In case you thought that title was a song following the Manyoo victory then it’s not; rather it’s to highlight our last 4, winning Premier League scorelines, somewhat oddly enough.
The ‘last 2-1’ sent us a whopping 11-points clear at the top of the league of course, which for mid-December is FANTASIC! And although I’ve not since looked online for the post-match interview itself; I’ve got a strong recollection that our Manager said something along the lines of that this amazing cushion of points now gives him some room for manoeuvre over the coming weeks & months.
I get that...in certain games we can now, perhaps, tinker more with the ‘starting 11’; especially before various cup games. But I would issue a word of warning to Pep. Of course we need to rest & rotate at some stage but, where possible, please don’t mess with it TOO much fella; the Premier League can most definitely throw-up many upsets and bite you when least expected.
v Swansea City.
 |
| Liberty Stadium |
Predicted line-up, subs and outcome:
Fluid 4-5-1 / 4-3-3:
___________________Aguero____________________
_________________Fernandinho__________________
___________________Ederson____________________
Well I think Guardiola will rotate a few players
and despite my opening warning, I think for this game - and ahead of the Spurs home fixture on Saturday – he’s right
to do so.
Ederson
to keep his place after another heroic display last Sunday.
Fabian
to ‘go again’ also, I think; Eliaquim comes in as a ‘forced change’ through
injury, Nicholas to partner the Frenchman in the middle of defence and I THINK, ahead of facing his old club,
Kyle Walker might be rested and, therefore, Danilo given another chance to show
why we bought him as a back-up to the England right-back. I could be wrong on that last one but Danilo needs
to step up at some stage of the season and give Kyle a rest or two and this
would seem like an opportunity for Pep to make that change. At least it’s on
Danilo’s favoured side…
More
changes in the middle section? Will regulars Fernandinho, Leroy & Raheem be
joined by Ilkay & Bernardo? Well I can see Pep wanting to give both David
Silva & Kevin De Bruyne a little ‘time out’ and what a perfect opportunity
to give two other creative midfielders a go; especially seeing what Bernardo
can do in a more central position rather than being used as a substitute
right-winger.
Having
not been selected at the weekend, I think we’ll see Sergio ahead of that lot.
Claudio
as the back-up stopper again; Kyle, Tosin and, in some ways, Oleksandr the 3, reserve
defenders. Kevin & David on the side in case their craft – and goal-threats
– are needed; Gabriel the striker change-option.
Notable absences: John Stones (injured
for about another 2-½ weeks), Benjamin Mendy (continues rehab following
injury / surgery), Vincent Kompany (out for an unknown period
with a muscle strain) & Yaya Toure (not selected).
Do I agree with Pep’s (predicted) line-up?
Definitely. A good
mixture of assured regulars sprinkled with good-quality reserve players and a
bench that includes class and 'game changers'.
Result?
Well after a pretty dismal season so far of, P16 W3 D3 L10 / F9 A18 that sees The
Swans going into this match at the league’s bottom side; at first glance you’d
be excused for saying this match is an away-win banker. But I’d like to draw
your attention to 3 things.
1. They’ve
just won their last game at home – never underestimate what that can do for a
struggling sides’ confidence.
2. The
'Wilfried Bony factor'. Scored in his last 2 outings and, of course, it’s the ‘ex-Blue
syndrome'.
3. Look
at Swansea’s 'goals against' column. They might have lost a lot of games this
season but for the bottom side they don’t lose by many. In fact, you have to go
as far up the table to 7th-place Tottenham to find a side with a better
defensive record. Scoring is – or has been – their problem.
I think it’ll be a tough one and, if we are
to win it, perhaps sticking a bet on for our 5th 2-1 league win ‘in
a row’ might not be a bad idea!
If our hosts are indeed buoyed by their home
win last weekend then how must our lads be feeling after an away derby win that
sees them stand 11-points clear of the nearest, chasing side?!
Don’t tinker too much, show no signs of
complacency and this should be another Manchester City win ‘chalked up’. That’s
what I’m going for.
Last season’s,
corresponding pre-match prediction and result…
Prediction: Win
Result: Win
Expected weather conditions during
the game: It’s a flippin’ good job we like to keep the ball on the floor ‘cause the forecast is for winds between 20 & 40mph throughout the game. A chance of some showers being blown across in those gusts too and at just 4C, that wind is gonna ‘cut through’! Another equalising factor in this clash of Wales v England?
Vince is in the squad as declared.
ReplyDeleteFernie is one yellow card short of a suspension and will probably be saved for the Spuds game.
Surely Pep will not rest both KDB and Merlin in the same game and will wait for a cup game? Gundog looked as though he was geting back to his pre-injury level but Bernardo is still a bit at sea and needs to gain his minutes by starting games of less importance or when he is the only change from a full strength side to give him the best platform to work on his game. Personally I would start Kun up front, rest Sane, he's looking a bit jaded, and use de Jesus on the left side MF.
With Pep though you can never be sure!
...........Ederson
Walker,Mangala, Otamendi,Delph
........DeBruyne, Gundog
Sterling....Merlin..... Jesus
............Aguero
Hi Alphie.
ReplyDeleteWasn't aware Kompany had been declared fit. Thanks for that.
Yep, the yellow card hanging over him and a couple of others is a concern. You might be right - Fernandinho might be protected for the Spurs game.
I agree it would be a risk resting both KDB & David but if you're gonna do it at all, then Pep might be tempted at the league's bottom side...although they're not to be taken too lightly of course.
As you say, Gundogan is starting to look good again but Bernardo is 'yet to prove'. I agree Leroy needs a rest (Raheem too) and yep, perhaps use Gabriel there instead...although I personally think he's a little less effective out wide.
There is certainly some thinking needed for tonight's 11 & subs, that's for sure. Either way, as long as we keep the intensity up and don't be complacent, then we should overcome these.
Thanks very much for reading and for commenting. Take care.