***Champs v Rags Pre Match Thread***

[Original Dub]

Michael Oliver confirmed as ref.

He was the man in the middle for the old Trafford massacre.

[john68]

The rags have playerswho could hurt City in this game.
It seems the problem the rag players have had in more recent time is not one of the quality of their players but more of those players mental approach to games.
Whether it's the arrogance of them playing for the rags and expecting to win by divine right, or whether it's a rebellious mindeset that has not allowed them to accept the tactics or strategies of their coaches, I don't know.

But this season they seem to have brought all that shit, like jigsaw pieces into one horrendous picture for them.
They are desperate to make that top 4, they have to qualify for the CL, their club's sponsorship deals depend on it.
THIS IS THEIR CUP FINAL.
To beat City would only be 3pts in the league but it would be a huge psychological boost.
They will want to win this and I think they'll be coming out fighting. I'm not sure they could stand the humiliation of a heavy derby defeat to City.

With a full squad to choose from, a big City win would do the rags massive harm. It would dent their chances of a top 4 and cost them financially. It would be a humiliation and be proof to their global sheep following worldwide that they are inferior.
We need a huge win this weekend.

[PeterParker]

Michael Oliver confirmed as ref.

He was the man in the middle for the old Trafford massacre.

Not gutted.
I am fine with anyone except Anty. Had him in too many derbies when he decided the final result.

[sheblue]

Michael Oliver confirmed as ref.

He was the man in the middle for the old Trafford massacre.

Not gutted.
I am fine with anyone except Anty. Had him in too many derbies when he decided the final result.

Oliver is error prone, no telling what he will do.

[City64]

Most difficult game of the season so far . Rags are utter shit but we have been awful lately . Need to step up .

[salford city]

Fuck off you red cunts

[PeterParker]

Michael Oliver confirmed as ref.

He was the man in the middle for the old Trafford massacre.

Not gutted.
I am fine with anyone except Anty. Had him in too many derbies when he decided the final result.

Oliver is error prone, no telling what he will do.

He is, but there is no better option at the moment if you ask me.
Anty was in our last two games at home with them, gave them three penalties and refused us a few.

I secretly hope we've put some pressure to avoid getting him.

I think it all comes down to our tactics and lineup this time.
Walker on the right, Stones and Ruben, Cancelo and Foden on the left and Mahrez on the right and we are going to be fine.

[Mase]

Fuck off you red cunts

All that needs to be said really.

[Harry Dowd scored]

Strange one this, we seem to be able to win at the swamp, but not at our place, don't know whether it's team selection/tactics or players just not performing, whichever is the case our superiority is not reflected in these games.
With the bus driver, their tactics were simple, play deep and play ball into channels for their players with pace to run onto, with Ralf i am not so sure this will be the plan. He may want to press and go for it early doors, well we will see, but tough game for sure.

[john@staustell]

Not rocket science to know what the plan is - defend deep then break like hell. they know it, we know it, will we let it happen!!!???? (Again)

[Tokyo Blue]

Fuck off you red cunts

A pint for this gentleman, please, landlord.

[Outcast]

Just make sure Mase starts the match thread

[Beefymcfc]

Scum!

[CTID Hants]

Just make sure Mase starts the match thread

Don't worry I know the score

[Dimples]

Money talks and BS walks.
Media bigging up the Rags and Dippers but the wankfest is not reflected when the money is on the table.
City will not have a massive global fan base distorting the real odds, the opposite actually and still we are massive favorites. Just reflects the amount of shite written about the Rags and Dippers.

We are big favs for this game: City 2/5 and Rags 8/1 but I am still worried!

For the record:
PL: City 1/3 and Dippers 3/1
CL: City 5/2 and Dippers 4/1

[Harry Dowd scored]

After last night, I still see us vulnerable to the long lofted ball for the runners, I suppose if you play a high line you are asking for that. Its imperative we are clinical when we get the chanced

[PeterParker]

I am not confident at all, and the rags are shit, really shit, the worst I've seen them in the past decade.

We seem to be out of steam, even if we won the last two games without conceding.
I think it all comes down on selecting the best lineup available and players playing on their usual positions.

I would go with:

Eddie, Walker, Stones, Ruben, Cancelo, Rodri, Gundo, Bernie, Mahrez, Foden and the Ginger Socrates as a false nine.
Imho, this is our best eleven at the moment.

[Dimples]

I am not confident at all, and the rags are shit, really shit, the worst I've seen them in the past decade.

We seem to be out of steam, even if we won the last two games without conceding.
I think it all comes down on selecting the best lineup available and players playing on their usual positions.

I would go with:

Eddie, Walker, Stones, Ruben, Cancelo, Rodri, Gundo, Bernie, Mahrez, Foden and the Ginger Socrates as a false nine.
Imho, this is our best eleven at the moment.

I agree re team selection.
But 100% Sterling will play. Who makes way is anyone's guess. He could also start Grealish who would cause that Rag defense all kinds of problems.

[sheblue]

Money talks and BS walks.
Media bigging up the Rags and Dippers but the wankfest is not reflected when the money is on the table.
City will not have a massive global fan base distorting the real odds, the opposite actually and still we are massive favorites. Just reflects the amount of shite written about the Rags and Dippers.

We are big favs for this game: City 2/5 and Rags 8/1 but I am still worried!

For the record:
PL: City 1/3 and Dippers 3/1
CL: City 5/2 and Dippers 4/1

I wouldn't agree with those CL odds. Personally I would have them slightly more favorites than us for the CL.

[sheblue]

I am not confident at all, and the rags are shit, really shit, the worst I've seen them in the past decade.

We seem to be out of steam, even if we won the last two games without conceding.
I think it all comes down on selecting the best lineup available and players playing on their usual positions.

I would go with:

Eddie, Walker, Stones, Ruben, Cancelo, Rodri, Gundo, Bernie, Mahrez, Foden and the Ginger Socrates as a false nine.
Imho, this is our best eleven at the moment.

Ruben might be a doubt, wasn't he taken off for 'medical reasons' last night.
Cant see Gundog playing, he will be sacrificed for Sterling.