Here is the real test. It seems the Alex can often raise their game against tough opponents but the problems arise when they play teams lower down. This often appears to be down to a lack of imagination in terms of how to get through opposition defences even when those sides are not operating a low block.
It seems to me that a Lunt-centered harrying of the opposition when they have the ball is the key. We need those snappy tackles and the crowding of players to win the ball early. We also need those players who can beat a man rather than simply trying to pass through a defence. Lankester and Rankine fit that bill as well as O'Reilly but the latter needs to be more direct moving forward as varying his step-inside approach. Agius can beat a man with the ball but has seemed anonymous lately except for his ability to step in front and win a free kick.
Whatever, the Alex must resist going for too many long balls to a single striker. By all means hoof the ball clear in defence when under pressure (rather than creating more pressure on the defence by playing backwards), especially in those crucial early minutes.
I know that Hutchinson has already played 30+ games in his season but he needs to play as his crossing ability is superior to Finney's (but the Alex needs to have someone on the back post for these) although, to be honest, neither are great at defending.
So, my pessimistic prediction is 1-1 although I have a nagging feeling it could be 0-1 again. Just don't do any stupid formation changes, Lee!
