Hull City...

--------------------Patricio-------------------
Debuchy------Rami------Ruiz------AEkotto
----------Strootman-----Fernando----------
-------------------Marchisio------------------
Shaqiri-------------------------------Stocker
---------------------Cisse---------------------

Ahamada, Fazio, Defour, Maher, Johnson, Menez, Destro

Hulll looking to stay with the pack fighting for Europe line up quite attacking today

Patricio comes back to Hull for his 2nd debut, the GK is a great shot stoppper and extremely quick off his line to shut down strikers, close them down and reduce there shooting angles. Out for high balls and punch what he cant catch.

Rami and Ruiz the old Valencia pairing at CB know each other so well, Rami marks the striker and Ruiz tidies up. Rami always watching the CFs movement and will anticipate where he is going so he is there to intercept anything, always attacks the high balls. Ruiz sits just off in case he loses his player and will be there to stop him, comfortable coming out with the ball but nothing silly.
Debuchy and Ekotto attack when possible and support the wide men by going outside either to go bye the fullback to cross in or just to take them away fto free up room for the wingers, play one-twos with their respective wingers to break the lines of defence. When defending keep the wingers to the outside and dont allow them to cut inside and become a danger.

Fernando is the DM he will focus on the AM and keep him quiet and not allow him to dictate play, watch his every move so he can quickly stiop any threat from him and stop him playing balls through to the striker, once the ball is won simple balls to those around him. Strootman and Marchisio will sit alongside him when defending a create a strong bank of 5, both great and moving up and down the pitch, Strootman sits further back tho and acts as a playmaker to pick the ball up and getting it rolling forward, he will pass it about but will always follow his pass, with Fernandop sitting he has freedom to roam forward. Marchisio just ahead at the tip of the central midfield is vital, named as new captain he will lead form the front. always wanting the ball andlooking to get forward, he and Strootman are vitally important to this team and the two must look to pressurize them and force them back. Both good from range so have a go at goal, support Cisse asd much as possible and make runs into the box. Also look to play Cisse in with defence splitting passes

Shaqiri and Stocker out wide have freedom to attack, both quick and skillfull will be direct, take there men on using those inside to pass and move into a position for a return, use the fullbacks as well, either play the ball down for them to cut inside or dummy the pass and cut inside aand shoot, quick passing and make there way into the box. When crossing they must do this with accuracy to allow Cisse get a chance in. Defend the lines and stop FBs coming forward by jockeying them and forcing them out.

Cisse looks to grab his chance with KJH out, can score the spectacular so go for it when he can, will have plenty support so use them, look to bring others into the game if he cant go himself, great in the air so will have plwenty crosses to go for, always on the last foot and look to break free when possible.

Captain:- Marchisio
Free Kicks:- Marchisio
Penalties:- Cisse
Corners: Wingers

Subs:-
Losing/drawing
65 Mins: Maher > Strootman, sits a bit more forward
75 Mins: Johnson > Stocker, switch with Shaqiri
80 Mins: Destro > Cisse
85 Mins: Maher go into a CF position

Winning:
70 Mins:- Defour > Strootman fresh legs
80 Mins:- Johnson > Stocker, switch Shaqiri
85 Mins:- Destro > Cisse

Reds

Always go 4-4-1 with Stocker the fall guy

Patricio - Ahamada
DF - Fazio
MF - Marchisio goes RM, Shaqiri LM bank of 4
CF - Destro on for Stocker

chelsea

------------------------Neuer-----------------------
Phil Lahm----Kompany----Subotic----Nagatomo
--------------Khedira----------A.Vidal-------------
-----------------------Fabregas---------------------
S.Aguero----------------------------------Shawary
------------------------Benteke---------------------

Baumann, Howedes, Bender, Kroos, Weimann, Mkhitaryan, Morata

Neuer is a top and confident keeper will dominate the area and come out for all high balls clearing what he cant punch. Look to close down strikers by quickly coming off his line to shut down there shooting angles.

A back four with Lahm and Nagatomo coming in at fullback, both solid players who defend their lines very well, keep the wingers quiet, keep them to the outside and away from our danger area. Attack when you can one at a time, support yhe wingers by going on the outside and look for a pass so you can get beyond the fullback and cross in, Or if in possession look to pick out Aguero or Shaawary and ping the ball down the line for them to latch onto.
First and foremost, Kompany has the responsibility to mark striker into anonymity. This he does exceptionally well, using foresight that borders on the prophetic to intercept. He rarely has to make a rash tackle, so watch the lads movwement and be ready to move in. When the ball comes towards a striker and Kompany is in the area to defend, Subotic moves into position to back up his teammate and fill in any gap that is left. If an opposing attacker makes a run in the centre, reacting to a ball played towards the striker Kompany is covering, Subotic shifts to defend against a potential pass.
If the striker gets away from Kompany it's the responsibility of Subotic to shift and defend directly. Both comfortable with ball at feet so move the ball out when in no danger, otherwise clear it with no messing about.

Khedira will keep it simple in his defensive role. He watches the AM of Southampton, watch his movement and be there quick to stop him setting up attacks, break the play up between him and the CF etc to nulify there attacking threat. Always on his toes as there AM has a bit of class about him so we cant afford to let him dictate play. Vidal comes in alongside, he will look to stamp his authority on this game early, Has great vision so will want to get his passing range in early to set the likes of Fabregas, Aguero and Benteke up for many chances, he will always follow his pass and make himself available for a return ball. Can shoot from range so have a go. When they have sit alongside Khedira and help him break up their attacks.His work rate is fantastic and always in the faces of the opposition.
Fabregas is in the free role, his attacking prowess is fantastic, will make late runs into the box and has tremendous vision. His inventiveness with his little flicks & dribbling skills are super too, but the best part is he knows where the net is. So will look to support Benteke as much as possible, Also use Shaawary and Aguero for one twos to break the line of defence. drop back and help defend v the DM if he breaks forward.
Aguero is on the right, a position he has played before, will look to drive at the fb, causing him all sorts of problems, cut in off his right and shoot with his left, or lay off to Cesc/Benteke for him to dart into the box for the return. Otherwise look to take on the fullback get to the bye line and cross in for Benteke in the box. Shaawary will use his pace to get him passed his marker, knock it forward and use the forward momentum to get by the player and cross in, will do this all day long so Benteke will thrive of this. At times Aguero and Shaawary will be supported by our fullbacks so use them, either play it wide for them o r allow them to take the markers away to free up space to drive into. I want all 3 attacking mids to track back and stopp the Southampton fullbacks and DMS getting forward and becoming a nuisance.

Big Bad Benteke will love it today, 'should' get plenty of service from those around him so use his power to get in and onto the crosses coming in or balls through the middle. has beaten the biggest defenders for powers so will shrug off his marker like he isnt there to get into dangerous positions to go for goal. If he cant and is well marked at times, then look to knock down or lay off to those coming in supporting. Always the target for corners and freekicks as more than most he will win anything in the air..

Captain:- Kompany
Penalties:- Benteke
Free Kicks:- Fabregas
Corners:- Wingers

Subs:-

Losing/Drawing:-
65 Mins:- Weimann for Fabregas - Aguero goes central behind Benteke this gives us more natural width and Aguero more goal threat behind Benteke
75 Mins:- Kroos > Khedira - Vidal man marks with Kroos breaking forward
85 Mins:- 4-4-2 Morata > Aguero the youngster will drive at the defence

Winning:-
75 Mins:- Kroos > Cesc fresh legs in the middle of the park
80 Mins:- Bender > Aguero - Kroos goes to the right, Vidal to the left and Shaawary Central
85 Mins:- Mkhitaryan > Shaawary

Kroos-Bender-Khedira-Vidal
El Shaawary
Benteke

If they draw level then 4-3-3 with Kroos pushing up more

reds

4-4-1

Neuer - Cesc off, Baumann on
DF - Cesc off, Howedes on, lahm to LB if its Nagatomo
If anyone else Cesc moves to the position leaving Aguero/Benteke up front

Portsmouth vs Birmingham


----------------------------Maksym Koval--------
-Daniel Carvajal-Bonucci----Nastasic--David Luiz
--------------Javi Martinez--Marouane Fellaini--
-----Lucas Moura----------------------James Rodriguez
---------------Lewandowski-----Lukaku

