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ASTON VILLA

3-4-1-2

_______________________Navas______________________
____________Garay___Mertesacker___Koscielny________
Zabaleta______Fernandinho______Koke___________Shaw
_______________________Kroos______________________
____________Sturridge____________Destro____________
SUBS: Begovic, Toprak, Coleman, Gerrard, De Bruyne, Volland, Lambert

Captain: Kroos
Right free-kicks: Kroos
Left free-kicks: Kroos
Penalties: Sturridge
Right corners: Kroos
Left corners: Kroos

Here’s how the team will set out: http://sharemytactics.com/18375/

General:
Villa’s set-up will be reminiscent to the Dutch team in the 2014 World Cup. A back three, two central midfielders, 2 wing backs, a 10 and two centre forwards. Villa’s back three can situationally morph into a back five with the wing backs dropping into the defensive line. Villa’s 3-2 defensive block will allow easy circulation of the ball in the defensive area due to the natural positioning of the players in this system. This team will be one that presses in defensive phase, one which moves the ball quickly in transition phase and one which circulates the ball to open spaces. The 3 up front will look to take up good positions and cover space, reducing possible passes for the opposition team. The ball will be moved quickly when Villa regain possession to take advantage of opened up space with the opposition not in their normal defensive structure. Both forwards need to make sure they run into wide areas where the full backs are probably missing and get a 1v1 with the centre halves where one could put the ball in and while the other gets into the box, link up with full backs when they come forward as well. The centre midfielder and the number 10 will get up to support the attack. Defending the 18 yard line is the main aim and will limit the opposition to long shots. All players stick to positions and won’t be dragged out of position. If the opposition want to play fancy passing and have 90% possession, let them, but our team will be compact not allowing anything to get into the 18 yard box.

Navas:
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.

Garay and Koscielny:
Deals with opposition attackers. Koscielny keeps an eye on their attacking midfielder when he gets close to the 18 yard line. Koscielny will also mark their striker closely not allowing him space to turn. Koscielny or Fernandinho will deal with knock-downs to their supporting player depending on who is closer. Garay will try and win headers when long balls are played towards the back line. Garay will not be as aggressive but step up to attack players that come down his side. Koscielny 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. Both will protect the central centre half to the best of their abilities. Go up for corners.

Mertesacker:
Sits in line with the other two centre halves, he is not a sweeper. Will try and win headers when long balls are played towards the back line. Will also clean up any balls / players who manage to get through the other two centre halves. Go up for corners.

Zabaleta and Shaw:
Will both go forwards and support the attack. Will also act as extra bodies in midfield to help with holding onto the ball. Can drop into a back 5 if necessary. Main aim is to provide width and thump in crosses at every opportunity. 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.

Fernandinho and Koke:
Sits deep, breaks up play and snap at their heels. Fernandinho is an engine that can cover a lot of ground when defending. Fernandinho will hardly ever go past the half-way line. Koke will buzz around and dictate play, bursting forwards at times to provide an extra body in attack. Koke will be a bit ahead of Fernandinho to be more involved in exchanging passes with full backs / Kroos, even going level with Kroos at times to use his incredible vision to find teammates. Fernandinho stays close to the centre halves. Both sprays balls wide to wing backs and directly to the front 3. Fernandinho stays back for corners. Will not allow the opposition any time on the ball in front of centre halves. Fernandinho sticks to position when wing backs fly forwards, providing cover if needed. Koke will stand outside the box during set pieces to smack in rebounds if not taking a set piece.

Kroos:
Will constantly hit balls towards both strikers and if not possible, to the wing backs flying forwards. The number 10 will press the opposition along with the the other midfielders when without the ball. Will stand outside the box if not taking a set piece to hit a rebound.

Sturridge and Destro:
Holds up play for the support midfielders and spray the ball wide to wing backs when they come forward, if not then they will pull wide to exploit attacking space. Get into the box at every opportunity when their partner pulls out to wide areas. Both should be able to play quick one-twos with each other if they happen to be close to each other. Both will play on the shoulder of the opposition defence and will attempt at times to get in the space between centre halves and full backs, if there isn’t a lot of space. Destro will allow long balls to be launched occasionally to him.

