League Cup Tactics

--------------------Cech
Lahm---Chambers--Chiellini--Gibbs
--------------------Carvalho
-----------Silva---------Yaya
Ox-----------------------------Di Maria
----------------Aguero

Subs – Foster, indi Kolarov, Ramsey, Hererra, Martinez, Campbell

70 – Ramsey For Carvalho – Swap positions with Yaya
75 – Herrera with Ox – swap positions with Silva

Game Plan – I want my team to play counter attacking football. We need to be in their faces by continuously pressing them and keeping all men behind the ball (when we are off the ball). When on the ball we need to be direct and composed. We need to use our wingers as much as possible because that is where I believe we can take advantage of them. Their full backs will be attacking a lot and leaving plenty of gaps behind them. We need to dominate the midfield battle and control the game how we want it to be controlled. We need to control possession and work the ball into spaces. Try and keep it tight for the opposition so when we get the ball we can exploit any spaces left.

Our full backs and wingers shall press as well. Our team will be aiming to obtain the ball as soon as possible and then punish the opposition with swift attacks. We want to play a deep defensive line and keep things tight on the pitch. Therefore we shall aim to keep our defence behind the centre circle off the ball bar our full backs who will be invited to move forward. We want to reduce the amount of freedom the opposition has on the ball. Our players will keep close to the opposition’s men and push them back. We want to force errors out of them and push off the ball. Our two centre backs will stick together, whether that is when we are off the ball or when we are up for set pieces. The full backs shall cover the goal area during these set pieces. Our full backs shall be keeping our defensive line tight when we are off the ball, sticking in a line with our centre backs. However on the ball I want them moving forward and helping form the attacks. Our two defensive midfielders will be looking to slow down play, hold the ball and create opportunities by moving the ball forward as quick as possible. Defensively this will force the game to be tight and cancel out the opposition. On the ball it should free up space for our attackers and move forward as quickly as possible.

Our attacking play will be fast and neat. Our two defensive midfielders will be breaking up play, holding on to the ball and then setting our wingers free. This means we want to play with plenty of pace. Out of our 2 wingers Ox is our fastest and we are likely to get some space in this area. Silva is playing central today so he should be able to make plenty of runs. Our wingers and number 10 shall be integrating with each other’s play and therefore we will have plenty of options during our attacks.

Positional Tactics:

Lahm should play as a wing back. I want him to move forward during our attacks. He should stay out wide to create a crossing option. I want him to create space for our wingers. While defending Bellerin should try and push the player back. If he can’t do that he should push him out wide to a position where he has to kick the ball off. Gibbs should play the same way.

Dante should use his height and strength to keep the striker(s) out of the game. I want him to keep with that attacker at all times or keep him offside. He should try and header every ball out of the box or kick it away preferably to the wingers. He should only go up for corners/free kicks. Chiellini should play the same way as Dante.

Carvalho will be the DM. He should look to disrupt their attacking play and reduce the space around their playmaker. He should hold his position and not get caught up field. I want him to control the style of the game we play. While acting as cover for our defence he should also separate the midfield from the defence by keeping hold of the ball and form attacks.

Yaya will be our box-box midfielder. I want him to identify spaces up the pitch. He should take hold of the ball and supply it to any of the front 3 ahead and try to exploit any space. When we’re attacking I want him to move up and stay in space. When off the ball he should be a ball winning player.

I want ox to use his skill and pace and make runs into the box. He must use his pace to outrun the full back but also his quality control of the ball to dribble round him. When we’re off the ball I want him help Bellerin cover their full back. I would like Di Maria to do the same.

Silva should use his pace and strength to make runs into the box and opening up space for Aguero. He will look to supply the ball to the wingers as well. Try and force their defensive midfielder to move out of position and allow our wingers to use that space by running into the centre. Off the ball he should drop back and play deeper therefore he will be able to use more of his trickery to open up games during a counter attack.

I would like Silva, Ox and Di Maria to intersect and change positions.

Aguero must use his pace and skill to open up spaces for the wingers and central players to run into. I want him to stay inside the box so that he remains an option in the middle. However he should drop deeper to bring the defenders forward and open up space behind them. He should look to overpower their defenders with his pace and strength and height. He should constantly look to move into space to create himself as an option for the defence. When we’re defending he should mark the player at the edge of the box.


Captain: Yaya
Vice Captain: Chiellini
Penalties: Silva
Free Kicks: Silva
Corners: Silva

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

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

Team:

----------------- D.De Gea -------------
Piszczek --- Ramos -- Marquinhos -- Bernat
------- S.Busquets ----- I Rakitic ------
A.Robben ---------------------------- F.Ribery
--------------- Carlos Tevez --------------
---------------- Harry Kane ---------------

Subs : Caballero, Paulista, Coentrao, Wilshere, Pastore, Jovetic, Bacca
-----------------
Bacca > Tevez - 70th minute - As their defenders tire we'll look to get further physical presence up top to get in their faces looking to create opportunities.

Wilshere > Rakitic - 75th minute - A fresh face in midfield, Wilshere should look to get from A to B as quick as possible and ensure we are dictating.
----------------------
The outline:
A strong team selection as we look to build real momentum and get through to the latter stages of the cup. I want a fast paced, clinical performance looking to take the bull by its horns and playing with real intent from the off as we look to get the ball as much as possible out into those front 4 who are all playing out of their skins.

De Gea in top form and one of the best in the world at keeping the ball out through his agility and flexibility whether that be long-range, one on one or reaction saves.

In defence we look to defend deep as we feel this suits our CB’s best in looking to cut off any supply to their striker. We’ll look to dominate physically looking to bully off the ball showing who’s boss. Ramos and Marquinhos complement each other very well and must dominate from the outset with their exceptional quality coming to the fore. In midfield S.Busquets and I.Rakitic must maintain the pressure and look to disrupt the play.

