Villarreal (A) - Tue 21st Oct, 20:00 | CL | Pre-Match Thread

[Saddleworth2]

Guardiol has assisted Erling in his last two games. Watch for the lofted pass over their back line.

 

[Alexia_Ko]

Pack the midfield with lightweight midgets. What could possibly go wrong?

Especially because Villarreal’s midfield two are both really tall

 

[br88]

When will the most talented player in the world start for City...will it ever be Cherki time haha!!.

 

[remember arthur mann]

Should piss it with three goalkeepers in the side.

 

[akrh215]

This lineup is as exciting as watching paint dry! Where's the creativity? Cherki should have been in there at least.

 

[Saddleworth2]

RIP the lad that has died. Bloody tragic for his friends and family - condolences to them all.

 

[denTTony]

looks like a lot on Doku to create chances

 

[nico04]

Im confident Rico Lewis will perform better than Tijjani has done recently.

 

[pbueno16]

Would've liked to have seen Marmoush over Haaland and Cherki over Bernardo, but that's a pretty fun lineup. Hopefully someone gets a chance to leave it a little something extra on the rapist.

 

[handsofstone]

Hmmm...odd lineup, that midfield 3 isnt going to create much, everything will have to come through the wings/FB

 

[richards30]

Nico got a knock on Saturday and Ait Nouri coming back off a lengthy injury. Understandable playing Gvardiol at left back.

Could have played Ake?

 

[BuryBlue1977]

Maybe Nunes in midfield and Rico right back?

 

[bladdered]

Maybe Lewis will be at right back and Nunes in midfield?

 

[PragueBlue]

Not totally convinced by the CM but we have options from the bench if needed.

 

[pbueno16]

Could have played Ake?

Playing Ake at full back when he's rusty to begin with seems risky if we're going to have most of the ball and they look to hit us on the counter. Think I'd rather see him at center back to give Dias a rest.

 

[borassic]

Proper odd ball at times is pep but gotta trust him!

 

[Stockport mackem]

All the very best tonight Bkues, you've got this

 

[Sky Blue]

Could have played Ake?

Bit dodgy at the weekend. Well he was in the first half. Gvardiol better going forward.

 

[alexmcity]

Expectedly, Cherki doesn't start. That's normal given he's back from injury and it's a difficult game away from home. When Villarreal tire somewhat in the 2nd half, Cherki can make a big difference. Great options on the bench.

 

[NorCalBlue]

Maybe Nunes in midfield and Rico right back?

I'm assuming back 5 with Nunes and Lewis freer to move into midfield (or attack down the line in the case of Nunes).