Stoke (a) 20/08/2016 - pre-match thread

Status
Not open for further replies.
interesting team, Sterling swapping sides when he was so effective on the right. Still no Fernando as protection so surely Pep wants another CM as he's not prepared to use him in the most obvious game, and perhaps he doesn't want to flood the midfield today as Kolarov and Zabaleta played a lot more as conventional full-backs against Steaua.
 
Looking forward to the meltdown here, calling for Hart, if/when we concede :)

Even more, if we lose today!!

Just remember, from the next week, likely we will have Bravo in goal
 
qatarman said:
Not much variation in selection, a bit of added pace with Navas otherwise like for like. Hope to see Navas on left to see if in helps? First real test of new centre backs. Stoke look good going forward with some tidy, on the floor passing players. We need to be prepared for a wake up call today. Still a work in progress, new signings not fit and a reserve goalkeeper. Keeps things in perspective for today.
Click to expand...

I'd imagine Navas will be on the right. I believe the decision to replace Nolito is due to their threat from the left. Arnautovic is their best player and likely to be playing on that side while their left back Pieters likes to get forward. Navas despite his limitations in the final third does his job defensively.

In virtually every game we play this year we're going to have to counter specific threats because virtually every team can do some damage
 
It's going to be great watching pretty much the same group of players that surrendered so meekly last time around conduct themselves when given a game plan.
 
A continuation of what we have seen in the past two games. Emphasis on attacking and defending together, work rate, intensity, getting to the river in a methodical, particular way and then relying on the quality of the players in the final third to drink from it. Navas perhaps included to enhance the work rate in the team and bring even more pace. Interesting to see if he can transform his game a bit under Guardiola and start scoring some goals and also get involved in the build up play. Nolito is perhaps not suited yet to the hustle and bustle of the league. Nonetheless a solid team that offers continuation in terms of style of play and approach.

Sterling can play along the front line and I won't be surprised if he spends most of the game down the center with De Bruyne taking Nolito's place on the left. Stoke has built up a very respected reputation or stereotype for themselves and credit to them but if we play with the same intensity, especially in the final third, they will not be able to handle it.
 
Pity about Nolito being dropped to the bench. I thought he did alright in Bucharest, and his link ups with Merlin and Kun showed promise. Plus, he managed to bag a goal (something that isn't Navas' strong point, to put it mildly).
 
jimharri said:
Pity about Nolito being dropped to the bench. I thought he did alright in Bucharest, and his link ups with Merlin and Kun showed promise. Plus, he managed to bag a goal (something that isn't Navas' strong point, to put it mildly).
Click to expand...


That's the issue when we have such strength in depth and everyone needs game time to implement the system
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Unread Posts

Don't have an account? Register now and see fewer ads!

SIGN UP
Back
Top