Attacking wise we must look to stretch the opposition as much as possible getting the ball out to Robben and Ribery with my FB’s giving them real support. Tevez slots in just behind Kane looking to bully their defenders and giving as much support as possible, Kane will look to hold the ball up whilst others make runs off him so we can attack with pace whilst being his usual clinical self in-front of goal.
-----------------
Individual tactics:

De Gea starts and he has the ability to win games with his keeping. He has a real presence in and around his box so he must command well today, very vocal, quick off his feet and distribution swift and on point.

FB’s both very solid defensively and must look to keep it simple today, we need to present from the outset that it will take an almost striking effort to get past these two, I want us to get as physical as possible looking to muscle them off the ball and generally looking to use a bullying demeanour. Our wingers need to assist them as much as possible doubling up on the opposition’s and not giving an inch so we can prevent them cutting inside and imposing themselves.
Ramos and Marquinhos add additional layers to our defensive solidarity, Ramos is as committed as they come and should look to lead the line. He’s responsible for marking their main striker today and should firmly look to get stuck in going toe to toe with every challenge and pushing him back as much as possible, I want us to suck as much confidence out of their striker as possible due to his limited involvement so he makes fewer runs and worth ethic is questioned. Marquinhos partners Ramos and is entirely in his comfort zone. He should look to keep an eye on second runners and look to keep everything in check generally staying alert to any danger and covering Ramos's tracks through his more substantial pace and mobility.

S.Busquets adds force and bite to our midfield, He should look to flex his muscles and get snapping at heels. He must work tirelessly for the full 90 with his intensive pressing setting the perfect example to others as we work collectively to keep them out.
Rakitic partners and I want him to support Busquets as much as possible whilst playing in a more box to box role looking to run his socks off adding as much as possible to our play down both ends. Rakitic also adds so much creativity to the side so I want him dictating the tempo to our needs looking to make himself available at all times, getting our forward players in time and space and in short running the show.

Robben will act as the focal point, we generally want to get ball out to him as much as possible. I want him pulling the strings and dictating the play, v direct looking to use his drive to fly past challenges and opening up the game so others have the space and time when they receive the ball. Ribery has a similar role on the left, I want him taking on his FB as much as possible and mixing it up with deliveries, occasionally cutting inside to good measure with the support of Bernat in behind. C.Tevez starts in a more centrally attacking role today, I want him up and down that pitch supporting our play in every means possible, attacking wise looking to make himself a link in between our wingers so he is always available for a pass on the edge of the box and taking the burden of Kane occupying their defenders and riling them both on and off the ball.

H.Kane is the perfect foil for us up top today. He will defiantly get the better of defenders as he is strong, energetic, powerful and can hold his own. He’s able to score all types of goals and is a very willing runner pressing from the front. He’ll look to link-up with others as much as possible holding up the ball and bringing others into play generally influencing our play as much as possible.
----------------
C - Ramos
FK's/corners - Robben/I Rakitic (Corners)
Pens - Tevez

FA Cup Semi Final
MANCHESTER UNITED v Chelsea

Injuries: Manquillo, Sokratis, Perez, Davies

------------------Buffon
Debuchy - Subotic - Howedes - Gaya
---------------Illarramendi
-----------Khedira - Fabregas
------------------Hazard
-----------J.Martinez - Rooney

Subs: Mandanda, Caceres, Pirlo, Hamsik, Milner, Schurrle, Alcacer

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

Very tough game today against Chelsea, they have some quality players in their side, however we have the players to hurt them and cause them real problems. We are playing a 4-4-2 diamond, with Illarramendi our midfielder, Khedira playing box to box and Fabregas the playmaker. Our front three with assistance from the fullbacks should create plenty of chances, Hazard to work hard and drift wide and get crosses in for Jackson Martinez and Rooney upfront, Rooney also has licence to drop deep.

Buffon - 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 Martinez/Rooney.

Subotic/Howedes - Subotic to mark Benzema, force him high up the pitch thus limiting his impact close to goal, and Howedes 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.

Debuchy/Gaya - Both of you to force the Chelsea 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 Hazard as he will drift wide then cut inside the fullback and you will provide the overlap to either create space or supply crosses into the area for Martinez and Rooney. You will need to track back very quickly to ensure we don't get caught on the break.

Illarramendi - Playing as the defensive midfielder, assist the CB's in dealing with the Chelsea attack, if they play an AM stay on him, but don't follow if he drifts wide. If they have a second striker who drops off ensure you're on top of him too. Be first to any loose balls and in possession look for the attackers and pass rather than bring the ball out.

Khedira/Fabregas - Khedira playing the box to box role, without the ball be a second DM alongside Illarramendi but with the ball look to get forward, try and pin Chelsea back in their own half and link the play. Fabregas with more licence to roam, link with Hazard and the strikers, but also assist defensively if we're under severe pressure. In possession drive forward and look to play in either striker or have a go yourself.

Hazard - Playing the AM role, with the ball I want you to drift left and right, drag their DM out of position as they will be assigned to track your runs, on occasion swap with Rooney to create confusion and leave space for your teammates to run into. Link with Fabregas, Rooney, Martinez and the fullbacks, look for Martinez on the last defender for a through ball and also shoot if you get the opportunity. Get yourself between their DM and the ball, make them go through you and foul you to stop you, thus creating setpiece chances for us.

Martinez/Rooney - Martinez will be expected to occupy the Chelsea 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. With Rooney, Fabregas and Hazard being creative on your behalf I expect many chances to be created for you. You need to be ruthless and clinical and we can win this game. Rooney to be the second striker, without the ball drop deeper alongside Hazard and help creatively, drift wide on occasion to give an overlap to the fullback, but when you can join Martinez in the area to give Chelsea two strikers to deal with. Shoot on sight and also link with Martinez and Hazard wherever possible.

