Manager: Number 21
Captain: Leonardo Bonucci
Vice-Captain: Toni Kroos
Budget: £91.5m
| XXNo.XX | Position | The Players Full Namexxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx | Appearan | Goals Scoredxxx | Goals Set upxxxxxxx | Age</d> | HG/FG |
| No. | Pos | Name | Games | Goals | Assists | Age | HG/FG |
| #13 | GK | Timo Horn | 2 | 0 | 0 | 19 | U21 |
| #13 | GK | Maksym Koval | 0 | 0 | 0 | 20 | U21 |
| #01 | GK | Ron-Robert Zieler | 13 | 0 | 0 | 23 | HG |
| #06 | RB | Danilo | 9(1) | 1 | 1 | 20 | U21 |
| #02 | RB | Daniel Carvajal | 4 | 0 | 0 | 21 | U21 |
| #04 | CB | Matija Nastasic | 0 | 0 | 0 | 20 | U21 |
| #19 | CB | Leonardo Bonucci | 8 | 0 | 0 | 25 | FG |
| #05 | CB | Kyriakos Papadopoulos | 3 | 0 | 1 | 21 | U21 |
| #26 | CB | David Luiz | 17 | 3 | 2 | 25 | FG |
| #12 | CB | Matthias Ginter | 1 | 1 | 0 | 19 | U21 |
| #03 | LB | Domenico Criscito | 6(1) | 0 | 0 | 26 | FG |
| #27 | LB | Luke Shaw | 6 | 1 | 2 | 17 | HG |
| ------ | ----- | -------------------------- | ---- | --- | --- | --- | |
| #08 | DM | Javi Martinez | 7 | 0 | 0 | 24 | FG |
| #15 | DM | Marco Verratti | 1 | 0 | 0 | 20 | U21 |
| #20 | DM | Sebastian Rode | 3 | 0 | 0 | 22 | U21 |
| #21 | CM | Nemanja Matic | 2 | 0 | 0 | 24 | FG |
| #22 | CM | Gaël Bigirimana | 0(1) | 0 | 0 | 19 | HG |
| #25 | CM | Marouane Fellaini | 3(1) | 1 | 0 | 24 | FG |
| #14 | CM | Jaou Moutinho | 3(3) | 0 | 0 | 26 | FG |
| #16 | CM | Jordan Henderson | 2(1) | 0 | 0 | 22 | HG |
| #31 | AM | Suso | 7(5) | 2 | 0 | 19 | HG |
| #26 | AM | Felipe Anderson | 0 | 0 | 0 | 20 | U21 |
| #39 | AM | Toni Kroos | 19 | 9 | 5 | 22 | U21 |
| #10 | AM | Mario Gotze | 20 | 8 | 7 | 20 | U21 |
| ------ | ----- | -------------------------- | ---- | --- | --- | --- | |
| #29 | RM | Jordan Ibe | 1 | 0 | 0 | 17 | HG |
| #17 | RM | Antoinne Griezmann | 0 | 0 | 0 | 22 | U21 |
| #11 | LM | James Rodriguez | 13(2) | 0 | 2 | 21 | U21 |
| #07 | LM | Julian Draxler | 7(2) | 1 | 1 | 19 | U21 |
| #47 | ST | Leandro Bittencourt | 0 | 0 | 0 | 19 | U21 |
| #09 | ST | Robert Lewandowski | 23 | 16 | 2 | 24 | FG |
| #98 | ST | Mauro Icardi | 3(3) | 3 | 0 | 20 | U21 |
| ------ | ----- | -------------------------- | ---- | --- | --- | --- | |
| #23 | ST | Neal Maupay | 3(3) | 2 | 0 | 16 | ACA |
| #24 | LM | Domenico Berardi | 2(1) | 0 | 0 | 18 | ACA |
| #31 | CM | Leon Goretzka | 0(2) | 0 | 0 | 18 | ACA |
| #33 | AM | Alen Halilovic | 2(4) | 0 | 1 | 16 | ACA |
| #22 | AM | Mattheus | 0 | 0 | 0 | 18 | ACA |
| ------ | ----- | -------------------------- | ---- | --- | --- | --- | |
| #37 | CB | Karim Rekik | 2 | 0 | 0 | 18 | ACA |
| #49 | AM | Bruno Fernandes | 0 | 0 | 0 | 18 | ACA |
| #34 | CB | Jherson Vergara | 0 | 0 | 0 | 18 | ACA |
| #99 | ST | Enes Ünal | 0 | 0 | 0 | 15 | ACA |
| #27 | RM | Maximilian Arnold | 0 | 0 | 0 | 18 | U21 |
*Henrikh Mkhitaryan to Join Portsmouth in the Summer
Players Out On Loan:
Ezequil Cirigliano - Wigan (Recallable)
Bernard Duarte - Reading (Unrecallable)
Lazar Markovic - Norwich (Recallable)
Eliaquim Mangala - Southampton (EOS6 Unless Soton are relegated)
Jese - Norwich (Recallable)
Mariusz Stepinski - Legia Warszaw (Unrecallable)
Felipe - Rio Ave - (Unrecallable)
Alex Sandro - Norwich (Recallable)
Havard Nordtveit - Sunderland (Recallable)
Jadson - Batafoga (Unrecallable)
Current Bets:
£1m on Arsenal for the Title - 2/1
£1m on Ronaldo Top Scorer - 2/1
£1m on City for the F.A Cup - 5/1
£1m on Utd grabbing 5th - 10
£1m on Liverpool LC - 4/1
£1m on Ozil top assists - 4/1
£1m on Southampton Relegated 1/2
£1m on Reading Relegated - 7/1
League Table: http://www.ja606.co.uk/articles/viewArticle/182851
----------------------------Timo Horn--------
---Daniel Carvajal---David Luiz----Bonucci---Criscito
----------------Javi Martinez--Marouane Fellaini--
-----Griezmann---------Toni Kroos--------Draxler
