by roddysaint » Wed May 17, 2023 7:32 am
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.
