Have you ever ever checked out your membership and puzzled what is going on on up entrance? Nicely, concern not, now we have you coated. That is the absolute best attacking possibility that may have them scoring and creating tons of targets, assuming everyone seems to be match and wholesome.
Gabriel Martinelli, FW – Kai Havertz, ST – Bukayo Saka, FW
Martin Ødegaard, AM
With Martinelli and Saka miles forward of their teammates on the wing, the primary problem for Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is undoubtedly the selection of centre-forward. Eddie Nketiah has proven flashes of brilliance this season however, very like Gabriel Jesus, telling contributions are available in bursts reasonably than on a weekly foundation. By going with both of the 2, Arsenal are usually extra direct and might stretch opposing defences. But the important thing for Arteta is to contain the wingers extra as they’re world class and pose the best objective menace.
For that purpose, Arteta may discover Havertz extra helpful as a “false No. 9.” The Germany worldwide hasn’t set the Emirates alight since arriving in the summertime and does not appear suited to a deeper midfield position the place he has to win the ball again. Nonetheless, he does have the notice to dink balls by way of to runners and, whereas he might not hit the again of the web as a lot as another strikers, he’ll open the door for teammates to contribute.
Utilizing Ødegaard in a barely withdrawn No. 10 position — with two deeper midfielders behind him — might also be certain that Arsenal get all their most technically gifted attackers on the pitch without delay.
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Christopher Nkunku, FW – Nicolas Jackson, ST – Raheem Sterling, FW
Because of accidents and an enormous inflow of recent faces over the previous few months, Chelsea‘s assault remains to be a piece in progress, although the midfield trio of Enzo Fernández, Conor Gallagher and Moisés Caicedo is beginning to look settled.
Nkunku’s injury-enforced absence has been an enormous blow for the membership as he scored 36 targets up to now two Bundesliga seasons for RB Leipzig. But the dearth of a central striker with a robust link-up sport stays a difficulty to be checked out in January, as Jackson predominantly loves attacking area in behind.
Whereas Chelsea can anticipate extra targets from midfield — utilizing Fernandez in a complicated position ought to ultimately see his identify seem extra continuously on the scoresheet — neither Noni Makueke or Mykhailo Mudryk have proven something to counsel that they are often depended upon by way of attacking impression.
When Nkunku returns, the problem will likely be what to do with Cole Palmer. His type has been distinctive since arriving from Man Metropolis this summer season and he might theoretically function as a “false No. 9” or slot in as a No. 10 in the event you sacrifice one of many three central midfielders. Mauricio Pochettino will definitely have choices.
2:09
May Leroy Sane exchange Mohamed Salah at Liverpool?
Janusz Michallik debates whether or not Leroy Sane would wish to return to the Premier League if Mohamed Salah leaves Liverpool.
Luis Díaz, FW – Darwin Núñez, ST – Mohamed Salah, FW
We’ve but to see the total potential of the Liverpool entrance three, however there’s each purpose to imagine they’ll quickly begin to click on with devastating impact. Salah’s goal-scoring document (196 targets in 320 video games) and knack for fast one-twos on the sting of the field are well-known, however there’s additionally Diaz’s aptitude and motion which may mesmerise defenders.
Nunez might battle to carry a specific place because it’s in his nature to roam, however he might be devastating within the transitional part and few forwards in Europe can match him for tempo and energy.
Klopp additionally has the choice of pushing central midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai up increased to the left of the centre-forward. Such a transfer would grant a playmaking possibility in assault with out sacrificing the objective menace.
Jérémy Doku, FW – Erling Haaland, ST – Phil Foden, FW
Julian Alvarez, AM
Irrespective of how supervisor Pep Guardiola strains up his assault, he can select from an impressive mix of characters, spearheaded by the No. 1 centre-forward on this planet: Haaland. With unmatched physicality, tempo and poacher’s intuition that has seen him internet 67 targets in 70 video games for the membership, the 23-year-old’s mere presence opens up area for the supporting solid to roam.
Particularly, Avarez advantages from this room to work as he’s allowed to float between the opposing strains — a lot as an old-fashion second striker.
On the wing, Doku has been a revelation since arriving this summer season. The speedy Belgium worldwide has introduced much more unpredictability together with his relentless dribbling talents — 6+ profitable take-ons per 90 minutes is a rare feat — and his progressive model of play. Extra of a mixture participant, Phil Foden is inventive, an avid presser and as interchangeable (position-wise) as the remainder of the supporting attacking midfielders.
However what about Jack Grealish? He might be introduced off the bench for his ball retention capabilities. Bernardo Silva? He’s deployed deeper often, or might be pushed up increased. Kevin De Bruyne, when he returns from damage? Guardiola has some pondering to do when that occurs.
1:59
Is Rasmus Hojlund an excellent signing for Manchester United?
Rob Dawson debates whether or not Rasmus Hojlund will likely be successful at Manchester United after signing from Atalanta.
