Man C115y vs Aston Villa pre-match thread

[brontebilly]

Here's the team that started against City in December.

           Martinez
Ezri  Diego Torres  Digne
Bailey Kamara Doug  SJM
               Tielemans
                  Ollie

Wonder how Unai will replace Bouba, SJM and Ollie?

Tielemans pushed back into Kamara's spot with Diaby in, Zaniolo for SJM and Duran for Watkins. That's basically one midfielder who can run and tackle!

Think we could get battered tonight maybe 5-2.

[usav]

We can also probably thank Roy Keane for Haaland scoring 12 goals tonight.

[eamonn]

Is Luiz walking a tightrope with regards to number of yellow cards/possible suspension?

[Footy-Vill]

Is Luiz walking a tightrope with regards to number of yellow cards/possible suspension?

Yes I'm just about to raise this in the appropriate thread regarding discipline

I think he will score a penalty today as the ref Darren England has a high ratio history of awarding pens to Villa (also man city)

[Footy-Vill]

Regards the match I think a 1-1 draw. A penalty each.
Luiz to score his
Haaland to be saved.

Rodri to score late equaliser.

[WarszaVillan]

I would consider giving Tim a game, we need some numbers and strength in the middle of the park. I think they'll overrun us if we start the same team as against Wolves.

[Monty]

I would consider giving Tim a game, we need some numbers and strength in the middle of the park. I think they'll overrun us if we start the same team as against Wolves.

Yeah bringing him in for Rogers, going for numbers in the middle, I've been wondering this too.

I just feel that Unai will do something really weird and surprising though. Lenglet in midfield or something. Let's see.

[Lastfootstamper]

If our midfield is fudged together in the hope it'll stop theirs, I think it'll fail and we'll be in for a very rude awakening. We need to get the first punch in.

[Monty]

If our midfield is fudged together in the hope it'll stop theirs, I think it'll fail and we'll be in for a very rude awakening. We need to get the first punch in.

Counterpoint: Youri Tielemans No. 6 is evidence of an already fudged-together midfield!

[Lastfootstamper]

I agree, Monty. If Emery wants to play two sixes, play Iroegbunam. Otherwise, shape the team differently. I thought Tielemans was anonymous for a large part of the first half on Saturday. His best work is done going forward.

[Mister E]

Duran isn't ready for games like this , lacks maturity , lacks an overall game. Whacking shots against crossbars is exciting but you can watch that in any league .

Duran has to be ready, 'cos I suspect he'll be starting!

[Footy-Vill]

Here's the team that started against City in December.

           Martinez
Ezri  Diego Torres  Digne
Bailey Kamara Doug  SJM
               Tielemans
                  Ollie

Wonder how Unai will replace Bouba, SJM and Ollie?

That's a great point regards set up and who will replace the three who were available in the glorious win.

Lenglet and or Digne I can see coming in.
And perhaps Zaniolo.
So it would be set up outfield

Ezri  Diego Torres  Lenglet Digne/Moreno
        Bailey Luiz Tielemans
               Diaby Zaniolo

[SaddVillan]

Is Luiz walking a tightrope with regards to number of yellow cards/possible suspension?

The cut off for suspensions with 10 yellows is the Brentford match.

10 yellows up to and including the Brentford match would result in a 2 game suspension.
Dougie's on 8 at the moment.

Providing he avoids getting booked in both games, then the "clock's" reset to 15 bookings.

[Footy-Vill]

There's a high chance that at least one of Grealish and Doku will come in for this, so a solid number in back line as have to have good understanding if a back 5 and enough protection on both sides of pitch. Man City's weakness is their defence, as it's far from first choice and we can also score a goal from open play as wel as penalty threat. 
Their goalkeeper is not first he's the reserve as Ederson is injured, and starting is Ortega if he gets injured or sent off then ex-villa keeper Scott Carson, 38, would have to come on and I would really fancy chance against him.

Plenty of positives for this game.

[edgysatsuma89]

I think we can take something from this game as I think they're vulnerable defensively, I just think we'll need 3 goals to do it. Take your chances big Jhon.