Monchengladbach away preview
Vinnie misses out. He's a crock again so not good. A lot of confusion over Bravo's suspension, he's traveled with the squad so I presume he is back? His red card two games ago was not dangerous or foul play, so he should be back after serving the one match ban. If that isn't the case and I'm wrong, Caballero will start. Sagna to RB, Kolarov LB I would expect. I think we will see a return to 4-1-4-1 so Stones was rested from the match day squad on Saturday so he should be fresh as daisies. Otamendi being the other CB. Fernandinho to slip in ahead of the defence, of course. Mr reliable and even more reliable in the CL usually. Usually being the key word. He wasn't great at the Nou Camp but great at the Etihad against Barcelona so I hope for more of the same tonight. Yaya isn't registered, he doesn't get in the squad. He'll be fresh for Saturday's trip to Burnley. Gundogan, subsequently, didn't play on Saturday so I hope he's as fresh as Stones so he's my pick for the middle of that midfield, De Bruyne ahead of him. It's an interesting one. I reckon Pep might go for Bundesliga experience for this match. It is a must not lose so we need players who know how to play against Monchengladbach (City played and beat them twice last season) and we have players with lots of Bundesliga experience. For that matter, Silva could play a little more out wide and rotate with KDB. Sane could feature but I reckon Sterling will get the nod out on the right wing. He's key for City, if Sane starts too or in place of Raheem, then he's key. Monchengladbach counter, run a lot and try really hard (like Leicester really) and the way to beat them is to bring quality into the game. Monchengladbach have good players and a good team. If we can match them toe for toe then quality will show. We need fit, hungry, quick players up front. I'm confident. Sergio up top. Rather predictable. I struggle with the midfield, City have so many options to rotate, so the wings are hard to predict. Navas, Sane, Nolito, Sterling, KDB, Silva, that's a lot of options. I'm not sure the game will suit Silva out wide, it won't suit Nolito or Navas but Sane and Sterling are quicker, more direct and a lot more expressive too. I'd be tempted to bench Silva tonight (for suitability of the game, not because he deserves to not play). He'll could be key off the bench, Navas too. I think City might sneak this one. I'll go for 2-1. Monchengladbach need the first goal. I'm confident. 4-0 at the Etihad, Pep has played them numerous times and City have experience so I hope all that mixed together will mean a win. We will see tonight at just past half 9. Until tomorrow's review of this game, see you then.
Team Prediction -
Bravo, Sagna, Otamendi, Stones, Kolarov, Fernandinho, Gundogan, De Bruyne, Silva, Sterling, Aguero.
