Real Madrid Vs Manchester City Football Club

Well Blues,

If this fixture does not show how far our beloved CITY have come over the last few years I don't know what does. City find themselves up against one of the best in the world in Real Madrid probably only second to Barcelona right now and if that was not challenging enough they also find themselves in what can truly be called the group of death. A group full of league champions alike from their respective countries Manchester city once again will have to do it the Hard way. 

I for one relish these games and am a firm believer of if you want to be the best you have to beat the best'. Manchester City face Real Madrid away tomorrow night at the Bernabeu Stadium. It will be the first time Manchester City have ever played Real Madrid in a competitive fixture since the club was created.

The Dubai MCFC Supporters Club will as usual be watching this fixture in the crown and Lion pub in Byblos Hotel, Tecom Al Barsha. It has already been decided by a few Blues that drinks will commence from 9.00pm on-wards at One Up Bar opposite Byblos Hotel and head over to the Crown and Lion around 10.30 to avoid the band and the noise it creates. We will watch the match however in the Crown and it will have live English commentary. I hope to see as many Blues there as possible as these one off games do not come around that often. 

Lets make this a Historic night to remember and make our mark on this campaign as serious contenders.

See you all there tomorrow.

Mark Lynch

Me, Buzzer and The FA Premier League Trophy

I had the priveledge of meeting Manchester City Club Ambassador and Ex City Legend Mr Mike Summerbee. He was an absolute gent and talked to all the fans. Buzzer you are a legend my friend.

Full Time in the Crown and Lion. City declared Champions of England 2011/12 Season

All the Emotions rolled into 5 Minutes and 27 Secs.

All the Emotions rolled into 5 Minutes and 27 Secs showing the emotions of Mancunians in the dying seconds of the 2011/12 Premier league season Finale. Who lifts the Title.

Ha ha City of course, Who else.!!!


Mark Lynch

Yayakolokolokolokolokolokolokolo Remix. Awsome

This is what its like to be CITY!!!! The City massive having a ball in Bank's Pub in Manchester after winning the 2011/12 Premier League Title.

Mark

Manchester City Vs Wolves 29th Oct 2011, 6.00pm Kick Off.

I have finally just landed back down to earth this morning after being on cloud nine for the last few days. Why?, because on Sunday the 23rd October 2011 I witnessed what can only be described as the most sensational one sided hammering over our nemesis that any alive City fan would likely of ever witnessed in their lifetimes. The game truly did have everything to class it a masterpiece. It was choreographed perfectly by Senior Mancini and on the pitch directed with aplomb by the mesmeric Wizard that is 'David Silva'. 


In contrast to such a high profile game against Manchester United, Manchester City face Wolves away tonight in the league cup before facing them three days later at the Etihad stadium in the the premier league. Taking nothing away from Wolves but it is fair to say we should be beating them. City must keep composure and the winning mentality in tact against wolves as we know full well if we let our standards drop they will go in for the kill. They have done it before and I am sure they can do it again if we let down our guard. I expect Mancini to put out to totally different teams for each game. Most of the players should be rested from the united game with the exception of Dzeko and Kolarov. This is because Mancini should look to put out a full strength team against wolves at home to guarantee maximum points. Expect to see the following two teams out tonight and Saturday for Cities two canine encounters.

League cup side

Pantillimon

Onouha

Toure

Savic

Bridge

De Jong

Zabaletta

Johnson

Nasri

Kolarov

Dzeko

League game side

Same as against Manchester United fresh after a weeks rest.

Hope to see you all down the Crown and Lion on Saturday from 3pm onwards.

Regards,

Mark Lynch

Manchester City Vs Everton 3.45pm Kick-off Saturday 24th September.

Well the not so eagerly anticipated game against our bogey team Everton arrives Saturday. Usually I dread this fixture more than any other. The major reason for this is that we can never seem to beat the buggers. This time around though we are a completely revitalised team and on present form ( with the slight blip against Fulham an exception) I think we shall turn the Toffees over and give a hiding to nothing. The following stats courtesy of eurosport show just how bad against Gollums Everton we have been in the past.

The Toffees have won their last four away games against Manchester City. Everton have won seven and lost one of their last eight Premier League games against Man City and the last four in a row. Tim Cahill has scored in his last three games against City at the Etihad Stadium. Yaya Toure scored in both Premier League meetings with Everton last season. Manchester City have won 11 and lost none of their last 12 Premier League home games and kept clean sheets in six of the last seven games at the Etihad Stadium. City have never beaten Everton in the Premier League after conceding the opening goal, losing 13 and drawing two of those 15 games. 

Well it certainly does not make pleasant reading does it? Well I hope this cheers you up a bit.

Sergio Aguero has scored eight goals in his first five Premier League appearances, matching the record of Mick Quinn for Coventry. Man City are unbeaten in their last eight Premier League matches (W7 D1) since losing to Everton in May. David Silva has created more scoring chances from open play (18) than any other player in the top flight.