Subs 70 mins:
If winning: Martinez off, Milner on. Switch to a 4-2-3-1, Khedira joins Illarramendi at DM, with Milner RW, Fabregas CM and Hazard LW. Rooney the sole striker, absorb pressure and look to hit Chelsea on the break.

------------------Buffon
Debuchy - Subotic - Howedes - Gaya
---------Khedira - Illarramendi
----------------Fabregas
Milner-----------------------------Hazard
-----------------Rooney


If drawing: Illarramendi off, Pirlo on. Same formation, Pirlo a much better playmaker from deep than Illarramendi, push for the winner without overcommitting.

------------------Buffon
Debuchy - Subotic - Howedes - Gaya
-------------------Pirlo
-----------Khedira - Fabregas
------------------Hazard
----------J.Martinez - Rooney


If losing: Illarramendi, Gaya and Khedira off, Schurrle, Hamsik and Pirlo on. Change to 3-1-4-2. Push for goals!

-------------------Buffon
------Debuchy - Subotic - Howedes
--------------------Pirlo
Schurrle - Fabregas - Hamsik - Hazard
----------Rooney - J.Martinez

---------------------Neuer---------------------
D.Alves-----Zouma-----Bonucci-----Ricardo
---------------------Blind----------------------
---------------Guarin---Pogba----------------
Sanchez-------------------------------Neymar
-------------------Benzema-------------------

Karius, Varane, Bazoer, Pererya, Sterling, Depay, Cavani

A huge match and one we intend to go out and win, Vidal out is a big miss so Blind comes in to protect the back four..We will ppay our usual pass and move game looking to hurt Man Utd with our front 5.

Manuel Neuer is the best keeper in the World, not alot gers passed him and instills massive confidence in not just the back four but the whole team, he dominates his area and is off his line quickly to shut down forwards. Will come and claim high balls or at least punch clear. Will look to get our players away quickly with throws out or long kicks.

The back four will need to be on there guard today. Bonucci will man mark the main CF, stick very close to him and dont give him ant space to move or get into dangerous positions, is confident on the ball so will look to carry it out when in no danger and set up attacks from the back. Zouma will look to attack any high balls coming into the area and will mark any big men that come up for set plays, very confident young man, this will not faze him. Will help Bionucci out as much as possible.

Alves and Ricardo two attacking fullbacks, but we stress one attacks at a time, the other stays back. instructions are simple. When we attack drive down the outside of Sanchez and Neymar, taking the fullback away allowing them to cut inside to support Benzema, wether they get the ball is up to our wingers but make the pass and sprint passed freeing up space centrally. If they get the ball back then whip in some nasty crosses for benzema etc..Defending stay close to the wingers allowing zere room to get passed or at least push them out wide keeping them away from our box.

Blind comes into the DM role, stopping there SS or AM becoming a threat and stopping him dictating play, be onto him quickly and hound him down and force him into silly passes or just make him give the ball away. He wont go passed the half way line very often, and when the ball is won simple passes to those around him.

Pogba and Guarin ahead of him have everything, they help out defensivley by sitting either side of Blind when they attack, not allowing them to get that far up the pitch and restricting there forwards by not allowing the ball get to them. They will harray and harrass the Man Utd midfield. When we attack, One drives forward to support Benzema and the other will link the play between backs and forwards. Burst forward at pace getting away from markers and always be looking for balls coming there way, both got good shots so not afraid to try. Always be looking to link with the wingers and Benzema topick holes in there defence and to drive into with or without the ball.

Sanchez and Neymar are class. Both lightning quick with nimble feet which more often than not takes them passed the fullback, wether they knock it passed them and drive on or simple a quick turn, and there away. Will have fullbacks supporting them so this allows them to pass and cut inside where both are very useful. Give and go, wait for the return and go for goal, or look to drive into the box in support of Benzema. Neymar focusses more on the ttricks and twists to see him passed, whereas Sanchez likes to make the pass that gives him time to look for space for him to drive into and wait for the return. Both very dangerous and with support from there respective fullbacks we will be a danger out wide. When defending look to get back and stop there defenders becoming a threat.

Benzema will get his chances, he must put away this Man utd side who will be stubborn. Get into positions that he can go for goalor at very least drag players away for other players to drive into the space. Good in the air and two good feet, can score from various angles/ranges..All of our front five will be a threat today we must go for it , do not panic if we go behind, pass and move, one twos, movement ot drag them out of position..
Captain - Bonucci
Penalties - Neymar
Free kicks - Sanchez(Right)Neymar(left and central)
Corners - Wingers

Subs -
losing -
70 Mins - Sterling and Cavani for Guarin and Benzema 4231, Sterling in a central position but always interchanging with the wingers
80 Mins - Depay for Alves, 3 at the back, Depay left wing and Neymar up top 3412

88 Mins all out attack Sanchez up top Sterling Right wing 343

Winning -
75 Mins - Bazoer and Cavani for Guarin and Benzema, Bazoer sits in beside Blind, Cavani looks to hold up near the end and still good for a goal if need be
85 Mins - Pereyra for Neymar switch with Sanchez, two wingers who will work very hard

Drawing -
70 Mins - Cavani for Benzema, Sterling for Guarin 4231
straight swaps but Sterling a bit more creative and fresh legs v a tiring defence

-------------------Martinez
Lahm---Chiellini---Kompany--Gibbs
--------------------Bender
-----------Ramsey---------Yaya
Ronaldo------------------------------Di Maria
----------------Aguero

Subs –Chambers, Jones, Coquelin, El Sharaawy, Ox, Podolski, Campbell

70 - Ox for Di maria
75 – Coquelin for Ramsey – 4-3-3 Flat please.

