Chapter 86

  In the evening of February 16, King Power Stadium.

  Tens of thousands of fans have been waiting for this game to restart.

  In the game two months ago, because the Etihad Stadium had a limited number of tickets for away team fans, most Leicester City fans watched the game at home or in bars.

  Seeing the team's regrettable defeat through the TV screen, the fans were also heartbroken.

  And now, they can finally cheer for the team's FA Cup journey on the spot!

  The first two FA Cup games this season were all away from home.

  Playing Manchester City, was finally at home!

  A Good thing!

  Manchester City's bus slowly drove outside the King Power Stadium.

  The Manchester City players looked at the lively square, but their mood was not so beautiful.

  In the last League Cup match, although they won the game in the end, they were almost tied by the opponent.

  And the 3-2 ending was not what they wanted.

  In their minds, it only makes sense to win against a team like Leicester City!

  What kind of team from the English Championship dares to clamor against us?

  After getting off the bus and entering the locker room, the Manchester City players were still chatting disdainfully.

  "We must win this game! To regain face!"

  "That's right! Even a small victory against this kind of team is embarrassing!"

  "Today we are going to beat them up in front of their home fans. !"

  The players waved their fists, looking like they wanted to go up and fight now.

  But Pellegrini frowned.

  He tapped the whiteboard, and the players fell silent.

  "Boys, you have a strong competitive spirit, I can understand that.

  "But don't be proud!

  "Don't think Leicester City is easy to deal with!

  "In the last game, we only won 3-2.

  "Half a month ago, Chelsea also stumbled on them.

  "Do you still think Leicester City is weak?

  "Three days later we will have a Champions League match against Barcelona.

  "That game is very important,

  "But this game is equally important.

  "So I hope the players who start today can go all out,

  "Win it steadily, and successfully advanced to the next round,

  "This is what I ask of you!"

  After Pellegrini finished speaking, although no one refuted it, the players were still unconvinced.

  Especially Nasri.

  He didn't think highly of Leicester City at all.

  In the last game, they were almost equalized by Leicester City from a 3-goal deficit

  Wasn't it because I was injured and I left the game?

  If I were still here, would these guys be so arrogant?!  

Because after three days manchester City is about to play in the Champions League quarter-finals, and the opponent is a very strong team, so Manchester City still has many substitutes in this game.

  Compared with the previous game against Leicester City, the lineup has not changed largely.

  The main goalkeeper Pantilimon still starts with the back four of Clichy, Lescott, Kompany and Zabaleta.....

  Compared with the previous lineup, only three positions of Dzeko, Yaya Toure and Clichy have been changed.

  Especially the appearance of Yaya Toure proves that Pellegrini attaches great importance to midfield control in this game.

  As one of the strongest B2B stars in the Premier League, Yaya Toure may be one of the strongest and complete midfielders in the world.

  Having great defensive play, crisp passing, decisive attack, and super physical fitness.

  Such a midfielder is really rare in the world.   

  Leicester City's lineup also underwent some changes in this game.

  But it's not because of the players' physical fitness, nor is there any pressure from two-front operations. It's purely a tactical consideration.

  Goalkeeper Schmeichel still sits at the back.

  The four defenders are from left to right De Laet, Konchesky, Wes Morgan, and Vasilewski.

  The four midfielders are Xia Xing, Hammond, Drinkwater and Schlupp from left to right.

  The two forwards are Vardy and Mahrez.

  It still looks like a 4-4-2 formation, but it has actually become a 4-4-1-1 formation.

  Mahrez is a free man in the front and is responsible for the team's midfield and frontfield connection.

  As for the midfielders, except Xia Xing, the other three are tough defensive men.

  The right back was also replaced by Vasilewski, who has better defense.

  Pearson has only one purpose in this game - to disrupt the situation!

  "The referee's whistle sounded and the game started!

  "In this game, Manchester City is still far superior to the opponent on paper!

  "They controlled the ball in the midfield!

  "Nasri is very skilled!

  "He makes Continuous feints and passes Schlupp!

  "Hammond shoveles directly from the side!

  "This action is very fierce!

  "Nasri jumped up smartly to avoid it!

  "The ball fell at the feet of Yaya Toure!

  "He makes a long pass to the front!

  "Dzeko stopped the ball with his chest and back to goal in the penalty area!

  "And then Knocks it across!

  "Navas shoots low!

  "The ball is firmly held by Schmeichel!

  "In the second minute of the opening, Manchester City unleashed a wonderful shot!

  "They have a strong desire to win in this game!"

  It's true that they has a strong desire to win.

  But they also has lingering fears.

  Especially Nasri.

  Schlupp's tackle just now was very dangerous, and that was a foul.

  But if Nasri lets him tackle him, there is a 90% chance that it will be a foul.

  So What if the opponent gets a yellow card?

  At the beginning, the referee is unlikely to give a red card,

  so Nasri would rather lose the ball and protect himself from injury.

  The game continues and Manchester City's offense continues.

  After continuous possession of the ball in the midfield,

  Navas suddenly accelerated after receiving the ball!

  But the left back directly tackled   the ball with the spikes of his boot out!

  What should Navas do if he catches the ball and is tackled?

  So What if he is awarded a penalty?

  Don't even think about it, in three days It's not certain whether he can come back if injured.

  Fxxk!

Slow down and let go.

 Navas gave up the ball to De Laet in a big way.

  Morgan made a clearance, as the team escaped.

  Then there was another midfield scramble.

  Xia Xing suddenly broke out and knocked Harvey Garcia away!

  The referee didn't blow the whistle!

Xia Xing got the ball!

  Vardy took the ball and passed it   back in the penalty area!

  Mahrez pushed the ball towards goal!

But slightly Missed the goal!

  Although he didn't score, the King Power Stadium still burst into applause!   Garcia, who had just been knocked down, looked up at Xia Xing. Xia Xing glanced at him and ignored him.

  Garcia suppressed his anger and did not go up to look for Xia Xing .

  Xia Xing sneered.

Boy, does it feel bad to be treated roughly?

  It's a pity that this is the purpose of this game!   

(End of this chapter)