Joe Ricci

I got absolutely rinsed in the comments of this article for this opinion 🤷🏻‍♂️

-John Stones remains our best overall defender, what a joy he is to watch
-Edersons ball playing ability makes everyone around him more comfortable. Can’t replace what he offers
-Foden looking far more the creator in this central role than he has in the past, very positive 45’

What. A. Half.

-Marmoush benefitting from attention Haaland and Savio are drawing. Clubs won’t be able to double and triple up these players without consequence
-Nico looking comfortable in possession AND he’s holding his position perfectly
-Rico playing his role to perfection

I’d love Ake to retire with the club, but his injuries are starting to pile up

I’d like to keep McAtee but think he deserves better for his career than a bit part role

I’ve been one of jacks biggest fans and defenders but his time is coming to an end

Have to be realistic with who can go and where is all

Feels like the most likely scenario this summer is:

-One of Ortega/Ederson move on (likely the latter to Saudi)
-One of Ake/Akanji/Stones go along with Walker (could see JSP sold too)
-Three of Kev/Gundo/Bernardo/Nunes/McAtee leave
-Grealish's time is up

Thoughts?

He willingly started Kyle Walker this year. It doesn’t get much more insane

Genuinely wouldn’t shock me if Khusanov starts at Chelsea.

Imagine Gvardiol Dias Akanji Lewis play tomorrow. Don’t see a scenario where Dias/Akanji play 3 games in a week, Ake isn’t fit & JSP hasn’t been trusted as a starter to date.

Gvardiol Khusanov Stones Lewis wouldn’t shock me at the weekend

They're so fun. Gasperini never puts out a side that isn't fun to watch

Holy succession planning.

Could very well be

Akanji -> Bah
Ake -> Kusanov
Walker -> Cambiaso
Stones -> Reis

Obviously not a lock on these players but what a sign of intent from the club

If it were up to me this would be my XI tomorrow.

4 CB lineup is always strong against a very good Brentford attack (especially at home)

O’Reilly offers some much needed physicality and pace in midfield

Goals and creativity across the entire front line

I’m sorry but this eleven have more than enough quality to beat Leicester. Up to the players now to pull themselves up and get a result

Potentially, but in theory he’s a very good backup striker or a rotated winger with Doku and Baena

Definitely. Still think he can be a great role player

Figured JSP and O’Reilly in the squad just couldn’t fit in the lineup builder

Think given his age you do whatever it takes to get him signed up, he’s always a long term play anyways

Yeah feels inevitable his name will start to come up later in the season as it has in the past. Such a natural fit

All solid players. Although De Ketelaere I don’t think is at city’s level. Baena being a LW/AM and a release clause draws me to him. Baleba would cost a fortune I fear but he’s no doubt a future star

I think everyone from the board down to the fans would like to! But also have to be realistic in that it’s really tricky to do so with players of the quality city target.

Glad someone picked up on this. So good

7 new signings across 2 windows, achievable. Sign Bah in Jan, loan back till summer. Trigger Baena's RC of 60m in January. Likely a 300m or so output all things considered, but a few release clauses that give you a fixed fee.

JSP, O'Reilly, Carson round out the squad for HG help

-Two great long term CB prospects in Juma Bah (playing for Real Valladolid in Spain, think Dias 2.0) & Dean Huijsen (19 year old Spainard, think Stones replacement).
-Vanderson is the Walker replacement with a bit more attacking intent
-Retain Doyle for LB/CB depth and HG status

I have a dream for the next 2 windows:

-Average age of the defense shown Is 23 (with JSP sticking around too)
-Gundo sticks around as midfield/F9 depth
-Marmoush comes in to provide additional goals from LW/9
-Rodri cover/partner in Zubi
-Long term Ederson replacement in Costa

I don’t see it happening in January tbh. Good strikers are a dime a dozen and teams would be unwise to part with them mid season. I fancy Marmoush from Frankfurt in the summer (can play LW or ST), possibly Jonathan David on a free from Lille, Bakayoko from PSV (goal scoring winger)

11 goals and 7 assists in two seasons at PSG… he’s nowhere near the player he was in 22/23 at Frankfurt (think that was more of a one off). If he’s available on loan, there’s a reason imo. Would rather look elsewhere

Black doves has been class so far

Think he needs a mental rest

If this was Gundo of 2 years ago I’d say yes but I’d worry a bit with Kev jack Gundo midfield

Would be intrigued with this XI tomorrow

Ederson
Lewis Akanji Dias Gvardiol
Gundo Nunes
Grealish
Savio Haaland Doku

If KDB can start would like him at the 10 and Jack LW.