Real Madrid (A) - Tues 9th April, 20:00 | CL | Pre-Match Thread

[PragueBlue]

On the bench

Thought I saw earlier that he was starting. Bit strange. Thought he was a guaranteed starter. Maybe not 100% or maybe we've gone for a bit more energy. Can't think of any other reason.

 

[OntarioBlue]

I thought KDB would start but I can also see that Bernie and Phil have to start in a game like this so the only option would be to leave Kovacic out. I’m glad I don’t have to make these decisions.

 

[maxwellblue]

In Pep we trust.

is the correct comment

 

[schfc6]

Happy with that.

 

[adaminho]

With that team, I'd be happy taking a draw back to the etihad. I don't feel good about this

 

[Mattyc55]

Pep really doesnt like the idea of a KDB, phil and Rodri midfield does he.

 

[CTID1977]

match day thread's gonna be interesting

 

[super_city_si]

Think Pep wants full press.

 

[youngbob]

Yep. Pep was talking about "Oh you can't go to Madrid just expecting to control the game" but it was very obviously a bluff cos that's what he's always aiming for away in Europe. Kevin not 100% needed for this one imo and needs to be fresh for the home game. We can get a satisfactory result with that XI.

 

[Toney’s bookie]

No kev is weird

He will play Foden in the middle where he's been brilliant and hope to save KDB for the second leg. He's there if we need him though. Makes sense at this stage of the season.

 

[PragueBlue]

Doku and KDB to come on 2nd half and kill them off (hopefully).

 

[jrb]

Already moved the sofa away from the wall so there's enough room to watch the TV from behind it.

 

[balotelli's back pocket]

If you have to pick one of Foden or KDB, it's Foden right now.

I'm okay with that. Maximum control requires Kova next to Rodri, so someone has to miss out.

 

[City Raider]

Hope it works or the haters will be all over Pep and the media narrative for the run in will be Foden v KDB

 

[richards30]

Who’s gonna feed Erling then? Unless KDB is stiff or sore after the weekend then not entirely happy he’s not playing

 

[deano ou812]

Hopefully this lineup gets a result tonight..

 

[OntarioBlue]

Foden in the middle?

Dunno, it’s either him or Bernie.

 

[flook]

Ake's a crowd favorite but, IMO, he isn't better than Gvardiol at LB in terms of the whole package. Gvardiol is better on the ball and has the stamina to run up and down the pitch. Ake works as hard as he can but, IMO, he lacks Gvardiol's stamina.

Ake a crowd favourite??? he was a whipping boy 12 months back, the reason he is admired so much these days is because he's the best defender we have, by a distance, and has been a top class defender since his Bournemouth days. it just took a while for many people on here to get this

 

[Keepingthefaithsince1976]

Good team that. Loads of energy and a solid defensive midfield. Keep it level till the last 20 then kdb for a couple of piledrivers. Up the blues....keep the faith.

 

[PragueBlue]

Pep really doesnt like the idea of a KDB, phil and Rodri midfield does he.

Not the best balance against decent teams to be fair.