Phoenix clap clap clap
On the game, I think 3-5-2 that Rudan will likely use unfortunately lines up well against our 4-2-2-2 on paper. With 5 in midifeld, they should be able to just play triangles around Rufer and Steinmann. They'll likely look to target in behind Fenton and Cacace too, as they're going to have to do a sharkload of work all game.
Whoever are playing the 2 in behind (assume Davila and Piscopo) will need to have very good games.
I think you'll see us playing largely defensively, with more focus on the defensive structure rather than what we saw at times last year. There'll be 2 dedicated DM's who will sit pretty deep. It's going to be a very different team to watch, and probably a more 'boring' one because of the lack of pace we possess on the counter without Krishna and Williams. We'll rely on Ball dropping deep to receive the ball, with likely Davila/Piscopo shifting wide to receive. I'd really like to see McCowatt start ahead of Sotirio, as I think whoever is playing in that role will likely get the best chances to score.