----------------------------Lewandowski
Subs: Koval, Danilo, Luke Shaw, Nemanja Matic, Nastasic, Verratti, Icardi
Game Plan: We will look to attack our opponents using a slick, pass and move game. We believe we have the abilities in defence to pass the ball out and start counter attacks, as Luiz is dynamic and will carry the ball forward, and alongisde him, Bonucci is an excellent passer of the ball, and mustn't be afraid of stepping into midfield at times to use his fantastic ball playing skills. Our two CB's must look to play the ball out if defence, as they both suit each other very well. Daniel Carvajal and Criscito can also pick out a pass down the wings, and they should look to make supporting runs on the outside of our wingers. In midfield, Javi Martinez will defend our backline, and he is one of those DM's that will never give up, and always hassle and harry the opposition. He is also a very good passer, and he will look to spread play out to the wings, and break up play, before keeping the ball alongside Fellaini. Fellaini is best known for his brilliant box to box skills, great physical presence, and fantastic drive, so he will play in the b2b role, before turning into a kind of AM when needed. Toni Kroos will control the game from AM, and will be in support of Robert Lewandowski at all times. He will look to pick the ball up from midway, and direct those power shots into the corners. He will also look to use his top vision to find ways to release Griezmann and Julian Draxler. Griezmann's job will be to run at the LB, take him on, and whip in low balls for Lewandowski and Draxler, who are both guaranteed to finish them off. His pace is his best asset, and is clearly faser tgan Schmelzer so will look to take bim on and beat him evry time he ges the ball. Julian Draxler will be on the other end, and use his dazzling dribbling ability, and superb acceleration to turn away from fullbacks, and clip in high balls for Lewandowski to throw himself at. Lewandowski will be the one who will finish off every move, and he is top scorer in the Bundesliga for a reason.His fantastic positioning and his marauding runs in the box will confuse opposition, and Lewandowski will then attempt to finish off every ball which comes into the box. Lewandowski will be winning everything in the air, and finishing with an aplomb. He his two-footed, and is a wonderful finisher, so will look to attack every ball, and link up well with Griezmann and Draxler. Both CBs come up for corners to put pressure on ther CBs
Target areas:-
RB: we will look to take advantage of Birmingham's Juanfran, who is an extremely attacking RB, and tends to leave back plenty of gaps when he goes forward. Draxler works this out brilliantly, and will flourish in the freedom. It w ill be a real dream chance for Draxler to shine, with him looking to bathe in the space given to him, he will cause problems down the left, which shows we will have the advantage down both flanks
DM: Although Inler is still decent, we will look to over power him and make sure Kroos gets the better of him where the game will be won
RCB: Hummels has been dreadful this season, and his proneness to make a mistake will be crucial, with our forwards pressurising him on the ball. Furthermore, he is left footed, and Birmingham will be playing two left footed CB's, which will make it easier for us to wrong foot their defence, and Lewandowski will cripple him everytime they come close. On top of this, Agger has been very poor from set pieces this season for Liverpool, so when it comes to corners, we will look to target him specifically and make runs in behind him, whilst the 2 big men from the back will come forward ready to get their heads on anything
RB: Juanfrab is very attacking, and this.
