This is how I believe the teams may line up:
Aston Villa using a 4-4-2 formation, whereas we're using a compact 4-3-3 using the fullbacks for width.
The attacking phase of our play:
Always have passing options open, keeping the aforementioned width with the advancing fullbacks.
Notice how Suarez and Coutinho are in the space between the midfield and defence - this is where they are best at operating. They are able to slot a through ball through to Sturridge, one of the fullbacks or an advancing midfielder OR pass their man through glorious trickery and get to the bye-line.
Carragher and Agger would take somewhat deeper positions than usual due to the pace of Agbonlahor and Benteke.
The defending phase of our play:
As noted by the text on the image, we have to close the ball down quickly. We can't afford to sit back and try to win the ball by an interception, because that is how we've been conceding goals this season.
Notice how we're pressing higher and more aggressively than Villa in the previous image. This is to cut off passing lanes, thus giving them no options, forcing them in to a mistake and making them commit an error; possibly leading to a clear-cut chance, but at LEAST leading to them conceding possession.
If we take our chances and play as we know we can, I can't see Villa scoring. It'll be a 4-0 rout. We simply have too much kwalitee.
Logged