Sunderland Vs City Pre match Discussion Thread

[nalari]

Very interesting line-up especially the back five.

I like the look of this.

 

[ws01]

IMO Lescott's days are numbered at the club, he'll be lucky to get many more starts this season.

I think Pellegrini's made it obvious that he prefers ball playing centre halves so that the team can play exactly the way he wants.

 

[sam-caddick]

Very interesting line-up especially the back five.

I like the look of this.

The midfield and attack is what I think we will see although I think Manuel will play Dzeko over Negredo, I wouldn't personally but I think it's a gimme with the inevitable rotation.

The back 4 we have to be careful with in my opinion, I don't see how we can make 3 changes and not look dodgy in moments during the match, defenses need continuity and breaking them up every now and then starts to create uncertainty.

Back up defenders and fullbacks should only come in if there are injuries to the first choice or the first choice is well and truly out of form!

 

[Bluesiam]

Very interesting line-up especially the back five.

I like the look of this.

This line up is worryingly slow in the left side of defense

 

[Jumanji]

It does seem odd, and whilst Pellegrini obviously likes his fullbacks to push on it does tend to nullify Navas' effectiveness.

Fullbacks attacking isn't the problem. It's almost a necessity in the modern game for them to create pass outlets and exploit overloads.

The problem is which areas the fullback occupies when going forward.

There are two areas or ways fullbacks attack:
1) Widest man of overload. Usually on the receiving end of 1-2's from winger, and then supply the box, etc....

2) Practiced regularly by the top technical fullbacks like Alaba and Alves, FB's can also slot into midfield when forward.
The winger is now pushed wide and becomes the receiving end of the FB/Wgr wing play, as opposed to the winger trying to play the fullback in.

I'd like to see Zaba giving the wing to Navas more often. After all, Navas will, 9.6 times out of 10, put in a better delivery than he or Richards.

Only thing about option #2 is that more creative burden is put on the fullback to play the winger through for a cross. I don't think Zaba would have too much a problem, he's put some nice passes in the wing before.

For a traditional winger, striking the right balance with your fullback is pivotal.

 

[kippaxking79]

A bit late in the day but I got a spare if anyone wants it. I live up in Sunderland so can meet at ground. £20 pm me to discuss where to meet and I'll pass on mobile number.

 

[Rammy Blue]

It does seem odd, and whilst Pellegrini obviously likes his fullbacks to push on it does tend to nullify Navas' effectiveness.

Fullbacks attacking isn't the problem. It's almost a necessity in the modern game for them to create pass outlets and exploit overloads.

The problem is which areas the fullback occupies when going forward.

There are two areas or ways fullbacks attack:
1) Widest man of overload. Usually on the receiving end of 1-2's from winger, and then supply the box, etc....

2) Practiced regularly by the top technical fullbacks like Alaba and Alves, FB's can also slot into midfield when forward.
The winger is now pushed wide and becomes the receiving end of the FB/Wgr wing play, as opposed to the winger trying to play the fullback in.

I'd like to see Zaba giving the wing to Navas more often. After all, Navas will, 9.6 times out of 10, put in a better delivery than he or Richards.

Only thing about option #2 is that it more creative burden is put on the fullback to play the winger through for a cross. I don't think Zaba would have too much a problem, he's put some nice passes in the wing before.

For a traditional winger, striking the right with your fullback is pivotal.

Nailed it fella, that's exactly what I would have posted. We use option 1 whereas it would suit Navas better if we used 2. Micah isn't technical enough to play the balls through but Zab should be capable.

 

[Stoned Rose]

Sunderland won't have a left back playing at left back today.

Navas should have a semi at the mere thought of that.

I expect him to have a blinder.

 

[Tim of the Oak]

Very interesting line-up especially the back five.

I like the look of this.

This line up is worryingly slow in the left side of defense

And carries a much greater threat going forward.

 

[bobmcfc]

Is Fernandinho out ?