Shifting through the gears.

I’m sure I’m not the only Blue to have noticed this but in the last 3 games, at least, we’ve set off on fire...and then simply “seen out” the rest of the game; winning all 3 with little apparent effort in the last 55 minutes or so.

 

I’m convinced, at the start of a heavy period of fixtures, which I recently named, ‘Avalanche April’, that Pep Guardiola has managed our player’s energy levels; instructing them to shift down the gears and ‘ease off the accelerator’ once we felt like we were in charge against both Fulham & Cardiff City. 

 

I’m not so sure that was quite the same message he gave in our F.A. Cup semi-final win, as our manager appeared less happy with our performance. However, I’m convinced he told his players, once again, not to risk themselves nor spend too much energy against Brighton & Hove Albion ahead of tomorrow night’s, all-important Champions League game. 

 

I’m expecting a better performance from our lads on Tuesday night and a faster-pace-of-play against our North London hosts in their new stadium; both because we HAVE largely breezed though the last few games AND with a welcome, near-5-day break to follow before we face Premier League opposition…once again in London!

 

V Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Predicted line-up, subs and outcome:

(Number correct from starting line-up in the last game: 9/11).

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

___________________Aguero_____________________

Sane____________________________________Sterling

__________De Bruyne_________B. Silva____________

__________________Fernandinho__________________

Mendy____________________________________Danilo

____________Laporte___________Stones____________

_____________________Ederson____________________

Subs: Muric, Walker, Kompany, Gundogan, D.Silva, Mahrez, Jesus.

Steady-Ed the last line of defence.

Benjamin & Aymeric to ‘go again’ after weekend and joined, I would think, by John & Danilo.

Fernandinho to take his place deep in midfield and ahead of the defence; Leroy, Kevin, Barnardo & Raheem I would say will be our attacking quartet.

Sergio to return up front? Pep says he back in training and although there’s a further assessment to be done; I’m going for the Argentine to start.

Aro the reserve keeper; Kyle is apparently okay after coming off at Wembley but I think he might start on the bench and joined by Vinny as defensive replacement options. Ilkay, David, Riyad & Gabriel provide the more attacking change-options form the side

Notable absences:

-       Claudio Bravo – Continues to train in his comeback rehabilitation.

-       Oleksandr Zinchenko – Injured and could be back in around a week’s time.

-       Nicholas Otamendi – Not selected.

-       Fabian Delph – Injured.

-       Phil Foden – Not selected.

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

Sure do.

Result? New ground (looks good!) and our host’s first, Champions League game at it. It’ll be a noisy affair!

And they have some crackin’ players too. All in all though? I’m going for a draw in this leg; with a nod to a win for us, if I was to be pushed on it...

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

Prediction: N/A

Result: N/A

Expected weather conditions during the game: Breezy – although in the new ground that shouldn't affect anything – with little chance of rain. 8 to 9C might feel a little chilly for some fans.