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

[oasis-city-greek-fan]

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).

I dont think that Nolito would be ever ready to play high tempo matches in a row ...

 

[Rammy Blue]

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

Cheers for that insightful post.

 

[Steve68]

That's the issue when we have such strength in depth and everyone needs game time to implement the system

That's why we need to thin out the squad. Hopefully Navas and the like will be gone soon.

 

[mosssideblue]

I dont think that Nolito would be ever ready to play high tempo matches in a row ...

What makes you think that?

 

[Rammy Blue]

I think the selection of Navas is more to do with his pace coming back to help out Zab, seeing as we are away from home and likely to come under a tad more pressure.

 

[BerkshireBlue]

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).

It's a shame for Sterling as well as he'll e shifted to the left I would imagine

 

[mosssideblue]

That's why we need to thin out the squad. Hopefully Navas and the like will be gone soon.

Agree with squad reduction, but we will have to agree to disagree wrt Navas as I still think he has a lot to offer Pep

 

[kaz7]

Souness,city don't have a player up front do something special ,erm...

 

[oasis-city-greek-fan]

What makes you think that?

My eyes and his career so far ...When Sane and Gundogan get fit he will be on the bench most of the games ...

 

[Steve68]

Agree with squad reduction, but we will have to agree to disagree wrt Navas as I still think he has a lot to offer Pep

I guess. Can't see what he offers besides pace but if he learns how to cross and score then fair play.

 

[jimharri]

It's a shame for Sterling as well as he'll e shifted to the left I would imagine

Can't see why Pep would do that. Stevie Wonder can see that Raheem is about as much use on the left as a one legged man in an arse kicking contest.

 

[mosssideblue]

I guess. Can't see what he offers besides pace but if he learns how to cross and score then fair play.

I think he has improved since Peps arrival

 

[dronefromsector7G]

Souness,city don't have a player up front do something special ,erm...

If only Aguero could engineer chances when space is at a premium.

 

[JoeMercer'sWay]

Strange how we only get an ordinary build-up, would have thought as a big club we'd get a 6 hour media fan fest and build-up with women and tons of ex-pros like United did last night.

 

[mosssideblue]

Strange how we only get an ordinary build-up, would have thought as a big club we'd get a 6 hour media fan fest and build-up with women and tons of ex-pros like United did last night.

I noticed that last night and tbh, I prefer we are kept low key with matters like that and just let the team do what it does best

 

[Ducado]

It's hot as hell here in Croatia trying to find a bar

 

[kaz7]

Zabba captain

 

[Steve68]

Souness,city don't have a player up front to put the chances away,erm...

No, he said we don't have a Messi type forward to unpick massed defences. Aguero isn't that type of player. He's a fantastic striker like Suarez for Barca but where they have Messi and Neymar, we have Stirling and Navas. Stirling is looking good but Navas is what he is. A speed merchant with little end product.

 

[yeah whatever !!]

Big smile there from Sergio.. maybe he's feeling very confident.

 

[jimharri]

There's some weird looking chancers in the crowd.



And that's just in the city section!