SG League Tactics Page

comment by Lubo - The last fan of Kebe and Lees - I still love you Brian!!! (U14008)
posted 1 week ago
------------------------Casillas

Montoya--Mertesacker--Mangala--Moreno

---------Britton---Wanyama--Johansen

--------Coutinho---Lambert--Fischer

Asenjo
Barragan
Llorente
Arteta
Fischer
Meyer
Balotelli

The key will be to dominate the midfield. We feel we have set up with 3 players capable of enforcing themselves on the game and supply boundless energy. The next step will be to search for the 'wide' players who will be cutting inside as inside forwards to support the central striker

Our FBs will support the attacks and provide an overlapping run when our wingers are on the ball. It is key however for them to force the opposition away from goal and towards the touch line. They will harass the opposition into making a mistake and will then swiftly look to dispatch the ball forward. They will not dive into challenges and will stick to making a nuisance and niggling the player on the ball. Both have the energy to play like this for the full 90 minutes.

Our CB partnership will work as a team. Mangala will look to dominate in the air with Mertescaker playing a sweeper role and mopping up the balls that break free. We will look to play from the back and both these players are comfortable on the ball. Like the FBs they won't dive in and commit themselves. They will rely on the experience of Casillas to instruct them

Wanyama and Britton will alternate roles. One will sit deep and break up the play before dispatching the ball forward along the deck whilst the other will play box to box, supporting the attack but also getting stuck in defensively. Both are tireless midfielders and will continue to play like this all game

Johansen will look to dominate the play and find the killer ball forward. He will look to make simple passes and retain possession. He won't venture too far forward and will benefit of the loose balls after tackles from Wanyama and Britton.

Coutinho and Fischer will swap flanks to confuse the opposition with both possessing skill and pace to move forward and run at players. Coutinho will be the trickster of the team while Fischer will run at the opposition players. Both will play off Lambert

Lambert will be the leading man in attack. Bringing Tello, Coutinho and the box to box midfielder into play. He is capable in the air and on the ground and this will make him tricky to mark.

Penalties - Lambert
Free kicks - Wanyama
Captain - Casillas
Vice captain - Lambert

Subs

If losing

Meyer on Johansen off 65 mins

Meyer will play further forward and will be given a free role in midfield

Lambert off Balotelli on 75 mins

Balotelli will provide the game with fresh legs

If winning

Tello off Fischer on 75 mins

Fresh legs further forward

Johansen off Arteta on 80 mins

Fresh legs in midfield
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Lambert over Balo?

TAIWAN

4-2-3-1

____________________Mignolet_________________
Coleman______Barzagli______Chiellini_______Alaba
_____________De Rossi_______Kroos_____________
Bale_________________Rooney_________Griezmann
___________________van Persie_________________
SUBS: , Bonucci, Dani Alves, Pirlo, Ramires, Matuidi, Barkley

Captain: Kroos
Right free-kicks: Bale
Left free-kicks: Kroos
Penalties: van Persie
Right corners: Kroos
Left corners: Kroos


General:
GEGENPRESSING is a highly-organised approach to regaining possession and minimising space for the opposition used by Dortmund, and now used by me. My opponents are rapidly closed down by well-rehearsed, co-ordinated pressing movements, often by two or more players, allied with intelligent positioning to restrict space for opposition to pass and move into. The best moment to win the ball is immediately after after my team just lost it. Once we have regained possession, the transition from defence to attack will be explosive. Not fussed about possession, aim is to move the ball around efficiently and with purpose, with many forward passes and none of Spain’s useless sideway passes. Play on the counter if dominated, but move the ball around when they sit back. Passing will be quick and intelligent, players moving into space and plenty of interchange between the three attacking midfielders. Team will look at the striker as the focal point with the attacking midfielders running off and beyond him, linking up efficiently. When defending Griezmann and Rooney will drop back to help, Bale stays up as the out ball and van Persie prepared for anything lumped up to him. Team must attempt to block shots at all times. Deep defensive line.

Mignolet:
Claim crosses if possible. Always clear lines, and hoof up the pitch towards the strikers whenever possible. The ball must stay clear of the 18 yard box at all times. Communication is key with centre halves to avoid confusion when deciding who claims a loose ball / cross.

