Bournemouth (H) - Tue 20th May, 20:00 | PL | Pre-Match Thread

[handsofstone]

That lineup makes sad reading but at least it's a bit more similar to the formation that got us all those wins

Don't know why we're wasting Bernardo at RM where we know he's trash

Don't know why Gvardiol is back at LB when he's been our best CB

Pep putting his trust in Kev and Haaland thinking it's still 2023

 

[Gabriel]

Our squad is a complete and utter unbalanced mess god help everyone tasked with sorting it out

It's been that way for two seasons and it's not age versus youth. We've somehow also got too many players already but not a single fullback. The Labours of Viana will not end this summer.

 

[YatesA]

I’ve mentioned it before those aging players could all move on next season,and our first game of the new season and I wouldn’t be surprised pep had them in the starting 11 ..let’s just get the 3 points anyway and anyhow..

If there's even an inkling that pep will do this then viana should sell all the old guard.

 

[KS55]

If you'd said Khush I'd probably have agreed with you, but that would still have left Gvardiol at LB. I'm not sure how you've formed the opinion on Reis, he's only played about 20 professional games altogether hasn't he? Only 1 of them for us and that was on the right not the left

His rep is any back four can do. If Kush can play left back, fine. I just want Gvardiol at CB.

Note to spell checker: Gvardiol is the player, Guardiola the coach. Why do you persist in changing names? Smythe defeats you every time. It took three goes to get Smythe not Smith.

 

[flook]

Was Ghoulish intended? :-)

Always called him that at Villa, saw no reason to change :)

 

[stan bowles]

Looks like the plan is to pass it to death and wear them out chasing the ball before Doku comes on at 70 minutes against tiring defenders. Glad to see Kovacic back. Hopefully KDB has one last hurrah left on his final Etihad appearance.

 

[Gumzy97]

Why does he keep starting Akanji?

 

[journolud]

Echeverri and Foden would start over him if Pep had any bollocks.

The young Argentinian looked so hungry, something we are missing. And Foden despite being way out of form should start ahead of past it Kevin.

Kevin starts based on his time coming to an end rather than merit.

You’d play an out of form player?

if we are starting players on their merit phil would be playing for the under 10s ,hes been shocking all season, also that young argie is poorly

Don’t spoil it for him

 

[YatesA]

Echeverri and Foden would start over him if Pep had any bollocks.

The young Argentinian looked so hungry, something we are missing. And Foden despite being way out of form should start ahead of past it Kevin.

Kevin starts based on his time coming to an end rather than merit.

To be fair, KDB has shown more than foden has and more desire too.

 

[Ajm1985]

He's only just got back from injury, but he does need to get more involved tonight, it would help if can get him the ball tho!

I fancy him bagging a couple tonight.

True but he wasn't exactly pulling up trees prior to injury - in the Bournemouth FA Cup game he had a shitload of chances he fluffed in the first half. I'm not bothered about his involvement if he puts it away when he gets the chances

 

[pbueno16]

It wouldn't if grealish had any ounce of desire inside him. Grealish checked out a long time ago.

Well that's on him and the manager. He should've been more involved through the winter yet we persisted with the Uncs.

 

[Worzel Gummidge#9]

Yet again, a funny owld line up from Pep.

 

[YatesA]

Well that's on him and the manager. He should've been more involved through the winter yet we persisted with the Uncs.

I was of the same opinion until it dawned on me with his drinking habits and watching his all round game, he's just not in it anymore.

 

[paulchapo]

Expect plenty of this:View attachment 157017

They didn't shock the majority of City fans who've watched us play all season. We knew they'd probably hit us on the break then defend in depth. No great tactical minds needed for that one.

 

[handsofstone]

Why does he keep starting Akanji?

You could say that about any of our first XI barring maybe Kovacic and Gvardiol

 

[B\connellblue]

Why does he keep starting Akanji?

He lost his mind 6 months ago. Nothing makes sense anymore.

 

[Legal Alien]

ORielly has been poor last couple of games, needs a break

Poor is harsh, but he looked tired on Saturday.

We need at least three defenders, so moving Gvardiol makes sense and means Nunes can play RWB. I'm alright with that.

 

[Eric Hitchmough]

You just never can call it!

Not surprised Savinho didn’t make the bench especially now Bobb is involved.

Thought Etchverri might get another wildcard cameo, but early days I guess.

Nice to see Godri and Ake in the squad.

Bit concerned if Bernardo is back on the wing, but we’ll see.

Up the fucking Blues

 

[Goatmeal]

Shows how far we have fallen when we are pleased to see Kovacic back
Essentially bought as a squad player

 

[pbueno16]

I was of the same opinion until it dawned on me with his drinking habits and watching his all round game, he's just not in it anymore.

That's what happens when you nail someone to the bench and you don't give him a run of games when he's not playing nearly as poorly as those around him. If the manager doesn't rate him or give him a chance to build form and fitness, then why should he bother?