Manchester City have won 75% of headers in their own penalty area, a higher percentage than any other team. 

Mickey Quinn hey, remember him? quality mullett and tash that fella had, he was a real good looking fella. Anyway enough about Mickey Quinn and on to Saturdays Game. I personally think we will turn Everton over with a high score of 5-0. The usual Crown and Lion Pub will be the venue for game. Kick off is early at 3.45pm and it will be with sound and English Commentary. So no excuses for a piss poor turnout like last Sunday, I want to see as many of you there as possible. See you from 3pm onwards.

Mark Lynch

WHAT WE HAVE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR!!

Well ladies and Gents its finally here. The football match that City fans have always dreamed of watching their boys in blue play. Tonight's Chamions League opener against Napoli starts a new chapter in City's ever entertaining fairy tale story. It is these nights that City fans have dreamed about for years and now it has finally come.

City have landed themselves in a very tough group consisting of Bayern Munich, Villarreal and Napoli. All teams are tough opposition and even Alex Ferguson admitted he was not envious of the group he called the 'Group of death'. However if Manchester City are to pit there wits and skills against the best in the world their would be no better way to show how far we have come and how good we actually are by beating tough opposition like the above and qualifying for the next knockout stage. Only time will tell over the coming two months if Manchester City have the ability to progress but one think is for sure they will certainly have the fans backing tonight at Etihad Stadium and the Crown and Lion Pub in Dubai for what is a very special moment in the history of Manchester City Football Club. Kick Off is at 10.45pm so I suggest to make sure we all get seats as the scum will also be playing tonight so aim to get there from 9.30pm onwards. 

Hope to see you all there. No excuses on a night like this.

Mark Lynch

Manchester City Versus Wigan Athletic, Saturday10th September Crown and Lion Pub Byblos hotel 6.00pm kick-Off

Three wins from three games and some might say the perfect start? well not really as we are only 2nd spot. 1st spot would truly of been the perfect start. After Saturdays fixture however I expect Man City to be taking position at the helm of English football as I see City destroying a Wigan side that has once again sold their top players to survive whilst replacing them with very little in the way of quality.

Trafford Rangers will take on a determined Bolton at the Reebok Stadium and with City's Dedryk Boyata maybe getting the nod to start he could well put a spanner in the works of Trafford Rangers plans to stay top. Coyles men have had two defeats to City and the bin dippers so will be looking to tighten up and make it difficult for United. Fingers crossed they can limit the damage to a few goals while we beat wigan by a few more.

Most of City's team are away on international duty this week so the squad will be determined from whom is fit and injury free. Lets keep the fingers crossed that all the boys come home with a clean bill of health from international duty. The MCFCDUBAI boys will be meeting in the Crown and Lion from 4pm onwards to watch the match. Hope to see as many of you there as possible.

See you all Saturday

Mark

Manchester City Vs Swansea City 11.00pm Kick Off Monday 15th August

Its a New Dawn, It's a New Day It's a New Season and McfcDubai will be looking to kick -off the new campaign in style down at the Crown and Lion Pub with monstrous turnout, large servings of alcohol and plenty chip butties at half Time...

(scratch record sound and five second pause....)

Well not likely as it is a school night and kick-off is at 11.00pm so the likelihood of a large turnout is not great. However I am sure there will be a handful of regulars down the Crown so for those interested in going get yourself down there and enjoy. 

For those definitely interested in going to the Crown then please reply and let me know and i can send a final email out with confirmation of numbers.

There has been a good response pre season to the supporters club with 5 new members getting in contact about meeting up for the new season ahead so those regulars keep your eyes peeled for new faces in Blue and make them welcome.

Team news for match day

Defender Vincent Kompany is the Manchester City players' choice to take over as captain from striker Carlos Tevez. Kompany will skipper the side in their Premier League opener against Swansea on Monday.

Manchester City's record signing Sergio Aguero will probably be on the bench, with manager Roberto Mancini claiming the forward is short of match fitness.

Unsettled striker Carlos Tevez will not be involved, so Edin Dzeko may start up front for the hosts.

Swansea captain Garry Monk is a major doubt with a foot problem.

Dutch goalkeeper Michel Vorm, Danny Graham, Leroy Lita, Wayne Routledge and Steven Caulker are in line to make their club debuts.

Head-to-head

This will be the first time the sides have met in the top flight since the 1982-83 campaign, when both clubs were relegated at the end of the season. 

Manchester City did the double over the Swans in the second tier in 1983-84. They have not met since then. 

Manchester City 

Manchester City have won five of their last six league matches. 

They have gone 16 league and cup games without a draw (excludes Community Shield). 

Carlos Tevez has scored 43 Premier League goals since joining City in 2009, more than any other player in the top flight. 

Joe Hart kept 18 clean sheets last season, the highest tally in the division. 

Swansea City 

The Swans have lost their opening league game in the past five seasons. 

Only QPR had a better defensive record than Swansea in last year's Championship. The Welsh side conceded 42 goals and kept 21 clean sheets (excluding play-off games). 

