Right then. An injury hit United could not create much against us, neither could a fully fit Arsenal. The formers title challenge has blown up as impressively as their neighbours did, losing 2 on the bounce each to fall by the way side. Mathematically a win here will put United (12 points behind now) and City (10 points behind now) out of it.

 

We know already they have no hope at all of catching us but this would be the final curtain for them. It won't be enough to put Arsenal out of it quite yet however, but we can afford to be a little patient, we have been waiting near 5 years already what is a few more days :)

 

Somehow I see this latest form Premier League side (4 wins on the bounce for the foxes) offering more of a threat than United and Arsenal did. They really have nothing to lose. No one expected them to beat the drop and none will give them a chance against the Champions elect.

 

Personally though I can see them breaking through our tight rear guard, possibly more than once. Still though, I expect us to shade it by the odd goal.

 

As for the team, think we can safely assume Oscar is out of this one, likely no Remy or Costa too, so is it time to bring in some of the youth or carry on with the Drog/False 9? Are any of us (Gem ;)) still concerned we could blow the title?

 

Time for Petr Cech to get a run of games this legend deserves before we part ways with him, let him be involved in our count down to the title.

 

I would go with:

 

Cech

 

Brana

Cahill

JT

Luis

 

Cesc

Matic

 

Cuadrado

Willian

Hazard

 

Solanke

 

If we can put ourselves in a strong position we can look to bring in RLC at some stage.

I think Oscar will sit this one out

Courtois

Ivan

Cahill

Terry

Apzi

Matic

Rami

Fab

Haz

Wil

Drog (Remy or Costa if fit)

Like you I wouldn't expect to see Oscar.  If Remy/Costa aren't fit I would like to see Solanke given a run out (it'll never happen I know). I don't expect us to have too much trouble defensively but our attacking options are a bit limited.

Need some advice, people.

 

I'm looking for a good bar in London to watch this match, I'll be near The Gurkin if anyone has any ideas!

Like you I wouldn't expect to see Oscar. If Remy/Costa aren't fit I would like to see Solanke given a run out (it'll never happen I know). I don't expect us to have too much trouble defensively but our attacking options are a bit limited.

We might aswell give Solanke a go now in all honesty

Edited April 26, 201511 yr by Bobbywoodhogan

Courtois

Ivanovic-Cahill-Terry-Luis

Matic-Mikel

Willian-Fabregas-Hazard

Drogba

 

Hoping this lineup, I hope youth play but it's just not going to happen. Leicester have been quality, I think they can beat anyone at the moment, I also think they might be fancying their chances. Going to be another hard game but thank god we are in such a great position, league should be done and dusted but the sooner the better obviously, lets just try and get the 3 points. 

We have to be careful, Leicester are in good form and showed against Burnley (okay, admittedly not the most potent attacking force in the league, especially in the absence of both Vokes and Barnes) that they are as capable of defending deep as they are of going on the attack. We certainly shouldn't treat this as a done deal; we shouldn't be complacent despite getting four points and two clean sheets out of Arsenal and Man Utd, the title isn't [technically] won just yet.

 

I think ultimately if we can nullify Cambiasso we will be able to disrupt their effectiveness in possession quite effectively. They do quite frequently play it long; Schmeichel's goal kicks are almost invariably aimed at Ulloa, with Vardy closing down the back four with his relentless stamina, then again Ulloa tends to come off after about an hour or so. Albrighton has also earned a place in the team on the right, he offers a threat with his frankly impeccable crossing (an increasing rarity in the modern game), and has even developed the stamina to play as a wing-back. He seems like a bit of a throwback, a reminder of the Beckham-style wide men who rely on their delivery as opposed to their pace.

 

Their back three/four is quite seriously lacking in pace; a combination of Huth, Morgan and one of Wasilewski and Upson are imperious in the air, but very vulnerable to pace and clever running. I think we should also target their right side as well; they will be starting one of Konchesky and Schlupp at left back, both of whom are total liabilities.

 

In terms of our selection, I suppose our key issues are the lack of centre forwards and Oscar's apparently head injury. Drogba seems to be capable of at least a half; I wouldn't really want to start him as I think it would play into the hands of Morgan and Huth, who are both strong in the air, but I can't imagine José will give Solanke the start. We certainly shouldn't resort to pinging the ball long from goal kicks as it likely won't meet its target.

 

If they do start with three at the back, playing a single striker would in theory be the best way of take advantage, leaving their two spare players both as centre backs, neither of whom are particularly good on the ball. Although this isn't ideal, with the players we have available, Drogba would probably be the best man to physically occupy their centre backs, even if he ultimately has little actual role in our actual possession, acting almost as a decoy.

