from a suspension of his own, will likely deputise at right back for him. Will Hoskins will continue his return to full fitness while Charlie Reece has had a full weeks training, both players are likely to take a place on the bench.

Three players will be missing for Bournemouth, namely defenders Ryan Garry and Shaun Cooper as well as goalkeeper Shwan Jalal who suffered a fractures eye socket in the draw with Leyton Orient. Winger Marc Pugh is likely to return for the Cherries.

Paul Trollope used various unusual measures to prepare his team for this weekends fixture, he told bristolrovers.co.uk:

"We have done a lot of different types of sessions, as we have not been able to get on the grass in recent days.

"We have done a few sessions on the astro-turf and we have done a spin class and a boxing class up at David Lloyd, so we have had a varied few days.

"We gave them the day off yesterday, but everyone is ok. There are a few who cannot complete all the sessions on the astro-turf to prevent any little niggles, but we are pleased with the work we have put in.

"It is never an easy time, you cannot do exactly what you would like, but you try and get as much done as you can."

Two solid results under their belts against top of the table sides Rovers will go into this with a great deal of confidence and with Bournemouth not having won away since August they could certainly steal a result here. That is, of course, if the Memorial Stadium ground staff can beat the weather.

City Stroll Into Europa League Knockout Rounds

On a blustery night in the north Manchester City booked themselves into the last 32 of the UEFA Europa League thanks to two goals from Mario Balotelli and an adam Johnson strike in a 3-0 win over Red Bull Salzburg.

Balotelli volleyed in Pablo Zabaleta's cross in the first half before tapping in in the second, Adam Johson capped the display with a superb individual goal with 12 minutes remaining.

Manchester City made eight changes from the side that drew with Stoke on Saturday, Kolo Toure, James Milner and Mario Balotelli the only players to survive but the team was nevertheless experienced and talented, Patrick Vieria drafted into the centre of midfield alongside Milner with Adam Johnson and Shaun Wright-Phillips starting on either wing. Pablo Zabaleta returned from a domestic suspension to take his place at left back. Joleon Lescott partnered Kolo Toure in central defence while Jerome Boateng started at right back. Mario Balotelli and Jo started up front for City, hoping to wreak havok on the Salzburg defence.

Carlos Tevez missed out on the squad completely but the Citizens bench was still packed with riches, David Silva and Emmanuel Adebayor being particularly attractive options should the game need to be changed. The Red Bulls, playing in navy blue and yellow, came out with a 4-1-4-1 formation, Uruguayan Joaquin Boghossian playing the lone striker role in what was a rather defensive formation for a team who had to win to stay in the Europa League.

Early on Salzburg came out and played the way their formation suggested, getting ten men behind the ball when defending and building slowly in attack.

The first shot of the game came from Mario Balotelli who, after a lung busting run down the left hand flank, cut inside and blazed the ball well over the crossbar.

Joleon Lescott nearly capitalised on a goal mouth scramble as Salzburg failed to clear the ball out of the area but his poke from a fine angle deflected behind for a corner.

Pablo Zabaleta had claims for a penalty after being tripped on the edge of the 18 yard box but the referee waved away his calls. Replays showed that though there was contact it was made outside of the area.

Patrick Vieiria played an inch perfect through ball for Mario Balotelli but he was only able to shoot straight at Tremmel in the Salzburg goal. But the Italian was not to be denied just a few minutes later.

Some intricate play around the edge of the area from Adam Johnson and Jo lead to the ball falling to the feet of Pablo Zabaleta who delivered a cross that Balotelli guided into the back of the net. With Juventus losing at Lech Poznan this meant that as it stood City would be into the hat for the last 32 of the Europa League.

Salzburg gradually pushed forward but the closest they came was a glancing header from centre back Afolabi from the edge of the six yard area and their next attack came to nothing, Joaquin Boghossian being called offside before fluffing his attempt at goal anyway.

A ball over the top of the Salzburg defence saw Mario Balotelli once again through on goal but when well placed to shoot the forward fell under a challenge from Schiemer with minimal contact made and the referee once again ignored City protests.

The away side tried to increase the pressure but commited few men forward and lacked the ability to work quickly around the City defence and as a result could only pepper the advertising hoardings either side of Shay Given's goal from distance.

With five minutes to go in the first half Shaun Wright-Phillips used a burst of pace to turn away from his man only to see his shot from the edge of the box end up at the feet of the Salzburg keeper.

Mario Balotelli was once again in the action as the end of the half neared when a high ball over the defence bounced sharply ahead of him and his attempt to lob the keeper looped off target but the chances continued to flow for City, James Milner the next to fire wide.

Boghassian was the first man to go into the book for arguing with the referee after Kolo Toure came sliding in to block a Salzburg cross, his sliding challenge ending up in the hands of Shay Given, but the referee ignored the Red Bull complaints and showed the Uruguayan striker yellow.

Salzburg started the second half brighter and pushed forward, earning two corners, though both deliveries failed to meet their own players, Stefan Hierlander pushing the ball wide after Salzburg pounced on a second ball.

