United (H) - Sun 2nd Oct, 14:00 | Pre-Match Thread

[skillman]

Whatever the line-up, I can't wait to see Haaland against these. He'll have been eyeing this game up for years as a fan and then months since knowing he was coming here. And he's the type of character to make sure he leaves an impression on this type of game!

I do think they'll be a challenge, though. Their new system is the type we hate to play against - whether it's a bunch of players who can genuinely keep the ball (not as well as us but they can) or whether it's a counter attacking setup - but we're better than them. Streets ahead.

Not that that matters in a derby, mind.

 

[Bozo]

Haaland, you know what to do.

 

[OccupiedPalestineBlues]

I think Eddy may well be able to own his own in an outfield position.

He’s great with his feet, that’s why I’d kinda like to see it (not so much Haaland in goal though).
I think that Eddy will have a power driver of a long range shot - he’s very accurate with his uber long passes up field - I’d love to see him have a crack from 30 yds like Rodri sometimes does - if he caught it well I recon he could put both ball and keeper through the back of the net.

 

[jamielowndes]

In which case I’d kinda like to see Haaland in goal and big Ederson up front ;-)

Whether its up front for a game or by free kick/penalty, Ederson or any GK scoring a goal for City is something I need to see.

 

[our tommy]

Tell him to check his spam incase its gone there, they normally go through straight away, as well sounds daft have you definitely typed the correct email address

The email address was already input. It is actually my email address. Was going to forward it to him.

Definitely not in my apam. Thanks for the reply

 

[Blue Maverick]

Their counter is the only thing that worries me, that’s why ball retention especially as we push forward is paramount, lose it in a silly place and you know they are popping it over the top. Hopefully Walker is back and is told not to venture to far forward just for this game.

 

[threespires]

I think Eddy may well be able to own his own in an outfield position.

He's no David James though :-)

 

[M16 citeh]

The amount of reds saying they're gonna take out haaland that's the only thing I'm nervous of. I hope haaland fucking burries them though this game can't come soon enough

 

[Craig]

Their counter is the only thing that worries me, that’s why ball retention especially as we push forward is paramount, lose it in a silly place and you know they are popping it over the top. Hopefully Walker is back and is told not to venture to far forward just for this game.

Hopefully Walker and Akanji play to give us some genuine pace at the back. Lose it the final 3rd and we should be fine if we’re set up properly. The sloppy passing in the middle of the park like against Wolves would get punished. They have got a couple of players in Eriksen and the rat who have got the quality to pick out a pass if we’re complacent. The game will be the usual of us dominating and them looking to counter as it can’t really play out any other way.

We’ve got the class to smash them if we’re on it and really looking forward to Haaland playing against these. The amount of sitters we’ve missed over the last few years against this shower should change if we get the service into the big man. Can’t wait for it!

 

[skillman]

Their counter is the only thing that worries me, that’s why ball retention especially as we push forward is paramount, lose it in a silly place and you know they are popping it over the top. Hopefully Walker is back and is told not to venture to far forward just for this game.

That's why I think Grealish is a guaranteed starter.

Pep highlighted the fact he was missing against Newcastle which is when we were so open and seemingly unable to keep the ball/slow it down when needed/win free kicks to take the tempo out of the game.