IF WINNING

80 – Chambers for Aguero – Play :

Martinez
Lahm Chambers Chiellini Kompany Gibbs
Coquelin Bender Yaya
Ox
Ronaldo

Game Plan – I want my team to play counter attacking football. We need to be in their faces by continuously pressing them and keeping all men behind the ball (when we are off the ball). When on the ball we need to be direct and composed. We need to use our wingers as much as possible because that is where I believe we can take advantage of them. Their full backs will be attacking a lot and leaving plenty of gaps behind them. We need to dominate the midfield battle and control the game how we want it to be controlled. We need to control possession and work the ball into spaces. Try and keep it tight for the opposition so when we get the ball we can exploit any spaces left.

Our full backs and wingers shall press as well. Our team will be aiming to obtain the ball as soon as possible and then punish the opposition with swift attacks. We want to play a deep defensive line and keep things tight on the pitch. Therefore we shall aim to keep our defence behind the centre circle off the ball bar our full backs who will be invited to move forward. We want to reduce the amount of freedom the opposition has on the ball. Our players will keep close to the opposition’s men and push them back. We want to force errors out of them and push off the ball. Our two centre backs will stick together, whether that is when we are off the ball or when we are up for set pieces. The full backs shall cover the goal area during these set pieces. Our full backs shall be keeping our defensive line tight when we are off the ball, sticking in a line with our centre backs. However on the ball I want them moving forward and helping form the attacks. Our two defensive midfielders will be looking to slow down play, hold the ball and create opportunities by moving the ball forward as quick as possible. Defensively this will force the game to be tight and cancel out the opposition. On the ball it should free up space for our attackers and move forward as quickly as possible.

Our attacking play will be fast and neat. Our two defensive midfielders will be breaking up play, holding on to the ball and then setting our wingers free. This means we want to play with plenty of pace. Out of our 2 wingers Ox is our fastest and we are likely to get some space in this area. Ramsey is playing central today so he should be able to make plenty of runs. Our wingers and number 10 shall be integrating with each other’s play and therefore we will have plenty of options during our attacks.

Positional Tactics:

Lahm should play as a wing back. I want him to move forward during our attacks. He should stay out wide to create a crossing option. I want him to create space for our wingers. While defending Lahm should try and push the player back. If he can’t do that he should push him out wide to a position where he has to kick the ball off. Gibbs should play the same way.

Kompany should use his height and strength to keep the striker(s) out of the game. I want him to keep with that attacker at all times or keep him offside. He should try and header every ball out of the box or kick it away preferably to the wingers. He should only go up for corners/free kicks. Chiellini should play the same way as Kompany.

Bender will be the DM. He should look to disrupt their attacking play and reduce the space around their playmaker. He should hold his position and not get caught up field. I want him to control the style of the game we play. While acting as cover for our defence he should also separate the midfield from the defence by keeping hold of the ball and form attacks.

Yaya will be our box-box midfielder. I want him to identify spaces up the pitch. He should take hold of the ball and supply it to any of the front 3 ahead and try to exploit any space. When we’re attacking I want him to move up and stay in space. When off the ball he should be a ball winning player.

I want Ronaldo to use his skill and pace and make runs into the box. He must use his pace to outrun the full back but also his quality control of the ball to dribble round him. When we’re off the ball I want him help Lahm cover their full back. I would like Di Maria to do the same.

Ramsey should use his pace and strength to make runs into the box and opening up space for Aguero. He will look to supply the ball to the wingers as well. Try and force their defensive midfielder to move out of position and allow our wingers to use that space by running into the centre. Off the ball he should drop back and play deeper therefore he will be able to use more of his trickery to open up games during a counter attack.

I would like Ramsey, Ox and Di Maria to intersect and change positions.

Aguero must use his pace and skill to open up spaces for the wingers and central players to run into. I want him to stay inside the box so that he remains an option in the middle. However he should drop deeper to bring the defenders forward and open up space behind them. He should look to overpower their defenders with his pace and strength and height. He should constantly look to move into space to create himself as an option for the defence. When we’re defending he should mark the player at the edge of the box.


Captain: Yaya
Vice Captain: Chiellini
Penalties: Ramsey
Free Kicks: Ramsey
Corners: Ramsey

IF PENS

1. Ronaldo
2. Ox
3. Aguero
4. Yaya
5. Lahm
6. Bender
7. Gibbs
8. Coquelin
9. Kompany
10. Chiellini
11. Chambers
12. Martinez

Team:

------------------------- De Gea -----------------
-------- Marquinhos --- Ramos ---- Cahill
B.Sagna ------ Fernando --- Wilshere ------- F.Coentrao
---------------------- Carlos Tevez -----------------------
------------------- H.Kane -- C.Bacca ---------------------

Subs: Caballero, Piszczek, Paulista, Bernat, Pastore, Ribery, Jovetic
----------------------------------------
Subs:
Ribery > Coentrao – 60th minute – The game should open up slightly more and I want us using Ribery as an outlet to break so we can feed the front 3.

Pastore > Bacca – 75th minute – (AM, Tevez – Kane ST) – Pastore look to take the game to them looking to run at their defenders and creating space for others.

Paulista > Cahill 80th+ (if winning/draw) – An added physical presence in defence look to keep it tight and solid defensively.
-----------------------------
The outline:
A side packed with solidarity and power, we have nothing to lose and everything to gain so we're going to go out there and give it our all.

We want to get 9 men behind the ball at all times looking to ensure they’re unable to break us down, I want a constant stream of breaking up the fluidity of the game with persistent ‘clever’ fouls in areas their unlikely to pose a threat to goal. I want our strikers pressing from the front looking to force mistakes whilst the likes of Fernando, Wilshere and Tevez must tie down the midfield and get stuck in with a highly organised and stern pressing system in place whilst the Fb’s squeeze and narrow down the space.

In terms of cohesion and team unity we are one for all and all for one whereas they have certain players who don’t necessarily like going back and fulfilling defensive duties so we must take advantage of this and attacking wise push one on one situations as much as possible.