The Swans drew just eight of their 46 league games last term - only bottom side Scunthorpe recorded fewer Championship draws. 

Interesting fact of the day. Swansea Mascot as mad as there fans. 

The pressure of being in the media spotlight seemed to be getting to the most notorious of mascot bad boys Cyril the Swan. Sadistic Cyril - who was once handed a £1,000 fine for a solo pitch invasion - ripped the head off Millwall's Zampa the Lion and drop-kicked it into the crowd last season.

Unfortunately I wont be able to make it as i will be away working but hope to get down after Eid holidays. 

See you all soon and enjoy the match.

CTID

Mark Lynch

The 143rd Manchester Derby - The Crown & Lion, February 12th, 2011 K.O. 4.45pm

It seems that every single Manchester Derby these days is described as being the biggest in a lifetime, but surely that epithet actually has a ring of truth to it this time round. Has there been a more important league derby in the last 30+ years? Certainly not for City, and even the Reds might admit there's a fair bit riding on this one.

Just ten days after seemingly extinguishing any remaining flicker of title credentials following disastrous results against Villa and Birmingham, City incredibly go into this weekend with everything still to play for. United remain comfortably in control – annoyingly with both a game in hand and points already in the bag – but Mad Mick and his perennial giant killers from Wolverhampton have contrived to open the back door ever so slightly for his old club to sneak through.

So the Manchester City rollercoaster thunders on. And we wouldn't have it any other way!

There's a school of thought that Bob will play this one tight and be content with a solitary point. But surely anything other than all three means it's game over as far as the title is concerned. Even a victory would leave us with a hell of a mountain to climb but at least United would then be wobbling against the ropes with games against Arsenal, Chelsea (twice) and the resurgent dippers still to come. It's fair to say that a win for City on Saturday could have huge implications for the destiny of this most bizarre of Premier League seasons.

So, all in all, it should be a cracker. Wobbly Gob seems to be a doubt for them, while Balotelli's knees (and the possibility of Jo getting on the pitch) are our only major concerns. There may be more injuries to come as City's players return to Carrington from international duty (most of United's were conveniently carrying mysterious four-day 'knocks'), and Shaun Goater's favourite Chuckle Brother will sadly be absent following a severe bout of dawning realisation.

Kick off's at 4.45pm (UAE time), so get yourself down to the Crown & Lion from 2pm onwards for some liquid anaesthetic as we prepare for 97 minutes of nail-biting agony and – hopefully – ecstasy.

Come on City!!!

Coming Home with Etihad Airways

Coming Home with Etihad Airways

Are you a City fan living on the other side of the world and have not been to see your beloved City play in years? Would you like to ‘come home’ to the City of Manchester Stadium for one of the biggest games of the season?

Or do you live in the UK and have friends and family living around the world who you’d love to bring home to visit you for the City vs. Spurs game in April 2011? Well here’s your chance!

As part of the ‘Coming Home’ promotion, Etihad Airways, Official Sponsor of Manchester City, is offering fans the chance of a lifetime - to fly to Manchester for one of the biggest game of the season.

We want you to send us your videos as to WHY we should pick you as a winner to fly 2 people home from anywhere in the world. The prize includes return flights for 2 people from any of Etihad’s 65 worldwide destinations, 3 nights’ accommodation, VIP hospitality at the game and executive seating. You will even get the chance to meet some of Manchester City’s legends during a stadium tour, and you will have special pitch-side access in the build up to the game.

To enter and be in with a chance of winning this fantastic experience, simply log onto www.etihadcompetition.com/cominghome

We are looking for the most creative video entries to put through to the final in January. Whether it’s you wearing your City shirt in front of a famous landmark, or maybe in a room at home which is decked out with loads of City memorabilia, we want you to upload your video into the email telling Etihad the reasons why you should be flown home for this massive game. The wackier the video entry, the better. Your email also needs to include which Etihad destination you or your friends and family are closest to and don’t forget to include your name, email and contact number.

West Bromwich Albion Vs Manchester City

After a terrible last 10 days that has resulted in Manchester City being on the end of three disappointing defeats Roberto Mancini really does need to pull his finger out and get Manchester City's Title ambitions back on track with all three points away at the Hawthorns this evening.

In what promises to be a difficult game against a West Brom Side undefeated at home this season Mancini does have a tough challenge ahead. The Hawthorns is proving to be something of a fortress for West Brom, who are unbeaten at home this season.

After suffering a 2-1 defeat away to Blackpool on Monday evening, the Baggies will be out to prove that was nothing more than a blip with a win over Manchester City, who have lost their last two.

Having already taken points from the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur this season, Roberto Di Matteo's men will feel more confident than most when they line up against City.

In fact, they have already seen off the Citizens once this term, with a 2-1 win in the Carling Cup. The Hawthorns has proved to be something of a bogey ground for City, who have lost their last three league matches there.

West Brom's top scorer Peter Odemwingie could return.

