Dream League Tactics Page

vs Juventus

Jadon Sancho
Kepa Arrizabalaga
Theo Hernandez
Jesus Vallejo

——————————Donnarumma
Conti—————Tah————————Romagnoli———Latorre
———————————Weigl
—————Tielemans———————D.Alli
O.Dembele——————Morata————————Asensio

Subs: Svilar, Christensen, Milinkovic-Savic, Soler, H.Lozano, Zivkovic, B.Keita

Captain: Alessio Romagnoli
Free Kicks: Marco Asensio/Theo Hernandez
Corners: Marco Verratti/Marco Asensio
Penalties: Alvaro Morata

Build up play in a 2-5-3 with the CBs splitting, one slightly deeper than the other, and the FBs pushing into the midfield line to occupy the wide components of the opposition’s defensive lines. Weigl will then position himself between first and second line of the opposition defence, forming triangles with the CBs in order to work the ball out. By positioning Weigl between the lines, it pulls the first line back and opens up passing lanes for the CBs who can then look for balls towards the CMs who will pull into the half spaces, or it drags the 2nd defensive line forward which opens up an opportunity for vertical movement for the CMs to get behind the 2nd defensive line, allowing us to work in triangles via the CBs and Weigl to open passing lanes to the CMs. If the route to the middle is block we transition to 3-4-3 and we form a diamond down the channel closest to the ball carrying CB, with the FB on that side pushed up and the opposite FB tucked in to provide an extra passing line. With the midfield 3 joining the pushed up FB to open up multiple diagonal passing lanes. Build up does not need to be one pass then move forward, use the excellent ball playing skills of the defence and Weigl, one two’s if needed to draw the opposition press, we can move the ball faster than they can chase us and eventually we open up a lane out to a FB or into the half spaces.

Further into the attack we must use plenty of vertical movements, always playing between the lines in order to insure the opposition is facing our build up, allowing us to play in their blind sides. Vertical movement also means that defenders must make a decision whether to stick to defending the ball, or tracking runs, tackling a player or allowing them the ball, thus we can distort their preferred defensive shape. We have a whole host of vertical movements possible, with Tielemans and D.Alli to use the half spaces, forcing defenders to move out of position, particularly down the left where with Latorre occupying their FB we can get Alli and Asensio in the left half space and channel, linking up together. Morata will be the same, he can drop deep, or run behind, this will either draw defenders out of the back line which opens up space for others to run into, particularly Dembele who will look to play on the shoulder of FB and CB, one ball through to him and we are away, or Morata makes a passing lane for the man on the ball so he can get in on goal himself. Asensio coming in to the left half space looks to provide a spark, he can pass, he can move, he can beat a man, he has total freedom. Verticality means we are not afraid to go backwards, that can be used to our advantage too to create time to open up extra passing lanes and players to change their runs. It also allows us to use a second passer, which will usually be Weigl, so instead of Tielemans playing a risky ball to Dembele, he goes back to Weigl which drags the opposition forward and then Weigl releases an easier ball in behind for Dembele’s pace. In this way we can create plenty of passing overloads by also keeping the CBs involved in attacking play and working openings using groups of 5-6 players, always taking advantage of the second passer to move the opposition press forward whilst our runners go behind, with Dembele, Alli, Morata all using their clever runs. The FBs can also get forward, one at a time with the other dropping to make a back 3, this way we use our attacking FB to occupy the opposition FB whilst the wingers comes infield into the half space.

As soon as the ball is lost we shift our defensive unit in relation to where the ball is, in order to pressure the ball carrier and close off the immediate passing lanes. Disrupt the opponents possession at an early stage, before they can build attacks. Then we drop into a 4-5-1 and look to be tight, compact but maintain pressure, with Morata and the man closest to the ball carrier working to pressure the ball. This is where our CMs come in. Usually we aim to force them towards our right, so we use Morata and Asensio to push their play by cutting the passing lanes to the CBs and DM and forcing the move out towards the FBs. By doing this we give Tielemans the chance to be the press initiator when we have dropped into the 4-5-1. He Squeezes (or Alli if they build up on the left) the passing lane to the deeper midfielders, whilst the winger intensely presses their FB, showing him the touchline, and our FB supports, squeezing the opposition in with three men, keep them wide where the space is minimal.

We always remain positioned relative to the ball, not players, therefore the defence must retain a high line, close to our midfield line in order to keep themselves positioned relative to the ball, making sure there are no gaps between our lines ball side for the opponents to play into. The compact attacking set up also means we always have 3-4 players in position around the ball when we lose it to win it back quickly or force them wide. When we attack we send one FB forward, with the other tucking in to make a back three as one line cover, in order to give us good coverage of passing lanes closer to our defence if the opponents manage a quick counter, the two wide CBs cover the half spaces, leaving the middle CB free to cover any ball into the striker. This also gives Weigl a smaller zone in which he needs to work, insuring he can position himself at all times in relation to the ball, ready to sweep up behind our CMs.

Subs:

If Winning: Milinkovic-Savic for Tielemans 70’, more physical and aggressive player to stop them getting into the game. Lozano and Zivkovic for Dembele and Asensio 75’, fresh wingers.

If Drawing: Keita for Tielemans and Savic for Alli 70’, 4-4-2 with Keita looking to feed off Morata. Lozano for Dembele 75’, fresh legs to go at them.

