CITY'S Brazilian midfielder Geovanni is expected to shake off a calf injury in time for the match against Blackburn at Ewood Park on Sunday.
Manager Sven-Goran Eriksson looks certain to recall his key players following the midweek Carling Cup victory against Bristol City.
Goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel will replace Joe Hart between the posts after a bright start to his league career.
But Bernardo Corradi is on his way to Serie A side Parma for a season-long loan.
There are not expected to be any additions to the squad ahead of the transfer deadline.
Eriksson told a pre-match press conference: "I'm very happy with the situation, we have the funds to do something in January if we need to. There has been a lot of talk about players coming in, but we have a good squad and a good team, I don't like the idea of taking in players just to make the numbers up. If we take players in, they have to make the team and the squad better.
"All the signings have been good signings, they have all shown that on the pitch but I know that the so-called project here is far from finished. There are the funds to bring in quality players in January, if we think we need it."
Blackburn boss Mark Hughes will bring strike pair Benni McCarthy and Roque Santa Cruz back into his side for the game.
The pair were rested for the midweek UEFA Cup win over MyPa and will return alongside midfield pair Robbie Savage and David Dunn, who were also given the night off.
Hughes is hopeful central defender Chris Samba will shake off the illness which ruled him out in midweek, while he is without Paul Gallagher who has joined Preston on loan.
Blackburn Rovers (from): Friedel, Enckelman, Emerton, Samba, Nelsen, Ooijer, Warnock, Bentley, Dunn, Savage, Pedersen, Santa Cruz, McCarthy, Derbyshire, Roberts, Tugay, Mokoena, Rigters, Khizanishvili.
Manchester City (from): Schmeichel, Hart, Corluka, Onuoha, Sun, Richards, Dunne, Garrido, Ball, Fernandes, Geovanni, Hamann, Johnson, Ireland, Petrov, Elano, Bianchi.
Last season: Blackburn 4 City 2
Key opponent: David Bentley - Creative midfielder and probably the best crosser of a ball in the Premier League
Prediction: Blackburn 1 City 1 - This could be the most telling test yet for Sven's City but they should be confident of earning a point
Agree with the prediction? Have your say.
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Pasta and Swedes (31/08/2007 at 14:53)
The Blue Meanie, London (31/08/2007 at 15:02)
Timster, Nottingham (31/08/2007 at 15:04)
George, Amsterdam (31/08/2007 at 15:05)
marc (31/08/2007 at 15:12)
We are clearly short on goal scorers.
matt fallon (31/08/2007 at 15:13)
T, Sale (31/08/2007 at 15:14)
M18 Blue (31/08/2007 at 15:21)
SAFs RedKnight, Manchester (31/08/2007 at 15:24)
Richard Dunne & 10 others (31/08/2007 at 15:28)
Colin, Always Blue, Hollingworth, Hyde (31/08/2007 at 15:28)
My team would be 4-4-1-1: Hart; Garrido, Dunne, Richards, Corluka; Petrov, Hamaan, Johnson, Geovanni; Elano; Bianchi - Subs; Schmeicel, Mpenza, Onuoha, Logan, Ireland
nick bradford blue (31/08/2007 at 15:32)
barnham blue (31/08/2007 at 15:33)
Need a point at least from Blackburn to keep the momentum up. They're different from any of the teams we've played so far, so will be interesting to see how Sven's tictacs work against them. Might be a win, 2-1 to City I reckon.
g leeds, Leeeds (31/08/2007 at 15:37)
up the blues
Harry Crumb, Manchester (31/08/2007 at 15:41)
a) Disappointment is bringing in £1m of Corradi, a Dabo on a free and selling SWP! i.e. last summer!
b) We have Bianchi, Mpenza, Sturridge, all fit and up to now Vas, Sam, Dickov and Corradi are still on the books, if they go we can play Mpenza, Geo, Elano up front with Bianchi or give Sturridge a go which will be great in a talented team.
Your acting a little rag like (over expectant)..spoilt even!
In January expect SGE will spend big on one or two big names and maybe a couple of tweaks next summer. We've had 8 new arrivals who still need to settle, then we start the building...the futures bright the futures blue
Andrew (31/08/2007 at 15:41)
Phil, Sheffield (31/08/2007 at 15:41)
Oliver, Manchester (31/08/2007 at 15:43)
james (31/08/2007 at 15:46)
Do you really believe we would be 2nd in the table under Pearce, or is it just jealousy from another Red?
Blue in Spain, Almeria, Spain (31/08/2007 at 15:47)
I'm not overly bothered about not signing anyone new at the moment. Perhaps this will signal an opportunity for Vassel or Samaras to prove themselves.
Blue-Swede-dude, In Nancy's Knickers! (31/08/2007 at 15:48)
We'll be in the top ten and as posted already, I would take that this season. He has obviously not found a suitable player on a suitable deal. The days of spending for spending sake have gone. We are no longer susceptable to ridiculous buys. Sven is no ones mug, and he will do what he feels best.
If you was being Ironic or sarcastic, I apologise.
Blue forever, and then some.
Harry Crumb, Manchester (31/08/2007 at 15:59)
Manchester City (from): Schmeichel, Hart, Corluka, Onuoha, Sun, Richards, Dunne, Garrido, Ball, Fernandes, Geovanni, Hamann, Johnson, Ireland, Petrov, Elano, Bianchi.
No Mpenza, no Sturridge! only one forward (excluding Geo). This will be a big test, Rovers are confident, scoring goals and winning. Tactically SGE seems to be looking for solidity and quick breaks away from home...master tactician at his best....
2-1 go Sven!
Shaun, At My Desk (31/08/2007 at 16:07)
black and blue, whalley range (31/08/2007 at 16:11)
anglo-saxon rcfc, North Carolina (31/08/2007 at 16:16)
Have you been paying attention to anything anyone has said on this fourm?
Why havn't you said anything about anything before?
I'll tell you why, you are rags, pure and simple. Now sod off back to glory-hunting land.