Barcelona v Manchester City, 30th July 7pm EDT / 31st July 12am BST, Orlando, FL, pre-match thread | KO delayed until 01:20 (BST)

[blueparrot]

Third loss on the spin.

And ?

 

[Gray]

And ?

Nothing, just think that is what will happen.

 

[blueparrot]

Nothing, just think that is what will happen.

Might might not no big deal either way

 

[Father Paul]

Expect this one to be the game where we see pep go with the strongest/ most senior 11 we have for first 45-60 minutes.

I know it was arranged way before the fixtures came out but given we have Chelsea away first game, the Chelsea friendly after this is a mental game to be playing.

even though the players are going to be vastly different we're still not going to be wanting to play anything close to our planned style or approach for the league game in that friendly and they'll have the same mindset so I could see that being a really weird mishmash side with an experimental formation from both sides just to keep each other guessing.

if thats the case, it makes this game oue last proper pre-season game before the shield. Kovacic and gvardiol will make a big difference to how we build.

The logistics of this pre season dictate that just getting players rested and then fit again leaves any planned tactics out in the cold. Pep will have his ideas of course but we are unlikely to find out in August. Already that Chelsea league game may be beyond us if some of the boys are given extra time off and we go out a bit weak. A draw would be a massive result.

 

[Mad Eyed Screamer]

The logistics of this pre season dictate that just getting players rested and then fit again leaves any planned tactics out in the cold. Pep will have his ideas of course but we are unlikely to find out in August. Already that Chelsea league game may be beyond us if some of the boys are given extra time off and we go out a bit weak. A draw would be a massive result.

Against a Chelsea side who struggled against Wrexham and thrashed by Celtic?

 

[Bluemoonadam]

Against a Chelsea side who struggled against Wrexham and thrashed by Celtic?

Just looked at the chelsea team that played last night they had quite a few first teamers in there tbh and they got quite the thrashing.

 

[ninjamonkey]

The logistics of this pre season dictate that just getting players rested and then fit again leaves any planned tactics out in the cold. Pep will have his ideas of course but we are unlikely to find out in August. Already that Chelsea league game may be beyond us if some of the boys are given extra time off and we go out a bit weak. A draw would be a massive result.

What you say from our perspective is fair but you have to see their perspective too, Chelsea have a new manager who will try and copy pep, he's got about 50 players and a lot are still on holiday, he's got to find out who he wants and who can play the system he wants. Playing then first might end up being an advantage.

 

[The Black Shed]

Keep playing the kids, it's a huge learning experience for them.

I have to say that Philips looks lost playing with our EDS, that's how messed up his confidence must be right now. Three years ago he played in the Euros final, now he's a risky choice for a pre-season friendly. Ouch.

 

[Tevez City]

I enjoy watching Bobb, Mcatee, Nico & Susoho

Wish them another start

 

[Mancityphilfo2000]

Just seen a predicted line up for barca game I know we have a lot missing but squads taking shape nicely.