"As I said I'm using the same tactics and players as last season -
no change except maybe one youngster who I've power-trained coming through to replace a veteran. "
So nope, th situation is not the same exactly, a single player can change part of the whole team dynamic. Is a matter of internal roles of contribution/calibration.
I would like to know the difference betwen you and these 2 better teams, and if you use the same 11 just with a new younger.