Subs: Verratti, Luke Shaw, Papadopoulos, Icardi, Draxler, Henderson, Griezmann

Game Plan: We will look to attack our opponents using a slick, pass and move game. We believe we have the abilities in defence to pass the ball out and start counter attacks, as Nastasic is dynamic and will carry the ball forward, and alongisde him, Bonucci is an excellent passer of the ball, and mustn't be afraid of stepping into midfield at times to use his fantastic ball playing skills. Our two CB's must look to play the ball out if defence, as they both suit each other very well. Daniel Carvajal and Luiz can also pick out a pass down the wings, and they should look to make supporting runs on the outside of our wingers. In midfield, Javi Martinez will defend our backline, and he is one of those DM's that will never give up, and always hassle and harry the opposition. He is also a very good passer, and he will look to spread play out to the wings, and break up play, before keeping the ball alongside Fellaini. Fellaini is best known for his brilliant box to box skills, great physical presence, and fantastic drive, so he will play in the b2b role, before turning into a kind of AM when needed. As we are playing 4-4-2, there will be no AM, so when we're on the attack, I want Fellaini to fill in the hole, with the FB's dropping back a notch, and Martinez staying deep in the centre circle, with Bonucci just behind him so we don't get outdone if we lose the ball. Fellers will look to pick the ball up from midway, and direct those power shots into the corners. He will also look to use his top vision to find ways to release Moura and James. Moura's job will be to run at Kolarov, take him on, and whip in low balls for Lewandowski and Lukaku, who are both guaranteed to finish them off. His pace is his best asset, and is clearly faster than Kolarov so will look to take bim on and beat him evry time he ges the ball. James will be on the other end, and use his dazzling dribbling ability, and superb acceleration to turn away from fullbacks, and clip in high balls for Lewandowski/Lukaku to throw themselves at. Lewandowski will be the one who will finish off every move, and he is top scorer in the Bundesliga for a reason.His fantastic positioning and his marauding runs in the box will confuse opposition, and Lewandowski will then attempt to finish off every ball which comes into the box. Lewandowski will be winning everything in the air, and finishing with an aplomb. He his two-footed, and is a wonderful finisher, so will look to attack every ball, and link up well with Moura and James. Next to him, Lukaku will be the one who drops back as he can use his fantastic strength to hold the ball up, whilst his super dribbling skills will see him being the perfect man to pick the ball from deep and beat the defenders. Lukaku is a beast in the air, so every cross that comes must be attacked by Lukaku, as his sheer presence is enough to threaten any CB. Both CBs come up for corners to put pressure on their defence, whilst Lukaku comes back to help out with corners defensively

Target areas:-

GK: Newcastle's first choice GK in Szczesny is injured, which means they will be relying on Al Habsi. Al Habsi is a decent shot stopper, but his handling is a massive let down at times, as he is guilty of parrying the ball many a time. Furthermore, he is extremely error-prone so we will look to test him at all times, and one of our strikers should be ready to pounce on anything that falls to them

DM/CM: We hear that Mikel is out, leaving Newcastle very lightweight in midfield. This leaves them with no natural DM other than Coquelin, so we suspect they will start Milner-Moutinho. If this is the case, we will look to target Milner as a weakness, as he is not a natural DM, so when Fellaini comes forward, he will bully his way past Milner and open up a lot of space in the centre of the pitch

AM: Although Oscar is quality, he is one who isn't strong unlike Martinez, so he will look to be roughened up my Javi

Freekicks - Luiz
Penalties - Lewandowski
Corners - James
Captain - Javi Martinez

Defence: We will start off in a 4-4-2 formation, relying on Carvajal and Luiz to do what they do best, and really attack the flanks (In Luiz's case-he was born to do this!), with Moura and James playing as wingers, instructed to drift inside, allowing space for the FB's. Carvajal especially, must look to get those fantastic crosses into the penalty are, where Lewandowski or Lukaku can launch themselves at the ball, or where James will be lurking. On the other side, Luiz is attack-minded, but is a terrific defender, so he must look to take on his man, and venture into the Newcastle half as much as possible, and look to play short 1-2's with the likes of Fellaini and Martinez. Both of these Fullbacks must come back at all times, to prevent Newcastle from hurting us on the counter. Alongside them, Nastasic and Bonucci are a strong a pairing as any. They are a real force to be reckoned with, and not only is Nastasic one of the fastest CBs around, he is extremely good in the air, and a brilliant figure at the back, and he must position himself well at every set piece, marking the attacker that likes to make difficult runs to the back post. Bonucci on the other hand, will tackle the tall men, or those good in the air, as Bonucci leave's no victims in that territory. He must also use his long legs as an asset to take the ball away from the toes of attackers, but must stay clean. Both of our CB's are strictly told to keep their hands out of their way, and to control their tackles, and not go lunging in on forwards giving away cheap freekicks. Bonucci is also a great passer of the ball, so must not be afraid to step into midfield, and caress the ball all he likes, as long as risky passes/back passes are prevented. Neither of our defenders must be afraid to clear the ball long when in danger, but generally, we will look to pass the ball out of defence. It’s a very powerful and pacy defence and all four players are very, very talented with the ball at their feet and remained composed and know exactly what to do when in possession. When we are under little pressure, Bonucci will step up into a Sweeper role, where he can utilise his excellent passing skills, linking up well with Martinez in midfield. Bonucci and Nastasic will not be beaten by crosses, high or low, as Nastasic attacks the first ball, and failing that, Bonucci will clean up. We will be playing a moderate line where Birmingham will struggle to break down, as it limits their pacy wingers (Robben and Ribery) to run in behind the defence. Javi Martinez will be expected to drop back a notch, ala De Rossi, when they attack, where he can keep his eyes on Payer and Modric and will act as a sweeper, with Luiz and Carvajal pushing up further:

---------Bonucci----Nastasic
-Carvajal----Martinez------Luiz

Moving on from defence, we will be playing a lovely mix of midfielders in our central 2. Javi Martinez will be the most defensive of the lot, pulling all the strings from defensive midfield. His excellent vision, and eye of the needle passes will help unlock Newcaastle's defence, as we look to play in Lucas Moura and James, whilst Lucas Moura and James must drop back to receive short passes, before passing it on again. As he is a natural DM, Javi Martinez must be wary of stepping forward without protection, as we can get out done on the counter, but he will be looking to always get the ball rolling, and sometimes clip those 40 yard passes over the top for Lewandowski and Lukaku, who are experts in controlling, and holding the ball. Alongside him is our box-to-box midfield enforcer Maroune Fellaini, who will start deep, but will move further up on the attack:

-----------Javi Martinez
-Moura------Fellaini-------James

If we are lacking creativity in AM. However, Fellers must not neglect defensive duties, and his immense power and presence must combine with his pressing ability to always win the ball back when we lose it. Fellaini offers great drive from midfield, and his powerful shots are an added bonus to us. His passing is always accurate, and he must look to supply Moura and James with sly passes and through balls, to try and find a way in behind Newcastles' defence. Fellaini's role is crucial to our team. He is the one that brings all the physical atributes to the table and with superb attacking skills and immense power and drive, his main aim will be to bully past opposition. If there comes a time when the ball breaks to him, he must use his rather nimble feet to slip away from defenders and find space, and he must not forget that he will almost always have support in Martinez/wingers. All midfielders should be able to cover our Fullback's runs, so if Luiz is caught out, we must rely on Fellaini to move into his position, and cover for him, and same with Marty on the other side. This will ensure that we will always have our full backs cover

Up ahead, Lucas Moura and James start as wingers, which will make us more threatening in the wide areas, and give’s us natural width. Moura has brilliant dribbling skills, and very quick feet, and he must look to turn away from oppressors when he has the chance, before using his brilliant vision to find a Portsmouth shirt. His brilliant versatility means we cover almost every position in the right area of the pitch, as Moura likes to come inside, but doesn’t mind going by the touchline and drifting inside like most inside forwards. He must also look to get some brilliant crosses onto the heads of Lewandowski and Lukaku, or the feet of James, but also should look to set up Fellaini, who will no doubt be lurking just outside the box, for a volley or long shot. On the other side, James is a brilliant finisher, and he loves to take on his man, whilst he’s always reliable when it comes to making runs off the last man. His rapid pace must see him chase the ball every time it breaks loose, whilst his lethal runs will always be a danger to Newcastle. He is also a genius at winning penalties, and must look to trick his way into the box using a wide range of skills to frighten the defence. His brilliant link up play with Lewandowski will see the 2 combining well, as James is fantastic at finding his man, whilst Lewandowski's passing is extremely good for a striker. If any chance falls to James, he must take it, as his finishing is a brilliant asset, and he must always stay focused

Up front, Lewandowski is the dream striker to play alongside in a 4-2-3-1 as not only does he drop back, but he attacks every ball in the box and is great at holding it up. Our 3 forwards must look to combine at every opportunity. Lewandowski must also look to to finish off every chance that falls his way, and he is brilliant in the air, so must outmuscle the defenders, when it comes to taking crosses of Carvajal and Lucas Moura. He will rely on his quick thinking, positioning, Technical ability and Finishing Prowess and look to crumble the Birmingham defence, with his brilliant knack of finding the back of the net. Alongside him, we rely on Lukaku to use his massive structure to hold the ball up, and with him and Fellaini in our team, we will be giving Newcastle some nightmares. Lukaku is a beast in the air so must look to go for every ball, and he is a great dribbler, so when he is 1v1 with his man, he must look to beat him. He has pace too, so must make great runs to confuse defenders and collect crosses with a simple flick of his head, aiming to find a team mate or find the back of the net

Summary

We will concentrate on doing what we do best and playing to our strengths – keeping hold of the ball and working it simply around the park. Nothing flash or risky – just possession football. Patience could be the key and if we keep it tight we have the personnel to get us a goal. We also pose a very dangerous threat on the counter. We have pace to move the ball forward very quickly and enough pace to regain our shape if the opposition turn it around and try and counter us. In defence Fellaini will sit deeper, with Javi Martinez dropping back into the sweeper role, and will be expected to be his energetic self and press the opposition midfield/forwards and knock them out of their rhythm. Our wingers and full backs will sit a bit deeper to stay alert and ready to use their speed at any chance of a counter, although our two FB will be stepping up a notch to allow Martinez to develop into his more defensive self. With the ability of our team to change formation depending on the circumstances we have enough in midfield and out wide to starve them from the ball and with this will open up acres of space and with neat simple passing and bags of pace, this will be a very productive area for us. We will be looking to get bodies in the box. With fast and fluid attacking play Lewandowski and Lukaku will always have support in this area and our wide men will always have a target to get the ball in to. With the trickery of Fellaini, Lucas Moura and James then the opposition can always expect the unexpected.