 

Playing Hazard (or Fabregas) up top would likely nullify him; I think he should start on the right to best take advantage of their weakness on the left of defence. The obvious replacement on the left would be Willian, although I would start him in the centre in order to put pressure on their midfield (particularly Cambiasso, who dictates their play). My instinct would be to play Rémy on the left, which obviously isn't an option, therefore I think this might be a good opportunity to give Cuadrado a go.

 

Therefore I would go for this:

 

-----------------------Courtois

Ivanovic--------Cahill-----Terry-------Azpilicueta

----------------Fabregas----Matic

-------Hazard--------Willian-------Cuadrado

-----------------------Drogba

 

Bench:

Cech, Luis, Zouma, Mikel, Ramires, Brown, Solanke

Flip Plokoon you must watch Leicester a lot!

Flip Plokoon you must watch Leicester a lot!

Is a pretty detailed analysis that is for sure!

 

As one of our more negative posters on here even I am 100% confident of the title now, I was very confident before we played United, I am convinced of it now.

 

Time to give Solanke a go, mobility against their cumbersome center backs. Time for minutes for Luis, Cech and Cuadrado, then for RLC off the bench later. Let the squad players feel this upcoming title triumph, let our more promising youth get some minutes.

 

My side above is still loaded with quality, and still starts the Premier Leagues best player, best assist maker and best center back (center back pairing too).

They are at the foot of the table for a reason. I hope Jose send out a team to beat them rather than grinding out a win. I hope Currado and Luis get start, I meant for a combined fee of over 40M, they should be able to handle a relegation team. I believe the last 2 games would have taken something out of players, need fresh legs for this one. Striker will be our biggest issue for this game, we just can't put balls behind defenders with Drogba leading the line.

We can't underestimate Leicester, they're really in form at the moment and will be desperate to get over the line and stay up in the league. They have a pretty decent attack, in Ulloa and Vardy, and with their strength on the wings (especially the right) with Albrighton, we should be wary at the back, but I have full belief in our defence. Alot of their play runs through Cambiasso so if we could maybe get Ramires to start in the midfield to shut him down it could be a good option, alongside Matic to boss his usual playstyle there.

 

With Oscar being most definetely out we'll most likely play Fabregas at CAM, allowing us to play Ramires or possibly Mikel in that more defensive midfield to shore up a third consecutive clean sheet. The only issue I have that is slightly worrying for this game is the lack of centre-forward options, and this could prove to be a weak point in the game, so we might end up playing a bit more on the back foot to come away with at least 1 point.

 

Personally, I think we should go for a strong lineup, we can't underestimate Leicester and we certaintly can't think that the league is already done and dusted.

 

I would go for this line-up:

 

Courtois

Ivanovic, Terry, Cahill, Azpilecuta

Ramires, Matic

Willian, Fabregas, Hazard

Cuadrado

 

Cuadrado played at CF for the majority of his season with Fiorentina, and especially with Leicester's weakness with pace at the back, he could be very threatening, and with Fabregas playing higher up the pitch we could see some good balls he could get on the end of. It's a catch 22 really, we arent starting him because he's in bad form, but he's in bad form because he's not getting gametime.

 

carn blues

Edited April 27, 201511 yr by ducksworth

Would love for us to start Solanke, but I cant see that happening untill after we have won it and even then its doubtfull he gets more then a ten minute cameo

No disrespect to Leicester, but 5 wins on the bounce would be fairytale stuff.

We are different class to the teams they have put away recently though. Can't see anything but 3 points here for us and they can start tying the royal blue ribbons on that pot.

We have to be careful, Leicester are in good form and showed against Burnley (okay, admittedly not the most potent attacking force in the league, especially in the absence of both Vokes and Barnes) that they are as capable of defending deep as they are of going on the attack. We certainly shouldn't treat this as a done deal; we shouldn't be complacent despite getting four points and two clean sheets out of Arsenal and Man Utd, the title isn't [technically] won just yet.

 

I think ultimately if we can nullify Cambiasso we will be able to disrupt their effectiveness in possession quite effectively. They do quite frequently play it long; Schmeichel's goal kicks are almost invariably aimed at Ulloa, with Vardy closing down the back four with his relentless stamina, then again Ulloa tends to come off after about an hour or so. Albrighton has also earned a place in the team on the right, he offers a threat with his frankly impeccable crossing (an increasing rarity in the modern game), and has even developed the stamina to play as a wing-back. He seems like a bit of a throwback, a reminder of the Beckham-style wide men who rely on their delivery as opposed to their pace.

