City v Liverpool (Home) Pre-Match Thread

[pavelsrnicek]

It's unfortunate that we have Liverpool so early in the season. Klopp's teams generally start the season well but run out of gas in the closing stretch. The issue for me is that if you were to pick a team best set up to play us then Liverpool would be high up the list. They cede possession, attack at pace and press relentlessly high up the pitch. If Saturday goes badly it will be because we dominate possession but are typically wasteful and get caught by their pace on the counter.

One thing in our favour is that their back 4 aren't great. We will probably create chances, converting them is the problem.

More than most matches first goal is crucial. They score first then they can continue to play cede possession but sit deep and hit us with numbers on the counter attack. If we score first we could actually switch to a counter attacking game.

 

[MancInAus]

Dinho is a no-go in this game for me. The last thing we need is any more of him giving the ball away and gifting the oppo chances like against Bournemouth. He needs time to sort himself out. Delph would be a good option if he were match-fit but in his absence I think Danilo could be a good bet. Better going forward than Ferna OR Delph from what I've seen too. Probably not as good defensively but on current form the best we have. As said above, Touré is probably too slow for this kind of game.

That said if Gundogan is ready for the starting XI then obviously he walks in without question or challenge.

Liverpool team selection is crucial. Is Clyne still out? If he doesn't play and Milner doesn't play then our wingers and fullbacks will have field days. However one of our biggest problems IMO is getting on the end of crosses (man I miss Dzeko) which nullifies their threat a little bit.

Agree on the Gundogan thing. Odd that we have a player injured for nearly a whole season and he walks in unchallenged to the team again. Think with Gundogan fit we are going to be a proper team. He brings a stability to City's midfield that we lack. This guy was Pep's first signing so he features heavily on Pep's tactics and long term plan, just hope he isn't a sick note.

 

[MancInAus]

Waiting for news about Vinnie's injury status before thinking about the lineup, can see huge problems for us if we have to line up with Stones and Otamendi as the CB partnership

Not too serious apparently, but he's probs out for the Liverpool game as a precaution. Bad bad news. Play Stones and Otamendi and i'm on the whiskeys

 

[MancInAus]

It's unfortunate that we have Liverpool so early in the season. Klopp's teams generally start the season well but run out of gas in the closing stretch. The issue for me is that if you were to pick a team best set up to play us then Liverpool would be high up the list. They cede possession, attack at pace and press relentlessly high up the pitch. If Saturday goes badly it will be because we dominate possession but are typically wasteful and get caught by their pace on the counter.

One thing in our favour is that their back 4 aren't great. We will probably create chances, converting them is the problem.

More than most matches first goal is crucial. They score first then they can continue to play cede possession but sit deep and hit us with numbers on the counter attack. If we score first we could actually switch to a counter attacking game.

I Literally cannot place this game. I think that we have a huge fighting spirit so I think it's a 2-1 1-2 1-0 0-1 kinda game.

 

[willipp]

Not too serious apparently, but he's probs out for the Liverpool game as a precaution. Bad bad news. Play Stones and Otamendi and i'm on the whiskeys

Where has that news he is probably out for Sat coming from? Just read he missed last night as a precaution.

 

[Akiva]

Wasn't impressed with the Dippers when they visited the Etihad last season. But for poor finishing, and some savagely bent refereeing, we'd honestly have twatted them.

The difference now is that it's early on in the season, when their confidence is running high, before the typical January breakdown.

A tough game for both teams, but I think we'll edge it. For me, Aguero has to start and Yaya should get in over Dinho.

 

[prestonibbo_mcfc]

I Literally cannot place this game. I think that we have a huge fighting spirit so I think it's a 2-1 1-2 1-0 0-1 kinda game.

Good. I'm looking forward to a 5-1 then ;-)

 

[Ric]

Not too serious apparently, but he's probs out for the Liverpool game as a precaution. Bad bad news. Play Stones and Otamendi and i'm on the whiskeys

 

[Eds]

Need Mendy and Walker fit and flying to nullify any pace they have on the counter. Wish we would leave two or three up front from any corners they may have to clear the area of bodies and then we can counter. Would like to see Sane start this one and let him play in his preferred position. A lot will depend on when players return from international duty and what condition they are in.

 

[MancInAus]

Might put that whiskey back in the cupboard.

Where has that news he is probably out for Sat coming from? Just read he missed last night as a precaution.

Read on twitter it wasnt' too serious, yet saying he would probs be out is just me jumping to conclusions as that would normally be plan of action for knocks? Hopefully he will be playing against Liverpool.