Next Up: Bury Away

It was back down to earth with a bump for City last weekend, with what on paper looked the easiest of their trio of games over the previous week seeing Paul Tisdale’s side come unstuck. However, 6 points from 9 has given City some vital breathing space at the bottom of League Two going into this weekend’s visit to regular FA Cup foes Bury. After having the luxury of naming an unchanged starting line-up in recent games Tisdale is wont to spring a surprise or two, although continuity could be key in which case don’t expect too much of a shake-up. Matt Grimes is pushing for a recall, as is David Wheeler, but both may have to be content with a place on the bench.

To say it has been a season of upheaval for Bury is something of an understatement. Going into the season back in the basement division after relegation, Bury underwent a change of ownership that saw a rash of panic signings leading to a poor start to the season and a change of manager. David Flitcroft has come in and, aided by further signings, has steadied the ship and, thanks to being draw specialists (17 so far) Bury find themselves safely in mid-table – although such is the tightness of the division that a heavy away win on Saturday could see City overtake Bury! Amongst the 49 players used so far, the name that obviously stands out is Daniel Nardiello, the former City striker has been in fine form since returning to Bury from Rotherham, recording nine goals for the Shakers. He will expect to start up front with new loanee Hallam Hope, who has scored two in two since making the short trip from Manchester City. Goalkeeper Brian “The Beast” Jensen will be tough to beat.

City have a horrible record at Gigg Lane with a solitary league win, a 1-0 victory in the 08/09 promotion season. City’s only other win there was in “that” FA Cup run in 1931. The reverse of this fixture saw City twice come from behind to draw 2-2 – Nardiello and Cameron with Bury’s goals, cancelled out by Wheeler and Nichols. City did play at Gigg Lane last season despite the sides being in different divisions, the FA Cup draw sending City to Bury for the third time in five years with the Shakers emerging 1-0 victors. Overall, given Bury’s hold over City at home, it’s no surprise to see the Shakers ahead 14-7 in the Football League head-to-head (8 draws).