***Pep's City v Sunderland ***

[mr_nool]

People didnt want Fernando at CB. Nico probably isnt fully fit. Who else should've been CB? Sagna with Zaba at RB?

Tosin? I know he's made a few howlers in the pre-season games, but Kolarov as CB really doesn't fill me with confidence.

Or could it be that we're sticking to the 3-5-2 from the last friendlies and that Kolarov is actually playing on the left wing?

[carl_feedthegoat]

Apparently Hart not even on the bench. Looks like the lawns will be getting mowed today!

Where did you hear that?

Brother just told me there's a few people saying Hart was told he wasn't playing and has kicked off. Would love for it to be bollocks!!

Cheers.

Huge call by Pep if true. Laying down his marker immediately.

If true it seems like something Bobby would do, and not Pep.

The other way round mate..Pep got rid of ronaldhino and Deco when at Barca...two huge calls.

He knows what hes doing imo

[bigblue]

what the fucks going on

excited for the game but feel like its all fucked up

Come on CITY!!!

[Slim]

Attacking looks good though, obviously we're up for a 5-4 win.

[london blue 2]

I know who'd make an excellent CB, Alex Kolarov... Said no one ever.

[Mase]

I know who'd make an excellent CB, Alex Kolarov... Said no one ever.

Are you sure...?

[nottsblue]

Interesting selection to say the least. But lets not forget who we are playing, where we are playing and who we have up front. This is a side that should win the game at hand. Isn't that what being a manager is about?

Expect us to win

[sidSmith]

Toure, Hart, Nasri and Bony pretty much gone then. Interesting lineup, not to sure what to think right now.

[Sideshow Bob]

hart being on bench suggests there was no strop.

[zuricity]

What are you talking about ? Sergio is playing at Centre Half. Kolarov is in attack today.


What's the line up for the second half ? Guardiola does know this is the real deal today or what ?

[Mase]

What are you talking about ? Sergio is playing at Centre Half. Kolarov is in attack today.

They're both that good they can literally play anywhere.

[ruralblue]

Still giddy for the start of the campaign but somewhat changed from confident to a little nervy over Kolarov.

Still we must trust that Peps seen something we haven't.

Come on City!!!!!

[london blue 2]

I know who'd make an excellent CB, Alex Kolarov... Said no one ever.

Are you sure...?

Mate even with your love of the guy I think you'd think twice about making such a statement.

City to start out dominating and then a huge howler to gift Defoe a goal.

[carl_feedthegoat]

Fuck me...stop panicking !!!!! In other teams hes managed he has put in many players into positions he feels will benefit them and the team...so lets see how it pans out.

Im actually happy with this line up (apart from Willy whos fuckign shit...but hopefully wont be too busy).

Come on City !!!

[South Stand Balti]

It's a Barca type line up with Fern 1 having the Busquets role and then 5 little lads keeping possession.......good luck with that Razzer. I get that, not sure if it will work but I get it. I just can't understand Willy before Joe. I also don't like Ottrer being saved for the Chumps league which Pep hinted at yesterday

[phips]

People didnt want Fernando at CB. Nico probably isnt fully fit. Who else should've been CB? Sagna with Zaba at RB?

Tosin? I know he's made a few howlers in the pre-season games, but Kolarov as CB really doesn't fill me with confidence.

Or could it be that we're sticking to the 3-5-2 from the last friendlies and that Kolarov is actually playing on the left wing?

could be.

Sagna Stones Clichy
Sterling Fern 1 Aleks
Kevin David
Aguero Nolito

?? we shall see.

[PrezIke]

Kolarov has a good record against Sunderland so wait until after the match to moan.

EDIT: that wasn't aimed at you Slim, you snook in there whilst I was typing!

Reality:

• Kolarov can pass the football and has practised with the team since the start of pre-season.
  
• Denayer and Mangala joined the team late in preseason and are also suspect in Pep skill sets required for his centre halves
  
• We are not overly worried about losing the football to Sunderland that often
  
• Stones composure will calm the defence compared to previous friendlies
  
• Nico would be starting if fit

[zuricity]

Well, if this is actually true some of us called this as soon as the Ter Stegen rumours first arose and were called crazy. Feel bad for him, but he just doesn't fit in what Pep wants to do.

Everton would be a good switch for him if he is to go somewhere.

Wow, you called something obvious? I'm impressed. I heard rumours that we're playing at 630 tonight, will keep you posted.

You'll miss the first half

Idiots, kickoff is at 12:30am.

Good job you put the 'am' in .

[blues2win]

Could be 3 at the back with Stones surging forward to make the play. Will he have the bottle to play Willy away in the CL? Will Toure be happy to sit in the stands drawing 220,000 per week or accept a cut in pay to get a transfer?

[PrezIke]

NO YAYA IN THE TEAM! :-O