Stamford Bridge Cup

--------------------------Perin--------------------------
Stones--------Veltman--------Bonucci---------Baines
-------------Pogba----Iturraspe----March-------------
Walcott-----------------------------------------Januzaj
------------------------Benzema------------------------

Sciglio, Carvalho, Vidal, Pirlo, Neymar, Memphis, Llorente

First game of our own cup and one we aim to win, yes its friendly but we want to go about it in a professional way, some new faces added but we want to play a quick game, quick passing one touch then on them ove to look for space to retrieve it. Always looking forward.

In goal Mattia Perin comes in, he needs to start to pressure Neuer as he had it too easy last season, big tall lad, quick on his feet and will be out to shut down forwards early. Catch high balls and punch clear what he cant. Distribute the ball early to start attacks.

Stones and BAines two different type of fullback, Baines loves to attack and support Januzaj, get on his outside and provide an outlet for the young winger to use, wether Baines crosses in or drives in upto him. Stones will stay back and play the ball down the line for Walcott to burst onto with pure pace. Stones and Baines will sit in when defending and push the wingers back. Bonucci man marks the CF using his experience for positional sense to keep him quiet, always watching the CF movement and be ready to shut him down early. Veltman will be spare and will help out his fellow defenders, look to attack all high balls and generally help sweep up any loose ball. Can start attacks from back but nothing stupid.

Iturraspe in the middle of the pitch is there to stop anything coming through to the defence. Will stop the AM attacking nd dictating play. Again watch his movement and be quick to stop him in his tracks. Once won quick short passes to those around him. Marchisio and Pogba either side will sit in and help defend when they attack but when we go forward, both have freedom to get up and support Benzema, burst through with power and pace and push them right back, pass it about to wingers and the four with baines will really go at there defence and cause heaps of problems, pass and move and look to drive into the danger area.

Januzaj and Walcott have both pace and skill to take on fullback, Walcott is like lightning and will knock it passed the FB and drive on, cut inside and drive into the box looking for Benzema etc, or indeed have a pop at goal, Januzaj will use skill and some deft touches to get him passed the rb, Baines up in support will drive passed so the two can interchange and use different attacks to get at them, use Baines as a decoy and cut inside or pass down the line for Baines to chase to get a good cross in.

Benzema up top is a real predator, great natural finishing abitlity, both feet and head, get into positions to become a real threat for others to find him. If he cant go for goal then look for those coming in supporting him and knock it back or a quick flick on passed the defenders. Always look for the gaps to drive into.

Captain - Bonucci
Penalties - Benzema
Free Kicks - Baines
Corners - Januzaj

Subs:-

H/T
Carvalho for Iturraspe -same role
Neymar for Walcott -Januzaj to the right
Sciglio for Baines

65 Mins
Pirlo for Marchisio
Vidal for Pogba
Llorente for Benzema

75 Mins
Memphis for Januzaj

same formation all the time

Attacking 4-3-3

----------- Zieler
Rafael – Pepe – Vert – Clichy
-- Cesc – Vilhena - Rakitic
Oscar ---------------- Robben
---------- Balotelli

Attacking side, plenty of width. Playing at a high tempo pressing the opposition high up the pitch.

When defending we set up in a 4-1-4-1 formation, two wingers tuck in. And the deepest of the cm trio when we lose possession, stays deep in the dm role. We play with a relatively high line. Looking to defend from the front.

We don’t play with a natural dm, Rakitic will be the more defensive of the three when we don’t have possession. But we pick this trio as we want to control the space that Soton will be looking to play in and all three will have to contribute defensively. Putting a large number of bodies in the opposition half, looking to close off the space.

The midfield three will be tasked with dominating possession, based on a quick passing game. Rarely go long, and when we do look to use pace of Balotelli or Robben to stretch opposition.

We want to move the ball quickly, but will be patient in the sense that we are happy to go sideways or backwards. If you don't have an option going forward, simply go sideways, as that player may have the angle to play the pass to the man in space you want to get the ball, but wouldn't be able to find successfully.

Players should only be taking a few touches, should always have a few options, pass, then move to make yourself an option. Simple. We want to see constant movement in this sense. In the final third we give players creative freedom to go on a run.

The pace of Robben and Mario should stretch Soton, and create pockets of space for our central players and Oscar to take advantage of. Clichy and Rafael will both bomb forward providing width in attack, its pre season so we expect a huge work rate getting up and down the park.

