Another day, another competition

As the games continue to fly at us at a fair ol’ rate of knots, Sunday’s clash will be the 3^rd game in 9 days in 3 different competitions.

Thankfully in this tight schedule, this should be a game where we can both rest & test players…

v Birmingham City

Etihad Stadium

Predicted line-up, subs and outcome:

(Number correct from the starting line-up in the last game: 9/11).

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

____________________Aguero____________________

 

 

__Bernabe_____________________________Mahrez__

____________Foden__________Nmecha____________

 

_____________________Rodri_____________________

Mendy___________________________________Walker

 

________Harwood-Bellis_____Dias_________________

 

 

____________________Steffen____________________

Subs: Ederson, Cancelo, Zinchenko, Stones, Fernandinho, Gundogan, Silva, Torres, Jesus.

A LOT of uncertainty here with regards to how some players are feeling following a positive Covid-19 test - some may still be feeling the effects; others may well be fully recovered and, indeed, rested & ready for a return.

I’m going for Zack to continue in net.

Benjamin, I would think, is almost guaranteed a start for this one and in the left-wing back slot; Kyle to use this game to re-build his strength / momentum. This could have been a perfect game to give either Nathan or Aymeric a start and our regular central defenders a rest but, as it is, I think we’ll likely to see Ruben being asked to ‘go again’, with Taylor to partner him, I’m guessing.

Having only played 11 minutes of ‘the 90’ on Wednesday night; I think Rodders gets the holding midfield job.

Ahead of him, I’d say Adrian on the left, Riyad back to his more-familiar role on the right and the young legs of Phil should see him being picked to have another starting run-out. Felix might get a start in the middle to partner the England international.

Up front? Well…if he’s deemed ready, I would think that this game would be perfect for Sergio to start and get 45 minutes at least; possibly then swapping with Gabriel at half time to test both respectively.

Ederson could be ready to return but I’m going for him to be the back-up stopper for this one, with Joao, Oleksandr & John the reserve defenders on the side. Fernandinho, Ilkay, Bernardo, Ferran & Gabriel provide the midfield / wing / striking options in ‘the 9’. 5 subs allowed, by the way and in case you didn't know...

Notable absences:

-       Scott Carson - Still isolating after testing positive for Covid-19.

-       Aymeric Laporte – Injured with a hamstring issue? I think that’s still the case and, if so, there’s no details on an expected return date.

-       Eric Garcia - Still isolating after testing positive for Covid-19 AND may still be injured otherwise.

-       Nathan Ake – Injured with a muscle problem? Similar to Laporte; there’s no details on an expected return date if that’s the case with the Dutch international.

-       Kevin De Bruyne – Not selected / rested.

-       Raheem Sterling – Not selected / rested.

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

Yep.

Result? Our visitors are dropping like a stone in the Championship; find themselves just 4 points above the ‘drop zone’ and have only managed 17 goals in their 23 league games so far. I’m sure they'll find some relief playing a cup game and, sometimes, a good result can help struggling sides to ‘push on’ in their league campaigns.

Not here though and not on this occasion – it’s a comfortable home win for me.

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

Prediction: N/A

Result: N/A

Expected weather conditions during the game: A chilly 5C and dark skies with little chance of rain and just a light breeze causes no issues with regards to playing conditions.