Mason Mount, FW – Rasmus Højlund, ST – Marcus Rashford, FW
Bruno Fernandes, AM
With Erik ten Hag struggling to get the very best out of his attacking trio, it is perhaps time for a minor rejig. The best way out of the objective drought might see Mount function in a job large on the left — from the place he sometimes discovered success at Chelsea — and transferring Rashford to the other facet.
This might put €95m-winger Antony on the bench (lengthy overdue, in keeping with many) however ought to make United much less predictable, with Mount bringing strategic pondering to the entrance three.
Whereas Højlund remains to be in search of his first Premier League objective, Ten Hag is true to maintain him within the facet. The Denmark worldwide wants service and he’s certain to learn from Mount taking part in increased up the pitch.
Brennan Johnson, FW – Son Heung-Min, ST – Dejan Kulusevski, FW
James Maddison, AM
To this point, Spurs have proved their doubters unsuitable and proven that they will fare nicely with out Harry Kane. However latest accidents will closely compromise Ange Postecoglu’s attacking selections.
Regardless of not being a basic model of centre-forward, Son has achieved nicely although his intuition being to float large to the left, whereas the introduction of Maddison, tucked in a No. 10 position to orchestrate the assaults, has confirmed a smart transfer.
Spurs are reportedly nonetheless trying to signal an out-and-out centre-forward, which is comprehensible. Such a transfer would give Postecoglu the choice of transferring Son again to his extra acquainted place on the left and alleviate Maddison of a few of his hold-up duties, in addition to permitting new signing Johnson to problem Kulusevski for his most popular place on the correct.
1:11
Laurens praises ‘unbelievable’ Harry Kane after Der Klassiker hat trick
Gab & Juls react to Bayern Munich’s 4-0 win over Borussia Dortmund in Der Klassiker.
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Leroy Sané, FW – Harry Kane, ST – Kingsley Coman, FW
Jamal Musiala, AM
Bayern’s X-factor is perhaps their energy in depth, however coach Thomas Tuchel has discovered fluency and targets out of his most up-to-date attacking lineup. With Kane scoring 19 targets in 15 video games up to now whereas main the road, the perennial German champions now have a prolific No. 9 striker to switch Robert Lewandowski.
On high of including a lacking dimension up entrance, the England worldwide has additionally constructed an excellent relationship together with his wingers — Sane and Coman. Pushing Musiala ahead right into a No. 10 position has additionally confirmed to be a masterstroke.
Thomas Müller, Mathys Tel and Serge Gnabry additionally guarantee high-quality rotation choices.
Victor Boniface, ST
Florian Wirtz AM – Jonas Hofmann, AM
(Alex Grimaldo, LWB – Jeremie Frimpong, RWB)
The shock leaders of the Bundesliga have been in devastating type this season. Whereas most of Europe’s high-scoring sides are inclined to line up in a again 4, Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso has gone with a 3-4-2-1 which permits his energetic wing-backs to push ahead to the purpose the place they will seem extra like wingers — Grimaldo has scored 5 Bundesliga targets; Frimpong three. The primary supply of creativity, nonetheless, stems from the attacking midfielders positioned behind hotshot centre-forward Boniface, who has 10 targets in 14 video games up to now.
A 20-year-old wonderkid, Wirtz has been in very good type, masterminding alternatives together with his spectacular imaginative and prescient and luxurious left foot. However new signing Hofman, initially a winger, has additionally proved extraordinarily productive working alongside him in central areas.
2:23
Nicol slams ‘absolute joke’ Mbappé-PSG saga in epic rant
Steve Nicol tears into the most recent developments in Kylian Mbappé’s switch saga, with the ahead now set to increase his PSG deal.
Kylian Mbappé, FW – Randal Kolo Muani, ST – Marco Asensio, FW
Regardless of a large number of choices, PSG are nonetheless to search out the correct steadiness in assault and Asensio being dominated out for many of the season by way of damage hasn’t helped as he would carry lots.
Mbappe is certainly the primary supply of creativity and targets (12 targets from 14 video games this season) from his favoured place on the left, however coach Luis Enrique nonetheless has to work out whether or not Kolo Muani or Benfica loanee Goncalo Ramos is finest positioned to attain — or be most appropriate to work together with Mbappe — from the No. 9 place.
PSG might lack targets from midfield, however the fixed attacking presence of Achraf Hakimi at right-back creates steady possibilities down that flank. Winger Ousmane Dembélé is but to search out type following his summer season transfer from Barcelona, so Asensio’s return cannot come quickly sufficient.
João Félix, FW – Robert Lewandowski, ST – Lamine Yamal, FW
Neither big-money signings Raphinha (€60m) or Ferran Torres (€55m) have achieved sufficient to be thought-about as regulars, whereas Atletico Madrid-loanee Felix appears happier at Camp Nou. Barca coach Xavi simply must be cautious to not ask an excessive amount of of 16-year-old academy wonderkid Yamal too quickly — although he’s unbelievable.
Xavi’s foremost concern is to get Pedri again to match health. With the return of the 20-year-old midfielder in a No. 10 position, the membership can be a extra fluent and cohesive unit as he hyperlinks midfield and assault like few others in world soccer.