In possession, one of the cm trio will remain deeper, this will switch between the three. We will be fluid in attack. Oscar and Robben start in a wide positions, but in the final third they have licence to find the space.

Subs at half time. All like for like. Shaqiri on for Oscar and Barkley on for Vilhena.

Subs at 65 mins. Telles on for Clichy. Cazorla on for Robben.

Subs at 75 mins. Change to normal 4-2-3-1. Khedira on for Cesc, next to Rakitic. Tevez on for Balotelli. Barkley to AM. AM trio slightly higher up the pitch.

United vs Chelsea. 19 July.

3-5-2. High pressing game. Shut out the space the opposition want to play in. Playing with a high tempo, in possession and without it.

The midfield trio will look to quickly feed the forwards who will drop deep to collect the ball. We’ve gone for wbs, and cms who will provide great energy in the midfield, but more importantly will be able to control possession. Pace in attack will be key to stretching the opposition positions, coming from the wbs, Vilhena and our two forwards. Cesc and Rakitic are the two that are tasked with playing the killer ball.

Balotelli and Robben up front are tasked with using their pace to stretch the opposition defence and pull players out of position. Create pockets of space for our attacking players to get into where they can hurt the opposition.

With the game in London, it'll be just like playing at home.

--------------- G.Buffon
----- Smalling – Pepe – Vertonghen
D.Alves ------------------------- A.Telles
-------- Cesc – I.Rakitic – Vilhena
----------- Balotelli – A.Robben

Defence

We will look to defend high up the pitch, playing a high pressing game. If the opposition have possession in their own half, our formation will resemble a 3-5-2. Looking to get all bodies in the opposition half bar our 3 cbs. Put high pressure on the opposition. Don’t let them play.

As the opposition progress up the pitch, we will drop deeper, and our formation will move to a 5-3-1-1 as the opposition enter our half. With 3 cbs the gaps between them are generally smaller, and with the additional cover of Alves and Telles it will be difficult for the Chelsea forwards to find space. Buffon used to playing with 3 cbs in front of him, will lead from the back, commanding his area and ensuring the defenders in front of him are setup in the correct shape.

Rakitic sits the deepest of the trio, ensuring we have cover to come across if they get past one of our cms. Vilhena’s defensive contribution, snapping at the opposition heels will give us great energy.

Robben will look to sit in front of the 3 cms moving from left to right with the ball. If the ball is past him, he will stay on the opposition dm. Drifting wide as soon as we win possession back.

Attack

We will be quite direct in attack. Quick passing football, keeping the ball on the deck. Pass and move simple. We want the midfield to be quick on the ball, not taking too many touches, find our forwards quickly, then look to get forward and ahead of them if possible.

Wbs look to get at the opposition fbs, with two forwards and 1 cm bombing forward and another looking to join the attack as well, we should overload the opposition defence making it extremely difficult to pick up our players in and around their box. One of the cms will stay deep, generally Rakitic. Offering the opposition to go backwards, and allow him to orchestrate our play and pick a pass.

Our setup gives our strikers great freedom when we are attacking, they are able to find the space to get the ball in dangerous areas, and with a strike partner this is far easier.

Robben generally will either drift wide to get behind the opposition defence, or drop deep centrally to look for the ball. Ballotelli will look to come deep centrally or be on the last cbs shoulder looking to time his run to be played in behind the opposition defence. The two can switch roles occasionally to keep the opposition defence thinking.

Subs.
After 55 mins bring on Khedira for Rakitic. Playing as a more natural dm, giving more freedom to Cesc.
After 65 mins bring on Clichy for Telles. Fresh legs needed in a demanding role.
Ater 70 mins bring on Rafael for Alves. Tevez for Balotelli and Barkley for Cesc.

STAMFORD BRIDGE CUP

5th July - Chelsea v EVERTON

-----------------Speroni-----------------
---Sagna - Lovren - Vlaar - Criscito---
------Dembele - Benat - Rodwell-----
--------Thauvin - Eto'o - Hulk----------

Subs: Alex, Richards, Arteta, Paulinho, Hernanes, Lens, Drmic

Implementing a new system today, playing 4-3-3 that will turn into a 4-5-1 when we lose possession, this is dependent on the wingers dropping back and sitting alongside the midfield three, this will give us adequate protection against the Chelsea attack but means we can hurt them on the counter attack.

