With the season essentially over for City, as we're locked in second place no matter the results this weekend, it makes sense to treat this as sort of an experimental game. While David Mooney thinks we should bring in the kids, Pellegrini poured cold water on that by noting the EDS squad has a derby against United this weekend. Still, even without the kids, this is a good opportunity to test the squad against solid opposition and potentially see what changes need to be made in the summer. The following are a list of things I would be interested in seeing, though not necessarily at the same time, in our final game of the season.
1) Put Kompany in midfield. I've been banging this drum for some time, but here it goes again. I don't think a central defensive pairing of Kompany and Mangala can ever be solid. They both are not particularly disciplined defenders, and their powerful physiques can't always make up for that. Kompany has played in midfield before and done well, and he will be able to provide sufficient cover for Toure, or in this case...
2) Frank Lampard. I want him to start, as this is his final game in the Premier League. A goal would be great, but just watching his movement going from midfield into the box is worth the price of admission.
3) Play Bony and Aguero together up top. At this point, the chances of Jovetic being here next year seem slim, so there's no point in starting him, and we already know everything we need to know about Dzeko, assuming he doesn't leave as well. I want to see this pairing together, as I truly feel Aguero is at his best alongside another striker, and I think Bony can do the dirty work (winning the aerial duels, providing good passes, and holding the ball up) to complement him well.
4) Good corner kicks. Has anyone else notice how much our set pieces have improved with Kolarov back in the team? We actually scored a goal from one of his against QPR, and Navas had a great chance against Swansea as well (albeit one he managed to put straight at Fabianski). If any of the corners are taken by Navas I'm going to scream. And more Milner/Silva short corners please!
5) A Milner goal. If Milner does leave (which I would only accept if we got Sterling in return), he deserves to have his accomplishments celebrated by all City fans. A goal for him at home would be a great send-off if he does leave.
6) A win. Because that's what I always expect from this team.
The last time we were in a position to do this was two years ago at
Norwich, with Micah starting at center back and Rodwell starring in
midfield with two goals. Hopefully Sunday will be similarly experimental, and much more successful.
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