Tactics Pages

CL Tactics for Chelsea

-------------------Neuer-------------------
Lahm----Kompany----Subotic----Baines
------------Khedira----A.Vidal------------
------------------Fabregas-----------------
Hulk da Souza--------------Neymar Silva
------------------S.Aguero-----------------

Hart, Muniesa, Kroos, Witsel, Hueng, Morata, Benteke

We have had a great season and go into this with a great chance, a few players this could be there last game and they dont want that they want to leave Chelsea with a champions league medal round there necks..Play the way we can and we can win this game and have one more game to look forward to, come on lads we can do this!

Neuer is a top back up and confident keeper will dominate the area and come out for all high balls clearing what he cant punch. Look to close down strikers by quickly coming off his line to shut down there shooting angles. Pressurising them into shooting high or wide. Release the wide players early if chasing the game.

A back four with Lahm and Baines at fullback, both solid players who defend their lines very well, keep the wingers quiet, keep them to the outside and away from our danger area. Match them for pace and shrug them out, must stay strong! Attack when you can one at a time, support the wingers by going on the outside and look for a pass so you can get beyond the fullback and cross in, Or if in possession look to pick out Hulk and Neymar and ping the ball down the line for them to latch onto. Always look to get the ball from the winger or at very least make more room for them by taking the FB away, cross early if opportunity arises.
First and foremost, Kompany has the responsibility to mark striker into anonymity. This he does exceptionally well, using foresight that borders on the prophetic to intercept. He rarely has to make a rash tackle, so watch the lads movwement and be ready to move in. When the ball comes towards a striker and Kompany is in the area to defend, Subotic moves into position to back up his teammate and fill in any gap that is left. If an opposing attacker makes a run in the centre, reacting to a ball played towards the striker Kompany is covering, Subotic shifts to defend against a potential pass.If the striker gets away from Kompany it's the responsibility of Subotic to shift and defend directly. Both comfortable with ball at feet so move the ball out when in no danger, otherwise clear it with no messing about. Kompany to go up for corners and use his upper body strength and height to pose a lot of problems.

Khedira will keep it simple in his defensive role. He watches the AM, watch his movement and be there quick to stop him setting up attacks, break the play up between him and the CF etc to nulify there attacking threat. Always on his toes as there AM has a bit of class about him so we cant afford to let him dictate play. Vidal in alongside, he will look to stamp his authority on this game early, Has great vision so will want to get his passing range in early to set the likes of Hulk, Aguero and Neymar up for many chances, he will always follow his pass and make himself available for a return ball. Can shoot from range so have a go. When they have sit alongside Khedira and help him break up their attacks.His work rate is fantastic and always in the faces of the opposition.
Fabregas is more in the free role, with more freedom to attack his attacking prowess is fantastic, will make late runs into the box and has tremendous vision. His inventiveness with his little flicks & dribbling skills are super too, but the best part is he knows where the net is. So will look to support Aguero as much as possible, Also use Hulk and Neymar for one twos to break the line of defence. drop back and help defend v the DM if he breaks forward.
Hulk is on the right, will look to drive at the fb, causing him all sorts of problems with his pace, cut in off his right and shoot with his left, or lay off to Cesc/Aguero for him to dart into the box for the return. Otherwise look to take on the fullback get to the bye line and cross in for Aguero in the box. Neymar will use his pace to get him passed his marker, knock it forward and use the forward momentum to get by the player and cross in, will do this all day long so Aguero will thrive of this. At times Neymar and Hulk will be supported by our fullbacks so use them, either play it wide for them o r allow them to take the markers away to free up space to drive into. I want both attacking mids to track back and stop the fullbacks and DMS getting forward and becoming a nuisance. Also look to switch with Aguero causing confusion in their back line

Aguero is a top striker, scores many goals from differwent angles and with either foot and is strong in the air, will thrive on the service from those behind so he will be looking to make a goalscoring return up front. Neymar Aguero and Hulk are a fearsome trio up front full of goals so they must capitialise on any mistake by the opposition. Always on his toes and on the last line of defence and ready to go for goal. If he cant then look to lay off/knock down for the support coming in from behind. He is strong so can hold of defenders and make his way into the danger area. Leap early for crosses coming in to beat the defender in the air.


Captain:- Kompany
Penalties:- Aguero
Free Kicks:- Fabregas
Corners:- Wingers

Subs:-

Losing:-
70 Mins - Benteke for Hulk - Aguero right
75 Mins - Kroos for Vidal sit higher
80 Mins - 4-3-3
85 Mins - Morata for Khedira - 4-2-4

Winning:-
70 Mins:- Benteke for Hulk - Aguero right, Benteke holds it to see game out

after injury time
105 Mins - Hueng for Aguero or if they score or agg score is in there favour, bring on Hueng for Cesc and go 4-4-2 with Aguero up top with Benteke

after this If we need a goal Morata comes on for Baines and push up front only if score is putting us out if 2-1 in my favour and going to pens leave ill take my chance in the shootout
Drawing
70 Mins:- Benteke for Hulk - Aguero right
80 Mins:- Kroos and Morata for Vidal and Khedira 4-2-4


whoever is on pitch

Aguero
Benteke
Vidal
Cesc
Neymar
Hueng
Lahm
Baines
Morata
Kroos

-----------------------Cech
Johnson---Hummels-----Agger-----Clichy
----------Schweiny----Illarramendi
Robben----------Modric--------------Ribery
----------------------Gomez
Subs
Begovic, Blind, Garay, Payet, Dembele, Salvio, Auby

Tactics
An attack-minded 4-3-3 formation with emphasis on keeping possession and playing with width to stretch the opposition.

Keeper
When distributing the ball, he should look to keep it simple and play the percentage pass. At crosses and set pieces, should look to punch rather than attempt any catches with an element of risk.

Full Backs
When going forward, the wingers will be looking to cut inside fairly regularly, so the full backs should look to hug the touchlines to keep the defence stretched and provide the out ball. When defending, they should look to just track the wingers and aim to keep them on their wrong foot and block any crosses.

Centre Backs
Hummels will compete with the striker for the aerial balls played up to him, with Agger looking to snaffle the resulting knockdown, when the ball is on the floor, Agger will be the defender who looks to stand up the striker looking to keep tight to him and stifling his space to get the ball out of his feet, and Hummels will be making a covering run if Agger is beaten. When on the ball, if the opposition are giving them space to come out with the ball, then they should look to take it forward, if not, keep it simple and play it to a man in space and retain possession.

