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Hate these international breaks, and another one is coming next month ... even the forum has gone to a bit sleepy slow mode ... but then we play 4 games in 10 days when we return ...

And they are no easy games, the first three at least ... First up is Stoke away (side note: Mark Clattenburg appointed ref), this is our bogey fixture, Mancini is yet to win at Britannia after four attempts, then Real Madrid away after three days and upon return Arsenal at home to round the week.

Who is Mancini going to play against whom? and in which shape or system? Up until our last game we were still in pre-season mode and not sure which is going to be our preferred system this season ... Which game will Aguero return for? Balo? Barry?

Any predictions on Mancini's strategy for the packed week upon return? Rotation of which players? 4-2-3-1 or 3-5-2? When do the new boys (Nastasic, Garcia, Maicon, Sinclair) get slated in?

Aguero must play against Madrid he always had a stormer against them with Athletico.

Oo, so many questions..
Perhaps you should just wait and see?

I can see 3 of Garcia, yaya, Barry (if fit) and Rodwell slotting in for Madrid. Very much doubt he'll go balls out there 1st game. Other than that no clue.

I'd be tempted to play Nastasic, Garcia and Maicon against Stoke. If they can handle that game then they are certainly good enough for us ;)

Would Aguero return for Stoke or get the big one straight away? I have a feeling Aguero will be sub against Real Madrid, in which case Tevez to start with Balo against Real Madrid and with Dzeko against Stoke ... but given the big game, Mancini might play Tevez alone up front and have add a player at the back to strengthen our defence ... and if we get ahead or he wants to get adventurous towards the last 20 odd minutes, he can bring in Aguero alongside Tevez and change the shape into more attacking formation but all will depend how the first hour of that game goes ...

I think Sinclair won't see any action till probably the League Cup tie against Aston Villa. Nastasic to get in against Arsenal maybe at home and Maicon has a good chance to debut against Stoke. As for Garcia, will depend on Barry's fitness, it's between them two, one will play while other rests.

The most important thing regarding Aguero here is that he Must not be rushed back. Even if he's 99% fit he should not take any part in either game imo.

apart from that I have a sneaky feeling Maicon will get his debut at Santiago Bernabeu and we will go there playing 3-5-2. At Stoke it will be the usual 4-4-2 or whichever way you look at it with Dzeko & Tevez up front. that's my guess anyway.
I hate going to britannia, can't see us coming away with 3 points this time either. for some reason we are completely unable to play our own game there

My prediction is that we'll go to Madrid and papper our kex.