Adrian Clarke looks at key tactical points ahead of Matchweek 26.
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One of the highlights of Matchweek 26 is the head-to-head between two of the best No 9s in the Premier League.
Raul Jimenez and Jamie Vardy have shared 28 goals and 10 assists between them this season and the striker who shines brightest on Friday night is likely to be the match-winner.
Complete centre-forward
Wolverhampton Wanderers rely on the all-round excellence of their Mexican centre-forward.
Jimenez is ideally suited to his team's counter-attacking style. He works hard off the ball and is outstanding at linking up play, especially with Wolves' wide men.
He works especially well with Diogo Jota, who has received 11 of the 38 chances Jimenez has created this term.
Productive combinations
The 28-year-old is also developing a wonderful relationship with the fast-improving Adama Traore.
Since the start of 2019/20 Jimenez has set up eight chances for the winger, a tally that includes three assists.
The speedy Spaniard has returned the favour, creating 18 opportunities and five assists for Jimenez.
These stats tell us that head coach Nuno Espirito Santo has developed a front three who work exceptionally well in unison.
While Leicester City's Vardy edges Jimenez for overall goal involvements, there is no doubt the Wolves star is the more skilled creator.
He provides chances for others at a far more prolific rate.
Jimenez v Vardy this season
| 2019/20 | Jimenez | Vardy |
|---|---|---|
| Mins played | 2118 | 2013 |
| Goals | 11 | 17 |
| Assists | 6 | 4 |
| Goal involvements | 17 | 21 |
| Mins/goal involvement | 124.6 | 95.9 |
| Chances created (inc. assists) | 38 | 16 |
| Mins/chance created | 55.7 | 125.8 |
If Jimenez has a weakness it may be his finishing.
His movement in the box is fabulous but on occasion he can be wasteful.
Vardy, now 33, is still as sharp in front of goal as he has ever been.
Despite having 28 fewer shots than Jimenez, the Premier League's top scorer has still hit the target on more occasions.
This accuracy has brought him six extra goals at a superb conversion rate of 32.1 per cent.
For the less clinical Jimenez that figure stands at 13.6 per cent.
Vardy's finishing edge
| 2019/20 | Jimenez | Vardy |
|---|---|---|
| Mins/goal | 192.6 | 118.4 |
| Total shots | 81 | 53 |
| Shots on target | 32 | 33 |
| Shot conversion rate | 13.6% | 32.1% |
Interestingly over 70 per cent of the chances created for Vardy in the Premier League this term have been created by a quartet of exciting young Foxes players.
James Maddison, Ben Chilwell, Youri Tielemans and Harvey Barnes have set up 13, nine, eight and four opportunities respectively for their veteran forward.
They have also been responsible for a combined eight assists for him.
Stopping their supply line will be a high priority for Wolves at Molineux.
Adaptable finishers
Vardy and Jimenez are penalty-box predators who can convert a wide range of chances.
They are both strong in the air, able to run on to through-balls, skilful in tight areas and capable of dispatching opportunities with either foot.
How they scored
| 2019/20 | Jimenez | Vardy |
|---|---|---|
| Right foot | 6 | 7 |
| Left foot | 2 | 7 |
| Header | 3 | 3 |
| Inside box | 11 | 16 |
| Outside box | 0 | 1 |
Jimenez has deceptive pace.
Surprisingly his top speed of 34.69km/h this season is faster than the 34.64km/h reached by Vardy.
That pace is a huge asset for Wolves when they hit opponents on the break.
However, Vardy is the more two-footed player, scoring just as many goals with his supposedly weaker left foot so far this season.
Both No 9s have enjoyed tremendous seasons and are equally integral to the way each respective side sets up tactically.
This reverse fixture finished 0-0 on the opening weekend. Be surprised if there is a repeat of that scoreline on Friday night.
Also in this series
Part 1: Grealish and Targett to take aim at Spurs' right side
Part 3: How Hasenhuttl has breathed fresh life into Southampton
Part 4: Fernandes can raise Man Utd's tempo at Chelsea
Part 5: Can Man City solve their efficiency problem?
