Liverpool have caused one or two problems in recent history at the etihad. Though we have always ended up beating them. I think in the past they have been smarter than us tactically, sterling plays in the hole, as does couthino. I'm not for playing a 5 man midfield but if there was a game then this would be it. We need to nullify couthino and sterling, if we do that we stop the connection. Sturridge looked like a fish out of water on Sunday, the link up Suarez offered has gone. He played the same game he always does which is coming off the left side looking for the link up. I think Brenda will clock this and play him centrally, in which case I'd back vinnie to have him in his pocket every single time. Liverpool are going to miss Suarez in a huge way this year. Playing the 5 lets yaya push off the shoulder and play in the hole, and the 2 fs to take care of the scouse midfield.
Fitness wise we should be there now. We've had a full weeks training and I think the World Cup players will be ready. Infact I think we will have a full squad to choose from, although I reckon they will take baby steps with Sergio so will probably see dzeko start. I'd like one of the fs to start over jovetic for this game and go 4-5-1 but pellers is pretty brutal when it comes to how we play so I expect the usual 4-2-2-2. He likes teams to worry about us and that's a fair shout.
I'd like Mangala to start, if this is the game for it I'm not sure, but £32 million is a chunk of money so he hasn't come to sit on the bench. He will be vinnies partner so the sooner we introduce him the better.
I'd like to see;
Hart
Zabba
Kompany
Mangala
Kola
Nasri
Silva
Yaya
Fern
Fern 2
Aguero
But think it will be;
Hart
Zabba
Kompany
Demi
Kola
Yaya
Silva
Nasri
Fernando
Dzeko
Jov
