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This weekend brings what has been in recent times arguably the most daunting match of the season
Away at the ever fluent, ball-dominating Manchester City...a club that in previous times we had much in common with and a certain kindred spirit, but that in more modern times merely emphasise the difference that getting owners of means with a true desire for sporting success versus barrow merchants with no interest in the Club beyond buying it cheap, taking advantage of circumstance, and like house prices....doing just enough to keep it viable while watching the market trend see it's value appreciate.
We go into this game notably affected by the departure of two largely ever presents to AFCON.
AWB and Diouf are off in search of glory at the International stage. Füllkrug is unlikely to be risked with a move to AC Milan (!) seemingly on the agenda, and with January feeling as far away as ever our lightweight squad and it's meagre offerings take in one of the juggernauts of the North.
Predicted Line-up:
All eyes will be on the full-back slots, as well as if Nuno reverts to a 3 at the back. Scarles is fit again.
Areola
Mavropanos Kilman. Todibo
KWP. Magassa. Fernandes. Scarles
Paqueta
Bowen (c). Summerville
Subs: Hermansen, Igor, Myers, Rodriguez, Soucek, Potts, Wilson, Earthy, IrvingMavropanos Kilman. Todibo
KWP. Magassa. Fernandes. Scarles
Paqueta
Bowen (c). Summerville
Predicted Result:
Man City: 4 - 0 :West Ham
Can't see anything but a heavy defeat in this one after too much PTSD with the Sky Blues. Expect Haaland to run amok as usual.
Hope for the best. Expect the worst. But a 1-0 defeat would feel like a win.
COYI.
