Match Day Thread Manchester City vs Southampton Saturday 28.11.15 ko 3pm

The Referee Roger East...FFS!
The worst premier referee so anything is possible with this muppet
I would play Mane as our centre forward to replace Pelle and bring in JWP out on the right to replace Mane. Control of the midfield against City is vital. Added to that, deadfall delivery by JWP means we stand a chance of scoring from corners and free kicks when the big lads get in the box

 

No thanks, we'd be far too open. We still have to come up against Toure, Silva, Sterling, De Bruyne and Aguero.

 

Not sure we would, it would still be a 4-5-1 (or 4-4-1-1) when we haven't got the ball. We played with two up top in a couple of big away games last year and done well so don't see why it couldn't work again.

 

We're unbeaten away from home. If it ain't broke don't fix it.

 

Fair enough comment, if Long doesn't play then it has to be JWP on the right rather than Juanmi. Clasie & Vic in middle, rest of the team picks itself doesn't it?

EDIT: I actually don't believe in the 'aint broke don't fix it' analogy - that's exactly when teams start to work you out because you become predictable. I wouldn't be suprised to see Ron go with something different. After all last season I don't remember many on here/in the media thinking Ron was gonna start with a diamond at OT.

 

With Pelle up front...

 

In my opinion yes.

 

Stek

Soares Yoshida VVD Fonte Bertrand

JWP Wanyama Clasie

Davis Mane

Pack the midfield, have Soares and Bertrand run their arses off, put balls into the channels for Mane to chase.

 

By the time this game kicks off, I'll be in sunny Malaga.

 

You've never mentioned her before, Tom.

Vin

 

I was there only 3 weeks and our hottest day was 27c.....enjoy Tom.

 

Oh such a dated expression. Play the team that's right for the day.

It's a different course so we may want a different horse.

 

I would play a 4-1-4-1 when we have the ball, which can quickly change to 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 when we don't.

Stekelenburg
Cédric, Fonte, Van Dijk, Bertrand
Wanyama
JWP, Davis, Clasie, Tadic
Mané

Not having a target means the front five can be a lot more flexible about their positions, but the important thing is to protect the flanks. Tadic will have to do his fair share of tracking back, but the combinations on both wings have worked well in the past, both attacking and defending. Long to come on if we need to change up, Romeu if we have a lead to protect.

 

Anyone know if Kompany is fit to play? Their defence is so much weaker without him.

 

Nope.

 

Saints can beat anyone on their day and with Man City weakened by a few injuries it was never more true this weekend. Even without Pelle we are a serious threat all over the pitch. That said, if you offered me a draw now I'd probably take it.

Good luck to the travelling fans. Have a great day out. The pre game entertainment around the stadium is first class but the atmosphere is lacking inside so if you are in fine voice this could easily become a bit of a 'home' game against the fickle Citeh fans.

 

A draw would be a great result and I reckon we'll get one.

 

Sterling's miss from last night

 

We need to play Targett instead of Bertrand. I'm sure it won't cause any debate on here

 

2pm start