Everton (A) - Sun 14th May, 14:00 | Pre-Match Thread

[IronsideKozuch]

Probably one of Rodri/Gundogan/Silva on the bench and then is on in the 2 half. If we find ourselves in comfortable position then Philips will be called up.

Very tough fixture this, if City overcome upcoming games with wins it would be nothing short of absolutely spectacular. No matter what players you have you need to match up running against grown, athleted guys who also know this game and earn thousands. Let alone tie against Real, most clutch team arguably in the history of the game. We really experiencing enormous football period for City, dreamland simply. They will have my backing in any case, incredbily proud and happy.

 

[citytillicry65]

Possibly 2 points.
We could then afford to draw one more game after that.
A loss is a completely different situation.

This would be a bit close for comfort

 

[Ashleymcduff]

Phillips can’t play as a sole dm like Rodri , be biggest shock of season if he starts imho

 

[Silva&Silva]

This game is probably the only time that I'll support the 'start Haaland from the bench' brigade.

 

[kaz7]

Anyone suggesting we start Rodri has no idea. Sorry.

You are so shit at wumming these days

 

[Dax777]

Sadly Rodri, Erling, Debruyne, Gundogan and Walker definitely shouldn't start this game. Ake shouldn't either for health reasons.

Mahrez, Alvarez, Foden, Lewis, Laporte should all start. Then mix and match starters.

For me that means

Akanji Dias Laporte
Lewis Phillips
Mahrez Foden Bernardo Grealish
Alvarez

If we need to chase a win last 20 minutes we can bring on Haaland, Debruyne and Gundogan to chase a goal.

If winning and defending a slim lead, Bring in Walker and Stones and pull Grealish and Foden.

Keeper can be either or.

 

[Tony - MCFC]

From some predicted lineups I’d say some taking Everton way too lightly.

 

[jaiguruKun]

I sort of knew we'd beat Fulham. For some reason I'm shit scared of this one.

 

[Dax777]

All of those players we group into the above category, at least showed something during their first year.

Phillips has showed nothing in the extremely brief cameos this season, and I assume in training, so even warrant being trusted to come on and give a half decent level of performance, even at times when we've been 2 or 3 up.

He's just clearly not getting it at all.

I think we'll know next season. Personally, I see no evidence one way or the other. Yes, he hasn't played much coz he is behind the best DM for a Pep team. But we'll see how he is next season. I'll accept he isn't trusted for the business end. Which is normal.

 

[IronsideKozuch]

Possibly 2 points.
We could then afford to draw one more game after that.
A loss is a completely different situation.

You dont want to find yourself in such a situation (loosing points today), additional stress before game of the season.

Second thing is rhytm of main players. Pep many times said, that people underrate this aspect, you take your confidence up with every appearance.