Brentford (A) - Wed 29th Dec, 20:15 | Pre-Match Thread

[Corky]

Wonder what time it will get called off. Gunna hang on as 1pm seems common.

 

[Marvin]

Given the number of absentees and two tricky games in less than 3 days, I think it is premature to suggest we might be 12 points clear of Liverpool and Chelsea by Sunday. That mad second half on Boxing Day meant Pep couldn’t use his substitutes as planned and sooner or later fatigue will cost us.

I think we'll beat Brentford but lose to Arsenal. The Covid postponements are making a lottery of the Christmas fixtures. Leicester showed that a tired, under-strength side can beat a rested side but that was a shock.

My concern for this game is the potential absence of Rodri.

 

[alexmcity]

They are terrifically under strength.

So were Leicester yesterday. And so were Norwich when we lost 3:2 two years ago. We are likely to win, but football is a funny old game. Liverpool fans were absolutely convinced they would batter Leicester.

 

[SerbianBlue]

Although Arsenal game is postponed and they have more rest than us, I think we won't have much problems with them. Of course, we'll eventually lose points somewhere but I can't see Saka/Martinelli/ESR & co. making Dias,Cancelo,Walker,Laporte some serious problems.
Look-man, as wee saw last night, more rest doesn't necessarily means better performance.
Lets widen the gap in PL, and concentrate on winning that UCL! Come on City!

 

[DMA's]

Not bothered about the fatigue. Playing sunday Wednesday Saturday is no different to a champions leagues week. We have been fortunate with the tv fixtures

 

[City_Sean]

Not bothered about the fatigue. Playing sunday Wednesday Saturday is no different to a champions leagues week. We have been fortunate with the tv fixtures

Yeah, in all fairness the fixtures have fallen pretty kindly. We've had worse Christmas schedules under Pep.

Apparently Brentford are decimated with injuries and covid, be interested to see if it goes ahead but their last game v Brighton went ahead.

 

[waspish]

This game and the Arsenal game is against teams who are very mobile quick on the break it going to be a very tough game at Arsenal with the confidence sky high and when young players are full of confidence this will be so hard for us especially with Arsenal having a week rest.

We need to win tonight then a draw or a loss is just a hiccup.

 

[Irishblue93]

Rodri available today?

 

[Otamendi's Beard]

Tonight just needs one of our professional performances.

Pass them to death and then pick them off. If our recent form continues I can't see how they'll be able to live with us.

On the flip side, we come out slow and don't bring our shooting boots it could be a long night.

I'm expecting Grealish and Foden to run the show with a nice cameo from Palmer late on.

 

[Paul1970]

After the Liverpool loss last night this now becomes a massive game for us . 9 points clear could even be 12 by the time they play Chelsea away . Need to win tonight .

 

[Rammy Blue]

Rodri available today?

He’s not been seen, my guess is he has covid.

 

[LesBleuMiserable]

Still mystery surrounding Rodri? Pep mentioned stones and walker were still unavailable but no mention of rodders?

Was he not selected to avoid ban with 5th yellow?

 

[Agueroooo9320]

This game and the Arsenal game is against teams who are very mobile quick on the break it going to be a very tough game at Arsenal with the confidence sky high and when young players are full of confidence this will be so hard for us especially with Arsenal having a week rest.

We need to win tonight then a draw or a loss is just a hiccup.

there is no excuse for a hiccup. if we don't smash arsenal atleast by 5 goals I will be disappointment in the team

 

[M Gaudino]

massive changes tonight - you could see last night how goosed both teams were

grealish foden rodders walker stones hopefully all fit and starting. maybe even Ake as well. we have to rotate. the concern eill be fatigue on the midfielders - kdb gundog and silva. we have no reserves for those

 

[BringBackSwales]

Still mystery surrounding Rodri? Pep mentioned stones and walker were still unavailable but no mention of rodders?

Physioroom has him down as having Covid?

 

[Petetheblu]

Our recovery time should be less than other teams, due to the way we play.

Brentford are a good side and anything less than 95% will see us struggle.

Rodri won't play tonight, he'll be saved for Arsenal, Pep will want to win there, with the master v apprentice stuff! Ferni and Gunny will be our midfield.

Hopefully Brentford won't be at full strength and we can control the game and our energy levels for Arsenal.

 

[Sheikh rattle and roll]

This game and the Arsenal game is against teams who are very mobile quick on the break it going to be a very tough game at Arsenal with the confidence sky high and when young players are full of confidence this will be so hard for us especially with Arsenal having a week rest.

We need to win tonight then a draw or a loss is just a hiccup.

We struggle when teams sit in Arsenal will try and play out from the back and press in a similar style to us .
However they are not as good at it we should win but it will be tight because of their form and confidence

 

[richards30]

Physioroom has him down as having Covid?

Ah that’s a shame if true mate, don’t the club normally mention Covid? Or maybe they are trying to keep any Covid issues in house and on the quiet?

 

[Tez Tosterone]

Arteta to miss upcoming match with City due to positive COVID test.

 

[MAG]

Not for tonight's game but Arsenal on Saturday ...