Man City V Barcelona Pre Match thread.

[Stephenhakin]

I find it incredible to believe that some people think, or even are suggesting, starting Lampard v Barcelona. It would be suicidal

Why's that? Are Barca full of pace in the middle? I believe we need someone who has been there done that. Experience is vital in these games. Even if its only an hour.

They are not full of pace granted, but they move the ball around too quickly and that won't suit him. I'm all for him featuring but not as a part of the starting 11. His experience maybe more useful in sec one half, or second leg (depending on the scoreline obviously). I would go with Dzeko and Kun to begin with.

I like your optimism but I just can't see how we have improved enough or they have declined enough to think we can take them on with 2 in mid. I think we have struggled in Europe with 2 against lesser sides so I have no reason to believe we can manage this against Barca especially without our best midfielder.

 

[BerkshireBlue]

Looking at the team from the previous year

Hart

Zabaleta Kompany Demichelis Clichy

Y Touré Fernandinho

Navas Silva Kolarov

Negredo


I thought we did well until Kompany's lack of concentration which cost the harsh penalty and Demichelis sending off. It looks like we can make two improvements in Aguero and Nasri. I'm tempted to go with Mangala as well. I'd also experiment with swapping Navas to the left to make Dani Alves think twice about going forward. Clean sheets and away goals win you European games so I'd be happy with 0-0 to be honest hopefully a 2-0 win though (it will be very hard though).

Hart

Zabaleta Kompany Mangala Clichy

Fernando Fernandinho

Nasri Silva Navas

Aguero

 

[Eccles Blue]

I'm not really bothered who plays as long as they put 100% effort in and I am sure they will do. We will beat Barca hands down.

The Boys in Blue fight to the end, they never give in. :-)

 

[carlos tevez is a blue]

Last season I was full of belief and thought we had a real chance of beating them but we gave them far too much respect(although I was pissed so I might be wrong) tomorrow I'm expecting us to get beat easily in both games, will be pissed again though.

 

[GX Blue]

With Kolarov and Zabba starting Saturday you'd think they will miss tomorrows game. Think MDM will come in for Mangala. With no Yaya the amazing Fernando will come in.
I think Pellers will go with:

Hart

Sagna Kompany MDM Clichy

Navas Silva Fernandinho Fernando Nasri

Aguero.

 

[cibaman]

Looking at the team from the previous year

Hart

Zabaleta Kompany Demichelis Clichy

Y Touré Fernandinho

Navas Silva Kolarov

Negredo


I thought we did well until Kompany's lack of concentration which cost the harsh penalty and Demichelis sending off. It looks like we can make two improvements in Aguero and Nasri. I'm tempted to go with Mangala as well. I'd also experiment with swapping Navas to the left to make Dani Alves think twice about going forward. Clean sheets and away goals win you European games so I'd be happy with 0-0 to be honest hopefully a 2-0 win though (it will be very hard though).

Hart

Zabaleta Kompany Mangala Clichy

Fernando Fernandinho

Nasri Silva Navas

Aguero

Me too, but I think if we try to play for 0-0 it will make it less likely to happen

 

[pudge]

Jimmy seems to be taking part in full training today.

 

[City_Sean]

Part of me thinks we'd be best playimg two up top and trying to outscore them, but I imagine Manuel will go for

Hart
Sagna Kompany Demichelis Clichy
Fernando Fernandinho
Milner Silva Nasri
Aguero

 

[Brendan110_0]

Mangala will be playing in this game...........otherwise why did we buy him? I thought it was because he's quick and would benefit us in European games.

 

[Stephenhakin]

Mangala will be playing in this game...........otherwise why did we buy him? I thought it was because he's quick and would benefit us in European games.

Mangala will of course play.