Underwhelmed ..., Huddersfield 0 vs. 0 City [FAC 5th Round]

“It is not frustrating, it was a tough game against one of the best teams in the Championship...”, Pep Guardiola – 18/02/2017.

Goals: -

Line Up (4-1-4-1) (match ratings in brackets); 

Bravo (6)
Zabaleta (5.5)
Stones (5.5)
Kolorov (4.5), (Sagna 78' (5.5)
Otamendi (6.5)
Fernando (5.5)
Delph (5.5), (De Bruyne 69' (5))
Fernandinho (5.5)
Nolito (6.5), (Sane 69' (6))
Navas (5)
Aguero (6)

Referee; Andrew Taylor (5)

Stats;Possession, 37%/63%; Shots, 8(3)/15(5); Corners, 3/8; Fouls, 12/8

Little to get excited about at the John Smith's stadium as City's and Huddersfield's second string side's played out a goalless draw with plenty of exuberance, but little footballing entertainment. 

City had the best of the possession, but never controlled the game, save for a brief ten minute spell at the start of the second half where Aguero, on another day, may have given the game a much needed goal. In the end, both side's names being in the hat for the quarter finals was probably the fairest result. Although neither manager will welcome another fixture as they struggle to fit the replay at the Etihad into busy schedules. 

So rather than bore even myself with writing up none existent highlights, I will instead give the "Promise of Magic" view on who from this second string is likely to see it into Pep's second season, and who may need to step up their game to impress ... 

1. Bravo. Didn't put a foot wrong today, but his inclusion also didn't bring a sparkle of the deep build up play he was allegedly bought for. There's little chance he'll be moved on but Caballero still looks the better keeper. 

5. Zabaleta. Lack of game time is not helping Zabba, and this was a shadow of the performance he is capable of. Liked by Pep, he is still likely to get the nod over Sagna as staying in the summer, but new full-backs on both sides of the pitch are a must for next season.

24. Stones. Still a learning curve for the youngster who has shown glimpses of his potential this season, but never the full package. Not in danger, and hopefully much more to come. 

30. Otamendi.  Probably not a second string player, and has become a better player under Pep. Though he still suffers the odd rush of blood, this was a solid performance today. With Kompany looking like he may never shake off a long string of injuries I don't think Otamendi is in any danger of being sold. 

11. Kolorov. Another 'mare today for the Serbian, who has perhaps had the most attention from Guardiola in his time at City, as he tries to shape him into a ball playing centre half. Despite some awful performances I cannot see Pep's pet project being discarded any time soon, and its Gael Clichy, who is at the end of his contract, who is the likelier to depart in the summer.

25. Fernandinho. Not a second string player, and the player most likely to feature again on Tuesday. Certainly played within himself, but has been a revelation this season with his versatility across the back as well as across the midfield. A good couple of seasons left in Ferna's boots.

6. Fernando. Another nothing game from Ferna number two. While he definitely has his place in the squad for seeing out games as a substitute, I think many fans would rather see more game time from some of the youth squad, rather than play Fernando in the cup. Would be no surprise if he left in the summer.

6. Delph. Has been horrendously unlucky with injuries, but its been twelve months since a decent game for Delph, and he is surely now only a name to fill the English quota with Joe Hart having been moved out.

15. Navas. In steady decline since the departure of Pellegrini, I'm afraid another player who should really make way for youth. A likely summer departure.

10. Aguero. Hopefully will also see action on Tuesday, this wasn't Kun's day, but showed as a class above on the few occasions he was given service. Surely has to stay.

9. Nolito. One of few players to earn his place today, Nolito is a player with a very clever footballing brain, if not always the feet to match it. Likely a keeper for this summer at least.

@l0ngwayfr0mh0me.