Subs:

If winning on 60: Verratti > Fellaini, more defensive CM

Whetever score on 60: Shaw > Nastasic, Luiz CB, Shaw LB

If winning on 60: Henderson > Lukaku, 4-2-3-1, Hendo AM Verratti CM, excellent pressing abaility and engine by Hendo crucial to see this game off

If drawing/losing on 60: Draxler > Lukaku, Draxler AM in 4-2-3-1, offers great flair needed to unlock defence

If drawing/losing on 75: Icardi > Moura: Two up front again, offers great danger up front different to Lukaku too. James goes RW, Draxler LW

Newcastle:
Dusan Tadic - 1weeks
Wojciech Szczęsny - 2weeks
Jerome Boateng - 2 weeks
John Obi Mikel - 2 weeks
---
-----------------------------Al Habsi------------------------
---Ivanovic-----Marquinhos----Godin------Zabaleta
---------------------Coquelin-----Milner-------------------
------Walcott------------------------------------Kolarov--
------------------------------Hazard-------------------------
----------------------------Higuain--------------------------

Subs: Strebinger, Aurier, Mijailovic, Koke, Oscar, Valbuena, Llorente

We need to catch up on the points tally, clearly 4-2-3-1 is working for us against the teams around us so we have a change in system where Hazard is given a free role to support Higuain. Also we have a defensive back four along with a slightly more defensive midfield than normal with Kolarov playing at LM to compensate for Coquelin’s injury but Coquelin is also a good DM and has played many times IRL. We look to play like last week which earned us a point vs Arsenal but a little more attacking. This should be a good tactic with Coquelin and Milner, one who is enthusiastic and confident and Milner who has quick feet and can retain possession really well. We look to defend with a solid back four and attack on the counter but this week we have Hazard back from a two week break. He will play a free role and will be allowed to roam anywhere and do what he wants. We also look to use Walcott’s pace to our advantage. However I instruct him to start deep, this will encourage the opposition full back to attack and then he can take advantage of that.

Captain: Pablo Zabaleta
Free Kicks: Kolarov
Penalties: Eden Hazard
Corners: Hazard (from left, inswing) Kolarov (From right, inswing)

Zabaleta & Kolarov must not give the Opposition wingers any time on the ball. They will allow the opposition wingers inside them as this will take them into traffic. We are vulnerable on the wings as Walcott and Hazard don’t really like tracking back so if we force the opposition wingers inside this will be better for us. If the opportunity presents then they should attack. If one of the full back attacks then the other one MUST stay back so we have 3 defenders back at all times along with Coquelin.

Godin and Marquinhos, A good mix of power, pace, aerial ability and composure on the ball, allows us to be commanding at the back and limit the amount of opportunities for the opposition. Godin will control the back four and make sure everybody is doing their job correctly by using his excellent leadership skills. Godin and Marquinhos will stay close to each other not allowing the opposition to open up space. Marquinhos looks to defend the first ball coming towards our defence, using his reading of the game to get there before the striker and clear, he'll use his great tackling to shut him down around the area and then look to get the ball back. Godin stays in position when Marquinhos does this covering the remaining space, he will be able to clear the second ball if it gets beyond Marquinhos.
Coquelin sits in front of the defence and try and break down attacks and start new ones for us. He will be strong in their tackles and always play it simple when on the ball. Milner will be his partner who will play close to him when defending. .He will help us keep possession in midfield with his close control and good dribbling

Hazard will be our advanced playmaker. He has the ability to pick out the cutest of passes, which is just what we need. He has to manipulate the play and find these players in free space. He will play in an attacking role. He must keep the ball if there is no support and wait for players to arrive. Hey may also go for long range shots as he is good at them. He is two footed which is a great advantage.

Higuain will play in an ‘advanced forward’ role. By this it means they will make dangerous runs in behind, and hold the ball up as well as various other things. They must be patient and wait for chances and when they do come they must finish them. A lot of movement is required from them also; keep the opposition defenders on their toes! He will attack the channels also and use his excellent crossing ability, especially the drilled cross.

If Losing 70mins:
Coquelin off for Valbuena, Marquinhos off for Oscar. Ivanovic CB, Zabaleta RB, Kolarov LB. Attacking 4-2-3-1
80mins: Apply about and Llorente on for Ivanovic, 3-2-3-2

If Drawing 70mins: Oscar for Hazard, three in the middle.
80mins: Valbuena for Walcott.

If Winning 70mins: Valbuena for Walcott and Llorente for Higuain and Oscar for Hazard

Red cards: Apply suitable subs.

-------------------------Cech
Juanfran---Diakite-----Agger---Schmelzer
-------------------------Inler
-------------Schweiny------Modric
Robben------------------------------------Ribery
---------------------Gomez
Subs
Begovic, Clichy, Payet, Dembele, Barry, Lennon, Auby

Tactics
An attack-minded 4-3-3 formation with emphasis on keeping possession and playing with width to stretch the opposition.

Keeper
When distributing the ball, he should look to keep it simple and play the percentage pass. At crosses and set pieces, should look to punch rather than attempt any catches with an element of risk.

Full Backs
When going forward, the wingers will be playing a mostly wide game so should look to play behind the wingers, giving them an option to play it safely back if there is no forward option, and they should also look to provide width if the wingers cut inside. When defending, they should look to just track the wingers and aim to keep them on their wrong foot and block any crosses.

Centre Backs
Diakite will compete for the aerial balls, and Agger will look to collect the 2nd ball, when the ball is on the floor, the onus is more on blocks than tackles. When on the ball, if the opposition are giving them space to come out with the ball, then they can take it forward, if not, just look to play it simple to a man in space and keep possession.

Defensive Midfielders
Inler will look to just sit in front of the back 4, looking to cover the full backs when they go forward. and when we are defending, he will track the opposition AM, not giving him time to drift into space.

Centre Mids
Both are comfortable on the ball, and both have engines to last the full 90 with a high energy game, when they are on the ball both midfielders are suited to looking for a pass, but can take the ball forward if the space is there, if either man is running with the ball, they are comfortable with shooting from outside the box, so should look to test the keeper quite often. When defending, they will look to use their workrate to press the opposition midfielders when they are on the ball.

Wingers
They should look to stay as wide as possible when they receive the ball to try and stretch the defensive line and create space for midfield runners and/or Gomez. When on the ball, both wingers have the ability to stay wide and put a cross in, or cut inside to try and make space for a shot, so should look to pick out which is the best option at the time, if they do cut inside, the full backs should have moved forward to occupy the touchline and provide an out ball if there is no other option. If they have taken the opposition full back out of the game, they shouldnt be afraid to go into the box, as defenders will be extra cautious to not give away a penalty, and this provides the option of just drilling a cross to Gomez or a simple drag back to an onrushing CM. When the opposite winger has the ball, the winger without the ball should look to find space between the CB and full back to add an extra body for any crosses or capitalise on any defensive errors.

Striker
When defending, he should look to keep tabs on the defensive midfielder to stop any easy balls being played back to him, when attacking, he should look do what he does best and thats pounce in the penalty box, so in build up play he should just keep it simple, not trying too extravagant and lose possession, and make his way into his second home.

Set Pieces
Corners - Robben and Ribery take inswinging corners, the 2 CB's go into the box, the FB's and Inler stay back to prevent counters, the CB's, and Gomez attack the ball, the CM's and the non taking winger take positions just outside the box to pick up any weak defensive headers or knockdowns.

Free Kicks - For direct FK's Modric and Ribery will shoot depending on which foot it favours. For Indirect FKs, follow the same directives for Corners

Penalties - Robben is the designated taker.

Subs

If Winning
68 mins - Lennon for Robben - Fresh legs and extra defensive workrate.

76 mins - Payet and Auby for Ribery and Gomez - The wingers tuck back, but with the knowledge to get out quickly for the front 3 to try and counter if the opposition over-commit for a route back into the game.