City broke away after Simon Czimmoer fell in the centre circle, eventually being stretchered off, and twice flashed the ball across the face of goal, unable to find someone to finish the chances off.

The first chance of the second half that went to Mario Balotelli saw the former Inter man smash the ball into the side netting after impressive link up play between Boateng and Wright-Phillips on the right wing.

A jinking run into the area by Adam Johnson found the England international through and pushing to the byline where he drove a shot over the bar when he was better placed to cross.

The official behind the Salzburg goal was called into action when a cross from Jo met the arm of christian Leitgeb, only for penalty shouts to be once again waved away.

It was down to Mario Balotelli to double City's lead after Salzburg lost the ball just outside their own penalty area. Adam Johnson slipped a ball through to Patrick Vieria whose shot took a deflection to fall at Balotelli's feet for a tap in.

After 69 minutes Hierlander was again a threat to the City goal, his long range effort calling Shay Given into a diving save for the first time in the evening.

Emmanuel Adebayor was called into the action as a replacement for Mario Balotelli, who looked as if he was carrying a stomach muscle injury and was met with a rapturous round of applause from the City faithful as he left the pitch.

Salzburg continued to attempt strikes from long range, Jakob Jantsscher with a shot that whistled far away from Shay Given's goalmouth.

Another mazy run from Adam Johnson lead to a superb individual goal from the winger, making his way past three navy blue shirted defenders before placing the ball across the keeper for 3-0.

A wonderfully whipped cross field ball from Jo stretched the Salzburg defence before reaching Adeboyor who saw his first effort on goal pushed out for a corner by Tremmel.

Following a poor forward pass from goalkeeper Tremmel Wright-Pjillips was able to play Adebayor through, but the Togo international smashed the ball wide of the goal when well placed.

City ended the game as they started, pushing forward into Salzburg territory but there was to be no fourth as after two minutes of additional time referee Libor Kovarik blew for full time. Shortly after full time was called in Poland as Lech Poznan drew 1-1 with Juventus, having been in the lead, this meant that both Lech and Man City will find themselves in the last 32 of the Europa League come the new year.

Manchester City V Red Bull Salzburg Preview

Manchester City go into tonights Europa League game with the possibility of making it through to the knockout stage, assuming top of the group Lech Poznan can beat Juventus. But it won't be so easy for City as they face Salzburg with the Austrians knowing that anything less than a win will see them eliminated from the competition.

City go into the game unbeaten in five matches, two of which were wins against Fulham and West Brom, the three draws included two goalless games against Birmingham and in the Manchester derby. The latest result in the sequence was Saturday's 1-1 tie away at Stoke. The Sky Blues last defeat was at the start of November in the Europa League, going down humiliatingly by 3 goals to 1 against Lech in Poland. That was City's only loss in what has been an otherwise successful European campaign, the only other game they had failed to win was against Italian heavyweights Juventus, a match which ended in a 1-1 draw.

The Austrian club, rebranded as Red Bull Salzburg in 2005, have won their last three games in the Austrian Bundesliga, moving them up to third in the process, but have been without luck in Europa League group A thus far, claiming only two points from draws with Juventus, losing their other two matches to Lech and Manchester City. Their European adventure started with a 5-0 victory over Faroese minnows HB Torshavn in Champions League qualifying, though there was a shock in the second leg as a weakened side lost 1-0 to HB thanks to a goal from Simun Samuelsen. They passed through the next round, beating Omonia Nicosia 5-2 on aggregate before a 3-2 home loss to Hapoel Tel-Aviv and a draw in Israel relegated them to the Europa League group stages.

Roberto Mancini is in the middle of a run of three games in eight days and knows how tough the run will be as he told the BBC:

"This month will be very important for us as we have some difficult games against strong teams.

"During this spell we can understand what we must do for the future. It will be very tough because we play every three days.

"But first we must try to beat Salzburg and go through to the next stage."
Salzburg manager Huub Stevens is also looking ahead to his teams next domestic game, a Saturday clash with Austria Vienna. He told redbulls.com:

“Of course we will be giving our all against Man City and will try our luck in the Europa League, but I will have one eye on Saturday already this Wednesday as we really need to play Austria Vienna this Saturday with a fresh team.

Unfortunately we have to play again on Saturday; regrettably such kind of a fixture list is possible in Austria."

City will be able to choose from a nearly full squad, with Wayne Bridge and Emmanuel Adebayor returning from injury. Yaya Toure has recovered from the migraine he suffered against Stoke while Pablo Zabaleta, suspended domestically on Saturday, will be able to play in European competition.

For Salzburg defenders Christian Schwegler and Andreas Ulmer will be out, as well as forward Robin Nelisse and midfielder Nikola Pogrivac. Goalkeeper Eddie Gustaffson will also be missing.

City are selling tickets at £5 for adults and £1 for under 16s tonight in a bid to bring in extra fans.