Chelsea (A) - Sat 25 Sep 12:30 | Pre-Match Thread

[Champions Again Ole Ole]

Not strictly true that. In the five league games so far, the opposition have had more yellow cards than us on three occasions.

Don't let the truth get in the way of an agenda

 

[kaz7]

Don't let the truth get in the way of an agenda

What agenda ? dont throw shade

 

[skillman]

Don’t fancy this one personally but if we get the first goal, it’ll be interesting to see how Chelsea react.

They’re built on soaking up pressure and getting the first one then picking you off from there. If we get the first, they could be forced to open up.

Need a lot more players than we did last week to be on top of their game. Be good to have Foden and KDB back for their directness and always looking dangerous.

Foden x Grealish x KDB - can’t wait!

 

[domalino]

It wasn’t Sky who moved the match it was GM Police because of a concert at the Cricket ground.

They had the England vs. India test match scheduled to be on at the same time as United vs Newcastle - are the courteeners really going to attract more people than a Saturday Test Match?

 

[wolfie1988]

They had the England vs. India test match scheduled to be on at the same time as United vs Newcastle - are the courteeners really going to attract more people than a Saturday Test Match?

23,000 for a test match compared with 50,000 for a music event. And it's sold out.

It's the timing of it. United would be finishing at 5 as loads are making their way to the cricket ground for Blossoms at 6.

It'll still be chaos and full of mutants but it was that or move it to Friday and that wasn't possible because they played in the cup on Wednesday. Sunday is Great Manchester Run day

 

[MadchesterCity]

Bit worried about a few things

• Lukaku strength and holdup play versus our defence
• Chelsea strength in central defence and central midfield

Perhaps line up something like this, no Wayne would I start Sterling as he was found out big time in Champions league final and his form has been terrible
View attachment 26854
Bookies finding it difficult to split the teams, I really hope we're up for this!
voted loss but depends on which City turn up and how dodgy the ref/ VAR are
View attachment 26855

Just realised I never selected Grealish, he definitely should start

 

[MadchesterCity]

That is the team , if we start with that XI it is better than anything Chelski have come up against this season , we have been writtten off by virtually every media pundit for this match , Pep doesnt need a team talk just remind them about that night in Porto and a few of the recent press cuttings of how great Chelski and how shite we are apparently.
Job done , i think this squad of players have the ability , belief and determination to beat any team , Tuchel & Chelski have poked the bear , and i am expecting the Chavs to get bitten in the arse on Saturday.

Switch KDB and Bernardo

 

[alexmcity]

Provided that both Laporte and Rodri are fit, 10 players are certain to start, imo:

Ederson

Walker
Dias
Laporte
Cancelo

Rodri
Bernardo
Foden
Kevin
Grealish
?

So, there's one place for Gundogan (if fit), Mahrez, Jesus, Sterling and Torres. Gundogan is the most likely to start with Kevin or Foden as a false 9. If Gundogan is not ready, then Jesus, if we want to defend from the front and press them more efficiently, or Mahrez if we want more creativity and fluidity in attack. Raz and Ferran are less likely to start.


Anyway, if Laporte and Rodri are fit, we are likely to make 4-5 changes from the CL final with Laporte, Cancelo, Rodri, Grealish and possibly Jesus for Stones, Zinch, Gundo, Sterling and possibly Mahrez. I think that would be a stronger team than the one in the CL final because the build-up would be more solid and press-resistant with the likes of Laporte, Rodri and Grealish in there.

 

[MadchesterCity]

Provided that both Laporte and Rodri are fit, 10 players are certain to start, imo:

Ederson

Walker
Dias
Laporte
Cancelo

Rodri
Bernardo
Foden
Kevin
Grealish
?

So, there's one place for Gundogan (if fit), Mahrez, Jesus, Sterling and Torres. Gundogan is the most likely to start with Kevin or Foden as a false 9. If Gundogan is not ready, then Jesus, if we want to defend from the front and press them more efficiently, or Mahrez if we want more creativity and fluidity in attack. Raz and Ferran are less likely to start.

Torres, Jesus, Gundogan, Mahrez then Sterling in that order for me if it's for the 9 position

 

[Shaffer92]

Not the game for Torres up top imo. I still think Jesus is our best option right now.