RW: Robben is extremely inconsistent, but on his day is a wonder, however, we have seen that whenever he tries to come inside, he nearly always tries to go for ambitious shots, so we will specify Carvajal to mark him down the wings and prevent any crosses, but when he comes inside, Carvajal must keep his ground, not allowing Robben to pass him.
AM: Payet is easily their worst player on the pitch, and Javi Martinez should really get the better of him today. We must mark him tight, as Birmingham look rather dead in central/attacking midfield, as Modric is much less effective at CM
Freekicks - Kroos
Penalties - Kroos
Corners - Toni Kroos
Captain - Bonucci
Defence: We will start off in a 4-2-3-1 formation, relying on Carvajal and Criscito to do what they do best, and really attack the flanks, with Griezmann and Draxler playing as wingers, instructed to drift inside, allowing space for the FB's. Carvajal especially, must look to get those fantastic crosses into the penalty are, where Lewandowski can launch himself at the ball, or where Draxler will be lurking. On the other side, Criscito is defensive-minded, but is a terrific dribbler, so he must look to take on his man, and venture into the Brimingham half as much as possible, and look to play short 1-2's with the likes of Fellaini and Kroos. Both of these Fullbacks must come back at all times, to prevent Wigan from hurting us on the counter. Alongside them, David Luiz and Bonucci are a strong a pairing as any. They are a real force to be reckoned with, and not only is Luiz one of the fastest CBs around, he is extremely good in the air, and a brilliant leader at the back, and he must position himself well at every set piece, marking the attacker that likes to make difficult runs to the back post. Bonucci on the other hand, will tackle the tall men, or those good in the air, as Bonucci leave's no victims in that territory. He must also use his long legs as an asset to take the ball away from the toes of attackers, but must stay clean. Both of our CB's are strictly told to keep their hands out of their way, and to control their tackles, and not go lunging in on forwards giving away cheap freekicks. Bonucci is also a great passer of the ball, so must not be afraid to step into midfield, and caress the ball all he likes, as long as risky passes/back passes are prevented. Neither of our defenders must be afraid to clear the ball long when in danger, but generally, we will look to pass the ball out of defence. It’s a very powerful and pacy defence and all four players are very, very talented with the ball at their feet and remained composed and know exactly what to do when in possession. When we are under little pressure, Bonucci will step up into a Sweeper role, where he can utilise his excellent passing skills, linking up well with Martinez in midfield. Bonucci and Luiz will not be beaten by crosses, high or low, as Luiz attacks the first ball, and failing that, Bonucci will clean up. We will be playing a moderate line where Birmingham will struggle to break down, as it limits their pacy wingers (Robben and Ribery) to run in behind the defence. Javi Martinez will be expected to drop back a notch, ala De Rossi, when they attack, where he can keep his eyes on Payer and Modric and will act as a sweeper, with Criscito and Carvajal pushing up further:
---------Bonucci----Luiz
-Carvajal----Martinez---Criscito
Moving on from defence, we will be playing a lovely mix of midfielders in our central 3. On his return Javi Martinez will be the most defensive of the lot, pulling all the strings from defensive midfield. His excellent vision, and eye of the needle passes will help unlock Birmighams defence, as we look to play in Griezmann and Draxler, whilst Griezmann and Draxler must drop back to receive short passes, before passing it on again. As he is a natural DM, Javi Martinez must be wary of stepping forward without protection, as we can get out done on the counter, but he will be looking to always get the ball rolling, and sometimes clip those 40 yard passes over the top for Lewandowski, who is an expert in controlling, and holding the ball. Alongside him is our box-to-box midfield enforcer Maroune Fellaini, who will start deep, but later go on to form an attacking triangle with Kroos when we are chasing a goal, in a 4-1-2-3
