How to Deal With The Bale Threat

[Bridge'srightfoot]

I actually think Zabaleta's really good going forward so would happily play Richards centre back.

He's improved a lot in that regard, this season, so Mancini's clearly been working on his attacking; not as fast as Micah, obviously, and never going to be as potent an attacking threat, but if he can just improve those final balls, he could prove to a serviceable alternative

I think Zabs has more control/ skill on the ball than Micah. Micah is all about pace, power and athleticism and his final ball has improved massively. He probably edges it going forward but Zabs is still very decent in that department.

[The Original Special One]

I actually think Zabaleta's really good going forward so would happily play Richards centre back.

He's improved a lot in that regard, this season, so Mancini's clearly been working on his attacking; not as fast as Micah, obviously, and never going to be as potent an attacking threat, but if he can just improve those final balls, he could prove to a serviceable alternative

I think Zabs has more control/ skill on the ball than Micah. Micah is all about pace, power and athleticism and his final ball has improved massively. He probably edges it going forward but Zabs is still very decent in that department.

Last season Micah's forward runs were all about power: this season there's more purpose and control to them; with a bit of luck he could have had a couple of goals, direct from his runs.
Judging by the interview with him, today, Mancini is often directing his forward runs, but when, and I believe its only a matter of when, he does get the balance between defence and attack right, he'll be an awesome player.
I think even far more than Johnson, although with the possible exception of Balotelli, Mancini sees Micah as his 'special project'

[john68]

Lets hope the 'jokers' here don't end having the laugh on the other side of their face, come Sunday afternoon!

Jeez, I have read more optimistic stuff written by rags than some of the stuff you come out with.

Sat top of the League = City are shit.....explain.

Good job we've got one realist among us, then!

As the event has yet to happen....please explain your definition of realism.
Your post was merely pessimistic SPECULATION.

[Bridge'srightfoot]

I actually think Zabaleta's really good going forward so would happily play Richards centre back.

He's improved a lot in that regard, this season, so Mancini's clearly been working on his attacking; not as fast as Micah, obviously, and never going to be as potent an attacking threat, but if he can just improve those final balls, he could prove to a serviceable alternative

I think Zabs has more control/ skill on the ball than Micah. Micah is all about pace, power and athleticism and his final ball has improved massively. He probably edges it going forward but Zabs is still very decent in that department.

Last season Micah's forward runs were all about power: this season there's more purpose and control to them; with a bit of luck he could have had a couple of goals, direct from his runs.
Judging by the interview with him, today, Mancini is often directing his forward runs, but when, and I believe its only a matter of when, he does get the balance between defence and attack right, he'll be an awesome player.
I think even far more than Johnson, although with the possible exception of Balotelli, Mancini sees Micah as his 'special project'

For the purpose of this game I think:
Zabs...Richards...Lescott...Clichy
is the best option. Savic in a game like this is a massive risk.