Im usually very optomistic going into big games like this but after watching the west brom game I have to admit that im a bit fearful for us. We controlled large parts of the game against west brom but were still unable to find the back of the net, mostly down to suarez not taking his chances, and we created plenty of chances for him. Against a team like city those chances are going to become even more limited so if suarez is our central striker he is going to have to discover his goal scoring touch and quick. Hopefuly the big game ocasion will bring the best out of him. Im not sure starting borini in the center is the answer either. I have alot of confidence that he will prove to be a good signing for us but i think that he might be too lightweight up against the likes of experienced defenders like Kompany, lescott and zabaleta. For me Andy Carroll would be the man to go with but he is alot less mobile than either suarez or borini and would rely on good service which he rarely gets.
Obviously Agger being suspended is a huge loss to us. Im not sure carragher is the right man to go with as replacement, but i think he is the only option. If enrique is still out then kelly will play right with johnson on the left leaving coates as the only other option and i think he might still be a bit too inexperienced in the premier league to trust in such a big game.
The team is also getting used to playing a new system which also goes against us at present. The new system will play dividends, lets hope that it is sooner rather than later (tomorrow would be ideal)
I hate being a pesamist and feel free to slate me and try to talk some sense into me.
Hopefully henderson, adam, spearing and shelvey dont play any part until we are coasting to a great win, i didnt tink any of them were any good against hearts on thursday, none of them looked like they had a clue how the new system should work and were constantly too slow on the ball, getting closed down and passing back to the defence. Joe allen looked good when he came on towards the end of the game and made space for himself well and im sure himself, lucas and gerrard will make up our three man midfield. Hopefully gerrard wont have another bad game and will try get himself into the game and make things happen for us.
I expect something like this as our line up:
Reina
Kelly-Carragher-Skrtel-Jonhson
Lucas-Allen
Gerrard
Suarez-Carroll-Borini/Assaidi
Probably Borini as its quite a big game for Assaidi to be making his debut.
A draw would be a good result, a win and expectations will be through the roof again im sure, i wont mention the "L" word as no one here wants to hear it.