Attacking wise I want us to draw as much fouls as possible even if it means going down too easily and with the resulting set-pieces looking to get significant height and power into the box, Ramos, Cahill, Sagna, Fernando, Tevez, Kane and Bacca all come up and we do whatever it takes to get the ball into the net.
--------------------------------

De Gea has the ability to win games with his keeping. He has a real presence in and around his box so he must command well today, very vocal, quick off his feet and distribution swift and on point.

FB’s both very solid defensively and must look to keep it simple today, we need to present from the outset that it will take an almost striking effort to get past these two, I want us to get as physical as possible looking to muscle them off the ball and generally looking to use a bullying demeanour. Our strikers need to assist them as much as possible doubling up on the opposition’s and not giving an inch so we can prevent them cutting inside and imposing themselves.
Ramos, Marquinhos and Cahill add additional layers to our defensive solidarity, Ramos is as committed as they come and should look to lead the line. He’s responsible for marking their main striker today and should firmly look to get stuck in going toe to toe with every challenge and pushing him back as much as possible, I want us to suck as much confidence out of their striker as possible due to his limited involvement so he makes fewer runs and worth ethic is questioned. Marquinhos on the right is entirely in his comfort zone. He should look to keep an eye on second runners and look to keep everything in check generally staying alert to any danger and covering Ramos's tracks through his more substantial pace and mobility. Cahill will put his body and soul on the line, I want an all round committed performance looking to get those last ditch blocks in, intercepting at will, contesting those 50/50 challenges to the best of his ability and using his awareness and surroundings to ensure we limit their number of goalscoring opportunities.

Fernando adds force and bite to our midfield, He should look to flex his muscles and get snapping at heels. He must work tirelessly for the full 90 with his intensive pressing setting the perfect example to others as we work collectively to keep them out.
Wilshere partners and I want him to support Fernando as much as possible, I want high engery looking to commit to challenges from going into one and getting up and going into the next, keep the shape and maintain responsibility. C.Tevez starts in a more central role today, I want him up and down that pitch supporting our play in every means possible looking to get physical and riling them both on and off the ball. He needs to keep his head down and cover as much distance as possible looking to retrieve the ball and getting it into the feet of our front two. He should look to always give their defence something to think about as well as shouldering the burden of the side so we can use him as an out ball for a breather.

Harry Kane is a huge talent and one that enjoys the big games. I want him to stand up and be counted today looking to defiantly get the better of their defenders and using his work ethic to push them back. He might not get as many goal scoring opportunities today but he must keep working his socks off and when he does get that chance look to finish with a aplomb. It’s about his all-round game today so he must look to utilise his others strengths looking to win as much headers and flick ons as possible, running the channels, holding up the play and putting himself involved as much as possible.

Bacca comes into the side and he’ll look to support Kane up front. I want him playing a similar role however with a bigger focus on occupying their defenders. He’s the one that will allow Kane, Tevez and others time and space on the ball so we can engineer a goal, Bacca not the type to get bogged down and will fight tooth and nail for the side in todays game.
----------------
C - S.Ramos
FK's/corners - Tevez/Ribery
Pens - C.Tevez

--------------------Perin
Clyne-----Mustafi-----Godin-----Clichy
---------Henderson-----Pjanic
Callejon----------Mata-------------Nasri
--------------------Suarez
Subs
Szczęsny, Rojo, Siqueira, Wijnaldum, Parejo, Feghouli, Higuain

Tactical Overview
Back to the 4-2-3-1 formation today, this shifts our attacking focus to playing a quick passing style and getting men around Suarez. We are going to play an attacking style of football, being aggressive in the way we defend by pressing quickly and high up the pitch.

Keeper


When distributing the ball, he should look to keep it simple and play the simple pass. At crosses and set pieces, should look to punch rather than flap at pressurised catches.



Full Backs

Defensively the objective is to sit back and tuck in slightly, looking to stop balls being played between them and the centre backs, we want them to stop the wide men from cutting inside, forcing them to cross, which gives us a better chance of getting the ball back quickly and launching an attack of our own.

 Their objective when attacking will be keeping the width across the pitch forcing the opposition to keep their full backs from constricting the centre of the pitch. They won't put many crosses in, preferring to play shorter passes to the wingers or players who have come out from the middle of the pitch.

Centre Backs

Godin will compete with the striker for the aerial balls played to him, with Mustafi concentrating on winning the 2nd ball. When the ball is on the floor, Mustafi will be the defender who looks to meet the striker looking to stifle his space and rush his decisions, with Godin making the covering run. When on the ball, if the opposition are giving them space to come out with the ball, then they should look to take it forward, if not, keep it simple and play it to a man in space and retain possession.



Centre Mids


Henderson and Pjanic will be utilising their high energy, all action styles to get themselves around the pitch, being key figures in the pressing game and always making themselves available for a pass when we are in the final third to shift their defensive players that little bit more which could be the difference in getting a player behind them. When defending, both players are looking to press in the middle third of the pitch, pressing the opposition CMs as they are on the ball to rush their decisions and win the ball back.

Attacking Midfielder

Mata should be looking to make himself available for a pass as much as possible, having a free role to drift around between their defence and midfield, when we have the ball in the middle of the pitch, he should be looking to drift around the space between the DM and full backs and make them have to make decisions on who goes to him. He should also look to be moving out wider to get the ball and run at defenders or make a key pass when the wing backs have the ball out wide.
Defensively, he should be looking to occupy the playmaking centre mid, stop him dictating the play and being an out ball for the opposition.