The Nigerian striker, who suffered a knee injury in the Baggies' draw against Bolton Wanderers at the beginning of October, has scored three goals in six Barclays Premier League appearances this season.

Midfielder James Morrison is still a doubt due to a knee injury, while Jonas Olsson's Achilles complaint could put him out until Christmas. Gonzalo Jara will be suspended after being dismissed against Blackpool on Monday, but defender Pablo Ibanez is available after his red card from the same match was rescinded.

City Captain Marvel Tevez should be back after a thigh injury whilst also with a thigh strain midfiled terrier Nigel De Jong is in line to make a comeback to the side. Also in line for his first start since the opening game against Tottenham is new left back Aleksander Kolerov. The Toure brothers are also lined up for starts after being rested against Lech Poznan in midweek. 

Starting line up should be something like this:

Hart

Boateng Toure 

Kompany Kolorov

Johnson Yaya Toure De Jong Milner

Silva

Tevez

Well thats what I hope to see anyway.

Kick off is at 7pm and this game will be watched by the Dubai Blues in the Crwon and Lion pub, Byblos Hotel, Tecom, Al Barsha.

See you there

Mark

Juventus Vs Manchester City

Calling all Blues,

After the deserved defeat of Chelsea on Saturday, City face another difficult game ahead.The game we have all been waiting for since being drawn in the Europa Group stage draw is nearly upon us. Manchester City take on Turin giants 'Juventus' at Eastlands this Thursday night.

MCFC Dubai have a night planned down at the old Eufa cup stomping ground named Barrells Sports bar in the Majestic Hotel, Mankhool Rd, Bur Dubai. Kick-off is scheduled for 11pm UAE time which means us supporters can get some serious drinking done in the region of the Bur Dubai area prior to kick-off. Gary, that doesn't mean kick-off literally with any scum Manchester united fan that you meet. JUST JOKING GAZZA. 

Seen as we all have the Friday off there should, and will likely be a good turnout if two seasons ago was anything to go by.

For those interested please let me know. Meeting point is likely to be the Players Lounge bar before moving on for a few in Bur Dubai and ending up at Barrells for the match. Meeting at Players 7.30-8pm is the starting agenda. Take things from there.

Hope to see as many of you blues there on Thursday.

Bring it on 

Championship manager prediction 4-2 to city

Mark

When Saturday Comes.........MCFC VS BRFC

This weekend could well be the first and last Manchester City Home game at 3pm standard Saturday Kick-off time for some time ahead. With City now safely through to the group stages of the Europa Cup drawing Juventus, RedBull Salzburg and Lech Poznan in the process, there will be many European Thursday night football games to come. Along with the Carling Cup games it is likely many of Manchester City's fixtures will be rescheduled for Sunday afternoon and Monday evenings. 

With this in mind I am calling all Dubai Blues to arms. Get into the Crown and Lion on Saturday at 1pm onwards to enjoy what may be our last Saturday kick off for some time. The fasting season of Ramadam is likely to be over and Eid Al Mubarak will likely of commenced so plenty of ale will be readily available. 

Manchester City need to get back on to winning ways after a small blip last week against Sunderland and nothing more than a thrashing of Blackburn Rovers and full points will do. With six of the City squad having helped England to two convincing wins in the European championships group stage against Bulgaria and Switzerland spirits and morale should be high in the camp. Fingers crossed Blackburn are in for a hammering.

At 3pm Saturday in the Crown and Lion we will find out. See you all there.

Mark

BLUE ALERT!!!!! Bin Dippers Spotted at Piccadilly Train Station.

MANCHESTER CITY vs LIVERPOOL

11PM KICK-OFF 23/8/10 CROWN AND LION, BYBLOS HOTEL, AL BARSHA

Lock your houses up!!, lock your cars!,.... Keep your kids inside!!.... the Bin Dippers are in town.

Tonight Man City play host to our poor neighbours from Mersyside. The slightly rejuvenated Liverpool, under the new management of Roy Hodgson, come to Eastlands looking for car hubcaps, Gucci wallets and three valuable points.

Without the suspended Joe Cole and the injured Daniel Agger, Roy Hodgson will be playing a slightly different team from the one that gained a valuable point against Arsenal last weekend. After missing the midweek Europa league game against Trabzonspor on wednesday Roy Hodgson brings back to the squad the rested Glen Johnson, Dirk Kuyt, Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres. This semi rested Liverpool side potentially poses a threat to a City side that has not really looked like they all know each other. Along with the injured Jerome Boateng and Aleksander Kolorov, the back four will have to be at there best to contain Gerrard and Torres.

In saying that, the Liverpool defense will also have to be at their very best to keep out the most expensively assembled forward and midfield put together in the premier league this season. The problem Mancini faces is, will these new boys click into gear or will they look like a bunch of strangers as they did (and rightfully so) against Spurs in the first half?.

If they click into gear and start playing, then I am afraid the Blues will be to much for Liverpool to handle.

