As seasoned footy fans will know all too well, ‘should win’ games don’t always mean ‘will win’.
After achieving local ‘bragging rights’ last weekend followed by a full 6-days off, the right attitude form our players is key today in my opinion.
 |
| Etihad Stadium |
Predicted line-up, subs and outcome:
(Number correct from the starting line-up in the last game: 10/11).
A very fluid 4-1-4-1 / 4-5-1 / 4-3-3 (occasional 3-2-4-1):
____________________Haaland____________________
Grealish___________________________________Doku
______________________________Foden___________
___________Silva_______________________________
_____________________Rodri_____________________
Ake______________________________________Walker
__________Akanji_______________Stones__________
____________________Ederson____________________
Subs: Ortega, Gomez, Lewis, Dias, Gvardiol, Phillips, Kovacic, Nunes & Alvarez.
This is a game we have to win in order to keep pace with ‘the pack’, of course, but we also have a Champions League game coming as early as Tuesday night; so I see a little rotation from our last outing whilst, at the same time, keeping a core of first-team starters in ‘the 11’.
Win that one on Tuesday and I would say that’s pretty much “job done” as far as the group stage is concerned; certainly in terms of progression but a big step too towards finishing top. It would be nice to put that one to bed ASAP so we can then concentrate on both Premier League and Club World Cup matters before the turn of the year; when the knock-out stages then come into play as well as the F.A. Cup.
Ederson continues in net, which is bound to add to Stefan Ortega’s frustration, if we are to believe reports of an interview he-apparently had with a German publication recently; where he stated, "I want to be the number one at Manchester City, otherwise I wouldn't have come at all".
I see most of the [possible] rotation coming in defence, with Nathan being given a start against his previous employer in order to give his legs a stretch; while recently-suspended Manuel might see himself straight back in action following his 1-match league ban. I think our manager might want to give John another workout following his recent return from a long injury lay-off; especially as he, along with the rest of his colleagues, has had a near-week’s rest following our derby victory last Sunday. Kyle to continue on the right, although I expect him to be withdrawn as soon as possible in the second half if the game-situation suits.
Rodders to ‘go again’ and likewise Jack, Bernardo & Phil. However, I just get the feeling that Pep might want to give both Jack & Jeremy a try on both flanks at the same time. I was wrong with that assumption last weekend but I’m going for it once again, especially as we’re at home and with Julian Alvarez having-had a rather quiet derby-day game for the most part.
Erling up front, hoping to continue his steadily-building momentum.
Number 1 hopeful, Stefan, continues as reserve stopper; Sergio, Rico, Ruben & Josko are the defenders in ‘the 9’. Kalvin, Mateo, Matheus are 3 midfielders waiting on the side for their opportunity, while Julian is the back-up striker.
Notable absences:
- Kevin De Bruyne – Continues to train alone whilst being assessed by physios after each & every session. December / January hopes of a return could be closer to November / December after some promising reports. And there was an update from our Belgium international, where he announced that he is soon to have a major scan in order to see just how the hamstring is progressing. 🤞
Do I agree with Pep’s (predicted) line-up?
Result? A club in some trouble and a club criticised by many, not-even connected with AFC Bournemouth, for the removal of their last manager, Gary O’Neil. I am one of those football fans who was both puzzled and even slightly irritated by their owner’s / board’s decision to remove a manager who had turned the fortunes around of a struggling side last season.
A club who then brought in 41-year-old Spaniard, Andoni Iraola, and haven’t looked anything LIKE the Cherries side who solidified during the second half of last season; raising a few eye brows at the turn-around in quality they were showing at the turn of the year.
However, they are a side who, typically 🙄, got their first win last time out; albeit very close…and albeit at home against a very much struggling, Burnley side.
Wins – or a win in their case – can breed confidence.
For me, this is one of those games where if our players ‘rock up’ with the idea that this game is won before a ball is even kicked – especially off the back of such an important win against our neighbours from Trafford and then having a near-full week’s rest to pat themselves on the back – then we could all-too-easily come unstuck.
They might be bobbins; they might have just 1 win in 10 league games where they have scored just 8 goals and conceded 21 but if they form 2 defensive walls that we struggle to break down and we go pushing and pushing, whilst at the same time take our eye off things at the back, then they could very well hit us with a ‘counter punch’. According to our manager, however, his opposite number doesn’t like to sit deep but rather sets his sides up to play in an offensive and attractive way. We shall see.
If we DON’T turn up with a ‘Billy Big Biscuits’ attitude and treat this as if it were Arsenal, Liverpool or Tottenham that we’re facing then not only can I fully envisage all-3 points to us but something of an emphatic win too. I’m going for Pep to have his lads revved up for this game and for us to make it 4 wins from 4 in all competitions.
Last season’s, corresponding pre-match prediction and result:
Prediction: Win
Result: Won
(Pre-match blog posting from that game)
Expected weather conditions during the game: As is the theme in the area at the moment, it’s gonna be damp for the game. Damp is better that than gettin’ wind-battered & flooded as some areas of the UK have been; not least where are visitors are from. So, we have the ‘wet stuff’ falling before, during and after the match, which will make for a ‘zippy’ pitch for passing and with the temperature no higher than 8C along with a slight, easterly breeze; some fans may decide to choose a hot drink & food instead of a cold pint. I did say some…might.
 |
| Solidarity |
No comments:
Post a Comment