Aston Villa (A) - Sun 26th Oct, 14:00 | PL | Pre-Match Thread

[Goatmeal]

I’m no Pep. But both Nico’s would start for me.
Maybe he has a plan

 

[hilts]

All about how the midfield 3 do

 

[super_city_si]

Could be stones stepping up like in mid week with nunes, Dias, and gvardiol sitting. Id be ok with that

Has to be

 

[SkyBlueFlux]

I know he prefers to go by Nico instead of Gonzalez... but it isn't half confusing to have his name next to O'Reilly's on the subs bench.

 

[MCFC1993]

Bobb & Savinho get the nod ahead of Doku - disappointing

Doku's form has dropped the last couple of matches, could be an asset off of the bench.

To be honest, of those 3, in terms of goal threat it really doesn't matter who he picks at the moment. All 3 need to improve in front of goal.

Aesthetically Bobb is still the most pleasing to watch for me.

 

[cleavers]

He does indeed but he’s the slowest player in the league so while he works his socks off he doesn’t cover the ground like he used to where he was like an annoying gnat for opposition players as he never left them alone on the ball.

Still does when I watch him, he's never had a lot of pace, uses his brain.

 

[simon23]

seems a bit unfair on OReilly with his recent performances.

I knew Nico wouldnt be available from Peps press conference - so obvious

That central pair of Bernardo and Reijnders are going to be under pressure....but I suspect that is why Gvardiol and Stones are playing as both can step into those midfield areas well

Surprised Bobb starts over Sav after his mid week performance which I thought was one of his best in a while, but that is Pep for you.

 

[Dr Jacoby]

Looks overly attacking to me. Let’s hope Reijnders can step up.

 

[PragueBlue]

CM looks very lightweight. I'd have put Stones in there and Gvardiol at CB, where he's far more effective than at LB.

 

[Protein Junkie]

Prematch thread is the new match thread :-)

 

[johnny crossan]

I knew Nico wouldnt be available from Peps press conference - so obvious...

On the bench, his feet must be fit enough for that so surprising he doesn't start tbh.

 

[waspish]

If Nico is ok, he should play

Yeah maybe he might 90% and at the moment would I risk him Yes! Pep does this though changes it up maybe he saw something in training made his mind up! Big chance for Bob and to see stones in midfield!

 

[borassic]

Question marks over that team but I’ve never won a treble and countless league titles nor am I the best manager that ever graced the earth. Come on City!

 

[Sky Blue]

seems a bit unfair on OReilly with his recent performances.

I knew Nico wouldnt be available from Peps press conference - so obvious

That central pair of Bernardo and Reijnders are going to be under pressure....but I suspect that is why Gvardiol and Stones are playing as both can step into those midfield areas well

Surprised Bobb starts over Sav after his mid week performance which I thought was one of his best in a while, but that is Pep for you.

Sav is playing. Doku left out. Nico on the bench.

 

[Ajm1985]

They’re both carrying knocks I think.

Yeah both came off in recent games with injuries

 

[Fordyboy46]

Another line up where I'm scratching my head. I suppose I said that on Tuesday night and it turned out OK. But why Bobb and Bernardo?

 

[waspish]

I’m no Pep. But both Nico’s would start for me.
Maybe he has a plan

He sees the future we don’t..

 

[Cobra]

seems a bit unfair on OReilly with his recent performances.

I knew Nico wouldnt be available from Peps press conference - so obvious

That central pair of Bernardo and Reijnders are going to be under pressure....but I suspect that is why Gvardiol and Stones are playing as both can step into those midfield areas well

Surprised Bobb starts over Sav after his mid week performance which I thought was one of his best in a while, but that is Pep for you.

Savinho does start..

 

[jimharri]

I see plenty on here channeling their inner match thread personas, an hour before kick off.

 

[BringBackSwales]

All about how the midfield 3 do

When you say midfield 3…..? Who?