vs Sunderland Starting 11?

[citytillidie24]

Hi All,

While I am aware we still have 2 weeks or so before the first game. I'm curious about our starting 11 for Sunderland. Sagna is still on holiday, is Zabba still injured? Will Maffeo play? Mangala is still away and Kompany isn't fit from what I've heard.. Otamendi and Denayer to start? De Bruyne still on holiday... Sane to slot right in if we get this deal done soon, or will it be too soon?

Sorry for all the questions and here's what I think might be our starting 11:

Hart
Maffeo
Otamendi
Denayer (Stones?)
Clichy
Fernando
Fernandinho (C)
Silva
Navas (Sane?)
Sterling (KDB?)
Aguero

I assume Silva might be part of a midfield 3 and we'll be lining up 4-3-3. Just thought it was an interesting subject. Apologies if this thread already exists or if I've put it in the wrong forum.

 

[Gareth Barry Conlon]

These threads tend to get over run by people posting teams full of players we have little chance of signing, however, on the basis it is starting to firm up with Sane in and Stones then as the only possible addition I’ll have a go:

Hart
Zab - Ota – Denayer – Clichy
F’dinho – Yaya – Delph
Silva – Aguero – Nolito

I’ve gone with Delph as I suspect Pep likes to have a left footed player there and I would imagine Angelino has a chance of getting on from the bench. F’do or Yaya in the middle? Denayer or a new CB or a current midfielder such as F’dinho?

 

[domalino]

These threads tend to get over run by people posting teams full of players we have little chance of signing, however, on the basis it is starting to firm up with Sane in and Stones then as the only possible addition I’ll have a go:

Hart
Zab - Ota – Denayer – Clichy
F’dinho – Yaya – Delph
Silva – Aguero – Nolito

I’ve gone with Delph as I suspect Pep likes to have a left footed player there and I would imagine Angelino has a chance of getting on from the bench. F’do or Yaya in the middle? Denayer or a new CB or a current midfielder such as F’dinho?

There's no chance Pep will play Silva on the wing.

 

[Bellamy's Caddy]

I'm not sure on what stage some of the players are at in terms of fitness, or when a few are due back. But assuming nearly everyone is available and we do eventually sign Stones I would go for:

Hart

Sagna
Otamendi
Stones
Clichy

Fernandinho
Delph
Silva

Sane
Nolito
Aguero

In the past neutrals have looked at our squad and said how strong it is, however this year our strength in depth really is impressive. I'm sure some experienced players will move on closer to the start of the season, but even accounting for this I think we have a squad capable of challenging in several competitions.

 

[Gareth Barry Conlon]

There's no chance Pep will play Silva on the wing.

I kind of agree but at the same time he isn’t going to play Navas ahead of him. Silva will get in the starting 11 and have quite a free role as he normally does but Pep likes to have a shape and a plan for pressing the ball and that is where I see him fitting in i.e. somewhere in the front 3.

 

[Fazz28]

I kind of agree but at the same time he isn’t going to play Navas ahead of him. Silva will get in the starting 11 and have quite a free role as he normally does but Pep likes to have a shape and a plan for pressing the ball and that is where I see him fitting in i.e. somewhere in the front 3.

Pep will play Navas purely for his work rate and pressing, his ability may be questionable but his work rate is not. Silva will play as a midfield 3.

 

[Marvin]

----------------Hart
Zab--Denayer--Otamendi--Clichy
--Fernandinho--Silva--Delph
---Nolito---Aguero---Sterling

Going to have 5 players who you'd expect to start missing:

Gundogan, KDB, Sane, Kompany, Sagna

 

[franksinatra]

I think we will see Silva part of a midfield three in the future rather than as part of the front three. Also looking at our personnel I struggle to see us playing a 3 at the back. The signings and reported signings suggest 4-3-3 will be the default formation.

Is there any particular reason our players are so late coming back to training? I would be shocked if the likes of KDB will not be starting the opening match

 

[Armaan]

Would love to see...
Hart
Sagna
Stones
Otamendi
Clichy
Dinho
Kdb
Sane
Sterling
Nolito
Kun

Just go ultra attacking lol

 

[david whites spike]

I have a feeling due to players arriving back at different times,therefore having lack of fitness that pep could experiment with a back 3.
I don't think he fancies mangala nasri Kolarov or bony....and I think toure will see his contract out and be a bit part player this season.
I'm going for
Hart
Otamendi Denayer Clichy
Navas. Fernando fernandinho. Delph
Toure. Silva
Aguero
Plenty of time to bed sane stones kdb and nolito into that starting 11.
Can't find a spot for sterling.