------------------JoeHart------------------
Lahm----Kompany----Subotic----Baines
------------Khedira----A.Vidal------------
------------------Fabregas-----------------
Hulk da Souza--------------Neymar Silva
------------------S.Aguero-----------------
Baumann, Chedjou, Kroos, Hueng, Mkhitaryan, Benteke, Morata
Hart is a top back up 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. Pressurising them into shooting high or wide. Release the wide players early if chasing the game.
A back four with Lahm and Baines 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. Match them for pace and shrug them out, must stay strong! Attack when you can one at a time, support the 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 Hulk and Neymar and ping the ball down the line for them to latch onto. Always look to get the ball from the winger or at very least make more room for them by taking the FB away, cross early if opportunity arises.
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. Kompany to go up for corners and use his upper body strength and height to pose a lot of problems.
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. Vidal 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 Hulk, Aguero and Neymar 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 more in the free role, with more freedom to attack 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 Aguero as much as possible, Also use Hulk and Neymar for one twos to break the line of defence. drop back and help defend v the DM if he breaks forward.
Hulk 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/Aguero 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 Aguero 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 Aguero will thrive of this. At times neymar and Hulk 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 both attacking mids to track back and stop the fullbacks and DMS getting forward and becoming a nuisance. Also look to switch with Aguero causing confusion in their back line
Aguero is a top striker, scores many goals from differwent angles and with either foot and is strong in the air, will thrive on the service from those behind so he will be looking to make a goalscoring return up front. Neymar Aguero and Hulk are a fearsome trio up dront full of goals so they must capitialise on any mistake by the opposition. Always on his toes and on the last line of defence and ready to go for goal. If he cant then look to lay off/knock down for the support coming in from behind. He is strong so can hold of defenders and make his way into the danger area. Leap early for crosses coming in to beat the defender in the air.
Captain:- Kompany
Penalties:- Aguero
Free Kicks:- Fabregas
Corners:- Wingers
Subs:-
Losing:-
65 Mins:- Hueng for Hulk
70 Mins:- Kroos for Vidal
75 Mins:- Benteke for Cesc (switch with Aguero)
Winning:-
75 Mins:- Kroos for Cesc go to right of Khedira
80 Mins:- Benteke for Hulk - Aguero right
Drawing:-
70 Mins:- Kroos for Vidal
80 Mins:- Mkhit > Cesc
reds always 4-2-3 with no CF but an attacking AM
Branislav Ivanovic - 1 weeks
Joao Moutinho - 2 weeks
Srdjan Mijailovic - 2 weeks
Koke - 2 weeks
--------------------Szczesny-------------------
---Zabaleta----Boateng----Godin----Kolarov
----------------Mikel-----Milner------------
Walcott------------Oscar--------Hazard-
---------------------Higuain--------------------
Subs: Al Habsi, Marquinhos, Valbuena, Djuricic, Callejon, Llorente, Gignac
Captain: Pablo Zabaleta
Free Kicks: Alexander Kolarov
Penalties: Eden Hazard
Corners: Hazard (from left, inswing) Kolarov (From right, outswing)
Szczesny will use his height to collect crosses, allowing our defence to keep in shape, if we have a chance to counter from there Szczesny uses his quick distribution to the wingers. He must command his area. Come for crosses when he is at least 80% sure he can get them. He will pass the ball out unless he is 80% sure we will not lose the ball when kicking it long as we want to keep possession as much as possible in this game.
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 Mikel.
Godin and Boateng, 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 Boateng will stay close to each other not allowing the opposition to open up space. Boateng 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 Boateng does this covering the remaining space, he will be able to clear the second ball if it gets beyond Boateng.
Mikel 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 has the responsibility in helping out the full backs also. Defensively be solid, Mikel and Milner will sit deep and defend our back four. When the attack is on their side, they will drift over and team up with our full back, close them down and win the ball back. Milner will look to protect the LB and Mikel the RB. However ultimately, they must stay tight in the middle and look to give no space to the opposition etc. When one of them covers a full back then Oscar drops in to still make it two in the middle:
-------------------------------Kolarov
---------Mikel----Oscar-----Moutinho
Walcott
This leaves Walcott and Hazard free which is where our main threat is and where we are dangerous.
Oscar will be our advanced playmaker. He has the ability to pick out the cutest of passes, which is just what we need with players like Higuain, Hazard, Walcott in the team. He has to manipulate the play and find these players in free space. Oscar is also there to support Higuain. When needed he will drop into midfield and make it tight.