One other difficulty is to get Lewandowski to rediscover his sharpness in entrance of objective (he is on an uncommon six-game barren spell and solely has six targets in 13 video games.) Although the doable January arrival of 18-year-old Brazil star Vitor Roque would supply the legendary Poland worldwide with some much-needed competitors.
On account of failing to get the wingers to shine Xavi has performed round with the formation, at instances lining up with two central strikers. However he wants to search out some stability.
1:27
Is Jude Bellingham papering over cracks for Actual Madrid?
Gab Marcotti and Julien Laurens talk about Actual Madrid’s questionable performances regardless of the wonderful type of Jude Bellingham.
Rodrygo, FW – Joselu, ST – Vinicius Junior, FW
Jude Bellingham, AM
Surprisingly, Actual Madrid went into the season and not using a big-name No. 9 striker following the departure of 2022 Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema to Saudi Arabia. Nonetheless, coach Carlo Ancelotti has partly mitigated the absence of the Frenchman by cleverly deploying €103m summer season signing Bellingham in a complicated midfield position.
With 13 targets from 14 video games for his new membership, the England midfielder has been terribly impactful — scoring late winners, making nice runs, and linking nicely together with his teammates. Summer time signing Arda Güler will hope to make an impression in an analogous position when he returns absolutely from damage.
Finest positioned for the central striker position is Joselu, a low-key signing on mortgage from Espanyol who has exceeded expectations by main the road with physicality, presence and expertise. The arrival of the 33-year-old Spain worldwide additionally presents Ancelotti the choice to shift Rodrygo to the correct of assault — the place that undoubtedly fits him the very best.
Madrid have such nice midfield choices — Eduardo Camavinga, Federico Valverde, Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, Aurélien Tchouaméni — that their assault feels mild by comparability. The €72m arrival of Brazil prodigy Endrick in 2024 (when he turns 18) might change that.
Federico Chiesa, ST – Dusan Vlahovic, ST
Juventus began the season with their two most high-profile attackers up entrance of their 3-5-2 formation, however because the 4-2 defeat at Sassuolo in September, coach Massimo Allegri has gone with different choices. And it is exhausting to argue with the skilled Italian as he is led Juventus to 5 wins and one draw, conceding zero targets within the course of.
By sacrificing both (or each) of the star frontmen (with Vlahovic seeing the fewest minutes), Juventus do look extra stable. Moise Kean or Arkadiusz Milik might not fire up the identical pleasure, however each characterize the graft and bodily presence — set items have more and more turn out to be a key technique for Allegri — which Chiesa and Vlahovic do not possess to a sure diploma.
Whether or not they’ll ever work as a pair is perhaps debatable, however they’re each the membership’s high scorers in Serie A with 4 targets (Milik the subsequent, with two). So maybe it is value giving them one other strive collectively?
2:11
How regarding are AC Milan’s UCL struggles for Pulisic and Musah?
Herc Gomez debates whether or not or not USMNT followers ought to be apprehensive by Christian Pulisic and Yunus Musah’s struggles within the Champions League with AC Milan.
Rafael Leão, FW – Olivier Giroud, ST – Christian Pulisic, FW
Final season’s Champions League semifinalists haven’t loved a brilliant begin to the Serie A marketing campaign, shedding 5-1 within the derby with Inter and 1-0 to Juventus at residence. And, with a lot of the criticism aimed on the summer season’s switch dealings, coach Stefano Pioli has predominantly needed to depend on established stars like Leao and Giroud to offer a spark in assault.
Each have been on the scoresheet as Milan beat PSG within the Champions League this week. Leao is a famous person of unbelievable potential and, even at 37, Giroud supplies a trusted focus at centre-forward, chipping in with targets and offering an outlet for his midfielders.
USMNT star Pulisic has achieved nicely, with 4 targets and two assists from his 14 video games, however was taken off injured in opposition to PSG on Tuesday night time. So till Samuel Chukwueze, Noah Okafor and Luka Jovic regulate to life on the membership, or the midfield begin to assist out within the goal-scoring stakes, lots will experience on Giroud and Leao.
Lautaro Martínez, ST – Marcus Thuram, ST
One of many few sides at Champions League stage who usually line up with two out-and-out strikers, Inter have loved a positive begin to the season due to the newly shaped Martinez-Thuram partnership.
Very similar to over the last Scudetto-winning marketing campaign of 2020-21, Martinez is reaping the advantages of taking part in alongside a extra bodily companion (which was Romelu Lukaku again then), leaving him more room to take advantage of. The Argentina worldwide has scored 14 targets from 15 video games already and prefers to function near the field, the place he can use his outstandingly fast ending abilities.
In the meantime, Thuram tends to float into large areas, drop deep to choose up the ball, or handle the extra bodily demanding duels. However at all times with out shedding sight of his sidekick. Although Inter have been dealt a blow with September’s damage to Marko Arnautovic, the versatile and clever Thuram has settled in so nicely that the duo look unlikely to be break up up any time quickly.
