‘Day 3’ of seasonal lurgy and, so, no waffle / straight to it…
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| Wanda Metropolitano Stadium |
Predicted line-up, subs and outcome:
(Number correct from the starting line-up in the last game: 10/11).
Fluid 4-1-5-0 / 4-6-0:
______________________________________________
Grealish_________________________________Mahrez
________De Bruyne___Gundogan___Silva__________
______________________Rodri____________________
Cancelo__________________________________Walker
___________Laporte_____________Stones__________
_____________________Ederson__________________
Subs: Steffen, Carson, Zinchenko, Ake, Dias, Fernandinho, Lavia, McAtee, Foden, Edozie, Sterling, Delap.
Ederson in net.
Even with the risk of picking up a yellow and, therefore, missing the first leg of the semi-final, should we progress of course; I can see our manager starting strong tonight and that means the inclusion of Joao Cancelo in defence. The Portuguese wing-back is likely to be joined by Aymeric, John & Kyle in a back-4 that sees no changes from last Sunday.
Rodders is highly likely to ‘go again’ as our deepest midfielder and then, for Kevin, read Joao; with the 1-yellow-card, Belgium international joined by Jack, Ilkay, Bernardo & Riyad.
Two keepers on the bench in the form of Zack & Scott; Oleksandr, Nathan & Ruben make up the defensive replacement options on the side. Fernandinho, Romeo, James, Phil, Samuel, Raheem & Liam are the midfielders / wingers / attackers in ‘the 12’ (5 subs allowed from that dozen).
Notable absences:
- Ruben Dias – Back in training having been out for 6 weeks following a hamstring injury. It’s unlikely, we were told yesterday, that the Portuguese international will be ready to play in tonight’s game but there’s a better chance of him featuring on Saturday. However, information released since yesterday’s pre-match press conference has revealed that the 24-year-old has travelled with the squad, at least. He might find himself on the bench, even if he’s not risked.
- Cole Palmer – Improving news also on Cole, yesterday, when we were informed that the young England Under-21 attacker feels better and may even travel to Spain with the rest of the squad. His manager and the club’s medical staff are also more hopeful of avoiding surgery, such is the improvement in the last week or so. (Hasn’t travelled…)
- Gabriel Jesus – Suspended for this match.
Do I agree with Pep’s (predicted) line-up?
I’ve got a feeling that Pep will want to start strong, as I’ve said, as the home side need to come at us. They’re not too good at playing open, attacking play without making themselves vulnerable and we might, therefore, pick off another goal in the first half.
Depending on how the first half – and possibly the first 10/15 minutes of the second – goes/go; I think our manager will want to start withdrawing the likes of Joao, Kevin & Barnardo to begin with in the hope of protecting their yellow card statuses as well as resting / protecting some key players ahead of Saturday’s clash.
Result? I think it’ll be another close affair and there are a few extra considerations in this one:
- We’ve already seen them practice ‘the dark arts’, as they’re referred to, and I can see them having another pop at our players; particularly targeting Joao, Kevin and Jack once again. I don’t think they’ll discriminate though; I can see them hacking at and trying to wind up any player in a City shirt.
- The home crowd – minus 5,000 after a section of their ground was ordered by UEFA to close following their fans’ ‘discriminatory behaviour’ in the first leg – will undoubtably be their ‘12th man’ tonight. They’ll be ‘up for it’ for sure…
- The referee: How will he handle both of those factors.
- Sendings off: I can see at least 1 side, possibly both, not ending up with 11 men tonight.
I just hope no stupidity on their part leads to injuries on ours.
On the night? At least a draw but I actually think we’ll nick it again. A City win for me and progression through to the semi-final stage.
Last season’s, corresponding pre-match prediction and result…
Prediction: N/A
Result: N/A
Expected weather conditions during the game: A pleasant 15/16C, partly cloudy and with little chance of any rain.
Solidarity
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