Man City will probably welcome James Milner and Mario Balotelli into the frame tonight whether it be a starting birth or from the bench. Lescott is likely to cover left back and be asked to keep Dirk Kuyt quiet on the right wing whilst Richards or Zabaletta will be asked to cover RB.

The game is on in the Crown at 11pm. Anybody wishing to meet up and watch it with the usual suspects then get down from 9pm onward. Expect there to be a fair few scousers in the mix so the atmosphere should be good.

See you tonight

Mark Lynch

Politehnica Timisoara Vs Manchester City FC Europa League Cup Kick Off 11.00pm 19/8/2010

Manchester City start their Europa Cup Campaign away to Romanian unknowns Politehnica Timisoara. Kick -off is at 11pm Dubai time and will be shown live in the Crown and Lion, Byblos Hotel, Al Barsha on Abu Dhabi Sports 1 & 3 HD. Hope to see as many of you there as possible if your interested.

City can expect to see some playing time tonight from the new 50million pounds worth of talent purchased this week in the form of young exciting Italian sensation Mario Balotelli and young premier veteran James Milner. 

Boateng and Kolorov both remain sidelined which may mean a call up for Jolean Lescott, Wayne ( why did we buy him) Bridge or young Irish prodigy Greg Cunningham whom only yesterday signed a new 4 year professional contract with the Blues. Robinho travels along with Jo to the game so maybe these rogue Brazilian Hotshots might get a game also to prove why we wasted so much money on them. Enough of my rambling see you at the Crown. 

Mark Lynch

Tottenham Vs Manchester City 14th AUG 2010 3.45pm

With less than a week to go to the most anticipated league seasons in Manchester City's history I call on all the Dubai Blues to see who can be arsed meeting to watch the game knowing there wont be a beer in sight until 7pm??? Well I for one will be watching the match in the Crown and Lion as I do not have the football at home yet. Kick-off is at 3.45pm and the crown offers food, tea, coffee and soft drinks only until 7.pm when the bar opens for alcoholic beverages. Tottenham Vs Manchester City is the early kick-off followed at 6pm with several other fixtures. 

After speaking to the Crown and Lion Manager Craig Leader at the weekend I am pleased to tel you that today he is having the football installed in full High definition with extra HD speakers located in the area where we watch the game. he promised that there will be no echo on the sounds for the different games but pristine sound and picture quality.

So if you are interested in watching the game this coming Saturday then kindly let me know via email and i shall reserve as many seats as i can.

Look forward to seeing as many of you there as possible.

Mark Lynch

CROWN AND LION McfcDubai Home for 2010/11 Season

The Crown and Lion will be the venue for all Manchester City live games shown this coming 2010/11 season campaign. The Crown and Lion is situated in the Byblos Hotel in Al Barsha, Dubai. Craig Leader has welcomed the Dubai Blues for the second season to enjoy all the games in a specially reserved area for Manchester City fans. Thursday night Europa League games the venue may change as it is a weekend and will be open to discussion.

Look forward to seeing you all there for the opening fixture away to Tottenham Hotspurs.

Mark Lynch

NEW SEASON A NEW LOOK

To start the new season in style Manchester City have released two new kits for the coming 2010/11 premier league season. The new home kit is similar to last seasons but sports a new shaped collar and a new slimline pinstriped fit. The away top is a similar style but in a navy blue colour. See above what the best dressed boys in town will be wearing next season.

Bring it on Harry

Bobby Manc has added close to 80 million pounds worth of talent to the squad in this pre-season campaign with no sign yet of the chequebook being locked up in the club safe until January. What Roberto Mancini has done though is buy proven quality at reasonable prices in comparison to Mark Hughes previous signings. New to his arsenal of footballing talent is Jereome Boateng, David Silva, Yaya Toure and Aleksandar Kolorov. With the signings of "super" Mario Balotelli and James Milner still looming in the Press Roberto Mancini could take his Spending close to 125 Million. The Problem is who stays and who goes in what is becoming the biggest first team squad in the whole of the Galaxy. City's squad is becoming that large that you could technically put together 4 teams. With such a large amount of squad trimming to be done some super stars will have to be shown the door. Not an enviable job for our henchman in the making, but in Mr Roberto Mancini we trust.

The question is. Who is for the chop? & Who will start against Harry's Spurs Eleven?

NEW YEAR NEW START. MCFC DUBAI Back to business

Hello All,

Happy new year to you all. Wishing you all an exciting prosperous new year.

First of all i would like to apologize for the deflated attitude that was taken to keeping the blogspot up to date during the latter months of 2009. Their are no excuses really as it does not take long to update but from now on I promise to keep you all up to date on the website during what promises to be a very exciting year for Manchester City football Club.

With 'Bobby Mancs' Blues now lying in the top four where we rightfully belong. A semi final with our arch rivals the 'swamp dwellers' still to come and a place still in the FA cup we sure have a lot to look forward to.

