Ordinarily, ‘v Liverpool’, it would be a…

…fairly easy task predicting a [strong-sounding] side to face the Merseyside reds.

However, with a World Cup just finished and splitting our season in two, these aren’t ordinary times…and it is the League Cup and not a league fixture too, after all.

v Liverpool

Etihad Stadium

Predicted line-up, subs and outcome:

(Number correct from the starting line-up in the last game, which for me, blog-wise, was our home game against Chelsea in the last round: 8/11).

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

____________________Haaland____________________

           

 

Grealish__________________________________Mahrez

 

_________Gundogan___________De Bruyne_________

 

_____________________Rodri_____________________

Gomez____________________________________Lewis

________­___Laporte_____________Akanji___________

 

 

_____________________Ortega_____________________

Subs: Carson, Cancelo, Walker, Ake, Dias, Phillips, Foden, Palmer & Silva.

It goes without saying that this is an awfully difficult starting 11 and subs to predict – possibly one of the trickiest ones I’ve ever had to do. There are just so many factors!

This biggest question is, of course, just what is the physical & mental state of those returning players; especially the 7 English & Portuguese lads who only returned late yesterday? What I will say about those individuals is that, although following their respective country’s exits from the World Cup they might not be 100% match fit in terms of being fully ‘up to speed’; not too much time has passed since they had to pack their bags; so-surely they should be fit enough for a cameo from the bench should they be needed.

SO…Stefan has the gloves in a competition that was always gonna be his to own.

There are choices at left-back and we could see, once again, central defender / part-time left-back, Nathan Ake, take up that berth. However, I’m going for Sergio to be given another go in this contest, with Aymeric & Manuel in the middle and with Rico on the right of our defence.

Rodders to ‘sit & protect’.

With Jack not seeing too many minutes in Qatar and assuming he’s fit, I can imagine our boss sticking him straight into the 11 and on the left of our attack. Ilkay, Kevin & Riyad make up the remainder of the attacking midfield quartet.

Erling ‘up top’ and ready to resume his destruction.

Scott provides the keeper insurance, while Joao, Kyle, Nathan & Ruben are the defenders on the side. Kalvin, Phil, Cole & Bernardo are the midfield / wing options in ‘the 9’.

Notable absences:

-       Ederson – Has not yet returned to the club from World Cup duty / misses this one.

-       John Stones – If I had to guess at one player who might not be risked, it would be John. This is following an injury to his ankle in his last outing for England which, although it was-apparently deemed not too serious, might require further scrutiny by the City medical staff. Pure guess work from me though, as none of the 7 ‘late returners’ could be assessed until after Pep’s pre-match press conference yesterday afternoon.

-       Julian Alvarez – Obviously a very late return from the World Cup rules the Argentinian forward out for this one (well done him!) and, additionally, I think it’s likely that he won’t be included in a match-day squad until at least our away-league clash with Chelsea on Thursday 5^th January; therefore, missing our next 3 fixtures.

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

Yep…and it’s about all we can do really.

Result? What gives me optimism is seeing a strong, should-be-fresh, central defensive partnership of Laporte & Akanji; a ‘something to prove’, fresh-also De Bruyne and a ‘raring to go again’ Haaland in this predicted starting 11. What pours a little cold water on that optimism is the fact that our visitors had WAY fewer players involved in the World Cup and that they somehow managed to get their 2 England players back early and in contention for tonight too.

I’m sorry fellow Blues and although I hope I’m wrong; all things considered I’ve gotta say that I think tonight sees the end of our run in this season’s League Cup. It’s a Liverpool win for me.

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

Prediction: N/A

Result: N/A

Expected weather conditions during the game: It’s overcast but it should stay dry. 5C is the gametime temperature.

Solidarity