Stoke City (h) pre-match thread

[mancity1]

I genuinely have tot City was going to lose a game only 2ice in the last 4 to 5 years. I've had games where i thought the opposition might bus it and sneak a point. Never against the big teams though. It was the likes of Stoke, West Ham and West I always feared that possibility with.

But I've never outright thought of City losing a Prem game in a while. Liverpool once and Tottenham in another were the only 2 occasions I genuinely remember fearing we were up against superior opposition.

The last 4 years in the Prem, I've thought us the better team in almost every game pre kick off. Except those 2 matches.

Not sure if fearing is the right word Dax , at our best I think we have an expectation all things being equal we will win the vast majority of our games which is the case.

In any game of football anything can happen and events conspire to not produce the outcome that you expect which is what sport is all about when sides who are laden with more talent , quality , speed and desire take on the underdog.

Stoke have to do everything in their power to prevent us from creating chances and no doubt they will having had success if you could call it that in the past parking the bus , snapping at the heels of our ball players etc etc.

We don't have to and I am sure the players don't fear anyone even the better performed European clubs.

 

[citymad]

No broken rib heals in two weeks. If he falls heavily it could do untold damage. The club isn't that stupid....

 

[Mike N]

No broken rib heals in two weeks. If he falls heavily it could do untold damage. The club isn't that stupid....

Agree

 

[mosssideblue]

No broken rib heals in two weeks. If he falls heavily it could do untold damage. The club isn't that stupid....

I agree that if the rib was broken he will be nowhere near the game. But what if the rib was not broken and simply bruised?

 

[Lovebitesandeveryfing]

I haven’t had one, but I understand that even a bruised rib hurts like fuck. There’s no way on earth that Kun should be anywhere near that team. Even Napoli is a stretch. It’s good that he wants to play, but Pep should not let him be the judge of his fitness in this instance. And he won’t.

 

[mosssideblue]

I haven’t had one, but I understand that even a bruised rib hurts like fuck. There’s no way on earth that Kun should be anywhere near that team. Even Napoli is a stretch. It’s good that he wants to play, but Pep should not let him be the judge of his fitness in this instance. And he won’t.

Totally agree.

 

[jimharri]

I wouldn't have Kun anywhere near the squad tomorrow. Stick him on the bench for Napoli but, even then, only bring him on if things are going a bit Pete. No point risking him.

 

[MarsLlama]

I originally put Gundogan in but starting him on Saturday probably limits his involvement on Tuesday.

I don't really see why, to be honest, he's not played a full 90 in about three weeks. He can do both.

 

[john lett]

Can see somebody scoring a hat trick tomorrow, might have a fiver on Jesus but only if he starts and is not on bench

 

[flipper blue]

Can definitely see Mangala playing. Otamendi to play on Tuesday.