Newcastle Vs City Pre Match Discussion Thread

[Hamann Pineapple]

I can't believe after last year that so many think he will play 5 in midfield, he has two strikers fit, IMO they will both play. He may resort to a five man midfield later on but for me Dzeko and Jovetic will both start.

I think we'll start most away games with 5 in midfield.

 

[ChicagoBlue]

Hart

Clichy
Kompany
Nastasic
Kolarov

Nasri
Toure
Fernando
Silva

Jovetic*
Dzeko

Caballero
Sagna
MDM
Milner
Fernandinho
Navas
Aguero

*Jovetic is a 5th midfielder on defence.

 

[prestonibbo_mcfc]

I can't believe after last year that so many think he will play 5 in midfield, he has two strikers fit, IMO they will both play. He may resort to a five man midfield later on but for me Dzeko and Jovetic will both start.

I think we'll start most away games with 5 in midfield.

Well we'll soon find out. Bring it on !

 

[Tricky_Trev]

If we were going to play 5 in midfield as often as bluemoon seems to think, we'd have played it a lot in pre-season. We didn't. The formation stays the same, a fluid 4222. The signing of Fernando just means we can rotate in midfield and not lose too much quality, unlike last season.

 

[mcfc1632]

Just arrived at my hotel - 100m from the Gallowgate end - any other early arrivals?

 

[cibaman]

If we were going to play 5 in midfield as often as bluemoon seems to think, we'd have played it a lot in pre-season. We didn't. The formation stays the same, a fluid 4222. The signing of Fernando just means we can rotate in midfield and not lose too much quality, unlike last season.

I thought the pre season formations had more to do with giving players optimum game time rather than providing clues as to how we will play in the PL. By playing two strikers last week Pellegrini was able to give Jovetic an invaluable 90 mins whilst also allowing Dzeko to play for 60 mins. He couldn't have done that playing a single striker.

Similarly I don't think he seriously plans to play Clichy at right back. Playing Clichy there in pre season allowed Pellegrini to maximise his and Kolarov's game time.

 

[cibaman]

"Gales in exposed places" forecast for the North east on Sunday.

Presumably the top tier at Newcastle counts as an exposed place

 

[Rammy Blue]

If ever there was a time when Manuel will go 5 in middle then Sunday will be that day. I understand completely people expecting 4-4-2, after last season we'd be foolhardy to expect anything else, seeing as every time we thought he'd go with 5 was a wasted thought.

However that said, due to our lack of prep then it wouldn't surprise me in the slightest if MP went with the 5 just to throw a spanner in Pardew's plans for countering us.

Either way I reckon we'll be pleasantly surprised on Sunday, I expect us to be firing on all cylinders and straight out of the traps at them.

4-1 to the Mighty Blues.

 

[kinkladz-ade]

Is Sergio definitely injured? I have in my fantasy team at the moment

 

[BlueDeadHead]

I can't believe after last year that so many think he will play 5 in midfield, he has two strikers fit, IMO they will both play. He may resort to a five man midfield later on but for me Dzeko and Jovetic will both start.

He didn't have Fernando last year. Now he can have Fernandhino, Yaya, Nasri & Silva all bombing forward with Fernando providing far superior protection for the back 4.

I just don't like the idea of starting a game without having a striker on the bench.

Aguero?

Jesus Navas...16 assists says it all really along with his goals record. Never took a game never mind a full back by the scruff of the neck. Could be first season syndrome...hoping to see him really dominate in games this season. Nothing better than seeing a flying,creative goal scoring winger....SWP anyone ? ?

Some suspect you of having Raggish leanings.
I just think that you want him to play like Crashley Young.

Wait... was he suggesting 16 assists and some goals shouldn't be considered really good for a guy who wasn't a regular starter?

Yes...weird, no?