This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…
Charlie Nicholas thinks Liverpool should brush aside Aston Villa but he did point to one area of weakness where Liverpool could be exploited.
What did he say?
The pundit praised the Reds’ front-three as well as the effectiveness of their full-backs, and suggested that when they’re on top form they make life really difficult for the opposition.
However, he also stated that Liverpool’s area of weakness lies on the flanks, pointing to the space the full-backs leave in behind when venturing forward which Villa could take advantage of.
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Writing in his Sky Sports’ Premier League predictions, Nicholas said: “They [Aston Villa] want John McGinn and Jack Grealish on the ball, with the energy and drive to find the gaps that Liverpool will leave open.
“It could be Trezeguet who could hurt Liverpool, especially in these wide areas. Everybody has seen with Trent Alexander-Arnold that he is unbelievable going forward but can leave gaps at the back, so how do you expose it? It is the wide areas where Liverpool can win and lose games.”
Another positive for Liverpool is that Jack Grealish is battling fitness to start the match, so could be off form, and if Jurgen Klopp’s side dominate the midfield like they so often do – with 58% average possession this term – then the full-backs will be able to take up dangerous positions.
Weakness at the back
From his comments, it seems that Nicholas believes the match-up between Trezeguet and Alexader-Arnold could be key to deciding the outcome of the match.
The 25-year-old has managed an average of 1.3 successful dribbles per league game but the main worry for Liverpool is that he could exploit Alexander-Arnold by running in behind him.
His positioning has been questioned this season. He was at fault for Kosovo’s second goal against England back in September and he was also pinpointed as a defensive weakness by Chris Wilder, who told his Sheffield United side to concentrate their attacks down Liverpool’s right flank.
If Trezeguet is on form, Villa could have success by deploying a similar method of attack.
Alexander-Arnold, therefore, must keep an eye on the potential for runners in behind, and keep a balanced position throughout which ensures his side don’t get caught on the break, otherwise they could lose ground at the summit of the table.