Bloody hell it's a derby this week

[Hazy2]

9,000 = blues deserve a team to win at the fooking swamp. Pep knows that the Copa Del Rey wins at Madrid are valued by Barca fans I am the same win at the dirty bastards hovel, it's the law.

[Peter Doherty (AGAIG)]

Can't make up my mind about this. Don't want any injuries so don't want to send out the first team players. However, it's the scum....

[iwasthere2012]

How bad will it be for us if we lose?

Don't think it would matter as much for us as it would for Jose.
I do think he will have learned from our first encounter and don't think he will allow us move the ball the way we did.
I would like to see a few youngsters in our team.
Yes I would hate to lose to them, but in the grand scheme of things I think defeat would mean less to us.
We have bigger fish to fry.

[Hazy2]

Can't make up my mind about this. Don't want any injuries so don't want to send out the first team players. However, it's the scum....

Go beat the scum use some anti bacterial wash and get the fuck out of there and let them moan like fook. Keep em down give them nothing to build on

[Hazy2]

Can't make up my mind about this. Don't want any injuries so don't want to send out the first team players. However, it's the scum....

Go beat the scum use some anti bacterial wash and get the fuck out of there and let them moan like fook. Keep em down give them nothing to build on

From Vinny K: Asked if he was relishing Wednesday’s EFL Cup showdown at Old Trafford, Kompany said: “Come on - always. The bigger the game, the better. These games are what you play for.

“It’s just physically impossible for me to play down a derby, but the more they [United] say this is the fourth competition, the better it is for us.”

[Mikhail Chigorin]

What I would go with:

Gunn ( precautionary move, don't want to hurt our Willy before Barca )

Maffeo
Clichy
Otter
Tosin ( perhaps Kompany instead if he's fit enough )

Garcia
Fernando
Silva ( would like to rest him but don't see an alternative if Kev's crocked )

Sanè
Nolito
Iheanacho

That's, actually, not a bad looking team, all things considered FIBD.

If nothing else, I'd like to see Garcia given more game time; he always seems as though he'd fit perfectly into a Pep midfield.

The front three look an interesting combination as well.

[sheblue]

How bad will it be for us if we lose?

It will be bad enough. I never want them to win, any game, any circumstances, any time. So whenever they beat us not only do we loose to them but they win as well. It's a double kick in the nuts. So yes it will be bad and yes it matters a lot.

[zuricity]

How bad will it be for us if we lose?

It will be bad enough. I never want them to win, any game, any circumstances, any time. So whenever they beat us not only do we loose to them but they win as well. It's a double kick in the nuts. So yes it will be bad and yes it matters a lot.

Metaphorical "nuts" surely

[sheblue]

How bad will it be for us if we lose?

It will be bad enough. I never want them to win, any game, any circumstances, any time. So whenever they beat us not only do we loose to them but they win as well. It's a double kick in the nuts. So yes it will be bad and yes it matters a lot.

Metaphorical "nuts" surely

No

[PrezIke]

After the weekend's results for both it's kind of become a MUST NOT LOSE for both teams (and managers) ... only issue is it's a cup tie so can't be drawn else both would probably have taken a draw as a loss would dent the confidence further ... but a win on the other hand can really kickstart the season for the respective winner ... so it's kind of a MUST WIN really now ... only question is who is it more important for (and who will take it that way?)

Not really a must win to me. The season will not be lost on one EFL cup tie, away other than for the fans who are on edge over 5 games on the bounce with no win and based on who we are playing mattering so much to us as well as some sort of relief from concerns being expressed, and arguably panic from some, if you ask me.

Losing would hurt, but more pressure is surely on Mourinho after their thumping, however both of us care more about the league performance. Both of us also operating with depleted back lines.

We are utilising 3 at the back in part due to this, with wing backs who want to get forward/not defend, and our performances (MOTD did an excellent breakdown of this last night) are also reflecting a learning curve (i.e. Vinny's and Stones' indecision/error/communication gap yesterday when we gave away the goal).

We played better in the 2nd half, well against Everton, more than fine against Barca away before the goal/red card, we were outplayed by Spurs but weren't really that bad and could have won against different opposition, and against Celtic we came back three times in a tough away game.