Walcott and Hazard will be the wingers, and both should provide us natural width I want them to put the opposition full backs under pressure. They will play in an attacking role. They must keep the ball if there is no support and wait for players to arrive. They may also go for long range shots as both are good at them. This will also make the opposition full backs not attack making our job in defence easier. Furthermore they both have the ability to do that and are very good at it. Hazard is instructed to come on his right foot sometimes and take a ‘shock’ shot, catching the keeper out. Look for Higuain’s runs also.
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/drawing at 75mins –
Mikel off Valbuena on
Milner off Callejon on – Hazard AM Oscar deeper
80mins:
Boateng off Llorente on
3-5-2
If winning 75mins:
Walcott off for Valbuena
Higuain off for Llorente,
If Keeper gets sent off then AM comes off for keeper on bench
In this case: Moutinho > Szczesny 4-2-2-2
If Defender gets sent off then AM comes off for Defender on bench
In this case: Moutinho > Marquinhos – Ivanovic RB/Lb if needed. If DM gets sent off (Mikel/Moutinho) then AM for DM on bench
If st gets sent off, the AM for St on bench
In this case: Oscar > Llorente
TACTICS FOR LAST GAME OF THE SEASON
Valbuena - 2 weeks
Joao Moutinho - 2 weeks
Srdjan Mijailovic - 2 weeks
Koke - 2 weeks
--------------------Szczesny-------------------
---Zabaleta----Boateng----Godin----Kolarov
----------------Mikel-----Milner------------
Walcott------------Oscar--------Hazard-
---------------------Higuain--------------------
Subs: Al Habsi, Marquinhos, Ivanovic, Djuricic, Callejon, Llorente, Gignac
Captain: Pablo Zabaleta
Free Kicks: Alexander Kolarov
Penalties: Eden Hazard
Corners: Hazard (from left, inswing) Kolarov (From right, outswing)
Szczesny will use his height to collect crosses, allowing our defence to keep in shape, if we have a chance to counter from there Szczesny uses his quick distribution to the wingers. He must command his area. Come for crosses when he is at least 80% sure he can get them. He will pass the ball out unless he is 80% sure we will not lose the ball when kicking it long as we want to keep possession as much as possible in this game.
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 Mikel.
Godin and Boateng, 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 Boateng will stay close to each other not allowing the opposition to open up space. Boateng 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 Boateng does this covering the remaining space, he will be able to clear the second ball if it gets beyond Boateng.
Mikel 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 has the responsibility in helping out the full backs also. Defensively be solid, Mikel and Milner will sit deep and defend our back four. When the attack is on their side, they will drift over and team up with our full back, close them down and win the ball back. Milner will look to protect the LB and Mikel the RB. However ultimately, they must stay tight in the middle and look to give no space to the opposition etc. When one of them covers a full back then Oscar drops in to still make it two in the middle:
-------------------------------Kolarov
---------Mikel----Oscar-----Moutinho
Walcott
This leaves Walcott and Hazard free which is where our main threat is and where we are dangerous.
Oscar will be our advanced playmaker. He has the ability to pick out the cutest of passes, which is just what we need with players like Higuain, Hazard, Walcott in the team. He has to manipulate the play and find these players in free space. Oscar is also there to support Higuain. When needed he will drop into midfield and make it tight.
Walcott and Hazard will be the wingers, and both should provide us natural width I want them to put the opposition full backs under pressure. They will play in an attacking role. They must keep the ball if there is no support and wait for players to arrive. They may also go for long range shots as both are good at them. This will also make the opposition full backs not attack making our job in defence easier. Furthermore they both have the ability to do that and are very good at it. Hazard is instructed to come on his right foot sometimes and take a ‘shock’ shot, catching the keeper out. Look for Higuain’s runs also.
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/drawing at 75mins –
Milner off Callejon on – Hazard AM Oscar deeper
80mins:
Boateng off Llorente on
3-5-2
If winning 75mins:
Walcott off for Callejon
Higuain off for Llorente,
If Keeper gets sent off then AM comes off for keeper on bench
In this case: Moutinho > Szczesny 4-2-2-2
If Defender gets sent off then AM comes off for Defender on bench
In this case: Moutinho > Marquinhos – Ivanovic RB/Lb if needed. If DM gets sent off (Mikel/Moutinho) then AM for DM on bench
If st gets sent off, the AM for St on bench
In this case: Oscar > Llorente
League :
------------ Buffon
Rafael –Pepe - Evans – Filipe
- Banega - De Rossi – Pirlo
-------- Reus ----- Lavezzi --
--------------- Dzeko
Subs. Cesar, Skrtel, Lucas, Gerrard, Tevez, Hamsik, Eto’o
Balanced 4-3-3. Keep things calm in the middle of the park. Control possession and the tempo of the game. Generally opting to keep possession playing patiently, but with the option to go direct through Dzeko if need be. Reus and Lavezzi’s movement off Dzeko will be key. Hugely important they make the right runs at the right times.
