MARIO BALOTELLI begins his three-match ban tonight as City look to keep the title race alive against West Brom at the Etihad Stadium.
The sorry Italian striker, who was sent-off during City’s 1-0 defeat at Arsenal, will hold talks at the end of the season to decide his future after City manager Roberto Mancini admitted he would “probably” try to sell Balotelli at the end of the season.
"I don't think it would be good to finish your career on a loss."
It’s been a remarkable fall from favour for the cult hero, who seems to have finally tested the patience of not only his teammates, but also City supporters.
Balotelli seems to divide fans like no player I've come accross before. To those who take football VERY seriously, and care only for victory, Mario is a nuisance, a barrier obstructing the path to glory.
Yet to those who view football as a spectacle, and care only to be entertained, Balotelli is a star attraction on and off the field. He comes with unpredictability, a pantomime villain and a sporting hero all-in-one, and they love him for it. After all, football was just a game the last time I checked.
The response on fans forums has resultantly been mixed. Kevin Henning wrote in the official Bluemoon blog: “Manchester City fans have tried to back Balotelli since day one. They have even embraced some of his dodgy moments by celebrating them in song.”
But goes on to conclude that: “The Italian has single handedly de-railed City’s charge towards the title.”
Whilst the title is still a mathematical possibility for City it’s customary to remain positive and optimistic, but it’s clear Mancini is aware that his future at the helm of the Premier League’s most expensively furnished squad looks bleak.
Meanwhile, United defender Rio Ferdinand has hinted that this may be his last season at Old Trafford.
The 33-year-old is approaching ten years at United, and has outlined his determination to end his career on a high.
He told BBC Radio Manchester: "I don't think it would be good to finish your career on a loss. Losses now do my head in, thinking you might not be able to rectify it the season after because you retire or leave."
Rio Ferdinand is approaching 10 years at Man Utd
Rochdale’s League One survival was dealt another blow last night as they lost 5-2 at home to promotion pushing Sheffield United.
Dale had taken the lead after three minutes but the visitors were level just two minutes later, and raced to a 4-1 half-time lead.
Former City striker Ched Evans scored a brace in the defeat that leaves Dale a rather daunting 11 points from safety.
The game marked the second time a Greater Manchester side had fallen to a Steel City team this week, after Oldham were beaten 3-0 at Sheffield Wednesday on Monday.
And finally, Bury Manager Richie Barker believes that one more victory will be enough to secure League One football for the club again next season after The Shakers beat Colchester 4-1 at Gigg Lane on Monday to move seven points clear of the relegation zone.
Barker told BBC Radio Manchester: “"I would say that one win from our final four games will probably, just about, see us over the line."
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