Southampton (N) - Sat 25th April, 17:15 | FAC | Pre-Match Thread

[Sky Blue]

Reijnders - we might as well play with 10 players...

He could score a hatrick and it will still feel like playing with 10 men

Bring the hat-trick on I say.

 

[Keepingthefaithsince1976]

Similar team to Newcastle and they played really well in that game. We need to manage the players well with the run in we have in the PL. So I'm OK with the starting 11.

Wahay common sense...get in!!!

 

[stonerblue]

Come on City

 

[ninjamonkey]

Two have had massive injury lay offs and one hasn't been trusted in the best XI for quite a while, it's quite clearly a second team

I wouldn't mind if we had another midweek game but we're next Monday night

When was the last time we didnt play a second team in the semi final? We always do it, it's just usually because we have CL on the horizon and a fixture pile up to navigate. Nobody was suggesting we were disrespectful to the dippers when we did it against them.

 

[super_city_si]

If you're the Southampton manager you take those teamsheets into the changing room and say "this is what they think of you, lads"

Haha yes a team full of internationals

 

[pbueno16]

Surprised there’s this rotation given we’re not playing again for another week. Most of that XI from Burnley have played a lot in the last month so I guess they weren’t ready for the turnaround from Wednesday.

 

[pudge]

I think if the Southampton manager tries to tell his players that our team full of very expensive, experienced, world class players is actually disrespectful to them, they'll probably think he's a lunatic.

I didn't say it was disrespectful but it's quite clear we've not picked our best XI is the point, as I'm sure you know

 

[ThreesKompany]

There is absolutely no need to make that many changes!!!

They're not robots. They were tired clearly Wednesday and you want to roll these guys out three days later in London and risk possible injury? There will be plenty of time to get the starters on if things don't go great.

 

[Goater101]

Half of that team has been sat on the bench for a reason. They should be beating a championship team but a risky move Pep…

 

[simon23]

Bring the hat-trick on I say.

Indeed....

 

[Revolver]

So many times Peps picked a team and I’ve thought that’s not good but we’ve won.

But occasionally we’ve lost.

Seems a bit unecessary to make so many changes.

 

[stonerblue]

West Brom 0-0 Ipswich.
This means automatic promotion is now in Southamptons hands. This may have a big say in what team they put out.
Edit. Didn't realise Millwall were on 80 points. So not so in their own hands.

Ffs...

 

[super_city_si]

Is Semenyo injured?

Hope he’s rested. Hes looked leggy and had a shite touch last two games

 

[ufo]

Happy ending you say…

“Honey it was just for my bad back pain rejuvenating session my doctor recommended “

 

[blue_danube]

Thought we may go stronger because of the 9 days gap until the next match but maybe we thought they were tired

Going into games tired causes injuries too. 9 days recovery means little if you get crocked.

Still confident we will get the job done. Southampton would be in the Premier League if they had that team but we know football isn't that simple.

 

[Haaland94]

I would have kept the likes of Khusanov, Bernardo or Doku, but this is STILL an incredible team. 2-1 City.

 

[Gumzy97]

I don’t know if Peps underestimated Southampton, they haven’t lost since January I think. They were decent against Arsenal

 

[come-on-barney]

Whichever team it is if we match them with intensity & passion its a 4th cup final running for the blue juggernaut.

Disagree, full strength, then take players off. Never seen such a confident opposition here,
they expect us to rotate. Full strength or we deserve what we get.

 

[Heartofoakes64]

Haha yes a team full of internationals

Or a team of rusty, walking injured has beens & players on their way out in the summer.

 

[mancityscot]

Great chance for Southampton today