With Liverpool missing Dante, they lack a physical presence to really deal with Dzeko.
Defence
Getting a 4-5-1 in defence. With the pace of Reus and Lavezzi to break and Dzeko to hold up/flick on. Simple. Reus and Lavezzi help the full backs. With three cm’s one goes to help the full back, other two stay central. If it goes to the other side all switch over, so 2 in the middle and other cm helping full back. This should make it extremely difficult for Pool to break us down. As we should always have an extra man to win the ball back.
Our key defensive tactic today though is possession. In Banega and Pirlo we have 2 cm’s who love the ball, and have fantastic technique. Pirlo has freedom to spray the ball around the park. Banega though we want to stay composed, keep passes relatively short.
Full backs stretch the play keeping it wide. Although only one ventures forward at a time.
We will look to contain Pool in their own half. Let them have possession there. Staying rigid and compact at the back, moving as a unit around the ball. As soon as they enter our half we press hard.
Pepe the man to mark Cavani/Martinez. Has the pace and power to deal with them as one of the quickest defenders in world football.
Attack.
Reus and Lavezzi have to look for space between defence and midfield. With two of them there it should be impossible for Pool to pick them up, and if they do will leave space for other players to exploit.
Banega and Pirlo will be the two key players on the ball. Lucas is the dm. Pirlo playmaker from deep while Banega gets further forward into attacking positions. This solidity in the middle of the park gives license to our full backs to get forward and for Reus & Lavezzi to really join the attack.
De Rossi provides the energy and Banega and Piro the creativity. With three players here we should overurn the opposition in the middle especially with the quality on the ball of Banega and Pirlo. Add in the energy of De Rossi and we should boss it in the middle.
Dzeko up top plays his natural game, getting in and around the box. Holding up play or knocking it on for the on running Reus/Lavezzi when we play it long.
Set Pieces will be a huge strength. With Pirlo’s delivery, Dzeko, Pepe and De Rossi providing the strength with quick reactions of Reus and Lavezzi to snatch a goal. And if we’re chasing we can throw Evans up for even more firepower. Set pieces will come, and we will be a constant threat.
Captain: Buffon. Leading from the back, instilling confidence in the defence and keeping them right.
Subs.
If losing after 60 mins bring on Tevez for Banega. 4-2-3-1. Attack.
If losing after 70 mins bring on Hamsik for Dzeko. More pace and drive. Tevez up top.
If losing after 80 mins bring on Gerrard for De Rossi. Attacking switch, more direct and fresh legs.
If drawing/winning after 70 mins bring on Hamsik for Banega. Playing in same box to box role keep things fresh in the centre.
If drawing/winning after 80 mins bring on Tevez for Dzeko. Mix things up as game closes.
If drawing/winning after 85 mins bring on Eto’o for Lavezzi/Reus.
Europe:
-------------- Cesar
Abate – Jones – Skrtel – Adriano
---------- Lucas – Gerrard
Hamsik ----- Tevez ---- A.Young
--------------- Eto’o
Subs. Buffon, Jones, Barry, Ox, Lavezzi, Reus, Dzeko
Balanced 4-2-3-1. We are going into the second win with everything to play for. A slight advantage with the away goal but we’ve gone with what we feel is our strongest team for this match. Plenty of drive and energy in midfield to allow us to over run the Germans. Don’t let them operate, we run the show.
Closing down high up the pitch, we want to play a high pressure game as soon as they leave the first third of their side. Rigid in defence as the whole team moves as a unit.
We want to push the line up a bit further this time, we have an abundance of pace at the back, so we feel we can squeeze the game up dominate the possession and keep ze Germans on the back foot.
Defending as a unit of 4-4-1-1. Two walls of four making it nearly impossible for them to double up on our defence. Tevez has to use his energy to win back the ball and put us back on the front foot. Him and Eto’o stay with attacking mentality to ensure we break quickly and with quality.
In attack we want to be far more fluid. Lucas remain defensive, keeping things simple from the back. Gerrard starts from deep in defence with the license to get as far forward in attack. The two offer real defensive cover, strength and composure in the middle. The experienced heads in our side, lead the side and keep everyone right.
Hamsik will drift in naturally and Abate gets forward as he likes to. This will give more support to our strikers. Young will stick wide right up unitl the final third where he has creative freedom. By giving them this freedom we hope to get the best out of them. If not just switch the players around.
Eto’o continues up top in Europe. He loves to run the channels, gives us a constant outball and will run the German defence ragged. Not ones to have plenty of pace Eto’o will thrive. Tiring them and dragging them out of position for the trio behind to find space and exploit the opposition backline.
Subs. If losing/drawing after 55 mins bring on Reus for Young.
