I think there is a big difference between underestimating and not playing well against opposition. I think Pellegreni rotates less for cup matches than almost every other PL managerI wouldn't risk Silva starting. Bony up front with Nacho behind him as Pellers doesn't see him as a striker. Silva on for nacho around min 65. We should not do our usual trick of underestimating lesser teams but I wouldn't mind seeing Roberts and a younger defender start as well.
I must confess I am in a bit of a muse on this one. Certainly a great chance to get to Wembley but at what cost? Two additional competitive fixtures in January following on the busy Christmas period is likely to impact upon league results. Lets face it, few other than Pellegrini perhaps, view the Capital One as in any way important if we can win while resting key players great. However, if we are going to play full strength sides to win it at the expense of other more important competitions it may not be worth it. Bye the way I have a soft spot for this Cup as I can still remember great City victories in the last century.If we win the League Cup, then it'll be 5 major trophies in 6 seasons, and officially the most successful period in our history.
Or should we just pick the EDS lads?
I've got to work and wonder if we are on any media outlets? Stream or radio?
Will Shady be putting up one of his magic lists?I'm planning on watching it on Kodi on 'Supersport 3' channel . If you've got the blackbox installed you can find it on the ivue guide under sports.
That's true. We do have a real 'turning up' problem sometimes. A sprinkling of players with something to prove might help. I'd certainly rest Yaya and give Delph another run out.I think there is a big difference between underestimating and not playing well against opposition. I think Pellegreni rotates less for cup matches than almost every other PL manager
Our better players are on the subs bench but we can only bring 3 on. Also not enough creativity in that team for me. If Silva is fit I would give him more minutes to establish match sharpness. This will be their cup final, they have only lost once in 4 months. Start with a better team and then sub off if we have a comfortable cushion IMO. It's a lot easier to defend a lead with lesser players than break down a defending team.Hard one for Pelle this as if any senior players are injured (remember this a Bruce team) then the moaners will be out in force saying why didn't he rest them. Tough game on Saturday which we have to take three points from and with that in mind I would play the following team in a 4411 formation
Caballero
Sagna
Otamendi
Demichellis
Clichy
Navas
Fernando
Delph
Sterling
Kelechi
Bony
If things are going well we can bring on Silva with 25 to go. Would have Yaya, Ferny and KDB on the bench just in case with Silva plus a keeper and two of the kids
Caballero
Clichy
Otamendi
Demichellis
Kolarov
Fernando
Delph
Navas
Kelechi
Silva
Bony
Only jissMy only fear is if certain players take this for granted, we've seen it before. The best team on paper ain't nessessarily the right one.
Start the likes of dinho and Delph and they'll make sure we put in a good performance.
What entrance for block 135 ?
Got my lad a ticket for tonight not in our usual seasoncard seats