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Post by staggerstag on Oct 31, 2020 8:40:30 GMT
Wake up, yer rotters, there's a game going on. But with an EPL suspension a real possibility as the government comes under increasing calls for a blanket Covid lockdown in England and about 42 minutes of daylight at this time, staying in bed is a not unreasonable option.
It's certainly a bollixed time to have to be enduring so let's hope there is some enjoyment to be had in the Bramall Lane Basement Boys upsetting the Ethiad Elite today. I say elite but City sit just six places above 19th United but with a seven point advantage.
Fleck and Moussat will be out for Utd while Aguero, Fernandinho and Mendy are unfit for City with Jesus and Ake facing late fitness tests.
Sheff Utd 8/1
Man City 2/7
Draw 5/1
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Post by sdm3 on Oct 31, 2020 9:12:43 GMT
Only if they start Rhian Brewster.
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Post by staggerstag on Oct 31, 2020 9:52:03 GMT
He will surely start alongside McBurnie, you would think, perhaps getting the nod over contract-dawdling Lundstram. Let's see McBurnie putting away chances unlike the last time we covered him v Fulham two weeks ago when chance after chance went a-begging for the English-born Scotland international striker.
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Post by sdm3 on Oct 31, 2020 11:33:38 GMT
De Bruyne is fully healthy and will start again after his midweek return, while Ferran Torres also seems to be a permanent fixture in this City side.
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Post by staggerstag on Oct 31, 2020 12:02:04 GMT
Ake makes the grade for City with B Silva and Mahrez reappearing after missing the midweek Euro game. Utd start with McBurnie up front with Brewster in the wings and Lowe coming in in defence. Lundstram still finds a place on the bench despite wrangling over a new contract. But that's Chris Wilder - as long as you're 'ere, son, you'll earn yer sovs.
Sheff United: Ramsdale, Basham, Egan, Stevens, Baldock, Berge, Ampadu, Osborn, Lowe, Brewster, McBurnie.
Subs: Lundstram, Sharp, Burke, Norwood, McGoldrick, Robinson, Verrips.
Man City: Ederson, Walker, Dias, Laporte, Joao Cancelo, Bernardo Silva, Rodri, De Bruyne, Mahrez, Torres, Sterling.
Subs: Stones, Ake, Gundogan, Zinchenko, Carson, Foden, Garcia.
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Post by staggerstag on Oct 31, 2020 12:33:25 GMT
There's the solitary call of the bugle as the players stand solemnly around the centre circle.
And Nobby Stiles is remembered by the wearing of armbands.
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Post by staggerstag on Oct 31, 2020 12:34:21 GMT
The kneeling is done with and they're off.
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Post by staggerstag on Oct 31, 2020 12:36:18 GMT
McBurnie gets in early doors on Dias and the City player recoils clutching his chest. It's a long way from sunny Amadora, pal, says McBurnie to the dazed Portuguese.
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Post by staggerstag on Oct 31, 2020 12:41:58 GMT
Cracking reflex save from Ramsdale there as Torres splatters one from close range on '9.
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Post by staggerstag on Oct 31, 2020 12:48:26 GMT
Well, you can only soak up pressure for so long, and City have had two chances already. Utd have got to start molesting the City half or you know where this game is going pretty soon with fifteen gone.
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Post by staggerstag on Oct 31, 2020 12:53:38 GMT
Rodri unleashes a swerving bullet from 25 or maybe 30 yards on '19 but Ramsdale, strategically placed, is well behind it and parries it away.
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Post by MrFurious on Oct 31, 2020 12:56:41 GMT
Miracle of Bramall Lane if City don't win this.
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Post by staggerstag on Oct 31, 2020 12:57:39 GMT
More work for Ramsdale as Torres tries to slide one in from close range but once again the Sheff U keeper is well positioned on '24.
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Post by staggerstag on Oct 31, 2020 13:01:37 GMT
The rain is fairly swirling down here and United might be hoping the slippery surface will work for them more than it does against them.
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Post by staggerstag on Oct 31, 2020 13:03:01 GMT
GOAL
Kyle Walker drives one low and hard from outside the area, wide of the sprawling Ramsgate for nothing-one on '28.
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Post by staggerstag on Oct 31, 2020 13:04:26 GMT
It was always coming. City have simply been too busy for Utd to keep a hold on things for much longer.
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Post by staggerstag on Oct 31, 2020 13:09:13 GMT
De Bruyne lines up his free kick from 25 yards. The boyhood Liverpool fan drives it low and it skates across the turf only to be gathered by Ramsdale. But it was moving at speed and the keeper did well to get down on '33.
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Post by staggerstag on Oct 31, 2020 13:13:52 GMT
Here's a chance at the other end on '38. Crossed into the area by Berge but Brewster's head can't connect with it and it goes sailing sadly wide and out into touch.
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Post by staggerstag on Oct 31, 2020 13:17:12 GMT
The sun casts the shadow of the stand over the pitch as the weather changes from wild rain to mild brightness.
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Post by staggerstag on Oct 31, 2020 13:21:48 GMT
Ref Oliver blows up and the teams trudge off the park as news of Sean Connery's death filters through. Football-wise, my earpiece tells me that Connery switched allegiance from Celtic to Rangers after being refused tickets for a Parkhead game. Matt Busby was turned down by Connery himself after the actor was offered a footballing contract at Old Trafford back in the day. I think my earpiece is having something of a laugh here.
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