Centre Mids
Both are comfortable on the ball, and have the awareness to create themselves little pockets of space so they free to get the ball and keep the game ticking over, if they are getting closely marked, they should look to play slightly deeper to create more space for themselves, and if the ankle biters follow them, that will create a gap between the defence and midfield for the front 3 to exploit. When defending, Schweiny has the energy to play a pressing game in conjunction with the wingers to put pressure on the opposition, whilst Modders will hang back slightly, almost playing alongside Inler focusing on trying to intercept the ball rather than banging into players.

AM
Modders will play a solely attacking game, as there are 2 more defensive heads behind him, so he will be looking to get himself into little pockets of space free to get the ball and keep the game ticking over, if he is getting closely marked, he should look to play slightly deeper to create more space for himself, and if the ankle biters follow him, that will create a gap between the defence and midfield for the front 3 to exploit. When defending, he will just look to get in the face of the oppositions creative CM to keep him hurried on the ball and try to create more errors.

Wingers
They should look to stay as wide as possible when they receive the ball to try and stretch the defensive line. When they are on the ball, both wingers have the ability to stay wide and put a cross in, or cut inside to try and make space for a shot, so should look to pick out which is the best option at the time, if they do cut inside, the full backs should have moved forward to occupy the touchline and provide the wide option. If they have taken the opposition full back out of the game, they shouldnt be afraid to go into the box, as defenders will be extra cautious to not give away a penalty, and this provides the option of just drilling a cross to Gomez or a simple drag back to an onrushing CM. When the opposite winger has the ball, the winger without the ball should look to find space between the CB and full back to add an extra body for any crosses or capitalise on any defensive errors.
Occasionally, the 2 wingers will swap wings, where the emphasis will be more on crosses for 5-10 minute periods a few times during the match.

Striker
When defending, he should look to hover around the area of the opposition DM, trying to prevent the easy out of a pass back to him. When attacking, he shouldn't look to get too involved in build up play, just acting as a target man to give the back 5 the option of playing a lofted ball to him and hold the ball up for the wingers or CMs to get into the attacking area, when he has passed the ball, he should just look to get alongside the aerially weaker CB and be ready for crosses and look to feed on any panicky defensive blocks or weak goalkeeper parries and play the reak poachers role.

Set Pieces
Corners - Robben and Ribery take inswinging corners, the 2 CB's go into the box, the FB's and Inler stay back to prevent counters, the CB's and Gomez attack the ball, Modders looks to annoy the opposition keeper looking to limit his ability to move off the goalline. Schweiny and the non taking winger take positions just outside the box to pick up any weak defensive headers or knockdowns.

Free Kicks - For direct FK's Modric and Ribery will shoot depending on which foot it favours. For Indirect FKs, follow the same directives for Corners

Penalties - Robben is the designated taker.

Subs

If Winning
68 mins - Salvio for Robben - Fresh legs and extra defensive workrate.

76 mins - Dembele and Blind for Modric and Clichy - The wingers tuck back, but with the knowledge to get out quickly for the front 3 to try and counter if the opposition over-commit for a route back into the game. Dembele slots in alongside Inler and all 3 Centre Mids play a high energy pressing game.

If Losing

71 mins - Dembele for Illaramendi - extra attacking impetus in the midfield

77 Mins - Auby and Payet for Robben and Modric - We go to 4-2-4, with the wingers bombarding crosses in to the 2 big men with the other winger adding the third option.

EL 2nd Leg.

Balanced 4-2-3-1. Solid backline, with a very attacking quartet in front of our two deep midfielders. Loads and loads of width. De Rossi and Lucas keeping things simple in the middle. De Rossi like a train up and down, taking the ball from defence and linking with the attack. Lucas keeping things simple, not letting the opposition play and allowing the fbs to bomb forward.

-------------- Cesar
Rafael – Pepe – Evans – Adriano
-------- De Rossi – Lucas
Hamsik ------ Reus ---- Lavezzi
---------------- Tevez

Subs. Buffon, Jones, Pirlo, Gerrard, Coutinho, Young, Dzeko

Aim of the game is to play with width, rigid in defence with lots of cover, allowing our attacking quartet to press high up the park, and importantly giving them more attacking freedom.

Huge game for us. We want to get to the second final. We put in a good performance in our last league game of the season and were unlucky to lose. Tonight we make up for that with a result.

We have the quality over the Spaniards. And at home we want to start quickly, stretching play not letting them have the ball. Taking the game to them down the wings. If things don't work out as we plan, we have more than enough quality on the bench to change things and get a result.

Most important thing is to keep a clean sheet, for that reason we go with De Rossi and Lucas as a pair in front of a strong back four. The strong base they provide as a defence gives our attacking quartet freedom, and with that freedom they’d frighten any defence in the world.

Cesar keeps his place in goals in the EL. Hasn't put a foot wrong, so wouldn't want to upset the team or mess up what's been working.

High pressing game as we look to squeeze the opposition play high up the park. The rigid back 6, with Hamsik joining them allow the other three players to press high up the pitch.

In defence we want to look like 4-3-2-1. Hamsik falls back to act as third midfielder. The two, Reus and Lavezzi will be on the right/left(depending which side ball is on) and centre, moving from right to left as the ball does. Tevez stays up top. Squeeze the play.

Three walls of defence. Keeping two players in front of/in line with the ball will force the Spanish side’s play. They wont have the options to go back, inside, forward etc, will be forced to make a pass. And by continuing to press we will force them into a corner(so to speak, not the actual corner), and they will have no options. Continuing to press as a unit.

Attack

In attack we play with lots of width. Almost 4-2-4, with two very attacking full backs. With Lucas playing as almost a third cb and De Rossi in front, we can allow both full backs to get forward. This can then allow our wide players freedom to come inside and overload the middle.

Reus is our key player, we want him on the ball as much as possible. With the quality and type of players we have we want our players to attack quickly, running at the opposition and looking to play between each other, moving into space so that one of our players can find you. Hamsik in particular comes inside, allowing Rafael to provide width on the right.

Hamsik playing just in front of De Rossi, driving forward behind Reus who is supporting Tevez. Tevez can also drop deep creating space for one of these 3 players, or Lavezzi to find space through the middle. This give us a great spine of quality right through the centre of the park.

