Don't think Ivanovic will be slotted back to the CB role just like that. Terry and Ivanovic haven't been paired up in this season's system and Jose won't do that against City. Also I doubt if he's going to use Luis as well. Probably our usual back four of Ivan-JT-Cahill-Azpi again.
I will be surprised if Mourinho didn't start with both Branna and Azpi in spite of Luis' performance last night. Just like last season, Azpi is going to sit deep and Ivanovic will have the occasional runs forward. If Jose plans to make our full backs sit deep, Azpi is going to be obvious choice over Luis eventhough the latter is a more well rounded full back. Matic could play the lone holding role with Ramires supporting. Don't think Fabregas will be a confirmed starter for games like these. 4-1-4-1 ................Tibo.............. .Ivanovic......JT......Cahill....Azpi ................Matic................ .Willian..Ramires..Fabregas/Oscar...Hazard ...............Costa.....................
About time we had a fullback with such quality in crossing. Brilliant offensively and rarely got caught out at the back. Arguably our best defender tonight. Another positive from tonight. I'm good.
Nearly cost Madrid a goal just seconds after he came on. What's with all the young defenders and the way they head the ball back to the goalkeeper? (Almost reminded me of Nastasic's header back last season that Torres scored)
I would be surprised if Cech and Luis didn't start and Salah didn't get any significant match time. ...................Cech............ . ...Azpili Branna Cahill Luis... ....................Matic.............. ........Ramires...............Oscar...... ...Willian...........Costa.........Hazard Also a good opportunity to rectify all the defects in our 4-3-3. Can't see them beating us.
To me, he had a decent enough game and was, obviously, overshadowed by Costa, Cesc and Hazard. Didn't expect him to get a lot of stick here. Like Tomo said, he is vital to maintain the balance in our side.