Pencampwriaeth Cynghrair Dream Tactics

No, he's just late - I say we allow them

I also want them in

But Suarez is a great acquisition

You've won the league anyhow Tino

yer but this affects my weekly budget

but you said you wanted them in I just copied you

I do want them in

what I meant was lets have the game played..so I can see if I add 1.5m or 2m

Cup Final
SHAKHTAR SENSELESS v Little Horse

--------------Weidenfeller
Aurier - Pepe - Subotic - Coentrao
----------De Rossi - Khedira
-----------------Y.Toure
-Florenzi ------------------- Perisic
-----------------D.Costa

Subs: Muniesa, Vermaelen, Illarramendi, Januzaj, Origi

-----------------

This is it, the cup final. No extra motivation required, we go into the game as underdogs against a star studded Little Horse side, but we have a definite power advantage so that will be our aim today, to get stuck into the Little Horse side and bully them out of this final. They have a lot of technically gifted players but are lacking a backbone. We have a much more solid spine than they have, even including a much stronger pair of CB's than they do. Part of the plan is that Varane will struggle against Diego Costa, but Aguero will not have the same amount of joy he would normally get when Pepe and Subotic are on him. We are going to use our power advantages to win the cup.

We need to get at them with Yaya in the middle being his rampaging best with no real defensive responsibility. Florenzi, Perisic and Costa alongside Yaya are our attack today. De Rossi and Khedira have the responsibility in midfield but both have the temperament to cope with the pressure in this game today.

Like last week this game is about controlling the tempo and giving us the best chance of winning. They have some world class players in their side although we have some world class players of our own to hurt them and cause them real problems. Our front three with assistance from the fullbacks should create plenty of chances, and in midfield we have a trio who can dictate the game in De Rossi, Khedira and Yaya, we can control the possession and the flow of the game. Florenzi at RW with Perisic at LW but both able to cut inside and get at the Little Horse defence with Aurier/Coentrao overlapping. Diego Costa upfront will give us a physical presence and somebody who is able to hold up possession as well as create chances for himself and his teammates.

Weidenfeller - 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. On occasion go long for Costa.

Pepe/Subotic - Subotic to mark Aguero, force him high up the pitch thus limiting his impact close to goal, and Pepe to be the spare man, be first to the second ball and their second striker/AM making runs 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.

Aurier/Coentrao - Both of you to force the Little Horse wingers out wide, do not allow them to come inside as this will cause more problems for our midfield. They will want to cut inside so force them outside and block their crosses at source. They will try to create problems infield so its vital you only show them down the wing. If they play a diamond with no wingers you will need to form a narrow back four with the CB's and leave no spaces in behind. When we have possession, push forward and support Florenzi/Perisic 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 Costa and link with De Rossi/Khedira/Yaya. You will need to track back very quickly to ensure we don't get caught on the break.

De Rossi/Khedira - De Rossi as the defensive midfielder, able to assist the defenders in dealing with the Little Horse attack but isn't just someone who can break up play, I want you to win possession then immediately look to retain possession with Khedira and Yaya, also look for Florenzi, Perisic or Costa making runs. Khedira is playing the box to box role, assist the CB's and De Rossi in dealing with the Little Horse attack when we don't have the ball, if they play an AM stay on him, but don't follow if he drifts wide. Be first to any loose balls, in possession look for the attackers and pass rather than bring the ball out.

Yaya Toure - Yaya to burst forward to join the front three as our AM, look to receive the ball and run at the Little Horse defence, bring the ball to create space for others and look for the runs of Florenzi/Perisic/Costa. Shoot if you get into position, also force the Little Horse defenders to foul you when you're attacking as you're lethal from setpieces. Schneiderlin isn't a natural DM so will struggle to handle you running at him.

Florenzi/Perisic - Both playing out wide and both have the pace and trickery to beat the Little Horse 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 Costa with chances and also provide yourselves with chances. Link up with De Rossi/Khedira/Yaya, and capitalise on the space Costa's presence will create for you. Without the ball I expect you two to track back and assist your fullback.

Costa - you will be expected to occupy the Little Horse centrebacks, hold up possession and look to turn the defender and shoot. Be strong in the air and look for your teammates trying to pick you out from deep. Shoot on sight. Stay on the last defender's shoulder for any passes in behind. Look to hold up possession on occasion to feed the AM's.

------------------

Subs 70 mins:
If winning: Yaya off, Illarramendi on. Illarramendi to drop alongside De Rossi and Khedira in a 4-5-1 as we shut up shop. Florenzi moves to RM with Perisic at LM, absorb pressure and hit on the break.

If drawing: Khedira and Perisic off, Origi and Januzaj on. Change to a 4-1-3-2, De Rossi the sitting CM, look to push for the winner without overcommitting. Yaya at AM with Florenzi RW and Januzaj LW, more space for Aurier and Coentrao to get forward, Costa and Origi the front two, enough power to destroy their CB's.

