3 Key Tactical Changes Sam Allardyce Could Do To Take All 3 Points From Anfield
It is that time of the year when families are divided at Merseyside into two colours: Blue and Red. In one of the most anticipated clashes of the current Premier League season, Sam Allardyce’s Everton travel to Anfield to take on Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool.
The Reds are one of the most in-form teams in the country and are going into this game as firm favourites to take all three points. But in a derby, there is always an air of unpredictability whenever these two sides meet.
Everton will have to play out of their skins to even get a point from this game but Allardyce might be tempted to make a few tactical changes, that can nullify Klopp’s free-scoring side and ensure the Blues can celebrate something from their trip to Anfield.
Here are three steps the new Blues manager can take to ensure the Reds have a poor outing.
Man Marking
Allardyce is a manager who demands utmost discipline on the defensive side of the game from every member of his side.
He is sure to pick a team, that can firstly keep Liverpool from scoring. However, Liverpool have found a way to beat most defences this season so Everton might have to come out with a new approach and might have players marking the stars in Red.
The likes of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino could all start this fixture and need special attention if they are to be stopped. Hence, Allardyce could have his wide men in midfield mark these attackers, reducing their return in front of goal. It may back-fire but it is one way of keeping Liverpool silent for most of the game.
Concentrate On Set-pieces
The Reds have a defensive unit that needs to improve massively but since the loss to Spurs last month, they have shown great resilience at the back. However, it must also be said that they were not tested too much and this is something Everton should concentrate on.
Liverpool have always shown a vulnerability during set-piece situations and the visitors should look to win as many dead balls as possible in the final third. If they can get their delivery right, Liverpool are still fragile at the back and can easily crumble.
Frustrate The Anfield crowd
Most importantly, the Blues should make sure that the sea of Red at Anfield, is not bouncing around in the stands. It is always a hostile environment when these two teams meet and it will be no different this weekend.
The crowd plays a huge role in such games and Everton should do what it takes to silence them early in the game. Be it disrupting Liverpool’s rhythm by bringing players down or frustrating them with their on-field antics, Everton need to come up with a plan to transfer the nerves on the field to the crowd, which could go a long way in frustrating the XI on the field.