Blackburn Preview

Blackburn Preview - Lots of individual quality going forward:

• Counter movement to create space.

• Brereton Diaz stays wide to stretch the back line.

• Wide overloads.

Possible lineup (3-4-1-2):

• Gallagher is another potential starter.

- Blackburn create space between the lines using counter movements.

- Here, Szmodics (8) runs to support the ball while Brereton-Diaz (22) makes a run to receive a through ball.

- Brereton-Diaz (22) stays wide, often alongside the opponents right back, to create space.

- He can then move into the space to receive a pass.

- Staying wide, as he does, reduces the opponents horizontal compactness.

- While they often play with a back 4, when utilising a back 3 Blackburn's wing backs can create wide overloads.

- This is particularly effective with Brereton-Diaz occupying the full back.

- The opposing full back is left with a numerical disadvantage.

- Aarons and Hanley will need to be organised to track Brereton Diaz and an overlapping wing back.

- NCFC will need to give the likes of Brereton Diaz and Bradley Dack minimal time on the ball.

- NCFC need to defend with horizontal and vertical compactness to minimise space.