Cup Final Thursday Training

[Douglas Higginbottom]

Very cold today where I stood shaded from the sun and in a wind tunnel but all's well as I watched another good session.Almost too many to count taking part today with just Nastasic.Jovetic and Wright going in after the MP briefing.Tony Book taking a walk around the field and Kidd wandering over to shake his hand.Yaya and Nasri sharing a laugh at the start and the squad in great spirits.Included again today were the same younger ones as yesterday.

Keep ball circles starting things off and lots of fun when one of the coaches joining in was repeatedly nutmegged.I am sure he will get plenty of reminders of that.After that as they were getting ready for a game Javi smashed a shot over the bar and into the trees and Zaba shouted to me that's a present from Javi.MP set them all up for 2 separate games of attack v defence.I was at the end where Kun and Silva were attacking so probably got the best of it.Vinnie trying to stop Kun scoring was fun too.

Some goals inevitably and the first would do me fine at Wembley.Kun has sat back as Navas drove down the right and pulled it back to him on the D.His deflected shot gave the keeper no chance.The next came from a great surge from deep by Javi and perfect inside pass/cross.Aguero looking very good but will he start on Sunday? I didn't see much of the other end but Yaya was bossing it.

Then into a game which was 1 touch to start with,moving to 2 and then all in.MP based in the middle and refereeing it all.The defences were pretty well on top all the time.One piece of defending by Lescott was extra special showing great awareness and clever feet that maybe he isn't associated with.Micah also looking good and one typical block was superb.The young lad I couldn't name yesterday was showing up well again.Very lively with a very good left foot but somehow the deadlock couldn't be broken and MP decided it was golden goal time.It never arrived.Joe probably needed a rest for his vocal chords as he really shout long and loud throughout everything but he will have been happy with his efforts and a clean sheet as would Costel.

They all sat down for some warm down stretches as I left to warm up.All looking good for Sunday.

[mr_nool]

Cheers Doug! Kun on Wembley seems a real possibility!
I probably wouldn't start him, though, if I were calling the shots.

[john@staustell]

Francisco Javier Garcia Fernandez seems a nailed on starter :-)

[Wonderwall]

Thats all well and good Doug but you left out the main part!!!

did you get the ball to take home? :-)

[Douglas Higginbottom]

Thats all well and good Doug but you left out the main part!!!

did you get the ball to take home? :-)

nah, threw it back as always.

[phips]

Francisco Javier Garcia Fernandez seems a nailed on starter :-)

it sounds like he's doing well, but then what about Yaya and Fern?

[Peter Doherty (AGAIG)]

Francisco Javier Garcia Fernandez seems a nailed on starter :-)

it sounds like he's doing well, but then what about Yaya and Fern?

They've had their chances, time to move on!

[Douglas Higginbottom]

Francisco Javier Garcia Fernandez seems a nailed on starter :-)

it sounds like he's doing well, but then what about Yaya and Fern?

They've had their chances, time to move on!

Totally agree.Likely team for Sunday:

Pants
Richards.Demic,Boyata,Clichy
Milner,Garcia,Navas,Lopes
Dzeko,Negredo

[littlebig]

Cheers Doug! Kun on Wembley seems a real possibility!
I probably wouldn't start him, though, if I were calling the shots.

Kun to definitely start for me, we need to go all out for this final, it could make or break our season in terms of massive confidence boost and a good platform to kick on for the rest of the season

[Beefymcfc]

Sergio eh. That brought a smile to my face ;-)

[Saul Goodman]

Totally agree.Likely team for Sunday:

Pants
Richards.Demic,Boyata,Clichy
Milner,Garcia,Navas,Lopes
Dzeko,Negredo

I'm hoping for that

[Beefymcfc]

Totally agree.Likely team for Sunday:

Pants
Richards.Demic,Boyata,Clichy
Milner,Garcia,Navas,Lopes
Dzeko,Negredo

I'm hoping for that

Throw in Dickie Wright and Kolarov and I think we're there.

[South Stand Balti]

Great report. Thanks Doug. I would start Sergio and give him an hour if he feels ready for it.

[Beefymcfc]

How good is it that BK has the grace to welcome TB in the manner that he does.

Tony Book, real Legend. Kiddo, Legend before our eyes.

[Nige]

Doug, any penalty practice? I'd hate to lose that way.

[Douglas Higginbottom]

Doug, any penalty practice? I'd hate to lose that way.

Actually no but I was going to mention that I haven't seen them practice corners/free kicks for a couple of session when probably on the majority of days that's been part of the session. ( as has free kicks on the edge of the box and penalties)

It won't go to penalties.

[Ted Hughes]

Doug, do you still not know who the young player is or are you now just keeping quiet about it ?

[dazby]

Hello Mr Higgi. I have 2 questions for you. Do the players wear shin guards during training and what role do you think Kiddo plays in the current set up? Has Kiddo's role changed from the Mancini days?

[Douglas Higginbottom]

Doug, do you still not know who the young player is or are you now just keeping quiet about it ?

I really don't know who he is.I see plenty of the younger lads play in under 21's down to 18 and even 16's but I don't think I have ever seen him before this week.Quite a talented lad.

[Douglas Higginbottom]

Hello Mr Higgi. I have 2 questions for you. Do the players wear shin guards during training and what role do you think Kiddo plays in the current set up? Has Kiddo's role changed from the Mancini days?

They don't wear shin pads and I don't think ever have in training. As far as Kidd goes I would guess his role hasn't changed but please don't ask me exactly what it is as I have no idea.Certainly on the training pitch when I see him he assists with all sorts but rarely leads in anything.