Manchester City vs Everton pre-match thread

[aguero93:20]

Neither have played there and dinho is wasted not in his proper position

Navas has spent plenty of time covering right backs in more defensive sides and Dinho was MOTM in a right wing back role for us on a couple of occasions for us last season. Personally if Zaba can't be trusted I'd prefer little Pab to get a game but both would be more than acceptable replacements with Gundogan, Silva and Nacho playing in the centre.

 

[Silva2021]

For me, strongest team. I would take 3 points here and a loss in Barca if offered now!

 

[kaz7]

For me, strongest team. I would take 3 points here and a loss in Barca if offered now!

Agreed,i don't think we will beat barca anytime soon as we seem to crumble when anyone presses us back

 

[aguero93:20]

Agreed,i don't think we will beat barca anytime soon as we seem to crumble when anyone presses us back

And they've done so well against Celta and Atleti when pressed? Wouldn't mind losing the away game if we played for a win but we should be able to win it and that should be our aim.

 

[kaz7]

And they've done so well against Celta and Atleti when pressed? Wouldn't mind losing the away game if we played for a win but we should be able to win it and that should be our aim.

I don't think we are long enough into the pep way to keep it up for 90 mins,barca are much better than us and only need one slip to score goals

 

[aguero93:20]

I don't think we are long enough into the pep way to keep it up for 90 mins,barca are much better than us and only need one slip to score goals

They're not that much better and we'll score goals when they slip. We have the better goalkeeper and the stronger midfield, their attack is stronger, defence is level.

 

[schfc6]

Sagna is injured so no-one else if you don't rate Maffeo

As per on Bluemoon, taken totally without consideration of context.

My reply was to a poster who said Zabaleta "must" play.

Personally, I believe we must look for alternatives to Zabaleta.
I'm aware Sagna is injured.
My personal opinions regards Maffeo are just mine. Whilst I don't think he'll make it with City, I'm sure he's worth a fair chance.

Pep is regarded as the best manager in the world, I'm a firm believer of that. One of his qualities is adapting positions to suit his players.

My point. I don't believe Zabaleta will ever be a "must" pick again.
I love the guy, we all sing his name as loud as any player we've ever had, but he's not been a 'must' pick for a good while.

I've no idea what Pep should come up with, but if he deploys Kolarov & Zabaleta against attacking pace we'll be worse for it.

Against Spurs and to a lesser extent Celtic Pep was as guilty as Pellegrini was for expecting players to be what they were and not what they actually are.

 

[uwe rosler 28]

Out of interest, why do you feel Zaba has to start? I think he's been the player off the pace the most this season.
I think sadly it's time we realise his now obvious physical limitations should restrict his chances. I've been one of his biggest fans and sadly I also don't believe Maffeo has much of a future at City, he's good but doubt he'll ever be good enough for us. Really hope I'm wrong. I love his tenacity.

Because we should be able to get away with it agaisnt everton at home away at barca i would play fernandinho at right bk

 

[SWP's back]

You believe Pep is purposely selecting a weaker option, thus risking important results, just so the richest club in the world may gain a bit more on said player's sale?

Ha.

 

[IWasHere]

And they've done so well against Celta and Atleti when pressed? Wouldn't mind losing the away game if we played for a win but we should be able to win it and that should be our aim.

Shit mentality from some people, what's the point of being in the champions league if you don't want to win it

I say we play our strongest team against both Everton and barca!