‘Avalanche April’ is triggered by…

…a fixture right at the end of March, away at Fulham.

 

30 days, 9 games, 3 competitions; all televised live on 3-different, UK-domestic channels and, which, includes a return trip to Wembley (I doubt I’ll be able to get a pre-match posting out for all but will try…).

 

Get through the 2 cup competitions in that period and that’ll also add an additional 3 games to our league fixtures in May, at least! 

 

These are the times we, as fans, look forward to a lot but, which also, tests player & coaching-management-team’s resolve to the extreme.

International break over - what’s the injury news heading into this intense period of matches?

Well…it would appear that only long-term injured Claudio Bravo & Fabian Delph (knock) are the only players unavailable. Great news!

Following that international break - and with some excellent reports coming back from-playing for their various countries about a lot of our players - I’d love to make comments about ‘em all.

However, having only just been able to sit in front of the computer following our manager’s pre-match press conference and with such an early KO tomorrow (12:30pm GMT), I’ll have to crack-straight-on.

v Fulham

Craven Cottage

Predicted line-up, subs and outcome:

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

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

____________________Aguero____________________

Sane____________________________________Sterling

___________D. Silva____________B. Silva___________

___________________Gundogan___________________

Zinchenko________________________________Walker

_____________Laporte_________Otamendi___________

_____________________Ederson____________________

Subs: Muric, Danilo, Kompany, Fernandinho, De Bruyne, Mahrez, Jesus.

Ed in net…of course.

Oleksandr to continue, for us (having played in a defensive midfield role for his country – interesting…) at left-wing back, with Kyle on the opposite flank of the defence. Aymeric & Nicholas in-between those.

I think Pep will use Ilkay once again as ‘the anchoring’ midfielder, with David & Bernardo ahead of the German. Leroy & well-in-form Raheem providing the wide attack.

Sergio ‘up top’.

Aro is the reserve stopper; Danilo to provide cover on either side of the defence and I think Vinny will get a spot on the bench. Fernandinho might get a shout from the side at some stage; returning, also, Kevin, Riyad & Gabriel provide the more attacking option-changes from ‘the 7’.

Notable absences:

-       Claudio Bravo – Continues his comeback-recovery routine.

-       Benjamin Mendy – Not selected.

-       John Stones – Not selected.

-       Fabian Delph – Injured.

-       Phil Foden – Not selected.

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

Strong team – yes indeed! And…when all fit, just look at the strength of both the bench and the players left out (if I’m correct of course)!

Result? Well, a change in manager doesn’t appear to have made much of a difference for our hosts…yet. However, they do have players who threaten and you can bet that Scott Parker will have injected a strong work ethic. Despite their doomed-looking points tally from safety, expect a battle I would say.

This should be an away win though…

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

Prediction: N/A

Result: N/A

Expected weather conditions during the game: 'T-shirt & shades job' for the fans! A very pleasant 63C & sunny for the game.

 Those in the UK at least, don't forget that clock-change at the weekend...