Striking the right balance at Wigan.

With the final of the League Cup up next just 6 days after this fixture and with some players just returning from injury; this is both a time to give some stars a rest whilst, at the same time, certainly not underestimating our hosts and ensuring that we reach the quarter final of the F.A. Cup. 

 

Big decisions to make and that’s why Pep is paid above ‘living wage’…

v Wigan Athletic

DW Stadium

Predicted line-up, subs and outcome:

(Number correct from starting line-up in the last game which, for me Blog-wise, was the game against Leicester City): 10/11).

Fluid 4-5-1 / 4-3-3:

___________________Nmecha____________________

Diaz____________________________________Sterling

__________D. Silva___________De Bruyne__________

_________________Fernandinho__________________

Zinchenko________________________________Danilo

____________Laporte__________Stones____________

____________________Ederson____________________

Subs: Bravo, Walker, Delph, Otamendi, Gundogan, B. Silva, Aguero.

Having done quite well in recent games guessing our Manager’s starting 11, I could be WELL wrong with this one! However, ‘neck firmly stuck out’ on this one, here’s my thinking / latest attempt to get into Guardiola’s head…

Ederson is in net because, I think, the League Cup final on Sunday-week goes to Bravo.

An almost new-look defence, in many ways I think we’ll see, with Oleksandr, who took no part at all in last Tuesday’s Champions League game, coming back in on the left of the back-4. Likewise, Aymeric; John to ‘get some game time’ on his return from illness & injury and, I think also, we’ll see Danilo being given a rare start on his preferred right-side.

Fernandinho is likely to have to go again and I think will be included in a strong ‘midfield 3’, with David & Kevin who both shared 93 minutes in Switzerland and, so, should have ‘enough in their tanks’ to start this one 6 days after returning to England. If I’m right and the scoreline allows, I think we’ll then see both of those substituted to protect them for our impending Wembley clash with Arsenal. David, I think, would however benefit from this outing after a period of time out with injury and I think we need this ‘dynamic duo’ to help support what I’m coming to next…

As I’ve already stated, I could be well wrong here…but I think we might see Brahim start on the left flank (a very young flank if I’m correct), with Raheem on his more-comfortable-looking right, having only played 57 minutes last Tuesday.

Neck stretched out to its fullest extent? I’m going for Pep to start Lukas up front. Why? Well we only have one striker available at the moment, in Aguero, and our Argentine battleship needs a flippin’ break, especially before such a crucial clash in London next weekend. Of course, our Spanish boss could go with a ‘ghost striker’ in the form of an advanced midfielder (perhaps Brahim with someone else on the left wing?) and in a 4-6-0 formation. But…this is what I’m going with for this prediction.

Claudio on the side as insurance for Ederson; Kyle, Fabian (what a shock return in midweek that was!) & Nicholas the defensive change-options from the bench. Ilkay & Bernardo the ones to-possibly come on and give David & Kevin some rest, if the situation allows, and Sergio is probably gonna be there in case needed at some stage.

Notable absences: Benjamin Mendy (continues rehab following injury / surgery), Vincent Kompany (rested / protected), Phil Foden (not selected), Gabriel Jesus (after training alone for a couple of weeks, he is back training with the squad but is likely to-still-be 2 weeks away from a return) & Leroy Sane (over his injury but unlikely to be given another go after completing a rusty-looking 37 minutes the other day) & Yaya Toure (possibly unavailable due to illness).

Do I agree with Pep’s (predicted) line-up?

Well, I do think the [predicted] new-look defence could be a small cause for a raised eyebrow, especially as the left flank in general looks relatively inexperienced AND the fact that both Laporte & Stones have never played a match together.

I’d also hate for Fernandinho to ‘pick up a knock’ or tire himself out before our final just 6 days later but…who else do we have / risk as a defensive midfielder, if we’re going to play with one that is (perhaps another good reason to play 4-6-0 and give the Brazilian a break)?

But, otherwise, I’d be happy with that and it gives us enough experience & quality both in the 11 and on the bench to feel comfortable.

Result? I hope it’s a clean game and know nothing about the style of play of our hosts, these days.

They do sit 2^nd in League One; just one point behind the leaders and with a game in hand. They are also the second-highest scorers in their division and have the tightest defence by a reasonable distance over the top team and far beyond the rest. They are ‘tough cookies’ in their league, for sure, and have knocked out Premier League side AFC Bournemouth; thumping them 3-0 at home in the last round. However, they have lost their last 2 league games.

Unless Pep really does ‘go for it’ and pitches a stronger side than the one I have suggested, I can see this one being quite close. However, even with a side like the one I have gone with, I think we'll sneak this one and slide into the quarter finals, however long it might take us over the 90+. An away win.

Last season’s, corresponding pre-match prediction and result…

Prediction: N/A

Result: N/A

Expected weather conditions during the game: Not particularly cold (at 7C) for mid-to-late February; not particularly windy (at around 7MPH) and not dreadfully wet, with just a chance of light showers forecasted. Playing conditions, weather-wise at least then, not an issue and fans should be fine with a warm, shower-proof coat and thin gloves.