Barzagli and Chiellini:
Deals with opposition attackers. Barzagli keeps an eye on their attacking midfielder when he gets close to the 18 yard line. Chiellini will also mark their striker closely not allowing him space to turn. Barzagli or De Rossi will deal with knock-downs to their supporting player depending on who is closer. Chiellini will try and win headers when long balls are played towards the back line. Barzagli will be the centre half who steps up and clears up balls before it reaches their attackers, but must only go if he’s 100% sure he’ll get it. Chiellini will also clean up any balls / players who manage to get past Barzagli. Go up for corners.

Coleman and Alaba:
Will get forward in turns when we get possession, if they aren’t individually under too much pressure. Will sit back when without the ball, but bomb forward when the opportunity arises. Main aim is to provide width and provide extra bodies in midfield to link up play. They should thump in crosses to van Persie when it’s on. Shoot if there is a clear sight of goal. Stays back for corners. Must not commit to tackles otherwise wingers will skip past them, just stay close, limit their space and show them onto their weaker foot.

De Rossi and Kroos:
Sits deep, breaks up play and snap at their heels. De Rossi is an engine that can cover a lot of ground when defending. De Rossi will hardly ever go past the half-way line. Kroos will buzz around and dictates play, bursting forwards at times to provide an extra body in attack. Kroos will be a bit ahead of De Rossi to be more involved in exchanging passes with full backs / Rooney, even going level with Rooney at times to use his incredible vision to find teammates. Kroos will be playing as a hybrid midfielder. De Rossi stays close to the centre halves. Both sprays balls wide to fullbacks when they get forward. Stays back for corners. Will not allow the opposition any time on the ball in front of centre halves. De Rossi sticks to position when fullbacks flys forwards, providing cover if needed. Kroos drops deeper when this happens.

Bale, Rooney and Griezmann:
Will constantly swap positions with each other. Will look to thread through balls to van Persie and exchange passes with each other. Constantly drifting in and out of position, into space to make it difficult to mark. Will alternate between running down the wings to cross and cutting inside all the time, making the defenders confused. Rooney should always track back to help the fullbacks and midfield when defending. Rooney can burst past van Persie and shoot if needed. Goes to near post to anticipate crosses. Constantly runs at their defence. All will press the opposition when without the ball. Rooney stands outside the box for corners to smash home volleys from a corner taken out to him or a rebound.

van Persie:
Holds up the ball, brings the three attacking midfielders into play. Play on the shoulder of the last man, always sets himself at the far post for crosses. Will keep the centre halves occupied.

SUBS:
Winning:
75 mins: van Persie OFF Pirlo ON
Go 4-3-3 with Pirlo in CM to help hold possession and make midfield more solid and also add fresh legs. Rooney moves up front.

Losing:
80 mins: De Rossi OFF Barkley ON
Go 4-2-4 with van Persie Rooney centre Bale right Griemann left. Barkley supports, Kroos holds and sprays passes from deep.

FC Twente

------------------M.Perin-------------------
Cassani---Veltman---J.Stones---Ricardo
---------Strootman---Nainggolan---------
D.Berardi--------Pjanic---------T.Hazard
------------------Benteke-------------------

Cillessen, Bazoer, Tielemans, Clasie, Klaassen, Werner, Gnabry

Perin, a solid keeper, great shot stopper and difficult to beat. Quick off his line to shut down forwards and restrict their shooting angles. Punch clear what he cant catch and look to set up quick counters when he has the ball.

The two cbs must be on their guard today as whoever plays they wil be up against a top striker. Veltman has the job of man marking as he is quick, strong and reads the game very well. So watch the CF movement at all times and when they come forward he is ready to move up and keep him out of the game, with close marking and his upper body strength to keep them away, has the pace to stay with a quick striker if its him and the height and power a more powerful striker. Stones beside him I want as the ball playing CB, has the confidence to bring the ball out of defence and set up attacks, nothing silly and dont take risks, if its not there dont do it, just clear. When defending, take a step back when they come forward just in case Veltman loses his man, so he is there to step in and clear the danger or stop the CF coming through.

Fullbacks know there job, when defending stay in a solid line and stop there wingers becoming a danger, Rodriguez is quick so pace not a problem, whereas Cassani is more experienced and positionally very good so both will force them out wide and keep crosses to a minimum. When we attack, go one at a time and support the wingers, go on there outside, this allows our wingers to have a choice, either play the fullback down the line or a quick one two to allow the winger to cut inside, if played down the line try and get in early crosse for Benteke to get his head onto, these crosses can be from deep or indeed from the bye line. We should get a lot of joy down the flanks as both add alot of pace to what is already there.

