***city v west ham match thread***

[twosips]

If they bring Pozo on can we play him in a position he likes please? Off the striker, not up top.

[walmai]

TEAMS: #WHUFC Adrian, Reid, Cresswell, Kouyate, Downing, Noble (c), Jenkinson, Collins, Cole, Song, Valencia #MCIWHU #COYI

That is not a side that looks like 'Respect the point' would be easily drummed into.

The guess is a form of 4-3-3, with Valencia and Downing supporting Cole (on the counter).

I'm pleasantly surprised that Valencia is available, because he's returning from injury. Unlikely, therefore, to last the match.

I plan to watch with a medicinal Red Stripe, or two.

Hope you all enjoy it as much as me.

[Mase]

Nasri is gone in the summer 100%

[twosips]

Nasri is gone in the summer 100%

Yep. I've always thought it'd be him or Yaya, and not both seeing as Jovetic, Milner and Lampard most likely won't be round next year.

Factor in maybe Sagna, Kolarov or Dzeko leaving too I just can't see them realistically being able to replace them all and hence why I think one will stay. I think it'll be Yaya, but with (hopefully) a lesser role.

On another note - on current form how shit does that midfield three look. Slow, old and ponderous. Hurry up summer.

[blues2win]

I wonder whether Aguero will be a false number 9 so we flood the midfield. Please Hart can you not boot the ball high up the field. Absence of Nasri and Dzeko as starters is interesting. Will either or both stay next season?

[twosips]

I wonder if they'd let Dzeko go. I dunno, cos there was this huge fuss this year about not having four strikers and if we let Dzeko go, with Jovetic clearly going too then we are down to two. Can we really see the club getting two more in? I can't. Maybe they'll just sign one and hope that Iheanacho or Lopes can do jobs as 'attackers'?

Given that Silva did a great job as a false nine too then maybe they will just accept three. I would personally just go with three, but then again I'm not in charge thankfully.

[Im_Spartacus]

I wonder if they'd let Dzeko go. I dunno, cos there was this huge fuss this year about not having four strikers and if we let Dzeko go, with Jovetic clearly going too then we are down to two. Can we really see the club getting two more in? I can't. Maybe they'll just sign one and hope that Iheanacho or Lopes can do jobs as 'attackers'?

Given that Silva did a great job as a false nine too then maybe they will just accept three. I would personally just go with three, but then again I'm not in charge thankfully.

Seeing as Bony has developed Aguero's 'madeofglass syndrome' I think we would have to keep Dzeko on the basis that he's likely to be the only senior striker not on the treatment table for half the season. Although I've advocated Silva playing as a deep lying striker which balances the midfield a bit, I wouldn't like to have an extended period with him on his own.

[everyonehatesus]

feeling all yaya toure about the rest of the season
i.e. i can't be fucking bothered

+1 woke up tons on, if it gets done, might bother. Just on another note, rag shirts are coming out like the flowers. Disgusting.

Well if that's the case it can only be because we have turned into their fertiliser that's behind the growth in the last 2 months.

[South Stand Balti]

Bit surprised Fern 1 is not starting. Been the best of the bunch for me in last couple of games

[blues2win]

Pellegrini talking as if Yaya will be playing off Aguero.

[blues2win]

Yaya looking really intense and focused in the tunnel. Maybe making him captain will get something out of him. 3-0. Yaya to score. Watch Valencia's pace out wide.

[iwasthere2012]

Come on City.

[Im_Spartacus]

Fantastic pass from demi there, maybe later in the game Silva would have done better

[ayrshireblue]

If Aguero could only lift his head and play someone else in sometimes.

[gmercer1]

Zabba's back!

[iwasthere2012]

Zabba has started well.

[Moonchesteri]

Good to see Silva having a go. Went wide, so what.

COME ON CITY!!

[Im_Spartacus]

Been a bright start so far, West Ham really don't look interested.

It's interesting to see how the midfield are operating, so far I've seen Lampard, Yaya and Silva deep in our own half then all bombing forward when we are in possession. It will be interesting to see how the other part of that dynamic works as the game wears on. If West Ham choose to make a game of it, they could have an opportunity there if we don't bother tracking back.

Navas has pleasingly got to the byline a couple of times for cut backs, that could be productive for us today if he keeps it up

[nottsblue]

The boys look well up for this. Very pleasing start

[Cocacolajojo1]

Agüero injured again?