Stoke (a) 20/08/2016 - pre-match thread

[Ric]

I'm looking forward, to seeing if Otamendi, has heeded Peps words, and cuts out the going to ground all the time.

I think he'll need to, otherwise he'll find himself out of the team in no time.

 

[oasis-city-greek-fan]

Ι m just preparing for the Navas torture ...

 

[JoeMercer'sWay]

interesting team, Sterling swapping sides when he was so effective on the right. Still no Fernando as protection so surely Pep wants another CM as he's not prepared to use him in the most obvious game, and perhaps he doesn't want to flood the midfield today as Kolarov and Zabaleta played a lot more as conventional full-backs against Steaua.

 

[FanchesterCity]

Arnautovic can be a handful when he's up for it. Might need a little Otamendi 'reducer' ;-)

 

[Josep]

Looking forward to the meltdown here, calling for Hart, if/when we concede :)

Even more, if we lose today!!

Just remember, from the next week, likely we will have Bravo in goal

 

[cityisOURS]

Not much variation in selection, a bit of added pace with Navas otherwise like for like. Hope to see Navas on left to see if in helps? First real test of new centre backs. Stoke look good going forward with some tidy, on the floor passing players. We need to be prepared for a wake up call today. Still a work in progress, new signings not fit and a reserve goalkeeper. Keeps things in perspective for today.

I'd imagine Navas will be on the right. I believe the decision to replace Nolito is due to their threat from the left. Arnautovic is their best player and likely to be playing on that side while their left back Pieters likes to get forward. Navas despite his limitations in the final third does his job defensively.

In virtually every game we play this year we're going to have to counter specific threats because virtually every team can do some damage

 

[oakiecokie]

Looks like the writings on the wall for Yaya.Once again he doesn`t make the squad.

 

[Manchester_lalala]

Thank fuck shaqiri isn't playing, still have nightmares of him ripping kolarov last season.

 

[Phil1]

It's going to be great watching pretty much the same group of players that surrendered so meekly last time around conduct themselves when given a game plan.

 

[eversince 76]

Sterling on the left??? Whyyyyyyy???

You are aware you just questions Peps ability as a manager? Better hide ...