Abu Dhabi United V Chelsea

[coco]

First off, good news.

We have a Saturday KO for this match, 5:30 KO.

Also Drogba is a big hopeful for this match.

Ballack should be available by then as well.

On top of all that (dare i say it), we may have a new addition to the squad in Robinho ??

I think Felipe will stick with the 4-1-4-1 formation.

Although Belletti scored, he didnt have a great game against spurs, I want to see Mikel back there for a spell.

-----------------Cech-----------------

Boswinga---Carvalho---Terry----A.Cole

-----------------Mikel-----------------

--------Lampard--------Ballack--------

---SWPDeco----------------Robinho---

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

[Alan]

SWP to play a blinder and score.

Sod's law!

[Mr Chelsea]

may have berbatov to contend with to

[mad_mac]

We'll get to see how good Robinho will fair in the EPL, just not for us!!

[BluesFTW]

City fan here (in peace, I promise ;) )

City's likely line up, barring any injuries, will be:

------------------------Hart----------------------

Zabaleta--------Dunne----Richards--------Ball(or Glauber)

----------------------Kompany-------------------

----------------------Johnson---------------------

SWP-----------------------------------------Petrov

-----------------------------Robinho--------------

---------------------Jo-----------------------------

Subs:

Shmikes

Ben Haim

Glauber/Ball/Onuoha

Fernandes/Hamman

Ireland

Elano

Sturridge

I think it'll be a decent game and probably the most watched so far this season. Obviously I hope we win, but would settle for a draw. Our games at Eastlands are usually close. I expect the same this time around.

Few good battles throughout the pitch, but the Key one ,imo, will be Lampard vs Kompany. Kompany has looked absolutly class so far, but this will be his biggest test.

I reckon that if we defend well enough we can hit you on the break since we have blistering pace in SWP, Petrov and Robinho (lol cant believe I am listing his name - will take a while for all this to sink in).

[evissy]

Something that would make me print out Keynyons head to a cut-out and to use it as a dart-board is if:

The game is 2-2 closing to the end, City goals scored by SWP(by beating Cole and Terry and curling it in) and Robinho, Hughes makes a tactical sub taking off Jo to Ben Haim to add to the defence. City corner, the ball beats Cole and Ballack and Ben Haim scores with his head. City wins 3-2...

[BLUENUT]

Something that would make me print out Keynyons head to a cut-out and to use it as a dart-board is if:

you dont already?

[TomW]

City fan here (in peace, I promise :P )

City's likely line up, barring any injuries, will be:

------------------------Hart----------------------

Zabaleta--------Dunne----Richards--------Ball(or Glauber)

----------------------Kompany-------------------

----------------------Johnson---------------------

SWP-----------------------------------------Petrov

-----------------------------Robinho--------------

---------------------Jo-----------------------------

Subs:

Shmikes

Ben Haim

Glauber/Ball/Onuoha

Fernandes/Hamman

Ireland

Elano

Sturridge

I think it'll be a decent game and probably the most watched so far this season. Obviously I hope we win, but would settle for a draw. Our games at Eastlands are usually close. I expect the same this time around.

Few good battles throughout the pitch, but the Key one ,imo, will be Lampard vs Kompany. Kompany has looked absolutly class so far, but this will be his biggest test.

I reckon that if we defend well enough we can hit you on the break since we have blistering pace in SWP, Petrov and Robinho (lol cant believe I am listing his name - will take a while for all this to sink in).

And the new owners expect 4th this season? I would be suprised if you came anywhere near 4th. Hopefully we get a comfortable win and Robinho is left wondering why he jumped to a club paying more money but not going to win anything for a number of years.

[Lofty]

I heard earlier today that Robinho won't be making his City debut at the Bridge because he'll be away playing for Brazil.

[Paulus]

I heard earlier today that Robinho won't be making his City debut at the Bridge because he'll be away playing for Brazil.

Are you sure it didnt read " playing away in Brazil".....I know it's grim up north , but give those northern lasses a chance Robby boy :P

[coco]

Revised line up.....

-----------------Cech-----------------

Boswinga---Carvalho---Terry----A.Cole

-----------------Mikel-----------------

---------Deco-----------Lampard------

--Essien----------------RobinhoKalou--

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

[midlandblue]

Just what is the news on Mikel?

