Stoke vs. City Pre Match Thread

[pudge]

I think you'll find a lot of blues think that way, certainly the ones who go to the games. He went down a level last season, and this season he's very lucky to be in the team at all. In my opinion he's in his last season at the football club

Season ticket holder here, for your information. Not that you meant anything by that of course...

Delph's played a handful of games and struggles to pass wind at the best of times. Less than 200 mins he's played in the league this season so it's by no means "no contest" that this season he's been better than Yaya, not even a little bit. He's more energetic and lively than Yaya but that's it.

They may do certain things better than each other but so do Mignolet and Messi.

 

[r.soleofsalford]

I think you'll find a lot of blues think that way, certainly the ones who go to the games. He went down a level last season, and this season he's very lucky to be in the team at all. In my opinion he's in his last season at the football club

he`s still got great feet and a lovely touch but he either cant pick up runners or cant be arsed or both, the strong runs that brush people aside also look like a thing of the past.

 

[Clercqs]

If Silva, de Bruyne and Sterling are fit, I'd start Delph over Yaya in 9 out of 10 games. And that's not because Delph is a better footballer, it's because he suits the team much better.

 

[mosssideblue]

I think you'll find a lot of blues think that way, certainly the ones who go to the games. He went down a level last season, and this season he's very lucky to be in the team at all. In my opinion he's in his last season at the football club

I agree with this and also that this season Delph has been the better team player

 

[Lovebitesandeveryfing]

It's a joke to suggest that Delph is a better footballer than Yaya. 0r even that he's been more effective this season, taking the whole season into account. We simply haven't seen enough of Delph.
What is clear, though, is that when Yaya goes missing he doesn't do it by halves. The Liverpool game is a case in point. Yaya can do things that Delph will never, ever be able to do. Simply, he hasn't been doing them very often since way back in last season. I don't think I'd play Yaya ever again in a two man midfield. He simply hasn't got the legs for it any more. Delph is a busy, good footballer. He is not a game changer, and nobody expected him to be. I think we need them both, depending on the kind of match it's going to be. For Stoke I'd probably pick Delph. It remains to be seen whether Yaya's ego will allow him to accept being a squad player henceforth. Doubt it, myself.

 

[wolfie1988]

Looks like Hart, Fernando and Navas all trained today, which is good news.

But not Silva, Aguero and Sterling? Unless the photographer didn't get any snaps of them

 

[Gundogan's Moustache]

Yaya is no longer a match winner but there 0 chance of Delph starting over him. Since the rest of our attacking players are also fit im expecting Yaya in a midfield two with Fernandinho

 

[Ric]

But not Silva, Aguero and Sterling? Unless the photographer didn't get any snaps of them

Couldn't see them on any of the photos, although The Mail article mentions Silva being involved in the session.

 

[bluemc1]

…………Hart…………
..Sagna….Oti….Mang…..Clichy..
…………Delph…..Fernandhino…..
…KDB………Silva…………..Sterling
……………Aquero……………..

but think he will go YaYa in for Sterling and Silva on the left of the 3, hope he doesn't put YaYa for Delph or Fern

 

[Marvin]

Stoke is the worst ground in the country for wind and the forecast is for gales