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This is it. This is war. This is the big one

Our biggest game this season and will likely be one of the most nerve wracking. Evenly poised at 1-1 after the game in Madrid, we have got home advantage which makes us slight favourites in my book. And the Etihad has largely been a fortress this season. But as has been proved so often, never discount Madrid in the CL. They always seem to pull it out of the hat. So I don't think we will have an easy game by any means. But I do think we will prevail

3-2 Viking

The first goal will be key. Madrid to come and sit tight defend and when they get opportunity hit us on the counter. Can't at all see them coming out all guns blazing.

So that first goal is massive, they get it and we could be in for a tough evening, if we get it they will have to come out to play leaving more room.

Our attacking players have to play better than last week, if they do I think we will win.

Nervous

Mase wrote:Nervous

Me too Cmon City

The only other time the Etihad faced a game like this was behind closed doors two years ago. I can't emphasize how important the fans' job will be tonight.

Ederson

Walker/Stones/Dias/Akanji

KDB/Rodri/Gundogan

Mahrez/Haaland/Grealish

Can't see many changes from the first leg, especially with Ake out. I'd probably switch out Bernardo for Mahrez, who provides more goal threat and has made a bit of a habit recently to show up in the CL. Bernardo is a perfect sub to bring on, too, if we find ourselves in need of energy.

If rumors are to be believed, Madrid are going to change shape on us, packing out the midfield with Valverde and outnumbering our normal three. Could be their way of baiting Stones into inverting, leaving a bit more space for Benzema and Vinicius to wreak havoc. I don't think KDB should be playing as high as he was at the Bernabeu. We tried to have him feed off Haaland's knockdowns, but that didn't really work out. He needs to drop in and bring the ball up from deeper.

For all the Madrid fans' chatter about Rudiger pocketing Haaland, it seems pretty obvious that the reason for the latter's ineffectiveness was our inability to get the ball to him. The one time we did find him in the right area, he was only denied by a wonder tackle by Alaba. Gundogan has to shoulder some responsibility here. Can't all be on KDB to create everything. That said, Haaland needs to be really sharp. He cannot miss any more sitters like he did against Leeds.

We need to be ruthless and relentless. Everyone, from the players, to Guardiola, to the fans. Even if the game looks won, or if it looks lost, we cannot stop. Last year taught us all about how quickly things can change.

Feel sick already.

gmercer1 wrote:Feel sick already.

Same. Not been like this in a long time. We need an atmosphere like Hamburg years ago. One of the best I’ve seen at the Etihad.
I wish I could just fast forward to tomorrow and see the result.

#Together.
It's going to be alright.

That Hamburg atmosphere was stand out. Good shout.

The atmosphere will probably be good but a long way shy of the San Siro last night. If the players are up for it and we start strongly, that'll help.

The club needs to stop selling so many away tickets and start putting away fans up high in a corner. Take away their front rows to stop missiles.

The atmosphere tonight will be absolutely rocking. Make no mistake about that. And with Madrid not travelling well historically that is a real advantage for us

nottsblue wrote:The atmosphere tonight will be absolutely rocking. Make no mistake about that. And with Madrid not travelling well historically that is a real advantage for us

And the previous 4 games here with them: 2 wins for us, 2 draws.
They never won in our ground.

I’m going for typical City tonight……and “typical City” these days is winning. 4-1 (Kev 1, Viking 2, Jack 1).
COME ON BOYS !!!!

Mase wrote:

gmercer1 wrote:Feel sick already.

Same. Not been like this in a long time. We need an atmosphere like Hamburg years ago. One of the best I’ve seen at the Etihad.
I wish I could just fast forward to tomorrow and see the result.

I've been to the toilet that many times this morning that I've had to go out and buy Anusol to sooth my ring sting!!!

PeterParker wrote:

nottsblue wrote:The atmosphere tonight will be absolutely rocking. Make no mistake about that. And with Madrid not travelling well historically that is a real advantage for us

And the previous 4 games here with them: 2 wins for us, 2 draws.
They never won in our ground.

I was going to post this earlier but thought nope, it'll jinx us. You bastard.

I've taken tomorrow off work so I can bask...or sook.

KinkyKinkladze wrote:

PeterParker wrote:

nottsblue wrote:The atmosphere tonight will be absolutely rocking. Make no mistake about that. And with Madrid not travelling well historically that is a real advantage for us

And the previous 4 games here with them: 2 wins for us, 2 draws.
They never won in our ground.

I was going to post this earlier but thought nope, it'll jinx us. You bastard.

#Believe

3-0

Ticket office absolute joke

4-1 You heard it here first.

Haaland brace

We are going to give them a footballing lesson tonight - we will not make the same mistakes as last time .

It’s our fucking season !!!