Nainggolan starts as the main DM he watches th AM of them and will be looking to nulify his attacks, cant let him dictate play so Nainggolan onto him quickly after watching his movement, stand tall and no rash tackles as this will give hime time and room to get things going for them, once he has won the ball nice, simple passes to those around him and stay arouind the half way line when we attack.Strootman helps with all the dirty work when we are up against it, he sits in with Nainggolan and helps break up the play, watching there 2nd most advanced player, whoever it is will want to dictate there play from deep so Stootman must get right up in his face to stop him doing this and not give him the time he needs to control things. When we move forward, Strootman moves up, drives passed Pjanic and into support Pjanic and benteke best he can, always on the move demanding the ball and will shoot from range also. terrific eye for goal.

Pjanic in at AM he is very quick and has a great eye for goal, have put him in a free role today so he can really have a go at them, we want to peg them back so he and Benteke can do this to great effect, can win games with these attributes, possesses a brilliant sense of timing on the ball, and he can bring those around him into the game very well. Moreover, his attacking strengths make him a very potent weapon in the middle of the field. Will look to thread in Benteke and play neat one twos to allow Berardi and Thorgan the chance to cut in and support Benteke or indeed have a go at goal. He will move all over the pitch so can switch with Berardi/Thorgan at any time as he will br given freedom to drift but if he does, one of the wingers will definately move inside

Berardi and Thorgan are two top young wingers imo.Thorgan uses pace and trickery to great effect, his lung bursting runs and endless energy will leave there fullback struggling also has a great eye for goal so will be a real danger, will look to Pjanic and Benteke in the centre as he will pass and go and look to link up straight away with the two forwards, so he can cut inside and unleash his powerful and accurate shooting range, will have Ricardo behind him and the two will bomb forward when they can but also be back to defend the lines. Berardi on the other hand uses his pace to great effect, with Cassani at times up in support he will give and go and drive passed the fullback get to the bye line and cross in or whenever possible when Benteke is in good position. He will at times also cut inside looking to pass and drive passed the defence for a return ball to go for goal.

Beradri, Thorgan and Pjanic i want to focus on there fullbacks and DM when they have the ball and get right into there faces, do enough to stop them moving forward and becoming a threat, if they dont come forward then retreat into our half to help out the rest of the team..

Benteke is very dangerous to have up front, full of goals and they can come from anything, two good feet and good in the air, he must get into positions that allow him to become a threat, will have plenty support so wont become isolated up top on his own. Always moving and jigging about, taking players away freeing up room for the likes of Beradi and Thorgan to move into. When there defenders have the ball run them down and force them to play it out or mistime the passes. If he cant go for goal but is inpossession of the ball look for those coming up to support and lay it off/knock it on for them to beat the defence. He is great at holding up play so will do this if needed for others to come in. .

Captain:- Strootman
Penalties:- Benteke
Free Kicks:- Pjanic
Corners:- Wingers

Subs:-
Losing or drawing
70 Mins - Klaassen for Nainggolan, Stootman takes over as the man marker
80 Mins - Gnabry for Pjanic, he goes RW and Berardi up front 4-4-2
80 Mins - Werner for Thorgan

Winning:-
75 Mins - Tielemans for Pjanic, sit behind Strootman and Nainggolan
85 Mins - Bazoer for Thorgan, more tracking back from him

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Wolves: 4-3-3

.....................Buffon.................
Maggio.....Garay...Sokratis....Marcelo
...........Marchisio....Fernandinho........
.......................Isco.......................
Sterling...........Dzeko.........Rodriguez

Subs: Pantilimon, Alonso, De Sciglio, Poli, Lanzini, Toni, Savic

Captain: Buffon
Free kicks(in range) : Isco
Free kicks (long ball): Garay
Corners: Isco
Pens: Dzeko

No guile today about our tactics...Rex has assembled or should I say inherited a very good squad and he will set up today to nulify us. our plan is simple..get the ball on the ground and run at his midfield moving them about and creating space. when we dont have the ball we push up and get at them before they can pick a pass.

