City vs Chelsea pre-match thread

Status
Not open for further replies.
Chelsea have looked beatable in their last few games, contrary to media fawning. Further, they are unlikely to switch from their formation and lineup whereas Guardiola's teams are as fluid as they come.

There's tactical advantages there for City that we fortunately have actual time to work on.

Lineup;
Bravo
Stones
Otamendi
Kolarov
Fernandinho
Gundogan
Sterling
Silva
KDB
Nolito
Aguero

High pressing and all-out attack is the key here, drop back and Chelsea will find shape and take control as ultimately happened with Spurs.
 
Big test for both sides. A win would be great.

Hope we have our shooting boots on. We did at Burnley.

Tempo is key. Need to keep the ball moving at pace & be clinical in front of goal.
 
Play the same side that outplayed the scum and we'll win.

Should be an exciting game for the neutral but can see Matic and Kante out to spoil any rhythm for us. No doubt they'll avoid any bookings until late in the game, while Otamendi and a Fernandinho will go in the book for their first mistimed tackle.
 
The advantage we have in this game is we probably know exactly how Chelsea will set up, barring a big surprise. So Pep has a week to prepare. Dont know if he has a go to system for teams that play 3 at the back, so it makes guessing our team a bit harder than usual and I havent guessed one right all season so won't try now.
 
stop hazard and pedro is the most important thing when trying to nullify chelsea.....get into costa's head and he will get himself sent off as well
 
6 wins and a loss away from home. 3 wins and 3 draws at home. A win here would be huge because it's a six point game (as a former boss has said). Think we'll line up:

Bravo, Sagna, Stones, Otamendi, Kolarov, Fernandinho, Gundogan, Silva, Sterling, De Bruyne, Aguero. If we go three at the back then take out Sagna for Nolito.

2-1 City.

Surely we will not go 3 at the back against Hazard?
 
I really hope we don't let Fernando or Yaya anywhere near the chelsea match, regardless of recent performances.

We need our quickest tempo footballers to eliminate Kante's influence. He's back to title influencing form and was fantastic yesterday. Playing static players would be a big mistake IMO.

I'd play Silva deeper just in front of Fernandinho and Gundogan, with the full backs tucking in and then let Kev and Sterling run riot in wider areas cutting in.
 
stop hazard and pedro is the most important thing when trying to nullify chelsea.....get into costa's head and he will get himself sent off as well

Costa seems to be managing himself much better this season perhaps no coincidence that the master of the dark arts isn't influencing him. Anyway I'd rather we beat them by playing football
 
I really hope we don't let Fernando or Yaya anywhere near the chelsea match, regardless of recent performances.

We need our quickest tempo footballers to eliminate Kante's influence. He's back to title influencing form and was fantastic yesterday. Playing static players would be a big mistake IMO.

I'd play Silva deeper just in front of Fernandinho and Gundogan, with the full backs tucking in and then let Kev and Sterling run riot in wider areas cutting in.
Top post - Yaya was back to his slow, slow self yesterday and whilst there is no denying his ability the fact is he cannot play with intensity anymore. Looking at Kolarov's distribution at centre back yesterday I would consider giving Yaya another shot next to Stones as it would help us keep the ball - but not something to try in such a big game perhaps.
 
Good test this.
Our record vs the teams around us last season was disgraceful, however I worry about our defence. Chelsea are playing well, so are we but with all the errors we make at times it's hard to be that confident.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Don't have an account? Register now and see fewer ads!

SIGN UP
Back
Top