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

[grim up north]

Ι m just preparing for the Navas torture ...

Enjoy

 

[Blueband Brother]

A continuation of what we have seen in the past two games. Emphasis on attacking and defending together, work rate, intensity, getting to the river in a methodical, particular way and then relying on the quality of the players in the final third to drink from it. Navas perhaps included to enhance the work rate in the team and bring even more pace. Interesting to see if he can transform his game a bit under Guardiola and start scoring some goals and also get involved in the build up play. Nolito is perhaps not suited yet to the hustle and bustle of the league. Nonetheless a solid team that offers continuation in terms of style of play and approach.

Sterling can play along the front line and I won't be surprised if he spends most of the game down the center with De Bruyne taking Nolito's place on the left. Stoke has built up a very respected reputation or stereotype for themselves and credit to them but if we play with the same intensity, especially in the final third, they will not be able to handle it.

 

[jimharri]

Pity about Nolito being dropped to the bench. I thought he did alright in Bucharest, and his link ups with Merlin and Kun showed promise. Plus, he managed to bag a goal (something that isn't Navas' strong point, to put it mildly).

 

[der bomber28]

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

Agreed mate, he's more than capable. Guess we'll find out soon enough.

 

[mosssideblue]

Pity about Nolito being dropped to the bench. I thought he did alright in Bucharest, and his link ups with Merlin and Kun showed promise. Plus, he managed to bag a goal (something that isn't Navas' strong point, to put it mildly).

That's the issue when we have such strength in depth and everyone needs game time to implement the system

 

[Zin 'messiah' Zimmer]

Rather play KDB on the left than Sterling, Sterling's just wasted out there.

Sterling of last year, granted

 

[SWP's back]

Sterling of last year, granted

You're replying to a guy that doesn't rate KDB but thinks Zlatan and Pogba are world class...

 

[mosssideblue]

You're replying to a guy that doesn't rate KDB but thinks Zlatan and Pogba are world class...

Well they do have world class salaries, so must be true :)

 

[Zin 'messiah' Zimmer]

You're replying to a guy that doesn't rate KDB but thinks Zlatan and Pogba are world class...

(:

 

[Millwallawayveteran1988]

Hope we have enough height and muscle to deal with a physical encounter and the free kicks and corners.

Very attacking line up again though.