Hoffenheim (A) 1755hrs - Pre Match Thread

[supercity88]

Emphasis has been on their hi-tech approach to football with video reviews at the training ground etc. Pep has thrown a curveball with that lineup. I assume Laporte at left back but could realistically be a back 3 with Fernandinho or Sane at lwb. Either way it will be hard to predict us so easily. Expect us to beat them comfortably tonight.

 

[St.Pauli support]

Haven't heard of any of that lot.

But I bet some of them are excellent players.

Nagelsmann's line-up is on full attack!

Nico Schulz as LWB replaced by dutch Brenet, attacking minded.

Grillitsch not pulled back (4 defenders injured) but in CM.

Could be some pace in the match, if City doesn't kill it by possession.

 

[Bluep*ss]

Any idea if Match commentary is on Radio Manc. digital or 95.1 FM.

 

[SebastianBlue]

Will be interesting to see if we play a back three with Dinho at leftback or a back four with Eric at leftback.

Most likely the latter.

Very strong line-up, either way. I just hope Ilkay has a Barca performance, not a Lyon performance.

 

[moggymoz]

Wouldn't have been my choice but the boss knows better.

Yes, yes he does...

 

[Fred_Quimby]

Did I read somewhere that we have lost all 4 matches this ref has done for us?

 

[kaz7]

Their manager looks about 15 yrs old

 

[SebastianBlue]

Hadn’t realised this was the first time we have ever played Hoffenheim in a competitive fixture.

Could have sworn we played them in the UEFA Cup at one point, but I’m obviously confusing them with another German club.

 

[Dax777]

Is it 4-3-3 with Laporte at left back? He's too slow to play as a full-back. Or is it 3-5-2 with Sane at LWB and Raz as a 2nd striker next to Aguero?

Laporte is not slow. He is faster than Delph or Zee. And both play Leftback for us comfortably.

 

[Saddleworth2]

I watched them against Shaktar and they were direct, physical and a handful up front. Hoping that was because Shaktar looked poor.