Steaua Bucharest (h) - pre-match thread

[McfcInsideMe]

Bit arrogant to only play 10 players

Also Zinchenko isn't in the squad

Ahahah we don't have a problem! Play in 9!

 

[MarsLlama]

Just read back through the pre-match thread before the first leg. Some people reckoned we would win easily, some thought we'd be happy to scrape a draw and some said we were all underestimating how hard Steaua would be. Nobody, me included, predicted we'd win that easily and by that scoreline. So this could really be any score. If we were to play a full team I could see a 6-0 but with rotation I'd be happy with 3-0. What's important is that we get through to the group stages. Remember in May when we were all worried that 4th place wouldn't be enough to get us there?

Hart
Maffeo Otamendi Stones Clichy
Fernando Delph
Sterling Touré Nolito
Aguero

Caballero, Zabaleta, Fernandinho, Silva, Navas, Sané, Iheanacho

Want to see Touré, don't really think he'll start but I can hope. Same with Hart. Sané may be ready Pep said. Take Sterling and Aguero off at half time, Give Navas and Iheanacho the second half. Sané gets 20 minutes.

 

[Ric]

Just read back through the pre-match thread before the first leg. Some people reckoned we would win easily, some thought we'd be happy to scrape a draw and some said we were all underestimating how hard Steaua would be. Nobody, me included, predicted we'd win that easily and by that scoreline. So this could really be any score. If we were to play a full team I could see a 6-0 but with rotation I'd be happy with 3-0. What's important is that we get through to the group stages. Remember in May when we were all worried that 4th place wouldn't be enough to get us there?

Hart
Maffeo Otamendi Stones Clichy
Fernando Delph
Sterling Touré Nolito
Aguero

Caballero, Zabaleta, Fernandinho, Silva, Navas, Sané, Iheanacho

Want to see Touré, don't really think he'll start but I can hope. Same with Hart. Sané may be ready Pep said. Take Sterling and Aguero off at half time, Give Navas and Iheanacho the second half. Sané gets 20 minutes.

I'd be surprised if he started Aguero ahead of Iheanacho tomorrow.

 

[Nascent Blues]

I just can't see them being that open again tomorrow. They'll probably play defensively and try to keep the score down to restore some pride.

 

[kaz7]

I just can't see them being that open again tomorrow. They'll probably play defensively and try to keep the score down to restore some pride.

Good practice for pep

 

[Bluep*ss]

It all depends on what players have been registered with U.E.F.A. for these 2 legs. We certainly can't afford wholesale changes for this game. It is time to give the fringe players of the squad a game. Maybe Joe in goal, along with the likes of Yaya and other 1st team squad members who have not played a game yet.

I thought ALL players who are registered with U.E.F.A. had to have 2 legs.?

ooops! sorry misread that.

 

[Thaksinssoldier]

If he plays youth in defense, I hope Hart doesn't play until the second half. Anyone coming in deserves the chance to play in the system and learn it, but if we start Joe he probably will do his own thing. Would rather see Willy getting Maffeo and/or Angelino up to speed with how it works.

Cold, I know.

 

[Sergio Picasso Aguero]

If he plays youth in defense, I hope Hart doesn't play until the second half. Anyone coming in deserves the chance to play in the system and learn it, but if we start Joe he probably will do his own thing. Would rather see Willy getting Maffeo and/or Angelino up to speed with how it works.

Cold, I know.

Not a bad shout, still reckon he will get on at some point because Bravo's arrival basically signals the end of Hart's City career whether he leaves in this window or not.

 

[MillionMilesAway]

Hart starts according to the BBC,

 

[Josep]

Just saw Pep's interview. He gave a footballing education to English journos on why a good build-up is important. Hopefully they start thinking better about this beautiful game. What a guy! You guys should watch the interview. Its on Mancity website.