Who starts against City?

Just a quick filler article to take us through to music night, looking ahead to the weekend who starts against City?

Our first choice back five normally picks itself but with Robbo still recovering from shoulder surgery, the only real question is at LB. Gomez or Kostas? Both players have been blowing hot and cold for a while so it comes down to do we prefer the more defensively minded Gomez or the increased attacking threat of Kostas? As a rule, I’d generally go for the more natural LB in Kostas but with the inverted system we’ve been playing with Trent and our LB being asked to drop in and create something of a back three, coupled with the fact the City definitely have the quality to exploit the spaces at the back that we leave playing the inverted RB system, I think I prefer the more defensive minded Gomez for this one.

In midfield, I don’t think Endo looks anywhere near ready to be up against the quality of City and this could be a game where our lack of a proper DM could bite us. I don’t see any other choice but playing Mac Allister there, even though I’m not particularly a fan of him in that role but I feel he’s the best option at the moment and I’d start Szoboszlai and Gravenberch either side of him. Their physicality and technical ability will cause any team problems and their energy will definitely be needed against this City team.

That leaves the forward line. Personally I would start Salah, Diaz and Jota through the middle. For the first hour of the game, our pressing will need to be on point and I think Jota’s composure and intelligence will be required, with Nunez’s chaos to be brought on in the second half as players tire and the game opens up. I’m not sure Darwin yet has the tactical discipline to be starting against City yet and Jota has been in fine form this season and that shouldn’t be ignored for a more fashionable player in my opinion.

My team for City – Alisson, Trent, Konate, Virgil, Gomez, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Gravenberch, Salah, Jota, Diaz

Let’s hear your team selection below. Walk on!