There's a couple of things I'd do here. First, I'd bring in Toure for either one of the centre backs. From corners I'd have him tasked with covering the middle of our six yard box, no marking anybody at all. From there, I'd ask him to attack the football and head it clear wherever it is delivered into. If it means he has to run a few yards to get there, clambering over people to get it, so be it. Let's keep the defending simple, his job is to head it out.
On the subject of keeping it simple, I'd desist for now with the uber determination to play it out from the back at all costs. If we get pressured, let's not be too embarrassed to launch it. This getting pressed back into our corner flag before having to give a throw in away is sapping confidence. If in doubt, clear it and get up the pitch.
Up top Balotelli would be nowhere near my team, and I'd definately play Borini. I think Lucas ought to be able to come in and do a good job sitting alongside Can, and personally I'd go with a combination of Henderson, Coutinho and Lallana in the other slots. I'd leave out Johnson too for Manquilo to keep it fresh.
My team:
Mig
Manquilo. Toure. Loren. Moreno
Lucas. Can
Coutinho Henderson lallana
Borini.
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