If Losing: Christensen and Keita for Conti and Latorre 60’, 3-2-3-2, get Keita up front with Morata and Alli playing behind them. Milinkovic-Savic for Weigl 70’, drive midfield forward with his running.

vs Goodwick United

Theo Hernandez
Leroy Sane
Youri Tielemans
Hirving Lozano

——————————Kepa
Conti———Christensen—Upamecano——Latorre
——————————Weigl
——————Dele Alli———Milinkovic-Savic
O.Dembele—————B.Keita——————Asensio

Subs: Svilar, J.Vallejo, Soler, P.Foden, D.Lainez, T.Abraham, D.Solanke

Captain: Sergei Milinkovic-Savic
Free Kicks: Marco Asensio
Corners: Marco Asensio
Penalties: Marco Asensio

Build up play in a 2-5-3 with the CBs splitting, one slightly deeper than the other, and the FBs pushing into the midfield line to occupy the wide components of the opposition’s defensive lines. Weigl will then position himself between first and second line of the opposition defence, forming triangles with the CBs in order to work the ball out. By positioning Weigl between the lines, it pulls the first line back and opens up passing lanes for the CBs who can then look for balls towards the CMs who will pull into the half spaces, or it drags the 2nd defensive line forward which opens up an opportunity for vertical movement for the CMs to get behind the 2nd defensive line, allowing us to work in triangles via the CBs and Weigl to open passing lanes to the CMs. If the route to the middle is block we transition to 3-4-3 and we form a diamond down the channel closest to the ball carrying CB, with the FB on that side pushed up and the opposite FB tucked in to provide an extra passing line. With the midfield 3 joining the pushed up FB to open up multiple diagonal passing lanes. Build up does not need to be one pass then move forward, use the excellent ball playing skills of the defence and Weigl, one two’s if needed to draw the opposition press, we can move the ball faster than they can chase us and eventually we open up a lane out to a FB or into the half spaces.

Further into the attack we must use plenty of vertical movements, always playing between the lines in order to insure the opposition is facing our build up, allowing us to play in their blind sides. Vertical movement also means that defenders must make a decision whether to stick to defending the ball, or tracking runs, tackling a player or allowing them the ball, thus we can distort their preferred defensive shape. We have a whole host of vertical movements possible, with Milinkovic-Savic and D.Alli to use the half spaces, forcing defenders to move out of position, particularly down the left where with Latorre occupying their FB we can get Savic and Asensio in the left half space and channel, linking up together, with Alli as an option to attack the box late. Keita will be the same, he can drop deep, or run behind, this will either draw defenders out of the back line which opens up space for others to run into, particularly Dembele who will look to play on the shoulder of FB and CB, one ball through to him and we are away, or Keita makes a passing lane for the man on the ball so he can get in on goal himself. Asensio coming in to the left half space looks to provide a spark, he can pass, he can move, he can beat a man, he has total freedom. Verticality means we are not afraid to go backwards, that can be used to our advantage too to create time to open up extra passing lanes and players to change their runs. It also allows us to use a second passer, which will usually be Weigl, so instead of Alli playing a risky ball to Dembele, he goes back to Weigl which drags the opposition forward and then Weigl releases an easier ball in behind for Dembele’s pace. In this way we can create plenty of passing overloads by also keeping the CBs involved in attacking play and working openings using groups of 5-6 players, always taking advantage of the second passer to move the opposition press forward whilst our runners go behind, with Dembele, Alli, Keita all using their clever runs. The FBs can also get forward, one at a time with the other dropping to make a back 3, this way we use our attacking FB to occupy the opposition FB whilst the wingers comes infield into the half space.

As soon as the ball is lost we shift our defensive unit in relation to where the ball is, in order to pressure the ball carrier and close off the immediate passing lanes. Disrupt the opponents possession at an early stage, before they can build attacks. Then we drop into a 4-5-1 and look to be tight, compact but maintain pressure, with Keita and the man closest to the ball carrier working to pressure the ball. This is where our CMs come in. Usually we aim to force them towards our left, so we use Morata and Dembele to push their play by cutting the passing lanes to the CBs and DM and forcing the move out towards the FBs. By doing this we give Milinkovic-Savic the chance to be the press initiator when we have dropped into the 4-5-1. He Squeezes (or Alli if they build up on the right) the passing lane to the deeper midfielders, whilst the winger intensely presses their FB, showing him the touchline, and our FB supports, squeezing the opposition in with three men, keep them wide where the space is minimal.

We always remain positioned relative to the ball, not players, therefore the defence must retain a high line, close to our midfield line in order to keep themselves positioned relative to the ball, making sure there are no gaps between our lines ball side for the opponents to play into. The compact attacking set up also means we always have 3-4 players in position around the ball when we lose it to win it back quickly or force them wide. When we attack we send one FB forward, with the other tucking in to make a back three as one line cover, in order to give us good coverage of passing lanes closer to our defence if the opponents manage a quick counter, the two wide CBs cover the half spaces, leaving the middle CB free to cover any ball into the striker. This also gives Weigl a smaller zone in which he needs to work, insuring he can position himself at all times in relation to the ball, ready to sweep up behind our CMs.

