Manchester City

anfieldanfield · 28-07-11, 12:38 PM

Say what you want about Mancini maybe not being quite up to it, I think they've pretty much got the best squad in the league right now.

This front four has the potential to be absolutely devastating.

--------Balotelli
Silva----Tevez---Aguero

I think it will be between them and the mancs for the title.

JohnDoe · 28-07-11, 12:42 PM

That front four will never be played. No defence, and Tevez won't stay.

They are a good team on paper but that's where it ends.

I'll stick my neck out and say they'll drop out of the top 4, and Mancini will be sacked.

Shaggy · 28-07-11, 12:45 PM

I fancy them for the title.

JohnDoe · 28-07-11, 12:49 PM

Don't think they've got a chance with Mancini as manager.

Fancy them to be an epic failure this season.

It's red mancs or Chelsea for the title.

anfieldanfield · 28-07-11, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnDoe

That front four will never be played. No defence, and Tevez won't stay.

They are a good team on paper but that's where it ends.

I'll stick my neck out and say they'll drop out of the top 4, and Mancini will be sacked.

That front four is fine at home if you play with two holding players in midfield.

No fucking chance they will drop out of the top four.

Gaz · 28-07-11, 12:58 PM

Balotelli didn't show anything exceptional in terms of form in the league last season and i've seen little in pre-season to show that will change, Tevez will most likely be off which leaves that front 4 looking pretty different, still not convinced by Dzeko either

I think that they'll be top 4 again but if Tevez does leave then it will be interesting to see how they cope without him

Mike · 28-07-11, 12:59 PM

They will never win the league under Mancini.

JohnDoe · 28-07-11, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by anfieldanfield

That front four is fine at home if you play with two holding players in midfield.

That front four is unbalanced even with two holding players. Aguero, Silva and Balotelli (what's he done to deserve a starting spot?) don't track back. Besides, Mancini's in love with defensive midfielders, he won't break up his safe three in the middle.

Quote:

No fucking chance they will drop out of the top four.

If we break into the top four and Arsenal stay there, City can drop out. It's not beyond the realms of possibility. Aguero isn't really an upgrade on Tevez, certainly not Tevez of last season. I don't see major improvement in that team.

Mostar · 28-07-11, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shaggy

I fancy them for the title.

Same here.

They got so much depth and quality that even Hodge would lead them to the title..

Rich · 28-07-11, 01:03 PM

They had the best squad last season and they have the best squad this season.

I have my doubts about Mancini. I guess it depends on whether he's willing to unleash the attacking potential of the team. The other issue will be keeping the squad from rupturing apart off the field.

But with the money they've spent they should have the best and bigger squad.

Rich · 28-07-11, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnDoe

That front four will never be played. No defence, and Tevez won't stay.

They are a good team on paper but that's where it ends.

I'll stick my neck out and say they'll drop out of the top 4, and Mancini will be sacked.

Kompany is a great player. Plus Hart is a good keeper. Richards can be excellent and players like Zabaleta are underrated. I'd say their defence is pretty good.

It'll be how they blend their midfielders and attackers.

Arn · 28-07-11, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mostar

Same here.

They got so much depth and quality that even Hodge would lead them to the title..

I don't see any problem with the way Mancini built the squad. He built from the back as most managers do. He more or less copied the way we played with Rafa as manager.

As I said before. They now have the pace in Aguero to be able to play the Rafa system much better than they have done before.

Rock solid centrally. Great attacking fullbacks and pace upfront.

Arn · 28-07-11, 01:33 PM

The only thing they don't have is a midfield playmaker. They will probably get that when they sign up Nasri if they do that.

Jayesh87 · 28-07-11, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arn

The only thing they don't have is a midfield playmaker. They will probably get that when they sign up Nasri if they do that.

Silva?

Rich · 28-07-11, 01:34 PM

Kolarov is a weak link.

Utter shite last season.

