We need to consider the ball over the top to Sterling or Mahrez as an option here, worked for us with sane and showed up alexander Arnold in particular as vulnerable to it. Thats where we'll miss ederson additionally tomorrow. He can counter their press with a great long ball every nowand then.
Whereas the 3-5-2 worked for us in that game, it won't be as simple as one formation over 90 minutes.
Sterling may operate wide or centrralky, but I think Bernardo's close control and workrate may see him star behind the striker.
The other option is unleash de bruyne and play him there. That takes away his quarterback passing, but if he has the ball around their box consistently then more chance of things happening.
So, in summary, start with trying to catch them out, they're going to press relentlessly so we'll need that direct outlet. Bravo shouldn't be afraid to go long and wide early in the game.
Only big question for me is otamendi. Will we need his defensive combativeness against a team that won't be a threat height wise except from set pieces? The alternative is drop Fernanindo into a back four allowing an extra body in midfield or wide.
Trust Pep, even if we lose its only three wins behind, two if we do them at ours, and not even halfway through the season.
