City vs Chelsea pre-match thread

[peoffrey]

Still can't get over the kick off time. Unfair on Chelsea and the kind of fixture where you might need a drink beforehand.

 

[mac]

My only worry is if otamendi goes diving in, but they have sideshow Bob as well. . To many fannies saying we will get beat and I haven't seen a pundit back us also. It's as if they all say the same then it's nailed on we will lose.

 

[cibaman]

Early kick offs don't appear to have the same intensity as an evening under flood lights. City need to be on it a lot earlier than the Burnley game. That said, this was after a chumps league game.

The bonus is Pep has had a full week prep with the team and key players have been rested. I can't see us losing and a draw is likely if we don't bring our A game. I believe Pep will get this one right! 2-1

Bravo, Ott, Stones, Kol,
Navas, Dino, Gud, KDB, Nolito
Silva, Aguero
(Navas as he tracks back, not for his ineffective crosses).

Yes, Navas tracks back. But when Chelsea break quickly after intercepting one of his ineffective crosses, he's not going to get back quickly enough before the ball reaches Hazard in our half. He's nearly always more effective in home games as a 2nd half sub.

 

[Otamendi's Beard]

I'm worried about Costa in this one. He'll relish trying to bully Stones/Otamendi whereas Kompany and Mangala were just too much.

He's also scoring a lot this year and will be difficult keeping him quiet.

 

[MarsLlama]

The way the pundits are talking about this one reminds me of the way they talked about the derby, so I'm not exactly worried.

 

[Father Paul]

Yes, Navas tracks back. But when Chelsea break quickly after intercepting one of his ineffective crosses, he's not going to get back quickly enough before the ball reaches Hazard in our half. He's nearly always more effective in home games as a 2nd half sub.

Fully agree

 

[IWasHere]

Bravo
Sagna Otamendi Kolarov Clichy
Fernadinho Fernando
Sterling KDB Silva
Aguero

Stones is to lightweight against Costa and I think Pep will want to bring him down a peg or two after his indiscretion.

Gundogan off the bench if we're struggling. I don't think a point is a disaster but I think we'll sneak it 2-1.

Stones had him in his back pocket last season

 

[zabisgod]

Not a fan of the navas starting comments I feel it sends a msg to Chelsea that we are more worried about what they can do to us than what we can do to them. Strongest team from the start then after the hour mark maybe look at navas to keep the pressing up. Love to win this one feels like forever since we beat a top team in the prem!

Bravo
Stones
Nico
Kolarov
Fernandinho
Gundo
Silva
Kdb
Sterling
Nolito
Aguero

 

[paulchapo]

I worry if Nolito plays as they will target him in what will be a physical game and he can't control his temper.

 

[aguero93:20]

I'm worried about Costa in this one. He'll relish trying to bully Stones/Otamendi whereas Kompany and Mangala were just too much.

He's also scoring a lot this year and will be difficult keeping him quiet.

He's on the same goals as Sergio in the league having started 3 extra games.