Subs:

If Winning: Foden and Solanke for Alli and Keita 70’, chance for some of the academy boys to show what they can do for us. Diego Lainez for Dembele 75’, young and naive, he’s just going to run and run at people.

If Drawing: Soler for Milinkovic-Savic 60’, comes on to use his creativity in the final third. Abraham and Solanke for Keita and Alli 70’, 4-4-2, Solanke as the target and Abraham working off him, these guys have played together since they were 6 years old, give their CBs hell.

If Losing: Vallejo and Abraham for Conti and Latorre 60’, 3-2-3-2. Soler for Weigl 65’, more creativity from deep.

--------------------- Lafont ---------------------
Danilo ---- Bonucci ---- Manolas ---- Mendy
------------- T.Kroos ---- N.Kante ------------
Callejon -------- De Bruyne -------- Mbappe
--------------------- H.Kane --------------------

Onana, Henrichs, Zagadou, Locatelli, Havertz, Sabitzer, Jesus

We want to play high tempo football, quick short passing only going long if we really need to. Use the width of the pitch, playing quick one-twos, neat triangles to get beyond the opposition. if they play 541 then push there wingbacks back and reduce the numbers they have high up the pitch, if they play 451 then always get in amongst them when they have the ball. Its all about possession football, keeping it, playing the quick passing amongst each other waiting for the opportunity to strike, wether that be out wide or through the middle

In goal Lafont a young fantastic shot stopper and a keeper that instills confidence in the back four, shouting instructions to his defenders. Out very 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 in beside Manolas, on this occassion Manolas will man mark the CF. He is a very cultured defender who is quick and skillfull for a CB, with great marking abilities, powerfully built so marking the CF should be no trouble as he has to man up to him, will keep him 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 must show commitment and not be fearful of the strikers skills. When in possession he will carry the ball out and start attacks from the back. Bonucci alongside is fantastic in the air, so will mark any other players that come into our danger area, strong in the air and strong in the tackle and make sure he is strong enough to get the ball away from danger. A clever player who can intercept attacks very quickly before they begin and he does this with great effect and simply takes the ball away from attackers. If he has to help his defensive partner with the striker they simply double up on him. He too can carry the ball out from defence but we must be careful and only do this when it is possible. His passing is too top class as he at times plays the simple ball, however his range is fantastic and can quite easily ping a 50 yards pass forward for the front line to chase or take down. Both go up for corners and are a huge threat.

Danilo and Mendy at fullback, we must keep the wingers/wingbacks quiet, stop them and we stop a lot of there attacks. Both are perfect for this, They will look to keep them away from shooting areas and stop them becoming dangerous in any position by standing tall against them and keeping them on there 'bad' foot. This is a vital clash in this game. They will be up against quality wingers so look to force him away from goal and backwards. I want them to attack when in no danger (one at a time, dont be left exposed)so time these runs perfectly. One sits back a bit and allowing the other to attack, this is keeping a 3 at the back at all times. Their marking abilities are sound, both have good positional sense and very quick, do not make rash decisions and will stay on their feet. When one goes the other stays as they look to make an extra man down the flank for our wingers to cut inside or play neat one twos to free the wingers up as there fullbacks get dragged out of position.

We have a very industrious pairing in the middle, a big game partnership, Kanet he Is there to stop the AM getting the ball from midfield to the striker, he must be right on top of him looking to close him down at the quickest opportunity, let him dictate play and there striker will get plenty chances, we must not let this happen. So quick and into him, fairly and stop this! Kante himself will look to dictate from deep as he picks up from the defence and looks to drive us forward with precision passing. Kroos will go v the second most advanced midfielder or anyone else that is around that area. Even tho Kante has the man marking role Kroos covers much of the pitch, hassling and harassing anyone who has the ball, he doesn't give any one time on the ball as he moves side to side and forwards and back, this style pressurizes the opposition to pass erratically. Our deep lying pair will look to pass and move always look for the return pass. When we have the ball Kroos in particular will get us moving forward from the centre as he pushes up to bring our forwards into the game. When they have then close down the CM, he will look to ping the ball about so get to him before that opportunity arises.

De Bruyne at No.10 is fast and direct he will be looking to support Kane as much as possible and will be driving the opposition players back which also stops them becoming a threat, like said he is quick and direct and tricky on the ball. Spread the play, he is in a free No.10 role so at times may even find himself switching with Mbappe or Callejon to break their defence up. Will at times also switch with Kane, again this is to confuse there defence and get them out of position. He is also a very hard working fella so look to annoy there DM and make him hurry his passes or lose possession.
Callejon and Mbappe are known for their creativity, speed, and technical ability and are fearless, explosive attacking midfielders who can change the game with a turn of pace or a dribble. More importantly both scorers of wonderful and important goals. Both technically excellent in limited areas, fast explosive acceleration during the first ten yards. Which more often than not takes them passed defenders and allows them to get into dangerous areas. Always play with there heads up looking for the runs of others to get the ball into there feet. Both will look to drive down the line and keep it to the outside making them come to them I want them playing like proper wingers spreading the play and essentially taking players out wide with them to leave gaps for our central two. Whip in dangerous crosses for others to attack. They both also loves to cut into have a pop at goal. When they have the ball look to stick close to fullbacks/wingbacks and stop them coming forward, track the fullbacks and use pace to get back and in around there faces to stop them becoming a threat. Always be looking for De Bruyne inside as the four make an awesome quartet in behind Kane and a scary proposition for there slowish back line both wingers are capable of moving centrally if De Bruyne comes wide and support Kane.