Buffon - Captain and legend, organises the defence as well as anyone will come for crosses when needed...long throws and quick kicks to hit them on the counter.
Maggio/Marcelo: have their opponents worried and will look to build on that by pushing on at all times have the speed and stamina to get up and down all game. Maggio is a surprise change but suits me today as he has real quality going forwards (not many players get the better of Alba as often as he does so should do well today in an attacking set up) Defensively both full backs will resist jumping in and show their winger down the line forcing a cross as opposed to allowing them a free cut in. in possession they will tug the line creating an over lap as their winger cuts inside to overload the opposition defence

Garay/Sokratis: We know nothing of Drnic other than he's young Swiss and 5ft11, by all accounts he's doing ok in Germany. Sokratis will be his man marker, where he goes Sokratis will follow, using his height advantage to get to any aerial balls first. Sokratis knows when to dive in and when to stay on his feet will look to play the man and the ball, no nonsence clearing the lines when in possession. Garay on the other hand is a graceful Centre-back and will play as the sweeper, moving with the ball at his feet linking the defence and the attack, it's a risky tactic but he's free to push on and get into Hazard hard and fast when he has the ball

Fernandinho/Marchisio: individually they are fantastic players and as a pairing they have it all. both are solid box to box players...will defend up the field today but pushing right on and challenging Pepe and Matic..Hazard can only hurt us if he's given the ball. Both players are free to shoot from distance, comfortable on the ball will stretch the play looking for space for Isco and our wingers. both players are handy with their late runs to the box and will look to use that skill today as we pen our opponents deep in their own half chasing every ball

Isco: Young gift play maker...fantastic dribbler and has a good shot on him will drop deep and keep moving drawing Pepe and Matic towards him in the knowledge that Marchisio and Fernandinho will be supporting him. has great movement and that makes him hard to man mark will move along the front three getting involved in intricate build up play.

Sterling: Out and out winger with blistering pace....furthest back he will come today is the half way line..will always be an outlet...looking to get himself one on one with Baines who altough a fantastic defender I expect Sterling to burn him....will look to hit the gap between the LB and CB when running at the box creating confusion and space for Dzeko

Rodriguez: Not quite as fast as Sterling but has much more power...where as Sterling is the traditional winger Jay-Rod will look to get the ball cut inside and charge at defence he should link up well with Dzeko lookin to play a one two knowing Edin can hold it up for him. will be aided brilliantly my Marcelo on his flank making the over laps for him

Dzeko: re-signed this week and straight into the team, Big strong and great in the air, all the attributes needed for a target man. will thrive from having Maggio,Sterling,Jay-Rod,Marcelo and Isco putting balls him for him. Will always be an outlet for a counter attack has a great touch for such a big man.

Subs: winning,losing or drawing today all subs will be like for like and just made to freshen things up at 65 mins

De Sciglio > Maggio.....Much better defensively but not quite as good going forwards. will tighten things up at the back

Alonso > Marchisio.....less of a dynamic player but he has Fernandinho alongside him as the engine...not many players around with this mans range of passing, he'll come in as a deep lying play maker spreading the play and probing their defence.

Lanzini > Isco....Young Argentine/Italian midfield, highly rated player and I like his style gets the ball down and runs at defenders...his direct approach could cause Pepe and Matic all kinds of problems

------------------------------De Gea-----------------------------

Jung-------------Luisao----------Varane-----------Alex Sandro

------------------------------Busquets--------------------------------

---------------------Pogba-------------Cabaye------------------------

Koke---------------------------------------------------------Draxler

---------------------------------Rodrigo-----------------------------------



Game Plan: Our Plan this week is to play a more patient, possession based game, we are back to full strength in midfield with the return of Busquets and our players are suited to keeping possession in tight areas, the defensive line will push up the field further than the last few weeks as we are going to look to really dominate in the opposition half of the field and really make it difficult for United to get a foothold in the game. With the ball we will look to push forward quickly and incisively, our wide players will look to move inside allowing the fullbacks to bomb forward and supply the width, while our 2 cm's will look to get in and around the box to support the forwards in the attack

De Gea- very confident and agile goalkeeper, will look to dominate his area and be quick off his line, has good handling and is an excellent shot stopper, will look to distribute the ball quickly to the fullbacks or midfielders in order to start counter attacks.

