Brighton (a) pre-match thread

[Jacob Smith]

I don't dislike Mahrez but today of all days...

On second thoughts Leroy might as well have not come on on Monday so I guess if Kev's not fit the only options were Foden in the middle and Bernardo out wide or Bernardo in the middle and Mahrez out wide. I much prefer Bernie playing in the middle so that'd be my choice

 

[paulsimpson]

Probably best possible lineup, allows to play Bernardo inside and Sterling on the left where he looks most dangerous.

As for Sane, he's been terrible since the start of the year, BM's love for him seems almost irrational to me. Mahrez is a logical choice for the RW position, we don't have any alternatives really.

Good reply
Sané is a big player against top six and teams who come out to play - that may be the way Pep sees it. But against bus parking teams like Brighton we just need something different plus it does help Bernie too . Let's see what happens!

 

[mosssideblue]

Absolutely fuming about this, does Pep realise we're on the cusp of winning the league and he goes and starts with Mahrez.

Lol. No, I suspect he has no idea

 

[East Level 2]

In ground, good run down. Not impressed with Mahrez starting but assume Pep knows what he's doing. Hope he's got a plan and not just making a point to Leroy.
Nerves kicking in big time.

 

[mat]

People saying Sane not playing well is bollocks. He was playing very well, went on international duty, starred for Germany and then has essentially been on the bench ever since. It's been strange to say the least.

I can only conclude he's going.

100 mill of Real Madrid will cover it thanks.

 

[argyle]

It does mean Bernardo plays in the middle.

 

[abu13]

Just another thought here, if none of us saw this coming then I am sure that Brighton didn't either. They will have identified Bernardo as a threat from the right wing and will hev worked on now to negate him, now they have an hour to suss out what to do with Mahrez and now have to face Bernardo in the middle.

 

[AliBobbyJ]

Absolutely fuming about this, does Pep realise we're on the cusp of winning the league and he goes and starts with Mahrez.

Pep might have glanced at the league table, so if he did he will know.
COME ON, CITY!!!

 

[rnblade]

Fcuk this, I’m going to get some cider and try and calm down. My heart can’t handle this. I’m more nervous than last week.

 

[Zin 'messiah' Zimmer]

Mahrez obviously has something that Pep likes. There’s no doubt he’s a skilful player but it’s not happening for him.
Please turn up with the desire and work rate of Bernardo today. If not, please pick up your P45 later today.

I think it’s the delivery in this one....

 

[Stoned Rose]

Firstly Bernardo centrally is a great choice by Pep.

Bernardo is unplayable there especially when driving at defences.

This will be one of those games where it’s all ‘box based’ and something intricate will be needed to score.

I think we’ll see lots of pull backs from the byeline and the likes of the Silvas arriving with goalscoring chances.

I’ve no problem Mahrez starting as long as he puts in the defensive graft needed.

Strong bench if we need to go gung ho.