****City v Burnley Official Match Thread****

[PrezIke]

What the fuck is stones back on bench for and Kolarov at centre half. Sterling on the left is a waste when he gets past full back he has to check back to his right and usually ends up having to beat the man again. What has Nolito done wrong to be out of squad at Anfield and on bench today for Navas to start. Very strange selection

I think Stones has not done so well on the left side.

Also, I hate to say this, but without Zaba, Kolarov is probably the only player resembling a older respected leader we have in defence. Stones may one day become that, but that's how it is.

Play him On right, Otamendi has hardly been a stand out performer to have stones the automatic choice for dropping

I posted that very suggestion when I saw Stones on the bench, actually.

[Saul Goodman]

Surprised to see Yaya start. Hes one i wouldve expected to be rotated due to his age and typical lethargic nature, especially when Pep keeps talking up Garcia

[nottsblue]

In the last 28 home games v promoted sides in the PL, since losing to Reading in 2007, we have won 25 and drawn three. Two of those draws have been against Burnley, a 3-3 and 2-2.
#alittleconcerned

[Hutch's Shoulder]

On the plus side, the bench looks tasty today.

[FA cup winners 2006]

Happy with the attack. Lots of direct running from deep. Thought KDB, Nacho and Sterling linked up well earlier in the season (WHU and Bournemouth i think)

The defence is what it is. Nothing that really inspires much confidence. How they set up will be key, expect lots of balls over the top so they may have to sit deeper than usual. Burnleys tactic will surely be to try and bully our cb's.

[iwasthere2012]

Big game for Iheanacho today. Shame he has Sterling on the left and Navas on the right to supply him.

Agree.
I don't think the chances he gets to start are with the correct personnel and formations to thrive, but let's wait and see.

Very hard to tell how we'll play from one game to the next.

Hope I am wrong but I can see a very trying afternoon for the lad. He will get kicked to fuck by their centre halves and have very little to work with. He will be the first sub after about an hour and Aguero will come, KDB will start to play and Iheanacho will look like he's wasted another chance when it's not on a level playing field.

Why doesn't he give him a run WITH Aguero, especially at home v the side with the worst away record in the division?

Agree again NB.
I actually don't think Nacho's touch and football speed of thought is up to what Pep is trying to use him for, but I firmly believe that in most other teams he would already be seen as the top striking prospect in the league.
He has an instinct to arrive in the six yard area at the right time in front of his marker.

Play to his strengths and he'll score shitloads in any team.
I don't think Sterling on the left works. I'm probably one of the few left however that thinks Navas on the right is not nearly as bad an option as it's made out to be.

Don't know how this one will play out, but kind of agree it could be another tough afternoon for Nacho. Let's hope he gets an early goal.

[john@staustell]

Surprised to see Yaya start. Hes one i wouldve expected to be rotated due to his age and typical lethargic nature, especially when Pep keeps talking up Garcia

He sees Yaya as a sort of bonus and will use him to rest others, not one to be rested until dropped

[iwasthere2012]

.

[nottsblue]

Anyone know if bein sports are showing the game and if so what channel?

[Mase]

Anyone know if bein sports are showing the game and if so what channel?

I'd like to know this as well. And if not Bein any other channel (Fox, Eir, etc)

[stevefromdonny]

COME ON CITY

[PeterParker]

We are not going to win this.

We are attacking in the wrong way in the first half.

[gmercer1]

Is Sterling starting left? If so may as well play 10 men and save his legs

[Saul Goodman]

Can we sign Tom Heaton?

[PeterParker]

fuck offfff

[gmercer1]

fuck offfff

What's happened?

[stevefromdonny]

Watching ssn and they just said we are trying to walk it in, 3 players should of shot but decided to try to pass FFS JUST FUCKING HAVE A SHOT

[PeterParker]

fuck offfff

What's happened?

Sterling and Ian missed a hell of a chance.

[gmercer1]

fuck offfff

What's happened?

Sterling and Ian missed a hell of a chance.

Story of our season....when we do actually create chances we fail to take them.

[Slim]

fuck offfff

What's happened?

Sterling and Ian missed a hell of a chance.

Story of our season....when we do actually create chances we fail to take them.

Both of them tried to be too clever.