Adrian Clarke is looking at key tactical talking points ahead of Matchweek 5.
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Newcastle United new boys Emil Krafth and Jetro Willems face one of the stiffest wing-back tests the Premier League can throw up when they play Liverpool on Saturday.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah, Andrew Robertson and Sadio Mane have all begun 2019/20 in sparkling form and Newcastle's summer signings will need to contain their threat at Anfield.
Swedish right-back Krafth can take confidence from his solid showing in a surprise 1-0 success at Tottenham Hotspur last month.
But with only four top-flight starts between him and Willems, the task of containing Liverpool's star quartet over the course of 90 minutes appears daunting.
Leading the way
No-one else in the division has come close to matching the productivity of Alexander-Arnold and Robertson from wide areas.
Not including corners Liverpool have produced 80 crosses in only four matches, the highest by 12 from Spurs.
Their rampaging full-backs have been at the heart of that constant supply line.
Most crosses (not inc. corners)
| Player | Club | Crosses |
|---|---|---|
| Alexander-Arnold | LIV | 29 |
| Robertson | LIV | 28 |
| De Bruyne | MCI | 22 |
| McNeil | BUR | 22 |
| Rose | TOT | 20 |
Liverpool have attempted 70 shots too, which is second only to Manchester City.
Creating 39 of those chances the aforementioned wide players were also responsible for 31 shots.
The Reds' multiple threats from the flanks will frighten opponents every week.
On Saturday it will not only be the responsibility of Krafth and Willems to shackle the wide men but they will certainly face a serious examination of their defensive skills.
How to cope
Steve Bruce's switch to a 5-4-1 formation should ensure the visitors have plenty of bodies behind the ball.
They will defend narrowly as a back five, with the midfield charged with denying Jurgen Klopp's side space in the final third.
It is difficult to envisage Bruce attempting any other tactic.
Krafth and Willems' task
Right wing-back Krafth is a natural defender.
He made nine clearances in that victory at Spurs, with the majority from inside his own penalty box.
Even so, the 25-year-old will still be reliant on Fabian Schar to the side of him, and Miguel Almiron in front, to help track runners whenever he is overloaded.
Willems is the Newcastle signing who will need to make the biggest adjustment.
Versatile Willems
The Dutchman can play as a left wing-back or a wide midfielder.
Willems was assured on the ball during his full debut at home to Watford but played much of that encounter inside the Hornets' half, focusing on attacking contributions.
At Liverpool I would expect Salah, Alexander-Arnold and co to push him back into this zone for most of the match.
Klopp's men can test the very best, so the challenge facing these two Premier League rookies is formidable.
It will be fascinating to see how they cope.