-----------Javi Martinez
----Toni Kroos---------Fellaini
If we are lacking creativity in AM. However, Fellers must not neglect defensive duties, and his immense power and presence must combine with his pressing ability to always win the ball back when we lose it. Fellaini offers great drive from midfield, and his powerful shots are an added bonus to us. His passing is always accurate, and he must look to supply Greizmann and Draxler with sly passes and through balls, to try and find a way in behind Brums defence. Ahead of him, Toni Kroos will be playing AM, but must also help out defensively, and when we are under pressure, we must revert to a 4-5-1
-----------Fellaini--Toni Kroos--Martinez
Griezmann--------------------------------Draxler
As this will bring more stability to the midfield, and can contain Brums attacks down the centre of the pitch. However, Kroos' role is crucial to our team. He is the one that brings all the flair to the table and with superb passing skills and quick thinking ability, his main aim will be to slip in one of our forwards. If there comes a time when the ball breaks to him, he must use his silky feet to slip away from defenders and find space, and he must not forget that he will almost always have support in Fellaini. All midfielders should be able to cover our Fullback's runs, so if Crisicoto is caught out, we must rely on Fellaibi to move into his position, and cover for him, and same with Marty on the other side. This will ensure that we will always have our full backs cover
Up ahead, Griezmann and Draxler start as wingers, with strict instructions to revert to a 4-3-3 when we need more bodies attacking centrally. In this formation change, we will be relying more on Carvajal and Crisicito to cover the entire flank, as with Griezmann and Draxler playing inside forward roles, we don't want to lack width:
-------Martinez-----Fellaini
------------Toni Kroos
-Griezmann-----------Draxler
This will make us more threatening in the central areas, and give’s us natural width, if we need it via the full backs. It will also conjure up more space for the FB to thrive off, where they have more time to spot runs and passes, with our midfielders looking to cover them if they run out of position. However, if we need to attack Birmingham out wide, our 2 inside men will look to revert back to the starting wing roles in the 4-2-3-1 and must look to go back outside with Kroos stepping a notch, allowing our two wingers to confuse opposition defenders and create up a great understanding with the 3 CM’s. Greuzmann has brilliant dribbling skills, and very quick feet, and he must look to turn away from oppressors when he has the chance, before using his brilliant vision to find a Portsmouth shirt. His brilliant versatility means we cover almost every position in the left-central area of the pitch, as Greizmann likes to come inside, but doesn’t mind going by the touchline and drifting inside like most inside forwards. He must also look to get some brilliant crosses onto the heads of Lewandowski, or the feet of Drax, but also should look to set up Kroos/fellaini, who will no doubt be lurking just outside the box, for a volley or long shot. On the other side, Draxler is a brilliant finisher, and he loves to take on his man, whilst he’s always reliable when it comes to making runs off the last man. His rapid pace must see him chase the ball every time it breaks loose, whilst his lethal runs will always be a danger to Birmingham. He is also a genius at winning penalties, and must look to trick his way into the box using a wide range of skills to frighten the defence. His brilliant link up play with Lewandowski will see the 2 combining well, as Draxler is fantastic at finding his man, whilst Lewandowski's passing is extremely good for a striker. If any chance falls toDraxler, he must take it, as his finishing is a brilliant asset, and he must always be a mirror to Greizamnn, when it comes to formation, as soon as we revert to a 4-3-3, he and Griezmann must turn central, in the roles of an inside forward, cutting/drifting in only when our two fullbacks are ready to run into space. Likewise, when we implement a 4-2-3-1, they will both automatically hug the touchline, cutting in only when they have support.
