Rohr expected to name unchanged line-up and stick to 4-4-3 formation against Algeria today

SUPER Eagles head coach Gernot Rohr is expected to stick to the same starting line-up that began the quarter final game against South Africa today when the team faces Algeria in the semi final of the ongoing African Cup of Nations.

On Wednesday, the Eagles beat South Africa 2-1 playing a 4-3-3 formation with a front three of Odion Ighalo, Ahmed Musa and Samuel Chukwueze. He played Daniel Akpeyi in goal with a back four of Chigozie Awaziem, William Ekong, Kenneth Omeruo and Collins Jamilu, which the midfield trio was manned by Oghene Etebo, Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi.

Today, the Eagles face what is arguably their toughest challenge in the tournament so far and Mr Rohr is expected to name an unchanged line-up. Several commentators believe that as the Eagles played their best match in the Nations Cup against South Africa, Mr Rohr has opted to use the same line-up today when he faces the Desert Foxes.

Against South Africa, the Eagles troubled the Bafana Bafana backline with the width and pace of Musa and Chukwueze down the flanks and it is expected that this tactic will be adopted again today. During their own quarter final match against Ivory Coast, Algeria showed that they were vulnerable at the back to pace and it is expected that the Eagles will exploit this.

When the two teams clash at the Cairo International Stadium later today, Musa us expected to play from the left with Samuel Chukwueze attacking on the right. Ighalo is expected to play his usual role as targetman leading the attack through the middle, with the playmaker Iwobi getting close to him to latch on to knock-downs.

Expected Line-up:

Daniel Akpeyi

Chigozie Awaziem

Jamilu Collins

William Troost-Ekong

Kenneth Omeruo

Wilfred Ndidi

Oghenekaro Etebo

Alex Iwobi

Ahmed Musa

Samuel Chukwueze

Odion Ighalo