Hoffenheim (A) 1755hrs - Pre Match Thread

[cleavers]

We don't have any left backs unless you count zinchy,in a must win game pep clearly doesn't trust him there

Maybe he wants Laporte to familiarise himself with the left back role again ahead of Sunday?

Or maybe he wants to make sure we have a LB for Sunday, as we have plenty of CB's.

 

[BigOscar]

We don't have any left backs unless you count zinchy,in a must win game pep clearly doesn't trust him there

That's what makes dropping Bernardo confusing though, if it's a must win then you don't rest one of your top performers. Bit of a weird combination imo, I'd much rather rest Bernardo against Liverpool if he needs it, as the league season is a lot longer. But as you say, we should still have enough, hopefully

 

[discopop]

Very tough on Bernie, if the two CB's aren't good enough for this game then they might as well jack it in so no problem with Laporte at leftback

 

[pudge]

Big game, not standard training ground fodder, and Zinchenko is dropped. Shocker.

Definitely an eye towards the weekend understandably. Hopefully do the business early, more so because I'll miss the end of the match.

 

[oldtimerdiscopants]

Should be enough

COME ON BLUEBOYS

I'm getting pre match jitters now but am quietly confident. Radio silence from the united fans in my family has commenced.

 

[rnblade]

Pep must know what he’s doing. Gundogan needs to have a stormer hopefully he won’t just leave Ferni to defend the midfield.
Would love to see Leroy get a goal tonight.
Come on City!!!!

 

[ninjamonkey]

For me that indicates Laporte is the most likely option at left back on Sunday should Mendy not prove his fitness. No real issue with the side, maybe would have rested Sergio but I understand we need to win and we can always bring him off if we settle the game early.

Hopefully a quiet nights work for fernandinho, I'm worried about the minutes in his aging legs already this season. Pep needs to start bringing him off when the game is won and he doesn't need to play 90 minutes

 

[FlemishDuck]

I thought it best to start with a strong team and then just sub a lot of players in early when we take enough of a lead. Eitherway our form seems great again this season but i expected that seeing as we have a well oiled team that could win trophee's for years to come.

Laporte can stay back a bit and slot into a back 3 while Walker can be given more liberty to attack, that seems fine and defensivly solid.

 

[chisnall_blue]

Looks ok to me. Our most productive front 3 combo goals wise, lots of width and pace. If Serge has his shooting boots on we’ll be fine

 

[City_Sean]

Maybe he wants Laporte to familiarise himself with the left back role again ahead of Sunday?

Issue is Laporte at LB was badly exposed last time. I also don't think one game is anywhere near enough time to familiarise yourself in a position.