Liverpool Football Formation

Lineup (4-3-3)

This one won't be easy. Not one bit.

Not in least because of the midfield and attack the opposition possesses.

In Busquets, Ramsey and Kroos, the opposition possesses relentless running and great defensive acumen accentuated by the cut and thrust of a Ramsey.

This is what inspires the decision to go for a midfield that gives in to a lot more defensive stability and yet pace and precision on the counter.

Joe Allen and Paul Pogba are the chief orchestrators to that effect with the duo dropping deep when we need to soak pressure and pushing on with pace and precision when we need to see ourselves breaking with the ball.

Joe's passing range and tendency to retain possession in the tightest circumstances added to Pogba's directness and tendency to be unpredictable in addition to being neat in possession means we are well suited to demanding possession as well as being direct on the counter.

In our midfield we also have relentless energy to bank upon throughout the game. The shape and structure of our midfield should ideally keep both Ramsey and Busquets on their toes.

With the above happening, a lot of space should open up right behind the pivot. Which is why we choose to play De Bruyne who by virtue of his natural movement will look to exploit that space. Giving us an added outlet of creativity almost an auxiliary playmaker. DeBruyne is also capable of stretching play and we will bank on his game intelligence by giving him a free role.

So too will Insigne to an extent exploit those space in behind the pivot but Insigne is more the sort to take on a fullback, turn him and drift inward for a shot or that final pass. Again his movement should cause enough concern.

The pivot will find it tough against the four that are pogba, allen, De Bruyne and even to an extent Insigne. But that doesn't mean De Bruyne and Insigne give up their vantages out wide.

With Insigne preferring to cut in Alaba should get chances to push on to stretch play and take Danilo around his paces. Danilo has been a good attacking threat but has always been a worry defensively.

Jones on the other hand is not the best at stretching play but can be a useful outlet for De Bruyne sparingly, albeit his use is more obvious defensively where he can 'do a job' against some of the best players around.

With Hummels and Caulker, I don't see us benefiting from a high line. Lukaku will be a worry but we'd rather see him use his power than both power and pace. Hummels is smart and Caulker is strong. Lukaku won't have far too much joy against the duo.

Our mids will do a lot of running, holding fort centrally and even out wide if need be with our fullbacks needing help at times. But therein their game intelligence will matter more than any instruction since Alaba and Jones will not quite be trouble always unless their players gang up.

As for Diego, this is a game he will relish. He enjoys defenses he can bully and midfielders he can rile up. so good luck to the opposition there.

Subs:

There's more to just winning and losing subs. Sometimes they are based on a measure of control over the game. But for now.

IF Losing: Allen Off, Oxlade On.

Shift to a run of the mill 4-2-3-1 with De Bruyne behind Costa and Oxlade on the Right switching with Insigne as he so wishes.

IF Winning:

We provide the players with some water and run their arses off being more compact and controlling possession more than them and avoiding errors. Lots of Focus and our Assistant Manager shouting "Steady, Steady" into their ear while our manager looks to mount pressure on the ref! :D

Thank You For Your Patience! :D