Wingers


When they are off the ball, the emphasis for both wingers will be to drift around combining with the other attackers to get little areas of space. then when they are on the ball the emphasis will be more on cutting inside with the occasional long shot to test the keeper, and only occasionally putting in crosses, getting involved in a fast intricate style of passing with Mata and Suarez, they should also look to run at players as they will be cautious not to give away a free kick or penalty. When the opposite winger has the ball, the winger without the ball should look to find space between the CB and FB to add an extra body in the box. When defending, they should be blocking the passing lines to the full backs as well as keeping track of them when they go forward.





Striker


When attacking, he will look to play a high energy game by being a willing runner down the channels and constantly drift around the defenders looking to get himself a bit of space enough for him to face the defenders and take them on. He will also be looking to use his unpredictable style when on the ball to cause a bit of confusion in the minds of the defenders and crate a chance for himself or others. He also has a knack of being the first to react to get onto rebounds or parries and taking those one touch chances. When defending, he will be the first line of defence, looking to pressurise the centre backs into making quick decisions.

Set Pieces


Corners - Pjanic takes the corners, the CB's go into the box, the FB's stay back to prevent counters, the CB's, Suarez and Callejon work in a group to make little blocks and cross-runs to lose a marker so 1 or 2 can get a free run at the ball, Henderson looks to limit the opposition keeper from moving around the 6 yard box. Mata and Nasri take positions just outside the box to pick up weak clearances and occasionally providing the short option to try and draw 2 defenders out of the box.





Free Kicks - Suarez takes Direct FK's



For Indirect FK's, same instructions as Corners





Penalties - Suarez is the designated taker.





Subs



If Winning


72 mins - Wijnaldum for Mata - The wingers tuck back, but look to get out quickly and counter if the opposition over-commit for a route back into the game.
 move to a 3 CM midfield.




85 + 87 Mins - Feghouli for Callejon and Siquera for Nasri - Fresh legs and more defensive players with the added element of running down the clock.



If Losing



71 Mins - Higuain, Siquera and Rojo for Clyne, Clichy and Nasri - switch to a 3-5-2 with emphasis on the wings backs acting as wingers and we go all out attacking for a way to get back into the game.

Vs Newcastle - cup final

---------------------------------Courtois
---------------Nkoulou-----------Terry-------Boateng
Azpilicueta---------------Matic------Tielemans---------Asamoah
---------------------Griezmann----------Coutinho
----------------------------------Benteke

Subs: Ryan, Luis, Kondogbia, Keita, Garcia, Origi, Costa

After last weeks CL qualification we are on a high and will be using that confidence to lift our performance levels even higher. We expect them to come out and make the same mistake as last week, which is to attack us and allow us to soak up pressure, negating them with lots of pressure in midfield and a rigid back line, defending our half, pressing their midfield and being first to every loose ball, but leaving no spaces in behind. On the ball we move it quickly, getting in the space down the flanks and through the middle and hitting them hard on the break, we will look to play the kind of game that suits us.

We will defend our half of the field in order to draw Newcastle out as we are confident in our organisation at the back(the deep line means it's impossible to expose our defence) and this allows us a better chance of creating space in attacking positions to exploit them quickly. This allows us to make things compact and get in their faces from the off, looking to hit them with lots of rapid attacks especially early on to test their nerve and put them under pressure. We will begin our defending with high pressure on their midfield, using Benteke, Coutinho and Griezzman to press the CMs, two pressing and one closing off the nearest wide option, not giving them time and space to pick their passes and making them rush the ball into the packed midfield area where we make it impossible to play through, being first to every lose ball. Once the ball is played we want Griezmann and Coutinho dropping in and joining Asamoah, Matic, Azpi and Tielemans in getting on top of the Newcastle midfield, pressing them quickly, closing off all the spaces, hunting in packs and winning the ball quickly, whilst Benteke presses the CMs from behind. If the ball is moved into wider areas we have two very good WBs who like to be in their opponents face, they will be quick to get into the wide threats and not allow them to get forward, make it tight for them, whilst Matic and co cover the central passing options by pushing the team out towards the flank to surround Newcastle and keep it compact, if they are getting joy out wide then we will use Coutinho and Griezmann to go and track the FBs, however we expect their wide players to come infield and this suits us. If we can't win the ball we look to slow them down and regain our defensive shape with a 5-4-1 with flat banks of defenders and midfield.

Defending the midfield area is the key. One man who can stop their attacking intent is Matic, and we give him free reign over the midfield to use his excellent reading of the game to snuff out any danger, in particular paying attention to their AM/CF dropping between the lines, knowing that he has lots of energy ahead of him as cover allowing him take control of the battle with their AM, being physical and reading his intentions. The midfield is where we expect the main action and we are comfortable with that, being disciplined, we are defending deep and we will leave no space for their passes, it's going to make the game tight and leave spaces behind them and round the sides, which plays into our hands. Whilst Matic is focusing mainly on the AM, Tielemans is the cover, using his engine to shut down opponents and block the route to goal, whilst the two AMs drop in and help crowd out Newcastle. The back 3 stay tight together, there will be no room round the sides or between them, it allows for good cover if Newcastle do get in between, but defending so deep should limit them to crossing and long shots. Terry is man marking the main striker, likely Higuain/Suarez, whilst the other two stay close, and make sure any SS/midfield runner can't get in.

As soon as the ball is won we want to get forward, being on the attack regularly and stretching them, Azpilicueta and Asamoah start as they will bomb on to keep the FBs occupied and stretch things out, with our main route of attack looking to be drawing Newcastle out into wide areas, the AMs making the run to the side of the field we attack, one going to link with the WB and the other making a run into the channels to get behind and between defenders, providing us with overloads down the sides of their defence, this will open space in the midfield which we can also take advantage of when the AMs change their runs up, one going to the wing the other waiting in the space in the middle, they will look to use their pace and movement to get round the sides of the defenders and find Benteke's runs, any space, wide or central they take advantage. Tielemans get his chance to impress in the final after helping us get here, he will use his excellent range of passing to find the gaps and use his driving runs to push us forward, whilst Matic sits on the side of the field we attack, this way if we lose it he's in position to win it back immediately. Benteke will relish the battle with the opposition CB pairing, he will use his great hold up play to provide the out ball and then wait for the support of the SS, bully those CBs, if it becomes scrappy, no one really winning, we want the two AMs looking to pick up on this and attack centrally, getting to the loose balls from the duels. We want to be quick on the ball, take Newcastle on with intelligent movements, they will have most of the ball, test their defence to see if they can keep concentrated.