While we want our front four to be quite direct and have creative freedom, the opposite is true for our defence. In the first half of the park, our play is simple. We want the cb’s and Lucas to generally look for De Rossi/fb’s. But if we are under pressure or the break is on, play it long quickly.

Tevez up top plays his natural game, getting involved in the play and being in the right place to score.

If our plans not working at half time, simply bring on Pirlo for Lucas. One fb attacks at a time. Balanced 4-2-3-1. Let Pirlo run things.

Subs. If losing at half time bring on Pirlo for Lucas.
If losing after 60 mins bring on Dzeko for Hamsik. Tevez plays slightly deeper, Reus on right.
If losing after 70 mins bring on Gerrard for De Rossi. Two creative midfielders from deep. Both fb’s attack.

If drawing after 60 mins bring on Pirlo for Lucas. One fb attacks at a time. More balanced 4-2-3-1, creativity of Pirlo as game opens up.
If drawing after 70 mins bring on Coutinho for Lavezzi.
If drawing after 75 mins bring on Dzeko for Tevez. Fresh legs and power as game opens up and we play it longer.

If winning after 70 mins bring on Pirlo for Hamsik. 4-3-3. Reus goes right, Tevez centre and Lavezzi left. Composure in the middle of the park.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Coutinho for Lavezzi. Fresh legs in attack. Exploit the space they will give him as they chase game.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Gerrard for Lucas. Fresh legs in the middle of the park. Experience and composure to help see the game out.

------------------- D.Lopez -------------------

Alves ------- Vidic ----- Varane ------- Cole

---------- Busquets ---- Y.Toure -------------

C.Ronaldo ---- W.Rooney --------- D.Silva

---------------- R.Van Persie -------------------


Subs:
T.Krul
A.Barzagli
F.Coentrao
J.Garcia
S.Cazorla
L.Podolski
R.Palacio
---------------------------------------------------
Cazorla > Rooney – 60th minute – Cazorla manipulate the play with ball at this feet looking to create opportunities and finding players in space.

Podolski > Silva - 60th minute – Podolski look to play a similar role provide the width and aid Cole defensively.

Coentrao > Cole – 80th min (losing/draw) – Coentrao look to overlap regularly using his pace and agility and whip balls into the box.
---------------------------------------------
A place for a CL final berth on offer and today we’ll look to use everything within our powers to get there, players are pumped and in what could be my last CL game in charge I want them to give it their all, win or lose put every last breath into it and make me proud!!

In simple terms we’ll be playing a defensive pressing game with the focus on being aggressive but organised, we must prevent them from playing whilst also disrupting the rhythm and flow of their play as much as possible. A classic exampe is J.Martinez on Messi in the CL final kick the living day lights out of him, man mark, pressurise but keep him on a leash tactfully and this what we will do to the likes of Fabregas, Neymar, Aguero and others in todays game as we have the enforcers in our starting line-up to do so.

In essence today we must stay organised, defence as a tight unit, midfield 3 making a pact and man marking individually with the front 3 pressing from the front. If we stop them from playing the momentum will shift and we can kill off the game at the other end.
---------------------------------------------
Tactics:

The experienced D.Lopez starts as GK and should look to impress, a remarkable shot-stopper with amazing reflexes, v good with his feet and has a great commanding presence in and around the box. I want him standing tall between the sticks, vocal at the back and leading from the front.

Alves and Cole as consistent and reliable as they come, very rarely fazed and both enjoy the big match occasion as it brings out the best in them. 2 very contrasting styles ensure we have the right balance between attack and defence and today they should look to stand up and be counted. We want to impose ourselves on the opposition as much as possible today however defensive duties are first priority. To combat this I want my wingers to help my FB’s as much as possible today looking to give them that extra security, a similar scenario is that of Ribery & Robben in the CL final where they not only supported their FB’s they suppressed the opposition further and further back so they had no bearing on the game. Individually both FB’s should trade blow by blow to their wingers looking to match them pace for pace looking to lead them down the line as well as using their strength to make them as uncomfortable as possible ensuring they are stranded towards the corner of the touchline with no hope of getting delivery into the box.

Vidic starts in the centre of defence and today will mark their (most) forward which is most likely to be Aguero. Aguero relys a lot on a service based game and is very easily intimidated so I want a dominant approach from Vidic looking to engage in physical battles using his strong and powerful nature to get right on top of him and bullying him therefore rendering him useless throughout the game. Vidic has stood tall against many and today I want him to use every last inch of experience looking to put his body on the line, fighting for those 50/50 balls, making last ditch tackles and surrendering himself completely so we can keep a clean sheet, captain fantastic puts the L in the word leader and if he sets a good example the others will all follow. Varane is chosen to partner Vidic today as what one CB lacks the other makes up for 2 combined have every attribute to make the perfect CB so whilst Vidic is deployed on the front line Varane will act as a 2nd shield. He’s a maestro at reading the play and between the lines and rarely do CB’s come in packages where they are not only tall yet so quick on their feet so I want him doing all the necessities plain and simple supporting Vida in a slightly more deeper role covering his tracks and intervening when needed.

Our midfield duo of Busquets and Yaya will start in the centre of the park looking to make our rearguard as tough as possible to breach. They both have a strong understanding and mental toughness so they should look to work well with each other to prevent the opposition from threatening in dangerous areas. Yaya is the more physical of the two and I want him to get into the oppositions faces looking to stamp his mark on the game like a bull when he sees red. The enigma in midfield I want him constantly pressing looking to rough and intimidate the opposition thus putting them off their game, when they see him approaching I want him to make them hurried and careless in possession as if he’s a mental block to their play in particular their AM. Busquets will partner Yaya and look to throw himself about everywhere; I want him to get from A to B as quick as possible looking to recover possession and forcing them to release quickly through anticipating, pressurizing and reading the game. Yaya and Busquets are the base to our play today, I want them to sit in the middle of the park as if they are enforcers with a sign stating ‘no entry beyond this point’. They will ensure we dictate proceeding and are able to re-cycle and recover possession to get us going forward as seamlessly as possible on the counter.