SUBS:
Winning/Drawing:
75 mins: Kroos OFF Gerrard ON
Gerrard replaces Kroos and will slot into centre midfield to shore up the midfield and to help keep the ball better in order to close the game out.

Losing:
75 mins: Fernandinho OFF Lambert ON
Essentially going 3-4-3 where Kroos will drop back into centre midfield and Lambert will go up front. Lambert will allow others to launch long balls towards him. Will be more attacking.

"Friendly" vs Rex

Wolves vs Swansea

-------------------------Diego Alves--------------------
Cacares-------Vidic-------Papadopoulos------Maxwell
--------------------Irramendi-----Motta----------------
--------Salah--------------Michu---------------Lallana
----------------------------Negredo------------------


Subs: Baumann, Yedlin, Albiol, Kaka, Lanzini, Cerci, Torres, Benteke

Tactics

General.
My team is definitely suited for a counter-attack as we have the a solid defence and good holding midfield that can battle and pick a pass whilst we have pace in abundance with Salah, Lallana and Michu who also are direct and will attack the defence rather than play possession football. We will be strong on set-pieces and and utilise the ball quickly to our attacking midfield who have will be direct and look to get the ball to Negredo or go for goal themselves.

Defence
Marshalled by Vidic, we will be threat on set-pieces with a few players that are great headers of the ball and that will also be a great asset for goal kicks when we have the attack the first and second ball with no hesitance. Our defence are here to not concede so they will use their initiative and not try and do a 'Luiz' and do something silly. Play it simple and find players who are free.

The full-backs will help their respective wingers when needed but defensively they shall remain vigilant and on their feet to try and intercept rather than commit.
Both full-backs will be on the line for corners and not leave until there is no danger from that set-piece.

Midfield
With Motta, you know what you get; battler, menace and discipline. He is no nonsense but he is more technical than just a brawler. Very patient on the ball and knows when to tackle and quite nifty on the ball too. Irramendi is a deceitful looking player and can cover the ground quicker than you think. Great passser of the ball and will be looking to start the counter attacks as quick as possible. He will be more advanced when we attack but will play alongside Motta when we are being attacked.

Salah, Michu and Lallana will be relying on their skill and pace to widen the space between midfield and defence from the opposition and create space for Negredo. All three will be direct and take on players if they are 1v1. However, if there are more than one player they can go wide and take both players with them and Michu and Irramendi will run to the space for the wingers to pass to. When not on the ball, they should all be organised and press as a unit and help their midfield whenever possible.

Forward
Negredo may be the only striker but he will be very well supported by our attacking midfielders. Negredo to be strong in the air and play off the last defender and take up positions where neither defenders or midfielders are sure to pick him up. Negredo is a ruthless finisher and he knows that he will have very good passers to set him up.

Subs:
Cerci for Lallana 70mins
Lanzini for Michu 70mins
Yedlin for Cacares 75mins
Benteke for Negredo 75mins

EVERTON v Real Atletico Madrid

----------------Mandanda-----------------
Manquillo---Lovren---Distin---Criscito
-------------------Clasie-------------------
-----------Dembele---Hernanes----------
Thauvin-----------------------------Bernard
-------------------Osvaldo------------------

Subs: Stockdale, Richards, Armero, Besic, Defour, Hulk, Ferreyra

Very tough game today against Madrid, a huge test for us and seeing how we get on, under absolutely no pressure, enjoy the game, retain possession and enjoy the experience. We are treating this game as a league game though, leave everything on the field.

Mandanda - Distribute from the back to the fullbacks/CM's, stay in communication with your defence throughout, be wary of long range efforts and ensure you stay big for any one on ones.

