Slovakian centre-back needs to keep close eye on Danny Ings…
If we’re to leave Turf Moor with three points today, we’ll likely have to come out on top in these five individual battles…
Lucas v Dean Marney
This will be the battle of the midfield enforcers. Marney is experienced, tough and works tirelessly, but he doesn’t read the game anywhere near as well as our Brazilian. If Lucas can match Marney physically, and doesn’t dally on the ball – he could keep Burnley’s 30-year-old from having an influence on the game.
Martin Skrtel v Danny Ings
Burnley’s primary threat comes in the form of their young English forward Danny Ings, previously linked with Liverpool. He’s quick, makes clever runs, and can finish off either foot. In the 3-4-3, Skrtel’s the central lynchpin of our defence, and with Ings playing as a lone striker, he’ll be looking to get in behind our Slovakian, or at least isolate him in one-on-one situations. Skrtel will be confident regarding their aerial battle, but will need to close Ings down quickly, and not allow him shots on goal against the admittedly shaky Brad Jones.
Adam Lallana v Ben Mee
In our 3-4-3, Lallana plays in a freer ‘right/central’ role advanced of Lucas and Gerrard, behind the centre-forward – and with Henderson outside of him. Mee is Burnley’s left-back, and he isn’t up to much. Lallana and Henderson are capable of manoeuvring the ball around Mee, and getting themselves in positions where they can lay off an assist to a teammate. Lallana’s intricate passing will be key to this.
George Boyd v Mamadou Sakho
Boyd plays on the right wing for Burnley, and Sakho will be on the left of our back three. If Lazar Markovic continues at left wing-back, his attacking instincts will mean Sakho will need to take care of Boyd’s advances. Sakho’s stronger than Boyd, but the winger’s quick feet could tempt our powerful Frenchman into giving away fouls – as he often does. We’ll need to him to carry in proving why he deserves to be starting ahead of Dejan Lovren.
Coutinho v David Jones
In the 3-4-3, Coutinho is given the most creative licence. The Brazilian can find pockets of space behind Burnley’s midfield, and Jones is likely to be charged with tracking his runs. let’s hope the Englishman has an off day – because Coutinho has the ability to cause havoc during counter attacks and when the game is broken in midfield because of his surge of pace and ability to quickly see forward runners.
