Mark: City have had an excellent start to the season and as yet remain undefeated. What has been the secret to success at Eastlands?

Ric: The main reason for City's excellent form is the impact Stuart Pearce has had on the team since replacing Keegan as manager (ironically a 1-0 defeat to Bolton last season). In his 14 games in charge City have suffered just one defeat and are in their best run of form since the 70s.

Expectations weren't particularly high this summer after losing our best player, SWP, but the team appear rejuvenated under Pearce's leadership. Defensively we're very well organised and there is a real team ethic amongst the squad, there are no superstars in the team but everyone works hard for each other. His two main summer additions, Vassell and Cole, have already formed a promising partnership and we still have the majority of Wright-Phillips money left to strengthen the squad in January.

Mark: Stuart Pearce has given the club's youngsters the chance to stake a regular first team place. Who out of these youth academy kids is the most likely to reach their full potential?

Ric: Nedum Onouha looks like the best of a very promising bunch. He's got great pace, strength and awareness and is still only 18. He's got the potential to go to the very top and will be a future club captain. Of the others, Stephen Ireland, Bradley Wright-Phillips and Micah Richards looks like they could cut it at the top level.

Mark: Bolton have just defeated Lokomotiv Plovdiv in the UEFA Cup, Do you think this extra game will prove to be a factor when they meet City on Sunday?

Ric: It seems many teams struggle in the Premiership after a European game midweek so hopefully the same will be true on Sunday. City actually have a very good record against Bolton in recent years (last season's abject 1-0 defeat aside) so I'm quietly confident we can take all three points on Sunday.

Mark: Which City players are likely to cause Bolton problems and who are you the most wary of in the visitors camp?

Ric: Claudio Reyna has started the season well and will be looking to dominate the midfield as he did at Old Trafford last week, but Andy Cole seems to be enjoying an Indian summer at the moment and I wouldn't bet against him scoring.

Of the Bolton players Diouf and Okocha will always be a threat, and Nakata is a class act once he gets match fit.

Mark: The Blues just missed out on a European place last season due to an infamous Robbie Fowler penalty miss against Middlesbrough. Can they put that behind them at the end of this season and qualify for the UEFA Cup?

Ric: Judging by the start we have made I see no reason why we can't emulate Everton's achievements last season. I certainly expect us to be competing for at least a UEFA Cup spot come May.

Walking Down The Manny Road would like to thank Ric for taking part in our Q&A session for this week. His website Blue Moon (http://www.bluemoon-mcfc.co.uk/) is a must visit for any Manchester City supporter who is browsing the internet as it contains all of the latest news from the City of Manchester Stadium.

Bookmark or share this story with:

• Digg
• Delicious
• Facebook
• Reddit
• Stumbleupon

SPORTNETWORK SPECIALS

• Think you know your sport? Click here to try the Sportnetwork Prize Quizzes