We have not won, but we have not been exactly awful, and there is no real crisis if you ask me.

We may have to put out a weakened team because the EFL Cup has to be a lower priority even if we are facing our biggest rival. Same pressure is on Utd anywaym so I don't even necessarily think they can play their best side.

Will be interesting to see what the teams are. I think it will go to penalties.

[Piccsnumberoneblue]

I'm contemplating giving my ticket away. Feel very 'cant be arsed' at the moment. Weirdly as I do about most games this season. Strange innit? Maybe I'm finally growing up.

[Hazy2]

After the weekend's results for both it's kind of become a MUST NOT LOSE for both teams (and managers) ... only issue is it's a cup tie so can't be drawn else both would probably have taken a draw as a loss would dent the confidence further ... but a win on the other hand can really kickstart the season for the respective winner ... so it's kind of a MUST WIN really now ... only question is who is it more important for (and who will take it that way?)

Not really a must win to me. The season will not be lost on one EFL cup tie, away other than for the fans who are on edge over 5 games on the bounce with no win and based on who we are playing mattering so much to us as well as some sort of relief from concerns being expressed, and arguably panic from some, if you ask me.

Losing would hurt, but more pressure is surely on Mourinho after their thumping, however both of us care more about the league performance. Both of us also operating with depleted back lines.

We are utilising 3 at the back in part due to this, with wing backs who want to get forward/not defend, and our performances (MOTD did an excellent breakdown of this last night) are also reflecting a learning curve (i.e. Vinny's and Stones' indecision/error/communication gap yesterday when we gave away the goal).

We played better in the 2nd half, well against Everton, more than fine against Barca away before the goal/red card, we were outplayed by Spurs but weren't really that bad and could have won against different opposition, and against Celtic we came back three times in a tough away game.

We have not won, but we have not been exactly awful, and there is no real crisis if you ask me.

We may have to put out a weakened team because the EFL Cup has to be a lower priority even if we are facing our biggest rival. Same pressure is on Utd anywaym so I don't even necessarily think they can play their best side.

Will be interesting to see what the teams are. I think it will go to penalties.

How about smash them and then put out the kids next round ?

[Sparklehorse]

What I would go with:

Gunn ( precautionary move, don't want to hurt our Willy before Barca )

Maffeo
Clichy
Otter
Tosin ( perhaps Kompany instead if he's fit enough )

Garcia
Fernando
Silva ( would like to rest him but don't see an alternative if Kev's crocked )

Sanè
Nolito
Iheanacho

That's, actually, not a bad looking team, all things considered FIBD.

If nothing else, I'd like to see Garcia given more game time; he always seems as though he'd fit perfectly into a Pep midfield.

The front three look an interesting combination as well.

I'd like to see Kompany and Stones get some hours under the belt as I see this as the long term partnership....if Komps manages to avoid injury for a prolonged period.

[PrezIke]

After the weekend's results for both it's kind of become a MUST NOT LOSE for both teams (and managers) ... only issue is it's a cup tie so can't be drawn else both would probably have taken a draw as a loss would dent the confidence further ... but a win on the other hand can really kickstart the season for the respective winner ... so it's kind of a MUST WIN really now ... only question is who is it more important for (and who will take it that way?)

Not really a must win to me. The season will not be lost on one EFL cup tie, away other than for the fans who are on edge over 5 games on the bounce with no win and based on who we are playing mattering so much to us as well as some sort of relief from concerns being expressed, and arguably panic from some, if you ask me.

Losing would hurt, but more pressure is surely on Mourinho after their thumping, however both of us care more about the league performance. Both of us also operating with depleted back lines.

We are utilising 3 at the back in part due to this, with wing backs who want to get forward/not defend, and our performances (MOTD did an excellent breakdown of this last night) are also reflecting a learning curve (i.e. Vinny's and Stones' indecision/error/communication gap yesterday when we gave away the goal).

We played better in the 2nd half, well against Everton, more than fine against Barca away before the goal/red card, we were outplayed by Spurs but weren't really that bad and could have won against different opposition, and against Celtic we came back three times in a tough away game.

