Liverpool can take a lesson from Manchester United 1-3 Manchester City and use Roberto Firmino to devastating effect on Sunday.
Last month, United beat City at the Etihad Stadium. It was a shock result but the United gameplan of soaking up pressure and using the counter worked wonders.
In the Carabao Cup semi-final, however, City tore United to pieces at Old Trafford. They raced into a 3-0 half-time lead that should have been bigger before playing the second half in a much lower gear.
The big tactical difference between the two games was clear – City didn’t play with a striker in the second one. They instead ran United ragged with movement, finding that their centre-halves struggled to maintain their positions without anyone to mark.
It was a gameplan that Kevin De Bruyne claims City decided on in 15 minutes but it worked to perfection. And that bodes very well for Liverpool when they take on United this Sunday.
Firmino in his element
Because Liverpool have arguably the best ‘false 9’ in the world right now in Firmino. He was absolutely stellar in the role last weekend against Tottenham Hotspur, suggesting he’s also in top form.
Firmino can drop off a defence and utilise space as well as anyone. His movement and energy are fantastic. In short, Firmino is exactly the type of player that punishes United – at least, that City performance suggests so.
If Liverpool can use Firmino to play in between the lines and use their movement, they should be able to frighten Untied much like City did. No, they don’t have the same number of attacking midfielders. But in Firmino they do have a player better suited to that role than anyone else.
That can make all the difference, providing he’s on his game.
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