If losing: Khedira and Pepe off, Origi and Januzaj on. Switch to 3-1-4-2, Aurier - Subotic - Coentrao the back three, De Rossi the deep playmaker, Florenzi - Yaya - Perisic - Januzaj behind a front two of Origi and Costa. Push for goals in this "must not lose" game.

I emailed mine, but just for transparency...

Cup final tactics

-------------------------------Forster------------------------------------
----------------Varane----------------------Rugani--------------------
Alves-------------------------Ginter-----------------------Rodriguez
------------------Rakitic--------------Schneiderlin--------------------
------------Muller----------------------------------Isco-----------------
--------------------------------Aguero------------------------------------

Subs - Horn, Trippier, Kramer, Draxler, Alcacer

General -

Possession football based on quality and quantity in the middle, and width from two WBs. Defensive we have a high energy midfield who will press giving us time to retake defensive stations, and a high line to counter the physicality of Costa.

We have come here to control the game. I believe Marky will go for three in the middle, I believe that had I matched him, my midfield would still dictate the tempo and nature of the game. As it is, I've decided to pack the middle of the park, so not only do we have the edge in terms of quality, but we also beat him with quantity too.

Like I say, we've come here to get on the ball and dominate possession. By holding onto the ball, we can take control of the game, and make sure it pans out in the best way for us, and leaves Marky's tactics largely redundant. A narrow midfield, bolstered by two of the best wing-backs the modern game has to offer, and quite simply the best striker in the game at the moment means we should boss the game. It's essentially a possess and press system. If we have the ball, great, we can work it around our midfield, using our numerical advantage to make this process easy for ourselves. If we lose the ball, we need to have a period of concerted pressing, which is something my entire midfield is fantastic at, to either win the ball back immediately, or to force Marky's side into a backwards, conservative, pass, allowing our advanced wing-backs to drop deep and retake their defensive stance.

Interestingly, Marky tends to want his teams to "control the tempo" of the game, I feel that this is a tactic he'll stick with in this match. My numbers and quality will ensure that this gameplan is massively disrupted, causing mayhem in Senseless's ranks. If we have the ball, and absolutely dominate the game, which I believe we will, Marky's whole tactical analysis is rendered useless.

So, in essence, we'll be playing like Pep's Bayern do, power in possession, moving the ball well, but a solid, defensive tactic when we do lose it.

Defence -

Marky's danger man up top is obviously Costa. My CBs were criticised earlier in the season for being unable to cope with the 50 year old's physicality, so to combat that we've come up with a new plan.

First and foremost, the defence will hold a high line. Costa is brilliant when the ball is delivered from out wide into the box, less so when it's to his feet and he's away from the penalty box. Varane and Rugani can both beat Costa in a footrace, so this highline eliminates his most dangerous elements and replaces it with something which is inherently more controllable.

However, even then, attackers may break down the wing against our will - luckily for us, our wingbacks today are incredibly fast so should be able to recover. This recovery doesn't necessarily have to win the ball back or get a block in, it mainly needs to put the opposition wingers under so much pressure that they cannot take time to deliver a perfect cross in - They'll be limited to hit and hopes rather than targeted crosses.

At this point, Forster, the man mountain, will be out claiming crosses - He'll look to punch rather than catch (unless the catch is uncontested), this will give him an easier job on dealing with the wide balls. Varane and Rugani will get between Costa and the goal, they need to keep easing him out from the crosses, making sure that Forster has a clear run at the ball.

Like I say, I believe this tactic deals with Costa's strengths, and forces him to attempt elements of the game that he is weaker in.

In terms of attacking, both WBs should be looking to get forward, this allows Muller and Isco to operate centrally. Both of them possess a wicked cross, and creativity in abundance, so by going forward, they really play to their own games. You might think this leaves me vulnerable at the back! Well! Think again! Firstly, Ginter is playing a loose DM/CB role today - Much like many modern day teams do - When the WBs break forward, he drops deeper, and Varane and Rugani spread a little, this covers us in case of a break. Secondly, if the WBs get forward, and we lose the ball, the midfield and attackers will press, they immediately force Senseless to look back, rather than forward. This gives Alves and Rodriguez (both quick players) time to return to their defensive posts.

Again, I believe Marky will look to 'control' the game, to do this his team will be looking to play short passes - Not the long balls which could cause us difficulty because it would turn us before we have a chance to retake our defensive stance.

Midfield -

Ginter, when we are in possession of the ball, will sit deep anyway. He's our recycle outlet. If our players run into trouble, they know that he will always be back, ready to pick up the ball, and maintain our control of the game.

The four midfielders in front of him are perfect for this system - They aren't just big names for the sake of big names. I'll start with our own game, which is all about keeping hold of possession, moving it forward in a controlled manner, and getting Senseless chasing the game, tiring, and out of position.