If Losing

71 mins - Dembele for Inler - extra attacking impetus in the midfield

77 Mins - Auby and Lennon for Robben and Gomez - Both guys bring added pace to combat tiring Defenders.

Comment deleted by Site Moderator

Foster supposed to be in goals when subs happen of course

and Fer supposed to be on pitch too

Comment deleted by Site Moderator

Comment deleted by Site Moderator

Motivation

We’ve fallen behind in the race for 4th, we need to up our game and have taken drastic measures, we’ve hired a motivational speaker.

Away to Wigan will be tougher than some players might think, N21 will be doing his best to fire his players up, for obvious reasons, to help his real team. His speech will have to be good though, as for our motivation, we’ve employed the former Jamaican Bobsleigh winner, Yul Brenner, 1993: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Gqwi7Y96sk

Following looking in the mirror we name our side:
--------------- Buffon
Abate – Pepe – Evans – Filipe
--------- Sandro – Pirlo
Lavezzi – Hamsik -- A.Young
------------ Tevez
Subs. J.Cesar, Albiol, Lucas.L, Banega, Ox, Eto’o, Dzeko

We’ve gone with an attacking side, based on our solid defence which picks itself today. Tight and rigid at the back fluid up top.

Formation is our normal 4-2-3-1 but with Lavezzi coming in he will be more attacking and have freedom, Abate will be very attacking on the right, Filipe defensive on the left. Try to keep 3 at the back, with Sandro in front when attacking, Abate and Young giving width on either side, freedom for players in centre. Wigan’s defence is in attack, we feel by keeping numbers back we can dominate possession and the tempo of the game and not be posed a threat by Wigans’ front players. While going forward we have the quality to give Wigan’s backline the run around.

In defence we will try and keep to a 4-4-1-1. Hamsik and Lavezzi will take turns to fill in at the rm(other at am, tevez up top) role when defending but generally by attacking down the right we take advantage of Adriano’s poor defensive play and keep him pegged back so he can’t get forward. Otherwise rigid in defence, high pressing in our own half.

We will be patient in our play generally, but in the final third we want to be direct, we have plenty of goals and players who can easily take their man on and get by. Try keep long balls to a minimum, but if we do we want to aim for the wings, get Lavezzi and Young in behind the backline.

Tevez will play his natural game up top, let him drop off when he wants dragging defenders out of position and allow our attacking three capitalise on the space. Hamsik and Lavezzi are free to switch at will. Lavezzi has freedom to come inside and play as a second striker anyway, with Abate tasked with providing width down the right. Keep the Wigan players guessing, constantly look for space.

Roles
Buffon – Captain. Command the box.
Back 4 – Filipe play reserved. Evans mark their forward, Pepe has the pace to cover and Buffon to keep him right. Abate will be attacking, want him up and down the pitch all day long.
Sandro – defensive in front of back 4. Disrupt and play it simple. Pirlo will look to take ball off the back 4 and build from the backs linking our defence and attack.
Attacking midfield: Hamsik we want plenty of energy from in the middle, coming deep to get involved and driving the team forward. Lavezzi, starts on the right, but he can do his own thing on his debut, give him freedom to run wild. Young, offer width down the left always starting from a wide position but can come inside when he gets the ball obv.
Tevez – Play natural game.

Subs. Pick n Mix.
If losing/drawing after 70 mins bring on Dzeko for Young. Tevez CAM, Hamsik right, Lavezzi left.
If losing after 80 mins bring on Eto’o for Hamsik. 4-2-4.
If winning after 70 mins bring on Ox for A.Young.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Lucas.L for Pirlo and Eto’o for Hamsik. Fresh impetus in the middle. Playing 4-4-2. Sandro more attacking than Lucas.L. More power going forward. More width.

--------------D.Alves
Kalas---Cahill-----Schär---Marcelo
---------Matuidi---Beñat
Ramires--------------------Mata
---------Cavani--Hernandez

Subs: Butland, Dante, Chalobah, Asamoah, De Bruyne, Baptistao, Martinez

Captain: Mata
Free Kicks: Mata/Schär
Penalties: Cavani
Corners: Mata/Beñat

Game Plan:
We play in a 4-4-2, looking to play an open attacking game and really get at the opposition. Look to get at them from the wide areas and stretch the game, getting plenty of support to the two strikers. Attack as a unit and defend as a team, getting players back behind the ball and covering the spaces. From goal kicks we build play from the back, FBs pushing on and the CBs moving to the edge of the box to spread things out, both CBs are good on the ball as well as the CMs being able to drop deep and get things going.

Tactics:
Alves will use his sharp reflexes and speed of his line to deal with any strikers getting attempts on goal or breaking free of the back line. Distribute the ball out to the CBs.

The FBs push on down the flanks to provide support to our wide men. Kalas is very quick and can make overlapping runs down the flank to take players away from Lamela or find himself in space for a cross. Marcelo can mix it up with overlapping and underlapping runs. Using his pace to get down the outside of the winger like Kalas to create room or cross or even from there get the the byline and use his trickery to work his way into the box. The underlapping runs will be key though, he does this better than any other FB, making runs inside the winger and into the massive space left between FB and Cb as the FB deals with Mata and CBs with the two CFs. From here Marcelo has acres of space to attack the box, going towards goal or cutting it back for a team mate. He can keep making this run and drag players out of position too, opening space up for the strikers. Plenty of link up play down this left wide will cause no end of problems. Defensively both have bags of pace and will face up to the wingers, forcing them right out and keeping them out of the game, not giving them easy crossing chances or allowing them inside.

Cahill will man mark the main striker, using his strength and reading of the game to get tight to the striker and stop him making runs off our defence, forcing him back towards midfield and getting the tackles in wherever he can. Dominate in the air and use his good pace to keep the striker at bay. Schär is the all action CB in our team, he covers Cahill, reading the 2nd ball and any loose balls around our area and getting rid, whilst also getting out quickly to deal with midfielders attacking our area, reading the danger and getting to the ball first. He is excellent at bringing the ball out from the back, scoring some incredible goals as well as being a set piece expert. He is able to bring the ball out from the back, at times driving forward adding an extra body in midfield, linking up with his good passing and testing the keeper from range. He can also attack from deep just with his passing, going for the long diagonals out to the wings.

Matuidi and Beñat are all action CMs and will be able to really get on top of this game, working hard to keep us on the ball and working hard to win it back when we lose it. When one goes forward the other remains deeper. Matuidi will provide the engine room. He works extremely hard to stop the opponents building attacks, using his pace and power to work through midfield pressing quickly and forcing errors. He can use his drive to get us moving forward, bursting through with his pace and using his good passing to link up. Beñat is less explosive but the more creative of the two. He works around midfield setting the tempo with his brilliant passing range, finding the spaces to play the ball into and keeping us moving. He looks to use his passing to play the killer final balls, for the players joining the attacks.

Outwide we have a good mix too. Ramires will be the more direct of the two wide men, always looking to have a run at the opposition, getting at the FB and beating him to open spaces up for a cross, using his explosive pace to get away and supply the strikers. He can use Kalas for link up or as decoy to move inside and run off the strikers to get in behind. Look to also play off the shoulder of the FB to use his pace to get in behind. Defensively his work rate is excellent and he can get back and deal with the FB. Mata is less direct and will be looking to get an impact on the game with his link up play. Supporting Marcelo in his attacking raids and using the space Marcelo creates to either find the FB or put in a cross of his own. He can also drift infield to get on the ball and make things happen, finding the pockets of space between the lines and getting the strikers in on goal. With two up front there will be plenty of movement and we can be lethal with Mata drifting infield. He should also make his runs into the box, linking up with the front two. Both wide men can interchange, switch it up and have a go from the opposite side.

Cavani and Hernandez will be a real handful for the defence today, Cavani provides the strength whilst Hernandez provides the elusive movement, with both lethal in and around the area. We want them to start close to each other and look to link up with clever one twos and then use their movement to make their runs, splitting the defence apart for the runners from wide or deep whilst creating room for themselves to get in on goal. Cavani uses his strength to hold the ball up and he'll be the one who can drop deeper to get involved and move things forward before using his power and pace to drive at goal. He will also attack crosses with his height and aerial prowess. Hernandez is the elusive predator. Always on the move looking for space, getting behind the defence and taking his chances. He should attack crosses too, using his movement to peel off the defenders for tap ins.

Subs:

If Winning: De Bruyne for Mata 70', fresh legs to go at the defence. Baptistao and Chalobah for Matuidi and Cavani 75', fresh legs, like for like in midfield and more movement and pace from Baptistao upfront.

If Drawing: De Bruyne for Ramires 70', more creative. Asamoah and Martinez for Matuidi and Hernandez fresh legs in midfield and huge goal threat 75'.

If Losing: 3-5-2, move Marcelo into LM so Mata can play central. De Bruyne for Matuidi 65', Ramires Cm to provide the drive, De Bruyne RM. Martinez for Hernandez 70'. Baptistao for Marcelo 75', get at the back four and link with the strikers.

