[Albion] Brighton & Hove Albion vs Manchester City *** Official Match Thread ***

[Flounce]

It’s the hope that kills you

Lucky you, at least you have hope

 

[MJsGhost]

Not loving that team. In the past I would have said in RDZ we trust but don’t feel that’s the case right now .

Well, most teams will be beaten by City.
If we lose it doesn't mean the team selection was wrong...

 

[JetsetJimbo]

I would not have picked Steele over Verbruggen for this game, the shots are going to rain in and Bart is a better shot stopper.

Pleased to see Barco and Baleba though

Hate to say it but I think this is to protect Bart. His development won't be helped by picking the ball out of his net 5 or 6 times tonight.

But football has a tendency to produce surprises and Barco's presence is a wild card. Could be fun.

 

[MJsGhost]

A look at the City subs has had me crapping the bed not just wetting it

I have the same feeling as I used to get with a Hughton team against City, but without the defensive solidity

Looking at the positives, at least you can just scrape it out and sleep on the other side.
If you wet the bed, it soaks everywhere so is actually worse.

 

[Paulie Gualtieri]

Maybe Bart has had a terrible week in training

He had a shocker in Buzz’s bootroom

OUT

 

[BevBHA]

Man City -2 handicap at 11/5 looks like printing money

Man City half time/full time at evens also looks appealing

 

[NorthstandRacoon]

Joke. Barts been our best player recently. Made some exceptional saves and has improved his decision making and distribution. RDZ given up? Feels v flat here tonight. Think the negative pressers really rub off on us.

 

[Paulie Gualtieri]

And just as I say it he runs out the tunnel with the rest of them.
Bed wetting can continue

Made some good saves……in the warm up

 

[Littlemo]

Surprised not to see Bart in goal tbh. I don’t mind Steele at all but I felt that Bart has edged ahead of him a bit now.

 

[NorthstandRacoon]

Well, most teams will be beaten by City.
If we lose it doesn't mean the team selection was wrong...

Er, yes. But if we lose in a manner which suggests it was a poor selection then he has every right to be criticised.

 

[nwgull]

Well, most teams will be beaten by City.
If we lose it doesn't mean the team selection was wrong...

You’re right. A 2 goal defeat to City is probably about par for most PL teams. I however fear a hammering.

I genuinely feel sorry for Steele and think he’s been treated unfairly by RDZ. Confidence must’ve been low following 0-3 at Fulham then that early mistake at Wolves costing us the game, but then he’s expected to face the onslaught at the Stadio Olympico. Bringing him back against Man City is the last thing he needs.

 

[Littlemo]

Er, yes. But if we lose in a manner which suggests it was a poor selection then he has every right to be criticised.

We are down to the bare bones player wise. I am not sure there are really many changes he could make at this point, especially ones that make a difference.

 

[NorthstandRacoon]

We are down to the bare bones player wise. I am not sure there are really many changes he could make at this point, especially ones that make a difference.

Steele? I mean ffs poor choice having him in goal. Bart by far better keeper.

 

[Littlemo]

Steele? I mean ffs poor choice having him in goal. Bart by far better keeper.

I don’t think there is loads between them but even then, one player doesn’t make it a poor team selection overall.

 

[London Irish]

I would not have picked Steele over Verbruggen for this game, the shots are going to rain in and Bart is a better shot stopper.

Pleased to see Barco and Baleba though

Maybe if Bart is brave enough to use his hands rather than his legs as in the last game, he would be the better shot stopper

 

[NorthstandRacoon]

I don’t think there is loads between them but even then, one player doesn’t make it a poor team selection overall.

Agree.

 

[jabba]

My glass is half-full. Our record at home is not too shabby. If we can get our passing game back together I I can see us getting a point.

 

[A1X]

Oh FFS I’ve only just clocked Steele, annoyed I predicted we’d only concede 4 now

 

[Sid and the Sharknados]

Hate to say it but I think this is to protect Bart. His development won't be helped by picking the ball out of his net 5 or 6 times tonight.

Might as well get him used to it in a game with no expectations hanging on it as soon as possible.

 

[nwgull]

I don’t think there is loads between them but even then, one player doesn’t make it a poor team selection overall.

I accept it’s subjective, but there’s a reason that Bart already has senior caps for Holland, despite only being 21. He’s by far superior keeper.