Sunderland Vs City Pre match Discussion Thread

[Ducado]

Is Fernandinho out ?

Late fitness test today

 

[Deleted member 58619]

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

I was hoping Kolarov will spend most his time in the attacking third.

Nastasic is doubtful so Lescott steps in, I think Milner can do a job centrally if Fernandinho is injured

 

[Plaything of the gods]

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.

There is another role for Navas though, that of coming inside and shooting. He has scored against Wigan in the LC and almost got a goal against Norwich this way. I'd love to see him running onto balls behind the defence and smashing in goals.

 

[bobmcfc]

Is Fernandinho out ?

Late fitness test today

Thank you x

 

[Marvin]

This is an aspect of his game that Navas needs to improve. He doesn't score enough.

He could be key today. I'm sure Sunderland are going to play a very defensive system and they will only be encouraged by the absence of Silva. We need Navas and midfield runners like Rodwell and Milner

I'd be tempted to use Navas from the bench. Pace against a tiring defence could be the difference

 

[Plaything of the gods]

Is Fernandinho out ?

Late fitness test today

For Nastasić as well. Garcia is available (hooray!), so it'll be interesting to see who Pellers picks/risks and how the game goes wrt bringing on and taking off key players. 0-3 within the first 20 minutes would ease my concerns about injuries, but I shouldn't be greedy.

Jovetic and Kompany are slated to be back for the next PL game at home to Spurs on 24th November (any LFT allowing). Silva not until the game at West Brom on 4th December, missing the home games against Spurs, Plzen and Swansea as well as today's game.

 

[bobmcfc]

Is Fernandinho out ?

Late fitness test today

For Nastasić as well. Garcia is back (hooray!), so it'll be interesting to see who Pellers picks/risks and how the game goes wrt bringing on and taking off key players. 0-3 within the first 20 minutes would ease my concerns about injuries, but I shouldn't be greedy.

Jovetic and Kompany are slated to be back for the next PL game at home to Spurs on 24th November (any LFT allowing). Silva not until the game at West Brom on 4th December, missing the home games against Spurs, Plzen and Swansea as well as today's game.

Garcia ? Omg you are joking aren't you ?

 

[Plaything of the gods]

Late fitness test today

For Nastasić as well. Garcia is back (hooray!), so it'll be interesting to see who Pellers picks/risks and how the game goes wrt bringing on and taking off key players. 0-3 within the first 20 minutes would ease my concerns about injuries, but I shouldn't be greedy.

Jovetic and Kompany are slated to be back for the next PL game at home to Spurs on 24th November (any LFT allowing). Silva not until the game at West Brom on 4th December, missing the home games against Spurs, Plzen and Swansea as well as today's game.

Garcia ? Omg you are joking aren't you ?

Yes. I had just finished editing my post to say "available" as I don't know when he got injured or if he was ever 'out' - and also to allay any fears that he might be "back in the team" - although, as Pellers seems to like playing him, he might well be!

 

[bobmcfc]

For Nastasić as well. Garcia is back (hooray!), so it'll be interesting to see who Pellers picks/risks and how the game goes wrt bringing on and taking off key players. 0-3 within the first 20 minutes would ease my concerns about injuries, but I shouldn't be greedy.

Jovetic and Kompany are slated to be back for the next PL game at home to Spurs on 24th November (any LFT allowing). Silva not until the game at West Brom on 4th December, missing the home games against Spurs, Plzen and Swansea as well as today's game.

Garcia ? Omg you are joking aren't you ?

Yes. I had just finished editing my post to say "available" as I don't know when he got injured or if he was ever 'out' - and also to allay any fears that he might be "back in the team" - although, as Pellers seems to like playing him, he might well be!

It might sound harsh of me but I honestly believe he has the reverse Midas touch in our team and everything goes a little shakey for the team when he is in it. I'm not a fan and think he should be sold ASAP

 

[Academica]

Garcia ? Omg you are joking aren't you ?

Yes. I had just finished editing my post to say "available" as I don't know when he got injured or if he was ever 'out' - and also to allay any fears that he might be "back in the team" - although, as Pellers seems to like playing him, he might well be!

It might sound harsh of me but I honestly believe he has the reverse Midas touch in our team and everything goes a little shakey for the team when he is in it. I'm not a fan and think he should be sold ASAP

No what you mean I feel the same about Milner.