Premier League Tactical Preview: Klopp v Wenger and other key battles

Alex Keble
02 March 2017

Wenger will expect his team to score goals on the counter at Anfield

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Alex Keble returns with his regular analysis of four key tactical battles ahead of the weekend action in the Premier League, including why Henderson's absence should make for a high scoring game at Anfield...

"Arsene Wenger's team will happily sit deep and absorb pressure (a frustration tactic that is hugely successful against Liverpool, who seek to press high and counter-attack space), before trying to release Alexis Sanchez and Theo Walcott behind the Reds' high line. This is exactly what Leicester did - and it was successful because Henderson was not there to shield the defence from a sudden counter."

Manchester United v Bournemouth

Mourinho's number ten v Howe's expansiveness
Saturday, 12:30, Live on Sky Sports 1

Eddie Howe is struggling to arrest Bournemouth's decline largely because his tactical philosophy is too idealistically adventurous. In a repetition of last campaign, their wide formation is too holey when playing the bigger teams; they have conceded 18 goals in seven matches against the top six this season. Meanwhile, Jose Mourinho has finally switched to a more attacking 4-2-3-1 formation, which should allow Manchester United to cut through the Cherries' soft centre.

Bournemouth makes fewer tackles and interceptions (26.9 per match) than any other Premier League side, which is a damning statistic given that they have also conceded the second most goals (51). The problem with their expansive tactical shape was exposed in the recent 2-0 defeat at home to Manchester City, when Harry Arter and Drew Surman made just three tackles between them. They are too far apart and forward-thinking in their movements, which allows the top teams (who invariably attack narrowly via inverted wingers) to outmanoeuvre them.

Whether Mourinho continues with Jesse Lingard in the number ten role or tries somebody else, United should flourish in this crucial zone of the pitch. Just in time, Mourinho has realised that a flat-three midfield is too cautious (he played a 4-2-3-1 in the 2-0 defeat of Watford and in the EFL Cup final). Paul Pogba, Juan Mata, and a "number ten" should heavily punish Howe's bold tactics.

Recommended Bet
Back United to win with a -2 Goals handicap at 9/5

Liverpool v Arsenal

Henderson-less midfield v Walcott & Sanchez
Saturday, 17:30, Live on BT Sport 1

Liverpool's confidence is low, having won just two out of 12 matches in 2017, making Jordan Henderson's injury a serious problem for Klopp. The England midfielder makes more tackles (3.7 per match) and more interceptions (1.7 per match) than any other Liverpool player; his absence makes them even more vulnerable to quick counters, as Leicester proved last weekend.

Arsene Wenger's team will happily sit deep and absorb pressure (a frustration tactic that is hugely successful against Liverpool, who seek to press high and counter-attack space), before trying to release Alexis Sanchez and Theo Walcott behind the Reds' high line. This is exactly what Leicester did - and it was successful because Henderson was not there to shield the defence from a sudden counter.

Arsenal are far from invulnerable, and so a repeat of the 4-3 on the opening day is not unlikely. However, the Gunners are more cautious away from home, which should allow them to competently handle Philippe Coutinho and Sadio Mane, currently the only two Liverpool attackers looking dangerous. The should be goals in this one - with Arsenal likely to score a couple.

Recommended Bet
Back over 2.5 goals at 3/4

Leicester City v Hull City

Vardy v Maguire & Ranocchia
Saturday, 15:00

Leicester fans will be optimistic following last weekend's 3-1 victory over Liverpool, but Hull City pose an entirely different challenge. The Foxes' performance was defined by the simplification of roles; all players were instructed to hoof long balls for Jamie Vardy to chase, while a sudden upturn in tempo put more bite into the tackle, with Wilfried Ndidi shining (nine tackles). Hull will be far more disciplined than Jurgen Klopp's team, which could leave Leicester's tactics looking flat and predictable.

Harry Maguire and Andrea Ranocchia have been outstanding under the guidance of Marco Silva. Both players excel aerially - a crucial skill against Vardy, who won eight aerial duels against Liverpool - and possess the speed required to keep the Foxes' talisman in check. What's more, Silva will be less naive than Klopp, and play a much deeper line to limit Vardy's influence.

Leicester will struggle to adapt. If they can match the energy levels and passion on display last weekend, then they stand a good chance of squeezing past a tightly disciplined Hull side. However, it is more likely that their sweeping long balls to Vardy (75 played versus Liverpool) will not have the same effect, stumping the hosts and quickly flattening the atmosphere. It is worth nothing that Liverpool, despite playing woefully, looked threatening every time they poured forward; Hull should take at least a point.

Recommended Bet
Back double chance Hull/draw 10/11

Tottenham Hotspur v Everton

Pochettino's 3-4-2-1 v Gueye & Schneiderlin
Sunday, 13:30, Live on Sky Sports 1

The inconsistent form of England's top six has handed Everton the chance to enter the race for Champions League qualification, but this is only a realistic goal if they can take points at White Hart Lane this weekend. The hosts have rediscovered their verve in a 3-4-2-1 formation that puts Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen centre stage; it is up to the outstanding Idrissa Gueye and Morgan Schneiderlin to stop them.

A series of stilted performances, culminating in a four-match sequence in which Spurs scored just one goal, has threatened to derail their season. However, Mauricio Pochettino restored a Chelsea-mimicking 3-4-2-1 formation last weekend to re-energise the team. In this system, their attacking full-backs are freed to roam forward, they can keep a strong central midfield pair, and Alli and Eriksen can simultaneously roam in the number ten space. It is the perfect formation for Spurs' talents.

Gueye, whose reputation grows with each passing week, will make life difficult for these two, as will Morgan Schneiderlin - whose calm defensive work has stabilised Ronald Koeman's midfield. The fascinating battle on the wings between Everton's attacking full-backs and Spurs' wing-backs is likely to make the middle of the pitch stretched, which only adds to the pressure upon Gueye and Schneiderlin. In all likelihood, the two sides will cancel each other out.

Recommended Bet
Back the draw at 29/10