Craig Shakespeare's side have run the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea closely in defeats this term, and they will pose a huge threat to the Reds»
backline which simply does not keep clean sheets in any competition.
With his future already a topic of speculation, Giroud has the platform to exhibit his skills, and he could be key to unlocking a Hammers
backline which has kept three consecutive clean sheets.
Yes you desreved a point because of the stupidity in
our backline which all credits to our coach.
Mendy and Walker have been added to
a backline which also includes centre - back John Stones, who was bought for # 47.5 m from Everton last summer, with the trio making up three of the world's five most expensive defenders.
Flamini isnt the best player we have but he is the only midfielder disciplined enough (for the most part) to stay back in front of
our backline which allows the likes of ozil, cazorla and ramsey to commit numbers to the attack without worrying about leaving the back exposed.
Not exact matches
Against Sunderland, the Gunners need to make their passing and attacks count, and get this game done and dusted by Half - Time; failing
which, the aforementioned duo of Johnson and Wickham will start growing in stature and pose serious problems for the Arsenal
backline that can be rattled when their opponents start running at them.
Besiktas will set up to counter-attack,
which will not really surprise Arsenal, but their
backline has to hold out against a Besiktas frontline that is chock - a-block with pace, precision and dynamism.
Arsenal, being the home side, have their own share of ammunition; Welbeck is expected to make his debut,
which is a mouthwatering prospect for Arsenal, as he will be key to posing problems for the Manchester City
backline.
Please understand there is a difference between «inviting pressure» by retreating your
backline to the edge of the box faster while initiating pressure on the ball closer to your own goal versus «giving up possession»
which is what you initially stated.
Given his form this season
which has seen him emerge as one of the top defensive players in Serie A, coupled with the solid partnership being build alongside Leonardo Bonucci in the heart of the
backline, Milan will be delighted if they can agree on new terms to extend his stay at the San Siro.
Llorente and Firmino undoubtedly each get the plaudits for two great goals apiece, while it was a second half to forget for the Liverpool
backline as they buckled again to leave their record at 27 goals conceded in 22 games
which gives them the worst defensive record in the Premier League at the time of writing.
Also, once Debuchy returns from his ankle injury, the Frenchman is another frontrunner to play at Right - Back,
which could further limit Chambers» chances of playing in the Arsenal
backline.
Combined with the fact that left - footed Umtiti would add great balance to the
backline too
which could be key, it would be another major step in strengthening the squad for Guardiola as he continues to chase major honours this season.
Arsenal were aided by Besiktas's lack of quality, in the final third of the pitch, but take no credit away from the Arsenal
backline,
which ensured that the Turkish outfit had no clear chances over the entirety of 90 minutes.
With the Leicester
backline denying time and space for the German, he could play neither a square forward pass nor a back pass,
which subsequently led to Konchesky and Schlupp stealing the ball repeatedly from German's feet.
As a result, it's no surprise to see him linked with the likes of Chelsea and City, with both clubs in need of bolstering their respective
backlines, while Rudiger also offers versatility
which will be very useful for both sides given the tactical flexibility of Conte and Guardiola.
He has read the game well more often than not, and took up proper positions ahead of the
backline,
which has been crucial to his success this season.
@SoOpa AeoN It's not a prediction... what I am suggesting is we must make a big statement and I can think of no better way than to hit a clutch of goals — however many — against a Manure side
which IS in fact littered with kids, a makeshift
backline and who would've played on a Thursday evening.
I've watched a lot of defensive midfielders with Nzonzi being one of them.If we're getting someone better than Coquelin why not get someone better than him in all aspects.If you think Nzonzi will protect our
backline better than he does then you're wrong.I'm sure the stats
which I usually don't like to rely on will favour my argument.If we sign Nzonzi our midfield will not be any better.
A member of the «Famous Four»
backline for Arsenal in the 1990's
which included Tony Adams, Lee Dixon and Nigel Winterburn, Steve Bould retired in 2000 after a single season at Sunderland due to arthritis of the toe.
Cesar Azpilicueta was left out of the matchday squad altogether last weekend, and the Spaniard could be expected to return to the
backline,
which may also feature Gary Cahill and Andreas Christensen.
Initially a defensive midfielder, Vincent shifted back into central defence with aplomb and became the figure around
which successive Blues
backlines have been built.
An elite centre back to control the
backlines and offer leadership was greatly needed as was an out and out holding midfielder, neither of
which were acquired.
Despite his lean run, the 24 - year - old remains an influential player in Max Allegri's side, and his link - up play with Gonzalo Higuain could be key to getting past a Nerazzurri defence,
which possess the joint - best
backline in the division.
While that seems like a necessary step to take, it is having an effect on their defence,
which explains why their
backline today ships so many more goals than ten years ago.
The Dutchman has been a critical part of United's
backline this year,
which has only conceded 35 goals in the league.
From there, Sánchez could put to use his dribbling and ability to play incisive one - twos to help United break down stubborn
backlines, something
which has, at times, proved troublesome for the Red Devils in recent seasons.
Their invincible
backline is no longer feared, and in Real Madrid's case, loved as Barca's defensive flaws suit the tactical nature of Madrid's play, quick counter-attacking football
which the slow Barcelona
backline can no longer cope with.
The last thing to note is the double stack out wide
which sees Perisic and Candreva both on the same wing
which can be very confusing for a
backline because now they give themselves the advantage in numbers for a couple of seconds.
The Germany international has had a quiet time since November with just two assists to his name, but he will be relishing the prospect of facing an Eagles
backline,
which has yet to keep a clean sheet at Selhurst Park this term.
But that can be attributed to Boro's passive defensive style
which saw the
backline stand out and attempt to pick off interceptions instead of engaging and pressing aggressively.
Italian is one of three defenders to spend two decades with the Rossoneri —
which coincided to create one of football's greatest - ever
backlines.