Predictions v Real Madrid

Straight to it…

v Real Madrid

Etihad Stadium

Predicted line-up, subs and outcome:

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

A very fluid 4-1-4-1 / 4-5-1 / 4-2-3-1:

____________________Haaland____________________

 

 

 

Grealish_____________________Foden_________Silva

_________De Bruyne_____________________________

 

_____________________Rodri_____________________

Gvardiol__________________________________Akanji

_____________Dias_____________Stones___________

 

 

____________________Ederson____________________

Subs: Carson, Ortega, Gomez, Lewis, Walker, Ake, Susoho, Kovacic, Nunes, Bobb, Doku & Alvarez.

Ederson continues in goal.

With another training session planned following Pep’s pre-match press conference yesterday afternoon, there’s a chance that recently-injured Kyle & Nathan could feature in the starting 11. However, I’m guessing that they will both be treated with some care ahead of an important-also F.A. Cup semi-final on Saturday plus our extremely important league run-in, of course. I expect either or both to feature at some stage, however. Therefore, I’m going for a starting back-4 of Josko, Ruben, John & Manuel.

Rodders, following his much-needed rest at the weekend, to start just in front of those.

I can see an attacking / creative-4 of Jack, Kevin, Phil & Bernardo all just-behind Erling ‘up top’.

A full-12 bench includes two keepers in the form of Scott & Stefan, with Rico, Kyle & Nathan providing defensive cover. Mahamadou, Mateo, Matheus, Oscar & Jeremy are the midfielders / wingers on the side; while Julian is our back-up striker.

Notable absences:

-       No injuries / unavailable players reported! Wow…

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

It’s almost our ‘A Team’, so yeah. 👍

Result? It’s another tough one, for sure, but keeping it brief; I think they’ll be goals at both ends but that we’ll score more. It’s a City win for me.

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

Prediction: N/A – Played ‘em in the semi-final last season.

Result: N/A – Played ‘em in the semi-final last season.

Expected weather conditions during the game: Chilly but nothing too bad otherwise. It’s dry and clearing skies sees temperatures down to 7C officially but with a “feels like” of around 5C in a light, northerly breeze. Warm coats are advisable people…

Solidarity