Yes of course Merlin is a genuine call for the hole; he and Yaya are the two players who can retain possession and are capable of running a game from there, infairness to Nasri he too could do that at his best. The thing is that Merlin can play all over the advanced areas, Yaya’s main threat is right there between the Centre circle and the box.

Ideally we need one player to cope with the DMF role, as Makelele did for Mourinho’s best ever Sibneft side, but we are not there yet. If we were it would be a five man attack I’d want to see with Yaya anchoring the show and Merlin pulling the strings.

On another front, take comfort, Jason Denayer, John Guidetti, Karim Rekik and Roni Lopes are doing very well as they step up a level in their season long loans. Disappointingly Bruno Zuculini appears to be getting no opportunities to mention at Valencia. From what I saw last summer, and that was all of the pre-season games, I’d give him a run at City in a 4231 tomorrow.

Alph

Would you consider Silva in behind Kun with Yaya then dropped to the bench, meaning picking 2 from the 4 you suggest? I hear what you’re saying about Toure being a little better recently and the fact he is more suited to the advanced role, but I still expect more from him IMO. Not that I’m saying do this right away but if Yaya’s form doesnt improve further it’s definitely the way I would go.

Some of the comments here are a bit wild IMO. We have been disappointing for sure and yes, we depend on a core of quality players, all sides do that.

No excuses but Merlin and Vince were out with injury, two of our most influential players, we should cope better but that is still a big loss.

Nasri is coming back from a lengthy injury and protects the ball well, he is getting back hopefuly to his best form. One last word from me on Yaya; he has superb control, his retention and ability to find attacking players in dangerous positions is 2nd to none. Give him the correct role and he will deliver, he has improved in the derby and since then, he should only be used in the more advanced role, he hasn’t the engine for box to box and as a result is a liability in defence.

As for Fernando, he is adjusting to a quicker more physical league and is doing OK most of the time. The criticism of him is harsh and the criticism of Demichelis borders on crass.

The main concerns would seem to be Fernie(1) whose confidence seems shattered, he’s a shadow of the player that we had last season and Gael Clichy whose rash tendency to commit and get left stranded is becoming the thing of nightmares. As for Edin – he lurches from instinctive goal scorer to truly dreadful and it’s about time he lurched back to scoring some goals if/when he gets another start!

It needs sorting out, the defence needs to settle hopefully with Kolarov & Vince back soon plus Zaba and Demichelis. Stay with the two Brazzo’s in DMF for the time being and consider James Milner to partner Fernando if Fernie(1)’s form doesn’t improve.

Kun and Merlin are nailed on, Yaya should play in the hole and one from James, Nasri, Jove or Navas to make up the final place in the attacking 4. My preference is for James Milner although all four can make a case if they get their heads and form right.

Settle down as a team, gain some confidence, get the passing and possession game back and take it from there.