Lovren/Distin - Lovren to mark Falcao, force him high up the pitch thus limiting his impact close to goal, and Distin to be the spare man, be first to the second ball and prevent any runners from midfield. When in possession bring the ball out of defence and use the midfielders ahead of you to help us play out from the back. Both of you go forward for setpieces.

Manquillo/Criscito - I want you both to stay with the Madrid wingers, force them outside and block their crosses at source. They will try to cut inside and create problems but only show them down the wing. When we have possession, push forward and support Thauvin/Bernard as they will try to run inside the fullback and you will provide the overlap to either create space or supply crosses into the area for Osvaldo. You will need to track back very quickly to ensure we don't get caught on the break.

Dembele/Clasie/Hernanes - I want you all to work together and dominate the midfield. Without the ball all three of you will work hard to win back possession. Clasie will be the one who sits and protects the back four and breaks up play, while tracking anyone from midfield breaking forward. Dembele will be our box to box man, be the one who bursts into the area for any crosses and arrive late. Track back when we lose possession. Hernanes to play the playmaker role, drop deep and assist but you will be the one dictates play, you have the trickery and mentality required to fulfill this role and be our match winner. Keep the ball if nothing on, tire out the opposition by making them chase after the ball.

Thauvin/Bernard - Both playing out wide and both have the pace and trickery to beat the Madrid fullbacks and get crosses in, but both of you will also have our fullback overlapping giving you the chance to cut inside and get shots in. Look to supply Osvaldo with chances and also provide yourselves with chances. Link up with Hernanes and Dembele, and capitalise on the space Osvaldo's presence will create for you. Without the ball I expect you two to track back and assist your fullback.

Osvaldo - you will be expected to occupy the Madrid centrebacks, hold up possession and look to turn the defender and shoot. If they double mark you, drop wide and swap with Thauvin to leave him unmarked and near the goal. Be strong in the air and look for Hernanes trying to pick you out. Shoot on sight.

Subs 70 mins:
If winning: Hernanes and Clasie off, Besic and Defour on. Stay with the 4-3-3 but Besic replaces Clasie, giving us fresh legs at DM, and Defour replaces Hernanes, giving us more defensive protection to hold onto our lead.
If drawing: Thauvin and Osvaldo off, Hulk and Ferreyra on. Two like for like changes, Ferreyra upfront with Hulk to RW, same gameplan as before.
If losing: Dembele and Thauvin off, Hulk and Ferreyra on. Ferreyra upfront with Osvaldo, Hulk to RW, Hernanes further forward to AM with Bernard staying LW in a 4-1-3-2, Clasie holding the fort, the fullbacks will be expected to push further forward as well and take more risks.

chelsea to play Villa

----------------------Krul----------------------
Stones-----Veltman-----Manolas-----Sciglio
--------------------Iturraspe-------------------
--------------Guarin------A.Vidal--------------
J.Farfan-------------------------------Januzaj
---------------------Llorente-------------------

Roberts, Bazoer, Morata

We want to play with a high tempo, playing with only one defensive midfielder so push on and force there attacking players back, we will look to break them down with quick passing to get in amongst there defence.

Krul in the GK jersey for the match, a top keeper. Gathers the high balls but whet he cant catch he willl ppunch clear. off his line early to shut down there forwards and generally instills confidence in the whole team not just the defence. Look to set players away early for quick attacks.

Manolas and Veltman in at cb. Manolas does the man marking job, stay close to the CF, dont allow him to turn in on goal and stick to him like glue, Veltman will stay spare and help out if needed, clearing all high balls. When in possession look to start attacks from the back but nothing silly.

Sciglio and Stones with a point to prove. Both when in defence I want to stay in a back 4 look to keep there attacks to a minimum, force wingers back or indeed out wide. When I say force them back, when we have i want both to attack as Iturraspe sits in, Support wingers, drive passed them allowing them to cut in. Either recieve the ball back or take there fb away to create more space. If the ball comes back look to whip in dangerous crosses, then make way back.

