Real Madrid (A) - Tues 9th April, 20:00 | CL | Pre-Match Thread

[LongsightM13]

Could well be Akanji at LB if Ake and Josko aren’t fit?

 

[deano ou812]

Hope we don’t think of playing Walker if he’s not 100% fit that’s even if he has a chance can’t take the risk ..

 

[SSL2]

not good gvardiol being out - that means rico is likely to start

 

[SWPISHOME]

Hope we don’t think of playing Walker if he’s not 100% fit that’s even if he has a chance can’t take the risk ..

Walker, Ake and Gvardiol not involved in the open training session today.

Leaves us with Rico, Stones, Dias and Akanji.

Going to be interesting to see who he goes with at fight back.

 

[117 M34]

Rico against vinicus is a worry!

 

[foggy1974]

Kick off time 20:00 (BST). Live on TNT Sport for those in the UK.

Coming at just the right time after 2 impressive wins. I wouldn't call it a must win but probably a must not lose, I'd back us at the Etihad against them.

I'd probably go with:

------------------Ortega
Lewis---Stones---Dias---Akanji
--------------------Rodri
--------De Bruyne---Foden
Bernardo----Haaland---Grealish

I love Lewis but if Walker or Ake are fit then one has to start, them and Akanji against Vini Jr and Rodrygo.

People were saying the same about Akanji playing left-back last season going to Bayern & he had one of his best games in a City shirt

 

[lionheart]

Ederson
Akanji
Dias
Stones
Gvardiol
Rodri
Lewis
Doku
Foden
Grealish
Haaland

No KDB nor Bernardo! Have you forgotten to take your meds?

 

[SWPISHOME]

Rico against vinicus is a worry!

It's a big ask of Rico to try and nullify Vinicuis...

He's capable of taking apart some of the very right backs in the world, If Rico starts I'm sure he'll give him a serious tough time of it all the same.

I wonder if Pep would do what he done away at Arsenal last season, Bernie at left back?

Bernie...Dias...Stones...Akanji

Or

Akanji...Dias...Stones...Lewis

 

[IrishBlueSince92]

Looks like it'll be

Ederson

Rico
Stones
Dias
Akanji

Rodri
KDB
Foden

Bernardo
Haaland
Grealish

Possibly Foden on the wing instead of Bernardo

 

[skillman]

Ederson/Ortega (not fussed which)

Lewis
Dias
Stones
Akanji

Kovavic
Rodri

Foden
KDB
Grealish

Haaland


Main worry is Rico against Vinicius but he won’t stop or tire. Other option is Akanji right back (preferred) but then who left back? Bernie? Didn’t work amazingly away at Arsenal last season (booked and targeted most of the game) but wouldn’t be terrible if they’re going to let us have the ball.

 

[Turner92]

Rico Stones Dias Alanji is fine that’s 3/4 of the back line our best defenders stick Bernardo infront of Rico to help him out with his work rate

 

[bert38]

Ederson/Ortega (not fussed which)

Lewis
Dias
Stones
Akanji

Kovavic
Rodri

Foden
KDB
Grealish

Haaland


Main worry is Rico against Vinicius but he won’t stop or tire. Other option is Akanji right back (preferred) but then who left back? Bernie? Didn’t work amazingly away at Arsenal last season (booked and targeted most of the game) but wouldn’t be terrible if they’re going to let us have the ball.

Of course there is a scenario where Rodri plays centre back…but then who plays full backs? I can’t see Lewis playing against their winger, but really bereft of options.

 

[Jonas.shaffer]

I've got complete faith in Rico if he is to start. I think he's a far more competent defender than most seem to believe.

 

[bert38]

Of course there is a scenario where Rodri plays centre back…but then who plays full backs? I can’t see Lewis playing against their winger, but really bereft of options.

Personally Akanji Stones Dias Gomez is better balanced and equipped to deal with them-pep doesn’t trust Gomez though.

 

[SSL2]

 

[Haaland94]

Has to be Bernardo at RB. Rico is not a defender and can't handle most of the wingers in the PL. How do people think he is ready for Vinicius is beyond me. They would rip us apart on that side.

 

[clarion]

I don’t see us playing the same tactics in defence like we did with Palace. Madrid will punish us in transition and over the flanks. Kova will play.

 

[Trickyblues]

Has to be Bernardo at RB. Rico is not a defender and can't handle most of the wingers in the PL. How do people think he is ready for Vinicius is beyond me. They would rip us apart on that side.

Bernardo isn’t a defender either so your logic is flawed lmaooo

 

[shemnel]

Real have played one game since 16th March, on the 31st March, so they've plenty of rest in their legs.

we've got a little bit of momentum but this is the 4th match in 9 days....

A draw would be very acceptable, let's get to it Blues. I trust anyone who Pep trusts, at this stage.

 

[Gorbachev]

If Rico plays, Bernardo is definitely playing to help him out.

If Grealish plays, one of Foden or De Bruyne is getting dropped.

I cannot see Pep going with De Bruyne and Foden centrally with Rodri in a 3. Fair play if Pep does, that would be brave.

Maybe Pep knows we are trash defensively and will just say sod it let's go all out and outscore them