-------------------------Mignolet
Anyukov—Kaboul—Wollscheid—Chiriches—Fuchs
-----------------Lucho-----Arteta
Varela--------------Gabby---------Robinho

Subs – Malafeev, Arteta, Kaka, Botia, Henriksen, Rondon, Pienaar

Game Plan: I have decided to play a defensive false 9 formation today. The false 9 formation and the park the bus tactics are arguably the most successful tactics in the league so mixing them together is sure to be a major success. I want all 5 of my defenders to stay back. They are not allowed forward. We must make sure we keep things tight, cancel out the other team. I want us to stick 10 men behind the ball. I would also like us to play a bit dirty. If injuring their players is the way to defend then so be it. It is their fault for using awful tactics like attacking . When we have the ball I just want us to hoof it forward and hope that one of our wingers will run onto it. Try and get a penalty by getting “fouled” in the right areas. The ref will not tell if its a real foul or not if you are good at it.

Mignolet should stop the ball going in the net. That is his job. Commanding the defence also.

Kaboul should just stay in his position protecting the keeper. He must clear all the balls away from the goal. He should push the opposition players away. Kaboul, Wollscheid and Chiriches must stay in a deep position and closing up any space that the strikers will target. They must bully the striker or strikers off the ball and keep them man marked. As a result the opposition with find it difficult to create chances through him. Protecting Kaboul and the keeper is important. Stay back and act physical. Wollscheid 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 not allowing him to break up space. If he tries to move Wollscheid away and allow space to occur then he should temporarily leave him and try and trap him offside. He should try and header every ball out of the box or kick it away. When he does kick it away he should kick it towards the wings so that we can create a counter attack. He should stay back when we’re attacking unless we have a corner or free kick. Chiriches should use his experience and strength to keep potential runners into the box out. We do not want any space opened up. He should look to keep command of the defensive line making sure it’s not too high but not too deep. Kaboul should just put his body in front of any attacker. I don’t care if those pansys fall down or get a booboo because they need to see what real football is like. They must all stay back and keep their bodies behind the ball. Dont be afraid to injure their players.

Anyukov must always stay back keeping the wing clear and ensuring no one can cut through into the centre. I want him to keep his body behind the ball pushing players back down the players. Dont be afraid to make a dangerous tackle. While defending Anyukov should try and push the player back. This means it gives our players the chance to get into their positions and also limiting any attacking options for them. If he can’t do that he should push him out wide to a position where he has to kick the ball off. This is because running into the box would be dangerous for us to handle so this will be prevented. Fuchs should act as a full back This is because we want to create some stability at the back. They will be dangerous so if we look to keep most of our players back we can prevent goals from occurring. Again I don’t want him attacking. Keep his body behind the ball and stay in a defensive line with the others. He must kick his opponents if it means defending the goal. Do most the jobs that Robinho has to do.

Lucho will act as a wall in front of the defence. He should look to disrupt their attacking play and be in the oppositions face, and watch the advances of their playmaker who will break from midfield and make runs into the box. Lucho has the power to cope with the strength of their playmaker and also the pace to follow the runs made by him. He will break late and Lucho should watch the runs into the box and look to cope with the balls put into the box which are heading for this player. He should not break forward but 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. Lucho must act as protection of the back 5 and then supplying the ball to the wings or just smack it forward. He should constantly stay with the defence, giving any player trying to break into it a kick or two. He will be like a 4th centre back but moved slightly further forward.

Arteta will also play as a ball winning midfielder. This means he will be staying back and attack sometimes. He should take hold of the ball and then kick it forward by supplying it to any of the front 3 ahead. When we’re attacking I want him to move forward into space to create himself as an option however he must be wary of a counter attack. When off the ball he should be a ball winning player by standing in front of their players and also covering up any spaces. Arteta should use his pace and strength to retain the ball and kick it forward. He must stay back at all times. This will create himself as an added option for his wingers to pass back to but also stop any attackers easily breaking through.

I want Varela to use his skill to keep the ball and then try and make runs into the box. This will cause the defender to follow him and opening up space for the full back to run into. As he will be playing as a deep winger (a winger who is further back nearer the defence) 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 to make runs back to help protect the defence by helping Anyukov cover their full back. They should both pressurise him to make a mistake or remove the ball from that area. He should also be cautious of the other midfielders. When defending a corner he should stay just outside the box so that he can start a counter attack when or if we win the ball back. Robinho should be an inside winger. He should just make skilful runs as well as using his pace to break down the defence. Cut inside and find anyone in space.

Gabby should as a false 9 which means he will drop deep in attack and then start an attack. This could mean using his wingers as an attacking option. This should mean the defenders will follow him therefore freeing up space for the players such as Robinho and Varela to threaten the goal in. Gabby will act as a coordinator in attack by creating opportunities for the players around him. He too should get into space to make himself an option in attack. Gabby should also look for an easy free kick/penalty. When off the ball he should fall back and help the midfield defend. Make an ugly tackle or two just to get the ball.

FK – Robinho
PK – Damiao
CK – Witsel

Subs – Kaka for Chiriches 60’ (Change to 4-2-3-1 with kaka behind the striker)
- Pienaar for Varela 70’
- Henriksen for Arteta 80’

Same tactics as last week for Wigan please!

-------------------Marchetti------------------
Vrsaljko-----Jesus-----Benatia-----Enrique
-------------Carrick-----Nainnggolan--------
Remy---------------Ilicic------Ayew--
--------------------Kiessiling-------------------

Subs: Smithies, Uchida, Amorebieta, Nordtveit, Cork, Adrian, Ananidze

We are facing a strong side today, and therefore have decided to play counter-attacking football. We have a strong enough defence, in conjunction with a hard working midfield to limit the space in which they can play through constant pressure and will look to break at speed with direct, quick passing in order to catch them out with too many players having pushed forwards. Content not to have the ball, we will stifle their play and absorb any pressure they create before breaking forwards at speed with direct, quick and fluid play. It is important to note that we are not being defensive in our style against Hull, but rather maximising our chances of victory with a style of play that suits our game and means we are both a) More likely to score and b) Less likely to concede

Marchetti is a keeper whose experience gives him an edge and he knows that in this league debut he has a point to prove. He will be looking to exert confidence through claiming any balls into the box, and with his shot stopping ability will repel any efforts they have on goal. In order to launch us on the counter, he will distribute it quickly with good throws and kicking to players who are in space.

This a pacey yet strong defence that has both experience and game awareness in abundance. With our counter-attacking style, they will have a realtively deep line to hold, as we snuffle out there creative impoetous with the pressure of our three man midfield, with the back 4 mopping up any balls that are attempted by them. Benatia will have the role of marshalling the defence, and marking their main striker whilst Jesus will track any extra runners into the box. Enrique and Vrsaljko are going to stick to their respective sides; trying to take the wingers out of the game by limiting the space that they have to play in through sticking to them. They must remember that their primary role is to defend, and in doing so they will show their man to the crowded center of the pitch and thus out of any danger. However, when counter-attacking, due their pace and attacking intent will mean they can join our counter's at speed (only one of them, so as not to leave us exposed) and get on the overlap in order to create space for others/get the ball into the box. Vrsaljko, in particular, has extra license to get beyond Adrian who is playing as an inside forward. As a general rule of thumb, the defensive line will be quite deep - around the edge of the box - to allow little space for the opposition to attack into.

We are effectively playing a three man midfield. Comfortable at AM, CM and DM, we have listed Ilicic at AM as when we break forwards on the counter he should be the most advanced of this trio. He will be looking to get in and around the box, providing another option and being the main link up with Kiessling and thus key to bringing other players into the move. However, when we are defending he is to drop to the center of the park, and help pressurize and cut out the creative impoteous of their creative players alongside Nainnggolan and Carrick. It will mean that their creative players in behind the striker have no room to find 'pockets' of space and will provide the basis of our midfield, meaning that we can break forward in numbers. Nainnggolan will be the box-to-box midfielder breaking from deep on the counter, and putting in a shift all over the pitch; whilst Carrick will be a 'quarterback' as our deep lying play maker, connecting the defensive and attacking phases together with his pinpoint passing which will create chances for us through finding players who are in space due to their likely attacking nature. of passing is very good, and he can draw players into him before picking out the man in space. This ability to draw players in and pass quickly and precisely is key to the 'transistion' phase of us counter attacking. This trio in midfield is perfectly suited to a direct, counter-attacking style of football and with substitutes coming on after a period of time they will not get excessively tired.

The key for both Ayew and Remy today is to provide options when we counter with runs into space that can be picked out by our direct and fast passing. When on the ball, having found space, Ayew will look to the byline and get the ball into the box, towards Kiessling or the onrushing Ilicic. However, Adrian will be playing as an inside forward and with Vrsaljko on the overlap will have more license to cut inside and target the space left between their sluggish LB/CB.They should both look to link up with the German when he is holding the ball up; providing options and movement to create space for both themselves and others.

Kiessling is the target man, and the focus point of our counter attacks. Ideally; we will be looking to get the ball to him in the box. He should occasionally look to bring others into the move, and link up with the trio behind him however his primary role as the focal point of our attack is to do what he does best - stick the ball in the back of the net. He should look to be utilising his pace to get behind the defence and beat their high line. His movement/pace will create chances for himself and others. Even in defence, he should look to push up the pitch, his presence being a nusiance for them as this will create the space for us to counter attack into.