Kane will get plenty chances, he must put away there side who will be solid at the back, however I want to target the slower of the two. Get into positions that he can go for goal or at very least drag players away for other players to drive into the space. Target the slower of the cbs, split them apart to create space, we are quick, so our forwards must hit them with pace to drag them all over the place. He can score from various angles/ranges..All of our front four/five 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 Mbappe and Callejon, De Bruyne will be making his runs also so be watchful of him just to lay it off to the side. But especially look for De Bruyne as he times his runs perfectly so a little touch back to him allows him to go for goal.

Captain - Bonucci
Free Kicks - De Bruyne
Corners - De Bruyne
Penalties - Kane

Subs -

Losing -
70 Mins - Jesus for Callejon, de Bruyne to RW and Jesus up top with Kane 442
80 Mins - Sabitzer for Mendy, Zagadou for Danilo, go to a 3 man defence of Bonucci-Manolas-Zagadou a midfield 4 of Sabitzer-Kroos-Kante-Mbappe and de Bruyne behind the front 2, 3412

Winning -
70 Mins - Locatelli for Mbappe he goes into CM and De bruyne to the left.
80 Mins - Jesus for Kane to run the clock down and Sabitzer for Callejon

Drawing -
70 Mins - Sabitzer for Callejon, Jesus for Kane.

Cambuur Tactics :
Captain : Icardi
Vice Captain : Sánchez

Team:
------------------Ederson
Bernardo--Sánchez—Mina--Jorge
-----------------Ascacibar
---------Rafinha--------Talisca
Lucas-----------------------------Costa
--------------------Icardi

SUBS: Batalla, Montes, Arthur, Bentancur, Gelson, Malcom, Simeone

A one goal deficit to make up and losing 2-1 in the previous fixture was acceptable against such a good team. We have our big guns back this week (Costa & Lucas) so we hope we can keep it tight at the back and score some goals with our attack minded front 4. On the basis of that I’ve decided there’s no point sitting back and trying to soak up their pressure – they are too good for that. We will play our normal game.
A nice youthful look about the Cup team but quite a bit of experience and a few full internationals in there. A nice big mobile and powerful backline – offers a lot going forward out wide while hard and secure in the centre. A nice physical midfield that can play the ball and are absolutely not afraid to get stuck in. The front 4 screams attack and let’s hope there’s a few goals in there.

We want to play a neat crisp passing game at high tempo using our obvious pace to punish the opponent. Our formation will be a 4-2-3-1 that will allow our full backs to join in the attack when necessary and also offer us the flexibility to fall back into a more standard 4-4-2 when under pressure. We need to boss the midfield from the start and control the game with our own tempo. When in possession use the ball well and try and bring our wide men in to play. When chasing the ball press the opponent with urgency and all over the park. Don’t take too many risks and hold onto the ball. With our creativity and pace we will be able to open teams up. Wait for the chance to arise and take them when they come.

Goalkeeper: Ederson is a big mobile keeper and very agile. A great shot stopper, he will communicate with the back 4 and be commanding with the high ball. He will not take any risks. He is a great distributor with both hand and foot and we will look to this as a way to launch quick attacks.

Defence: Our 2 full backs are there firstly to defend and make sure they stay on the right side of their opponents whether they be out wide or cutting inside. When we are on the attack they will be allowed to use their power and pace to provide the overlap on the flanks. They both have the power and the lungs to work the touchline for 90 minutes. They will make the pitch wide and always offer themselves as an option in attack. Our 2 centre halves are big 6 feet plus ball playing defenders. Both good in the air and equally as good with the ball at their feet. They will be asked to do the simple things well. Be aggressive but controlled in the tackle and never lose your man when defending dead ball situations. They will be able to bring the ball out of defence but if in doubt take absolutely no chances and clear it. Both big men will be a real aerial threat at set pieces.

Midfield: Ascacibar will be the midfield general. A physical pacey midfielder he will be there to boss this area for us. Breaking up play and filling in as an extra defender if one of our back 4 has ventured forward. He will be there to protect the defence and do a lot of the unseen dirty work in the centre of the park. He is essential to our game plan and while sitting deep will still offer a lot with his great passing ability. He also has a thunderbolt right foot. Rafinha and Talisca will play just in front of Ascacibar. Rafinha will be a more box to box type. He will be involved all over and will offer as much in defence as in attack. Talisca will be the midfield magician. Clever, elusive and tricky we will look to him for creating the midfield openings with his eye for a pass. We will look at their enthusiasm and relentless pressing of the opposition as a way to hopefully get a bit of a grip on the midfield and at the very least not make it plain sailing for the opposition.

Wingers/Centre Forward: When in possession both Lucas and Costawill be expected to go for the direct approach and use their power and speed to take on the opposition defence and beat them and bring Talisca, Rafinha and Icardi in to play. They can vary their attacks by going wide or cutting inside as they see fit. Both players can play all across the middle so don’t be surprised to see them swapping wings. At times Rafinha may sit a bit deeper allowing Talisca to slot in between both wingers, just behind the CF. As well as an attacking force both wingers will also have to put a defensive shift when called upon and act as back up for their respective full backs.