With the recent injury crisis and the African Nations Cup ongoing, Mancini has done rather well to get the best out of what is technically a weakened squad against some decent mediocre opposition. With some players coming back over the next two weeks and the inspirational performances from the likes of Garrido and Benjani of late Mancini could well be the man to get the best of player talent and effort in what I feel is the second strongest squad in the premiership.

City surely have to be looking at challenging for the title with the run in of games that we have. We should not settle for second best whilst this campaign is clearly still open to any of the top six teams considering the games left to play. For City especially, we do not have the added distraction of champions league football to worry about, which could well work to our advantage over the coming months.

With all this in mind I ask you all to rally together at the Crown and Lion as much as you can to cheer on the mighty blues to success. If your as much as an optimist as i am then nothing is impossible. Starting this Saturday lets get together and watch the start of a new exciting era together.

Up the BLUES and DOWN the Scum.

Blue moon is rising at long last. Our days are coming

Mark Lynch

Wigan Athletic Vs City - The Crown & Lion Sunday 18th Oct K.O. 7.00pm

It seems to have dragged on for an eternity, but the international break is finally over.................... at least for another three weeks anyway.

So what have we learnt from this break? Well, we now have conclusive proof that Rio Ferdinand can't actually defend, that Steve Bruce has a man crush on David Beckham, and that England's best players are clearly Wayne Bridge, Gareth Barry, and Shaun Wright-Phillips. Oh, and that simply playing for Stretford Rangers is enough to land the England goalkeeper's gig, even if you have recently been playing like an orangutan with a rod stuck up its bottom.

City look to get back to winning ways this week after earning a 1-1 draw at Aston Villa several lifetimes ago as they travel the short distance to Hicksville, Lancashire to take on the pie eaters of Wigan.

Roberto Martinez's side currently sits 12th in the table on eight points from nine games. They have won two and lost four of their last six games and come into this fixture on the back of a 2-1 away defeat to Hull.

Unfortunately it's yet another Sunday game, so work commitments / general laziness may get in the way. However, for those of you interested in getting out for a few jars, mcfcUAE will be meeting at the Crown & Lion in Al Barsha's Byblos Hotel from 6.30pm to watch this game on the big screens with full English commentary. The day's other fixture is Blackburn Vs Burnley at 4.00pm, so do please try your best to rein in the excitement.

See you there,

Dave

Aston Villa Vs City - The Crown & Lion Monday 5th Oct K.O. 11.00pm

City once again find themselves drawing the shortest of all fixture straws by having to travel to Villa Park for the week's Monday night game.

Mark Hughes will have an almost full squad from which to choose as he goes head to head with City old boy Martin O'Neil. Vincent Kompany has resumed full training for the first time this season, Emmanuel Adebayor returns from suspension, and Michael Johnson and Roque Santa Cruz are once again likely to feature from the bench.

The Blues will be looking to exact revenge on the Villains after a Gabriel Agbonlahor hatrick helped seal an impressive 4-2 victory for the home side in last season's corresponding fixture. John Carew grabbed the other Villa goal, while Elano and Corluka netted for City.

City go into this week's game on the back of an excellent 3-1 against an admittedly poor West Ham side, quickly laying to rest the disappointment of the previous week's Manchester Derby defeat. Villa, meanwhile, play hosts to City on the back of a 2-1 defeat at Blackburn, having previously recorded back-to-back victories against Liverpool, Fulham, Birmingham and Portsmouth.

For those of you able to go out for this one, there will be City fans in the Crown & Lion from 9.30pm. Others will be at the Players' Lounge in Bur Dubai from around the same time, so take your pick or stay in and watch it at home.

Dave

City Vs West Ham - The Crown & Lion Monday 28th Sept K.O. 11.00pm

Seen as i have just about calmed down after the infamous timegate charade of last Sunday i am back relishing the visit of Zola's West Ham for some deserved retribution after last weeks debacle at the swamp.

Our Boy Blues stood up to the plate this week with a hard earned victory over the ever improving Fulham under Roy Hodgson. Hodgsons whole team who got the not for the fixture had either played one or zero premier league games this season. They started well at eastlands with 35yard screamer from Zoltan Gera in the first half and remianed formidable opposition for most of the game but a resilient City got the deserved place in the final sixteen teams after an equalizer from Gareth Barry and a winner from Captain Kolo.

With the four day rest break for Hughes team they hopefully should all be in peak shape for the Visit of the Hammers. Run-outs for Michael Johnson and Roque Santa Cruz in mid week which they both came through unscathed means that they should be fit enough for a call up to the bench for this match. Tevez should also be fit for a start aswell as Micah Richards who was rested against Fulham midweek. Kick-Off is late this week but some fans are likely to be at the Players Lounge bar or the Crown and Lion.

Chairman's Prediction - Bellamy to continue his great vein of form against his old club and get two goals in a 3-0 victory to the blues.

All enjoy your weekend.