Subs:

After 70 mins: Nordtveit > Nainnggolan, fresh legs in midfield
If losing after 70 mins: Adrian > Ilicic, Adrian RW, Remy CF - 4-4-2 attacking

Captain: Benatia
Set Pieces: Ayew
Penalties: Remy

If we recieve a red card, same style and replace Fernandinho with a like for like replacement for the man sent off.

CHELSEA - CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

------------------------Neuer-----------------------
Phil Lahm----Kompany----Subotic----Nagatomo
--------------Khedira----------T.Kroos-------------
---------------------Mkhitaryan---------------------
S.Aguero------------------------------------Neymar
------------------------Benteke---------------------

Baumann, Dragovic, Bender, Vidal, Shaawary, Sturridge, Bony

Neuer is a top and confident keeper will dominate the area and come out for all high balls clearing what he cant punch. Look to close down strikers by quickly coming off his line to shut down there shooting angles.

A back four with Lahm and Nagatomo coming in at fullback, both solid players who defend their lines very well, keep the wingers quiet, keep them to the outside and away from our danger area. Attack when you can one at a time, support yhe wingers by going on the outside and look for a pass so you can get beyond the fullback and cross in, Or if in possession look to pick out Aguero or Neymar and ping the ball down the line for them to latch onto.
First and foremost, Kompany has the responsibility to mark striker into anonymity. This he does exceptionally well, using foresight that borders on the prophetic to intercept. He rarely has to make a rash tackle, so watch the lads movwement and be ready to move in. When the ball comes towards a striker and Kompany is in the area to defend, Subotic moves into position to back up his teammate and fill in any gap that is left. If an opposing attacker makes a run in the centre, reacting to a ball played towards the striker Kompany is covering, Subotic shifts to defend against a potential pass.
If the striker gets away from Kompany it's the responsibility of Subotic to shift and defend directly. Both comfortable with ball at feet so move the ball out when in no danger, otherwise clear it with no messing about.

Khedira will keep it simple in his defensive role. He watches the AM , watch his movement and be there quick to stop him setting up attacks, break the play up between him and the CF etc to nulify there attacking threat. Always on his toes as there AM has a bit of class about him so we cant afford to let him dictate play. Kroos comes in alongside, he will look to stamp his authority on this game early, Has great vision so will want to get his passing range in early to set the likes of Mkhitaryan, Aguero and Benteke up for many chances, he will always follow his pass and make himself available for a return ball. Can shoot from range so have a go. When they have sit alongside Khedira and help him break up their attacks.His work rate is fantastic and always in the faces of the opposition.
Mkhitaryan is in the free role, his attacking prowess is fantastic, will make late runs into the box and has tremendous vision. His inventiveness with his little flicks & dribbling skills are super too, but the best part is he knows where the net is. So will look to support Benteke as much as possible, Also use Neymar and Aguero for one twos to break the line of defence. drop back and help defend v the DM if he breaks forward.
Aguero is on the right, a position he has played before, will look to drive at the fb, causing him all sorts of problems, cut in off his right and shoot with his left, or lay off to Mkhit/Benteke for him to dart into the box for the return. Otherwise look to take on the fullback get to the bye line and cross in for Benteke in the box. Neymar will use his pace to get him passed his marker, knock it forward and use the forward momentum to get by the player and cross in, will do this all day long so Benteke will thrive of this. At times Aguero and Neymar will be supported by our fullbacks so use them, either play it wide for them o r allow them to take the markers away to free up space to drive into. I want all 3 attacking mids to track back and stopp their fullbacks and DMS getting forward and becoming a nuisance.

Big Bad Benteke will love it today, 'should' get plenty of service from those around him so use his power to get in and onto the crosses coming in or balls through the middle. has beaten the biggest defenders for powers so will shrug off his marker like he isnt there to get into dangerous positions to go for goal. If he cant and is well marked at times, then look to knock down or lay off to those coming in supporting. Always the target for corners and freekicks as more than most he will win anything in the air..

Captain:- Kompany
Penalties:- Benteke
Free Kicks:- Mkhitaryan
Corners:- Wingers

Subs:-

Losing/drawing

65 Mins:- Shaawary > Mkhitaryan
75 Mins:- Sturridge > Aguero
80 Mins:- Bony > Benteke

Reds always 4-4-1

CHELSEA v spurs

------------------------Neuer------------------------
van Rhijn----Kompany----Dragovic----Nagatomo
----------------- Bender----A.Vidal-----------------
Sturridge------------Fabregas--------------Neymar
-------------------------Bony-------------------------

Baumann, Subotic, Khedira, Kroos, Shaawary, Aguero, Benteke

Neuer is a top and confident keeper will dominate the area and come out for all high balls clearing what he cant punch. Look to close down strikers by quickly coming off his line to shut down there shooting angles.

A back four with van Rhijn and Nagatomo at fullback, both solid players who defend their lines very well, keep the wingers quiet, keep them to the outside and away from our danger area. Attack when you can one at a time, support yhe wingers by going on the outside and look for a pass so you can get beyond the fullback and cross in, Or if in possession look to pick out Sturridge or Neymar and ping the ball down the line for them to latch onto.
First and foremost, Kompany has the responsibility to mark striker into anonymity. This he does exceptionally well, using foresight that borders on the prophetic to intercept. He rarely has to make a rash tackle, so watch the lads movwement and be ready to move in. When the ball comes towards a striker and Kompany is in the area to defend, Dragovic moves into position to back up his teammate and fill in any gap that is left. If an opposing attacker makes a run in the centre, reacting to a ball played towards the striker Kompany is covering, Dragovic shifts to defend against a potential pass.
If the striker gets away from Kompany it's the responsibility of Dragovic to shift and defend directly. Both comfortable with ball at feet so move the ball out when in no danger, otherwise clear it with no messing about.

Bender will keep it simple in his defensive role. He watches the AM , watch his movement and be there quick to stop him setting up attacks, break the play up between him and the CF etc to nulify there attacking threat. Always on his toes as there AM has a bit of class about him so we cant afford to let him dictate play. Vidal comes in alongside, he will look to stamp his authority on this game early, Has great vision so will want to get his passing range in early to set the likes of Cesc, Sturridge and Bony up for many chances, he will always follow his pass and make himself available for a return ball. Can shoot from range so have a go. When they have sit alongside Bender and help him break up their attacks.His work rate is fantastic and always in the faces of the opposition.
Cesc is in the free role, his attacking prowess is fantastic, will make late runs into the box and has tremendous vision. His inventiveness with his little flicks & dribbling skills are super too, but the best part is he knows where the net is. So will look to support Bony as much as possible, Also use Neymar and Sturridge for one twos to break the line of defence. drop back and help defend v the DM if he breaks forward.
Sturridge is on the right, will look to drive at the fb, causing him all sorts of problems, cut in off his right and shoot with his left, or lay off to Cesc/Bony for him to dart into the box for the return. Otherwise look to take on the fullback get to the bye line and cross in for Bony in the box. Neymar will use his pace to get him passed his marker, knock it forward and use the forward momentum to get by the player and cross in, will do this all day long so Bony will thrive of this. At times Sturridge and Neymar will be supported by our fullbacks so use them, either play it wide for them o r allow them to take the markers away to free up space to drive into. I want all 3 attacking mids to track back and stopp their fullbacks and DMS getting forward and becoming a nuisance.

Bony 'should' get plenty of service from those around him so use his power to get in and onto the crosses coming in or balls through the middle. is a powerful boy and a real handful, so will shrug off his marker like he isnt there to get into dangerous positions to go for goal. If he cant and is well marked at times, then look to knock down or lay off to those coming in supporting. Always the target for corners and freekicks as more than most he will win anything in the air..

Captain:- Kompany
Penalties:- Bony
Free Kicks:- Cesc
Corners:- Wingers

Subs:-
Losing/drawing
70 Mins:- Shaawary > Cesc - Neymar in behind Bony, Shaawary out LW
75 Mins:- Aguero > Bony
80 Mins:- Kroos > Sturridge - 4-3-3

Kroos-Bender-Vidal
Aguero-Neymar-Shawary

Reds
4-4-1

Cesc off

Hull City...

--------------------Patricio-------------------
Debuchy------Rami------Ruiz------AEkotto
----------Strootman-----Fernando----------
-------------------Marchisio------------------
Hulk-------------------------------------Shaq
-----------------------KJH---------------------

Ahamada, Fazio, Defour, Maher, Johnson, Cisse, Stocker

Hulll looking to stay with the pack fighting for Europe line up quite attacking today

Patricio comes back to Hull for his 2nd debut, the GK is a great shot stoppper and extremely quick off his line to shut down strikers, close them down and reduce there shooting angles. Out for high balls and punch what he cant catch.

