Real Madrid (H) - Wed 17th April, 20:00 | CL | Pre-Match Thread

[JGL07]

9 spots fill themselves.

Stones and Walker are the unknown.

I don’t see Walker starting but I think that Stones will. Walker’s first appearance will likely be off the bench.

 

[Tevez City]

__________________Ederson_______________

Walker_______Dias_______Stones_____Gvardiol

_________________Rodri____________

________Foden___________KDB_______

Bernardo_______Haaland_______Jack

 

[gordondaviesmoustache]

Couldn’t get to this last year because of work, and only just made it to the pub for kick off. What a night that was. So wish I’d been there.

So therefore really glad I’m going on Wednesday. Think it could be another great Etihad night.

You can’t argue with the options we’ll have. Everything appears to be coming together. Although our season is still precariously balanced.

We could be in a very different position in a week’s time. Although I don’t expect us to be.

 

[bluethai]

I still think we need Kovacic to help Rodri control the midfield. A lineup with too many attackers may look impressive on paper, but most of the time it always backfires.

 

[BringBackSwales]

I still think we need Kovacic to help Rodri control the midfield. A lineup with too many attackers may look impressive on paper, but most of the time it always backfires.

Have you seen Pep’s teams? The word formation is partially redundant - players moving all over the place, Stones forming part of the midfield, Walker and Gvardiol part of the attack - all about fluidity and movement

 

[bluethai]

Have you seen Pep’s teams? The word formation is partially redundant - players moving all over the place, Stones forming part of the midfield, Walker and Gvardiol part of the attack - all about fluidity and movement

I never said anything about the formation, I just said we need more midfield control. So, the best option at the moment is Kovacic, followed by Stones. Because most people here just think we must play all attackers like KDB, Foden, Bernardo, Grealish, Alvarez, Doku, Haaland at the same time, and then we'll win comfortably, which is not the case.

 

[BringBackSwales]

I never said anything about the formation, I just said we need more midfield control. So, the best option at the moment is Kovacic, followed by Stones. Because most people here just think we must play all attackers like KDB, Foden, Bernardo, Grealish, Alvarez, Doku, Haaland at the same time, and then we'll win comfortably, which is not the case.

I’ve already told you, the extra control in midfield will be supplied from defenders

 

[Lovebitesandeveryfing]

Stop vin Jr and Rodrygo and you stop Madrid

Oh is that all? ;-)

 

[Fordyboy46]

Are they missing Tchouemani?

 

[Fordyboy46]

Stop vin Jr and Rodrygo and you stop Madrid

Would play walker and tell him not to get ahead of the ball, need some help with rodri. Ortega is the better shot stopper and is more consistent overall.

Ortega

Walker stones dias gvardiol

Silva Rodri

Kdb foden grealish

Haaland

So what about Bellingham, Valverde, Modric, Camavinga?

 

[OntarioBlue]

I am going to be in Dublin on Wednesday. Any recommendations for a good place to watch the game in the Temple Bar area. Thanks

 

[BlueMoonRisin’]

Are they missing Tchouemani?

Yes.

 

[LangleyBlue1970]

I don’t think they will lay a finger on us.

Us, however, I think we will do them 3, 4 nil again.

 

[alexmcity]

The only players who are guaranteed starters are Rodri, Foden, Bernardo, KDB and Haaland.

If both Walker and Stones are ready to play, it's hard to tell who will be benched from the 5 options (the 6th, Ake, will be on the bench). Gvardiol is 95% guaranteed to start (or 99!). Dias hasn't been in his best form this season but he's a natural leader. Akanji has been our most consistent and reliable defender. Most would drop Akanji but let's see whether Pep agrees.

I think Ederson is more likely to start than Ortega.

Kovacic or Grealish? I think Pep will go with Grealish with Bernardo playing closer to Rodri.

Ederson/Ortega

Walker/Akanji
Stones
Dias/Akanji
Gvardiol

Rodri
Bernardo

Foden
KDB
Grealish

Haaland

 

[richards30]

Ederson
Walker
Stones
Dias
Gvardiol
Rodri
De Bruyne
Foden
Bernardo Silva
Grealish
Haaland

Pick that and we have a huge chance!

 

[hilts]

So what about Bellingham, Valverde, Modric, Camavinga?

What about them ?

 

[timperleyblueboy]

Really looking forward to Wednesday, missed last year due to having surgery and being stuck in hospital. Pep has some nice decisions to make, with the players who are fit. At the back does walker start if fit, is stones fit enough to play. Do we keep kovacic in the team. Or do we try and get all our best forward players in de bruyne, silva, foden, grealish haaland, I'm confident whatever team we put out we can get the result we need. Come on city!

 

[Blue Steel]

If Kovacic does start it won't be Grealish getting dropped, far too important for control of the game.

If Kovacic starts, one of Foden or Kev will give way, that's why I don't think he'll start.

Look at the same of the poster. He hates Grealish so much he has never ever listed him in his predicted starting XI.

Of course Grealish starts on Weds.

 

[ONTHERUNWITHTHAKSIN]

IMO

Walker, Akanji and Gvardiol all start if fit

Both Akanji and Josko have been our best defenders the last few games and Walkers pace is vital

 

[MCFC1993]

Are they missing Tchouemani?

Yes he's suspended, Nacho looks set to start, played 90mins with Rudiger against Mallorca yesterday.