[byatt]

Just what is the news on Mikel?

hopefully he'll play and stick very close to Robinho for 90 minutes and show him who's boss.. too early to try and guess a line-up at the moment with internationals coming up

[BluesFTW]

And the new owners expect 4th this season? I would be suprised if you came anywhere near 4th. Hopefully we get a comfortable win and Robinho is left wondering why he jumped to a club paying more money but not going to win anything for a number of years.

We could be in and around 4th-5th-6th come January(we were last season with a worse team).

Once January rolls around, you can bet that a couple of World Class players will come in (A. Cole would look good in a City shirt me thinks ;) ) and then you never know....

[BluesFTW]

Man City V. Abu Dhabi United, at the Middle East land's Stadium

Should be an easy 3 points for us then ;)

[Ruh Buh Juh]

Revised line up.....

-----------------Cech-----------------

Boswinga---Carvalho---Terry----A.Cole

-----------------Mikel-----------------

---------Deco-----------Lampard------

--Essien----------------RobinhoKalou--

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

I hope Felipe gives Kalou a run out rather than Joey, other than Pompey, Joey has been completely useless. Let Kalou prove his worth, and I have reason to believe Drogba will start on the bench, with Anelka up front, or possibly, the two of them up front?

With the two up front it would change to a diamond, looking like this:

...............................Cech

..Bosingwa......Carvalho....Terry.....A. Cole

.........................Essien

..........Deco..........................Lampard

........................Kalou

.........Anelka........................Drogba

Why not give it a shot?

[TomW]

We could be in and around 4th-5th-6th come January(we were last season with a worse team).

Once January rolls around, you can bet that a couple of World Class players will come in (A. Cole would look good in a City shirt me thinks ;) ) and then you never know....

How will you get world class players? Im sure if both teams had a bit accepted for Kaka he would sign for Chelsea and not Abu Dhabi United, Kaka would go to the team most likely to win things and thats us. Roman knew alot about football before taking over at Chelsea by the way your bloke is going about saying im gonna sign him and him it makes him look clueless. United will always be a bigger club than citeh so i can't see Ronaldo going to you. Torres and Fabregas? They are adored by there fans, and i would be suprised if they left. And then theres Spark. Is he a good enough Manager to win the trophis for citeh? well i don't think so. So which managers are out on the market who could win things? I can't see you getting Frank Rijkaard, or theres Roberto Mancini, i would be suprised if he went to a club like citeh because what have they won in recent years?

[abramovich]

We could be in and around 4th-5th-6th come January(we were last season with a worse team).

Once January rolls around, you can bet that a couple of World Class players will come in (A. Cole would look good in a City shirt me thinks ;) ) and then you never know....

It depends on what you consider a world class player. The best in business, like C.Ronaldo, Kaka and Messi - I don't think so.Money means a lot but it's not everything. Best players want to compete for the best trophies and actually have a chance to win them. It took three years of Chelsea dominating the league and consistently performing in Europe for the likes of Ballack and Sheva to take us seriously.

Another thing is the manager. Sparky did well at Blackburn but it remains to be seen if he could hack it at the top level. There'll be a lot of big egos, different personalities and quality foreign players all wanting to play and all needing to be handled and molded into a top class team. If new City owners spend in January like Roman did in his first summer in 2003 you're quite likely to end up with your own Verons,Crespos and Mutus and God help Hughes trying to keep it all together and not break under pressure of delivering instant success. City will be the "new team everyone wants to beat" now with not much room to fail.

Now, the EPL is the toughest club competition in Europe at the moment. Top four of England dominated CL over the last few years because they're the best teams in Europe right now. City will have a very tough time trying to snatch away a 4th spot from either L'pool or Arse let alone go for the title. I wonder how much the Abu Dhabi boys are willing to spend and how long they'd be willing to wait if the success eludes them in the first few years and last, but not least, how much of a say they'll want to have in team affairs.

