Team vs Citeh
- Thread starter Sweatybum
- Start date
mpickard2087
Patient Zero
- Jun 13, 2008
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I wouldnt start with Sandro, too important a game to have someone rusty coming back from injury, I hope Parker is up to speed this week.
sloth
Well-Known Member
- Mar 7, 2005
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The alternative for me would be to play either Bale or VdV in the centre, and if it were me I'd go for Bale in those circumstances.
The issue is that without Adebayor we have no presence up front - hence my suggestion in another thread (which got laughed out of town), that we consider playing Kaboul up there - and as a result I think City are going to play with a very high line and really try to press us.
I think that they'll get a lot of joy from that strategy too, and it's one of the reasons why I think they'll win.
For me then this is going to be a game played mainly in the middle and our defensive third of the pitch with City having the lions-share of possession.
I think we need to sit back, look to absorb the pressure and have Sandro (or Livermore if Sandro doesn't make it) patrolling the space in front of our back four.
Because we won't have much ball or territory our goal will be to nick one on the break, and if we can get our noses in front, then we'll have increased chance of nicking another.
If we don't start with Defoe then we'll only really have VdV and Bale who are adept at scoring. VdV's slow and much more likely to be threading the through-ball then running onto it, which puts all the strain on Bale.
Defoe on the other hand can play off the last man in those kinds of situations, run free of them and will shoot if he gets a glimpse of goal.
This season he's been fantastic at converting half-chances into goals.
What we lose is Lennon, but I'm gambling on Walker to take up some of that slack.
ajspurs
Well-Known Member
- Jul 7, 2007
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Interesting points. One thing I will say though is that we're not certain to be playing on the counter, I don't think we will actually.
In the last two games there, the first we won and the second we lost but if memory serves me right we pretty much dominated, we just couldn't create good enough chances. This is where playing Defoe may be considrered as a bad choice as if the same happens, despite us having good possession it would be far from a surprise if he was still pretty invisible.
Mr Pink
SC Supporter
- Aug 25, 2010
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I would play VDV centrally in a front 3 with Lennon and Bale as inverted wingers breaking ahead of him, and switching frequently. VDV is more tenacious than Defoe and will be able to retain possession much better in their final third...that's a much better outlet as far I'm concerned as opposed to Defoe playing on the shoulder.
I know VDV comes deep but in this instance if he could stay slightly higher up and get support from Modric etc with the ball being kept on the deck, I think we could get joy with Bale and Lennon looking to get in behind...keeping it as fluid as possible and using the pace and power of these two.
For me good ball retention is critical in a game like this, and I think a set up like this could just see us gain an advantage in terms of control.
Good be totally wrong of course, and it won't happen, but that's the way I would go.
Friedel
Walker
Kaboul
King
Ekotto
Parker
Sandro
Modric
Bale
VDV
Lennnon
To me that side offers real solidity and passing ability, with the threat of real pace and power on the break. But I could see us controlling a lot of the game with that line up and the three up top would have to offer plenty of movement.
I'mNotReallyHere
Member
- May 4, 2010
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- 0
The thing about NDJ is, as I say, his style doesn't lend himself to the way we've played this season. While Barry, Milner and Yaya are looking to link up with Silva/Nasri, De Jong only really plays it sideways and backwards. He's a great ball-winning midfielder but he can't really do much with it once he has it. That's why we're going to miss Yaya so much, as well as for his bombing forward. Milner's been great for us this season, and that's why I think he's going to start. I could be wrong, it wouldn't surprise me per se if NDJ did start to try and counter the threats from your midfield.
Yeah, that's what I was getting at in regards the fluidity. I'd expect Aguero to drop back into midfield when we don't have the ball making it a 4-2-3-1 with Dzeko or Balotelli staying up, but when on the attack it'll be the 4 attackers in Silva, Nasri, Aguero and Dzeko/Balo. It's hard to pinpoint a set formation in general because strictly speaking there isn't one.
It'll be a really intriguing game for sure, because I certainly can't see you coming here, looking for an early goal and shutting up shop for 80 mins as Liverpool did in the cup. The one worry I've got about our attacking at the moment is how many chances we're wasting, either by trying to do an Arsenal and walk the ball in or through poor finishing. Having said that Dzeko looked much better against Wigan, apart from him taking the ball off Aguero's toe when he was about to pull the trigger!
nightgoat
Well-Known Member
- Sep 12, 2005
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That's pretty much what we've been doing recently.
mpickard2087
Patient Zero
- Jun 13, 2008
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Yep we know that feeling as well :lol: Would be nice sometimes if some of the players out there just leathered the ball at goal once in a while rather than trying to place it in the net or going for one final pass!