Icardi starts as the CF. He won’t be short of support or ammunition with the attacking talent behind him. Great playing off the shoulder of the last man he is deadly in and around the box. A bag of energy and very strong we will also look for him to hold up and bring others in to play if it doesn’t seem to be on for him. We will look to get bodies in the box when attacking so he should always have an outlet. He is also great in the air and will provide an option from set pieces. When the shot is on he will take it but we also want to put himself about in the box and think that his lightning pace will be a real handful for defences. He will also be alert to any scraps in and around the goal. He has the ability to produce something sublime and create a chance out of nothing.

Free Kicks/Corners: Talisca, Costa or Lucas with Sánchez, Mina, Talisca and Icardi to offer an aerial threat. Talisca and Costa (with his thunderbolt left foot) may try their luck with several free kicks from distance.

Substitutions: (if winning on 80 minutes) Malcom for Lucas, Simeone for Icardi and Bentancur for Ascacibar, 3 like for like substitutions.

If losing (on 80 minutes) Simeone for Talisca and Malcom for Lucas. Shift to a 4-1-3-2 attack. Simeone and Malcom offering fresh legs, pace and a bit of the unknown in attack.

--------------------Ascacibar
Malcom---------- Rafinha----------Costa
------------Icardi --------Simeone

---------------------- Pickford ----------------------
Semedo ---- van Dijk ---- Diakhaby ---- Tierney
------------- Fabinho -------- Ceballos ------------
Mahrez -------------- Eriksen ------------- Martial
----------------------- Lukaku -----------------------

Holgate, Mensah, Davies, Lewin, Lookman, Dembele, Schick

Pickford tall and strong and will control his area and dominate his area, will look to release the outfirld players quickly

Semedo at right back and Tierney at left back both are very forward driven players who like to attack, so as we must be on the front foot for a good percentage of the game they will do this and support Mahrez and Martial. Diakhaby and van Dijk have to hold the defence tight so partner again at centre back, Diakhaby will go ahead with the centre forward allowing van Dijk to use his intelligence to roam the defence picking up other attackers. We must keep it tight at the back to thwart any danger they possess when coming forward, it is strong back four who will defend resolutely, however attacking they are all a threat, Fullbacks in open play when they attack, and cbs from corners, whilst these two go into the opposition box to attack corners, fullbacks stay back.

Fabinho in the DM role, he is very effective in the tackle and will look to get into the correct positions when he needs to be to stop there attacking midfielder, do not allow him time or space to support the CF or indeed shorten the time he has to pass the ball around him. He and Ceballos in the centre of the pitch, look to dominate the game, both can move up the field to assist Eriksen and Lukaku but they must be careful, we cannot be exposed against a very good side so Ceballos more than Fabinho will get forward, Ceballos will look to get the ball forward to our more attacking men, In Mahrez and Martial we have two very quick wingers, when we attack I want it to be done very quickly. Down the right I want Semedo and Mahrez towork in tandom,, using each other to get the space required to get Mahrez to the bye line, give and go. he is very quick and skillful so will be a handful for there Left back. When the right hand attacks Tierney stays back, Martial moves into the box to support Lukaku and the same on the other side when the left hand side attacks, Mahrez gets into the box, Semedo stays back, so when we are going forward we always have at least two ready to pounce on the cross balls, Eriksen and Lukaku on the edge and depending what side two players down the wing looking to get these cross balls in. As said previously Mahrez and Martial are hard working wingers so will look to help out our fullbacks in what will be a very difficult game, they must get back and support.

Eriksen comes into the role just in between midfield and striker, he can turn a game very quickly with a brilliant pass.Along with Lukaku the two should really be a threat to there defence. Look to turn players when he has his back to goal and play in other quick players and Lukaku himself. His passing and movement are essential to how we attack as he is a very important player and will see a lot of the ball. Have given him a free role and permission to shoot when he can. Look to get the wingers into the game and watch for them cutting inside and use them!

Defending this must be a stringent 4-1-4-1 system that will stop them coming through, Eriksen will drop in beside Ceballos with Fabinho in the hole between defence and midfield, they must work hard as they have some fantastic players who must not be allowed to play.

Lukaku is the prefect No.9, strong, a bit of pace and most of all he can score goals, can hold of the CB marking him and drive into the area. Or indeed, he can hold the ball up looking for the support coming his way in from behind also the fullbacks. Always on the last man ready to get into dangerous areas. He is fantastic in the air so must always look to beat the centre back to the ball, always has his head up looking to go for goal. We have a huge aeriel threat from set pieces with the two CBs there to cause problems.

