England and Argentina desperate for big performances from City stars tonight…
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Joe Hart, James Milner
Ukraine v England
England’s no.1 Joe Hart will win his 35th cap this evening, but his club form has been ropey at best at the start of the Premier League season. He also made a mistake against Scotland in last month’s friendly at Wembley, and Roy Hodgson will need him back to his best tonight against a tricky Ukrainian side. Despite not starting any league matches this term, James Milner will be drafted into the side because of his work-rate and defensive abilities. Hodgson will favour a defensive approach this evening, and will happy to leave Kiev with a draw – so Milner will be perfect to start on the right.
Samir Nasri, Gael Clichy
Belarus v France
The French duo didn’t start in their country’s last match, and will be unlikely to do so tonight away to Belarus. City fans will be pleased that the pair will remain fresh for the important weekend tie away at Stoke City. France can still qualify automatically if they win their last two games, and Spain fail to beat Georgia next month. The likelihood is though of course that Nasri and Clichy will have to face a nervy play-off match to qualify.
Pablo Zabaleta, Sergio Aguero
Paraguay v Argentina
The South American pair will help Argentina qualify for World Cup 2014 if they can pick up three points away at Paraguay tonight. Both are integral to Argentina’s starting line-up, and have not lost a game for their country for over a year. The Lionel Messi inspired side will be one of the favourites for next summer’s World Cup.
Matija Nastastic, Aleksandar Kolarov
Wales v Serbia
Nastasic and Kolarov will not be appearing at next summer’s World Cup in Brazil, and have only their pride to play for against a Wales side that will be without the world’s most expensive player Gareth bale due to an ongoing injury problem. The duo will definitely start against Chirs Coleman’s side, who will overtake them in the table if Serbia lose this evening.
Edin Dzeko
Slovakia v Bosnia
City’s star striker will lead the line for his country this evening, after his country suffered a shock home defeat to the Slovakians on Friday. Until that point, Bosnia had been imperious during qualifying, and will hope to get their campaign back on track tonight. Dzeko is the country’s star player, and will be integral to Chilean manager Manuel Pellegrini’s chances of winning a maiden Premier League title this year.
Jesus Navas, Javi Garcia, Alvaro Negredo
Spain v Chile
Any three of these players could feature in Spain’s friendly against Chile, and Pellegrini will be delighted the match is at home and his players are not having to travel to South America. Garcia has only been capped once by the national side, whereas new signings Negredo and Navas want to add to their 16 and 30 respective caps.