Arn · 28-07-11, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jayesh87

Silva?

He isn't playing in midfield. He play in a free attacking position much in the same way Gerrard did for us.

Rich · 28-07-11, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arn

The only thing they don't have is a midfield playmaker. They will probably get that when they sign up Nasri if they do that.

Yaya Toure is kind of playing that position.

Doesn't have great vision or long range passing. But does have pace, power and goal threat.

Imy · 28-07-11, 01:50 PM

Posted this earlier in the PL predictions thread:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Imy

They've got by far and away the strongest squad, but with the ego's in their dressing room, Mancini as manager and CL football can't see them winning it.

dww · 28-07-11, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rich

Yaya Toure is kind of playing that position.

Doesn't have great vision or long range passing. But does have pace, power and goal threat.

The way they have played is very intriguing. Unlike others I'm a bit torn about Mancini - I don't think he is a block to them winning the title but I don't think he is amongst the very best managers either. If Tevez stays and is committed then I think they are a good shout for the title. If he goes or uncharacteristically doesn't fancy it this season then I think they will fall short.

Mostar · 28-07-11, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rich

Kolarov is a weak link.

Utter shite last season.

They bought Clichy to improve LB position.

Craig_H · 28-07-11, 03:12 PM

I think they could easily win the title.

saj · 28-07-11, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arn

He isn't playing in midfield. He play in a free attacking position much in the same way Gerrard did for us.

You mean playing in the 'hole' , like a playmaker normally does

Roboklopp · 28-07-11, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mostar

Same here.

They got so much depth and quality that even Hodge would lead them to the title..

Steady.

Shanks · 28-07-11, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shaggy

I fancy them for the title.

Not just yet

Reasons why?

Strikers

Emmanuel Adebayor
Mario Balotelli
Craig Bellamy
Edin Dzeko
Roque Santa Cruz
Alex Tchuimeni-Nimely
Carlos Tevez
Kun Aguero

Tee · 28-07-11, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mostar

Same here.

They got so much depth and quality that even Hodge would lead them to the title..

If they are up there come January, they can go out and buy another £30-40m player as well. It will be between them and the Scum.

I just hope we can gatecrash the party. Fancied us a few weeks ago to be up there but think our window has just petered out somewhat and there are still big questions about our strength in depth IMO. That could change if we bring in a couple more quality additions before the window closes though.

Craig_H · 28-07-11, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shanks

Not just yet

Reasons why?

Strikers

Emmanuel Adebayor
Mario Balotelli
Craig Bellamy
Edin Dzeko
Roque Santa Cruz
Alex Tchuimeni-Nimely
Carlos Tevez
Kun Aguero

Yeah, no title-winning strikeforce is complete without N'Gog.

Shanks · 28-07-11, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Craig_H

Yeah, no title-winning strikeforce is complete with N'Gog.

What formation are Man City playing next season then?

Craig_H · 28-07-11, 06:15 PM

Do you seriously think having a shit load of strikers, a few of which are excellent, is going to hamper them?

Shanks · 28-07-11, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Craig_H

Do you seriously think having a shit load of strikers, a few of which are excellent, is going to hamper them?

Yep..

Look at the midfield..

Who are you playing up front and who is sitting on the bench?

Give me a City Starting formation for next season..

Craig_H · 28-07-11, 06:23 PM

I've heard it all now. A team's achilles heel is that they have too many good forwards

Not hard really, if Tevez stays, they can play him through the middle with Aguero and Balotelli either side.

If he goes, Dzeko can come in.

You're saying you'd prefer the striker options we have, with N'Gog as 4th choice?

Shanks · 28-07-11, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Craig_H

I've heard it all now. A team's achilles heel is that they have too many FORWARDS

We're talking about a squad..

There are only so many players you can stick on the bench..

Is our Achilles heel The Midfield then?

Craig_H · 28-07-11, 06:43 PM

I've honestly not got a clue what you're on about. What does our achilles heel have to do with Man City FC? This is utterly bizarre and random.

