We have to win the next three games and we have to shuffle the squad to give the tired legs as much rest as possible. We have to field some fresh legs in each game and we have to keep some legs fresh for the next game. As things stand, I think Salah, Fabinho, and VVD are already out of consideration against Southampton.
I would rotate Mane and Diaz in the next two games. Jota and Bobby (though he might be a bit rusty) should be starting in those two with Origi and Minamino as possible replacements or substitutes.
In the midfield, I would rotate between Thiago & Keita and Henderson & Milner in the next two games. Although, I doubt if Milner still has the legs to play 90 mins. Curtis should take the third midfield spot while Elliott and Ox can get some mins as substitutes.
Tsimikas should be starting the next two games. On the other flank, I would rotate between Trent and Gomez. I would start Konate in the next two games and Matip in the Final. If things go well, VVD can replace Matip against Wolves.
Southampton are relegated so unlikely to have to much fight in them if we show them early on that we are really up for it.
Anybody who has the slightest injury problem gets a rest, even Ali.
Kelleher- Bradley, Matip ,Gomez, Tsimi - Ox, Millie, Curtis -Mini, Bobby, Divock. , I think would be good enough to win it but I suspect a few more senior players will get 45 minutes to solidify the line up as we do need to win this one, just in case
No. GD is not relevant if we win both games. If we don’t beat Southampton then we’re not going to make up the goal difference on the last day; if we do beat Southampton (by any score) then we’re not going to be expecting Cheaty to lose and us to draw - there is no sensible scenario where we go all out for a 6,7,8 goal victory at St Marys. Players are tired and getting a (relatively) low stress and energy 3 points would be worth much more to everyone than an exhausting high score result. We need to keep our eyes on the prize(s) - we can’t win anything if we are not fresh and ready for Anfield and Paris.
Edit: in the scenario that Cheaty lose vs Villa (by one goal) and we draw against Wolves then we would need to beat Southampton by 7 goals to go clear on GD (6 may be enough to draw depending on goals scored but we wouldn’t want a playoff just before the CL). There is no chance we go out and try to score 7 against Southampton on Tuesday - we’d be almost certain to pay for it in the following matches.
Bet you tell your kids there’s no Father Christmas too, bloody kill joys
Goal difference can come into play. No matter how unlikely it might be, it must be considered. Far more likely than City going out against Real @88 minutes.
People should forget about winning on GD.It is pretty much impossible.We will need to beat Southampton 7-0,City lose to Villa and we draw with Wolves.Zero chance of this happening.