Captain is van Dijk
Penalties taken by Lukaku
Set pieces by Eriksen

Substitutes

Losing
70 Mins - Dembele for Mahrez, Eriksen to RM and Dembele up front 442
80 Mins - Mensah for Semedo, Schick for Tierney, Mensah into a 3 man midfield and Schich up front 343

Winning -
70 Mins - Tom Davies for Eriksen and into a 3 man mid
80 Mins - Dembele for Lukaku, Mensah for Mahrez to shut down that side

Drawing
70 Mins - Lewin for Mahrez
80 Mins - Dembele for Lukaku

TATUNG Tactics

---------------------------Hassen
-------------Orban---------------------Bartra--------------
TAA--------------------------------------------------Kolasinac
--------------------------Diawara
-------------Tousart----------------Demirbay
Salah----------------------------------------------Forsberg
---------------------------Werner

Subs: N'Doram, Ziyech, Mane, Woodburn, Kane, Keïta, Fekir

Captain: Orban
Freekicks: TAA
Corners: TAA
Penalties: Werner

Possession, Positioning & Defending:
Building attacks starts from the back or deep midfield. Intelligent use of the ball from your midfielders & defenders enables your attackers to receive the ball in better positions making it easier for them to create chances & score goals. This does not necessarily mean a slow passive build-up with the ball. We still attack with intensity, press with intensity & defend with intensity. However we feel possession of the ball enables us to play with the strength in movement of our players with & without the ball to aid us in creating chances against teams that will look to defend deep. The formation isn’t the restricted position of our players when in possession. It is however a system in positioning to retreat into when our initial high press fails & we need to structure ourselves defensively. To enable us to dominate possession we need to position ourselves intelligently as we look to create overloads within the opposition’s structure enabling our players to pass their way out of the opposition’s press by moving the ball to an area of the pitch which then becomes less saturated & more vulnerable to penetration. The aim is to pass & lure the opposition to one area of the pitch with the compact positioning of players close to the ball & then quickly switch the play to the other side of the field thus catching the opposition out of position. So the vertical spacing between the defence, midfield & attack needs to be needs to remain compact at all times.

In Amadou Diawara, Kerem Demirbay & Lucas Tousart we have 3 midfielders who are capable of dictating the play as well springing a quick counter attack with a splitting pass or bursting run through midfield. Together they will look to get on the ball as much as possible. Once the play is moved to our forwards they will position themselves intelligently so that they can dictate the play by redistributing the ball to our creative workhorses in Salah, Forsberg & Werner.
Diawara, Demirbay & Tousart more than have the physical attributes to dominate any midfield but they can also speed up or slow down the play depending on the rhythm of the game before making the right pass that will result in checkmate for us. Most teams will look to shut us out through the centre of the pitch so building attacks from wide areas will be utilised as well.
If the play is towards the left/left-centre of the field we will use the positioning of Demirbay, Bartra, Kolasinac & Forsberg to create the overloads that enable us to keep possession. While those four players look to dominate the space & ball, Diawara & Tousart will move infield to make sure we are not neglecting the centre of the pitch which helps us both defensively(to press) & offensively(to pass). Werner will make runs which will enable us to create chances and Salah will balance out the attack by either keeping himself free for us to switch the play or occupying the centre backs should Werner move towards the play. The defence also moves as well, keeping an eye on the opposition’s forwards as they will look to cut off the passing options in the event that we lose the ball. This allows the defenders to press quickly.
When the opposition tries to win the ball back we have enough players to play around their press however should we find the play congested, we will quickly switch the play (via a combination of passes or a long pass) to less congested right side & utilise the individual abilities of Salah, TAA or Tousart (a collective of pace, power, speed of thought, vision & technical ability). Also by spacing our players close together, it also enables us to press the opposition quickly & in numbers aiding us to win the ball as quickly as possible thus counter-pressing the opposition & catching them disorganised which enhances the quality of our attacks.
If the opposition goes for the long ball, Orban & Bartra more than have the physical attributes to deal with the scenario. The ball should only ever be passed to the defence to relieve the team of pressure as we re-evaluate the play & build again or to mislead the opposition out of their defensive shell & open up space in-between the lines for us to quickly move the ball forward & create more quality chances.

When the play is on the right hand side of the field the philosophy is the same, only the personal changes. So Tousart, Orban, TAA & Salah will create the overloads. Diawara & Demirbay will move infield & Forsberg will balance our play depending on the movement of Werner. Defence performs their same role as well.

Possession of the ball is only the tool with which we need to fully express our style of play based on positional structure & movement of our players. Without the ball this is not possible. Chances are created from the positional structure, dynamic movement & spacing in the final third, which surprises opponent thus creating breakthroughs towards the opponent’s goal – especially when the creativity of Diawara, Demirbay, Tousart & Forsberg is paired with the sheer speed of Salah & Werner. We understand that our forwards are not blessed in height therefore we will mainly utilise cutbacks instead of crosses. This should also play into the box-2-box strengths of Demirbay & Tousart.
Counter-pressing is also a tool should we lose the ball in the attacking third. As mentioned above the compact positioning of our players aids our intense pressing tactic.
Through balls, chips & lobs coupled with the movement of our forwards all contribute to our attacking style. Attackers are allowed freedom of movement & expression.

Part of our defensive strategy is intense pressing & counter-pressing the player with the ball & man-marking the immediate passing options available to the opposing player with the ball. However we do understand that the high press will not always win the ball there we will look to defend in a narrow 451 structure (Werner being the front 1).
• The default posture of the team is to sit deep in a narrow, compact shape in order to prevent the opponent from creating chances.
• The team only breaks the shape to press the ball when the odds of success are high. (And even here it might be better to say that the whole team moves together, causing the shape to temporarily change, rather than saying that the shape "breaks"
• When the ball is won, it is played forward quickly because fast attacks can catch opponents off balance & turning the ball over in the attacking third is less costly than turning it over in your own defensive third or in midfield.
• Every player in the team has to assist defensively.
• Position ourselves compactly, offering less space between our lines & force the opponent into less dangerous areas of the field away from our goal.