Subs:

If Winning: Garcia for Coutinho 70', fresh legs and a physical force in the midfield to keep us on top of them. Kondogbia for Tielemans 75', will come on and make sure they can't get a sniff of the ball in dangerous areas. Luis for Asamoah 85', more defensive know how.

If Drawing: Kondogbia for Tielemans 70', add extra power and push us forward. Costa for Coutinho 75', Costa up alongside Benteke to put extra pressure of their defence. Origi for Asamoah 90', in extra time we will go 4-4-2 and look to attack quickly, Boateng RB, Azpi LB, Origi and Griezmann out wide.

If Losing: Costa for Nkoulou 60'(or any time after), 4-4-2, Asamoah at LB. Garcia for Tielemans 70', looks to be a more attacking force, getting into the area and giving them three threats to deal with when we attack. Origi for Coutinho 75', he goes right, Griezmann left, same as with Garcia, he gets in the box, but he'll attack the LB too.

It Pens:

1st Benteke
2nd Matic
3rd Griezmann
4th Origi
5th Costa
6th Garcia
7th Tielemans
8th Kondogbia
9th Luis
10th Azpilicueta
11th Asamoah
12th Boateng
13th Nkoulou
14th Terry
15th Courtois

Neuer
Carvajal Varane Kompany Marcelo
Coquelin Modric
Di Maria Silva Ronaldo
Benzema

Subs: Chambers, Ramsey, Bellerin, Krul, Cerci, Welbeck, El Sharawy

Subs:

70 - Ramsey for Modric
75 - Welbeck for Di Maria - Welbeck LW, Ronaldo RW

If winning

75 - Chambers for Silva - five at the back with chambers cb


GAME PLAN

I want us to play a direct pressing game. This will entail moving the ball about quickly and getting it to our target player as soon as possible. I want us to use the wings as much as possible when on the attack. We must close down the opposition with immediate effect, pressuring them off the ball and forcing mistakes. The centre of the field will have players capable of winning the midfield battle by using their physique, skill and power to overrun the opposition. This game is all about limiting their options at the centre of the field and then releasing the ball to the creative players. We have slightly less pace on the pitch than usual but we will be able to use our winners to open up the opposition. They will be looking to move the ball forward as quick as possible so by using the skill of our players, we can take advantage of any space left.

Off the ball we need to force them into making mistakes. This means keeping the game tight and stopping the opposition any freedom on the ball. Push the opposition out wide and back towards their goal. I want them to be so pressured that every time they collect the ball there is someone on them. I want them to get frustrated and physical so we increase the chances of them having a player sent off.

I want us to play dirty in order to get the frustration out of them and open more space for our side to take advantage of. This means being a bit extra physical in our tackles. I also want us to look for a penalty when in the box by diving when possible. We need to get the goals so if the opportunity arises we need to take advantage of it.

If we are winning from the 70th minute I want us to start to keep the ball for longer periods and hold possession. Slow play right down and seriously time waste.

Positional Tactics

Our full backs defensively need to push the opposition back and reduce the space made available on this side of the pitch. They need to prevent the wingers from running in behind them and cutting inside of them. They need to cancel them out and limit the opportunities for them to make runs and collect the ball in good areas. Offensively they will need to move forward with the ball and use up the space left by the opposition. When our wingers cut in, I want our full backs to take up the wide position and put the crosses in.

Our centre backs need to keep with the strikers, stay in command of their play. We need to limit the opportunity for them to find space by keeping goal side of them at all times. They need to use their height and strength to beat them off the ball. They also must be aware of any high balls into the box and runners that have cut inside. Offensively only go up for corners.

We will play a defensive midfielder today who will protect the defence and hold up play. This means filling the gaps and creating a defensive wall to stop the opposition from breaking through. Coquelin must keep with the playmaker by discouraging him from moving into space, limit the chances he's able to create and keeping goal side of him at all times. Limit the available players for them, and force them to pass the ball back. Offsensively I will not allow Coquelin to go forward. Modric has the freedom to move forward in order to create that extra option. He needs to control play more by creating and forming the attacks. He should look to move forward to be the new option.

Our attacking midfielder will be Silva who will look to run into space and finding the opportunity to change and dictate the game. He must force the opposition to open up space and allow the attacking players to break through. I want him to move about all across the centre and depending on move towards the right or the left to the ball. Defensively he must prevent people running forward and creating more ability for runs. He must try and collect the ball and release it to our wingers to form attacks since.

Our wingers need to use plenty of their skill, strength, power, pace and physicality to open up the opposition. I want them to force the attacks straight at them, bring the defenders out and then allow our attackers to take advantage. They must cut inside, run in from behind and cross the ball in so that our attacks don't end up predictable. Try and use our full backs as much as possible when attacking the opposition so that having to handle more than one player forces a mistake. Defensively they should fall back and help the full backs to defending and prevent the wingers from creating opportunities. Ronaldo should stay further forward as most players will look to leave the ball for him in the next attack.

Our striker needs to use their brain to workout how the defence works. They need to run at them using their strength and skill to cause nerves in their defence and force mistakes. The striker needs to open up space and find space as he is good at getting On the end of crosses and opportunities created. He needs to use his height to open the scoring and also use his power to force his way into goal scoring opportunities. Defensively I want him to move back to the centre circle and wait for the midfield to supply the ball to him in the event of an attack, if after 70 mins and we are winning I want the striker to move further back to control and protect the nation. We just time waste as much as possible.