Speroni - Command your area, stay big for one on ones, utilise your abilities with shot stopping and be wary of long range efforts. When in possession look for the fullbacks or midfielders.

Sagna/Criscito - Their wingers will be tough to stop, but always show them outside, do not allow them inside, force them wide and then prevent the cross from coming into the box. Get forward on occasions, one at a time to avoid being caught on the break ourselves. When forward overlap the winger and then get crosses into the area.

Lovren/Vlaar - Their striker (either Benzema or Llorente) will try to bully you. Both of you are capable of holding your own in this situation and also capable of beating him in the air. Fan likes playing one up top so little chance of the pair of you being outnumbered, Lovren to mark him and Vlaar to be the extra man, be first to the second ball and position yourself where necessary. In possession look for the midfielders.

Dembele/Benat/Rodwell - A midfield trio, I want you to dictate possession, all three of you are more than capable of doing that and limiting the Chelsea midfield from doing what they usually do. Benat the deep lying playmaker, Dembele the box to box man, Rodwell an extra defensive midfielder but also with licence to be box to box if the situation calls for it. Work hard without the ball to win it back, in possession look for the front three making runs, or the fullback overlapping you.

Thauvin/Eto'o/Hulk - Work as a front three, Thauvin right side, Hulk left, Eto'o central. Hulk and Thauvin will occupy the Chelsea fullbacks, look to beat them outside and cross, or cut inside and use Sagna/Criscito overlapping to create space, to either supply Sagna/Criscito to cross the ball or cut inside and shoot or pass short. Dembele and on occasion Rodwell will be joining you from midfield and getting into the area to keep Eto'o from being double marked. When any of you get a chance, shoot on sight. Eto'o is a clinical finisher so if possible give him first time chances as he will be facing the goal rather than playing back to goal.

Subs at half time:
Richards for Sagna, Alex for Lovren, Paulinho for Dembele, Arteta for Benat, Hernanes for Rodwell, Lens for Hulk, Drmic for Eto'o. All changes like for like, so the same system applies, each man coming on will have the same gameplan, except for Hernanes who will have more creative licence than Rodwell. Same 4-3-3 approach.

After subs:
-----------------Speroni-----------------
---Richards - Alex - Vlaar - Criscito---
-----Paulinho - Arteta - Hernanes---
--------Thauvin - Drmic - Lens--------

If losing at 70 mins:
Same personnel, but fullbacks become wingbacks, Hernanes pushes further forward into an AM role and it becomes an attacking 4-2-3-1/2-4-3-1 setup, push for goals and give Chelsea something to be concerned about.

Chelsea v Southampton

--------------------Neuer-------------------
Sciglio-----Varane-----Zouma-----Baines
------------------Carvalho------------------
--------------Vidal-------Pirlo--------------
Bernard----------------------------Neymar
------------------Benzema------------------

Iturraspe, Pogba, Bossaerts, Coman, Walcott, Januzaj, Morata


Another game to test out the squad, slightly different this time playing Carvalho as a holding midfielder to allowthe rest more freedom

In goal Manuel Neuer back in, top keeper, excellent shot stopper and all round good guy..Dominates his area, out to gather at forwards feet and will punch clear what he cant catch. Look to release the ball to fullbacks/wingers early.

Sciglio and Baines at fullback, alot to prove with Stones and Rodriguez breathing down there necks. With Carvalho holding this gives them more freedom to attack, however we do stress only one attacks at a time. When they do get down and support the wingers, pass and go, get to the outside creating a dilema for THEIR fullback, does he stick orr twist, ie go with attacking fullback or winger, either way one will have freedom to move and get beyond the fullback with quick passing, use the CMs if need be, quick one twos, if the fullback has it look to get in crosses for Benzema to attack. Varane and Zouma have played a lot together through the French teams, Varane will be the spare defender, he will control the ball from the back and start it moving from there nothing silly tho, will help out fellow defenders. Zouma will man mark, a soild defender, and a big lad, wont be pushed off the ball and will look to keep their CF very quiet, by moving on to him quickly when they come forward. When defending stick as a four man wall and push them back.

Carvalho keeps things simple he plays just in front of Varane and Zouma to give the young pairing extra security, his tckling is precise, hard and firm but very fair, wont let anyone passed him, if it gets phyisical then he will win the battle. Keep there AM/SS quiet, watch his movement and do not allow him to dictate play.

