Sunderland (A) - Thu 1st Jan, 20:00 | PL | Pre-Match Thread

[.db.]

We’ve had no width on the left in recent games, and we’ve giving the ball away so much that Pep’s plan of O’Reilly pushing up on the left hasn’t been able to be sustained because the whole team has been having to turn around and run backwards to get back and defend.

If we’re going to be so careless with the ball and hinder ourselves in attack, hopefully Savinho can provide that width for when we do have the ball.

 

[ninjamonkey]

No issues with that. Little bit odd that Reijnders was finally seeing improvement and getting goals and now he gets benched but Savinho is worthy of a start too after numerous inpactful cameos of late. Good to see the bench looking healthier.

No fucking about, i want to see us on it from minute 1, get this game put to bed as early as possible. A return of us having games won by halftime would be very welcome in putting pressure on Arsenal. Slip up here and all the work we've done to mount pressure instantly vanishes and we have to start again. We won't get many opportunities to do that.

 

[Gaz76]

Would have preferred khusanov to Ake against these knock it over the top and run merchants but pep knows best

 

[heslops barnet]

Where’s Bobb?

 

[cleavers]

Would have preferred khusanov to Ake against these knock it over the top and run merchants but pep knows best

Yeah me too.

 

[.db.]

No issues with that. Little bit odd that Reijnders was finally seeing improvement and getting goals and now he gets benched but Savinho is worthy of a start too after numerous inpactful cameos of late. Good to see the bench looking healthier.

No fucking about, i want to see us on it from minute 1, get this game put to bed as early as possible. A return of us having games won by halftime would be very welcome in putting pressure on Arsenal. Slip up here and all the work we've done to mount pressure instantly vanishes and we have to start again. We won't get many opportunities to do that.

Reijnders has been scoring more goals recently but he’s still been very weak defensively and gives the ball away a lot in possession when under no pressure.

 

[MCFC1993]

Where’s Bobb?

Still injured I'm assuming, not been long since he came off against Brentford.

 

[heslops barnet]

Would have preferred khusanov to Ake against these knock it over the top and run merchants but pep knows best

Gone right off Ake for some reason, slow as fuk nowadays?

 

[Didsbury Dave]

Sniffer dogs on the turnstiles here and lots of people getting pulled. Also, you can’t take coins in the stadium.

 

[wattle]

Bernardo again...I cannot wait for Rodri to be back so that our midfield can be dangerous and progressive again.

It absolutely amazes me that people don’t understand or appreciate the role Bernie is playing in this system at the moment. It’s not all about assists and goals

 

[The Light Was Yellow Sir]

Where’s Bobb?

Germany?

 

[levets]

Has Gvardiol been carrying an injury? Surprised at his benching

 

[deano ou812]

Great to see Rodri on the bench wonder if he’ll get a few minutes tonight..

 

[samuelyeboah]

acceptable rotation

 

[balotelli's back pocket]

Has Gvardiol been carrying an injury? Surprised at his benching

Been dealing with a knee problem since last season.

 

[heslops barnet]

Sniffer dogs on the turnstiles here and lots of people getting pulled. Also, you can’t take coins in the stadium.

Good job you took all your sniff earlier then?

 

[asahartford1]

Bernardo again...I cannot wait for Rodri to be back so that our midfield can be dangerous and progressive again.

Then I am sure we will be top scorers in this league by a mile.......

 

[denTTony]

Ake a bit if a surprise. Lets see the better side of Savinho tonight

 

[borassic]

Sniffer dogs on the turnstiles here and lots of people getting pulled. Also, you can’t take coins in the stadium.

People on the straight through from last night no doubt !

 

[levets]

Great to see Rodri on the bench wonder if he’ll get a few minutes tonight..

I thought Pep alluded to Rodri getting some mins tonight