We have intelligent players that have this dynamic movement & intelligent positioning in their arsenal & thus we are comfortable implementing this style of play.

Subs
60mins: Keïta for Demirbay to get some fresh legs in midfield
75mins: Woodburn for Forsberg and Fekir for Salah. Switch to a diamond with Fekir being the CAM and Werner & Woodburn playing upfront.

Comment Deleted by Site Moderator

Fishguard Sports

Captain: Cech
Penalties: Firmino (Dolberg)
Free Kicks: Coutinho/Isco

-----------------------Cech
Kimmich----Bailly-------de Ligt--------Guerreiro
------------Llorente----Saúl Ñíguez
-----Mor-------------Isco-------------Coutinho
--------------------Firmino

Subs: Pollersbeck, Odriozola, Kempf, van de Beek, Frenkie de Jong, Dahoud, Dolberg


Our defensive unit consists of Eric Bailly and Matthijs de Ligt paired up at centre-back, Joshua Kimmich at right-back and Raphaël Guerreiro at left-back, with Marcos Llorente and Saúl Ñíguez Dahoud as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.

This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in Llorente and Saúl we have a perfect pairing to initiate attacks by distributing the ball in an intelligent fashion, to be key players in circulation and to prevent dangerous opposition attacks, being disciplined in positioning and limiting space in between the lines.

The strength of our double pivot is that Saúl can press the ball without leaving lots of space, as Llorente can maintain a good position to react if the initial press is bypassed. Our double pivot will offer huge defensive stability and will ensure that a structured shape is maintained.

Having two defensive midfielders centrally prevents others being dragged out of position to press.

Helping the defenders maintain solid positioning is a key part of Saúl’s role, he will press almost anywhere in his own half to allow defenders to stay in the defensive line.

With Saúl running his socks off for the team, our high tempo will dictated by his partner in holding midfield, Marcos Llorente.

Llorente is not just your “win the ball and pass it on to the closest player” – there is a real creative mind in his locker, but it’s his ability to be the shield of the back four and then be creative once he gets the ball that makes Llorente such a talent.

The attacking unit consists of Emre Mor, Isco and Philippe Coutinho as our band of three attacking midfielders, with Roberto Firmino as our lone central striker.

Our 4-2-3-1 is set up to have that wonderful ‘springy' quality - it absorbs pressure without breaking and then snaps back with surprising force.

In defence our 4-2-3-1 covers space very effectively, with the band of three attacking midfielders and centre forward able to press the opposition high up the pitch while the two defensive midfielders ensure that there is no space left in front of the defence. Then the back four can either play a high line, compressing the space even further, or drop deeper as preferred.

Once we have won the ball back, often by Llorente or Saúl, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.

Kimmich and Guerreiro can surge up the wings in the knowledge that Llorente and Saúl can drop into the space left behind if needed. As they come up the wings, both Emre Mor and Philippe Coutinho who are fleet-footed speed merchants, excellent in tight spaces and fantastic dribblers will cut inside or make runs into the box. Isco our attacking central midfielder’s low centre of gravity will enable him to navigate away from defenders at a frighteningly quick pace. Isco is blessed with an instant first touch and can dribble with the ball at such a close proximity to his feet that it makes him almost impossible to tackle this creative passer who will look to play Mor, Coutinho or Firmino in via fast passing combinations.

In our system we have a wealth of fleet-footed players and players with similar strengths; Firmino is the man who will do the job of being a jack-of-all-trades-but-master-of-none like talent. He will look to score, create or press with high-intensity up front.

One of the rarest traits that Firmino has up sleeve is his movement, which will open up the tightest of defences. His positioning near the half-spaces and the movement slightly deeper towards our opponents midfielders will drag either the full back or the centre-half out of position, opening up spaces for his team-mates to run into. And this ability of his is massively underrated.

Sub on 70 mins
Dahoud on for Saúl

Sub on 80 mins
Dolberg on for Firmino

Goodwick United

Captain: Dzeko
Penalties: Dzeko
Free Kicks: Calhanoglu

---------------------------Horn
Vrsaljko-----Stark-------- Lucas Hernández----Augustinsson
-------------------Carrick------- Höjbjerg
-----Coman--------- Calhanoglu------------Brandt
--------------------------Dzeko

Subs: Weidenfeller, Elvedi, Gibson, Romeu, Coric, Ödegaard, Llorente


Our defensive unit consists of Niklas Stark and Lucas Hernández paired up at centre-back, Sime Vrsaljko at right-back and Ludwig Augustinsson at left-back, with Michael Carrick and Pierre-Emile Höjbjerg as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.

This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in Carrick and Höjbjerg we have a perfect pairing to initiate attacks by distributing the ball in an intelligent fashion, to be key players in circulation and to prevent dangerous opposition attacks, being disciplined in positioning and limiting space in between the lines.

The strength of our double pivot is that Höjbjerg can press the ball without leaving lots of space, as Carrick can maintain a good position to react if the initial press is bypassed. Our double pivot will offer huge defensive stability and will ensure that a structured shape is maintained.

