Chelsea (A) - Sun 18th Aug, 16:30 | PL | Pre-Match Thread

[Eccles Blue]

I reckon some of our Euro people will be back for this one. Especially Kyle Walker and John Stones. Get them back into the thick of the battle asap.

 

[youngbob]

Ederson
Dias, Akanji, Gvardiol
Lewis, Kovacic
Savio, De Bruyne, Bernardo, Doku
Haaland

Might as well go for it and have a bit of fun.

 

[Wanchope n me Dickov]

See us losing 1 nil. Like spurs a few years back. Then shit on them all!

 

[Blu1]

Ederson
Dias, Akanji, Gvardiol
Lewis, Kovacic
Savio, De Bruyne, Bernardo, Doku
Haaland

Might as well go for it and have a bit of fun.

Agree let’s try smash them by 4

 

[Jonas.shaffer]

Big blow for the team tbh. Possibly 8 to 10 weeks out? At least any plans to do a Palmer or loan him out are probably shelved now.

Much longer than 8-10 weeks... and Bobb was never going to be loaned out.

 

[Gene Kelly]

Kick off time 16:30 (BST). Live on Sky Sports.

Last seasons game of the season, drew 4-4, should've won it. Beat them 4-2 last week but that won't reflect how this one will go, I don't think. Every team is always up for their first home game.

Great chance to tick off a tougher game early on, a win sets us up well for the season.

All of our lads are back now, so I imagine we'll be a lot stronger. Honestly couldn't even get close to predicting Chelsea's XI.

---------------Ederson
Lewis---Dias---Akanji---Gvardiol
------------------Rodri
-------De Bruyne--Kovacic
Bobb--------Haaland---------Doku

I think it'll be fairly close to that, maybe Bernardo over Kovacic.

Any idea on the best place to park outside the Ulez zone

 

[The Lightbowne Cowboy]

I may even see if what is said about the matchday forum is true on Sunday as well ;-)

Otherwise known as Straight jacket alley.

 

[super_city_si]

Wonder if we'll see Savinho come straight in for Bobb? Maybe Foden will be fast tracked in to the team if Pep thinks Savinho needs more time to get the tactical side of our play?

 

[its a Barm]

Wonder if we'll see Savinho come straight in for Bobb? Maybe Foden will be fast tracked in to the team if Pep thinks Savinho needs more time to get the tactical side of our play?

He's a winger you run up to the bye line and cross it to the big blond lad up front, simple, easy this management stuff.

 

[Gone for a Burton]

Big blow for the team tbh. Possibly 8 to 10 weeks out? At least any plans to do a Palmer or loan him out are probably shelved now.

Two international breaks in that period, the league really doesn’t get momentum until mid Nov.

Be lucky to see Ozzy b4 Xmas.

Chance for others including Jimmy McAtee to establish themselves.

 

[Vialli98]

Will your starting line up be similar to the team that played us in America, minus Bobb?

I noticed I haven’t seen KDB, Foden, Stones, Rodri and Walker in any of your preseason highlights. Will any of them be in line to start this game?

 

[blueparrot]

Will your starting line up be similar to the team that played us in America, minus Bobb?

I noticed I haven’t seen KDB, Foden, Stones, Rodri and Walker in any of your preseason highlights. Will any of them be in line to start this game?

Don’t know but the Portuguese and Dutch players will be available and KDB.

 

[Vialli98]

Don’t know but the Portuguese and Dutch players will be available and KDB.

Nice one.

We don’t appear to be fully up to speed yet. Maresca is still experimenting somewhat.

Anyway it’s nice to get one of the City games out of the way early.

 

[blueparrot]

Nice one.

We don’t appear to be fully up to speed yet. Maresca is still experimenting somewhat.

Anyway it’s nice to get one of the City games out of the way early.

Just remembered Doku and Savinho as well:)

 

[KS55]

I hope to see Doku and Savinho out wide. Midfield is a worry given the number of games played in the summer by City midfielders. Pep will presumably pick the least tired. I can’t see any reason not to use McAtee. I would have Lewis and Ake as FBs and whoever is not knackered as CBs.
It’s a tossed together team, really. Good luck to the guys, I would settle for a draw, plenty of time yet.
#fiveinarow.
PS. I always felt Tosin was a bit unlucky not to break into our first choice CBs. Would love to see him play.

 

[WesthoughtonJohn]

Will your starting line up be similar to the team that played us in America, minus Bobb?

I noticed I haven’t seen KDB, Foden, Stones, Rodri and Walker in any of your preseason highlights. Will any of them be in line to start this game?

I'll be honest - I doubt any City fan will get our line-up spot on (nowt unusual with Pep in charge).
Goalkeeper and back 4 might be the same as last weekend. Kova, Doku and Haaland start then it'll be who feels best from the overworked usual starters.
Might be a good time to play you though as you've got another new manager
I went for a draw on our predictions at the top as we start slow

 

[Gone for a Burton]

I hope to see Doku and Savinho out wide. Midfield is a worry given the number of games played in the summer by City midfielders. Pep will presumably pick the least tired. I can’t see any reason not to use McAtee. I would have Lewis and Ake as FBs and whoever is not knackered as CBs.
It’s a tossed together team, really. Good luck to the guys, I would settle for a draw, plenty of time yet.
#fiveinarow.
PS. I always felt Tosin was a bit unlucky not to break into our first choice CBs. Would love to see him play.

Callum Doyle too.

 

[ninjamonkey]

Will your starting line up be similar to the team that played us in America, minus Bobb?

I noticed I haven’t seen KDB, Foden, Stones, Rodri and Walker in any of your preseason highlights. Will any of them be in line to start this game?

No. Vastly different. There was probably 6/7 players involved in that game who would be in the squad, 2 of those are now currently injured so it's likely Haaland, Gvardiol, Kovacic and possibly Lewis will be the only outfield players involved from that game.

All the lads who featured in the community shield should be involved fully. Stones, Walker and Foden only returned on monday and Rodri returned yesterday. I wouldn't expect any of them to start if there's a fitter alternative within the squad.

We're going to be undercooked, theres no getting away from the fact you will be the fitter side, but it evens out with you lot having 2 entire squads to pick from and a new manager trying to implement his style.

Could be a very open game with both sides looking unready. I think we're both fortunate to play one another first.

 

[Gone for a Burton]

Braut is the key.

If he's on it we win, but his work rate has to be at the highest level.

 

[johnny crossan]

Just remembered Doku and Savinho as well:)

+ Akanji and very probably Foden, Walker - even Stones will be in the squad!