Hard to predict the team. I think there will definitely be some rotation with the quick turnaround from Wednesday night to the early Saturday kickoff. Jones, Gomez, Elliott, Endo, and Gakpo are all players who didn’t start last match who could be in contention to start this one. Konate has to come in with Matip out. Kelleher Trent Konate Virgil Tsmikas MacAllister Szobo Jones Salah Gakpo Diaz
I would not start Szoboslai. Hell - I'd fully rest him for this game altogether. But he will likely start for better or worse. he's looked jaded and tired the last month. He was the candle that burned too bright right out of the gate + grueling qualifiers for Hungary where he was playing 100 mins a game. his league performances have dipped a lot.
his slip in form could be all those things, and / or his girlfriend left just before his form went sideways.
Paul Heckingbottom is set to be sacked as Sheffield United manager within the next 24 hours. The Blades, who lost 5-0 at Burnley on Saturday, are bottom of the Premier League with five points after losing 11 of their opening 14 games. Appointed permanent manager in November 2021, Heckingbottom guided United to the top flight with a second-place Championship finish last season. Former manager Chris Wilder is among the leading contenders to take over. United are four points from safety, have won only once this season and have a goal difference of minus 28.
yep, really tough call this. given their dire record you'd think the 2nd-string lads could do a good job (kinda like vs LASK) but they'll have some kind of new-manager bounce plus no way will Klopp take his foot off the PL gas right now. my guess is your lineup is pretty damn close although I might start Endo with Jones and MacA ahead of him. as newt said, let Dom sit this one out completely if possible.
Is this so? Man these things seem to affect players more than I thought initially. I was hounded Rashford for that as well. Love is great but he should man up and represent.
Hello darkness my friend-- we're famous for playing poor teams into form, hadn't you heard. I don't just know what we'll get and it's away from home to boot!
Man City's favourite ref* is on duty for us vs SU. you will all remember him as the ref for our Spurs game. yes, that game. that guy. Hooper. plus the VAR on Weds is the ever-loveable Michael Oliver. the 4th official for that same Spurs game. * actually he's Spurs' favourite really.
I actually think had Michael Oliver been there some sort of decision would've been reached properly. He's the best of a poor lot.
I thought he was the 4th official? There was an Oli that was trying to intervene but he turned out to be the VAR director of ops. I think Oliver was in fact 4th official though…
No he wasn't there at all. Simon hooper and Darren England. EDIT - you are right - Oliver was the 4th official. I actually learned something new today!! As noted in my next post - it seems like he didn't have any input in the VAR - lead official conversation.
Good call. I stand corrected. The ******** was Hooper and England. The 4th official more or less has no say in what goes on on the field - so while Oliver was there - I don't think he could have had any input.
City and Spurs both needed injury time goals to beat SU. and tomorrow they'll have a new (recycled) manager to impress.
I think we'll do something that's been refreshing to see this year once again - have a "new" hero step up with a crucial contribution. I think it's Elliot's turn...
They’d be better off with Heckingbottom to try and bring them back next time around, rather to bring in Fat Sam and his crew.