Manchester City V Everton pre-match thread.

[pavelsrnicek]

It will be interesting to see how we do against Everton with Barry. Last year as he was on loan he missed both matches and they struggled to replace him. He was very good for them last year and remains a very clever player.

One thing I do remember is that in certain Champions League matches where teams pressed us well he really struggled (Ajax away being the worst). If we can start and maintain a decent press tomorrow then we coudl reap dividends.

Also Everton's performances have been better than their results, they've missed chances in a few matches so we really have to maintain our recent level of performance to win.

Finally thanks for the reminders of that shocker 4 years ago when Everton won 2-1. It was a shambles, we would've gone top for Christmas but went behind when Zaba was off injured. They scored again and then we pulled one back Mario hit the post and Walton allowed them extra keepers (the dodgy b@astard). Plus I got stuck in the snow for 3 hours and missed the start.

 

[simon23]

Barkley has had good games against us in recent fixtures.

In both the games I remember he has found pockets of space inbetween our back 4 and midfield and far too much time. That space has until recently been a big problem for us but in the last few games we have controlled it better so hopefully we carry on doing that

I agree with others that the other main threat is there fullbacks and set piece delivery....we need not to give needless free kicks away in areas/positions that otherwise wouldnt be dangerous (esp mangala. MDm and zabba who are all prone to diving in...as is Kompany but I dont think he will play)

 

[Juan King]

Won't be an easy game, but I think we should win this. Since Martinez has gone there they actually try & play football, this plays into our hands as we have better players than them. We only really seem to struggle against teams that try & stop us playing.

 

[wolfie1988]

Jovetic, Silva and Kompany out

 

[Ric]

On a brighter note, Kolarov and Dzeko are back in the squad.

 

[YaYa]

Both the Ferns and Yaya behind Serg I'd go with but I've got a bad feeling he'll stick Dzeko straight back in!

 

[Ric]

Yaya didn't train today as "a precaution", but is in the squad list.

 

[Claytop]

We can assume Jovetic is more than a niggle if MP didn't mention him maybe being available for Roma?

Just as him and Aguero start to look good.

 

[blue b4 the moon]

Jovetic mentioned on Twitter this morning that he was looking forward to wearing his new boots tomorrow which suggests he'll be playing,

 

[Chippy_boy]

Jovetic mentioned on Twitter this morning that he was looking forward to wearing his new boots tomorrow...