Manchester City - The Blue Revolution

Great results, that group looks easy enough for you

The Madridista: Cheers Jason

Justice: Only because I'm using your tactics

EDIT: I have edited the previous post to include the Capital One Cup Third Round draw, and the league table for August. Remember to take a look

Great story - please don't buy Liverpool players

After a quiet campaign last season, David Silva is already starting to make an impact under new Manchester City boss Paul Dickov, having won the Barclays Player of the Month award for August after impressing in his boss' first two games as City manager.

David Silva has started both of City's Premier League matches this month, the first of those being away on the south coast, at Southampton. Silva started the game on the left-wing, and impressed in City's 3-1 victory, in which he set up one of the goals, as well as netting City's second to complete a very good all-round performance for the Spaniard, ranked at 8.8 out of 10. To reward him for his performance, he was given the Man of the Match award by Sky Sports.

Silva also started City's second, and final, Premier League game of the month, at home to Swansea City. Although he failed to score, Silva did bag an astounding three assists in a 5-0 victory for the Citizens, in which five different players scored. In a second very good performance of the month for Silva, he was once again named Man of the Match for his 9.2 rated performance. He was also pipped to the award by fellow midfielder James Milner, who was rated at 9.1 in this game.

So, thanks to two well-deserved Man of the Match awards from the World Cup-winner Silva, he has been rewarded with the Barclays Premier League Player of the Month award, just beating Englishman James Milner to the award, who finished in second, whilst Lucas Leiva of Liverpool came third. Aston Villa's Christian Benteke won the Young Player of the Month award, whilst Silva's Manchester City manager, Paul Dickov, was pipped to the Manager of the Month award by new Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, despite his team topping the table at the end of the month.

KopiteAlright: Thanks although I don't see why I'd want to

Nice job getting David Silva to perform!

I'm ashamed you let Mourinho beat you, but a nice update

The Madridista: It's not that hard...

Kane: I don't even know how he beat me, he only beat West Ham 2-0 and Norwich 4-0 #biasedfa *looks at own article*

Suarez, Stevie G & Sterling would waltz into any team

KopiteAlright: Suarez yes, but I don't want him. Stevie G would for most, but not mine. Sterling is too young, and isn't as good as Navas.

It's Champions League time again, and here is our annual preview of each group. Today we take a look at Group F, where Paul Dickov's Manchester City take on FC Porto, the reigning Portuguese champions, Zenit St. Petersburg, and also Red Bull Salzburg of Austria.

All eyes will be on Manchester City as they take a third attempt at trying to progress beyond the group stages, this time with a new manager, however they will face stern tasks in Russia and Portugal which they will have to survive if they are to progress. The two games against Salzburg could prove essential for City, and could be the difference between coming in the top two, or outside of it, so the Blues will be hoping for the maximum six points in those two games to try and tip the qualification odds in their favour.

Our Prediction

1. Manchester City (England)
2. FC Porto (Portugal)
3. Zenit St. Petersburg (Russia)
4. Red Bull Salzburg (Austria)

Paul Hewson's View

1. Manchester City (England)
2. Zenit St. Petersburg (Russia)
3. FC Porto (Portugal)
4. Red Bull Salzburg (Austria)

Three European heavyweights will be battling it out for qualification to the next stage of the UEFA Champions League. Free spending Manchester City and Zenit are the two favourites to go through, while FC Porto are looking to prove that they can still challenge in Europe. Salzburg are favourites to finish rock bottom of this group. Can Manchester City abandon their European hoodoo and perform on the big stage?

Jason Hunt's View

1. Manchester City (England)
2. FC Porto (Portugal)
3. Zenit St. Petersburg (Russia)
4. Red Bull Salzburg (Austria)

There is an exciting group here, with English Powerhouses Man City, Free spending Zenit, and Portuguese champions Porto, to go along with the Austrian Red Bull Salzburg. Man City, who won the Premier League last season, are loaded with talent, from top to bottom. They have a rock in goal, Joe Hart, and a true leader in the back with Vincent Kompany. Leighton Baines, Dede, Jesus Navas, and Fernandinho are all hoping to make an impact during their first Champions League with Man City. Scottish manager Dickov, who replaced Mancini, is counting on Fernandinho and Yaya Toure to form an unstoppable pairing in the middle. They should win the group, but they've struggled in previous years in this competition. Next, we have FC Porto, who have the likes of James Rodriguez and Joao Moutinho on their roster. The Portuguese team is stacked with talent, and they should beat out Zenit, who bought Porto’s Hulk for a large sum. Zenit spent loads this summer on Hulk and Axel Witsel, but they’ll have a tough time making it out of their group. Hulk is the key player, and he and Alexandr Kerzhakov must work together if they want to make it out of the group. Lastly, there is Red Bull Salzburg, who shouldn't progress from this group.

Kane Brooker's View

1. FC Porto (Portugal)
2. Manchester City (England)
3. Zenit St. Petersburg (Russia)
4. Red Bull Salzburg (Austria)

Manchester City should be able to qualify fairly easily for this group. City certainly have a strong side, with some key individuals to help them progress. Porto will be the biggest challenge, and although Zenit are a great side, I feel City certainly have enough to see them off. Red Bull Salzburg will be key games for the Manchester club, and picking up the full six points against them could be the difference between qualifying and failure.

We thank our guest writers for giving their views on today's group preview! It will certainly be an interesting one as City aim to end their bad luck in Europe, whilst fending off the challenges of Zenit and Porto. Matches start on 19th September, where City face Salzburg in Russia, and Zenit host FC Porto.

Jason Hunt is a fantastic journalist, I wonder who he is

The Madridista: I know, me too however, I am better!

Hmm, Kane Brooker sounds like a rather dashing chap!

Kane: Really? I always though he was rather overrated