Iturraspe comes in at DM, his job in this game, keep there AM quiet, out of the game and stop him dictating. stop him making his way into the area. He doesnt stroll very far from the defensive line and patrols the area just ahead of them. A big game for him as he looks to impress Fan. Once he has won the ball, simple passes to those around him.

Guarin and Vidal both help out defensively and help Iturraspe break up play. Both make runs foraward to support Llorente will look to dictate the game, both fine box to box players and Vidal imo the best there is in football and will easily get our players into dangerous positions, his timing is tremendous so look for players making runs and look to get the pass there before they do so they can take it on at pace. Also look for Guarin making his runs from deep so Vidal can play simple though balls to him and Benzema. and vice versa Guarin to Vidal both powerful players, they drive up and down the pitch supporting attack and defence, look to get forward, quick play with Farfan and Januzaj, looking to link up quickly with them playing one twos as they cut inside. These four and Llorente will be a massive threat.

Farfan and Januzaj, quick, skillfull, love taking men on and importantly can score goals. Drive at fullbacks with support from the fullbacks, once they drive passed look to cut inside, especially Januzaj, either play the fullback away or look to Guarin/Vidal to pass and drive into space and get the return to then go for goal. They wont cut in all the time and will sometimes allow Sciglio/Stones to do this, but when we attack I want it to be at pace and with numbers, we have two Cbs, iturraspe and one of Guarin/Vidal sitting in and we have the pace and energy to get back.

Llorenteis the ideal No.9, good in the air, two footed and scores for fun, always drifting along the line allowing Farfan and januzaj to move in when they cut inside, by doing this he takes his man marker away freeing up gaps for the wingers to drive into. If he wants to go for goal look to get into spce for those behind to play him in. If not able to go for goal, lay it off for the runners coming through

Captian:- Vidal
Pens:- Vidal
Free Kicks - Januzaj
Corners - Wingers

Subs
70 Mins - Roberts > Farfan, Bazoer > Iturraspe, Morata > Llorente

Tactics vs Aston Vanilla friendly

----------------------------------Scuffet--------------------------------

Juanfran---------Benatia-------------Miranda---------Alex Sandro

---------------------Witsel-------Cabaye----------------------

Walcott----------------Rodriguez-------------------Markovic

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


Game plan: our plan today is to go at Aston Villa from the off, we're experimenting with a new team and system and will be looking to express ourselves in this friendly. We will look to press high up the pitch, Successful pressing is dependant on group understanding, collective perception of ball, opponent and team mate, and a massive amount of hunger and desire to have the ball. It isn’t possible to press for 90 minutes. We will have to pick our times wisely in order to do it successfully. If our players are tracking back or not close enough to the ball it isn't sensible to press the ball, we will look to capitalise on poor passes by the opposition or when a player is facing his own goal or has his head down when receiving the ball, at these times to opposition player does not have a full view of the pitch and cannot pick a forward pass.

In possession we will have many lines of players in order to create easy triangles for the players on the ball, the player on the ball should always have at least 2 passing options, the full backs will also go forward creating an almost 3-4-3(2-3-2-3)formation when in possession, this reverts to a 5-4-1 formation when we lose possession.

In possession

-------------Benatia-------------------------Miranda----------

Juanfran---------------------Witsel------------------Alex Sandro

-----------------------Cabaye-----------James----------------------

Walcott------------------------------------------------Markovic

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

out of possession

Juanfran------Benatia-------------Miranda--------Sandro

-------------------------------Witsel--------------------------------

Walcott---------Cabaye---------James-------------Markovic

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


Scuffet: very young, but a fantastic goalkeeper, excellent shot stopper and very confident coming off his line, will look to release the ball quickly in order to start attacks, when he gets the ball the full backs will push forward and the centre backs will spread out offering themselves for the pass, will only go long if there is no other option.

Defence: as has been spoken about in the game plan section, the full backs will look to push up the field when we are in possession creating the multiple lines across the pitch which is the basis of our possession philosophy. The central defenders will look to stay close to one another when out of possession, the full backs will also tuck in leaving little room in the centre of the pitch, while the midfield and attack will cover the defence of the wide areas, this is not the specific job of one player as we are playing in a fluid system, it will be whoever is available to do the job at that point in time.