Rooney will start as our AM. He will revel in a game like this as we are playing to his strengths as he has the freedom to take a up a number of positions and penetrate their defence. The burden is off him so he should look to take the initiative and take the bull by its horns. I want him driving forward, supporting attacks and looking to make things happen as others feed off him and vice versa. He should look to get involved in as much as the play as possible looking to cover every area on that pitch with real passion and enthusiasm aiding the cause of the team and lifting spirits with his 100% effort and commitment.
Ronaldo and Silva will start down the flanks. Ronaldo starts on the right and is the heartbeat of the side the ‘go to’ player in possession as he influences the play like no other. I want him using his great positional sense and attacking awareness as effectively as possible today looking to come deep and pulling the strings using his pace and direct and skilful style to pull defenders out of position and towards him. He’ll look to invite challenges in dangerous positions as their defence will struggle to match his pace as well as linking with others as much as possible giving them as much freedom as possible to play their games due to his privileged status. Alves on the right will look to form a dream team looking to give Ronaldo that wide option when possible looking to burst a gut down the wing and giving the opposition nightmares. Silva on the right has the license to roam, I want him drifting in and out of positions looking to receive the ball and driving at their defence looking to take players out the game. He also has a good eye for a pass and a creative nature so I want him spotting our forwards runs and playing them in behind with the aid of Cole overlapping when possible.

Van Persie is the perfect outlet and with an attack like ours supplying him there should be plenty of chances to convert today. I want him to use his experience and know how to get the better of their CB’s looking to get that extra yard on them whilst drawing them to him so others such as Ronaldo get the time and space to work with in dangerous positions. RVP should always look to make runs in behind and hold his own when possible holding the ball up and getting others involved whilst occasionally coming deeper to dictate the player whilst they go on beyond. The front 3 will all look to interchange making them as tough as possible to mark, we will look to target their weaknesses and find those roles where we are effectively getting maximum success.
--------------------------------------------------
Captain – Vidic
FK’s – Ronaldo
Corners – Silva
Pens – Ronaldo

FA Cup Final

This is the biggest game of our season. Our players have been building up to this match for weeks and are firing on all cylinders. After a very tight league win, the opposition will be mentally exhausted, and physical.

Not only that they will be tired and hungover following a messy title party. We heard Ronaldo got so drunk he hugged a man with a white beard, screaming “DUMBLEDORE YOU’RE BACK!” Followed up with the news that Rooney is leaving, and this Arsenal side and manager will be thinking ahead to next season and the changes happening. Perfect for United.

Manchester United love playing at Wembley, with it being right on our fans doorsteps it will be like a home game.

Defensive tactics are what is important, no need to our describe our players, important for our attacking players to play their natural game going forward and get the most out of them.

Starting as a 4-2-3-1, with a false 9. The aim is simple, win the midfield battle, dominate possession. Arsenal have strong dms, and attackers, but not players who get deep to will control the middle of the park like we do. We want to exploit the gap between their midfielders and attackers and control the game.

-------------- Buffon
Rafael – Pepe – Evans – Filipe
------- De Rossi – Pirlo
Hamsik -- Coutinho -- Lavezzi
--------------- Reus

Sub. Cesar, Jones, Lucas, Gerrard, Young, Tevez, Dzeko

The back four are rigid in defence, holding position, not getting pulled out of position by their attacking midfielders. It is the job of the midfield to ensure we have enough players back and tracking runs from deep. Start strong, tackling hard, reminding the opposition of the tough time they’ve had recently, they wont be up for the fight as much as we are.

In attack we will be fluid. Reus starts as the false 9 but Reus,Coutinho and Lavezzi will interchange position. Making things as difficult as possible for Arsenal. Hamsik will stay on the right as the more defensive of the four. The aim is to keep the ball, drag their players out of position, and get runners in behind.

We have an attacking quartet full of pace, drive and running against a defence past it’s best, that lacks pace.

On the bench we have great options to allow us to stay on top. Arsenal’s tactics will be as much use as rearranging the furniture on the titanic.

Defence.
Buffon in goals. Real leadership from the back, keeping the four in front of him in check. Evans we want to challenge, RVP, he knows his game the best and Pepe has the pace to deal with any other players trying to get in behind and clatter them if they do get past a fb/Evans/midfielder.

Full backs not to dive in, get tight, show him inside to your centre-back or midfielder. When he puts his head down to take another touch or cross the ball, he doesn’t know where you are – that’s when you put your foot in and make the tackle. But against someone running at pace you want to drop off more so you can bide your time, waiting for the right time to make the tackle. Show him down the line to block the cross. If he does manage to get past you, you’ve got a chance to stop the cross. Same for wingers dealing with WBs getting forward.

De Rossi and Pirlo screen the defence, Pirlo reading the play intercepting, De Rossi closing down everything. Perfect mix. 3 of the attacking quartet get back, one being Hamsik offers real energy in front of Rafael, getting back the most of our front four. And two of Coutinho/Reus/Lavezzi.

High pressure as soon as United enter our half, getting physical. Putting them off their stride. But nothing dirty or stupid. Let the likes of Rooney, Busquets, Alves and Ronaldo get upset. We have a couple hot heads ourselves in Pepe and De Rossi, but our two get in trouble for being too strong. We’ve had far too many red cards though, and so today we have to keep our heads, focused on the cup.

Lastly and most importantly, key to our defence today is keeping the ball.

Attack.

Is simple, keep the ball, attacking players find space, work the ball to them in dangerous positions and score.

Pirlo dictating the play next to the legs of De Rossi. Both look to take the ball from defence, and link with the attack. Let Pirlo play his natural game.

The front four is picked for its movement, this will make it near impossible to close down Pirlo and allow him to dictate play. While the movement in front of him is also perfect to play a long through ball.

One full back forward. One winger stays wide, other three attackers have free reign. The Arsenal forwards won’t like to get back, especially with a hangover. So moving into space to receive the ball and draw their defenders out of position is what we will do. With our attacking players we have the ability to beat a player and play a cute through ball for willing runners.
Look to get two attackers either side of Busquets, in between their midfield and attack. And get running at the Arsenal defence.

Subs.
Winning after 70 mins bring on Tevez for Lavezzi. Reus left. Tevez up top, still false 9.
Winning after 76 mins bring on Young for Coutinho. Young left, give us width, Reus middle. Pace and width as game stretches.
Winning after 82 mins bring on Jones for Pirlo. Energy and power is what we need at this stage of the game.

If drawing after 70 mins bring on Tevez for Lavezzi. Reus centre, Coutinho left. Tevez up top, still false 9.
If drawing after 75 mins bring on Jones for Coutinho and Dzeko for Hamsik. 4-3-2-1. Tevez and Reus in am behind Dzeko. Jones dm next to Pirlo and De Rossi. Power and energy will be needed at this time, in defence and attack.