Luisao/Varane- both quality CB’s, will push up the field and hold a higher line, to shut down the space for United's midfield and attack to work in. Luisao will look to attack the ball more often using his height, strength and pace to keep the United attack under control, while Varane uses his pace and intelligence covers in behind should Luisao miss the ball, both good technical footballers aswell, so are comfortable starting attacks from defence.

Jung and Alex Sandro- Both very quick, with good defensive skills and intelligence, will look to watch the runs of the United forwards very carefully, as they will look to make runs inside, must be careful not to dive in as both players have great skill and pace, will look to force both wide, rather than inside. When we have possession of the ball, both will look to get forward quickly and provide assistance to the front 3, both United FB's can be exposed by pace, so Jung and Alex Sandro will look to overload them in the wide areas.

Busquets- will sit in front of the defence and use his passing range to keep the ball moving and spread the play, will not venture forward much at all, when we are in possession he will act as a 3rd CB when the FB's go forwards so as not to leave us too exposed, when United are in possession he will look to make the gap between himself and the CB;s as small as possible so as not to leave room for the United attacking players to make runs into the channels or get space in between the defensive lines, and will look to pick up the 2nd's from the CF.

without the ball

Jung---------Luisao------Busquets-------Varane-----Sandro

very little room for the United front 4 to cause trouble in the channels, particularly as Gotze and Cavani love to make runs inside, the space will not be there for them to cause havoc

Pogba- will get box to box more than usual today, rather than playing as the holding player, this is more suited to his game as he is very creative and has a fantastic shot which he will look to use at every opportunity. When we're out of possession he will look to pressure the opposition midfield using his rangy style and excellent tackling ability to disrupt their rhythm. In our own defensive third of the field, he will look to drop deep in front the CB's along with Cabaye to leave very little room between the lines, as Busquets will be playing as a 3rd CB when out of possession.

Cabaye- will get box to box, press high up the pitch without the ball and look to win it back quickly, very intelligent user of the ball, will look to make late runs into the box and get on the end of balls in from out wide, very quick across the ground and is very elusive. out of possession as stated above will drop deep in our defensive 3rd of the pitch to limit the space for the United attacking midfielders, particularly Cavini and Gotze in and around our penalty areas.

Koke- will look to tuck in from right and allow Jung room to overlap, will act as a wide playmaker rather than a winger, will look to thread balls through rather than cross. Koke also has a very good shot on him and will look to use this when the situation arises, will look to combine with Rodrigo throughout the game, has very good movement. Without the ball he will get back quickly in order to help out the full back in defence, has an extraordinary work rate.

Draxler- will play from the left wing, but will look to stay wider more often as Cabaye and Pogba will occupy the centre of the pitch, however as a very 2 footed player he can go either way and get shots off or beat his man down the line and get early crosses in as Cabaye will be making late runs into the area and along with Rodrigo has terrific movement and will look to get in front of his marker, will run with the ball as much as possible using his pace and ability to glide past players. Without the ball will use his pace to get back quickly and help out Alex Sandro deal with the threat down the right hand side.

Rodrigo Moreno- a forward in great form at the moment, which is why we bought him in for the injured Messi, a player who possesses fantastic pace and will look to stretch the United cb's by making runs beyond them, will play on the shoulder of the CB's. Will look to take shots at every opportunity, he has a rifle of left foot.

Subs: 70 minutes Ciro Immobile for Koke, Immobile to play as the no9 with Rodrigo moving to the RW where he will look to come inside and play as an inside forward, we will look to get more crosses into Immobile as he is very effective in the air.

Captain : Luisao
Freekicks: Cabaye
Corners: Koke

Stoke tactics

---------------------------Howard-------------------
Arbeloa---------Godin ---------Dante-------Schmelzer
-------------------Gerrard--------Flamini-----------
--Navas----------------Yaya Toure----------------Nasri
------------------------------Remy-------------------

Subs: Rio, Rafinha, Cole, Townsend, Kaka, Drogba, Jo

General: Midfield domination but urgency with passing the ball. We want to dictate the game from start to finish by attacking with purpose by making sure we play with urgency and all are motivated to receive the ball and play to their colleague as quick as poss. Our front 3 midfielders have the skills to unlock any defence so they will all interchange and feed each or play in Remy.

Howard.
A strong commanding goalkeeper who is vocal and will be aggressive on corners and free-kicks. If in doubt kick it out. Always communicating when we have company.