If losing/drawing after 65 mins bring on Lavezzi for Eto’o. Tevez centre forward.
If losing after 75 mins bring on Dzeko for Abate.
If winning after 70 mins bring on Ox for Young.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Barry for Gerrard.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Reus for Tevez.
-----------------------Cech
Johnson---Garay------Hummels-----Clichy
----------------------Denisov
-------------Schweiny------Modric
Robben------------------------------------Ribery
----------------------Gomez
Subs
Begovic, Blind, Agger, Payet, Dembele, Salvio, 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 looking to cut inside fairly regularly, so the full backs should look to hug the touchlines to keep the defence stretched and provide the out ball. 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
Hummels will compete with the striker for the aerial balls played up to him, with Garay looking to snaffle the resulting knockdown, when the ball is on the floor, Garay will be the defender who looks to stand up the striker looking to keep tight to him and stifling his space to get the ball out of his feet, and Hummels will be making a covering run if Garay 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, keep it simple and play it 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 attack, when numbers are healthy at the back, he should be looking to hover close to the opposition am/playmaker, making sure there isnt an easy ball for him to pick up. When attacking, he will look to take the ball off the centre backs and most of the time play it simply to one of the other midfielders, if the opposition start to play higher up the field and keep close tabs on our midfielders, he should look to play a lofted ball to Gomez to exploit the area between defence and midfield.
Centre Mids
Both are comfortable on the ball, and have the awareness to create themselves little pockets of space so they free to get the ball and keep the game ticking over, if they are getting closely marked, they should look to play slightly deeper to create more space for themselves, and if the ankle biters follow them, that will create a gap between the defence and midfield for the front 3 to exploit. When defending, Schweiny has the energy to play a pressing game in conjunction with the wingers to put pressure on the opposition, whilst Modders will hang back slightly, almost playing alongside Inler focusing on trying to intercept the ball rather than banging into players.
Wingers
They should look to stay as wide as possible when they receive the ball to try and stretch the defensive line. When they are 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 the wide 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.
Occasionally, the 2 wingers will swap wings, where the emphasis will be more on crosses for 5-10 minute periods a few times during the match.
Striker
When defending, he should look to hover around the area of the opposition DM, trying to prevent the easy out of a pass back to him. When attacking, he shouldn't look to get too involved in build up play, just acting as a target man to give the back 5 the option of playing a lofted ball to him and hold the ball up for the wingers or CMs to get into the attacking area, when he has passed the ball, he should just look to get alongside the aerially weaker CB and be ready for crosses and look to feed on any panicky defensive blocks or weak goalkeeper parries and play the reak poachers role.
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, Modders looks to annoy the opposition keeper looking to limit his ability to move off the goalline. Schweiny 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 - Salvio for Robben - Fresh legs and extra defensive workrate.
76 mins - Dembele and Blind for Modric and Clichy - 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. Dembele slots in alongside Inler and all 3 Centre Mids play a high energy pressing game.
If Losing
71 mins - Dembele for Denisov - extra attacking impetus in the midfield
77 Mins - Auby and Payet for Robben and Modric - We go to 4-2-4, with the wingers bombarding crosses in to the 2 big men with the other winger adding the third option.
-----------------------Akinfeev
Clyne---Alderweireld---Mangala---Nagatomo
----------------Inan------------Pogba
Yarmolenko------Dzagoev------Mertens
------------------------Sow
Subs
Ruddy, Hubocan, Lombaerts, Schneiderlin, Kokorin, Natkho, Doumbia
Tactics
A 4-2-3-1 formation based on defending as a team when off the ball but with enough attacking flair to keep the opposition honest when on the ball.
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 looking to cut inside fairly regularly, so the full backs should look to hug the touchlines to keep the defence stretched and provide the out ball. 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
Alderweireld will compete with the striker for the aerial balls played up to him, with Mangala looking to snaffle the resulting knockdown, when the ball is on the floor, Mangala will be the defender who looks to stand up the striker looking to keep tight to him and stifling his space to get the ball out of his feet, and Alderweireld will be making the covering run. When on the ball, if the opposition are giving them space to come out with the ball, then they should look to take it forward, if not, keep it simple and play it to a man in space and retain possession.
Defensive Midfielders
Inan 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 attack, when numbers are healthy at the back, he should be looking to hover close to the opposition am/playmaker, making sure there isnt an easy ball for him to pick up.
Pogba will be the more adventurous of the 2, when defending, he will drift forward and keep tabs on the opposition playmaker without being overly aggressive and giving away fouls in pressure areas,
When attacking, they will look to take the ball off the centre backs and most of the time play it simply to one of the other midfielders, with Pogba being the more adventurous of the 2, if the opposition start to play higher up the field and keep close tabs on our midfielders, they should look to play a lofted ball to Sow to exploit the area between defence and midfield and allow the wingers to get into the game.
