14 Jan 2022 16:26:09
So, we play the Champions elect. I have already said I think we will get a result (I know I'm boringly optimistic Matt) but I have to say I'm not sure if we play a two or three at the back.
My team would be as follows:-
Kepa
Dave Rudiger Silva Sarr Alonso
Jorginho
Kante Kovacic
Werner Havertz
It's all about opinions lads.
14 Jan 2022 16:57:31
Tom I’m with you on team selection but it’s worrying that neither us would pick Lukaku for a big game like tomorrow. Let’s see what TT does.
14 Jan 2022 17:23:15
I think we need to play narrow in midfield and In my opinion we need the extra midfielder.
Im also remembering how difficult they found defending against mobile players in last years final.
Anyway Jimbo, it’s only an opinion and I will trust TT to come up with a winning solution.
14 Jan 2022 19:04:35
I think we’ll neee Rom, someone to hold up and fight for the ball, doubt we’ll have much possession, Ppe said they’ve some CV positives, not sure who,
14 Jan 2022 19:12:10
I think Sarr has done well enough to keep his place for another game but I wouldn’t go 3-5-2 as last time we did that against city we gave them too much time to build from the back at the bridge and we got outplayed. Mount hasn’t been great so I’d give Ziyech a start.
Mendy
Rudiger Silva Sarr
Hudson-Odoi Kante Kovacic Alonso
Ziyech Havertz Pulisic.
14 Jan 2022 23:00:31
I think every time we do not play mount we look worse than playing with him.
Maybe sometimes he doesn't have the best game but lad works his socks off each game. And you need grafters to beat Man City.
15 Jan 2022 08:15:32
I agree Mount shouldn't start, not sure if it was birthday blues the last couple of games or what's going on but his form last 2 games he's played doesn't warrant a start. I think HZ forms been good, KH also had a very good form last couple of games. I'd keep the same shape that saw us dominate spurs and keep MS in the team at LB. It allows us to have that extra body in midfield. I'd go
Kepa, Azpi Silva, Rudiger, Sarr, Kova, Kante, Jorgihno, Lukaku/ Kai, Werner and Hakim/ Pulisic.
15 Jan 2022 08:36:52
I agree Ltdit, a 70% Mount is worth two of Zyech imho. His desire and work rate alone will give our team more in winning back possession and a much needed extra threat on their goal.
I also think more mobility up front has always helped us when playing city, and Havertz was rested midweek vs spurs which could be a sign, but I wonder whether TT will try to outsmart pep with trying something new tactically which involves RL holding up the ball on counter long balls?
15 Jan 2022 09:06:50
Mendy is at the AFCON Bruce.
Lukaku starts for sure and his physical presence will occupy their centre backs which will be crucial. Havertz movement is very clever and will drag them around. Mount works so hard closing down so again must start. Sarr is getting better by the game so starts in a back three.
KEPA
RUDIGER
SILVA
SARR
AZPI
KOVACIC
KANTE
ALONSO
HAVERTZ
LUKAKU
MOUNT.
15 Jan 2022 10:08:54
I'd definitely include Mount and Lukaku.
15 Jan 2022 10:20:59
Ahh I knew that really just got carried away as he’s always number 1 keeper. I wouldn’t start Lukaku against City I’d go with Havertz but if he does start I hope he can score against a big side for once.
15 Jan 2022 10:31:41
am expecting something of this shape
kepa
rudigar, silva, M. sarr
Ziyech, kante, jorgi, kova, Alonso
romelu, haverzt.
15 Jan 2022 13:51:50
the gulf in class here is crazy there head and shoulder above us, that's twice this season they have looked miles ahead of us.
15 Jan 2022 13:57:33
and that's not been critical of us at all we are heading in the right direction i believe under TT.