If you think City's weakness is that they're 'too good' then...erm...ok.

As for squad - you think their squad is weak??

Whatever your point is, it's as clear as porridge right now.

I'd rather have their squad than ours.

-V- · 28-07-11, 06:44 PM

They won't win the league. Their squad has depth but they have massively overspent on decent players rather than top class players. They won't win the league under Mancini anyway.

They will finish 3rd or 4th.

Top 4 will be Us, Mancs, Chelsea and City

Shanks · 28-07-11, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Craig_H

I've honestly not got a clue what you're on about. What does our achilles heel have to do with Man City FC? This is utterly bizarre and random.

If you think City's weakness is that they're 'too good' then...erm...ok.

As for squad - you think their squad is weak??

Whatever your point is, it's as clear as porridge right now.

I'd rather have their squad than ours.

They have depth of course..
But in a few wrong places..

You are saying that because of their strike force, they may win the league..
Yet no mention at all of anyone's defence..

No where have I seen a positive about a DEFENCE..

So what is it....They score 5, we score 3?

Craig_H · 28-07-11, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shanks

They have depth of course..
But in a few wrong places..

You are saying that because of their strike force, they may win the league..
Yet no mention at all of anyone's defence..

No where have I seen a positive about a DEFENCE..

So what is it....They score 5, we score 3?

Erm....no i didnt say that.

You said "reason why" (they wont win it) "Strikers"

Which is a bit

They wont win the league because they've got loads of strikers? Utterly bizarre.

If you'd said 'they dont have enough depth or quality in defence', then that would have been fair enough. But to suggest they wont win the title because their striking options are 'too' plentiful or too good, is just bizarre.

wavydavy · 28-07-11, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Craig_H

I've honestly not got a clue what you're on about. What does our achilles heel have to do with Man City FC? This is utterly bizarre and random.

If you think City's weakness is that they're 'too good' then...erm...ok.

As for squad - you think their squad is weak??

Whatever your point is, it's as clear as porridge right now.

I'd rather have their squad than ours.

What a strange thing to say.

Craig_H · 28-07-11, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wavydavy

What a strange thing to say.

Why is it strange? They have a much bigger squad, more quality and more depth.

wavydavy · 28-07-11, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Craig_H

Why is it strange? They have a much bigger squad, more quality and more depth.

I wouldn't swap our squad or financial situation for theirs. Man Utd won the title with relative ease last season. Guess what? I wouldn't swap our squad for theirs either. How can you just renounce your own team like that?

Shanks · 28-07-11, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Craig_H

Why is it strange? They have a much bigger squad, more quality and more depth.

I'm sure you change the arguments to suit you..

City have too many strikers.. (if there is such a thing) they will not sit them all on the bench..

Unless they want to stay there and pick up a wage then they will struggle..

Craig_H · 28-07-11, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wavydavy

I wouldn't swap our squad or financial situation for theirs. Man Utd won the title with relative ease last season. Guess what? I wouldn't swap our squad for theirs either. How can you just renounce your own team like that?

Renounce

Behave!

Is Balotelli or Dzeko better than N'Gog?

Do they have better depth than us?

Is answering those questions honestly 'renouncing' our own team?

They have a better squad than ours and i'd rather we had the kind of strength in depth that they do. Radical thinking there(!)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shanks

I'm sure you change the arguments to suit you..

City have too many strikers.. (if there is such a thing) they will not sit them all on the bench..

Unless they want to stay there and pick up a wage then they will struggle..

Fucking hell, this again

They will pick 4 or 5 for their PL squad of 25. And guess what, all 4 or 5 of their's will be good quality players, whereas we get to turn to N'Gog

The likes of Bellamy, Santa Cruz etc wont even be in their 25 man squad - how will they 'struggle' exactly because of that?

Will we struggle because we cant field 8 midfielders?