Big game to turn it around.

League Cup won, in the final of the F.A. Cup and, although second, having a game in hand means that we have it in our own hands to win the Premier League. Only in this competition are we behind and we have an opportunity to correct that tomorrow night. 

 

Although not in work, I’ve got stuff I need to do later and, so, I’m gonna ‘stick this one out’ before Pep’s pre-match press conference; leaving more room for error in my pre-match predicted formation, line-up & subs.

v Tottenham Hotspur

Etihad Stadium

Predicted line-up, subs and outcome:

(Number correct from starting line-up in the last game: 8/11).

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

___________________Aguero_____________________

Sterling__________________________________B. Silva

__________D. Silva____________De Bruyne_________

__________________Fernandinho__________________

Mendy____________________________________Walker

____________Laporte___________Stones____________

_____________________Ederson____________________

Subs: Muric, Danilo, Kompany, Gundogan, Sane, Mahrez, Jesus.

I could even be wrong with the formation, here; he might deploy that sort of 3-6-1 thingy…

Anyhoo…Ederson in goal.

Benjamin had a decent game defensively, at least, last Sunday and providing he’s not feeling to strain following a long time out, he should be a contender to start again. Likewise, Kyle had a better game and should have recovered enough to start too. Aymeric likely to be joined by John in between those, I’m guessing.

Apparently Fernandinho didn’t come off the pitch too good following the first leg. I’m not buying that and I think he was simply left out altogether at the weekend to completely rest / protect him for tonight.

Ahead of him and in the middle, I also thought David had a fresher look about him and he too had a good last outing. I am, therefore, going for him to have it in his legs to ‘go again’ and make up that holy trinity with Kevin being the 3^rd of those. If Bernardo has indeed recovered enough; I’m going for him to start on the right with Raheem shifting over to the left.

Sergio to head all of those.

Aro is the reserve stopper; Danilo & Vincent make up the defensive replacement options from the side. Ilkay, Leroy, Riyad & Gabriel provide more creativity, width & attacking options from ‘the 7’.

Notable absences:

-       Claudio Bravo – Continues his comeback rehabilitation training.

-       Oleksandr Zinchenko – Probably now fit enough to make the bench…but doesn’t.

-       Nicholas Otamendi – Not selected again.

-       Fabian Delph – Not selected.

-       Phil Foden – Not selected.

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

Does it for me!

Result? I honestly think we’ll turn this around with a blistering display. A home win…and one I hope we can repeat when we face ‘em at home on Saturday (AGAIN!) too.

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

Prediction: N/A

Result: N/A

Expected weather conditions during the game: Really quite nice and even the sun might still be (just about) up as the ref blows his whistle to start the game! Dipping to 13C with a light breeze later on in the game; a jacket for fans would still be wise but it’s not a bad’n at all after a warm, Manchester day in April.

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