I'mNotReallyHere
Member
- May 4, 2010
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- 0
Yep, love watching us play the passing game but we always seem to piss around with it on the edge of the area, play a poor final ball and end up losing it. When Aguero just smashed it against Liverpool in the league, we scored. We do seem to have lost that cutting edge a bit in the last month and a half or so.
keepthefaith
Member
- Dec 6, 2006
- 246
- 11
I was comparing the two teams last night and wondered what people thought:
Friedal Vs Hart: Friedal has proven to be a solid keeper but I think Hart is a special GK
probably best in the PL. Hart get this.
Walker Vs Richards: Both have speed, Richards has more power and Aeriel ability
Walker probaly more composed in possession and on a run with a
better shot. At best this is draw.
Kaboul Vs Savic: Kaboul has grown into a top player IMO, strong, fast and better
composed then previous seasons but still has the odd bad game
(last game vs Wolves) Savic is still raw, could become a good
player, I dont know, but Kaboul for me.
King Vs Lescott: Not much to say here. Rolls Royce Vs Skoda. Ledley all day (if he
stays on the pitch!).
Benny Vs Clichy: Clichy has the speed but not much else. I think Benny is extremely
underrated. Composed, finds good passes others dont see and his
positioning is very good. Benny for me.
So in the defense City only have the GK position and Friedal isnt particularly bad.
Parker Vs Barry: Barry is a reliable tidy player with a good left foot and he wont let
anybody down but Parker is a leader, a motivator, a talker, drives
the team forward. Parker wins for me (probably because of Character rather than ability).
Sandro Vs Milner: Personally dont think Sandro will play (injured) but when he does
he is a beast, runs all day, hunts down opponents and brilliant in
the tackle. Milner is a vastly improved player this season have no
doubt, his link up with the attackers has improved no end and he
has a good cross and shot. IMO Sandro will be the better player
but Milner's experience over Sandro makes it a draw.
So we edge out the Engine room in Midfield.
Bale Vs Nasri: Nasri is a technically gifted player and a good finisher, clever player
but Bale's pace and directness is unbeatable. Ask any defender who
they fear more and its alwyas going to be Bale. Bale wins.
Silva Vs Modric: Wow, what a duel! quality in abundance on both sides and the
winner here could decide the game. Both amazing technically, very
intellegent, can carry the ball and great eye for a pass. Im gonna
upset a few on here and just give this to Silva for his greater goal
threat but really not by much.
VDV Vs Aguero: Again such a close call. Aguero probably the bigger goal threat and
fitter player but VDV can control a game, keep possession and make
the whole team click. Draw for me (different players really).
So in the attacking Midfield area we are very even, any of the three attacking players on either side can change a game, could just be down to who is in the mood. Worth noting that I think only City can match us in this area in the whole league.
Finally in attack:
Defoe Vs Dzeko: We slag off Defoe a lot on this site but he has never really stopped
scoring throughout, his ability to get a goal at any time is very
valuable and probaly down to his single mindedness infront of goal.
Dzeko is just as good a finisher but with better hold up play and
movement, Defoe is faster on the ground but Dzeko is better in the
air and a very smart at positioning in the box. Dzeko wins quite
easily.
So there you have it, they have the better Keeper but we are very slightly better in defense and the Middle of the park, the problem for us is that when two teams are so close in terms of ability across the team it is often the player who can take their chances better at the top that counts and Dzeko is the real advantage they have over us. Maybe worth noting that City will probably have the better bench with Balotelli,Johnson, De Jong on their bench vs Lennon, Pav and Piennar on ours.
Think this will be a great game between to very close teams, cant wait.
Friedal Vs Hart: Friedal has proven to be a solid keeper but I think Hart is a special GK
probably best in the PL. Hart get this.
Walker Vs Richards: Both have speed, Richards has more power and Aeriel ability
Walker probaly more composed in possession and on a run with a
better shot. At best this is draw.
