Real Madrid (H) - Wed 17th April, 20:00 | CL | Pre-Match Thread

[ancoats]

Have a funny feeling that Erling might well have some of his critics eating humble pie tonight.

I remember last year when no matter what he tried the ball just wouldnt go in.

That's all Pep has to say to Haaland before going out, Show them what you can do

 

[Jonas.shaffer]

I missed Stones not starting, but to be fair, he hasn't looked good since his return from injury, IMO.

 

[Elliot houghton]

I disagree with your point that he's a much weaker option. He isn't (or so I hope).

Not much weaker as a pure CB but inverting in too midfield no CB does the role as close to what John stones can do he changed the game last week. Still think we will still win mind

 

[SebastianBlue]

One hour to go...

 

[west didsblue]

Madrid fans all over the place in the home end

 

[argyle]

View attachment 114737
One hour to go...

The matchthread posters disagree of course.

We're shit, every player is shit and everyone should be sold.

 

[deano ou812]

How do Madrid fans get tickets in our section just seen a few with flags draped over shoulders..

 

[uwerosler28]

Expected less 50/50 scarfs and tourists given the sales policy but its full of them, how the fuck have these people met the criteria clearly never been here before

 

[RobinHood]

I like the starting XI, I like the bench. That's it. Come on Blues.

 

[Rammy Blue]

I think the key to the line up is it’s too risky to start both Walker and Stones, as if they both broke down separately that’d take out of the equation 2 of our sub opportunities, consequently on the balance Pep has decided having Kyle’s pace is more important.

Also worth remembering we have an extra attacker with no Kova anyway so aren’t short in attack.

 

[The Blue Eh]

Strangely relaxed about this game. Pep’s put out a strong attacking lineup. Most of RM’s build up happens from their left, so it figures that Walker and Akanji would play.

I’m expecting we will see a pressing masterclass from Bernardo.

If we stay calm through a few tricky periods we will win this. What a time to be a blue!

 

[CTID1988]

Ridiculous amount of tourists tonight, is it the club doing it or are fans reselling their tickets?

 

[chris85mcfc]

yes I think Akanji would have played even if Stones was fit. He's too good right now to drop. Maybe Dias would have been the odd man out

Dias is the leader at the back, he's not been as good as the others, but he clearly brings more than his performance

My guess is Stones will come on around 60 minutes unless we're 3 or 4 up

 

[Gorton_Tubster]

Worried about Walker honestly. Hasn’t been his best season imo

If enough people say it then it's true. I don't see the problem. Just hoping he hasn't been rushed back, the management team clearly see this as an important game for him to be included. I just hope he doesn't get injured half way through and screw our plans up.

 

[Brightwell Bros.]

Real's front line can be electric but the rest of that team is very, very average.

 

[I'm Blue]

I’m chilled we got this!

 

[Rammy Blue]

Expected less 50/50 scarfs and tourists given the sales policy but its full of them, how the fuck have these people met the criteria clearly never been here before

The fact you’re surprised surprises me, lol.

 

[Blu1]

Attacking team from pep hope we are not outnumbered in midfield but I guess going off this season our best defence is to attack

 

[Jonas.shaffer]

It's interesting that TNT has Foden next to KDB in the middle and Bernie out wide. Obviously, that could mean nothing at the same time.

 

[paulchapo]

Ridiculous amount of tourists tonight, is it the club doing it or are fans reselling their tickets?

Yes outnumbered by them outside earlier. I guess all the Blues are in the pubs still.