Dream day for City's newcomers

Last updated : 18 August 2007 By Ben Collins

Sven feels he won't have to do much to 'gee up' his side as, for many, he believes Sunday's visit of United will be a dream come true.

"I think if you are a fan, a player, or a coach, you are looking forward to these kind of games because these are the big ones," he said. "Lots of press, a lot of talking before and after the game, 'what happened?', 'was it fair?'. These are the games you want to be involved in.

"For the players, it's one of those games that if you are not up for it by 1.30 on Sunday, then you shouldn't play. I don't need to shout at players about it 2 or 3 days before, every player looks forward to these games.

"They are the sort of the games you dream about when you are young. For our players that are new to the Premier League, this is like a dream for them."

Sven must decide whether to stick with the same team and formation that won our opening 2 games or put United under more pressure by naming a second striker. Emile Mpenza is fully fit again and is the most likely option to partner Rolando Bianchi if Sven opts for 4-4-2.

Michael Ball should return from suspension in place of Javi Garrido at left-back alongside Micah Richards, who was this week named in the England squad again for next Wednesday's friendly against Germany.