Having two defensive midfielders centrally prevents others being dragged out of position to press.

Helping the defenders maintain solid positioning is a key part of Höjbjerg’s role, he will press almost anywhere in his own half to allow defenders to stay in the defensive line.

With Höjbjerg running his socks off for the team, our high tempo will dictated by his partner in holding midfield, Michael Carrick.

A holding midfielder through and through, Carrick is not just your “win the ball and pass it on to the closest player” – there is a real creative mind in his locker, but it’s his ability to be the shield of the back four and then be creative once he gets the ball that makes Carrick such a talent.

The attacking unit consists of Kingsley Coman, Hakan Calhanoglu and Julian Brandt as our band of three attacking midfielders, with Fernando Llorente as our lone central striker.

Our 4-2-3-1 is set up to have that wonderful ‘springy' quality - it absorbs pressure without breaking and then snaps back with surprising force.

In defence our 4-2-3-1 covers space very effectively, with the band of three attacking midfielders and centre forward able to press the opposition high up the pitch while the two defensive midfielders ensure that there is no space left in front of the defence. Then the back four can either play a high line, compressing the space even further, or drop deeper as preferred.

Once we have won the ball back, often by Carrick or Höjbjerg, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.

Vrsaljko and Augustinsson can surge up the wings in the knowledge that Carrick and Höjbjerg can drop into the space left behind if needed. As they come up the wings, both Coman and Brandt who are fleet-footed speed merchants, excellent in tight spaces and fantastic dribblers will cut inside or make runs into the box. Hakan Calhanoglu our attacking central midfielder’s diminutive physique and low centre of gravity will enable him to navigate away from defenders at a frighteningly quick pace. Hakan Calhanoglu is blessed with an instant first touch and can dribble with the ball at such a close proximity to his feet that it makes him almost impossible to tackle this creative passer who will look to play Coman, Brandt or Dzeko in via fast passing combinations.

Upfront Dzeko will operate in fluid attacking system— looking to latch onto through balls, intelligently lofted passes, one-touch movement and drilled crosses from our full backs.

Subs – Llorente on for Dzeko 70 mins

Spartans away at Tatung – (3-3-3-1)

Injuries:
Calabria, Caldara, Aarons, Zidane

…………………………….Buffon……………………….
……….Barzagli…….Mascherano…..Rugani……
De Sciglio………………Gagliardini……………….Gaya
Berardi…………………….Mertens……………………Insigne
……………………………….Zlatan……………………………..
Subs: Cragno, Iorfa, Suarez, Sturaro, Walcott, Munir, Sadiq

Spartans finally fancy a game in the shield, Tino Bambino goes for a nice attacking 3-3-3-1 line-up here as we look to blitz Tatung and keep them firmly on the back foot.
We’re putting a huge workload on Gagliardini but it’s his punishment for being an Interista

No fancy dan possession football from us in our own half we want to play with pace and purpose, one touch flicks get the ball from back to front in 3 or 4 passes before Leiva’s boys get back in position.

Gigi the “goat” leads the side out and will be the calming presence at the back, he’s been there and won it all, quick short passes out to help us build quick counters,

Barz and Mascherano may have ageing bones but they’re still formidable and with the young legs of Rugani in there we should be fine, as a precaution we’ll hold the line a little deeper today to counter-act the pace that Tatung’s strike-force bring to the party, Barz and Rugs will hold the central ground and not move wide to deal with the wingers as that’s the job of my wing-backs, Mascherano will push further forwards to join Gags in the midfield and take the battle to Tatung.

De Sciglio and Gaya will tuck in today, not push as far forward as they like to, due to the pace of Tatungs wingers, go no further than half-way, show the man the line and force the cross – we have enough height in the box to deal with an aerial bombardment, With the ball they’ll keep it simple – we have a front four so there should always be a pass on.

Gagliardini has it hard today trying to keep Tatungs midfield quiet but with Mascherano pushing forward to add a bit of muscle he should be ok – our front-four should mean atleast one of Leiva’s CM’s having to sit deeper anyway so the midfield should even out numbers wise.

Berardi gets the nod on the right flank and he’ll look to play more of an inside forward today cutting in and attacking the spaces between LB and LCB looking to utilise that sweet left peg of his.

Mertens has done so well leading the line for Napoli since Higuain left and Milik got injured, today he’s more of a SS a 9.5 if you will – playing just off the shoulder of Ibra..the pace and movement of Mertens and the power and unpredictability of Zlatan should give defenders nightmares.

Insigne over on the left flank is the mirror image of Berardi on the right, another clever little player that likes to cut inside and draw defenders with him, I know it seems congested but it works for Napoli and there’s no reason why this trident which is 2/3’s the same can’t work with Berardi instead of Callejon.

Zlatan the magician, showed last season he still has the goal scoring touch, his legs may not have the burst of pace they once had, but he’s our talisman and with the 3 amigos behind him being willing runners he can still be The Man – will sit between the 2 Centre-Halves bring the ball down and lay it off for the others, a great spring-board for our counter-attacks.

Subs 60 mins

Denis Suarez > Gagliardini – just a like for like change, fresh legs in the engine room.


Sub 75 mins

Theo > Zlatan – pure pace through the middle, tiring defence being run ragged and this whippet comes on to further sap the energy from their legs.