[BluesFTW]

How will you get world class players? Im sure if both teams had a bit accepted for Kaka he would sign for Chelsea and not Abu Dhabi United, Kaka would go to the team most likely to win things and thats us. Roman knew alot about football before taking over at Chelsea by the way your bloke is going about saying im gonna sign him and him it makes him look clueless. United will always be a bigger club than citeh so i can't see Ronaldo going to you. Torres and Fabregas? They are adored by there fans, and i would be suprised if they left. And then theres Spark. Is he a good enough Manager to win the trophis for citeh? well i don't think so. So which managers are out on the market who could win things? I can't see you getting Frank Rijkaard, or theres Roberto Mancini, i would be suprised if he went to a club like citeh because what have they won in recent years?

How will we get World class players? by buying them... like you did. Kaka? there are more players in the world than Kaka. Anyway, he wont have a choice to play for Chelsea if we offer more to Milan than you.

BTW, give it a rest with "Abu Dhabi United". Do you not see what a joke you look like?

As for comparing our owners. Who gives a crap who knows more about football. If Roman is such a football guru, call for him to be manager...

Mark Hughes is a top top manager. Even if he doesnt get enough time, or fails, of course we'd get a top manager in. Our owners literally make Roman look like Oliver Twist. If England can get Cappello, we can get the likes of Mourinho, Guus Hiddink etc.

It depends on what you consider a world class player. The best in business, like C.Ronaldo, Kaka and Messi - I don't think so.Money means a lot but it's not everything. Best players want to compete for the best trophies and actually have a chance to win them. It took three years of Chelsea dominating the league and consistently performing in Europe for the likes of Ballack and Sheva to take us seriously.

Now, the EPL is the toughest club competition in Europe at the moment. Top four of England dominated CL over the last few years because they're the best teams in Europe right now. City will have a very tough time trying to snatch away a 4th spot from either L'pool or Arse let alone go for the title. I wonder how much the Abu Dhabi boys are willing to spend and how long they'd be willing to wait if the success eludes them in the first few years and last, but not least, how much of a say they'll want to have in team affairs.

The likes of Robinho, Aguero, Villa, Torres, Gattuso, Drogba etc are world class. C.Ronaldo? I dont want him, so I am glad we wont get him. Messi and Kaka would be great, but we wont get those players for a couple of years yet - if we ever do.

I reckon Liverpool are for the taking this year or next.

The "Abu Dhabi boys" are here for the glory. They will spend big - very big(peanuts for them) to ensure it. They are the real deal. Id worry more about Roman doing one if/when we overtake you, looking at your humongous debt. Here's hoping they have less of a say in team affairs then Roman ....afterall you have done ok so far havent you?

Edited September 2, 2008 by BluesFTW

[evissy]

I hope Felipe gives Kalou a run out rather than Joey, other than Pompey, Joey has been completely useless. Let Kalou prove his worth, and I have reason to believe Drogba will start on the bench, with Anelka up front, or possibly, the two of them up front?

With the two up front it would change to a diamond, looking like this:

...............................Cech

..Bosingwa......Carvalho....Terry.....A. Cole

.........................Essien

..........Deco..........................Lampard

........................Kalou

.........Anelka........................Drogba

Why not give it a shot?

Switch places with Anelka and Kalou and I'm up for it. Anelka is better at supporting in the center behind the main striker than anywhere in the wings.

[Mod]

I hope Felipe gives Kalou a run out rather than Joey, other than Pompey, Joey has been completely useless. Let Kalou prove his worth, and I have reason to believe Drogba will start on the bench, with Anelka up front, or possibly, the two of them up front?

I think (hopefully) if Drogba plays, Joey needs to play alongside. I believe those two play better together, thinking some of the passes Joe has given to Drogba last season.

You could say many players since the Pompey game were useless.

[abramovich]

How will we get World class players? by buying them... like you did. Kaka? there are more players in the world than Kaka. Anyway, he wont have a choice to play for Chelsea if we offer more to Milan than you.

BTW, give it a rest with "Abu Dhabi United". Do you not see what a joke you look like?

As for comparing our owners. Who gives a crap who knows more about football. If Roman is such a football guru, call for him to be manager...

Mark Hughes is a top top manager. Even if he doesnt get enough time, or fails, of course we'd get a top manager in. Our owners literally make Roman look like Oliver Twist. If England can get Cappello, we can get the likes of Mourinho, Guus Hiddink etc.

The likes of Robinho, Aguero, Villa, Torres, Gattuso, Drogba etc are world class. C.Ronaldo? I dont want him, so I am glad we wont get him. Messi and Kaka would be great, but we wont get those players for a couple of years yet - if we ever do.

