2 years ago
494 Jamie Carragher has commented on the new formation used by Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool beat Rangers in midweek.
Liverpool switched to more of a 4-2-3-1, which was close to a 4-2-4 or 4-4-2 at times in the 2-0 Anfield victory.
But next up are Arsenal, who sit top of the Premier League and could go 14 points clear of Liverpool with a win on Sunday.
In the Telegraph, Carragher said he is worried the same approach may be too open against the Gunners, who have lost just one game all season.
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Carragher on Klopp and Liverpool’s formation
He wrote: “Perhaps it is misplaced pessimism, but I am worried about Liverpool’s chances on Sunday. For the first time in seven years, Klopp is seeking a new formula to suit a squad which seems to have lost the capacity to play his preferred 4-3-3.
“There have been too many examples of Liverpool being wide open, with massive spaces between midfielders leaving the back four unprotected, making the high line so vulnerable. The change to 4-2-3-1 against Rangers was an attempt to restore (pressing) by including an extra attacker with the energy to press high.
“His holding midfielders took on more orthodox, fixed central positions. Klopp succeeded in making it difficult for Rangers to play through Liverpool’s zones. Can the midweek formation work against Arsenal? Given the profile of Liverpool’s wide attackers, Mohamed Salah and Luis Díaz, the danger is it looks more like 4-2-4.
“It feels risky to go that way at the Emirates, although Klopp used the same strategy to good effect away at Manchester City two years ago. He and Arteta want to be on the front foot, asserting control. It makes them vulnerable to each others’ strengths.”
Arsenal have a huge chance to make a statement against Liverpool on Sunday, affirming themselves as perhaps Manchester City’s closest challengers this term.
The win over Tottenham was another big one, but Liverpool have been an established power in recent years, and Arsenal go into this one as favourites.
If they live up to that billing, their fans will get even more excited in what has been an impressive season so far – although it is still early days.
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