Pens: Ronaldo
Long FK: silva
Short FcK: Ronaldo
Corners: silva
----------------------------------------------------------------------

----------------------Lloris----------------------
D.Alves-----Bonucci-----Chiellini-----Ricardo
----------------Vidal-------Pogba---------------
Sanchez------------James-------------Neymar
---------------------Aguero---------------------

Mvogo, Laporte, J.Martinez, Barkley, Berahino, Lamela, Benteke

Cup Final day versus our big rivals, a good chance to win our second trophy in a week, look to play our usual fast free flowing footbal in possession and without we will hound them down like a pack of Wolves

In goal Lloris, a fantastic shot stopper and a keeper that instills confidence in the back four, leads by example from the back, shouting instructions to hos defenders. Out quickly to shut down strikers and close there shooting angles down. Punches clear what he cant catch from high balls and likes to release early to set up quick counters.

Bonucci and Chiellini are a solid pairing at CB, they know each other so well, on this occassion Bonucci will man mark the CF quick and skillfull for a CB, with great marking abilities, will keep the CF away from goal and be on to him quickly as he comes forward so he can intercept any though he has of going for goal. He knows Benzema and his movement so always on his toes. When in possession he will carry the ball out and start attacks from the back. Chiellini alongside will mark any big men that come up for corners etc strong in the air and strong in the tackle and make sure he is strong enough to get the ball away from danger.

Ricardo and D.Alves at fullback, when we attack one goes at a time the other sits back. When they attack I want them bombing down the wing over lapping the winger to allow them to cut inside, quick passing between the two to get them passed the opposition fullback, which will see the fullback drive towards the bye line to get a quick cross in. If its not a cross then look for the winger inside to play a quick pass back to them so they can drive into the box. Defending both will have to be vigilant and always mindful of the tricks the opposite winger can do. Ronaldo and Di Maria will obvs keep them on there toes, but both are quiick so just look to push them out wide and away from danger. Be onto them quickly not allowing them the time to get going.

We go with Pogba and Vidal in the centre of midfield, two absolute workhorses, can both defend and attack, when we defend they will work together to shut there midfield down the AM (Vidal) and second most advanced CM (Pogba), they will close down everything very quickly and not allow there players any time on the ball whatsoever, we must win the midfield battle!, once the ball is won, then Pogba will be the one mostly to drive on into support Aguero and james, Vidal will stay backjust in case Both good on the ball and both have a great eye for goal, can shoot from a variety of angles. So even tho I have said Pogba th emore likely to drive on, he and Vidal can easily switch roles leaving Pogba sitting in. Always looking to mix it up with who drives orward so no one can be particulary mark him look out for Sanchez and Neymar coming inside and put some nice crisp through balls into them and James and Aguero

Sanchez and Neymar are chosen on the wings, Sanchez work rate is exceptional and will help out the fullback when and if needed. Both quick with nimble feet which more often than not takes them passed the fullback, wether they knock it passed them and drive on or simple a quick turn, and there away. Will have fullbacks supporting them so this allows them to pass and cut inside where both are very useful. Give and go, wait for the return and go for goal, or look to drive into the box in support of Aguero. Neymar focusses more on the tricks and twists and also pure pace to see him passed, whereas Sanchez likes to make the pass that gives him time to look for space for him to drive into and wait for the return. Both very dangerous and with support from there respective fullbacks we will be a danger out wide. When defending look to get back and stop there defenders becoming a threat. Like said they support the defenders when they have the ball and the defenders support them when we attack.

James is given a free role today to try and break them down, he will drift all over as to make it difficult for his marker to pick him up, as he drifts this will leave holes in the Arsenal midfield for us to take advantage of. He will switch with either Winger at times as he looks to get himself into dangerous positons. If he drives centrally he and Aguero will cause a lot of problems, he will pass to the CF and look to move into fantastic positions for Aguiero to get him in in on goal, when we defend I want him to run down the DM looking to keep him off the ball and foerce him into mistakes.

Aguero will get plenty chances, he must put away this side who will be solid at the back. Get into positions that he can go for goalor at very least drag players away for other players to drive into the space. two good feet, can score from various angles/ranges..All of our front four will be a threat today we must go for it and keep pace with the league leaders. Can hold it up and look for runners, in particular James, and the two wingers running into support.Aguero, Sanchez ad Neymar can all rotate and take the position an tactics gven to each above

A very difficult game but we have a good side defensively and going forward, quick passing, one twos and drive into positions to recieve a return ball, we really must go fr it, at the same time nothing risky


Capt Vidal
Pens Neymar
Free Kicks Neymar/Ricardo
Corners wingers

Subs
Losing
70 Mins - James OFF - Benteke ON, Benteke straight up top, Aguero will play just off him
80 Mins - D.Alves OFF - Laporte ON, 3 at the back, Ricardo goes to LM and Neymar as a central AM with Aguero and Benteke up top 3412

if this goes to ET then Laporte will have to shift to RB and back to 4231

ET Sub
Fall behind Berahino for Sanchez, back to 343 with Neymar on the right and Ricardo on the left
ET Sub
Go Ahead - J,Martinez for Aguero sit behind the two CMs

Winning
70 Mins - James OFF, Javi Martinez ON, sit behind Vidal and Pogba
80 Mins - Benteke for Aguero
85 Mins - Laporte for Neymar, he goes to LB and Ricardo to LM lets see it out

Again if this goes to ET and all the subs made Pogba will become our AM

Drawing
70 Mins - James OFF, Benteke ON again Aguero supports Benteke
ET - Fall behind - Alves OFF, Laporte ON 3412 again with Neymar supporting the front two
ET Go ahead Sanchez OFF, Javi ON, Aguero move out right, Javi in behind