NOTE: Draxler and Griezmann will start off as wingers, but as soon as we do a formation switch, they will act as inside forwards, before reverting as we do
Up front, Lewandowski is the dream striker to play alongside in a 4-2-3-1 as not only does he drop back, but he attacks every ball in the box and is great at holding it up. Our 3 forwards must look to combine at every opportunity. Lewandowski must also look to to finish off every chance that falls his way, and he is brilliant in the air, so must outmuscle the defenders, when it comes to taking crosses of Carvajal and Griezmann. He will rely on his quick thinking, positioning, Technical ability and Finishing Prowess and look to crumble the Birmingham defence, with his brilliant knack of finding the back of the net
Summary
We will concentrate on doing what we do best and playing to our strengths – keeping hold of the ball and working it simply around the park. Nothing flash or risky – just possession football. Patience could be the key and if we keep it tight we have the personnel to get us a goal. We also pose a very dangerous threat on the counter. We have pace to move the ball forward very quickly and enough pace to regain our shape if the opposition turn it around and try and counter us. In defence Fellaini will sit deeper, with Javi Martinez dropping back into the sweeper role, and will be expected to be his energetic self and press the opposition midfield/forwards and knock them out of their rhythm. Our wingers and full backs will sit a bit deeper to stay alert and ready to use their speed at any chance of a counter, although our two FB will be stepping up a notch to allow Martinez to develop into his more defensive self. With the ability of our team to change formation depending on the circumstances we have enough in midfield and out wide to starve them from the ball and with this will open up acres of space and with neat simple passing and bags of pace, this will be a very productive area for us. We will be looking to get bodies in the box. With fast and fluid attacking play Lewabdowski and Kroos will always have support in this area and our wide men will always have a target to get the ball in to. With the trickery of Kroos, Griezmann and Draxler then the opposition can always expect the unexpected.
Subs:
If winning on 60: Matic > Fellaini, more defensive CM
Whetever score on 60: Shaw > Criscito, if winning he goes LB in formation below, if not winning he offers much more attacking wise than Criscito
If drawing/winning on 60: Veratti > Griezmann:
-------------Bonucci----------Luiz
----Carvajal------Javi Martinez-----Luke Shaw
------------Verratti--------------Matic
-----------------------Kroos
---------------------------------Draxler
-------------------Lewandowski
Very defensive midfield pack it up with Shaw and Carvajal providing great width when we need it. Really nulify Birmingham. Front 3 providing excellent options, the type of formation Lewandowski and Draxler will thrive off
If drawing/losing on 60: Shaw > Criscito, More attacking LB o fit in our for ation
If drawing/losing on 60: Danilo > Carvajal, offers brilliant attacking style from RB
If drawing/losing on 75: Icardi > Kroos: Two up front, offers great danger up front
Portsmouth vs Chelsea
-----------------------Maksym Koval
---Carvajal-------Bonucci-----Nastasic-----Schmelzer
-----------------David Luiz----Javi Martinez
----Mario Gotze-------------------------------El Shaarawy
---------------------Lukaku-----Lewandowski
Subs: Icardi, Griezmann, Matic, Draxler, Rodwell, Papadopoulos, Danilo
Today against Chelsea is a must win game, for us to keep our European dream alive. This is why I have gone quite attacking, with a very deadly front 4, all who know how to get goals. However, whilst the attack is deadly, my defence is also very strong, with Luiz and Javi Martinez guiding a solid back four, who will probably be tasked with dealing with Aguero, Neymar, Hulk/Son and Fabregas. The midfield duo is solid enough, two great players who are expert defensively, and they must contain what I assume will be Fabregas and Vidal. When Fabregas drifts out to the wings, Luiz tracks him all the way, with Martinez keeping a close eye on Vidal, when he makes runs from deep. Martinez must also block off any attempted running made by Neymar, who loves cutting inside, with Martinez staying back, anticipating Neymar's move. To further nulify Neymar, we place Carvajal at RB, who will chase down Neymar whenever he's on the ball, and look to beat him to every ball, whilst also following Neymar all the way, looking to block his shots. This however, may open up a space for the attacking Baines, which is why I instruct Gotze to track back whenever we are on the back foot. On the other side, Schmelzer will be dealing with Son/Hulk, both whome are very fast, so again, Schmelzer's attacking play will be limited. The good