Wingers
They should look to stay as wide as possible when they receive the ball to try and stretch the defensive line. when they have the ball, the options will be to either stay out wide and have the option of just drilling a cross to Sow with Kokorin staying around the edge of the box to provide the drag back option. or to cut inside to provide a more simple option for the other front 3 or themselves, if they do cut inside, the full backs should look to move forward to provide the wide option. If the defenders are backing off from them, they shouldnt be afraid to go into the box, as defenders will be extra cautious to not give away a penalty, and this should give them a chance to make a bit of spce for themselves to take a shot or a pass to a player in a better position. 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.
Attacking Midfielder
Dzagoev will be buzzing around just off the striker, looking to play the classic Lampard role of late runs into the box to surprise the defence. When our wingers cut inside, he should hang back slightly to make those late runs. When defending, he should keep tabs on the DMs, not letting a simple ball be played to them.
Striker
When defending, he should look to hover around the area of the CB's, putting a bit of pressure on them to try and force an error. When attacking, he should be looking to be the most advanced player, occasionally dropping back to help link up play, but recognising when a lofted ball will be played to him he should play with his back to goal and hold off the CB's to give time for others to come into play when he has passed the ball, he should just look to get alongside the aerially weaker CB and be ready for crosses.
Set Pieces
Corners - Dzagoev will take inswinging corners, the 2 CB's go into the box, the FB's and Inan stay back to prevent counters, the CB's and Sow attack the ball, Kokorin looks to annoy the opposition keeper looking to limit his ability to move off the goalline. Pogba and Mertens take positions just outside the box to pick up any weak defensive headers or knockdowns.
Free Kicks - For direct FK's Inan will shoot. For Indirect FKs, follow the same directives for Corners
Penalties - Inan is the designated taker.
Subs
If Winning
68 mins - Schneiderlin for Kokorin - Morgan sits behind the current 2 DM's. adding further defensive strength
76 mins - Hubocan and Allen for Clyne and Pogba - Allen is a more calming presence than Pogba so will look to add an element of calmness when the midfield 3 have the ball, and the front 4 all have the pace and ability to trouble on counter attacks.
If Losing
71 mins - Natkho for Pogba - given more attacking impetus than Pogba
----------------Courtois
Piszczek----Schär----Cahill---Marcelo
-----------Matuidi--Ramires
Lamela----------Mata--------Asamoah
----------------Cavani
Subs: Diego Alves, Kalas, Marrone, Beñat, Martinez, Hernandez, Villa
Captain: Edison Cavani
Free Kicks: Mata
Penalties: Edison Cavani
Corners: Mata
Game Plan: This is a huge game for us today, we can't allow Man Utd to win as they'd still be in with a chance of getting top 4 and we have to stop them getting that, whilst we can't afford to drop points ourselves with three teams hot on our tails. We will give our all in these game and fight for the club and the supporters in order to make sure we can achieve our aims. We want to take the game to United as our strength lies in the attacking ability of the side, looking to move the ball at pace and really attack the flanks, getting plenty of supply into Cavani. We have a team full of hard workers too and we want to to be getting in the face of the opposition as soon as we lose the ball, pressing in numbers.
Tactics:
Courtois will command his area, coming out to collect crosses and relieve pressure on the back line. He's quick off his line to narrow the angle and always alert to the danger, pulling off some outstanding saves. He will be looking to get the ball out quickly to players in space if there is a chance of a counter.
The FBs are key to the side today as we look to double up down the flanks. Piszczek and Marcelo are both excellent going forward, able to make runs outside the FBs and get to the byline to cross or using their pace and skill to underlap the wingers and get into the channels where they can go for goal or cut the ball back. Marcelo has a great eye for a pass too, we want him looking to get the ball into Cavani from deep. Defensively they must get back quickly, using that pace to get tight to the wingers, standing up to them and not giving them space to beat them or get a shot a way, never dive in on them, look to force them right out to the touchline.
We are looking to Cahill to man mark the CF, he's played against this guy many times before and knows his game, he's always looking for that inch of space to go for goal or pick a pass, Cahill won't do that, sticking too him and being very physical, never allowing him room in and around our box, looking to force him to have to drop right back to get involved and which point Cahill deals with the most advanced runner. Cahill is also excellent in the air and should beat the CF every time. Schär alongside him has that extra energy, he reads the game very well and loves to step out and clear the first ball, we want him looking to read the game and come across to stop the ball getting to the CF, making it even harder for him to get into the game, whilst Schär can also beat the midfield runners to the ball and stop them being able to link up around the box. He can also sweep up, anything that gets away from Cahill he's into position to deal with and clear the danger. He's also been selected today to provide an excellent addition going forward, he can pick a great pass from deep whilst he is also able to make charging runs through midfield and pick his pass at the end or go for goal, whilst we don't want him over doing it at times this can cause further confusion to the united defence.