If losing after 60 mins bring on Tevez for Coutinho.
If losing after 70 mins bring on Dzeko for Lavezzi. 4-2-2-2. Reus left.
If losing after 80 mins bring on Jones for Rafael. Jones cm. Filipe cb with Evans & Pepe.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL

-------------------Neuer-------------------
Lahm----Kompany----Subotic----Baines
------------Khedira----A.Vidal------------
------------------Fabregas-----------------
Hulk da Souza--------------Neymar Silva
------------------S.Aguero-----------------

Hart, Kirchhoff, Bender, Kroos, Hueng, Morata, Benteke

We have had a great season and go into this with a great chance, a few players this could be there last game and they dont want that they want to leave Chelsea with a champions league medal round there necks..Play the way we can and we can win this game and have one more game to look forward to, come on lads we can do this!

Neuer is a top back up and confident keeper will dominate the area and come out for all high balls clearing what he cant punch. Look to close down strikers by quickly coming off his line to shut down there shooting angles. Pressurising them into shooting high or wide. Release the wide players early if chasing the game.

A back four with Lahm and Baines at fullback, both solid players who defend their lines very well, keep the wingers quiet, possibly up against Bale and ISco so 100% concentration all the time, alot will be played to them so stand tall and dont let them fool you, nothing silly especially v Bale as he has a tendacy to go down fairly easily, keep them to the outside and away from our danger area. Match them for pace and shrug them out, must stay strong! Attack when you can one at a time, support the wingers by going on the outside and look for a pass so you can get beyond the fullback and cross in, Or if in possession look to pick out Hulk and Neymar and ping the ball down the line for them to latch onto. Always look to get the ball from the winger or at very least make more room for them by taking the FB away, cross early if opportunity arises.
First and foremost, Kompany has the responsibility to mark Falcao into anonymity. This he does exceptionally well, using foresight that borders on the prophetic to intercept. He rarely has to make a rash tackle, so watch the lads movwement and be ready to move in. When the ball comes towards a striker and Kompany is in the area to defend, Subotic moves into position to back up his teammate and fill in any gap that is left. If an opposing attacker makes a run in the centre, reacting to a ball played towards the striker Kompany is covering, Subotic shifts to defend against a potential pass.If the striker gets away from Kompany it's the responsibility of Subotic to shift and defend directly. Both comfortable with ball at feet so move the ball out when in no danger, otherwise clear it with no messing about. Kompany to go up for corners and use his upper body strength and height to pose a lot of problems.

Khedira will keep it simple in his defensive role. He watches the AM, watch his movement and be there quick to stop him setting up attacks, break the play up between him and the CF etc to nulify there attacking threat. Always on his toes as there AM has a bit of class about him so we cant afford to let him dictate play. Vidal in alongside, he will look to stamp his authority on this game early, Has great vision so will want to get his passing range in early to set the likes of Hulk, Aguero and Neymar up for many chances, he will always follow his pass and make himself available for a return ball. Can shoot from range so have a go. When they have sit alongside Khedira and help him break up their attacks.His work rate is fantastic and always in the faces of the opposition.
Fabregas is more in the free role, with more freedom to attack his attacking prowess is fantastic, will make late runs into the box and has tremendous vision. His inventiveness with his little flicks & dribbling skills are super too, but the best part is he knows where the net is. So will look to support Aguero as much as possible, Also use Hulk and Neymar for one twos to break the line of defence. drop back and help defend v the DM if he breaks forward.
Hulk is on the right, will look to drive at the fb, causing him all sorts of problems with his pace, cut in off his right and shoot with his left, or lay off to Cesc/Aguero for him to dart into the box for the return. Otherwise look to take on the fullback get to the bye line and cross in for Aguero in the box. Neymar will use his pace to get him passed his marker, knock it forward either passed the fullbvack or up to Aguero so he can cut inside and look for the return ball so he can have a go himself, if he goes by the defender he will use the forward momentum to get by the player and cross in, will do this all day long so Aguero will thrive of this. At times Neymar and Hulk will be supported by our fullbacks so use them, either play it wide for them o r allow them to take the markers away to free up space to drive into. I want both attacking mids to track back and stop the fullbacks and DMS getting forward and becoming a nuisance. Also look to switch with Aguero causing confusion in their back line

Aguero is a top striker, scores many goals from differwent angles and with either foot and is strong in the air, will thrive on the service from those behind so he will be looking to make a goalscoring return up front. Neymar Aguero and Hulk are a fearsome trio up front full of goals so they must capitialise on any mistake by the opposition. Always on his toes and on the last line of defence and ready to go for goal. If he cant then look to lay off/knock down for the support coming in from behind. He is strong so can hold of defenders and make his way into the danger area. Leap early for crosses coming in to beat the defender in the air.


Captain:- Kompany
Penalties:- Aguero
Free Kicks:- Fabregas
Corners:- Wingers

Subs:-

Losing:-
65 Mins - Benteke for Hulk, Aguero goes RW and Benteke up front to try and power passed defenders, who will be tiring a littl after chasing Aguero and Neymar around

75 Mins:- Kroos for Cesc, fresh legs, same position, but drive at the Dm and support Benteke as much as poss

83 Mins:- Hueng for Vidal - 4-4-2, Hueng RW, Aguero back up front Khedira/Kroos in the middle

if we manage to take it to extra time go back to 4-2-3-1 with Aguero dropping back behing Benteke

Winning:-
75 Mins:- Bender on for Cesc and sit on the right of Khedira to have a solid trio in the middle
85 Mins:- Benteke for Hulk - Aguero RW, Benteke will look to hold it up near the end, but we are still dangerous

Drawing:-
70 Mins:- Benteke for Hulk, again Aguero to RW
80 Mins:- Kroos for Cesc
105 Mins if needed - Hueng for Aguero

Penalties

Aguero
Benteke
Vidal
Kroos
Neymar
Hueng
Lahm
Baines

League Cup Final:

------------------------------Casillas----------------------------------
Arebloa---------Ramos--------------Pique-------Vertonghen
-----------------Hernanes------------Cambiasso-----------------
Di Maria----------------------Ozil------------------------Suarez
--------------------------Balotelli---------------------------------