Midfield and Attack: Witsel will by and large stay in position in the holding role in the midfield. He will look to snuff out space for the opposition attacking players, and always be available for a pass when we are in possession. The 4 players in front of Axel will play very fluidly, and as has already been stated they will look to press the opposition when the time is right, all 5 possess good pace and stamina and are able to get up and down the pitch.

Cabaye will get up and down the pitch throughout, has terrifiv energy and is very creative and can carry the ball, will look to move the ball quickly, as will the whole team, we will play with a high tempo throughout the game not giving Villa any breathing space.

James Rodriguez will look to find space in possession, whether that means moving wide or into the gaps between the lines, he has the ability to run at the opposition and take the opportunity to shoot and link with Rodrigo, Walcott and Markovic who will bomb forward and provide an outlet in the wide areas. We will look to get James on the ball as much as possible as he is our most creative players. He will have a lot of freedom to roam and find space throughout the match.

Rodrigo Moreno will play as the centre forward for us today, his pace, movement and energy suits the change in the way we are going to play, he will look to roam across the pitch, dragging defenders out of position which will leave space for the other attackers and our midfield to benefit from, as stated previously in the tactics he is part of the fluid front 4 we are playing with today so will pop in different areas of the pitch on occasion, we are not just going to throw the ball into the box at every opportunity so his running of the channels and his technical ability are crucial in the way we want to play.

Team for second half 11 subs

--------------------------Patricio----------------------------

Darmian------Otamendi-----Ogbonna-------Flanagan

------------------De Jong-----Marchisio---------------------

Lucas Moura-----------Quintero-------------Berardi

-------------------------Rossi--------------------------------

Aaron Ramsey
Lucas Ocampos
Aymeric Laporte
Abou Diaby


---------------Hart-----------------
Lahm---Kompany--Boateng---Gibbs
--------Busquets--Herrera----------
Reus----------Yaya---------Ronaldo
--------------Aguero----------------

Subs: Lopez, Vermaelan, Ramires, Silva, Chamberlain, Podolski, Campbell

A change in style this year where we look to add more width and pace to our team. When needed we will sit in an absorb pressure pouncing on any opportunity to counter attack with or deadly trio up front and yaya the beast (madrid style)

Lahm and Gibbs two natural full backs. I want them upon and down the pitch providing options for our attack. Also I want them to defend responsibly and not risk being caught out. They mark man for man and force the opposition down the wing.

Kompany and Boateng, A good mix of power, pace, aerial ability and composure on the ball, allows us to be commanding at the back and limit the amount of opportunities for the opposition. Both will control the back four and make sure everybody is doing their job correctly by using their excellent leadership skills. Kompany and Boateng will stay close to each other not allowing the opposition to open up space. Boateng looks to defend the first ball coming towards our defence, using his 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.Kompany 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.

The idea in midfield today is to control the midfield against a not so attacking chelsea midfield. Also i feel it is more beneficial to play yaya in the AM role in order to counter pirlos/vidals threat and limit their effect on the game providing they plays.

Busquets and Herrera will be our two deepest central midfielders. As usual
Busquets holds while Herrera plays box to box. Herrera uses his amazing
energy to track down opposition in pressing while also making late runs intothe box. Busquets helps us tick over. Yaya will play the AM role and will occasionally swap with herrera.

This year we aim to be more pacy and direct therefore the AM will be the
focal point of this type of attack. However with a player like Ronaldo in the team it is more than likely that he will be the focal point. Reus starts on the right wing and we want him to give us natural width. Similarly with Ronaldo on the left wing but as usual he will have a free role.

Up front is Aguero, he 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.

If winning 75

Reus and aguero off
Campbell and ox on

If drawing 75
Silva for herrera '-- yaya goes deep
Reus for ox

If losing 75
Herrera off for Silva yaya deep
Busquets off for ox .ox cm

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