After and abysmal performance against arsenal there's some things we need to see tonight.
1. First and foremost for me is some energy, I get the games are coming think and fast but if people don't have the required energy levels then rest them and bring in someone else.
2. 2 real wingers, and I'm not including werner in that. Let pulisic and CHO go out and have a proper go at them.
3. Werner through the middle or on the bench.
4. Billy gilmour- we've tried kovacic, we've tried jorginho, we've tried havertz, I've got the impression kante will have his hands full with grealish tonight so let gilmour get out there and give him some support. Put him at the base of the midfield and let kante roam.
5. A good performance and a win for a change. I genuinely cannot remember the last time I think we played well, it could he the sheff u result. We've won games and scored goals but we really haven't been firing on all cylinders for a while.
What else does everyone want to see from the lads tonight?
Things I'd like to see tonight
posted on 28/12/20
Some good points....
The winger thing - yes
Billy - i'd actually push Kante right back, tell him to patrol across the back four, & go no further than past the centre circle...then play Billy in a free role
Start Giroud - Werner on bench (or visa versa) but in the centre as you say
Unsure if either or both James & Chilwell start...neither were on it last game....but they are our best two by a mile
Id even advocate a back three & push these two up into WB positions...but it won't happen
posted on 28/12/20
What else does everyone want to see from the lads tonight?
A reaction from the players to begin with and the 3 points would be nice.
A faster start, more pressing, none of this laboured/leggy performance we saw against Arsenal.
Some clinical finishing would be great but I'm probably asking for too much.
posted on 28/12/20
Id like to see Frank going 3 at the back and offering a little bit more protection for the defence especially as we know that Villa will look to counter at pace and have the players to do it. Watkins and Grealish can hurt teams and Villa have definitely stepped up since last season.
posted on 28/12/20
There's a good chance Tammy, Giroud and Werner all play through the middle in the next three matches.
Perhaps it'll play out like this:
Villa - Giroud
City - Tammy
Morecambe - Werner
I'd want Tammy starting against his former loan club, but will understand the intent to rotate.
Tammy expanded a lot of energy against Arsenal, starting and performing against his former club Villa two days later will be a tough ask.
Maybe Ziyech can get a runout against City or Morecambe.
posted on 28/12/20
Again not particularly fussed about the team performance against Villa, will be difficult having had limited time to prepare and recover for the match.
Just a win and players unscathed will be sufficient for me.
posted on 28/12/20
Comment Deleted by Site Moderator
posted on 28/12/20
Wanna see a front three of Pulisic (LW), Hudson-Odoi (RW) and Giroud up top. Hudson-Odoi needs a run of games now, still our only natural right winger & that width will be paramount in this game if James is rested. Take Pulisic off as early as possible to keep him as fresh as possible for City.
Wanna see Gilmour starting DM as well. Still not comfortable with Kante as a DM (though he's far exceeded my expectation in the role), and in Lampard's way of playing Jorginho's more of a plug-in tool than a requirement - should begin phasing him out now. Bring him on to slow the pace in the second half if needed but Gilmour should start.
I'd like to see more energy but two games in two days is what is it. I'll take a gritty win & settle for more energy vs. City
posted on 28/12/20
Devil
you got some of your wish...can't believe Billy doesn't start though
posted on 28/12/20
Me neither.
posted on 28/12/20
comment by Devil (U6522)
posted 3 hours, 45 minutes ago
Me neither.
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Didn't even feature....FFS