The Crusaders have made sweeping changes to their backline with All Black Slade, who has had a run of serious injuries, and fullback Israel Dagg, the most notable.
"We've looked at some attacking options with Slade at 10 because while all Super players are good defenders he's probably not the best in that backline," English said.
The Rebels feel that Dagg is more dangerous at fullback than on the wing, and he has come in for special attention in their game preparation.
"He's a freak of the game and one of the best fullbacks in the world when he's red hot and he's a player you look at to pick up subtleties that he does that you can use to try and improve your own game," English said.
Melbourne skipper Scott Higginbotham was confident his team would be "switched on" for the seven-time champion Crusaders after their disappointing showing against the Force.
They were on the back foot early with the home side scoring four tries before halftime.
"The young guys, I think they thought the Force might be an easier game and that's never the case," he said. "We need to go back to defensive hunger, as well as playing our own game, like we did against the Cheetahs.
"We came out firing and wanting to be on the front foot whereas against the Force we let them dictate terms."
Higginbotham said the Crusaders were still a powerhouse side even without All Blacks Richie McCaw (injured) and Dan Carter (sabbatical).
Veteran hooker Corey Flynn is also out with an eye injury with Ben Funnell his replacement.
"They are well-drilled and are going to be very tough to play," Higginbotham said.
He felt the breakdown would again be key and said the Rebels needed quick ball to negate the Crusaders forwards like Kieran Read and Sam Whitelock.
