Man City drives to Europa League berth

Following the Citizens solid 2-1 victory over Everton, Mark Hughes et al head into the weekends clash against Blackburn with a eye towards an Europa League berth. In the oddest set of circumstances as the tumultuous season with its many peak and valleys comes to a close Man City is only three points removed three points away from the final spot and whether it is through the drone of the very modest mid-table form of the Premier League or just plain luck, the opportunity for European Football burns bright.

Of Blackburn's year, it is coming to a rather uneventful conclusion that most Rovers supporters likely welcome its conclusion. The promise of last season results quickly turned in the wrong direction and without the yeoman service of Big Sam Allardyce stepping in mid December there is no telling where the club may have ended up. Stretching now over seventeen match-days the Big Sam led Rovers have returned to fine mid-table form and showing promise for the future. Curiously as Newcastle grapples with the gallows of relegation, their loss appears Blackburn's gain and in-time many will begin to realize the oft-criticized manager knew what he was doing.

For the match Mark Hughes will go forward without the services of young gun Daniel Sturridge, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Pablo Zabaleta and the complaining-one, Micah Richards.The question now looms which "City" team will show up, one capable of making a strong run in European football or the impostor that has shown up far too often.