 

Their back three/four is quite seriously lacking in pace; a combination of Huth, Morgan and one of Wasilewski and Upson are imperious in the air, but very vulnerable to pace and clever running. I think we should also target their right side as well; they will be starting one of Konchesky and Schlupp at left back, both of whom are total liabilities.

 

In terms of our selection, I suppose our key issues are the lack of centre forwards and Oscar's apparently head injury. Drogba seems to be capable of at least a half; I wouldn't really want to start him as I think it would play into the hands of Morgan and Huth, who are both strong in the air, but I can't imagine José will give Solanke the start. We certainly shouldn't resort to pinging the ball long from goal kicks as it likely won't meet its target.

 

If they do start with three at the back, playing a single striker would in theory be the best way of take advantage, leaving their two spare players both as centre backs, neither of whom are particularly good on the ball. Although this isn't ideal, with the players we have available, Drogba would probably be the best man to physically occupy their centre backs, even if he ultimately has little actual role in our actual possession, acting almost as a decoy.

 

Playing Hazard (or Fabregas) up top would likely nullify him; I think he should start on the right to best take advantage of their weakness on the left of defence. The obvious replacement on the left would be Willian, although I would start him in the centre in order to put pressure on their midfield (particularly Cambiasso, who dictates their play). My instinct would be to play Rémy on the left, which obviously isn't an option, therefore I think this might be a good opportunity to give Cuadrado a go.

 

Therefore I would go for this:

 

-----------------------Courtois

Ivanovic--------Cahill-----Terry-------Azpilicueta

----------------Fabregas----Matic

-------Hazard--------Willian-------Cuadrado

-----------------------Drogba

 

Bench:

Cech, Luis, Zouma, Mikel, Ramires, Brown, Solanke

 

 

Fantastic post.

 

Completely the opposite to me in terms of botheredness though. For the first time in a long time, I don't care. I'd love a point against this lot, not a win. 

 

Let's win it at home to Liverpool.

5 years is too long to be picky, I'll take it whenever, assuming we win it.

...

 

AND LEICESTER! 

I'd rather we go with Solanke or if Oscar is ok (which I doubt) then go for that.

We played good stuff in the first half but when Drogba came on our levels dropped and the big man couldnt really keep control of the ball for any length of time while his passing was poor more often than not on the odd occasion he got the ball.

What Leicsester struggle with is pace and Drogba aint got any, the title is nearly won so give the young guys a chance if Remy and Costa are still out I say.

Put Cuadrado in the striker position, he has alot of pace.

5 years is too long to be picky, I'll take it whenever, assuming we win it.

 

I'm being picky because I can't make the Palace game but will be at Liverpool. Pure self-interest.

 

So come on Leicester!!

Edited April 27, 201511 yr by Blue Daze

This game should be harder than both Utd and Arsenal. The former know they are all but safe for top 4, and were playing for a bit of pride if nothing else. Nothing changes really.

Leicester's players are playing what matters most to most footballers, their bank balance. They are 1 point above the relegation zone and need every point they can get. They will be more than up for it.

I hope they crumble under the pressure and Pearson uppercuts himself out cold.

I'm being picky because I can't make the Palace game but will be at Liverpool. Pure self-interest.

In that case fair enough I guess.

I hope we batter Leicester as I hate Nigel.

Losing would just give the Arse false hope and I could do without reading about that for another week. Let's stuff this lot and lift the title ASAP so we can see the likes of RLC and Ake get game time.

Put Cuadrado in the striker position, he has alot of pace.

Yet lacks the strength to hold the ball up as we've seen when he's played out wide.

Edited April 27, 201511 yr by Bobbywoodhogan

We know how the trophy is close, and this is not an easy game. We have to win this to avoid issues, also it's the right time to score more than one goal.

 

I'd like to see this XI:

 

Courtois

 

Ivanovic

Terry

Cahill

Azpi

 

Matic

Fabregas

 

Cuadrado

Willian

Hazard

 

Solanke (Not sure how Diego and Remy are, and we can't play without striker. Give Solanke a chance.)

Flip Plokoon you must watch Leicester a lot!

 

Haha I work on the turnstiles at the King Power! Recently I've befriended an old steward who has been there for years who has been able to get me into games afterwards. I've lived in Leicester for a few years now so I've become quite fond of City in that time.