We have not won, but we have not been exactly awful, and there is no real crisis if you ask me.

We may have to put out a weakened team because the EFL Cup has to be a lower priority even if we are facing our biggest rival. Same pressure is on Utd anywaym so I don't even necessarily think they can play their best side.

Will be interesting to see what the teams are. I think it will go to penalties.

How about smash them and then put out the kids next round ?

With our best team? Only two days rest each in between the last game, Wednesday and next weekend. If any match is a must win coming up West Brom seems it should be. Hard to gauge the need for rest vs. morale boost. Could also see big win against Utd followed by a more lackluster hangover. Watch us draw Liverpool if we win on Wednesday anyway.

[mr_nool]

What I would go with:

Gunn ( precautionary move, don't want to hurt our Willy before Barca )

Maffeo
Clichy
Otter
Tosin ( perhaps Kompany instead if he's fit enough )

Garcia
Fernando
Silva ( would like to rest him but don't see an alternative if Kev's crocked )

Sanè
Nolito
Iheanacho

That's, actually, not a bad looking team, all things considered FIBD.

If nothing else, I'd like to see Garcia given more game time; he always seems as though he'd fit perfectly into a Pep midfield.

The front three look an interesting combination as well.

I'd like to see Kompany and Stones get some hours under the belt as I see this as the long term partnership....if Komps manages to avoid injury for a prolonged period.

I wouldn't mind that either, but if we play three at the back Stones should be in the middle, not Kompany.

[Mikhail Chigorin]

What I would go with:

Gunn ( precautionary move, don't want to hurt our Willy before Barca )

Maffeo
Clichy
Otter
Tosin ( perhaps Kompany instead if he's fit enough )

Garcia
Fernando
Silva ( would like to rest him but don't see an alternative if Kev's crocked )

Sanè
Nolito
Iheanacho

That's, actually, not a bad looking team, all things considered FIBD.

If nothing else, I'd like to see Garcia given more game time; he always seems as though he'd fit perfectly into a Pep midfield.

The front three look an interesting combination as well.

I'd like to see Kompany and Stones get some hours under the belt as I see this as the long term partnership....if Komps manages to avoid injury for a prolonged period.

I wouldn't mind that either, but if we play three at the back Stones should be in the middle, not Kompany.

Absolutely.

[Beefymcfc]

I'm contemplating giving my ticket away. Feel very 'cant be arsed' at the moment. Weirdly as I do about most games this season. Strange innit? Maybe I'm finally growing up.

My mate was a Superbia member who travelled home and away, every game, PL to Europa/CL. Then, without warning, he sacked the lot and it's very rare you see him at a game today.

He can't explain, neither can i, but I think he had waited so long that when the time come he just couldn't handle it; he was spent. Looking now, it could be said that we aren't living up to his expectation, that we should expect to win every game; walk it even.

I still don't get it though. Being away for so long just keeps me even more eager and the reward for being away is getting smaller for time being at home and being able to attend.

It's not just the game for me, it's the social side. I miss it.

[Justified logic]

u23s this evening.

1 B. O'Brien
3 C. Humphreys
5 Erik Sarmiento
2 J. Horsfield
7 A. Nemane
8 R. Kongolo
4 J. Davenport
9 Brahim Diaz
6 S. Diallo
11 J. Dilrosun
10 Paolo Fernandes
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
16 L. Bolton for A. Nemane 46'
12 E. Francis for Erik Sarmiento 46'
15 W. Patching for Paolo Fernandes 75'

Surely those that don't play much, if at all, in that competition have to get some game time sometime somewhere?

[City64]

Silva needs a rest and so does Sterling . I would also rest Stones , too many mistakes from him lately . Gundogan is tweeting he wants to start ? maybe he wants to prove something and is right up for it ? Aguero and Kelechi need game time and so does Sane . Navas also due a run out and Nolito , at the back Kompany , Otter and Clichy to start .......throw a couple of young uns in there and team sort of picks itself ? Very decent team there and always always want to beat the scum whatever the competition is !

[Saul Goodman]

Dont see how theres anyway Kompany plays. He played around 70 at the weekend (I think) and hes just back from injury.

Like to Kelechi and Sane both start