Rami and Ruiz at CB know each other so well, Rami marks the striker and Ruiz tidies up. Rami always watching the CFs movement and will anticipate where he is going so he is there to intercept anything, always attacks the high balls. Ruiz sits just off in case he loses his player and will be there to stop him, comfortable coming out with the ball but nothing silly.
Debuchy and Ekotto attack when possible and support the wide men by going outside either to go bye the fullback to cross in or just to take them away fto free up room for the wingers, play one-twos with their respective wingers to break the lines of defence. When defending keep the wingers to the outside and dont allow them to cut inside and become a danger.

Fernando is the DM he will focus on the AM and keep him quiet and not allow him to dictate play, watch his every move so he can quickly stiop any threat from him and stop him playing balls through to the striker, once the ball is won simple balls to those around him. Strootman and Marchisio will sit alongside him when defending a create a strong bank of 5, both great and moving up and down the pitch, Strootman sits further back tho and acts as a playmaker to pick the ball up and getting it rolling forward, he will pass it about but will always follow his pass, with Fernandop sitting he has freedom to roam forward. Marchisio just ahead at the tip of the central midfield is vital, named as new captain he will lead form the front. always wanting the ball andlooking to get forward, he and Strootman are vitally important to this team and the two must look to pressurize them and force them back. Both good from range so have a go at goal, support KJH asd much as possible and make runs into the box. Also look to play KJH in with defence splitting passes

Shaqiri and Hulk out wide have freedom to attack, both quick and skillfull will be direct, take there men on using those inside to pass and move into a position for a return, use the fullbacks as well, either play the ball down for them to cut inside or dummy the pass and cut inside aand shoot, quick passing and make there way into the box. When crossing they must do this with accuracy to allow KJH get a chance in. Defend the lines and stop FBs coming forward by jockeying them and forcing them out.

KJH, is a goal machine so go for it when he can, will have plenty support so use them, look to bring others into the game if he cant go himself, great in the air so will have plwenty crosses to go for, always on the last foot and look to break free when possible.

Captain:- Marchisio
Penalties:- KJH
Free Kicks:- Marchisio
Corners:- Wingers

Subs:-
losing/drawing
70 Mins:- Maher > Strootman swap with Marchisio
75 Mins:- Stocker for Shaqiri
80 Mins:- Cisse for Fernando 4-4-2

Winning:-
70 Mins:- Defour > Strooman more energy
80 Mins:- Johnson > KJH - Hulk up front, Johnson rw
85 Mins:- Stocker > Shaqiri burtst a gut to help LB

reds

4-4-1 Strootman the fall guy unless its Marchisio sent off

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SUBS

Winning 70 Mins Vidal > Mkhitatryan swap with Kroos

LEAGUE

Winning 70 Mins Khedira > Bender
Winning 80 Mins Benteke > Bony

-------------------------Cech
Juanfran---Diakite-----Doria---Schmelzer
-----------------------Denisov
-------------Barry---------Dembele
Auby------------------------------------Payet
---------------------Osvaldo
Subs
Cech, Johnson, Agger, Schweiny, Inler, Ribery, Gomez

Tactics
An attack-minded 4-3-3 formation with emphasis on keeping possession and playing with width to stretch the opposition.

Keeper
When distributing the ball, he should look to keep it simple and play the percentage pass. At crosses and set pieces, should look to punch rather than attempt any catches with an element of risk.

Full Backs
When going forward, the wingers will be playing a mostly wide game so should look to play behind the wingers, giving them an option to play it safely back if there is no forward option, and they should also look to provide width if the wingers cut inside. When defending, they should look to keep the wingers on their weaker foot, even if that means showing them the inside.

Centre Backs
Doria will compete with the striker for the aerial balls played up to him, and Diakite will look to collect the 2nd ball, when the ball is on the floor, Doria will be the guy to venture forward to meet with the striker, and Diakite will make sure he is making a covering run if Doria is beaten. 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, just look to play it simple to a man in space and retain possession.

Defensive Midfielder
Denisov will look to just sit in front of the back 4, staying deep when the full backs go forward to keep defensive numbers up in case of a counter. When attacking, he will look to take the ball of the centre backs and play it forward to the CM's or out wide to one of the Full Backs.

Centre Mids
Both are comfortable on the ball, and both have engines to last the full 90 with a high energy game, when they are on the ball both midfielders are suited to looking for a pass, but can take the ball forward if the space is there, if either man is running with the ball, they are comfortable with shooting from outside the box, so should look to test the keeper fairly often. When defending, they will look to use their workrate to press the opposition midfielders when they are on the ball.

Wingers
They should look to stay as wide as possible when they receive the ball to try and stretch the defensive line and create space for midfield runners. When on the ball, both wingers have the ability to stay wide and put a cross in, or cut inside to try and make space for a shot, so should look to pick out which is the best option at the time, if they do cut inside, the full backs should have moved forward to occupy the touchline and provide an out ball if there is no other option. If they have taken the opposition full back out of the game, they shouldnt be afraid to go into the box, as defenders will be extra cautious to not give away a penalty, and this provides the option of just drilling a cross to Ossy or a simple drag back to an onrushing CM. When the opposite winger has the ball, the winger without the ball should look to find space between the CB and full back to add an extra body for any crosses or capitalise on any defensive errors.

Striker
When defending, he should look to keep tabs on the defensive midfielder to stop any easy balls being played back to him, when attacking, he should look to drift around the back line, not sticking close to 1 defender and concentrate on getting the ball at his feet and relying on his ability to get that little half a yard and get off a shot.

Set Pieces
Corners - Barry and Payet take inswinging corners, the 2 CB's go into the box, the FB's and Denisov stay back to prevent counters, the CB's, Auby and Ossy attack the ball, the CM's and the wingers take positions just outside the box to pick up any weak defensive headers or knockdowns.

Free Kicks - For direct FK's Payet and Dembele will shoot depending on which foot it favours. For Indirect FKs, follow the same directives for Corners

Penalties - Dembele is the designated taker.

Subs

If Winning
68 mins - Johnson for Auby - Juanfran goes RW, Johnson to RB.

76 mins - Gomez and Schweiny for Dembele and Ossy - Barry slots alongside Denisov with Schweiny just in front, and Gomez acts as the out ball, looking to hold up the ball whenever its played to him.

If Losing

71 mins - Schweiny for Barry - extra attacking impetus in the midfield

77 Mins - Lennon and Johnson for Payet and Juanfran - Auby goes to LW, both guys bring added pace to combat tiring defenders and we focus attacks on the fresh legged right side with Auby drifting close to Ossy.

Brum Brum Brum

Brum are obviously a confused side, I would be two if my manager changed his name. They don’t know who they’re reporting to and this will surely be apparent in their play on the park.

Brum is always being given the run around town, as highlighted in our pre match research:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZOGVoXLx_Q

Line-up:
------------ Buffon
Abate – Pepe – Evans – Filipe
------- Sandro – Gerrard
Hamsik --- Tevez---- Lavezzi
------------- Dzeko

Subs bench. Julio Cesar, Raul Albiol, Lucas, Pirlo, Ox, A.Young, Eto’o

We’ve taken the decision to play an attacking 4-2-3-1 against Brum. Going defensive against the top 4 hasn’t worked in the past and we now believe we have the quality and balance in the side to go very attacking at home.

Their strength is on the wing, so we want to dominate the game in the middle of the park. Dominate possession, and limit the chances they get. Isloate Gomez up top, and they’ll struggle to link defence and attack. Bombard their defence.
We will be rigid in defence, fluid in attack. Creative freedom in final third, not in first two.

Game plan is simply to retain possession in the first two thirds of the park (bar Gerrard who has freedom to ping long balls from wherever, not just freedom but we want Gerrard to actively look to take possession and fire it forward to Dzeko/to the wide men), our attacking players have full creative freedom in the final third. Play their natural game, movement will be key in giving their players the run around and finding/creating space.

The energy and skill of Hamsik, Tevez and Lavezzi getting forward and linking up with Dzeko will be key to our game plan. Over run their defence, they’ll miss Hummels big time.

Hamsik/Tevez/Lavezzi are not defensive players but their work rate is very high, this will be key to our game plan. Close Brum down high up the park, don’t let them play, and win back possession quickly. If we’re under the kosh get 9 men behind the ball if possible.

Gerrard plays in a deep role that he’s excelled in recently, while Tevez has also been in a deeper position for City so feel with Sandro playing as dm we will have more than enough at cm to control proceedings.

We have an abundance of quality on the bench, so if not working just change it. Pirlo the secret weapon on the bench. He’ll come on when the play opens up along allow us to take advantage, bring on Eto’o/push Lavezzi up top.
Set pieces: Gerrard(deep), Tevez(shooting)
Corners: Gerrard
Captain: Gerrard

Set pieces will be a real strength for us, with Pepe, Sandro, Gerrard, Hamsik and Dzeko forward we will have an abundance of quality, height and power. Get players forward and in the box at every set piece opportunity.

The men.
Buffon - Simple, keep the ball out the net. Dominate the back 4 as you would expect Buffon to do.

