Differing opinions.

With little time between Pep’s pre-match press conference this afternoon and tomorrow’s early KO, this posting comes with some uncertainty about available personnel.

 

That aside, I’ve heard opinions in the last few days both from Blues and non-Blues alike that this, “…should be an easy win for City” and that, “…this could be a tricky one”. 

 

I tend to agree with the latter despite our terrific start to the season…

v Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Molineux

Predicted line-up, subs and outcome:

(Number correct from starting line-up in the last game: Unbelievably after some surprising changes & starting line-up, I still somehow managed to get 8/11).

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

____________________Aguero____________________

Sterling_________________________________B. Silva

___________D.Silva__________Gundogan__________

__________________Fernandinho__________________

Mendy___________________________________Walker

_____________Stones_________Laporte____________

____________________Ederson___________________

Subs: Muric, Kompany, Otamendi, Foden, Mahrez, Sane, Jesus.

Ederson a ‘dead-cert’ to start.

I’m confident that we’ll see a back-4 of Benjamin, John, Aymeric and a return to ‘the 11’ of Kyle; although that means dropping Vinny and, so, who knows what’s in our Manager’s head!

I’ve heard (hence the reference to some uncertainly) that there might be a doubt about Fernandinho but, for now, I’ve ‘stuck him in there’ just in front of those 4.

I think we’ll see Raheem start and possibly on the left; leaving the rest of the attacking midfield looking like David, Ilkay & Bernardo.

Sergio to head ‘that lot’.

Having been recalled from loan due to a serious injury to Claudio Bravo, I think we’ll see Aro Muric as the back-up stopper (gotta feel a little sorry for Daniel Grimshaw after being announced not long ago and our No.3 keeper for the season). If he doesn’t start again in a “whatever” line-up, Vinny to at least make the bench and joined by Nicholas as defensive-replacement options. Phil, Riyad & Leroy make up the attacking midfield / wing options; Gabriel might have to wait his turn in this game despite being pitched along-side Sergio in the last route.

Notable absences:

-       Claudio Bravo – Injured, long-term and possibly the rest of the season.

-       Danilo: Injured - unknown status / return date.

-       Fabian Delph – Not selected.

-       Oleksandr Zinchenko: Not selected and soon to be / likely going out on loan.

-       Kevin De Bruyne: Injured for around 2-½ to 3 months.

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

Does it for me! But what’s happening with Fabian who has always impressed me / is so very useful?

Result? I agree with those that say that this isn’t gonna be an easy game. Wolves were impressive last season; have a decent Manager, good players from their last campaign, have ADDED to that very well and were unlucky to come away form Leicester with nothing last weekend. However, although I think they might breach our defence, I think also that we’ll come away with all-3 points tomorrow; a game I’m going to if nothing happens beforehand family-illness-wise.

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

Prediction: N/A

Result: N/A

Expected weather conditions during the game: It’s gonna be a fairly pleasant day! Not too bad at 61F; sunny intervals and no reported rain.