Back to proper footy…

International break over, let’s get back to business!

Home is where the start is

On Saturday, it’ll be 14^th October; marking just 18-remaining days in the month. That being the case, it’s difficult to believe that we have 5 games in just 15 days in October and 4 of them are at home!

Beyond this coming fixture, we’re playing (not in this order) guests to Napoli (Champions League), Wolverhampton Wanderers (League Cup) and Burnley (Premier League); with our only ‘outing’ being a reasonably short journey to the Midlands for a visit to West Bromwich Albion in the league; before a game soon after in early November in the reverse fixture at Napoli.

But the first of the 4 visiting teams comes in the shape of Stoke City, as we resume our league campaign following a 14-day break (but not rest for our many long-travelling players – the most travelled Premier League squad during this break, so I was informed in the media last Sunday).

v Stoke City

Etihad Stadium

Predicted line-up, subs and outcome:

(Number correct from starting line-up in the last game which, for me Blog-wise, was the Palace game: 9/11).

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

____________________Jesus____________________

_____Sane_________________________Sterling____

___________D. Silva_________De Bruyne__________

_________________Fernandinho__________________

Delph___________________________________Walker

_____________Stones______Otamendi_____________

___________________Ederson____________________

Subs: Bravo, Danilo, Mangala, Toure, Gundogan, B. Silva, Aguero.

No predicted team analysis today as I’ve very little time - I have to head off very soon to ‘sit in’ and wait at a house for a washing machine delivery. ‘Rock & roll’ lifestyle, hey?

Notable absences: Benjamin Mendy (injured long-term), Vincent Kompany (injured).

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

That’s fine with me.

Result? I’m sure this’ll be another patient, ‘wait to break ‘em down’ game. For some strange reason, I’ve also had a naggin’ feeling for some days about there-being at least one sending off - one for them at least and possible one for us. As I say, I don’t know why…

However, and regardless, this is another home win for us I think.

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

Prediction: Win

Result: Draw

Expected weather conditions during the game: Unseasonably warm - the type of temperatures we sometimes see in early-to-mid September and not often in mid-October. While the South of England are expected to see temperatures in the region of 70F+, here in the North West we’re still to expect 66F. Starting a little drab & drizzly in the morning/early afternoon; by KO it should be brighter and we might even see a little of 'that orange thing' in the sky!