Manchester City (H) - 16/08/25 - Build-Up & Match Thread

[Deutsch Wolf]

6 opening day wins out of 25 this century

2024: Arsenal (A) L 0-2
2023: Man Utd (A) L 0-1
2022: Leeds (A) L 1-2
2021: Leicester (A) L 0-1
2020: Sheff Utd (A) W 2-0
2019: Leicester (A) D 0-0
2018: Everton (H) D 2-2
2017: Middlesbrough (H) W 1-0
2016: Rotherham (A) D 2-2
2015: Blackburn (A) W 2-1
2014: Norwich (H) W 1-0
2013: Preston (A) D 0-0
2012: Leeds (A) L 0-1
2011: Blackburn (A) W 2-1
2010: Stoke (H) W 2-1
2009: West Ham (H) L 0-2
2008: Plymouth (A) D 2-2
2007: Watford (H) L 1-2
2006: Plymouth (A) D 1-1
2005: Southampton (A) D 0-0
2004: Stoke (A) L 1-2
2003: Blackburn (A) L 1-5
2002: Bradford (A) D 0-0
2001: Portsmouth (H) D 2-2
2000: Sheff Wed (H) D 1-1
1999: Man City (A) W 1-0
1998: Tranmere (H) W 2-0
1997: Norwich (A) W 2-0
1996: Grimsby (A) W 3-1
1995: Tranmere (A) D 2-2
1994: Reading (H) W 1-0
1993: Bristol City (H) W 3-1
1992: Brentford (A) W 2-0
1991: Watford (A) W 2-0
1990: Oldham (H) L 2-3

 

[Dennisons Wrong Foot]

So in his media talk for the game Vitor says about JSL:

- He wants to see Jorgen Strand Larsen "fighting for the team" and "committed with the team" rather than "thinking about himself". Pereira said he wants to see the striker "enjoying it because this is a short career".

Should we be worried about this? Is JSL unsettled or just trying too hard? Maybe I'm wrong but I read it as he is mentally not quite right and therefore unlikely to do what he is in the team for - score goals. Hope he sorts himself out quick!

 

[sycophantia]

So in his media talk for the game Vitor says about JSL:

- He wants to see Jorgen Strand Larsen "fighting for the team" and "committed with the team" rather than "thinking about himself". Pereira said he wants to see the striker "enjoying it because this is a short career".

Should we be worried about this? Is JSL unsettled or just trying too hard? Maybe I'm wrong but I read it as he is mentally not quite right and therefore unlikely to do what he is in the team for - score goals. Hope he sorts himself out quick!

Didn't come across like that to me. He was asked if Larsen could step up and be the number one goal threat, think he was just trying to take pressure off him by saying he needs to try and enjoy every game and worry if he goes a few games without scoring.

 

[Carsy]

Haven’t seen much of pre season except the odd clip. Don’t expect anything from this game, however still gone for my standard 2-1 win in the pub predictor score!

I’m quite excited to see Fer Lopez this year. Based on knowing very little except what I’ve read, I think he could be a really exciting prospect.

Up the Wolve

 

[prawnking]

Despite our problems, as good a time as any to play City, when they're blooding new players in and Trafford in goal...

Head says heavyish defeat but be good to see our new boys anyway and have to hope Arias plays a blinder

 

[Lupo]

 

[Tyrannosaurus Dan]

Munetsi and Bellegarde starting

 

[jlo]

Well, the bench is ok...given the rubbish players are on the pitch. Could be a hang on and hope job

 

[prawnking]

At least we don't have Hugo on the left as well

 

[AndyWolves]

Kinda makes sense as we'll need to press really well to stay in the game

 

[Dire Wolf]

So we sign 3 new players and 2 of them don't even start? Amazing. That starting 11 is fucking rancid.

 

[jd1981]

That’s a disgrace of a starting 11 for a club that’s been in the PL for 8 seasons.

 

[Hereford Wolf]

I’m excited….68 years of supporting my club and I love it!

 

[SSB]

Neves back in town to watch us?

 

[NicholasG1973]

Neves back in town to watch us?

Hopefully he’s brought his boots.

 

[basher]

Just parked up... seen the team... turnaround and gone back home...

 

[Jinky]

Bellegarde, Munetsi & Hoever.

LOLZ.

 

[Carsy]

Bellegarde, Munetsi & Hoever.

LOLZ.

1-0. Bellegarde goal. Hoever assist. Munetsi to cover 20km

 

[jd1981]

It’s a mid winter line up when your trying rest a few players.
Hoever, Doherty, Munetsi and JRB starting your opening game is the indictment that sits firmly at Fosun door.

 

[Bigbadwulf07]

Wow! Johnstone has somehow managed to crawl to the bench