Can someone tell me how many points we had at this time last season? Having a little argument with a friend.
We need to avoid overcommitting. Walker and Delph need to be on hand to ensure that we avoid exposure to counter attacks. We need to bide our time just like we did against Chelsea. I reckon patient play would frustrate them somewhat and hopefully the gaps will begin to appear and then our swift attackers can profit.
The other point is the need to use Jesus. I know Aguero always seems to have a good game against them but I want to see quick one-twos, incisive passing, good link up play in and around their box as these would be vital in creating clear opportunities against their parked train.
So you're counting the league cup when we played a load of kids against Uniteds first team? Not comparable is it really.
Out of the last 10 league derbies we've scored in 7 of them which is the stat you should be looking at
The fact that this game is away is good for City, Utd being the home side will feel compelled to attack, regardless of how Jose sets out his team, making it a more open encounter than our last 3 games. Both teams are good on the counter attack, City have also honed their skills in breaking down a team parking the bus of late, so it will be an interesting encounter.
The game at the Etihad is the 33rd round, if the gap is the same they're hoping for a Devon Loch :)Mourinho would rather hedge his bets than lose.
A draw will be fine for him and United, anything else is a bonus.
The gap would still be eight points but he knows we have Swansea and Spurs to come just a few days later. We still go to Arsenal and Liverpool, where they have already amassed four points and lost at Chelsea.
Makes more sense to play the percentages and know City have a few key players risking suspensions between now and the end of the month.
Coupled with possible injuries, Champions League and crap refereeing decisions, they must not lose on Sunday.
They would arguably be better set up coming to us at the Etihad on the counter attack if the gap is still around the same when we next play them.
Thanks but are you just sure. Thought we had only lost to Chelsea and Spurs and perhaps drawn one more. Appears I was wrong.30 points after 15 games.
Lost 3, drew 3, our 15th game was the 4-2 loss at Leicester the game after Chelsea. Drew 1-1 with Everton, Saints and Boro.Thanks but are you just sure. Thought we had only lost to Chelsea and Spurs and perhaps drawn one more. Appears I was wrong.
I think thats at least as likely as us having a comfortable victory. I think they will score so we need to be more clinical than we have lately.There's no way they will press us in the purest sense. They will put a couple of hard tackles in, early on, but they will close the lines just as they did to us at the Etihad last season, and we couldn't find a way through.
They will go three at the back and five across the middle, taking their chances with pace in behind Vinny and Delph.
The whole set-up will be to get deliveries from wide and set-piece situations.
Lukaku seemingly has a decent record against us of late but it's never been so important for Sane and Sterling to push Young and Valencia back towards their own goal.
If we score first, things could get very interesting, but can't help the feeling we could get turned over.
There's no way they will press us in the purest sense. They will put a couple of hard tackles in, early on, but they will close the lines just as they did to us at the Etihad last season, and we couldn't find a way through.
They will go three at the back and five across the middle, taking their chances with pace in behind Vinny and Delph.
The whole set-up will be to get deliveries from wide and set-piece situations.
Lukaku seemingly has a decent record against us of late but it's never been so important for Sane and Sterling to push Young and Valencia back towards their own goal.
If we score first, things could get very interesting, but can't help the feeling we could get turned over.