Pirlo is my playmaker, he makes us tick, will picjk up form Carvalho/Defence and get it up field into dangerous positions for our attacker to be in on goal, his vision is fantastic and barely puts a pass wrong. Vidal is a motor, he is up and down the pitch for the entirity, helps defend in beside Carvalho breaking down play, but he is also very dangerous moving forward, look to get into spaces where he can become a threat, support Benzema best he can, great shot on him as has Pirlo so both can shoot from distance. A tenacious character and will never give up as long as he is on the pitch.

Bernard and Neymar tricky wingers and will have freedom to have a go today, slightly different as Neymar is very direct, he looks to Benzema to pass and drive into to support, to receive the ball back for him to have a go, will take players on at will, we allow him to do this as he will either get fouled or defenders will be frightened to go near him. A very skillful lad and we allow him to express himself on the pitch. Bernard slightly different, he has the skill and speed but he uses his team mates more often, quick one twos, give and go, will use Sciglio a lot as he drives passed him, so he can cut inside and make himself available for the return ball. A tricky little player and can prove a lot to me today as to why he should be starting. Both wingers not renowned for defending but as long as they make a nuisance of themselves then we should be ok.

Benzema up top is a real predator, great natural finishing abitlity, both feet and head, get into positions to become a real threat for others to find him. If he cant go for goal then look for those coming in supporting him (Neymar, Vidal) and knock it back or a quick flick on passed the defenders. Always look for the gaps to drive into.

Captain:- Vidal
Penalties:- Benzema
Free Kicks:- Pirlo
Corners:- Wingers

Subs:-

Half Time
Iturraspe > Carvalho same role
Walcott > Bernard

60 Mins
Januzaj > Neymar
Morata > Benzema
Pogba > Pirlo

80 Mins
Coman > Vidal
Bossaerts > Sciglio

STAMFORD BRIDGE CUP

12th July - EVERTON v Manchester United

-----------------Mandanda-----------------
---Sagna - Alex - Bocchetti - Criscito---
------Dembele - Benat - Hernanes-----
------Thauvin - Eto'o - Agbonlahor-----

Subs: Richards, Vlaar, Ronan, Bigirimana, Redmond, Young, Carroll

Continuation of last week, playing 4-3-3 that will turn into a 4-5-1 when we lose possession, this is dependent on the wingers dropping back and sitting alongside the midfield three, this will give us adequate protection against the Man U attack but means we can hurt them on the counter attack.

Mandanda - Command your area, stay big for one on ones, utilise your abilities with shot stopping and be wary of long range efforts. When in possession look for the fullbacks or midfielders.

Sagna/Criscito - Their wingers will be tough to stop, but always show them outside, do not allow them inside, force them wide and then prevent the cross from coming into the box. Get forward on occasions, one at a time to avoid being caught on the break ourselves. When forward overlap the winger and then get crosses into the area.

Alex/Bocchetti - Their striker will be one who likes the ball to feet. Both of you are capable of holding your own in this situation and also capable of beating him in the air and to the ball. We expect Man U to play only one up top. Alex to mark him and Bocchetti to be the extra man, be first to the second ball and position yourself where necessary. In possession look for the midfielders.

Dembele/Benat/Hernanes - A midfield trio, I want you to dictate possession, all three of you are more than capable of doing that and limiting the Man U midfield from doing what they usually do. Benat the deep lying playmaker, Dembele the box to box man, Hernanes with licence to bring the ball forward from midfield and be the playmaker. Work hard without the ball to win it back, in possession look for the front three making runs, or the fullback overlapping you.

Thauvin/Eto'o/Agbonlahor - Work as a front three, Thauvin right side, Agbonlahor left, Eto'o central. Agbonlahor and Thauvin will occupy the Man U fullbacks, look to beat them outside and cross, or cut inside and use Sagna/Criscito overlapping to create space, to either supply Sagna/Criscito to cross the ball or cut inside and shoot or pass short. Dembele and Hernanes will be joining you from midfield and getting into the area to keep Eto'o from being double marked. When any of you get a chance, shoot on sight. Eto'o is a clinical finisher so if possible give him first time chances as he will be facing the goal rather than playing back to goal.

Subs at 60 mins:
Richards for Sagna, Vlaar for Alex, Ronan for Criscito, Bigirimana for Benat, Redmond for Thauvin, Young for Agbonlahor, Carroll for Eto'o

Team after subs
-----------------Mandanda-----------------
---Richards - Vlaar - Bocchetti - Ronan---
----Dembele - Bigirimana - Hernanes---
--------Redmond - Carroll - Young--------

If losing at 75 mins:
Fullbacks become wingbacks, Hernanes pushes further forward into an AM role and it becomes an attacking 4-2-3-1/2-4-3-1 setup, push for goals and give Man U something to be concerned about.

