Dinamo Zagreb (a) pre-match thread

[Cobra]

What could we possibly lose by giving chances to likes of Foden Garcia Bellis Doyle Bernabe Braaf?
Not that we are on winning spree anyway.

Braaf isn’t eligible as he hasn’t been here long enough to be registered on the B list. Hopefully we’ll get to see Harwood-Bellis and Garcia play together again, as it’s not really worth the risk of Otamendi getting injured.

 

[paulchapo]

A total dead rubber game that no one cares less about. I hope we send a whole second/third string out managed by Arteta. The first team squad need to stay at home and rest/work on trying to come up with some effective plan to make us less vulnerable in defence. We also can't afford anymore injuries and it will be a great experience for our younger players to be tested at a higher level.

 

[Goater=Legend]

Probably still won't play the kids. Expecting de Bruyne to play

 

[simon23]

Jesus isn't sulking for mine. He's just one of those players that looks awful when a team is struggling - a luxury player as such.

I agree he is a luxury player...one we can't afford at present

 

[simon23]

It's not actually a dead rubber match.
Zagreb, Shakhtar and Atalanta still have a lot to play for.

It is for us however....the result is meaningless as we will finish top of the group whatever happens

 

[BringBackSwales]

Bravo

Cancello Taylor HB Garcia Mendy

Gundogan

Marhez, Foden B. Silva, Zinchenko (If fit)

Jesus - needs to have hit arse kicked and made to play to get him sharper....needs to stop sulking!

We have to give the kids real game time to see if they can step up...no better opportunity than a dead rubber match

Jesus sulking, really? You obviously get better close ups watching on tv than I do at the games, but I thought he worked his bollocks off. Yes he played badly, as they all did yesterday, but I wouldn’t have accused him of sulking

 

[alexmcity]

Main question is who is going to play up front. Jesus played 3 games in a week, no need to risk him. Maybe we are going to play Touaizi?

The U19 have a crucial game, they need to beat Zagreb to go through, so don't expect many youngsters to join in. Garcia and 1-2 other form the EDS.

 

[Gray]

This has got defeat written all over it, Zagreb can still qualify and we are all ready through.

Expect us to fanny about and come home with our tails between our legs whilst the media have a field day at our expense.

Just play the youngsters Pep and see if we get some praise like Ole did for doing that very thing in his last Europa League game.

 

[Delphinho]

__________________Bravo____________________

Cancelo______Garcia_____Bellis_________Mendy

__________________Doyle_________________

_________Gundogan_________Foden_________

Mahrez__________Poveda___________Bernabe

Poveda upfront is never ever gonna work. Dreadful there

 

[Ric]

I think Guardiola will play a stronger team than many expect. Think it'll be something like this:

Bravo
Cancelo
Otamendi
Garcia
Mendy
Gundogan
Zinchenko
Foden
Mahrez
Bernardo
Jesus

 

[jimmygrimblesboots]

Play the strongest team possible but give Garcia and Foden game time as well , Pep will be pissed off with our performance against the Rags , need to get back to what we do best and dominate from the first minute

 

[simon23]

Jesus sulking, really? You obviously get better close ups watching on tv than I do at the games, but I thought he worked his bollocks off. Yes he played badly, as they all did yesterday, but I wouldn’t have accused him of sulking

Maybe sulking isnt the right word so apologies . -but his demeanour isnt great and his performances are terrible.....his mindset isnt strong enougb and he needs to step up if he wants to play with the big boys..he has had his develop time - now is time to show it...Sergio carried us for years pretty much from the moment he arrived and he has had bad spells but there have always been the feeling, performances where you knew he would get it back - i dont see that from GJ - he has potential like so many but as Pep has alluded to its about mindset and if Pep is saying it it means he is starting to question it with Jesus.

 

[MillisleBlue]

Expectations for this one at rock-bottom. With 2nd place in the group on a knife edge, Zagreb have all the pressure and will look to be on the front foot from the off. Be ironic if we sit back, absorb their attacks and then score 1 or 2 on the counter!

 

[hilts]

Not sure pep will play foden from the beginning or put him on the bench. Pep said this morning that although Phil is the greatest talent he has ever seen his feet don't touch the ground when sitting on a chair. He can't take the risk due to health and safety regs.

Gundogan however is slightly taller so his toes touch plus he has a tache and foden can't shave yet.

 

[decmancity]

If Fernandinho, Silva and De Bruyne are anywhere near this I will be fuming.

 

[Shirley]

It is for us however....the result is meaningless as we will finish top of the group whatever happens

I understand that but it doesn’t make it a dead rubber match which was my point.
You use that term when the result is meaningless for both teams.

 

[simon23]

I understand that but it doesn’t make it a dead rubber match which was my point.
You use that term when the result is meaningless for both teams.

fair enough - but its a pointless match for us as far as the result goes hence we shoudl aply the kids to see if they are upto scratch

 

[Gray]

Bravo
Cancelo - Walker - Otamendi - Mendy
Doyle - Gundogan - Foden - Zinchenko
Mahrez - Jesus

I want to try Walker alongside Otamendi as a central pairing. Need to play Cancelo or what was the point of buying him and Mendy given a last chance.

Gundogan with three young enthusiastic partners in midfield, and a chance for the front two to show they have got what it takes to merit a first team place.

 

[Shirley]

fair enough - but its a pointless match for us as far as the result goes hence we shoudl aply the kids to see if they are upto scratch

I agree but if we field a much weakened team then the other teams in the group will feel cheated. I think Pep will respect the competition.

 

[simon23]

I agree but if we field a much weakened team then the other teams in the group will feel cheated. I think Pep will respect the competition.

couldnt give a shit what other teams think or feel...its about what our club needs and we neeed to see these young players in real games not 5 minute cameos