*** Official Manchester City vs F.C Basel Match Thread***

[CTID Hants]

No mention of tomorrow's game on here yet?

Hopefully we've not become too arrogant to assume it's a done deal, fairly sure Pep is treating it with the respect it deserves as he and Ilkay eluded to in today's presser.

I demand assurance from '64 that'll he'll be on it no later than16:00 in the city centre!

Team wise, I think we will see summat like this tomorrow....


Ederson

Walker, Vinny, Stones, Zinchenko

Delph

Merlin. KDB

Razzer. Sanè

Jesus

Laporte, Gundo, Bernado, Danilo, Sergio, Foden on the bench please and once we are 2 up bring KDB, Merlin and Walker off.

I'm not the biggest fan of UCL, but come on, a game is a game and I'm looking forward to another entertaining one.

[Douglas Higginbottom]

Merlin is away in Spain isn't he so won't be playing. I would like to see KDB rested as well so maybe it really is a chance for Foden to start alongside Gundo and Delph might well get the holding position.

I bet Kun would like to play but I can see him rested for Jesus and Sterling to come back as long as he is really over his injury. Maybe Sane to rest as well but knowing Pep he will play

[Socrates]

I'd be happy to see some experimentation. Let's see what Zinchenko can do pushed forward for starters. He has earned the chance to show what he can do in a more natural position whether wide left or attacking mid.

Possibly a game for Bravo, he played the best I've seen him in the cup final in terms of his all round game and we do need him to be ready in case of an injury or suspension to Ederson.

I'd like to see Bernardo get a game in the middle too.

So maybe...
. Bravo
. Walker Stones Laporte Delph
. Gundogan
. Bernardo Zinchenko
. Sterling Jesus Sane

[dazby]

Has there been a game where Stones and Laporte have paired up yet? I'd like to see how they go.

[Pretty Boy Lee]

I’d like to keep or system in tact and rest one or two. Let’s keep winning it’s a habit.

[Wonderwall]

I will be there tonight, changed my usual seats for row A 3rd tier to see what it's like at the very front. I wonder if I stand up, if I will create a Mexican wave?

Anyway, stones will start tonight and possibly a full game for Foden and Diaz on the bench. Walker rested hopefully as he has had a lot of game time. Danilo to start and Delph back after suspension. Start Jesus and hopefully sterling will get the last 20 mins under his belt.

[Socrates]

Has there been a game where Stones and Laporte have paired up yet? I'd like to see how they go.

Yes! They played together at erm Wigan.

[Mase]

I will be there tonight, changed my usual seats for row A 3rd tier to see what it's like at the very front. I wonder if I stand up, if I will create a Mexican wave?

Anyway, stones will start tonight and possibly a full game for Foden and Diaz on the bench. Walker rested hopefully as he has had a lot of game time. Danilo to start and Delph back after suspension. Start Jesus and hopefully sterling will get the last 20 mins under his belt.

Our season ticket was always front row of third tier. The atmosphere is crap but the view is great.

[City64]

School night for me ! Heavy holiday in Lanzarote then a proper sesh last Sunday ........ healthy couple of weeks for me until the next time !

[Bluedj]

The F@@king BBC don't seem to think so (YET AGAIN) No mention of us playing tonight *on this mornings BBC1 news, but shown last nights draw with Candlepool and showing Spud also "Nearly into the quarter finals of CL".....Glad I don't pay for a TV Lic......rant over!!

[Dubciteh]

I thought Zinchenko wasnt registered for the CL?

Minimal changes and a routine nil all draw with no damage will do me do just nice. A win is a bonus, a loss isnt the end of the world

[fangsanalsatan]

I thought Zinchenko wasnt registered for the CL?

He was added in January along with Laporte.

[South Stand Balti]

I think some players who need a rest will be called upon again tonight. Injuries to Delph, Fern, Sterling and Mendy plus Merlin in Spain leaves us short. It also looks like Jesus is not fit to start given he has been given very few minutes off the bench. I can't see Pep starting with too many young players though they may get a game in the second half.

[Foreverinbluedreams]

I think some players who need a rest will be called upon again tonight. Injuries to Delph, Fern, Sterling and Mendy plus Merlin in Spain leaves us short. It also looks like Jesus is not fit to start given he has been given very few minutes off the bench. I can't see Pep starting with too many young players though they may get a game in the second half.

Any idea what's up with Delph?

Sterling in full training, I expect to see him feature at some stage, I also expect Jesus to start.

[Nigels Tackle]

I think some players who need a rest will be called upon again tonight. Injuries to Delph, Fern, Sterling and Mendy plus Merlin in Spain leaves us short. It also looks like Jesus is not fit to start given he has been given very few minutes off the bench. I can't see Pep starting with too many young players though they may get a game in the second half.

Any idea what's up with Delph?

Sterling in full training, I expect to see him feature at some stage, I also expect Jesus to start.

he’s been suspended...

[Foreverinbluedreams]

I think some players who need a rest will be called upon again tonight. Injuries to Delph, Fern, Sterling and Mendy plus Merlin in Spain leaves us short. It also looks like Jesus is not fit to start given he has been given very few minutes off the bench. I can't see Pep starting with too many young players though they may get a game in the second half.

Any idea what's up with Delph?

Sterling in full training, I expect to see him feature at some stage, I also expect Jesus to start.

he’s been suspended...

Didn't train yesterday apparently.

[blues2win]

I think Pep will not want too much of a weakened team. The last thing he would want is to go 2-0 down at half time and then a nervous half. Also we don’t play Stoke until Monday night so a decent time to recover.

With that in mind my guess is:

Ederson Danilo Stones Laporte Zinchenko Yaya Gundogan de Bruyne Sane Jesus Bernardo. Kevin off after 60 as long as things have gone well and maybe Foden comes on. Might be a chance for a few minutes for Brahim too.

[dazby]

Has there been a game where Stones and Laporte have paired up yet? I'd like to see how they go.

Yes! They played together at erm Wigan.

Ah, I’ve yet to watch that match. Strangely my motivation is low.

[South Stand Balti]

I think some players who need a rest will be called upon again tonight. Injuries to Delph, Fern, Sterling and Mendy plus Merlin in Spain leaves us short. It also looks like Jesus is not fit to start given he has been given very few minutes off the bench. I can't see Pep starting with too many young players though they may get a game in the second half.

Any idea what's up with Delph?

Sterling in full training, I expect to see him feature at some stage, I also expect Jesus to start.

Delph isn't in training so assuming he won't be available. Pep did say Sterling is training but Stoke more likely. Its 3 weeks since he did his hamstring so seems a bit early to me. Jesus may be ready but his sub appearances have been 10 minutes here and there. Thought he would have been given a longer run before he starts as he has been out for some time.

[Mase]

Delph injured again?!