Rotherham (H) Pre-match Thread

[Ban-jani]

Fair shout , does he play himself back into form or rest him , only Pep knows

Only Pep knows, as you say... but I’d anticipate rest will be the answer... time will tell though.

 

[Bluekiwi]

Rotherham play some ok stuff and create decent chances, just struggle to stick the ball in the net. Away record is shit on paper but they shouldn't be taken for granted especially with them having a no pressure game in front of their 6000 plus fans.

AND - it is their CUP FINAL ------ they will be up for this game.

 

[Champions again in 2012]

After the euphoria of Thursday night I’m looking forward to this today (and Burton on Wednesday) - nice to have a couple of cup games and hopefully give some players a break whilst giving others vital game time. I really hope (expect) Phil Foden to play 2 full games.

 

[Mancini Manus Domini]

Does anyone know how Claudio Gomes is getting on? Wondering if he or Yangel Herrera could be involved at any point today and Wednesday. I want Fern completely rested.

 

[come-on-barney]

On the way up but what a shit kick off time. Had to do a mixture of coach and train to get there before the kick off. What was wrong with 3.00pm? Still worn out from Thursday :) Want to see Phil play and score today and a clean sheet. We shouldn’t play too weak a side as really want to win this cup this year! Let’s get the atmosphere going again! Come on you blues!

 

[mosssideblue]

I think Pep will have some of the "stars" on the bench as insurance in case we’re losing.

That’s his usual policy.

I think, as we enter the second half of the season and a scrap on for the title, he will want as many first team players to be match fit and will give those needing minutes a start tomorrow. There should be some youth, but I am not expecting a lot

 

[Tb1981]

Team should be
Muric
Walker otamendi Garcia zinchenko
Mahrez Foden De Bruyne gundogan sane Jesus

Be nice to see sander too

 

[Inter Me Nan]

Team should be
Muric
Walker otamendi Garcia zinchenko
Mahrez Foden De Bruyne gundogan sane Jesus

Be nice to see sander too

Garcia played yesterday apparently.

 

[Easy]

Does anyone know how Claudio Gomes is getting on? Wondering if he or Yangel Herrera could be involved at any point today and Wednesday. I want Fern completely rested.

Me too, Fern shouldn’t play either of the next two. Just remember Herrera was training with the first team so he may be involved.

 

[Marvin]

This game makes or breaks Mahrez City career. Test of his mentality. I am not necessarily expecting or demanding he have a great game, but I am expecting him to:

a) start
b) have the mentality of wanting to control the game and take responsibility for opening up what will be a very determined and disciplined Rotherham defence.

They'll be other City players out there who I know will be 100% up for it e.g. Foden and Jesus, but I have a little doubt about Mahrez. Today is many things, but one of them is a test of Mahrez. Maybe Guardiola has no doubts, but I haven't been impressed with his mentality so far. He seems to have been coasting and passing up responsibility.

Avoid a replay City. Expecting to see one of Sterling or Sane on the bench. And maybe KDB on the bench too. If RUFC are defending for an hour, and the game is not going our way, it might be key to opening them up by bringing on two top players. Hopefully it doesn't get to that stage.

Looking forward to the game today after the Liverpool win. Hopefully City can build on that today.