Back 4 – Pepe to hustle Gomez, he’s a lot quicker and his position will be fine (just listen to Buffon, as if Buffon has a controller telling Pepe where to go), Evans will be the man reading the play. Filipe has the quality to deal with Robben/Ribery. Abate will most likely struggle with the skills of their wingers but has more than enough pace so we want him to stay on his feet and not dive in. One full back forward at a time.

Sandro – The monster in dm. Bully their players. Very defensive role in front of defence, simple in possession.
Gerrard – Playing as a cm effectively. We want him to come deep to get the ball, spread the play. Ping long balls about and put Brum on the back foot.

Hamsik – Drift into the middle and over run their central positions, drag Schmelzer outside and get Abate/Tevez/Dzeko exploiting the space.
Tevez – Playing as an attacking midfielder/second striker. We want him in between their midfield and defence, getting on the ball and driving us forward as a team. Freedom to do what he wants in the final third when we are in possession.
Lavezzi – Show us what you can do, energy, pace and skill show us your talent!

Dzeko – Hold up. Flick on/through. Score.
We want all three of our attacking mids to be linking up with Dzeko when the ball is played to him, look for space to take the ball off him or give him an angle to play a through ball behind.

Subs.

If losing at half time bring on A.Young for Dzeko. Lavezzi goes up top. More pace to the attacking four and a more pacey option up top.
If losing after 60 mins bring on Pirlo for Lavezzi/Tevez (worse). Gerrard am, Pirlo deep playmaker.
If losing after 75 mins bring on Eto’o for Hamsik. Attacking right forward.

If drawing after 60 mins bring on Pirlo for Dzeko. Gerrard am, Tevez up top. More creativity in the middle of the park from deep as the game opens up, help us continue to link defence and attack.
If drawing after 75 mins bring on Eto’o for Hamsik. Play right forward.

If drawing after 80 mins bring on Young for Lavezzi/Tevez(whoever not performing). Fresh legs down the left. Plenty of fresh pace in Young and Eto’o to exploit Brum’s tired legs.

If winning after 70 mins bring on Pirlo for Dzeko/Tevez(worse, whoever doesn’t come off is striker, gerrard AM).

If winning after 75 mins bring on Lucas for Sandro. Fresh impetus in the middle of the park. Keep us going and bring energy to lift the side.

If winning after 80 mins bring on Ox for Hamsik. Pace and fresh legs to ensure Abate has protection and give us pace and drive going forward.

European Tactics
--------------- J.Cesar
R.Albiol – Caulker – Skrtel – Haidara
------------- Lucas.L – Pirlo
Ox ---------- Pandev ------ A.Young
---------------- Eto’o
Subs. Buffon, D.Reyes, Ansaldi, Banega, Campana, Grenier, Di Santo

Balanced 4-2-3-1. We’re playing an Inter side who lack attacking talent, we feel with a strong defence this is where we can win the game. Build from the back. Playing with plenty of width.

Rigid in defence we will look to play quite direct. Defence players stay defensive giving the attacking players freedom to impress. We want to play direct, get our wingers running at the Inter full backs and Pandev will be key in finding the space between the Inter defence and midfield.
Pirlo will be our main man as always in possession, get him on the ball.

With Albiol at rb, we have gone with Haidara at lb to offer real drive down the left side doubling up with Young to give Inter a headache on that side.

We have a few players in the side when Inter were a better team, and who will relish the opportunity to show Inter they were wrong to move them on, although that is very much apparent.

Eto’o loves the EL, and starts up front for us. Our pace down the wings and up top will be key to getting at this Inter side.

Cesar – Dominate the back four and show Inter what they’re missing.

Back four – Quality in abundance protecting Cesar. Haidara will be the full back bombing forward.
Lucas and Piro. Lucas the dm, Pirlo the one with freedom looking to build from deep.

Attacking trio – Wingers start from wide positions as we build play, but freedom to come inside if play is on the other wing.
Eto’o – Pace and quality up top. Running the channels as you would expect and trying the impossible and succeeding. Just be Eto’o.

Subs.
If losing/drawing after 60 mins bring on Grenier for Pandev.

If losing/drawing after 70 mins bring on Banega for Lucas. Playing deep cm next to Pirlo the two together give enough cover but will offer a lot more in possession.
If losing/drawing after 80 mins bring on Di Santo for Ox. Eto’o goes right, gives us a target man to aim at.

If winning after 65 mins bring on Banega for Pirlo.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Grenier for Pandev.

Portsmouth Europa League Tactics

Portsmouth:

---------------------Maksym Koval
------Papadopoulos----David Luiz------Nastasic
---Carvajal------------Marco Verratti--------Luke Shaw
--------Nemanja Matic----------Henderson
---------------------------Suso
---------------------Romelu Lukaku

Subs: Halilovic, Icardi, Bigirimana, Bittencourt, Sebastian Rode, Neal Maupay, Griezmann

The aim of the game is to contain the oppositon, using two very attacking Wide Full backs, who will be playing almost RM and LM. We will be playing a 3-5-1-1 formation, influenced and mastered by Juventus. Papadopoulos and Nastasic will be playing the Barzagli and Chiellini role, and they must win everything in the air, and press forwards at every ball. Luiz on the other hand, will be our Bonucci, capable of stepping into midfield when needed, with excellent passing abilities to match. Luiz must stay central, and he must command the defence, and be a real leader, coming in with clean tackles and bringing the ball out of defence. Marco Veratti is a DM, but he is also very capable of playing CM, the heir to Pirlo. He brings forward brilliant vision, and superb long range passing, and must aim to release the likes of Lukaku, and connect well with Henderson and Matic. His defensive abilities will help him in his quest to prevent the opposition AM from causing problems in the centre of the pitch. Ahead of him, Henderson will be our 'Vidal', offering great drive from midfield, and really press the opposition midfielders. His energy will be an added bonus, and he must also look to come forward with the ball, and try and slip in one of Suso or Lukaku, whilst also being capable of finishing chances falling to him, as he has shown IRL this season. Alongside him, Nemanja Matic will be starting deep, but like Marchisio, will become more attack minded as the game goes on, linking up with Suso to cause problems for the defence. His silky skills, and brilliant tippy tappy passes will really fit into our system, and he is capable of some real belters, so must look to get those shots raining in on the keepers goal. Our two wide players, who will be on an almost level playing field as Matic and Hendo, are both very attacking Full Backs, capable of playing these roles. Danilo will be our Litch, with extreme pace, and very quick feet, made for dribbling. His crosses can be a real weapon too, and with no other wide player ahead, this is his chance to really own the entire flank. His crosses will be aimed for the feet of Lukaku and/or Suso, as neither are the tallest players, unlike the opponents CB's, so high crosses will be pointless. Instead, they must look to play them along the ground,, into the nippy strikers, and look to cause commotion inside the box. On the other side, Shaw will be a mirror to Danilo, going forward dangerously, but instead of using crosses as a way of getting into the box, Shaw will use his own two feet, to dance his way through the defence, and try and set up a colleague luring on the edge of the box. Like Danilo, Shaw's dribbling is second to none, and he must use this asset to get round oppressors and to get in behind the defence where he has shown he can cause problems. Neither of these two wide players can neglect defensive duties however, and as they are both fast, tracking back is a real necessity when needed, especially on the Counter. They must not look to lunge into tackles and give away cheap freekicks, but instead, deploy clever tactics to gang up on the opposition, and cleanly take the ball away, where they can then distribute to midfield. Suso's role in this side is vital. He is not exactly a SS, but his amazing passing and maturity which reminds so much of Silva, it has convinced me that he should start in this role. He's another brilliant dribbler, likened to Silva and Fabregas, which indicates his passing skills and dribbling skills are top notch. He must look to collect the ball, and either play in Lukaku, or to try and pull away from the defender, and give it to the wide men. His silky skills must see him slip away from opponents, and with Hendo coming forward to support him, he must make use of this, and we rely on these two to strike up such a partnership that Oppositions defence crumble every time we step forward. Up front, Romelu Luakaku will play the CF role. Excellent finishing ability, with raw pace on top, he must attack the ball at every opportunity, and must drop deep on Susos level, before the 3 regroup and come forward together. His excellent awareness will see him take up the right positions to convert Danilo's low balls, whilst he must look to be a shoulder for Shaw to rely on, if any 1-2's are needed to unlock the defence. His brilliant off the shoulder runs will see him collect those through balls played in by Verratti, whilst his pace would help him beat defenders to the ball. He will win everything in the air


Subs:

If winning at 60mins: Rode > Henderson, defensive change, with Rode going DM and Veratti replacing Hendo.

If winning at 75mins: Griezmann > Suso, versatile young gem some time to cause real problems with his pace

If Drawing at 60mins: Bittencourt > Matic, instead of offering drive and power, Bittencourt offers flair and excellent vision.

If losing at 60mins: We ditch the Juve formation, bringing on Griezmann > Luiz and playing 4-2-3-1 with Griezmann/Henderson/Suso in behind Icardi

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