So how do we beat them?
Nine goals in two games sounds impressive, but I think we should look at these two results more closely. The match against Norwich, we were under the cosh for the first fifteen minutes until a moment of brilliance from Luis Suarez knocked the wind out of them. From that point on, it was the Luis Suarez show. Against West Ham, we were again disappointing and had luck on our side. The big concern is, against these two teams with impotent attacks, we conceded goals. This is alarming.
Our defensive frailty needs to be addressed and addressed urgently, especially against a team like Tottenham. Spurs has a striker in Soldado that is very static. He likes the ball played to his feet and he plays with his back to the goal. In doing this, he pulls Tottenham’s plethora of attacking midfield players into the game. This is where their major threat will come from, and the absence of Steven Gerrard will leave us even more exposed. Chances are, Rodgers will play Allen and Lucas in the centre of midfield. We need them to drink a six pack of Red Bull before the match to ensure they keep up with Spurs midfield threat.
In terms of formation, I believe we need to change our line-up and strategy to cope with the loss of both Sturridge and Gerrard. I would like to see us adopt a 4-2-3-1 formation. Back four to be Flanagan, Sakho, Skrtel and Johnson. Allen and Lucas holding the midfield and tracking the late runners into the box. Due to Henderson’s injury, I would go with any two of Moses, Sterling or Aspas in the wider positions and Suarez upfront, with Coutinho in the hole. This formation should offer us defensive strength, but I am concerned about giving away silly fouls. I feel there is a huge chance Spurs will get a penalty in this game, so we need to be cautious.
That being said, I think Spurs are ripe for the picking. AVB is under pressure, the 106 million pounds investment is not paying off for him and he needs to get the team performing. I would be satisfied leaving the match with a point.
And our competitors…
Manchester City welcome Arsenal to the Etihad, and I fear Wenger’s team will leave with nothing. Manchester City should be too strong in front of the home crowd. Chelsea and Everton have easy home games against Palace and Fulham respectively, and should record wins. Aston Villa welcome a teetering Manchester United to Villa Park. Manchester United have gone three league games without a win. Unfortunately, Aston Villa have a poor home record, having won only two of seven home matches. Although United are there to get picked off…I’m not sure if Aston Villa at home can do it. Maybe a draw, but probably a Man United win.
Follow Kurt Ellis on Twitter @kurtellis2
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