Chelsea v Man utd

----------------------Howard---------------------
----------Veltman---Varane---Bonucci----------
Sciglio-------------------------------------Baines
--------------Vidal----Pirlo----Pogba------------
----------------------------Neymar---------------
----------------------Drogba----------------------

Zouma, Ricardo, Iturraspe, Sanchez, Benzema, Coman

matching the 3-5-2 as agreed, we go into the game looking to play keep ball, keep the ball on the deck and quck one touch passing to get through the Man Utd defence

A back 3 in front of Tim Howard looks to be solid. Varane will be the spare defender who will help out the other two when/if needed. When he has the ball he is confindent enough to take it out and start attacks from deep. Not doing a man marking job on the CF as he will drift so which ever side he goes to, Veltman or Bonucci will go out to meet him quickly and keep him away from the danger area. he other will pick up the second striker. Like said if need be Varane is there to help and double up, will have to watch Robben for his movement and pace, so if the marking CB loses him Varane must be there to help. Watch for Robben diving in the box, time tackles perfectly.

Tim Howard is a top drawwer keeper, so does what he does, out early for high balls, punch what he cant clear, Keep on top of the defence and shut down forwards early, reducing there shooting angles.

Baines and Sciglio have to put in big shifts, up and down the flanks supporting both defence and attack, when we attack both can move forward as we have three at the back, however if Varane is on the move one must always stay back. Get up and support the midfield,, by sprinting up the pitch to force there fullbacks back and away from our danger area. look to pass inside and get passed them to recieve the ball back and drive in or get a good cross in for Drogba. If Drogba in space no harm in launching a cross from deep for him.

Pirlo will sit in and look to dictate play, his passing is top class, will look for the fullbacks driving forward and also Vidal and Pogba moving up into space. Simple really, doesnt have to drive forward but is very influential. Pogba and Vidal will sit in a three man mid when they attack looking to stop them coming through, but when we attack they must get themselves into good positions for Pirlo to find them. Look to klink up with the fullbacks and Neymar, to play quick passing and move in dangerous areas that will hurt Man Utd. Play quite a high line to force them back, so even if we lose the ball they have to start from deep giving us time to get back into position.

Neymar given a free role beside Drogba. will roam around looking for the erfect time to make his move, great skill and loves taking players on so will move left and right to link up with the fullbacks to get beyond there defenders. Wil also use the powerful Drogba for quick give and go's so he passes to him drives on and waits for the neat Drogba touch back to him.

Drogba is a great lone man up front, strong as an Ox to hold players off, great first touch so can get other players into the game quickly, two good feet and fantastic in the air so will look to meet crosses from the fullbacks. If Neymar, Vidal etc driving in look to lay it off for them as they drive into the box

Captain:- Pirlo
Penalties:- Vidal
Corners:- Neymar
Free Kicks:- Neymar

Subs:-

Half Time:-
Ricardo > Baines
Zouma > Veltman

60 Mins
Sanchez > Neymar
Benzema > Drogba

70 Mins:-
Iturraspe > Pirlo

80 Mins
Coman > Vidal

70 Mins Yedlin for Sciglio

EVERTON v Southampton

------------Mandanda
------Lovren Alex Caulker
Sagna -------Defour-------- Criscito
-----Dembele -------- Hernanes
-------------Hulk Eto'o

Absorb pressure, look to hurt Southampton on the counter attack. Bully their defence with Hulk and Eto'o playing as strikers, Hernanes and Dembele supporting from midfield, with Sagna and Criscito getting forward from wingback to get crosses in.

Without the ball, wingbacks and Dembele drop back alongside Defour to have 8 men behind the ball, Hernanes, Hulk and Eto'o to pressurise but stay forward to catch them out if they over commit.

Subs 65 mins:
Carroll for Hulk, Drmic for Eto'o, Dzagoev for Hernanes, Arteta for Defour, Thauvin for Dembele, Richards for Sagna, Ronan for Criscito. All like for like changes.

If losing at 75 mins: Wingbacks be further forward, get balls into the box for Carroll to win headers. Alex to join the attack at 85 mins for aerial bombardment.