But how likely is his ceiling? How long have we waited for it? What’s the odds of it turning up in this one game?
Garnacho has dropped well off this last few games. But he'd be playing anyway, on the other side.
Licha and Shaw after virtually no playing in the last months as our CB pair means we are absolutely toasted
I rather start them both. They are still the best CBs available. Hope their fitness is fine.
Yeah, more likely Varane. I'd also start with Amrabat over Hojlund, and hopefully have ready to come on at 60'ish minutes with the game still in the balance.
Varane won't risk injury playing 100% for us because he needs to sign new contract with the new club.
I think he is professional enough and loves the club enough to give his all for a final. Whoever signs him next will know he is quality but injury prone.
Doubt the game will be in the balance then. If we can nick a first half goal like we did in the away game this season. We just have to defend for ourselves. We seem to of lost our counter attacking ability which we was so good at under Ole. Diallo needs to play as he can carry the ball and he’s so good in tight spaces.
Realistically if he is injured no club will sign him. And he is injury prone. One bad injury he will be out for months and lost the opportunity altogether. The safer bet is Shaw if not it should be Kwambala or Casemeiro as CBs
Why play a FB whos just back from a long injury over two players back from shorter injuries but are actually CHs?
IMO, Shaw is a very good CB. He can hold and distribute the ball well. He was playing as inverted LB who slot in midfield position and played well. We need more players who can hold the ball and "press resistant" against City to stand any chance.
I was pretty certain EtH would pick Rashford because of his record in the big games and because he's been desperate for him to rediscover last season's form, however unlikely that was/is. Now that he's been dropped from the England squad, i'm not so sure. His confidence is probably shot.
I think even if out for months Rafa will be just fine. If not him then I'd opt for Evans, Casimero, Kambwala then Shaw in that order alongside Licha. Just my opinion:-)
Actually, Evan is a good call. I prefer Shaw is because of his ball playing abilities. But yeah, his fitness may be a big issue
it’s a no brainer to start rashford now. he has all the ammo he needs for a performance. someone will get injured in the england squad and they’ll be a call up. southgate is a spineless wimp and will bow to any kind of pressure to pick him if rashford downs city single-handedly.
I think he’s ok too. But I’d rather have a CH at CH, Shaw at LB and Dalot at RB (with AWB benched) than move Shaw out of position and play AWB.
No way this came as a surprise to him. Southgate probably gave him a heads up way in advance and put an arm around his shoulder to encourage him.
Varane will play without a doubt. It's possibly his last big game in his career. A cup final. He got minutes vs Brighton to be his easing into it, I'd be shocked if he isn't starting.
So you're starting 2 left footed CB's - one of whom hasn't played for a few months and one who hasn't played a full game in months - yeah that's a winning solution
Man City A and Man City B?
Shaw has played 0 minutes since I don't remember when. Is he even back in training yet? And you want to stick him in the center...against City? Varane will give what he has. I have no doubts about that. And if not him, Kambwala is there and Lindelof is at least in training. Plus, I'd do anything to get AWB off the field. If Shaw is healthy, he's back on the left with Dalot on the right, as it should be. I'm sick of seeing AWB, who might be the worst player in the EPL with the ball at his feet, constantly give the ball away with crap passing or even worse dribbling.
Yes, both of them can hold the ball, distribute well and press resistant.
At home!
You don't pick a team based on who deserves to play, you pick it on the basis of which players give you the best chance to win it.
Hope you recover from those injuries doing 69s. It’ll be an interesting read.
sneak peak at the start of chapter 3 for you.
The use of “invovle” got me.
feck that was a boring game, lit up by a truly sensational goal.