Barcelona vs City - pre-match thread

[Pleatfooted]

Is Lionel free to play ?

Yes, came on and scored yesterday. I love zab to death but I wouldn't start him on weds Neymar will rip him apart, he's lost a lot of pace and looks vulnerable. Maybe try the 3 at the back again with Vinnie in the middle of otimendi and stones and take the game to them, we've nothing to lose, just have a good go and we'll see

 

[Millwallawayveteran1988]

Pep opted to start Fernando vs Spurs but that didnt give us much more defensive stability wonder if he tries that again.

Christ I hope not!

 

[FCBarca]

Is Lionel free to play ?

Yep, had a 40 minute cameo in the 2nd half - scored after his 3rd touch. He showed some rust from the 3 week layoff but also reminded viewers just how special a player he is. Can't wait to see this match live on Wednesday!

 

[capiloton]

Dinho, Gundogan, Silva and KDB needs to play.
battle of midfield are vital in this game.
with our shit defend, City will always leak goals.
so it pointless to sit and defend, and let them take control ball possession.

3-3-3-1 formation.
try take control the game and keep the ball as long as possible.
force messi to drop deep, far away from the goal post.

--------------- aguero
--- nolito ----- kdb ----- sterling
-- gundogan -- dinho -- silva
-- kolarov -- stones -- otamendi

 

[jimharri]

Personally I can't see a win here especially with our defence against their best in the world attack but you never know.

I'd rip your arms out of their sockets for a draw. Unfortunately, I can't see us getting anything out there. 3-0 or 3-1 to Barca.

 

[MeatHunterrr]

park the bus and hit them on the counter. IMO if we try to go toe to toe, they will just rip us apart, especially with the slow and old defence we have. Because they have superior players in pretty much every position.

 

[RandomJ]

Can't see anything other than a loss. No shame in admitting they are a much better team.

 

[blinkblue]

Kolarov against Barca is a nightmarish thought. Has to be Clichy or 3 at the back.

 

[Easy]

Hopefully Kompany is fit enough to start so we can play 3 at the back properly. Zaba, Kolarov/Clichy MUST NOT start, Neymar and Messi will leave them for dead. If we want to get something out of this game 3 at the back is our only option and I personally think Pep will try it out again.

 

[schfc6]

Manchester city should never start an important game without David Silva in the side. Ever.

I find it frankly astonishing that any City fan would omit Silva after watching him play yesterday.

His and Gundogan's ability to retain possession will be essential.