All four players are fantastic on the ball - Technically they are all astute, passing wise they are some of the best in the world. Rakitic is the heir to Xavi's throne, Isco the heir to Iniesta's, Schneiderlin to Carrick and Muller is just Muller. These four players, playing against a midfield that is expected to by Yaya, Khedira and De Rossi should have a field day. All four are better in possession (although De Rossi might have a shout in that, maybe) and they have the numerical advantage - This is exacerbated by Yaya's decline in the last season or two, which sees him as a formidable attacker, but a lazy defender.

Essentially, I feel that my four, with the help of Ginter, a well advanced defence, two fantastic WBs in advanced positions, and Aguero, a great technical player up top, will be simply too good for Senseless to compete with. We will control the middle of the park, and with it, the game.

Eventually, this possession will tire out Senseless (again, outnumbered, and lazy) and pull them out of position - at which point our attackers can move into the space and strike.

When, shock horror, we do lose the ball, all four of the above players need to press, Aguero will to. This is part of their natural game. Taking them one by one... Rakitic, again, heir to Xavi, he's shown that he's adapted to the Barca way which is a facsimile of how we're setting out today. Schneiderlin, regularly tops charts for tackles, interceptions and defensive contributions in the PL, added in is his engine to get up and down, in their faces, all day. Muller, again works tirelessly, a brilliant engine, and has taken to Pep's system immaculately. Isco is a strange one, before last season, I wouldn't have thought he could hack this system of pass and press, but he's shown that in a central role, his defensive abilities are really quite good.

Without trying to bang on about it, this pressing will allow the WBs, who have advanced forward to provide yet more options to the passing whirlwind we're setting out to create, to return to their defensive bunks before Senseless can even consider launching and attack.

To conclude the midfield section, I feel they fit perfectly into the style I am trying to instil in them today. They have the offensive qualities to control a game, and keep the ball moving intelligently, all aimed at getting forward whilst running Senseless ragged, but importantly they also have the attributes to make a success of their defensive duties too.

Forwards -

Aguero What really needs to be said?!

Well, for staters, Aguero will look to be playing right off the shoulder. His pace in behind will force Senseless to sit deep - creating a gap between their defence and midfield which furthers out cause of controlling the centre of the pitch and thus the game - or risk letting the deadliest striker in the world in behind them for plenty of one-on-ones.

In playing like this, Aguero will take three, potentially four (depending on how tightly Marky controls his FBs today), defenders out the game all on his own.

As we gain control, and start to press the advantage, our midfielders will naturally keep moving up the pitch, each pass bringing them closer and closer into the dangerzone. When we get close enough, Isco and Muller will engage their defenders, going close, pulling off for pass - In the process dragging defenders out of position, Aguero can then exploit these gaps which will constantly open up. With Rakitic, Schneiderlin, Muller and Isco pulling the strings from slightly deeper, there's no way Aguero (and other forwards moving into advanced positions) won't be found time and time again, the midfielders are just too good, and will have the space and time (again, quantity and quality of midfielders swamping Marky's lot) to really pick their passes.

Defensively, Aguero needs to press. He's a tenacious engine. Constantly on the move, one of the best offensive pressers I've seen.

Substitutes -

Winning - 70 - Isco off Kramer on. Kramer is a world cup winner, and a world cup final starter. It's merely that he's too defensive that he failed to make this line up today. But when we've got a lead to defend, he'll come on and help us see out the game. Rakitic moves forward and takes Isco's offensive berth, Kramer, Schneiderlin and Ginter all offer a veritable brick wall of a midfield in terms of defence. This will be more than enough to see out the game.

Losing/Drawing - 70 - Draxler on for Ginter. 4-2-3-1. Draxler to LW, Muller to RW, Isco at No.10. Start to target the fullbacks who haven't really had wingers to deal with this game, hopefully this sudden change in tempo will catch them unawares and batter our way back into the game.

Losing - 80 - Schneiderlin off for Alcacer - Alcacer with a debut on cup final day! Can he be the hero?! Rakitic and Isco in a very offensive CM pairing - But remember, Marky's team must be getting exhausted now - Alcacer and Aguero up top gives us pace and guile in abundance. With the FBs being targeted, and the CBs now up against two top quality strikers, will Senseles be able to withstand the last 10 minutes of the final?

Other Factors -

Penalties - If the game goes to the wire, our penalty takers are, in order - Muller, Aguero, Rakitic, Draxler, Rodriguez, Alcacer, Isco, Schneiderlin.

Freekicks - When set for a left footer, Rodriguez - One of the sweetest FK takers in the world. When set for a right footer, Rakitic - Same as Rodriguez - I really think set pieces could be a key strength to my team.

Captain - Rakitic - A model professional. Cool, calm, experienced, and quality. He'll lead by example.

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