Manchester City Face Central Defensive Headache Without Captain

Manchester City head to Loftus Road this weekend without their ever-present captain Vincent Kompany.  The City skipper will serve out a one-match suspension for a professional foul versus Wolverhampton Wanderers in the last round of Premier League fixtures.  The key dilemma for City boss Roberto Mancini this Saturday will be which central defender replaces the colossal Belgian. 

Summer signing Stefan Savic was given the nod at El Madrigal on Wednesday night, possibly preparing the Montenegrin for his first Premier League start.  Savic has impressed in his brief appearances for Manchester City so far, demonstrating calmness in possession and a willingness to play the ball from tight situations.  A headed goal at Ewood Park demonstrated an additional goal threat, although defensive competency will be the main priority in Roberto Mancini’s decision making.

Kolo Toure is the far more experienced option, but following a long-term suspension the Ivorian is severely lacking in match fitness.  Toure has so far this term been limited to cup appearances, with his last start coming at Molineux in the Carling Cup.  A recent tribunal dispute has clouded Toure’s future at The Etihad Stadium, with the defender also professing PSG as a future option, should the Parisian club make a move in January.

As Roberto Mancini continues the squad evolution, it seems likely that Savic will be brought into the starting line-up, with many believing the former Partizan stopper to be the long-term replacement for Joleon Lescott.  A first start alongside the England defender appears to be defensive partnership for the immediate future.  The real fight for Savic will begin when Vincent Kompany returns, with the Kompany/Lescott pairing arguably the strongest in the Premier League this season.