mancityblues.com

The rumours are beginning to swirl around the internet regarding January signings. With this in mind, a review of the squad may clarify where City are strong and where they are are lacking - imho, even with all players fit, the mix is not ideal to maintain a top four challenge. Concentrating only on the twenty or so players that feature on a regular basis, this is how we stack up -

Goalkeepers

Given - very good keeper, best shot-stopper around. Could command his area better. KEEP
Taylor - good organiser, vocal. Otherwise, an unknown quantity at City. KEEP
Hart - continues to develop at Birmingham. LOAN

VERDICT - No need to strengthen this season, although Given should not expect to remain unchallenged next season.

Defenders

Zabaleta - wholehearted player, good squad member, versatile but not the best right-back around. Good pro. KEEP
Richards - has had problems with his game recently, perhaps time to move on. SELL
Bridge - perhaps has not reached the heights we had hoped, and has had some injury issues. A decent solution for the time-being. KEEP
Garrido - the forgotten man at City. Certainly has quality going forward, and a nice left foot, but not the best defender. SELL
Sylvinho - good pro, decent back-up. Here until the end of the season. N/A
Toure - yet to show his best, but a quality player. KEEP
Onuoha - potentially the best central defender at the club, but has terrible injury problems. KEEP
Lescott - showing signs of improvement - needs to be a leader despite Toure's status as captain. KEEP
Mee - well thought of at City, but remains to be seen if he can make the grade. KEEP/LOAN

VERDICT - new right-back/left-back would be nice in January, otherwise OK. Toure/Lescott/Nedum have to step up and perform (and remain fit). I'd like to see some of the younger players (not mentioned here) get a little more exposure when ready.

Midfielders

Barry - solid if unspectacular, but a very useful player. Looks a little tired atm. KEEP
Ireland - off the pace recently, but undeniable quality. Maybe not the most versatile but his value to the team is important. KEEP
De Jong - a good player at one thing. Will be useful in European football, but limited in the premiership. REVIEW
Kompany - a better player than De Jong imho. Versatile, good pro; looks like captain material for the future. Questions over injuries, though. KEEP
Johnson - the enigma returns. If he can stay fit, he could be a perfect foil for Ireland/Barry. KEEP but REVIEW in May
SWP - still proving his worth by rounding out his overall game, although still not the best crosser. Reliable. KEEP
Petrov - still has a lot to offer, but his injury problems remain a concern. Basically up to him whether he stays or not. KEEP/SELL
Robinho - has to stay unless a good offer and comparable players come in. KEEP
Weiss - looking forward to seeing him develop. KEEP

VERDICT - depending on whether Robinho and Petrov move on in January, we really only need a quality box-to-box player (unless Johnson makes it) to allow the team to flourish. The end of the season may be another matter, however. Talk of Yaya Toure coming only makes sense if either De Jong or Kompany leave.

Forwards

Adebayor - not going to ACON I think, a big bonus for City. KEEP
RSC - another injury-hit player. If he can stay fit, KEEP - otherwise, SELL at season's end, probably at a big loss.
Bellamy - very valuable to the squad despite his injuries. KEEP
Tevez - ditto. KEEP

VERDICT - Potentially a problem if injuries occur as they have. A young, quality striker would be a good addition in January.

BLOOVIC