If I see JWP or Stuart marking Haaland for a corner, next week, then I will switch to Rout. Simply have to put ABK on him, at set pieces, to match him for power, as much as anything else.
I think the only way to stop him is to start with Walcott, and in the 1st minute he runs up and punches him (not condoning violence, but needs must), hopefully knocking him out or at least concussion. Walcott will get a 10 game ban, we'll be down to 10, but Haaland will be off the pitch at least.
First Man City hat trick in 50 odd years, in a derby, followed a few minutes later by another. The odds on us keeping it to single figures will be interesting. And now Pep is resting the best players. Bastard.
So, our job is confirmed for next week; stop Haaland from scoring 4x home hat tricks in a row. Come on RH; there’s the challenge.
Can’t see us changing from the zone stuff we tend to do. Will be one of the smaller guys trying to block him off on the edge of the area then the bigger guys in the danger zones dealing with one zone each
That teaches me uncaptaining Haaland still have him but braced to fall down the table for my transgression. This weeks captain Toney managed a delightful 1 point against Bournemouth…
I captained him. Going to triple captain him against us next weekend. Will be amazed if he gets less than 4
I said yesterday that it would be somewhat fitting if Ralph finished with a 9-0. It is, after all, the scoreline which he is most associated with. Very difficult to see any other than a heavy City win. The temptation to triple captain Haaland is so very, very strong. Only thing which is making me think otherwise is the thought of what he might do in a double dgameweek.