Premier League Tactical Preview: Lucas v Alonso and other key battles

Alex Keble
29 March 2018

Pochettino's Spurs cannot afford to lose their five-point gap to Chelsea

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Alex Keble returns with his tactical analysis for the big Premier League games, including why West Ham will end the weekend in the bottom three...

"With Salah rarely offering defensive support on that side, as Palace counter-attack it is certainly possible Zaha will get the better of his direct opponent and create chances for the hosts."

Zaha to isolate Alexander-Arnold on the counter-attack

Crystal Palace v Liverpool
Saturday, 12:45, Live on Sky Sports Premier League

This match will follow a predictable pattern of attack versus defence as Crystal Palace sit back and absorb the Liverpool pressure, denying space for Mohamed Salah by holding a narrow and deep line. Expecting the visitors to tire, they will then look to spring counter-attacks in the closing stages of the match via Wilfried Zaha - who has an obvious target in Trent Alexander-Arnold this weekend.

Joe Gomez's injury while away with England will force Jurgen Klopp to reinstate the 19-year-old, who was removed from the starting 11 following a poor performance against Manchester United. Marcus Rashford exposed Alexander-Arnold's fragility time and time again at Old Trafford, leaving the youngster low on confidence and, presumably, fearful of the Zaha threat on Saturday.

Roy Hodgson will have told the Ivory Coast international to stay wide and look to isolate Liverpool's right-back. With Salah rarely offering defensive support on that side, as Palace counter-attack it is certainly possible Zaha will get the better of his direct opponent and create chances for the hosts.

Redmond's slide passes to hurt chaotic West Ham defence

West Ham v Southampton
Saturday, 15:00

Undoubtedly the biggest match of the weekend is at the London Stadium, where defeat for West Ham will plunge them into the bottom three of the Premier League ahead of a devilishly difficult run-in. David Moyes's side are in full crisis mode now, with performances bereft of ideas as the players fumble across the pitch; their chaotic defending is of particular concern this week with Nathan Redmond in town.

James Collins' injury means West Ham will play Declan Rice as part of a back three or move to a 4-2-3-1, which is unlikely to yield positive results. What's more, they've conceded 11 goals in their last three league games, the majority of which have been via slide passes that expose the gaps in their disorganised defence: this is exactly the sort of ball Redmond likes to play.

Mark Hughes' appointment will have restored some confidence to the team, while victory in the FA Cup quarter-final before the international break can only help morale. Redmond, floating in the central attacking midfield spaces, should find the time and space to thread passes behind the Hammers' defence.

Kenedy to find joy against Hadergjonaj

Newcastle United v Huddersfield Town
Saturday, 15:00

Although both Newcastle United and Huddersfield Town are probably going to survive, defeat in this six-pointer could raise fears inside the dressing room and lead to a troubling final few games. Consequently, a nervy low-scoring draw is the most likely outcome as the two sides settle for a point-per-game average between now and May.

However, that could be in jeopardy should Kenedy continue where he left off against Southampton. The on-loan Chelsea winger scored twice before the international break, giving right-back Cedric Soares a torrid time. He will fancy his chances up against error-prone Florent Hadergjonaj.

He was at fault for both goals against Tottenham Hotspur at the beginning of March, and was out of position ahead of Palace's second the week after - which forced Zanka to give away a penalty. Rafa Benitez is an astute reactive tactician who will make sure his Brazilian winger targets the right-back, although ultimately the Newcastle manager probably won't commit enough men forward to earn the three points.

Lucas Moura to provide a moment of class in a cagey London derby

Chelsea v Tottenham Hotspur
Sunday, 116:00, Live on Sky Sports Premier League

Chelsea need a victory to close the gap to fourth spot, but in a nervous affair at Stamford Bridge it seems unlikely they will show enough attacking firepower to break down Mauricio Pochettino's Spurs. Tottenham will most likely mirror Chelsea's 3-4-2-1 formation and thus nullify it, creating a stodgy game defined by one or two moments of magic.

Lucas Moura could be the man to provide something special. He completed five dribbles and three key passes at Swansea in the FA Cup, contributing his third assist in three starts for the club. It is about time he gets a league start for his new club, although even if it's just another substitute cameo there is a good chance Lucas can make the difference.

His direct opponent this weekend is left wing-back Marcus Alonso, who is currently struggling for form. The Spaniard has made a grand total of two tackles in his last eight appearances for Chelsea and was particularly poor in the 1-0 defeat to Manchester City, in which the league leaders completed nine dribbles in his zone of the pitch. Lucas can certainly find some space on that side.