[Fillipo Simone]

Must win match.

[X-Offender]

Not matter how crap we are playing, not passing through a group comprised of the 4th ranked Spanish team from last season, a Russian club which is facing a crises of results, and the Belgian champions, it would be a massive underachievement. Just like it was for United last season when they didn't qualify in an easy-peasy group.

Anyway, about tonight's game (which Galliani called ulta-decisive), this is how we should play:

Abbiati; De Sciglio, Mexes, Yepes, Constant; Montolivo, De Jong, Nocerino; Boateng, Pato, El Shaarawy.

Link

Would it be too much asking to play Bojan instead of the failure Boateng?

[Danny]

Not matter how crap we are playing, not passing through a group comprised of the 4th ranked Spanish team from last season, a Russian club which is facing a crises of results, and the Belgian champions, it would be a massive underachievement. Just like it was for United last season when they didn't qualify in an easy-peasy group.

Difference is Utd last season were in excellent health. They hadn't lost all their best players! Same as City - they hadn't lost their top performers. These teams had a crisis because their personnel were strong yet they were utterly humbled in Europe. City have been even WORSE this season, albeit in a really tough group.

We, on the other hand, have not only NOT got a manager like Sir Alex Ferguson, we also lack a squad the depth and quality of Utd or City. We're in the mire.

Hence my comments. And sadly, they've been proven accurate and you lot were wildly optimistic in the extreme.

Anyway, about tonight's game (which Galliani called ulta-decisive), this is how we should play:

Abbiati; De Sciglio, Mexes, Yepes, Constant; Montolivo, De Jong, Nocerino; Boateng, Pato, El Shaarawy.

Link

Would it be too much asking to play Bojan instead of the failure Boateng?

Dropping Bojan is absurd, I'm with you there. He's been terrific the last month or so and if he does not start it would show Allegri to be a twonk.

But pre-match lineups are invariably inaccurate so I'll wait till the official one before hanging Max.

(tbh the rest of the team is good! Robinho might have started but while (IMO!!!) he's been excellent with his cameos he's nowhere match fitness - Pato is closer although has had little impact recently)