Kaboul Vs Savic: Kaboul has grown into a top player IMO, strong, fast and better
composed then previous seasons but still has the odd bad game
(last game vs Wolves) Savic is still raw, could become a good
player, I dont know, but Kaboul for me.
King Vs Lescott: Not much to say here. Rolls Royce Vs Skoda. Ledley all day (if he
stays on the pitch!).
Benny Vs Clichy: Clichy has the speed but not much else. I think Benny is extremely
underrated. Composed, finds good passes others dont see and his
positioning is very good. Benny for me.
So in the defense City only have the GK position and Friedal isnt particularly bad.
Parker Vs Barry: Barry is a reliable tidy player with a good left foot and he wont let
anybody down but Parker is a leader, a motivator, a talker, drives
the team forward. Parker wins for me (probably because of Character rather than ability).
Sandro Vs Milner: Personally dont think Sandro will play (injured) but when he does
he is a beast, runs all day, hunts down opponents and brilliant in
the tackle. Milner is a vastly improved player this season have no
doubt, his link up with the attackers has improved no end and he
has a good cross and shot. IMO Sandro will be the better player
but Milner's experience over Sandro makes it a draw.
So we edge out the Engine room in Midfield.
Bale Vs Nasri: Nasri is a technically gifted player and a good finisher, clever player
but Bale's pace and directness is unbeatable. Ask any defender who
they fear more and its alwyas going to be Bale. Bale wins.
Silva Vs Modric: Wow, what a duel! quality in abundance on both sides and the
winner here could decide the game. Both amazing technically, very
intellegent, can carry the ball and great eye for a pass. Im gonna
upset a few on here and just give this to Silva for his greater goal
threat but really not by much.
VDV Vs Aguero: Again such a close call. Aguero probably the bigger goal threat and
fitter player but VDV can control a game, keep possession and make
the whole team click. Draw for me (different players really).
So in the attacking Midfield area we are very even, any of the three attacking players on either side can change a game, could just be down to who is in the mood. Worth noting that I think only City can match us in this area in the whole league.
Finally in attack:
Defoe Vs Dzeko: We slag off Defoe a lot on this site but he has never really stopped
scoring throughout, his ability to get a goal at any time is very
valuable and probaly down to his single mindedness infront of goal.
Dzeko is just as good a finisher but with better hold up play and
movement, Defoe is faster on the ground but Dzeko is better in the
air and a very smart at positioning in the box. Dzeko wins quite
easily.
So there you have it, they have the better Keeper but we are very slightly better in defense and the Middle of the park, the problem for us is that when two teams are so close in terms of ability across the team it is often the player who can take their chances better at the top that counts and Dzeko is the real advantage they have over us. Maybe worth noting that City will probably have the better bench with Balotelli,Johnson, De Jong on their bench vs Lennon, Pav and Piennar on ours.
Think this will be a great game between to very close teams, cant wait.
Boots22
Well-Known Member
- Jul 29, 2008
- 1,131
- 1,194
Hope we go back to 4-3-3 for this one, not sure I want to see Luka in a midfield 2 away vs City
Friedel
Walker Kaboul King Benny
Sandro
Modric Parker
Sandro
Modric Parker
VDV Defoe Bale
If Sandro doesn't make it, which I don't think he will, then chuck Livermore in there in his place.
chrissivad
Staff
- May 20, 2005
- 51,646
- 58,072
- Staff
- #112
from POTL on COYS
steve
Well-Known Member
- Oct 21, 2003
- 3,503
- 1,767
Chris ask him about Long and Fletcher please so we can get back to talking different bollocks on here
GoldstarYid
Active Member
- Jan 23, 2011
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POTL speaks when he wants. He answers to no one, ever. He is the great one. He even gets a full police escort in and out of the building from the COYS Police, i mean mods.
It's all very delicate.
Also, King, yay.
Blake Griffin
Well-Known Member
- Oct 3, 2011
- 14,168
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great news. no mention of sandro though so i guess he hasn't made it 
bigpalacios
Well-Known Member
- Jun 7, 2009
- 2,769
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yyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
Very confident now
Very confident now
mpickard2087
Patient Zero
- Jun 13, 2008
- 21,900
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Great news about King :bow: I feel more confident already.
GoldstarYid
Active Member
- Jan 23, 2011
- 866
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Think it's more just that King is that good.
