There is that chance that we give Martial another chance, and drop Mata for Rashford, I'd be surprised if Lingard isn't close to full fitness either and that could be another option ahead of Mata. Though I'd say it's more than likely Mata will keep his place for this game, and we are due another big game from him in a high profile match, so he can keep his place for the next half season.

Yeah, that's fair comment, and I don't really see us counter-attacking in the traditional way. As you say, the pace just isn't there for it to really be effective.

I'm not convinced that we'll just sit in, I expect a deep defensive line, but controlled possession when we have the chance, trying to get the full-backs as far forward as possible.

I could be completely wrong, of course. Wouldn't be the first time.

I think Lingard would be ideal in this match, as his pace and trickery would be just what we could do with on one side and Martial on the other (hopefully his goal for France will have helped his confidence).

Either way, we have plenty of options with which to hurt City, and that should work in our favour, as if plan A is not working, then plans B C and even D are still more than capable of working out.

The pace could be there, as Martial, and Lingard are not exactly slouches if picked.

The key I think will be attacking at pace their suspect fullbacks, and getting in good crosses, as their centrebacks do not look good at dealing with balls from wide areas, and that is one of our key strengths with Ibra in the team.

That last bit is harsh IMO.

I'm really not sure what we should do with Martial/Rashford in this one. Don't think we should play both, neither have looked good on the right when they've played there. Rashford has been in better form but I'd lean towards him starting on the bench for this one. Can't see Lingard coming straight back in.


Yeah, that sounds pretty plausible. Kinda sounds like our strategy in big home games under Fergie towards the end of his reign.

Been really surprised by Valencia so far this season. He seems so much more aggressive going forward, if we do push the full-backs up as much as possible we'll need him taking their left-back on a lot.

True, but I was responding to Zieler, under the assumption that Mata would play.

That would only leave Martial with decent pace in a forward position, which wouldn't be particularly conducive to counter-attacking play.

Of course, we could play Martial, Rashford, Lingard, Mkhitaryan and Depay, if that's what Mourinho wanted to do. I don't see that happening.

Sterling isn't that good of a finisher. Liverpool played him there in 15/16 when Sturridge was injured and Balotelli was Balotelli. He got a few goals, he runs well with the ball at his feet, but his finishing can do with a lot of improvement.

He gets played out wide most of the time but his best position is behind the striker. If he starts behind Iheanacho then he could cause problems, but I suspect there'll be someone else starting there ahead of him. If he starts up front then you should be okay, you just have to watch out for his pace, and Mourinho knows how to tighten a defence.

Speaking of Memphis, I hope that he gets a chance to show if he has improved, as I do still think that there is a very talented player within him.


It would be great news for us if Sterling is selected to play up front for City, as you did a very good summing up of just why he shouldn't.

I am hugely positive about 2mmrw in a way I wouldn't be with either of our previous two managers. City are a tough prospect and arguably better on paper, but we have raised our game. Out of our regulars, only Martial has under-performed for us, while even Rooney has provided the assists that were a glaring absence from his play last season.

And I can't wait to see Zlatan bully Stones

It also helps that I have recently been reading Zlatan's autobiography and what he says about Guardiola is damning

Yeah I have read his book, hopefully there might be an updated chapter or two to come in the future!

I had a dream that I scored the opening goal after Pogba slotted the ball into the box and all I had to do was turn and whack it in. Here's hoping the dream was a prophecy about the match.

Are you definitely in the starting xi?

I wish, lol.

Nice to talk to you Marcus!

Yeah I think Mata has done a decent job so far this season.

Shit, cover blown, just don't tell Mou or he'll bring Bebe back in my place

The nerves are kicking in good and proper now!

Surely the big game will be perfect for Ibra to perform,.........right?!!!

Just as long as he doesn't bring back Prunier!

Same for Pogba, perfect for both to combine and ruin City.


Please, I've just eaten.

De Gea, Valencia, Bailly, Blind, Shaw, Pogba, Fellaini, Mkhitaryan, Rooney, Lingard, Ibrahimovic

Subs: Romero, Smalling, Herrera, Mata, Schneiderlin, Martial, Rashford

Great to see Lingard and Miki in the team, pace, pace and more pace, good call by José.

Interesting after Jose's comments about Miki yesterday he starts. Lingard in, I did suggest it. Rashford possibly has to count himself unlucky after the Hull performance and also his hat trick for the U21's. However, he's a great player to come on and make a difference as he did against Hull if required.

Glad to see Mkh starting, guess his injury wasn't as bad as thought.

I am very happy with the side that José has put out, Lingard and Miki are exactly the sort of players that we need against City's somewhat aging backline.

Rashford can come on and turn the game with his pace against their tiring team in the second half.

Hopefully now things go to plan!

F**king NOWTV payment system has crashed, unable to order it