No matter what some idiot pundits might say, this is THE most important game in club football.
Both teams have been there before, and we are not the same beast Real defeated in 2018. If anything, I believe we come into the game as the favourites. We are the team on the rise, and Real is slowly coming at the end of a cycle. Still, they should never be underestimated.
For once, the team selection doesn't write itself. There are question marks around a few players' fitness. There will be many interesting choices ahead for the staff...
In defense, assuming he is fit, who should partner big Virg', Matip or Konaté? I know Ibou has usually been preferred in the CL, but he's still prone to the odd mistake, so I'd go for the safe choice with Joel.
In midfield, who should be alongside Hendo? My personal preference would be Keita and one of Fabi/Thiago (I wouldn't start both unless they're 100%, without a shadow of a doubt, fit).
For the front 3, do we go with the tried and trusted (Sadio, Bobby, Mo), or do we mix it up? Starting with Diaz would put Carvajal on the back foot, but he could also be a game changer coming from the bench, which isn't something I see in Diogo/Bobby.
Damn you Robby for starting the thread (not really, though
), now I can't wait for Saturday...