Manchester City V Everton pre-match thread.

[supercity88]

If Mangala is available then he should be able to dominate Lukaku as he did Costa. The only concern would be that with Demichelis alongside him he is drawn into marking Lukaku and Demichelis has to cover the runners in behind. Everton aren't playing particularly well and similarly to Liverpool they are struggling with the added midweek games this season. It's a big ask when the squad hasn't got the same quality as the first 11. Keep Baines and Coleman quiet as we did Clyne and Bertrand and we should be able to dominate the midfield. Aguero will torment Jagielka and I would expect us to win this one quite comfortably.

Ideally we can get a few goals up and then close out the game as Pellegrini is doing at the moment. As soon as the win seems secure it's on with Milner, Lampard and playing on the counter. If Everton have to chase the game there should be plenty of space for Navas to exploit and Jagielka's not the most mobile.

 

[aguero93:20]

I'd bring in Sagna, Mangala for this one and hopefully we can get Dinho and Kun off early enough. Not only do we have a big game for the club in midweek but a pretty hectic and unrelenting schedule after.

 

[chris85mcfc]

3 games in 8 days then a week off after the Leicester game

I think Sagna coming in for Zabba would be a decent option, and Mangala for Boyata, but those are the only changes I would make

Hopefully we can get a couple of goals up, bring Fernandinho and Aguero off and wrap them in cotton wool for Wednesday

Hart, Sagna, Demichelis, Mangala, Clichy, Navas, Fernandinho, Yaya, Nasri, Jovetic, Aguero

3 - 1

 

[Champions2012!]

What a boost it will be if we win this

 

[Manchester_lalala]

Must win.

Hart

Sagna
Demichelis
Mangala
Clichy

Yaya
Fernandinho

Nasri
Milner
Jovetic

Aguero

SUBS: Willy, Boyata, Zabba, Fernando, Lamps, Merlin, Pozo

I guessing you don't rate Navas? If there was ever an underrated player, it's jesus.

 

[Bluemooner91]

Why are people dropping zabba for this game? The next two games he needs to play as they (on paper) are the hardest games this month. He's in great form, stick with him, at least until after Everton and Roma.

 

[lasereyes]

Please, please, please don't rotate and leave Fernandinho on the bench. And don't play Sagna. Best team, no fucking about.

Manuel played the same team against Sunderland as he did against Southampton. The only change was forced because of Vinny's injury.

So I doing think he is going to stray far from a winning formula. I suppose he will replace Boyata with Mangala (although I wouldn't be unhappy if he didn't). Other than that change the team almost picks itself.

One other comment about Navas. He has made more appearances than any other player this season. While his attack is sometimes inconsistent, the defensive side of his game is underestimated. He does an enormous amount of work on that right hand side. I can see why Manuel considers him such an important player. He is underestimated by many Bluemooners.

The comment on Navas's defence is spot-on. His pace allows him to track back in a way that none of the other offensive unit does. This has been evident since day 1 last year, but does tend to get ignored here.

 

[sam-caddick]

Team selection will be interesting because this is our third set of Saturday/Sunday - Tuesday/Wednesday games in three weeks and no doubt the club will see that Roma game as arguably the biggest of the season so far, both on the pitch and financially off the pitch.

I would like to see continuity with the starting XI but I won't be surprised to see a few rotations.

Everton will no doubt want to give a backlash performance against us but with our form I would hope we can put in a top performance and get the three points.

 

[shemnel]

I'm an advocate of putting out your strongest team available and rotating when injuries/fatigue kick in so i would like to see our strongest XI for Everton but i have to admit that the Rome game is very important and then you have the hectic Xmas & New Year schedule fast approaching - it'll take some canny team management from Pellers to ensure he is not taking any game lightly.

 

[bluereid]

Admittedly this will be the first time at the etihad, got tickets as part of my 21st to see the beloved city

Looking to see the players as they come into the stadium, does anyone know what time they roughly get there? cheers

About an hour and a half before kick off.

Get to the ground early and have a couple of pints in Mary D's, it's only over the road, to watch Newcastle hopefully take points of Chelski.
Over to see the players arrive then into City Square. There's usually a live band on, interviews with old players etc.
Have a great day and Happy 21st Birthday.