Basel (H) - Pre match thread.

[Manchester33]

Why is it clear that David Silva needs a rest? Hes missed loads of games these last 2 months.

Well, he's a 32 year old midfielder (so perhaps gets tired, losing his legs a bit). He's played 3 games this past week (all high intensity games). I thought he was man of the match yesterday, but he was flagging a bit towards the end. He's going to be off on international duty soon as well.

We don't need him to play 90 mins v Basel, so why risk him? I agree he's not played as much as he usually would have (for completely understandable reasons). Perhaps that's contributed to how brilliant he's been over the past few games?

 

[GX Blue]

Well, he's a 32 year old midfielder (so perhaps gets tired, losing his legs a bit). He's played 3 games this past week (all high intensity games). I thought he was man of the match yesterday, but he was flagging a bit towards the end. He's going to be off on international duty soon as well.

We don't need him to play 90 mins v Basel, so why risk him? I agree he's not played as much as he usually would have (for completely understandable reasons). Perhaps that's contributed to how brilliant he's been over the past few games?

No, I fully agree with your points and there is certainly a good case to rest Dave. But with him missing a lot of games I don't think he is clearly in need of a rest.
Walker KDB and Aguero though i'd certainly rest. Especially Walker.

 

[greasedupdeafguy]

Really dont see any reason why Foden shouldn't start. Perfect game to see if he is ready.

Ederson

Danilo
Stones
Laporte
Zinchenko

delph
Gundogan
De bruyne

Foden
Jesus
Sterling (if fit)

 

[leth]

I personally would start with David Silva. If we're starting with Foden, which we definitely should, and Toure which i think we kind of have to, i think we'd need his experience and willingness to receive the ball in tight situations alongside him - at least for the first half. I'd be looking to sub D. Silva off reasonably early and give Zinchenko or Bernardo a run out in their more natural position if we can.

With us not playing until Monday, there is a decent chunk of recovery time, so i don't think we need to worry excessively about a handful of players starting this game and also Stoke. In many ways, if we play a select few of our better players, the more likely the Basel game will be a fairly non-taxing stroll anyway.

Similarly, i'd start Sane again as he's in great form, but i'd sub him off for Diaz after an hour once the tie is hopefully fully put to bed.

 

[abu13]

I personally would love to see Foden start but the reality is that we need to progress even with a 4 goal lead, I would put him on the bench and if we go one up then bring him on, of it is 0-0 at half time again bring him on.

 

[TBooksbluearmy]

Pep should play a strongest team possible, get a few goals up and then ring the changes. We need to put this tie to bed as early possible. lets get 3/4 goals up as quickly as possible then make the changes . I hope Pep puts some of the younger players on the bench, so that they can have some game time. Let everyone come wearing yellow ribbons either on their coat, hat or scarf, in this way we will be showing our support for Pep. I for 1 will be wearing mine.

 

[Otamendi's Beard]

I think I'd rather just manage the game out and start with a strong team.

Ederson
Danilo
Stones
Otamendi
Delph
Gundogan
KDB
Silva
Sterling
Bernardo
Jesus

Then we can make two changes at half-time with the scoreline still the same. Foden and Diaz to come on for De Bruyne and Silva, then leaving the option of a later sub with Nmecha or Adarabioyo on the bench.

 

[mekonmcfc]

Pep should play a strongest team possible, get a few goals up and then ring the changes. We need to put this tie to bed as early possible. lets get 3/4 goals up as quickly as possible then make the changes . I hope Pep puts some of the younger players on the bench, so that they can have some game time. Let everyone come wearing yellow ribbons either on their coat, hat or scarf, in this way we will be showing our support for Pep. I for 1 will be wearing mine.

you dont think the tie is put to bed at 4-0 ?

 

[simon23]

What about trying Bernardo Silva centrally if Sterling is fit....give one of David or KDB a rest (or both if you play Ilky as well

GJ has to play to get some match sharpness and Kun needs a rest.

Play Sane as he is just going back from injury but is in top form at present.

Delph at left back (if fit)

Laporte and stones centrally.

Rest Walker and play Danilo at right back and Zinchenko at left back

Have a very strong bench just in case.

 

[schfc6]

I'd like to see.

Ederson.

Danilo.
Stones
Laporte
Zinchencko

Delph
Gundogan
Foden

Diaz
Jesus
Bernardo.

Give Sterling a decent run out if fit in place of Gundogan and give Bernardo a run centrally.