Mark Lynch

The Manchester Derby - The Crown & Lion Sunday 20th Sept K.O. 4.30pm

The inane, whisky-fuelled ramblings emanating from a press room in deepest darkest Stretford can mean only one thing: Yes, it's time for the 152nd Manchester Derby.

Clearly a fan of irony, Taggart McRasher opted to use his pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon to rant and rave for the 764th time about a club he apparently doesn't care about, turning a putrid shade of purple as he once again stamped his feet over the topic of THAT poster. Our "small club, small mentality" certainly seems to be getting right up Ol' Baconchops' shiny red nose ahead of what is one of the most eagerly awaited Manchester Derbies of the last 35 years.

City will of course be missing Emanuel Adebayor for this one after he was a rather naughty boy in the mauling of Arsenal last week. Robinho is still injured and perennial treatment room inhabitant Roque Santa Cruz remains several weeks away from full fitness. Depending on who you believe, Carlos Tevez may or may not play, whilst Benjani's magic shoulder is definitely ruled out through injury. Meanwhile, united will be without the tackling expertise of Paul Scholes, whilst Wobblygob Ferdinand is doubtful.

Kick-off is at 4.30pm (UAE) and the match will be shown live with English commentary at the Crown & Lion in Tecom's Byblos Hotel. The exact timing of the Eid holiday remains unclear, but if all goes to plan, the more thirsty members of mcfcUAE will be in there from 1.30pm for a liquid lunch.

Come on down; it's sure to be a cracker.

Dave

City Vs Arsenal - The Crown & Lion Saturday 12th Sept K.O. 6.00pm

I'm guessing these two are looking forward to the weekend. Kolo Toure and Emanuel Adebayor return from international duty this week to take on their former club at Eastlands on Saturday afternoon

The international break hasn't been particularly kind to City, with both Robinho and Carlos Tevez picking up knocks in last week's battle of the South American giants. Fear not, though, as it seems that Andrei Arshavin has been ruled out, while Fabregas and Walcott are looking doubtful

We're still in the midst of Ramadan, but the game will be shown live on the big screen with full English commentary at the Crown & Lion in Barsha's Byblos Hotel (Tecom). Food and soft drinks will be on sale throughout the day, with alcohol available from 7.30pm onwards. Kick-off is at 6.00pm (UAE) and the day's other fixtures include Liverpool Vs. Burnley and Stoke Vs. Chelsea at 6.00pm and Tottenham Vs. Stretford Town at 8.30pm.

Come along if you can make it.

Dave

Portsmouth FC Vs Manchester City FC Sunday 30th Aug K.O. 4.30pm

At one time he was the outspoken frontman for ADUG's takeover of God's own team, but Abu Dhabi-based chancer Dr. Sulaiman Al Fahim now has his sights firmly set on wresting control of the rapidly sinking ship that is Portsmouth Football Club.

Whilst Portsmouth fans must surely not regret their side's famous FA Cup win in 2008, it has been a rather spectacular fall from grace for the south-coast club since another famous chancer, Harry Redknapp, led them to victory at Wembley against Cardiff City.

Redknapp has, of course, departed for pastures new, and has been followed out of the door by a string of stars who were instrumental in driving the club's march to Wembley and its eighth-placed finish in the Premier League. Lassana Diarra now plies his trade in Madrid, Glen Johnson's at Liverpool, Peter Crouch and Jermain Defoe have joined 'Arry at Spurs, and ex-City boys Sylvain Distin and David James are seemingly searching for the escape hatch.

As we all know, City's fortunes have turned out rather differently, and Mark Hughes will be full of confidence as he takes his side to Fratton Park on Sunday afternoon on the back of three successive clean sheets and victories against Blackburn, Barcelona, and Wolves. Joining the squad on the flight down south will be new-boy Joleon Lescott, whose protracted and acrimonious transfer from Everton has capped off an incredible summer transfer window for the Boys in Blue.

A combination of Ramadan and an early Sunday afternoon kick-off means that mcfcUAE will be somewhat fractured for this fixture. Basically, watch it wherever you can, although there will probably be some Blues in both the Players' Lounge and the Crown and Lion. There will be no beer on sale until 7.30pm, so home will also be a very appealing option.

Dave

City Vs Wolves - The Crown & Lion Saturday 22nd Aug K.O. 6.00pm

It would appear that Manchester City have committed the ultimate sin against a cast member of 'The Lord of the Rings'. Yes, we have tried to sign one of Gollum's players. Before you gasp too much in horror, we also had the audacity to increase our offer after Saint David of Toxteth deemed our initial bid as "disgusting".

I fully appreciate that the abhorrent behaviour of our manager Mark Hughes ranks alongside that of Pol Pot, and, as such, accept that he should be tried in front of the UN for crimes against the people's game. But in the meantime, City look to capitalise on a fantastic opening-day victory over Blackburn and an unforgettable win in the Camp Nou against the reigning European Champions as they take on Premier League new boys Wolves in front of a sell-out crowd at Eastlands.

