Pace and movement up front to try and get a goal on the break, I'm assuming. I think that we might be looking to recreate the Dortmund tactics, but the lineup's surprised me.
Should be Llorente for 90 mins, with the remit not to run around too much in defence, and Moura/Son on the bench. In the MF beast + Wanyama we have to trust.
There's not a lot left. No Winks, Kane, Lamela, Dier, Aurier leaves us significantly outgunned. We need a Plan B on the bench.....Lucas?.....Dele?.....It's Llorente - let's hope it comes off.
I'm also a little surprised at the line up but perhaps in a way this is a bit of reverse psychology from Poch. What surprised everyone about City in the first leg was how cautious they were throughout, as if nervous to over stretch themselves. That plan backfired as lack of an away goal means that even at 2-0 up they face a very real danger of being knocked out. The greatest threat of the line up is that unlike playing a focal point like Kane or Llorente, it isn't at all clear which out of Lucas, Son or Alli is the greatest threat. Fluid movement and positional interchanging amongst those 3 will be key tonight as it will keep City guessing and somewhat unwilling commit too many men forward at once. Could prove a masterstroke but the whole thing depends on the front 4 clicking. I'm not sure if all 4 of them have been in the same starting line up together (in those positions) ever so it'll be interesting either way.
It looks like your best XI - apart from Moura for Kane. 4-2-3-1 is your best formation. Perhaps a little too attacking, but why ask the players to play differently when your best chance is to do what you do best? Poch recognises that it's unlikely you'll go through by drawing 0-0. Losing 2-3 is a more realistic option.
The only other option is bring on Sanchez to go three at the back...but who comes off for us to do that?
Surprised to see Fernandinho is only on the bench. Is he injured? That midfield battle just got tastier. Vic and Goat, over to you.
Settling for what could be a lpng night, with City winning it at the death, but I have plenty of beer in and as they say to Dare is to Dream C O Y S
Me too mate. It’s hard to enjoy games like this but I’m trying to have low expectations! I just hope we can hold out early doors and not let in a sloppy goal