Subs: De Gea, Bertrand, Richards, Cleverley, Valencia, Benzema, Welbeck

Substitutions:
1. After 60 minutes bring on Cleverley for Hernanes, fresher and more penetrating as the match gets more stretched.
2. After 70 minutes bring on Benzema for Balotelli, fresher movement/work rate
3. If drawing/losing after 75 minutes bring on Valencia for Arbeloa

Pique will stick tight to the main Newcastle forward and will not allow him to drop into space, and not let him build up steam by sticking tight and making it very difficult for the Newcastle striker to get into his rhythm. He will also be looking to win any high balls and use his experience and reading of the game to keep him as quiet as possible. Ramos will keep a more general watch and cover anything that gets past Pique, he will mark any secondary threat, he should look to read the game help Pique whenever the Newcastle striker starts running in space and use his own pace to cut him off or any asistance is needed. Wings are very important for us today and where we can get the advantage, Arbeloa and Vertoghen will be looking to push the Newcastle wide players up the pitch with them and into uncomfortable positions as they have license to fully support the wingers when we are in possession, getting the Newcastle wide players to track back we can pin Newcastle deep in their own half and leave their front players very isolated. When Newcastle have spells of possession they will need to sit until possession has been regained.

Cambiasso will stay back and man mark the furthest forward Newcastle midfielder, watching his runs and cutting supply to the forward players and shooting, and break up play to start us on a move. When they recieve the ball he will get into his face, not letting him settle on the ball and solely looking to win the ball and set the simple pass to the closest player within reason. Hernanes will start deep but will look to connect in a box to box type role and support Cambiasso when Newcastle are on the ball and will make sure that any secondery midfield threat is closed down as we look to win all the balls in the middle. When in possession he will look to start building moves and spray passes to our wingers as much as possible and through balls to the strikers to mix up, when we are in an attacking position he will make late runs to the edge box to add a option or shoot, ultimately looking to be the player to join defence and attack.

Ozil will have a free license to roam and fully support Balotelli up front and getting involved in the play when required, and when in possession either slotting through balls or having a shot. We are going to get the ball out wide as possible and Suarez and Di Maria have full license to run at their fullbacks at all times using their pace and trickery to fluster the Newcastle fullbacks and get them on the back foot, Di Maria will looking to constantly attack down on the right and get constant quality delivery into the box, looking to get involved in the game as much as possible supporting Balotelli. Suarez's role will very much the same, being direct and running at defenders and getting excellent delivery into the box, whilst being able to drift infield and support Balotelli between the channels. Balotelli has a critical role to play, with the wide players running at the full backs and moving one of the central defenders to cover the fullback is when Balotelli will be looking to use his razor sharp movement to gain that crucial second, neither centre back is comfortable with sharp movement and as delivery comes in he will need to get break at just the right moment to get on the end of the delivery. Always be using his physicality and never give them a free moment.

If we can use our quality out wide from the wingers and fullbacks to unsettle Newcastle wide players, get their players from the middle to cover and create space in their position, and then use the likes of Suarez, Balotelli and Ozil razor movement to get on the end of the resulting chances then we can make it a very difficult afternoon for them.

Corners: Di Maria
Freekicks: Suarez
Penalties: Balotelli

-----------------------Cech
Johnson---Hummels-----Agger-----Clichy
----------Schweiny----Illarramendi
Robben----------Modric--------------Ribery
----------------------Gomez
Subs
Begovic, Blind, Garay, Payet, Dembele, Salvio, Auby

Tactics
An attack-minded 4-3-3 formation with emphasis on keeping possession and playing with width to stretch the opposition.

Keeper
When distributing the ball, he should look to keep it simple and play the percentage pass. At crosses and set pieces, should look to punch rather than attempt any catches with an element of risk.

Full Backs
When going forward, the wingers will be looking to cut inside fairly regularly, so the full backs should look to hug the touchlines to keep the defence stretched and provide the out ball. When defending, they should look to just track the wingers and aim to keep them on their wrong foot and block any crosses.

Centre Backs
Hummels will compete with the striker for the aerial balls played up to him, with Agger looking to snaffle the resulting knockdown, when the ball is on the floor, Agger will be the defender who looks to stand up the striker looking to keep tight to him and stifling his space to get the ball out of his feet, and Hummels will be making a covering run if Agger is beaten. When on the ball, if the opposition are giving them space to come out with the ball, then they should look to take it forward, if not, keep it simple and play it to a man in space and retain possession.

Centre Mids
Both are comfortable on the ball, and have the awareness to create themselves little pockets of space so they free to get the ball and keep the game ticking over, if they are getting closely marked, they should look to play slightly deeper to create more space for themselves, and if the ankle biters follow them, that will create a gap between the defence and midfield for the front 3 to exploit. When defending, Schweiny has the energy to play a pressing game in conjunction with the wingers to put pressure on the opposition, whilst Modders will hang back slightly, almost playing alongside Inler focusing on trying to intercept the ball rather than banging into players.

AM
Modders will play a solely attacking game, as there are 2 more defensive heads behind him, so he will be looking to get himself into little pockets of space free to get the ball and keep the game ticking over, if he is getting closely marked, he should look to play slightly deeper to create more space for himself, and if the ankle biters follow him, that will create a gap between the defence and midfield for the front 3 to exploit. When defending, he will just look to get in the face of the oppositions creative CM to keep him hurried on the ball and try to create more errors.

Wingers
They should look to stay as wide as possible when they receive the ball to try and stretch the defensive line. When they are on the ball, both wingers have the ability to stay wide and put a cross in, or cut inside to try and make space for a shot, so should look to pick out which is the best option at the time, if they do cut inside, the full backs should have moved forward to occupy the touchline and provide the wide option. If they have taken the opposition full back out of the game, they shouldnt be afraid to go into the box, as defenders will be extra cautious to not give away a penalty, and this provides the option of just drilling a cross to Gomez or a simple drag back to an onrushing CM. When the opposite winger has the ball, the winger without the ball should look to find space between the CB and full back to add an extra body for any crosses or capitalise on any defensive errors.
Occasionally, the 2 wingers will swap wings, where the emphasis will be more on crosses for 5-10 minute periods a few times during the match.

Striker
When defending, he should look to hover around the area of the opposition DM, trying to prevent the easy out of a pass back to him. When attacking, he shouldn't look to get too involved in build up play, just acting as a target man to give the back 5 the option of playing a lofted ball to him and hold the ball up for the wingers or CMs to get into the attacking area, when he has passed the ball, he should just look to get alongside the aerially weaker CB and be ready for crosses and look to feed on any panicky defensive blocks or weak goalkeeper parries and play the reak poachers role.

