Second half.

Two-legged games often get referred to as “half time” after the first game and before the second match is played. I think it’s quite a good reference and I, as a City fan of course, am happy to go into the second period 3-1 up heading into our home leg.

 

But we shouldn't be complacent despite the form we’re in and despite Manyoo’s wobbles – it was only around 8 weeks ago that our visitors from Trafford took 3 points off us in the league 'on our own patch'.

 

It’s a game I’m going to miss tomorrow night due to work and, due to a busy schedule otherwise, I’ve decided to put this pre-match blog posting out early and before Pep’s pre-match press conference; leaving my ‘predicted line-up & subs’ open to more room for error.

v Manyoo

Etihad Stadium

Predicted line-up, subs and outcome:

(Number correct from starting line-up in the last game: 7/11).

Fluid 3-6-1 / 4-5-1 / 4-6-0:

______________________________________________

____________________Aguero____________________

Jesus___________________________________Mahrez

__________De Bruyne_________B. Silva____________

_____________________Rodri_____________________

Mendy___________________________________Walker

____________Laporte________Fernandinho_________

____________________Ederson___________________

Subs: Bravo, Cancelo, Stones, Gundogan, Foden, D. Silva, Sterling.

Ederson back between ‘the sticks’.

A complete change of “back 4” from our last outing, with Aymeric & Fernandinho in-between Benjamin & Kyle.

A change also of defensive midfielder, with Rodders stepping into that deeper role which, I’m sure at times, with double-up to be a 3^rd central defender whenever Mendy & walker ‘push on’.

Ahead of the Spaniard, I think we’ll see a fluid system used by Pep a few times recently which might, if I’m correct, utilise both of our strikers; with Gabriel being deployed as an attacker on the left flank and with Sergio not necessarily ‘pushing right up’ all of the time but, instead, joining the rest in an ‘advanced position’. The others in that marauding group to include Kevin, Bernardo & Riyad.

(Of course, some of those are subject to fitness tests, especially Rodri & Mahrez who both took knocks last Sunday).

Claudio as the back-up keeper; Joao & John the defensive replacement options form the bench. Ilkay, Phil, David & still off colour Raheem in ‘the 7’ as midfield / wing change-options.

Notable absences:

-       Angelino – Not selected.

-       Oleksandr Zinchenko – Not selected.

-       Nicolas Otamendi – Not selected.

-       Leroy Sane – Is now with the rest of the squad, as he continues his fitness training ahead of a planned, February return. Progress...

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

That looks like a fine selection to me.

Result? I never underestimate a Manyoo side and why would I – despite their inconsistences and various problems they still have decent players who can cause damage if you’re not ‘on it’. They might even score, despite us-now-having all defensive options to choose from.

But with Wembley in sight once again; at home and with those players listed - some of whom were rested last weekend - I just can’t see us letting this one slip from our grasp. It’s a home win for me, despite a draw being good enough also.

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

Prediction: N/A

Result: N/A

Expected weather conditions during the game: Nothing much happening really – overcast, little chance of some drizzle and 7C with a bit of a south-westerly breeze.