Arbeloa and Schmelzer
Both experienced defenders and have the know-how to usher wingers away from goal and stay with them rather than diving in to make rash tackles. We want to diver them into the midfield and get help with Flamini or Gerrard. Both are strong in the air and will distribute quick to the midfield as we can start the attacks asap.

Dante and Godin
They will be probably be up against a strong striker so it is imperative that we try and dominate in the air and not foul in the process. Dante will play as a sweeper and Godin the more gutsy defender up against the main striker but backs off he if drops deep. Both are zonally marking but once Godin will take responsibility of the striker whilst Dante will oversee potential threats and intercept.

Flamini and Gerrard
Different roles. Flamini the more classic DM role and not advancing whilst Gerrard to be one of the main dictators of the game by keep the ball moving and distributing long and short. Flamini to protect the back 4 and tackle anyone which bypasses the midield. Gerrard to assist Flamini defensively but advance forward when we attack.

Yaya
Free role of playing the AM and assisting Remy but feeding him in or linking with both Nasri and Navas to home in on goal. Yaya to drop to midfield when we are defending and press the midfield to retain the ball and start attacks and be another body in midfield to nulify the threat of the midfield creating.

Navas and Nasri
Both posses pace and skill and will always attack their respective fullbacks when possible. The will know that we have great passers so they shall expect passes at every opportunity. Both make quick passes and feed in the attackers so we always stay on the move. Defensively they drop and help their fullbacks one at a time and look to run beyond the defenders with clever passing moves.

Remy
Remy will be playing off the shoulders of defenders and knowing that his devastating speed can bypass anyone and shoot on sight with his clinical finishing. Remy will always make runs knowing that our midfield can create anytime and anywhere so he will be making clever runs and trying to stay onside initially. Remy can hold the ball up and play quick 1-2s too.

Subs: Kaka on for Gerrard 75mins
Yaya to play the Gerrard role whilst Kaka plays the Yaya role

Townsend 75mins for Navas
Like for like and Townsend will run at the leggy defenders with his brute pace and use that as his main asset to run at tired legs and feed to Remy or Kaka

MANCHESTER UNITED vs. Juventus

--------------------------Neuer-------------------------
Zabaleta-----Martinez----Schar-------Santon
-------------------------Martinez-----------------------
---------------Fabregas-----Gundogan------------
----------Cavani--Lewandowski--M.Gotze------

Subs: Horn, Schar, Suarez, Hughes, Powell, Januzaj, Depay

Tactics -

General - Mex was ravaged by injury, like a hooker with AIDs, so we might be putting out the stronger side which seemed unlikely a week ago. Confidence boost!

Mex comes into the game missing his best players across the midfield, and Messi up top, so we'll look to take advantage of this 'second string side' by playing a passing game. Keeping the ball moving with quick sharp passes in midfield, coupled with two good ball playing FBs offering outlets out wide, and three attackers who will take turns dropping deep to give us extra numbers in midfield to win that battle and push Juve right back.

Defensively it's a case of very high, fast pressing. Keep the pressure on as soon as we lose possession - The energy in the midfield should allow us to instantly stifle any move forward by Juve. This, coupled with the work rate of the forwards (two Dortmund disciples of the Gengen that Ludy loves, and Cavani who is tireless in his chasing) means Juve will not be able to settle. This means Mex's weaker side shouldn't be able to create any fluid attacks and will see most of their opportunities break down due to a rushed pass or being forced to go back to the defence and keeper.

Defence - Neuer needs no instructions on what to do as a keeper, he's too good for my input However, on crosses he should stay back in his net, I'm assuming it'll be Di Natale/Rodrigo to start and neither offer any real height in the area, so the CBs should deal with crosses, Neuer's attempts to claim high balls could cause confusion, and by remaining on his line he can play to his shot stopping ability should the striker get a chance from a cross.

Centre backs, like I said, will challenge for crosses, Schar will mark the striker against long balls like this, his height means he'll dominate whoever Mex puts up there, whilst Inigo will be the one moving towards crosses. Inigo therefore, will wipe up the majority of balls whipped in, whilst Schar offers us protection if the ball is near perfect - Plays into both our defenders strengths.

