YOU have got to give Jack Grealish as free a role as you can against Manchester City.
When Villa got thumped 6-1 by City at home they played a 3-5-2 with Grealish and Anwar El Ghazi playing as false nines.
Jack Grealish’s creativity could inspire Aston Villa to Carabao Cup victory against Man CityCredit: Getty Images
But if Dean Smith decides to go with a single frontman up top, such as Mbwana Samatta, they cannot let him become isolated.
To stop this from happening they need Grealish to have a free role out of possession.
Boss Smith may think this is a risky move, especially because it would mean defending against City’s impressive attack with one less defender.
But that’s the sacrifice you have to make.
Villa desperately need an out ball and Grealish is the perfect man to keep possession and get his team-mates up the pitch by creating something out of nothing.
Relinquish his defensive duties and get him next to the frontman and Villa have a chance of causing a huge upset at Wembley.
Otherwise, Villa will never get out.
Nigel Pearson is doing a great job and will keep Watford up this seasonCredit: AFP
PEARSON PLUM
DESPITE their league position, I think Watford will be fine.
And after some uncharacteristic displays from Liverpool in recent weeks, Nigel Pearson’s men have a great chance to cause a much-needed upset at Vicarage Road.
That is all down to the way Pearson has set the side up since arriving and revolves around a six-man defence and four-man attack.
Gerard Deulofeu and Ismaila Sarr, likely to be fit again, are on the flanks, Abdoulaye Doucoure plays as a No 10 and talismanic frontman Troy Deeney brings people into the game.
More often than not, these four stay very close together. They will press high and if that is beaten, will look to get behind the ball, but they create opportunities by making the opposition make mistakes.
And the six-man defence, which includes two holding midfielders, means Deeney is never isolated.
Watford will get huge confidence when they consider how many chances Jurgen Klopp’s high-flyers gave West Ham at Anfield.
This could be a really tough game for Liverpool.
It must be hard to keep your eye on the ball consistently when the league could be won next month.
Their challenge now will be to not drop off heading into the latter stages of the season.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