Matuidi and Ramires provide the engine to the midfield that will help us get on top of United today, they may not have the passing ability of the Pirlo's and the Gerrards but they can more than out run them. We want these two in the faces of that United midfield whenever they are on the ball not giving them a moment to slow things down and get a grip, biting away at them and winning the ball back for us. Matuidi will be the deeper of the two, looking to deal with the AM and get in his face whenever the ball comes into him, not allowing him to link up the play and being strong in the tackle. Matuidi has a good range of passing and will look to get the ball into the likes of Mata, Cavani and Lamela further forward so they can hurt United. Ramires will work his way around midfield, snapping away at the United playmakers as he does so well and stopping them finding any real rhythm, particularly if Pirlo is playing. On the ball he has far too much pace for anyone in the United midfield and will be able use his excellent dribbling to drive through midfield looking to run at the back 4 and force them back or force them into fouling him. He can link up with the attackers and make runs in behind the defence.
The two wingers will look to be getting down the line and putting crosses in with both offering something different. Asamoah looks to get right out to the touchline and use the space he gets to stretch his legs and put crosses in. He can also act as a decoy to Marcelo, allowing him to make the attacking runs whilst Asamoah drops back and covers the LB area. Lamela on the other side offers the greater flair, looking to run at players when he gets the ball, using the FB to link up and get space in for a cross or cut inside and pick a pass or go for goal. We want him constantly looking to attack the defence at pace. He's also got a great knack for popping up at the back post to score from crosses and we look to him for that today too.
Mata is the heart of the attacks, he works his way around, getting on the ball and making things happen, ether dropping deep to get the ball moving and pull the strings, or moving wide where we can then tripple up and really carve Man Utd open, whilst he can also push closer to Cavani and play with him, he will be everywhere, making it impossible to mark him or track his movement, allowing him to ghost into the box as well as create. When things aren't going well we know we can get the ball to him and he will make things happen.
Cavani will have to really battle the CBs today, looking to use his strong physical presence to hold the ball up and use quick one touch play to link things together and allow us to work the ball at pace, then making his run off the defenders to get on the end of a through ball or attack a cross. He thrives on the counter attacks too, when United have us penned back with numbers behind the ball he can push the CBs right up the field where he is at his most threatening, isolating the CBs from the rest of the team and using all of his strength, pace and technique to get to goal himself.
Subs:
If Winning: Beñat for Lamela 70', Mata can go right and Beñat will add extra control to midfield. Marrone for Matuidi 75', more specialist DM who is excellent at man marking. Kalas for Cavani 85' 5-5-0, get everyone back and stop them from causing any trouble.
If Drawing: Villa for Asamoah 70', greater attacking and particularly goal threat. Beñat for Ramires 75', more of a playmaker to create from deep against a tired midfield. Hernandez on for Cavani 80', always good for a goal.
If Losing: Beñat for Matuidi 65', allows us to move the ball faster. Villa for Asamoah 70' more attacking threat. Martinez for Marcelo 75' 3-5-2, really go for goal.
---------------------------Trapp ---------------------
Iraola----Jagielka --------Lescott ----------Monreal
------------M’Vila ------------------Cabaye ------------
Arnautovic------------------Michu --------------Turan
------------------------Sturridge ---------------------------
Subs: Savic , Knockaert, Carroll, Assaidi, Fer, Romeu Aspas
Trapp will command his back line.
Jagielka will mark Pompeyss main striker while Lescott will sweep away any loose balls in the box.
Iraola and Monreal have the licence to go forward and support the attack when necessary
M’Vila is the enforcer in midfield, while Cabaye sits. Cabaye will act as the play maker with good distribution of the ball making the team tick.
Arnautovic and Turan will as always attack the full backs with great pace and dribbling, whipping balls into the box or cutting inside and taking a shot so they don’t become predictable. The two can also act as inside forwards if necessary
Michu is lethal in the air and had good control of the ball. He will play behind Sturridge, playing him through or taking a shot from his lay offs.
Sturridge will attack the Pompey defence with pace and dribbling and be alert for any rebounds or balls across goal.
Subs if losing after 70 mins
------------------------Trapp---------------------
Iraola----Jagielka --------Lescott----------Monreal
------------Fer --------------Cabaye
Arnautovic----------------Michu-----------------------Assaidi
--------------- ----------------StURRIDGE ------- ------------------
Fer more box to box for an attacking impetus.
