Manchester City midfielder Samir Nasri is looking forward to next weekend’s Carling Cup final against Sunderland and hoping that he can banish the memories of previous Wembley defeats.
City warmed up for the final with a hard fought 1-0 win against Stoke City, bouncing back well from their mid-week disappointment against Barcelona. Following the game at the Etihad, Nasri’s thoughts switched to next Sunday’s Cup final and the opportunity to put to bed memories of last season’s FA Cup final defeat to Wigan Athletic and Arsenal’s 2011 Carling Cup final defeat to Birmingham City.
“I don’t have any good memories with my clubs, because I lost a final there with Arsenal and with Manchester City,” the 26 year old said, although he has enjoyed better fortune with France. “But I won there with my national team against England and I am hoping it’s going to be the same kind of game,” he added.
With City matching Chelsea and Arsenal’s results on Saturday, they maintained the pressure at the top of the table and Nasri is hopeful that a win over Sunderland next weekend will inspire them to continue their push to regain the Premier League title. Arsenal’s poor run in the league following their 2011 cup final defeat just goes to show how damaging it could be if the Citizens fail to beat Poyet’s men.
“I have the experience of losing the Carling Cup with Arsenal and after that we only won one game in the league,” he said. “So a win would be really important for us and for the confidence.”
Fans of football betting will find it hard to see past a Manchester City win next weekend, but if Manuel Pelligrini’s men have a bogey side then it is arguably Sunderland. The Black Cats have recorded four consecutive home 1-0 victories over Manchester City and they would dearly love to lift a first major trophy since winning the FA Cup in 1973. Those who enjoy a bet on football could get value backing a narrow Sunderland win.
