The Pre-Match Preamble – Gameweek 9

The dilemma of defensive systems and the continual lack of clean sheets have haunted Roberto Mancini this week. On the other side of Manchester, Sir Alex has his own headache, albeit a less pressing one, as he puzzles over the bewildering array of attacking talent on offer and tries to decipher his best options. Welcome to our world.

Fantasy managers have been lamenting the lack of shut-outs all season, whilst in attacking quarters, narrowing the field to a first choice lineup gets more complicated and unlikely by the week. It’s strange how the two managers that will likely shape the destiny of our Fantasy seasons are faced with much the same issues as ourselves.

I almost have sympathy – although they aren’t quite as powerless as us – they aren’t resigned to disappointment whilst sitting outside an H&M changing room, checking the failure of their defence on a dodgy mobile signal. They actually have an influence after 11.30 on a Saturday and quite often frustrating us Fantasy managers is a by-product of the decisions they go on to make.

This weekend it’s likely to be Mancini’s turn to draw our wrath. Following on from the midweek failure, the backlash could come in one of two forms. We could see City revert to the side that so efficiently disposed of opponents in last season’s Championship run, or watch on while a heavily rotated lineup splutters against a spirited Swansea showing.

We’re relying on Mancini to be predictable – to field both Sergio Aguero and Carlos Tevez and keep Edin Dzeko chained on the bench. We’re relying on him sticking to his pattern and selecting Aleks Kolarov and giving him the freedom to roam the left-flank and inflict damage. This evening’s teamsheet will be eagerly anticipated.

Today’s papers at least appear to have our backs. Aguero is in every single lineup on show and only one, The Sun, appear to back Dzeko to earn a start – at the expense of Tevez. Strangely, the Telegraph also oust Tevez but with Mario Balotelli getting an airing. It seems unlikely.

Scott Sinclair is widely backed to face his former team-mates – every source concludes that the England winger will start this one, only The Sun objects. They include the suspended James Milner in their lineup: they play by their own rules.

Elsewhere, Matija Nastasić is given a vote of confidence by three of our morning papers, with Joleon Lescott making way. The hamstring injury that rules out Pablo Zabaleta is enough to ensure that Micah Richards retains his start across the board, despite the war of words with his boss in the last 48-hours. The Independent stand alone here; they somehow think that Zabaleta will recover to play.

There are some points of interest elsewhere, on a morning which holds few surprises amongst the press views. Every source backs Marouane Fellaini to overcome his recent injury and lineup for Everton against Liverpool on Sunday, while the Times, the Sun and the Telegraph all suggest that we’re being optimistic when we back Rickie Lambert to earn an instant recall to the Southampton lineup when Spurs pay visit.

Not starting his leading scorer for a home match following the Upton Park thrashing would surely be a huge risk for Nigel Adkins. Then again, who are we to attempt to understand the pressures and dilemmas facing the top class manager?

Our job is nearly done for the day. While we stress about pressing the button on wildcards and switching the armband at the final hour, Adkins and Mancini have real problems and real pressures. In truth, that won’t make me anymore sympathetic if they play silly buggers with those teamsheets. I’ll just walk out of H&M this time.