Assaidi on for fresh legs
If winning after 70 mins
Romeu on for Michu (extra guy in midfield)
Aspas on for Sturridge (more chasing the channels)
Portsmouth vs WBA
------------------------------Maksym Koval
--Carvajal--Matthias Ginter---Javi Martinez--Schmelzer
------------------Jack Rodwell---Henderson
---Mario Gotze----------Alen Halilovic---------El Shaarawy
------------------------------Lewandowski
Subs: Duvan Zapata, Icardi, Draxler, Papadopoulos, Nastasic, Gomez, Anderson
Carvajal attacks hard and fast down the right hand side, looking to get at WBA's defence, whilst linking up with Gotze, when he doesn't drift inside. Ginter makes a rare start at CB, but this kid is class, he will look to be composed alongside Martinez. Ginter goes for the high balls, whilst marking the main striker out of the game. He will look to use his pace to get to the ball first, whilst he must not wander out of position. Javi Martinez plays CB, but he will lookt o step into deep midfield when we are on the attack, to add more steel to the midfield. However, when defending, it is important he stays back so he can use his height well, to challenge the aerial balls, whilst using strength to out muscle strikers. At LB, Schmelzer is very fast, so when he attackcs, he should look to pour real venom into his runs to the outside of El Shaarawy. We need these runs from both full backs, as El Shaarawy and Gotze are both instructed to drift inside, allowing the FB to fill in their space. Without these full back runs, there will be no one to play in the crosses to Lewandowksi, which is what their aim of the game is. However, both full backs must use their pace to track back at all times, as the opposition have some very quick wingers. In midfeld, there is a lot of energy shared between Rodwell and Henderson, with both being able to defend and attack. Rodwell is the deepest of the two, he will look to stay back most time and tackle the AM. He must stay on the AM at all times, not allowing him to move around without having pressure on him. The best thing about a midfield with a great engine is that it never gives up pressurising the opposition, which is what Hendo and Rodwell will be doing-chasing the ball down cleanly and efficiently, before looking to get the ball up to Halilovic. Henderson's main job will be to caryy the ball forward to the front three, and often must look to bomb past our AM, using his good burst of speed. Henderson must also look to clip balls out wide to the wingers, or even eye up the runs by the full backs. We want to get the ball to the wings as much as possible, as this is where we can cause problems. Ahead of Henderson comes the youngster Halilovic. Halilovic makes his league debut, but he does this every week in Croatia so must not feel over whelmed. Halilovic must control the tempo, as he likes to drop deep, but Halilovic also has a wonderful eye for a pass, and he adds real flair to the side. Halilovic does like a dribble, and we allow him to skip past the opposition midfield, where he must use his vision to play in through balls to the wingers/strikers.
Out wide, Gotze is a super dribbler, and when he gets down the right flank, he must mix it up-at times he will go down the byline and get crosses in to Lew, or he will drift inside to an AM position, where he can curl inswingers to SES/Lew. On the opposite side, El Shaarawy must use his good accelaration and eye for goal to turn in defneders and aim for the net, either fomr long range, or from short distances after he is played in. He must not be selfish, and link up with Lewandowski, delivering crosses when appropiate.
Up front, Lewandowksi will be the lone striker, and he will be finishing off everything. He is good in the air, so will get on the end of all the crosses, whilst his movement is second to none, and he specialises in peeling off the last mans shoulders, which is what he will do after every through ball aimed for him to run into.
Subs:
If losing/drawing at any point, put on Zapata for Halilovic, Zapata is a real beast, and a super finisher, we go 4-4-2
Champions League 1st leg away to Arsenal
----------------Neuer----------------
Lahm--Kompany--Subotic--Baines
-------Kroos--Khedira--Vidal--------
Aguero---------Cesc--------Neymar
Hart, Muniesa, Clasie, Maher, Hueng, Morata, Benteke
First leg away from home, we have set up to contain Arsenal, using Fabregas up front to get a flat midfield 3 to stop them coming through.
In goal is Neuer, the talented German is one of the best shot stoppers around, he makes himself as big as possible to intimidate strikers, comes for high balls and what he cant catch he punches clear. quick on his feet so off his line to meet strikers and close them down..release the ball early if quick counter is on.
The regular back 4 are in for thios game and must stay tight and focussed, the pairing of Kompany and Subotic has done well this season so 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 movement 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. Kompany to go up for corners and use his upper body strength and height to pose a lot of problems.
Lahm and Baines must time there attacks to perfection today, one at as time we cannot you hear cannot be left exposed as the back! Support Neymar and Aguero as much as they can, get down the line over lapping for them to send the fullbacks down the line to get the cross in, although if a cross is on no harm firing it long from deep areas. If Neymar or Aguero look as if they are taking it on then cut inside and look for any balls thast come inside for one twos to send the wingers away. Defend the lines in the back 4, keep the wingers at bay and away from goal and out of harms way.
