Burnley (H) - Wed 31st Jan, 19:30 | PL | Pre-Match Thread

[Haaland94]

I think we might be back to playing John Stones at RB here, so back to what won us the title last season. John and Manu (when fit) at RB.

Otherwise, Rico next to Rodri. Good to see Nunes with a chance here. KDB starts, finally!

 

[Phil1]

Grealish not getting a great deal of game time currently.

Biding our time I think. We will see plenty of him over the next few months as long as he’s fit.

 

[B\connellblue]

Surprised that KDB starts, glad to see Nunes get a start

Seems well out of favour at the moment.

 

[failsworthblueboy]

Although I understand that KDB is KDB, I'm a little surprised that Pep isn't staying with what has been successful, given how well the team has been playing.

KDB has made a big difference in the last few games and is our best player, I believe he will start most games now, he'll probably get the hook after 65 to 75 min in the next few games.

 

[Haaland94]

Grealish not getting a great deal of game time currently.

Jeremy is probably a better fit for Burnley. Jeremy for the lower table teams, and Jack for upper half teams, IMO

 

[Mancini’s Pastilles]

We'll destroy these. 6-0.

What about the second half?

 

[BlueMoonRisin’]

I would have liked Bobb to start at the expense of Nunes.

 

[Asa's left peg]

Thought Akanji was fit?

 

[FatedBlue77]

Wonder how we setup. Team looks interesting.

 

[malg]

People are way over confident here. Difficult conditions won't help and it'll feel like a cup game. Burnley will be well up for this and their manager knows us inside out.

I'd take 1-1 and move on.

 

[Protein Junkie]

Just great to see Johny Boulders in the line up.
Good minutes for Rico and Nunes too not forgetting KDB starts as does the Count.

 

[TrentGrisham]

Apologies for beating a dead horse, but I can't imagine Phil is happy going back to the wing despite being arguably our best/most consistent player centrally all season.

 

[Brewster's millions]

Be interesting to see where Nunes plays - he could well be playing on the right, but regardless he needs to play well as these are the sort of games he was bought for.

 

[Phil1]

Thought Akanji was fit?

Back training this week but no point rushing him back into the team unnecessarily.

 

[Xhavenjoe]

Thought Akanji was fit?

Not fully fit.
Bench is packed so probably no need to use him till he's fully fit.

 

[Haaland94]

Be interesting to see where Nunes plays - he could well be playing on the right, but regardless he needs to play well as these are the sort of games he was bought for.

I would like to see him on the right, actually. I think playing centrally for us is a very difficult task. I would have Phil in the middle where he excels, and Nunes on the right, for the time being.

 

[BlueMonkey79]

People are way over confident here. Difficult conditions won't help and it'll feel like a cup game. Burnley will be well up for this and their manager knows us inside out.

I'd take 1-1 and move on.

1.1 at home against a side second bottom and second lowest scorers in the league????

 

[Alan Harper's Tash]

Really quiet around the ground. Still pissing down.

 

[kippaxwarrior]

Foden's 250th appearance for us tonight.

He's 23.

 

[WallyA]

1) Nunes is either Rodri's partner, meaning Lewis goes wide right and Phil tucks in.

Or

2) Nunes plays higher up in the 10 role with Kevin, with Lewis tucking in next to Rodri and Phil staying wide right.

Personally prefer option 1 simply because I like Phil playing more centrally, and I think Nunes has the physicality to excel in that box to box role, moreso than Lewis, and needs minutes there to learn. We also get to see Lewis playing as a more natural wide attacking right back, curious to see how he carries on there.