With such a fine display in Merseyside against lesser opposition, admittedly, than the one we’re going to face in the same metropolitan county; there’s a good argument for Pep to stick with the same 11, should 4 days be enough recovery time for ‘em all, which I would say should be the case considering some of them have recently had a big break and it was largely a stroll for our lads last Saturday.
But we could see some changes in an effort to restrict our host’s attacking threat and it all makes for a difficult one to predict.
v Liverpool
 |
| Anfield |
Predicted line-up, subs and outcome:
(Number
correct from starting line-up in the last game: 9/11).
Fluid 5-3-1-1 (What?!)
_______________Jesus__________________________
________________________Sterling________________
__________________Fernandinho__________________
____________________Ederson____________________
Well, I’ve
spoken in my introduction about the possibility of personnel change from the
last outing…but I also just cannot shake the feeling that Guardiola will spring
a surprise on all by changing the set-up for this one too. It’s not like him to
give the ‘oppo’ TOO much respect, in a way, I know…and he certainly isn’t one
to change his philosophy.
However, like many I think he sees the dangers of what our North West
neighbours bring to the encounter and might,
therefore, ‘tweak’ his side; albeit one that would shackle our attacking
left-flank a little IF he chooses what I’m suggesting.
Ederson, of course, in net.
A ‘back 3’ of Aymeric, Vincent & Nicholas; with possibly Leroy as an
attacking left-wing-back and Kyle likewise on the right side.
Fernandinho almost playing as an additional defender; dropping deep
whenever Sane and / or Walker push on, leaving Laporte & Otamendi on alert of
the gaps left vacant either side.
Ahead of those, however, it leaves 4 attacking players to really have a
go at the home side – Kevin & David ‘doing their thing’ in the middle and further up when possible with Raheem
& Gabriel almost floating (buzzing) around Liverpool’s
defence & box; giving them little to mark and all sorts of headaches, I
hope.
Claudio as reserve stopper; Danilo, John, Oleksandr & Fabian the
defensive replacement choices, although both the latter can fill-in other roles
further up the pitch if needed. Ilkay & Bernardo provide back-up ‘craft’
should that be needed at some stage.
Notable
absences:
-
Benjamin Mendy: Back in training, I think, but
certainly not ready for a game like this. I
think we’ll see our summer signing get some game time after we’ve secured the
league, whenever that may be…
-
Sergio Aguero: Hadn’t travelled the short
distance with the squad yesterday but, with a wry smile when asked if the
Argentine would, then, be included in this game, our manager said, “We will see...”.
I’ve left him out anyway in my
predictions…
Do I agree with Pep’s (predicted) line-up?
It would be a shame to
see Leroy sitting so deep and so, for that, it would frustrate me a little.
However, away in such a crucial, 2-legged game I would also very much
understand that decision as well and, so, yes.
Result? I
think we’ll see goals at both ends and, to a lot of fans, that might seem like
a flippin’ obvious statement for me to make…and is, perhaps also, a massive understatement. Having said that, IF Pep goes with this line-up, we could well shut-out
a very attacking side.
I was leaning, at one stage, towards a narrow
away win because of the fact that we’re playing so very, very well. But…I’ve had more of a feeling towards a score draw (away goals for us
then) and that’s what I’m going with.
Last season’s,
corresponding pre-match prediction and result…
Prediction: N/A
Result: N/A
Expected weather conditions during
the game: Overcast, damp, chilly (5C) with a fairly blowy, 20-odd mph, North Westerly wind.
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