City boss Manuel Pellegrini is set to play his strongest team at the Boleyn despite watching his squad rack up the air miles to Russia and back earlier in the week.The Etihad chief is all set to employ a 4-4-2 – with David Silva coming in off the left to effectively fill the No.10 position in the hole between midfield and the strikers.
Fernando is set to get the shout to provide more protection behind as he is seen as more holding midfielder than Fernandinho.
Should he decide to pay the Hammers an even greater compliment by adopting a more cautious formation Pellegrini could go with five in midfield and also play Fernandinho with one up top
Pellegrini faces three games in next 10 days and would like to get away with not playing Aguero from the start but word is he sees the game as far too important to keep him on the bench.
Subs will be made up of Kolarov, Sagna, Caballero, Demichelis, Jovetic and Navas.
Subs will be made up of Kolarov, Sagna, Caballero, Demichelis, Jovetic and Navas.
Likely starting line-up
HART
ZABALETA KOMPANY MANGALA CLICHY
MILNER TOURE FERNANDO SILVA
DZEKO AGUERO
HART
ZABALETA KOMPANY MANGALA CLICHY
MILNER TOURE FERNANDO SILVA
DZEKO AGUERO
Isn’t it nice of old Manuel to share his tactics with us so early on in the week. I believe this is meant as an intimidation tactic. Personally, I’d rather play against Silva in the middle where he’d be easier to sheppard than roaming the wings transgressing several zones of play when he cuts in. As you alluded to earlier, this could be a watershed game for Citeh. It could be for us too. I think it’ll be great game.