re: Manchester City 2015-16 thread "The Pepectations are high"

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Yup Gundogan would be a great addition. Gundugan and Pogba, if he's willing to play as a proper CM and not so much CAM, would be massive additions to this team. We'd instantly have one of the best midfields in the world. It would be such a boost to this squad.

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Hell I think Gundogan alone would help us a ton. The two ferns and he would be a solid rotation. Maybe not world class but certainly pretty good. We'll need another CM for sure and I think they'll go for Isco and Pogba first. Isco being more likely, but I don't think we land him. Zidane got him to Madrid and he's now the manager. If we're really going to spend 150-million I'm hesitant on Pogba. I would imagine he'll be 90-100 and Gundogan is rumored to be a ~25. It doesn't give you much wiggle room and when you have so many spots that need a boost that isn't going to cut it, especially with Pep.

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I just don't know what to do about Fernando now. He's been so great recently, outside of him completely falling asleep for 5 seconds in Paris. But I suppose you have to move him on anyway since I don't think he's a Pep type DM.

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He has shown some serious flashes. He isn't being asked to do much but he has performed his role well. I agree though, I just don't see Pep's system playing to his strengths.

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Running midfield 3s of Gundogan, Pogba, and Fernandinho would wreck with Sterling on either wing and KdB and Aguero playing up top.

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I honestly don't care who we get. I don't think we'll be favored in any match, but I do think we can beat any of the teams remaining over a two game tie.

I know Aguero hasn't scored in the UCL now since the first leg against Kyiv, but I have a feeling that he's going to score two goals total in the semi-finals. I think he knows it's really time to step it up and that KDB can't do it alone.

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I think they'll go for Isco

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I'd love Isco as well. Plus that'd leave us more money to buy a Winger/striker to replace Navas and a LB to replace Kolorav.

I wouldn't be surprised for Isco to leave Real though. He's still not playing CL, and sometimes doesn't even get subbed on. I don't even think he's playing in the major La Liga matches either.

I mean maybe Real are going to sell someone to make room for him next year, but it's obvious that right now he isn't one of the main members of the squad.

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I'd love Isco as well. Plus that'd leave us more money to buy a Winger/striker to replace Navas and a LB to replace Kolorav.

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Kind of my thoughts as well. Isco + Gundogan + others > Pogba + others IMO.

Ok thanks. Trying to figure out if he's still worth owning in fantasy EPL

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He was defending at our corner yesterday, he knows what is at stake.

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Maybe he should have a talk with Yaya.

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if you put Sterling on, what do you do?

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Assuming everyone is healthy. I don't start Silva or Yaya in another CL match.

I'd accept arguments of benching Navas and playing Sterling on the Right, but what we did against PSG is our way forward. And Sterling would add an even better version of that.

I honestly don't care who we draw. Bayern, Real, and City all advanced 3-2. City easily played the toughest team. This CL is wide open for any of the 4 to win.

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Assuming everyone is healthy. I don't start Silva or Yaya in another CL match.

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Imagine saying that 6 months ago. Crazy how it has changed. I'm fine with Yaya off the bench but it sucks admitting how far Silva has fallen.

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I'd accept arguments of benching Navas and playing Sterling on the Right, but what we did against PSG is our way forward. And Sterling would add an even better version of that.

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I'm fine with Sterling - KDB - Navas. Navas hasn't done much in terms of scoring/creation this season but if nothing else he makes an effort defensively and holds the ball. That top 4 is better defensively than Sterling - Silva - KDB and obviously they can score.

I wouldn't mind a Sterling - Silva - KDB but you do give up a bit on defense and you limit KDB. Clichy would be crucial here as well. Sterling works but we'll still need a second line of defense.

Sterling - KDB - Navas certainly makes the most sense but it feels weird leaving Silva out but I love having KDB in a CAM role. He was all over the pitch the other day. I feel like we're handicapping him by playing him wide.

I would be confident with the same lineup we saw this week against PSG with Sterling in Silva's place. Sucks we don't have Nasri. Even if he hasn't looked great he has worked hard since his return. He could provide a great spark coming in for Sterling or Navas.

Silva is also older and slow. It's a tough ask for him to defend the way the team needs. He's also just kind of terrible at the task.

I kind of wish the team would sell him while he still has value like they should have done Yaya. He also doesnt play the style this team often needs. Nearly always too unwilling to shoot. It creates problems.

I also worry about his health going forward and whether this is his new normal.

Great signing for a reasonable fee.

Silva was great last year, I agree with injuries and roles really hurting him this year as opposed to age. You don't fall that far in one year strictly due to age.