Due to De Gea's long range passing ability we'll play a relatively deep line to negate any balls over the top. This also has the added benefit of closing up space behind the defence to stop any dangerous through balls. Schar should attack De Gea's long kicks whilst Martinez will look to usher the striker wide if they do latch onto the ball. First option means we clear the danger immediately and can retain possession as soon as they try to go long from the keeper, second option buys us time and forces the striker away from the danger zone.

On the ball they should play it simple, not barnstorming runs forward. Get it straight to the midfield. Martinez should always offer a deep option for the midfield to pass to to retain possession, this gives Schar the job of man marking the striker, which again plays into their strengths - Martinez's Spanish passing ability and Schar's defensive brilliance.

We know Draxler's fit to play, so I expect him to start, can't identify the RW for Juve, but whoever is playing the FBs job is to sit deep, they won't be required going forward. Sit deep and narrow with the CBs, crowding space in the centre of the pitch and forcing the ball to go out wide, and into crosses which, whoever Juve play up top, will play into our hands. When we've got the ball, Zaba and Santon can move up a little, just offering an option for the ball to come back to, again it's about retaining possession here and getting Juve chasing the ball.

Midfield - Martinez to sit back at all times. He's a World Class DM and will act as a fantastic shield for the centre of the pitch. His task his to pick up any of the midfield runners, looking to force them wide, making them pass to the wingers and out into the channels. This will limit Juve to crosses, which, due to their lack of aerial strength up top will cripple their attack.

If both of Mex's midfield runners go at the same time, Gundogan will be the *mobile* CM chasing back, when following them back Gundy needs to get on the inside of the runner without the ball, blocking the pass from the Juve midfield on the ball, whilst Martinez moves out to get that player. This will again force them to push the ball wide into the wingers because they won't have any options up in attacking, central positions. Fabregas follows the deeper lying CM if they do make any moves forward. All three will pressure the opponents as soon as they get the ball to ensure they're close to them to allow our tactics to work.

On the offensive, Martinez should, as I said sit back, always offering that option to recycle the ball if an attack breaks down. Gundogan and Fabregas should look to move up together getting either side of Mex's deep lying pivot that he likes to play in Busquets, this draws the DM over, out of position, opening up space for the other to work in. Both are fantastic creators and need to be looking to get it to the forwards as soon as possible. Once the ball moves to the 3 attackers, they will retain this advanced position to offer a secondary option to the forward to pass to if the attack slows down, from here they can strike for goal, or try and switch play to restart the attack.

Strikers - The Holy Trinity get to play together! A narrow, trident in attack, is how these three will start off. But should a Juve FB charge forward, Gotze and Cavani shouldn't be afraid to drift wide, demand the ball, and drag a CB out into the wing position (putting Lewan and Cavani up against one CB). Should the ball come out wide to one of these two, Lewandowski will run to the front post (I expect the CB that's left in the box will follow him) and Cavani/Gotze will got to the far post (the FB on his side may chase him, but Cavani/Gotze should have the advantage of a) moving first and b) being better in the air than most FBs out there.

Should the Juve FBs stay deep, the trinity will move centrally, working within the width of the penalty area. This will mean two Juve players are completely out the game, sitting deep to mark noone. It also means we should have a numberical advantage up top (3 attackers against 2 CBs) so it's a case of pass, move, through ball. All the intricate play that these three are more than capable of pulling off.

Before the ball has reached the front three, who will tend to be level with each other when they attack, Cavani and Gotze can drop a little deep, adding numbers to our passing game and working in the space between the lines of midfield and defence. All three need to put in a shift closing down the defenders who receive back passes.

Subs -

Losing -

70 - Schar off for Januzaj - Martinez drops to CB, 4-4-2 with Gotze and Januzaj working the wings. Both can cut inside and act as a wide No.10, or burst down the wing and whip in crosses to Lewandowski and Cavani who should form a deadly pairing.

Drawing/Winning -

70 - Januzaj on for Gotze - Same tactics which seem to be working, but fresh legs in attack. Keeps Juve from trying to push up with a high line against tiring strikers.

80 - Hughes on for Cavani - Martinez drops to 5 man defence, 3 man CM with Hughes, Fab and Gundogan all pressing and harrying the Juve attackers. Also leaves no space to work or attack in the middle forcing Juve out wide. Crosses should be even less effective due to Martinez and Schar both being towering beasts of beauty. Januzaj in No.10 role with Lewan looking to isolate FBs to dominate as the ball is pumped long to him to hold up.