thing is Schmelzer is extremely rapid himself, so will be able to match the RW for pace. Any attempt to cut inside will be cut short by Schmelzer, who muts keep his eye on the ball the whole match. At CB, Bonucci targets Aguero, whilst Nastasic looks out for the extra runs in midfield, whilst also acts to cover Bonucci up, as Aguero is fast and there is the risk that he will beat Bonucci for speed. For this reason, Nastasic will be the one to clean up from the back, looking to get his body in the way of long shots, and keeping a close eye on Fabregas when he is in and around the box. Nastasic is the quickest CB on our team, and this helps a lot, as he is tall and is great at passing. He must stay calm in the LCB position, and keep an eye out for any shots coming in, where he must throw his body on the line. Every time there comes a set piece, we want Nastasic to stay on the back post, and Zieler to cover the near post. Martinez takes on Vidal with Luiz sticking tight to Fabregas, whilst we get men back to deal with the rest of their team. At Fullback, we have two of the best in the Bundesliga. Carvajal, known for his brilliant tackling and crossing skills will stay tight on LW, who we believe will be Neymar. Neymar likes to cut in on his favourite right, but this is to Carvajal's advantage, as we have made sure that when Neymar cuts in, Carvajal commits himself fully for the ball, or backing Neymar using his suprior body strength. No cheap freekicks must be given, and we can't give them an oppotinity to dive. Attacking wise, Carvajal will run as fast as he can when the ball breaks to him, looking to play short 1-2's to confuse opppresors. At LB, we have Schmelzer, and he will deal with Chelsea's RW. Schmezler knows quick wingers inside out due and this will be an added bonus, as Schmezler will know exactly what Hulk/Son will do, just before he does it. He has experience dealing with Hulk, and must track all of his runs, and rush back as soon as there is any sign of a counter. We will look to attack our opponents using a slick, pass and move game. We believe we have the abilities in defence to pass the ball out and start counter attacks, as Nastasic is dynamic and will carry the ball forward, and he is an excellent passer of the ball, and mustn't be afraid of stepping into midfield at times to use his fantastic ball playing skills. Our two CB's must look to play the ball out if defence, as they both suit each other very well. Daniel Carvajal and Schmelzer can also pick out a pass down the wings, and they should look to make supporting runs on the outside of our wingers. In midfield, Javi Martinez will defend our backline, and he is one of those DM's that will never give up, and always hassle and harry the opposition. He is also a very good passer, and he will look to spread play out to the wings, and break up play, before keeping the ball alongside Luiz. Luiz is best known for his brilliant tackling and passing skills, great physical presence, and fantastic drive, so he will play in the DM role-to guard the backline alongside Martinez against Cheslea's midfield 3-, before turning into a kind of B2B when needed. We will target Chelse'a DM-Khedira. He has not had the best of seasons, so we will look to take him in a series of swift break aways, ranging from quick counter attacks, to a passing sequence, or through a direct approach to out very quick forwards. Lukaku must drop back too, to cause Khedira even more problems, with his powerful frame, and physical presence able to scrae off the best of players. When not in possesion, Lukaku will sit just in front of the DM (Khedira), and will look to get the ball up to Lewandowski. Lukaku will be in support of Robert Lewandowski at all times. He will look to pick the ball up from midfield, and direct those power shots into the corners. He will also look to use his good passing to find ways to release Gotze and El Shaarawy. Lukaku is very good at holding the ball up too, and his dribbling is often overlooked, so he must use it to his advantage to skip get away from opposition players. Gotze's job will be to run at the LB (Baines) and really beat him, as this is Villa's weakest defensive spot in the team. Defensively, Baines is really fragile, and does tend to leave behind many gaps, so Gotze will take full adfvantage of the freedom, and look to strecth the backline, bringing the LCB out of position, before swicthing the ball, who will take him on, and whip in low balls for Lewandowski and El Shaarawy, who are both guaranteed to finish them off. His pace is his best asset, and is clearly faster than Davie, so will look to take him on and beat him every time he gets the ball. Davies is very attacking and guilty of leaving behind many gaps, so Gotze will have lots of space available to him. El Shaarawy will be on the other end, and use his dazzling dribbling ability, and