Can't remember who but one of the first posters in this thread brought pullis into it and then there was one saying don't want to play like relegation battlers. It's all subjective, one mans stout defensive display is another's park the bus.
I thought our tactics against arsenal were spot on and should be lauded. Same again thus week please, just don't understand the negativity about it. I think this squad is a lot better than they are given credit for but the naively of the last few managers has cost the team a lot in terms of belief and confidence.
Sitting on my porcelain throne using Fapatalk
That be me .
I think we should play a 4-5-1 formation to begin with . I want to stay in the game for as long as possible rather than be looking to impose ourselves from the off.
Starting line-up would be something like this .
---------------------Lloris
---Dier ------Kaboul----Verts----Rose
Lennon--Capoue--Mason--Stambouli- Townsend
---------------------Kane
Their pitch is the largest in the premeirship 116 x 77 yards (2nd widest in the premeirship , one yard narrower than Goodison Park).
They attack their opponent in the wide areas, with their full-backs offering support, so I do think it's important we offer good protection to both Dier and Rose. We can do this by playing deeper and counter attacking swiftly on the flanks with Lennon and Townsend.
I want to start the game with three in the middle so as to combat their fluid midfield attacks from Toure and Silva. Capoue, Stambouli and Mason will be tested but I do believe in their work rate and defensive know how. All three have had an international break and will have spent time on the training field with, Poch and the coaches. Eriksen, Lamela and Chadli on the other hand, have all been away on international duty and coming back to an away trip to Emirates Marketing Project, is a big ask. If the three regulars are fit, I would have them on the substitutes bench for this one.
Our lone forward for this game, I feel should be either Kane or Soldado. An out of form Adebayor, will be returning from Africa after two tough games against Uganda, so I think he should be a substitute for this one.
I do feel we should also take into account that City have a must win CL game on Tuesday, away to CSKA, therefore I wouldn't be to surprised, to see Pellegrini rest some of his big hitters that have been away on international duty.
The team selection and tactics is all a gamble I know. But with the game falling just after the international break, I feel it's a gamble worth taking bearing in mind who the opponent is.