Set Pieces
Corners - Robben and Ribery take inswinging corners, the 2 CB's go into the box, the FB's and Inler stay back to prevent counters, the CB's and Gomez attack the ball, Modders looks to annoy the opposition keeper looking to limit his ability to move off the goalline. Schweiny and the non taking winger take positions just outside the box to pick up any weak defensive headers or knockdowns.

Free Kicks - For direct FK's Modric and Ribery will shoot depending on which foot it favours. For Indirect FKs, follow the same directives for Corners

Penalties - Robben is the designated taker.

Subs

If Winning
68 mins - Salvio for Robben - Fresh legs and extra defensive workrate.

76 mins - Dembele and Blind for Modric and Clichy - The wingers tuck back, but with the knowledge to get out quickly for the front 3 to try and counter if the opposition over-commit for a route back into the game. Dembele slots in alongside Inler and all 3 Centre Mids play a high energy pressing game.

If Losing

71 mins - Dembele for Illaramendi - extra attacking impetus in the midfield

77 Mins - Auby and Payet for Robben and Modric - We go to 4-2-4, with the wingers bombarding crosses in to the 2 big men with the other winger adding the third option.

EL Final

Huge disappointment in the FA Cup final, our tactics got us close but they just had too much quality. Today I feel we have just as much quality as Brum if not more. Key is to stop their wingers. Isolating Gomez, cut off the supply to him and he isn’t a player who can hurt us. While in the middle of the park De Rossi and Pirlo have the experience of playing together in big matches like this, we need them to run this game.

We’ve gone through the archives and apart from Big Eck’s win we’ve found footage of the other time Brum came home with a trophy : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BDyvklWNiE

Let Brum have their possession in deep areas, we get numbers behind the ball and press hard as soon as they enter our half. They have players in the middle who are comfortable on the ball, it’s key we don’t let them get in areas where they can hurt us. We feel we have more cutting edge going forward, and so we want to work extremely hard to win the ball back when they enter our half, and then attack quickly. Playing direct, soaking up pressure and hitting them hard. Walter Smith eat your heart out, Rangers got to the final playing a similar way, now with our quality we can destroy Brum with these tactics.

Just like Italy vs Germany, they can have the ball, struggle to break us down, De Rossi wins it, plays it to Pirlo straight to Reus who is through on goal, and the crowd goes wild!
Defend deep in numbers, break quickly with power. Get a chance or a fk/corner.
With Brum being a short side, Pirlo’s pin point delivery and Jones, Pepe, De Rossi, Evans, Dzeko and Hamsik getting on the end of Pirlo’s set pices, BOOM!

Despite all the power and energy that will help us in defence, we have real quality going forward and it’s this mix that we feel will get the better of Brum. Strong bench to keep us on top as well.


------------- Buffon
Jones – Pepe -– Evans – Filipe
------ De Rossi – Pirlo
Hamsik ---- Tevez ----- Reus
-------------- Dzeko

Subs. J.Cesar, Adriano, Lucas, Gerrard, A.Young, Coutinho, Lavezzi

Firstly the players would like to show their respect and would like to arrange a minutes applause for former Brum forward Benitez. R.I.P

Having shown their respects we get on to business.

Counter attacking 4-2-3-1. We’ve got strength and power right through the side. Jones comes in at rb, as we feel he will do better up against Ribery/Robben, and also adds power going forward and at set pieces. Mix our play going forward, going wide and getting balls into the mixer, or get the wide players coming inside overloading the Brum defence. By mixing things up and letting players find space we should get the most from our attackers and keep the opposition guessing.

Our attacking quartet have plenty of quality going forward but in Hamsik and Tevez in particular we have two players who are brilliant at closing down the opposition. Dzeko offers the perfect option up top to relieve pressure, and start a quick counter.

Defence.
Buffon in goals. Real leadership from the back, keeping the four in front of him in check. Evans we want to challenge Gomez, Pepe has the pace to cover and deal with their wingers if they manage to beat a fb.

Full backs – Do not dive in, get tight, show him inside to your centre-back or midfielder. When he puts his head down to take another touch or cross the ball, he doesn’t know where you are – that’s when you put your foot in and make the tackle. But against someone running at pace you want to drop off more so you can bide your time, waiting for the right time to make the tackle. Show him down the line to block the cross. If he does manage to get past you, you’ve got a chance to stop the cross. Same for wingers dealing with WBs getting forward.

De Rossi and Pirlo screen the defence, Pirlo reading the play intercepting, De Rossi closing down everything. Perfect mix. 3 of the attacking quartet get back, one being Hamsik offers real energy in front of Jones.

High pressure as soon as Brum enter our half, getting physical. Putting them off their stride. But nothing dirty or stupid. Don’t give them a second to fit, moving as a unit.

We win everything in the air and every second ball.

We have a lot more strength and should be winning every challenge and every second ball, I don’t see their players going in with the same commitment as ours.

Attack.
Once we’ve won the ball back we immediately set out to attack. First port of call if possible is find Pirlo. The front four is picked for its movement, this will make it near impossible to close down Pirlo and allow him to dictate play. While the movement in front of him is also perfect to play a long through ball. Mix play up, get it out wide for our wide players, and get balls in to the box for Dzeko.

Pirlo dictating the play next to the legs of De Rossi. Both look to take the ball from defence, and link with the attack. Let Pirlo play his natural game. Dzeko the options to hold up/flick on, with Reus, Tevez and Hamsik looking to make runs off Dzeko and behind the Brum defence.

Tevez to get in between the Brum defence and midfield. Be impossible to pick up. With Reus and Hamsik also there we will pull their defenders out of position and get one of our forwards through on goal.
One full back forward. One winger stays wide, other three attackers have free reign.

Spread our play mixing it up, we have the quality to play right through the Brum side, be it wide or central. Getting Reus and Tevez in particular on the ball. They have the genius to create a goal out of nothing.

SET PIECES: Big part of our game today. Pirlo putting the ball on whoever’s head he wants to, be it Dzeko, Pepe, De Rossi, Jones, Evans or Hamsik. Of course Tevez will be in there on the gk looking for any loose balls around the 6 yard box, and putting Cech off. Cech will have nightmares looking out at all the power we have.