Ramadan has arrived, so alcohol won't be on sale during the day for the next few weeks. But fear not, mcfcUAE will once again be at the Crown and Lion in Al Barsha's Byblos Hotel for this one. Kick-off is at 6.00pm UAE time and the beer should be flowing again by 7.30.

The day's other games include Arsenal Vs Portsmouth and Wigan Vs Rags. See you there.

Dave

Blackburn Vs City - The Crown & Lion Saturday 15th Aug K.O. 6.00pm

With the opening game almost upon us, it is time to announce mcfcUAE's new venue for the first few games of the 2009/10 season: The Crown & Lion at the Byblos Hotel in Al Barsha (Tecom).

The Crown is a large, bright, English-themed pub equipped with eight plasma screens, a tournament-standard American pool table and two dart boards. The food is excellent (and reasonably priced), whilst a bucket of six beers will set you back Dh120.

The pub's manager, Mr. Craig Leader, has guaranteed us the main screen with full English commentary for the opening game against Blackburn, and we hope it will be the start of a fruitful relationship with The Crown & Lion. It is unlikely that Craig can offer us sound for every game, so we can discuss our plans for future fixtures in more detail on the day.

Depsite being in the midst of a building site, the Byblos Hotel is fairly easy to find, and an increasing number of taxi drivers now know where it is. If yours doesn't, tell him to head towards the Media Rotana Hotel at Tecom. Instead of turning right into the Media Rotana, go straight on to the first roundabout and follow the sign posts from there. For a map, please see http://www.bybloshoteldubai.com/uc.php

The match kicks off at 6.00pm (UAE time), but the more thirsty of us will start arriving from 3.00pm onwards. The day's other fixtures include Chelsea Vs Hull at 3.45pm and the battle of City's feeder clubs (Everton Vs Arsenal) at 8.30pm. I look forward to seeing you all there.

Mark

Pre-Season Friendlies: City Vs The Old Firm

As preparations for the new season reach their climax this week, City take on both of Scotland's footballing giants.

Thankfully, Rangers fans won't be making an unwelcome return to the streets of Manchester as Mark Hughes takes his team up to Glasgow to face the current Scottish champions at Ibrox on Wednesday, August 5th. The game kicks off at 10.45pm (UAE) and will be screened live on Al Jazeera Sport +4.

The Blues return to Manchester on Thursday to host an open training session at Eastlands, before taking on Celtic in the final pre-season friendly of the summer on Saturday, August 8th at 6.00pm (UAE). This game currently isn't scheduled to be shown live in the UAE, but streams should be available on the internet. I'll update this as and when I get the necessary info. Edit: It's live on Al Jazeera Sport +4 at 6.00pm (UAE)

City also take on Barcelona at the Camp Nou in the Joan Gamper Trophy on Wednesday, August 19th. More info to follow.

Dave.

Manchester City Tour of South Africa

Having returned on Tuesday from a training camp in Germany that featured a 1-1 draw with 1860 Munchen, Mark Hughes takes his team out to South Africa this week for the club's first appearance in the annual pre-season Vodacom Challenge.

If you'd like to see new signings Gareth Barry, RSC, and Carlos Tevez in action for the first time in City's newly-branded Umbro and Etihad kit, Abu Dhabi Sports 1 will be showing each of the Blues' three games live on the following dates:

Saturday 18th July

Orlando Pirates Vs Manchester City (Polokwane) - K.O. 5.00pm (UAE)

Tuesday 21st July

Kaizer Chiefs Vs Manchester City (Durban) - K.O. 10.15pm (UAE)

Saturday 25th July

To be decided Vs Manchester City (Pretoria) - K.O. 5.00pm (UAE)

New City Shirts Available in the UAE

For any City fans living in the UAE, I have good news: You can now pre-order the new Manchester City home jersey from RSH Middle East, the sole supplier of Umbro in the Middle East.

The shirts are due in the UAE in the next few days and can be delivered to your door on 18th July. If interested, please contact Boyet Battara (Sales Manager) at: boyet@rshme.co.ae Tel: +971 4 3966696 Fax: +971 4 3966679 Mobile: +971 504577840.

Sneak Preview of New Kits for 09/10

Rags Vs Manchester City - Players' Lounge Sunday 10th May K.O. 4.30pm

It's that time of year again when God's own team has to climb aboard a bus to leave the city boundaries and travel to the rat-infested wastelands of Trafford. Yes, it's the 151st Manchester Derby.

With the league championship at stake for the rags and a return to Europe on the line for the Blues, there has rarely been a Manchester Derby as important as this one in recent times. City are likely to name an unchanged side to the one that has won its last three games, despite the return to fitness of SWP, Martin Petrov, and Valeri Bojinov.

mcfcUAE will be in home territory for this one at The Players' Lounge bar in Bur Dubai's Country Club Hotel. Here's hoping for a repeat of last year's visit to The Swamp, when the The Boys in Blue impeccably ruined their special day. Kick-off is at 4.30pm. See you there. Dave

mcfcUAE in Hamburg