I can understand the enthusiasm a lot of us have for changes of personnel and even formation in the name of creativity, but this is Burnley.
They don't score much, they bully, but know how to defend, especially against a team with so little attacking confidence and penetration, like us.
I'd put good money on a one-goal result, or another low score-draw. We need to be as solid but quicker, sharper, cleverer.
To that end we need to be solid at the back against Barnes, Rodriguez and Wood, who know how to be snide bas**rds and will love the prospect of facing an inexperienced Williams. Keep Fab at CB, alongside Philips (good in the air), but with Milner at right back to provide strength and nous on that flank. Fab can push on if the situation allows. TAA as a sub for JM if we need to force it later. Robbo LB of course.
Hendo to CM to regain control and influence further forward. Tiago is simply undroppable right now, as is Robbo. The other midfield position I'd give to Gini with licence to attack more as he does with Holland. Also his ball-keeping will be vital. Shaq as a sub for a forward or as a sub No.10.
Salah, sorry - I'm leaving you out for Minamino. Come on later, maybe and show us how pissed off you are. Mini, make those little darts and break their lines. Sadio stays - he will always punch holes, use his pace and strength and cause problems. Firmino I'm keeping. Despite not finding his shooting form recently he can and does link it up front, finds great spaces when its tight and is always a game away from goalscoring redemption (we were all set to drop him before the wonder goal against Palace, remember?) Origi? To do what, exactly? Sorry, but no.
Allison
Milner Philips Fabinho Robertson
Henderson Wijnaldum Tiago
Mane/Minamino Firmino Minamino/Mane
Subs: Shaquiri Trent Ox Williams N Williams R Jones Kelleher
If we are in to attack this title we'll do it by being gnarly against the likes of these, and clever. But gnarly is what got us over the line in many of these fixtures last season, usually by one late goal. Play OK and find a way to win. Keep the faith. YNWA.
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