Subs. Winning after 70 mins bring on Coutinho for Dzeko. Lavezzi to add pace to the side as game opens up, take advantage of space.
Winning after 75 mins bring on Adriano for Hamsik. Gives us pace on the wing, and help out fb more.
Winning after 80 mins bring on Gerrard for Tevez. Get busy in the middle of the park, adds real experience, composure and drive.
Drawing after 70 mins bring on Coutinho for Hamsik. Bit of magic from the Brazilian as game opens up.
Drawing after 75 mins bring on Young for Tevez. Reus through the middle. Dzeko up top. Young left. Width and balls in to Dzeko.
Losing after 60 mins bring on Coutinho for Dzeko.
Losing after 70 mins bring on Gerrard for Filipe. Three at the back. Evans marks Gomez. The other two have more pace so will look to take on their wingers. But of course with three deep cms in front of them help will be close at hand.
Losing after 80 mins bring on Lavezzi for De Rossi. 3-4-3.

-------------------Szczesny---------------------
Ivanovic------Boateng----Godin----Zabaleta
------------------------Mikel---------------------
Walcott------Moutinho-----Koke------Hazard
------------------------Higuain-------------------

Subs:
Ali Al Habsi
Alexander Kolarov
Aoas Marquinhos
Emboaba Oscar
Fernando Llorente
Mathieu Valbuena
Andre Pierre Gignac

Captain: Pablo Zabaleta
Free Kicks: Kolarov
Penalties: Milner
Corners: Milner LW Kolarov RW

Game Plan: Massive game! My first chance to win a trophy! We have decided to use the same system which helped us beat city earlier in the season. However this time we have also decoded to play Our attacking outlets and not go totally defensive. We have rested our players sufficiently prior to this game with the likes of Higuain, Milner, Zabaleta, Ivanovic and Walcott not playing for weeks. A difficult game where we will be looking to defend and then get them on the counter. We will play solid banks of 4 in front of City, with players not moving out to chase the ball but instead making sure they don't leave spaces, again making City play in front of us. We also have Mikel to play between these two lines of 4, stopping any players getting space between them. We use the pace of the two wide men to counter, especially Walcott and Hazard is no slouch either! We also use quick feet in the middle of the park with Koke and Moutinho in keeping the ball. We use the experience of Ivanovic and Zabaleta at the back to keep the back tight and concentrating at all times.

Tactics:
Szczesny will use his height to collect crosses, allowing our defence to keep in shape, if we have a chance to counter from there Szczesny uses his quick distribution to the wingers.

The back 4 keeps in line with no players moving out to close things down until the attack is around the edge of our area. They will defend deep to limit space behind us to stop city looking for their clever passes through the defence. They'll throw themselves at the ball if needed in order to stop city. FBs watch for the wingers, standing off them and allowing them to attempt to run on the outside, this will only take them too deep to cause any trouble we can get the ball out for a goal kick from here. In the tackle both will be strong, stopping the wingers coming inside and winning the ball back. Stop crosses coming in too. Neither will look to attack during this game unless we are behind at a late stage. Boateng and Godin will stay close to each other not allowing city to open up space. Boateng looks to defend the first ball coming towards our defence, using his excellent reading of the game to get there before the striker and clear, he'll use his great tackling to shut him down around the area and then look to get the ball back. He will be full of confidence as he is in magnificent form. Godin stays in position when Boateng does this covering the remaining space, he will be able to clear the second ball if it gets beyond Boateng. Don't move out to stop midfielders this is our midfielders job.

Mikel’s job today is to sit in between defence and midfield, almost as a spare player to both. He watches for players looking to get between the lines and then marks them out of the game, looking to get to passes before them and rush them into mistakes not giving them any room or time on the ball. He's also very good on the ball under pressure which gives both defence and midfield a pass to relieve pressure.

The second bank of 4 will look to allow city to bring the ball out from their half and then start to press in midfield. They won't move out of position though they'll look to use zonal marking, anyone who gets on the ball near them is closed down quickly to rush city. The midfield also have to be aware of runs from midfield, which is mainly likely to come from ozil, the midfielder near him must follow the run all the way and stop him causing trouble. Walcott and hazard will have a role to stop the FBs causing us trouble. Force them to go back or infield, blocking their forward runs. Koke and Moutinho work hard in midfield to slow city right down and not allow them to create chances to play in behind us. Koke with his energy will be able to work hard to close players down quickly and effectively whilst Moutinho will get to the player closest to him. In the counter both can play a big part, both should look to go forward and use their passing to launch the counter, getting the wingers into space to run at city. Both are able to show driving bursts from midfield with or without the ball and make runs into the area when we counter. Walcott and hazard look to take advantage of space FBs will leave when they attack and use our pace to get into them, take the ball right up to the area and then pick out a cross or use one twos to get in themselves. We will always have an outlet from midfield with Koke hazard Moutinho Walcott , all who have excellent pace, close control and dribbling.

Higuain will be play a key role today. Look to move it on quickly out wide and then spin and make your run in behind try and force mistakes or win free kicks. He is also very quick and will look to get a run on the defenders as he can get behind fort this way. Look to get space in the box on counters and take any chances that come his way.

Subs:

If winning/drawing 65’ – Higuain comes off for Gignac. Same system, better for our hold up play
If winning/drawing 75’ – Higuain comes off for Gignac. Same system, better for our hold up play. Valbuena on for Walcott, provides us better option of keeping the ball and better better defensively also.
If winning/drawing 80’ – Higuain comes off for Gignac. Same system, better for our hold up play. Valbuena on for Walcott, provides us better option of keeping the ball and better better defensively also.
If losing 65’ – Change system to 4-3-3 christmas tree – moutinho off for Oscar.
If losing 70’ – Change system to 4-3-3 christmas tree – moutinho off for Oscar.
If losing 80/85’ – Change system to 4-3-3 christmas tree – moutinhooff for Oscar. Valbuena on for Mikel. 3-3-1-3. Flat 3 in centre mid. Milner on for Godin and plays behind the three forwards
If Keeper gets sent off then AM comes off for keeper on bench
In this case: Moutinho > al Habsi

If Defender gets sent off then AM comes off for Defender on bench
In this case: Moutinho > Marquinhos

If DM gets sent off (Mikel/song) then AM for DM on bench
In this case: Moutinho goes deeper

If st gets sent off, the AM for St on bench
In this case: Moutinho >Gignac
If no st on bench, then the most suitable player on the bench/with the teams goes there, with substitutions taking place for those position according to the above.