***Champions v Southampton Official Match Thread***

[johnny crossan]

Surprised he dropped Grealish because he was playing his way into form, but I suppose he'll give him the full 90 v Copenhagen

Yep. Two man of the match performances and he’s starting to hit form so makes perfect sense to drop him for Mahrez (whose been terrible so far this season).

Guarantee it’ll knock Grealish’s confidence. With someone like Haaland I’d imagine it would spur them on, but Grealish comes across as an arm round the shoulder player that needs that confidence.

It's called rotation - Jack got a full game on Wednesday and will get the same next week. Makes perfect sense to rest him and Gundo for Phil & Kevin who both had the last match off. Mahrez needs minutes to improve his form, that's how it seems to work with him.

[john@staustell]

Can't believe after these years people still think of ^dropped". Incredible really.

Maybe one day?

[Original Dub]

Can't believe after these years people still think of ^dropped". Incredible really.

Maybe one day?

If I thought it was fatigue, I'd have used the word "rested".

Hope that helps John

[blues2win]

Was Kevin ‘dropped’ on Wednesday? Of course not. We have to stop thinking of ‘first’ 11s. This team is perfectly capable of beating Southampton with something to spare. There are plenty of subs available if anyones below par. We need three points on Tuesday too.

[stevefromdonny]

COME ON CITY

[Original Dub]

Was Kevin ‘dropped’ on Wednesday? Of course not. We have to stop thinking of ‘first’ 11s. This team is perfectly capable of beating Southampton with something to spare. There are plenty of subs available if anyones below par. We need three points on Tuesday too.

No, I would say he was rested because he's 31 and had played quite a lot recently

[john@staustell]

Grealish almost in tears - not!

[blues2win]

Come on City!!!

[CTID Hants]

Phil's own body getting the way there

[blues2win]

Akanji at right back and Ake at left CB. Never second guess Pep.

[zuricity]

typical Mahrez ! the pass was on .

[Mase]

Hopefully get a few kids on so some on here can have a stroke

[CTID Hants]

KDB up for. It today.

Spanish commentary so more exciting even if I don't understand itt

[CTID Hants]

KDB up for. It today.

Spanish commentary so more exciting even if I don't understand itt

[Dameerto]

When their keeper came out to claim it ahead of Haaland, the look on his face when he got up! He's bricking himself.

[CTID Hants]

Oh Erling

[mr_nool]

Unlucky Haaland!

[blues2win]

Erling so unlucky!

[Dameerto]

That's one for the finishing thread...

[blues2win]

Great pass from Phil. Southampton not sitting back but risking it.