Champions League Tactical Preview: Dzagoev v Wanyama and other key battles

Alex Keble
27 September 2016

Ranieri will be expecting another Champions League victory on Tuesday

Join

View market

Twitter

Facebook

Alex Keble looks at four key tactical battles ahead of the midweek action in the Champions League, including why Porto might cause Leicester some problems...

"Expect Spurs to huff and puff at one end, only to be caught back-tracking desperately when they lose the ball. How Wanyama copes – he must press onto Dzagoev rather than drop into a back three as Dier is wont to do – could be the difference at the new Arena CSKA."

CSKA Moscow v Tottenham

Dzagoev v Wanyama
Tuesday, 19:45, Live on BT Sport 3

Tottenham's defeat at Wembley on match-day one leaves them in desperate need of a win in Moscow, which should play right into Leonid Slutsky's hands. CSKA Moscow will defend resolutely in a deep counter-attacking system that looks to lure Spurs forward and pounce on the counter; as in the 2-2 draw with Bayern Leverkusen, it may well prove successful.

CSKA held just 36% possession in Germany, the same amount as Monaco did during their 2-1 victory over Spurs a fortnight ago. The tactical pattern of this match is thus easy to predict, with Spurs restlessly probing in Moscow - one of the most gruelling places to play in Europe - whilst the home side await to launch a counter via their star player Alan Dzagoev (who had 56 touches of the ball and created three chances versus Leverkusen, more than any other CSKA player).

Injuries to Moussa Dembele and Eric Dier have heaped the pressure on Victor Wanyama to settle quickly. He will play a vital role on Tuesday night in attempting to stamp out the Russians' impressive surges on the break, with central midfielder Dzagoev his most obvious target. Expect Spurs to huff and puff at one end, only to be caught back-tracking desperately when they lose the ball. How Wanyama copes - he must press onto Dzagoev rather than drop into a back three as Dier is wont to do - could be the difference at the new Arena CSKA.

Recommended Bet:
Back under 2.5 goals at 4/5

Leicester City v Porto

Right-centre space v Otavio
Tuesday, 19:45, Live on BT Sport 2

Leicester appear hungrier in the Champions League than in the Premier League, recapturing some of the verve of last season thanks to the novelty of the competition. Expect a strong and confident display in their first match at the King Power Stadium, but if Leicester are to collect three points they must ensure that Brazilian left winger Otavio is not afforded room in that vulnerable right-centre half-space.

Against Manchester United their flat four-man midfield was overwhelmed with bodies, and Jose Mourinho deliberately targeted Riyad Mahrez's flank. The Algerian rarely tracks back, leaving Danny Simpson exposed. This could be problematic again on Tuesday night given the speed and trickery of Otavio.

Otavio has already amassed three assists in six appearances since re-joining Porto after his loan spell with Vitoria Guimaraes. Porto's 4-3-3 formation suits the 21-year-old's propensity to hug the touchline and remain high up the pitch awaiting counter-attacking opportunities. He will most likely find too much room in the half-space (after cutting inside) should Leicester hold the majority of possession.

Recommended Bet
Back Leicester to win at 13/10

Arsenal v Basel

Sanchez v Suchy
Wednesday, 19:45, Live on BT Sport 3

This should be a straight forward victory for an Arsenal side brimming with confidence, and with PSG in their group Arsene Wenger will know that any dropped points here would all but consign them to second place in Group A. The key battle for Arsenal is with themselves (this is a psychological test more than anything else) but how Basel's Marek Suchy copes with Alexis Sanchez's movement as a false nine could prove decisive.

Sanchez was outstanding against Chelsea at the weekend, coming short to link with Mesut Ozil and in doing so creating space behind him for Theo Walcott and Alex Iwobi. The fluidity of Arsenal's front four caught a rather static Chelsea in two minds, and similar success should be possible against the Swiss champions.

The false nine role leaves defenders in a conundrum; Suchy will leave his fellow defenders vulnerable if he steps out to meet Sanchez or if he drops off. Basel's leader is prone to rushing out of the back line, which should give Walcott a chance to continue his good form.

Celtic v Manchester City

Rodgers' 5-4-1 v Nolito & Sterling
Wednesday, 19:45, Live on BT Sport 2

After Celtic's 7-0 mauling in Barcelona it would be tempting to assume that Man City will win this match easily, but at Celtic Park the story is likely to be very different. Expect Brendan Rodgers' extremely defensive 5-4-1 formation to frustrate Pep Guardiola for long periods - with Nolito and Raheem Sterling the key men to watch.

Kevin de Bruyne's absence makes City's job harder, and in a crowded final third it seems unlikely that David Silva will find the space he craves to thread passes through. Instead, Guardiola will rely upon Sterling and Nolito to stretch the pitch.

The away side will attempt plenty of long diagonal passes to each flank, with both wingers hugging the touchline constantly; if Celtic can keep their compressed shape and shuttle across to cover these two, then they may just secure a point.

Recommended Bet
Back under 2.5 goals at 8/5

Bet £10 On ACCAS or Bet Builders and Get a £2 Free Bet

Bet £10 on Accas, Multiples or Bet Builders, at minimum combined odds of 2.0 (evens) and once the qualifying bet(s) have settled, you'll get a £2 free bet. Free bet valid 48 hours on Accas, Multiples or Bet Builders. T&Cs apply.