Says here Reyna could get dropped for Shaun Wright-Phillips, or move back to RB for Sun Jihai. http://soccernet.espn.go.com/feature?id=252617&cc=5901
Claudio seemed fully recovered from his injury the other night, although he did seem to struggle with his fitness as the game wore on. That being said, I would be surprised if CR is not in the match day squad, although I would not be surprised if he does not start. As for a move to right back, Sun Jihai did have some dicey moments in the back (although Seaman didn't help matters much), so it wouldn't be surprising if CR moves to right back. But my guess (take it for what it's worth) is that CR will be on the bench.
Claudio was arguably the best player on the field mid-week, with Anelka perhaps deserving man of the match for the goals. Why so quick to put him on the bench?
a) KK has a plethora of middies to choose from b) reyna played a full 90 midweek c) by all accounts, he was less effective as the game went on, I'm not sure he is fully match fit yet. I think he will come off the bench while Spurs receive yet another hiding. (Poor Kasey)
It's not such a big surprise if Reyna doesn't start. Wed. was his first full game since before the injury. Midweek gives very little turnaround anyway. W-P is younger, not coming off an injury and seems to have provided a nice spark, and it's Spurs for godsake. If you're ever going to rest anyone, nows the time. I think KK's not a bad manager. But does he really believe Seaman is going to come through for City? I hope I'm wrong, but I predict Seaman will bone City enough to keep them out of the top ten.
I agree totally. 2 full games for Reyna in half a week is probably too much to expect as he's still getting back to fitness. Also, was ever a keeper more overrated than Seaman? Without Arsenal's defense to protect him, and given that he's certainly not sharper with age, I too predict lots of lost points due to keeper errors. We've already seen it.
Shaun Wright Phillips was terrific v Lokeren, if I'm Kevin Keegan, I'm thinking he needs to be on the field right now. He turned the game on its ear when he came in, and it's his entrance that coincided with Man City's rescuing that game. Sun was not terrific though, so Reyna at RB isn't a bad idea.
Well I doubt whether Reyna will start either, as I think Joey Barton will. But if the issue is SWP, then the likely player to come off is Bosvelt, not Reyna. Could be the other way, but that is the probability.
If Keegan uses a squad rotation system which is known have the benefit of boosting team morale and keeping everyone sharp and fresh, everything you guys talk about is pointless.
which makes this thread pointless, this forum useless and the whole freakin bigsoccer useless. that's why we talk about it. if u don't like it, go away.
From the Manchester Evening News, article where Kevin Keegan discusses the challenge of mixing different types and levels of players in, á lá the "squad system" of rotation: http://www.manchesteronline.co.uk/sport/football/manchestercity/stories/Detail_LinkStory=68652.html Notable comment... Boss Kevin Keegan has said he will pepper the second string with senior players as and when he feels they need games.And he wants his highly-paid internationals to know that turning out for `the stiffs' is not some kind of punishment. Already Steve McManaman, Robbie Fowler, Paulo Wanchope, Claudio Reyna, Richard Dunne and Eyal Berkovic, among others, have been in [the] side. "We have a strong squad and there will be times when, for a variety of reasons but mainly fitness, big names will be in the reserves," confirmed the manager. "They should not see it as a punishment, but an opportunity to press claims for a first-team place."
Looks like the current speculation on these boards may be true... if Reyna starts/plays, he'll likely do so at right back. Match preview, from skysports.com: http://www.skysports.com/skysports/article/0,,7-1105128,00.html After his man-of-the-match performance in the UEFA Cup the other night, sounds like Keegan's realising that Reyna's too good to leave out.
Article about Keller, from the BBC's website, with Kasey adding to the fires of speculation with his opinion about Martin O'Neill being linked to the vacant manager's post at Tottenham: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/t/tottenham_hotspur/3146394.stm Other pregame articles... BBC preview: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/3122926.stm More to come, as available...
this game is available on PPV in USA on Direct TV for those interested, only $ 15.95 to see two US internationals face each other
In addition, Man City's site has an audio webcast that's free with registration. http://www.mcfc.co.uk/ I think Spurs' site offers the same service, but I'm not completely sure about that (perhaps some Tottenham regulars can provide info here).
Yes it does. http://www.spurs.co.uk You need to do free registration, but it gives you minimal access to THTV and free radio service. -Digital
Fabulous. Thanks for that, Digital. And the registration is painless, too... takes just a couple of minutes.
Manchester City Starting XI 1. Seaman, David 5. Distin, Sylvain 2. Sommeil, David 17. Sun, Jihai 18. Tarnat, Michael 20. McManaman, Steve 26. Bosvelt, Paul 28. Sinclair, Trevor 9. Wanchope, Paulo 39. Anelka, Nicolas 29. Wright-Phillips, Shaun Substitutes 12. Weaver, Nicky 27. Bischoff, Mikkel 10. Sibierski, Antoine 6. Reyna, Claudio 8. Fowler, Robbie Tottenham Hotspur Starting XI 13. Keller, Kasey 5. Bunjevcevic, Goran 16. Konchesky, Paul 30. Gardner, Anthony 2. Carr, Stephen 3. Taricco, Mauricio 36. Richards, Dean 7. Anderton, Darren 14. Poyet, Gustavo 10. Keane, Robbie 9. Kanoute, Frederic Substitutes 24. Burch, Rob 12. Doherty, Gary 11. Dalmat, Stephane 27. Ricketts, Rohan 8. Postiga, Helder
Anelka sets up Wanchope, but the latter doesn't get a good shot off from 12 yards out--saved by Keller.