I reckon Liverpool are for the taking this year or next.

The "Abu Dhabi boys" are here for the glory. They will spend big - very big(peanuts for them) to ensure it. They are the real deal. Id worry more about Roman doing one if/when we overtake you, looking at your humongous debt. Here's hoping they have less of a say in team affairs then Roman ....afterall you have done ok so far havent you?

You're starting to sound like a goryhunting muppet. "Will win all, buy everyone, become the biggest this and best that..."

Jeez, you have been bought a day ago. Maybe you should wait a bit to see what actually transpires.

I bet if we stuff you next week you won't be making any more guest appearances around these places anymore.

[BluesFTW]

You're starting to sound like a goryhunting muppet. "Will win all, buy everyone, become the biggest this and best that..."

Jeez, you have been bought a day ago. Maybe you should wait a bit to see what actually transpires.

I bet if we stuff you next week you won't be making any more guest appearances around these places anymore.

"goryhunting muppet" , na mate, (tho watchin us get beat by York 2-1 10 years ago was "gory").. just stickin up for my team after you dismiss us from doing exactly what you have done.

I'll be around a day or 2 after the game, win, lose or draw. Im a City supporter afterall

(besides, no offense, but Im havin too much of a laugh snoopin around here. The title of this thread is comedy gold, alone :D )

Edited September 2, 2008 by BluesFTW

[abramovich]

"goryhunting muppet" , na mate, (tho watchin us get beat by York 2-1 10 years ago was "gory").. just stickin up for my team after you dismiss us from doing exactly what you have done.

I'll be around a day or 2 after the game, win, lose or draw. Im a City supporter afterall

(besides, no offense, but Im havin too much of a laugh snoopin around here. The title of this thread is comedy gold, alone :D )

Like I already mentioned in the Robinho thread, I don't begrudge City their sudden fortune, hopefully it'll make the league even more competitive and interesting. I can also understand the excitement and the high expectations from City supporters, and given how the new owners broke the British transfer record on their first day, it's easy to be impressed.

What I'm trying to say is, you have to look what Chelsea went through since Roman arrived to realize how difficult it is to make that step up from a very good team to the best team in the country, and it takes more than just a lot of money. Out of all the players Roman brought in his first buying spree, five years and several trophies later only Joe Cole and Bridge are still with us today. Foreign stars do bring individual quality but whether they'd be willing to battle the likes of Wigan and Hull in the middle of winter on a pitches looking like potato fields is a different matter.

[TomP]

Given that we haven't got any quality wide options, I think our only choice is going to be to stick with the narrow 4-4-2 system we have played with so far. Assuming Drogs isn't up to starting, and that Ballack is out and Mikel is back, I think we will go with:

.................................Cech...........................................

.

......................JT...................Carvalho...........................

Bosingwa...................Mikel....................................Cole

.....................Lamps............Essien...............................

................................Deco...........................................

.....................Kalou.............Anelka...............................

I think that Joe Cole has been below par in the last few games, and Kalou deserves a shot as the mobile forward.

I actually don't think Beletti played all that badly against Spurs, so I would expect him to be in if Mikel isn't fit. In Scolari's system, the deep lying central midfielder spends a lot of time mopping up in defence covering holes left by the fullbacks, so it suits a defender with pace like Beletti pretty well.

I wonder what the odds are of either (1) Robinho or (2) SWP scoring against us? It's bound to happen, so I hope Anelka and Kalou have their shooting boots on, because I can see this being a 3-2 result, or somthing like that.

I also don't begrudge City coming into the money - it is exactly what the Premiership needs in my opinion. The more the league goes down the path of only the big four competing for trophies, the less interesting it becomes. And these days, pretty much the only way for a mid-table club to rise up and compete with the big four is for a rich owner to come in.

I don't think they will break into the top four this season - even with Robinho, they still don't have the quality needed in my opinion, but there is no reason why they can't challenge next season, as long as their new owners are properly committed for the long term, and show a bit more patience - which is not exactly what their last mega-rich owner did.

And to be honest, as Chelsea fans, to get upset at City because they have come into the money is a bit of the pot calling the kettle black. Just my opinion.