superb acceleration to turn away from fullbacks, and clip in high balls for Lewandowski and SES to throw themself at. Lewandowski will be the one who will finish off every move. His fantastic positioning and his marauding runs in the box will confuse opposition, and Lewandowski will then attempt to finish off every ball which comes into the box. Lewandowski will be winning everything in the air, and finishing with an aplomb. He his two-footed, and is a wonderful finisher, so will look to attack every ball, and link up well with Gotze and El Sahaarawy. Alongside him, Marchisio is the one to drop into midfield and harry De Rossi, putting pressure on him. He has immense pressing ability and is fast, so will trouble the defence all day. Both CBs come up for corners to put pressure on their CBs
U21 Tactics:
--------------------Maksym Koval
Carvajal--Papadopoulos-Nastasic--Schmelzer
------------Javi Martinez---Verratti
---Mario Gotze------Draxler------El Shaarawy
---------------------Romelu Lukaku
Subs: Goretzka, Bernard, Ginter, Shaw, Grenier, Icardi,
Today against Chelsea, We name a strong team, with seniors like Matic and Rodwell, whilst a very strong defence consisting of two of the best young CBs in the world with the FBs to match. In this game, Dani Carvajal's aim of the game is to rampage down the right flank hard and fast and hunt down the RB. Papadopoulos needs to stay as a rock in defence and win everything in the air using his immense strength to barge players off the ball. Nastasic is the faster, ball playing CB who loves to have the ball at his feet, and is always there with a tackle. Nastastic smells danger from miles away, and is very fast for a CB so must track the main CB. Both CBs are good in the air, so between them mist clear any danger from set plays etc. luke Shaw at LB is very very fast and very good attacking wise, whilst he is no defensive slouch either. He must connect with Draxler down the Left flank, and as soon as Draxler drifts inside, Luke Shaw must take that space and bomb down the left, whilst his crossing is top class, so must find the heads of Lukaku and Icardi. In midfield, Jack Rodwell plays DM alongisde Matic who is the box to box. Rodwell marks the AM out of the game, reading the game well from his position. Rodwell is also good coming forward from midfield, so he musn't be afraid to step into the attack where he has good pace and energy. However, when Rodwell attacks, Matic must stay back and vice versa. This is because we don't want to get caught out on the break, and leave a gaping hole in the centre of midfield. Matic's job is to drive the team on from CM, using his great power and burst to carry the ball onwards. He will be the one lurking outside the box ready to pounce in the ball, whilst he will he pressing the opposition midfield high up the pitch, winning the ball back before playing the ball out to the wings. Out on the right wing Griezmann will look to cut in on his left foot, and use his great speed and accelaration to turn defenders inside out. His aim is to get to the byline and cross the ball into the box, where our two very good physical strikers will be lurking. Griezmann also has permission to attack the LCB, trying to take him out of position. In AM, Lukaku will be staying on the DM/deepest CM, looking to torment him all game long. When the ball comes to the CM, Lukaku will auomatically drop back and look to pressurise him into losing the ball. Lukaku is very powerful, so will often join icardi in the box, looking to get on the end of crosses. On the left Draxler is two footed so will use this to his advantage and look to cut in on his right and get inswinging crosses into to Lukaku/Icardi, or take it on his left and look to skip his way into the box. Draxler is very fast, which will be very important when we attack, as we will be looking to release him and Griezmann from deep, and their pace will be very important in clocking up the yards. Up front, Icardi will be the finisher, and look to feed off the support from the winger. He will always have Lukakus back, and the two of them must form a partnership to bag us the goals. Icardis movement is on point, and he must try and get around the defence using his quick thinking and knack offinding the net
Subs:
60mins: Henderson > Rodwell, more energy in midfield, Matic goes DM
If losing 65: Niang > Griezmann, Niang very strong, need a powerful figure whose also very fast
Team of the Week:
----------------------Koval
Abate--Howedes----N'Koulou--Sandro
-------------Fellaini------Pirlo
---------------------Oscar----------
-----Michu----Van Persie-----Tevez
Player of the Week:
Robin van Persie. The first Hatrick Hero of the season falls to the ex-Arsenal man, after he single-handedly demolished Everton. He scored a high 9 in the ratings, and the treble has put him top in the goalscoring charts.
Team of the Month:
N/A