Going with 3 man mid today, this is to keep them quiet as we must look to dominate in the middle, Khedira is the most defensive so he watches there play maker or most advanced midfielder, stay on top of him, stop him dictating play, this is his job, its simple really, stop there threat from midfield and they wont get as many chances. Stay just in front of the defence to give them that bit of security. Vidal and Kroos either side are there to help break up play when they have it, Vidal espcially will be right there and in there faces, he is a tiger and wont give anything up, Kroos also not as defensive but will put in a power of work in there, he will want to show he worth a starting jersey next season, maybe even the No.10, help stop them coming through but also he and Vidal can push up and support the front 3, pass and move, one twos to break the lines of defence, always wanting the ball so they can create somthing, ping it out wide to AGuero and Neymar and make ther way forward to become a danger to them, both Kroos and Vidal are good from distance so have a pop in poss.
Aguero, Cesc and Neymar make up the front 3, I would have playued benteke, but I want today to be all about movement and quick passing, this gets us round the Arsenal players, if need be Benteke will come on to change it if not working.
Aguero and Neymar will work the flanks, I want there fullbacks to come off the pitch knackered. Drive will skill and pace use the fullbacks if needed or indeed Kroos and Vidal as they venture forward, pass inside or pass down thel ine and get into the box awaiting crosses/passes to feet and go for goal. If going on there own then be 100% confident ion taking players on, look for Fabregas in the centre, pass, pass, pass but iof an opportunity arises go for goal. Fabregas is up top, mainly for the fact I want a passing game like mentioned, he will drop deep as we look to pass about, play keep ball but also when we go we go with pace and hit them really hard, all five mids (not Khedira) and a fullback will be hard to contain at full flow.Look for those around him and use them, he is very intelligent with his use of the ball and Neymar/Aguero will always be in positions for him to find them..
Defend as a team, attack as a team..pass until we cant pass no more!!
Captain:- Kompany
Penalties:- Aguero
Free Kicks:- Cesc
Corners:- Neymar
Subs:-
Losing:-
70 Mins:- Benteke for Kroos go back to 4-2-3-1, Bentekes power and drive to try and get a goal
80 Mins:- Hueng for Cesc - switch with Aguero going 4-4-2
Winning:-
75 Mins:- Clasie for Kroos, same role but new energy
85 Mins:- Benteke for Cesc, look to hold it up , take it to corners etc, but go for goal if an extremely good chance appears
Drawing:-
80 Mins:- Hueng for Cesc - Aguero into the middle
Sunderland v wba
-------------------Marchetti-----------------
Uchida------J.Amat-----Sakho------Ekotto
----------------------Rode--------------------
Narsingh-Mkhitaryan-Giaccherini-Lanzini
-------------------Huntelaar------------------
Schmeicel, Amorebietta, Canos, Defour, Kiyotake, Bent, Ibarbo
Final game of the season so try and go out with a flourish, some new faces in the team particularly Mkhitaryan who will try and add the spark we have been missing most of the season
We line up 4-1-4-1 with Marchetti in goal, the Italian wants to be No.1 next season so will look to put on a good show, quick off his line and a top shot stopper will look to close down the forwards and shut their angles down, release early for quick counters.
Jordi Amat comes in to partner Sakho, the two are big powerful boys and dont get easily pushed about, Sakho a bit quicker so man marke the CF and keeps him away from goal, Amat helps out sitting spare and getting rid of all high balls, stay close together. Uchida and Ekotto will attack when possible to support the wingers going on the outside to get the ball and fire it in, also if its there they can fire it in from deep, defend the lines, keep tight to there players and away from the danger area.
Rode is the DM, he ventures no further than half way, he is support for the defence and breaks up the opposition play, will keep tight to Michu and stop him dictating play. Pass it forward when won.
Mkhitaryan and Giaccherini will drive thie team home, always looking to get forward and get the goals or at least support KJH as best possible, both have goals in them.. Pass and move about look to use the wingers then drive into the box, when defending well, just get in the way and make a nuisance out of yourself, NArsingh and Lanzini take men on push forward going outside to cross in or cut in and play the one-twos to get themin on goal, defend if you want, we want to score as many as we can to send fans home happy.
KJH will get into great positions to get on the end of the balls in, great record knows where the back of the net is so hit it..end of
He can also bring players into the game up front when he cant go himself..end of....I think
captain:- Sakho
Penalties:- Mkhitaryan
free Kicks:- Mkhitaryan
Corners:- Wingers
Subs:-
65 Mins - Canos for Rode
70 Mins:- Kiyotake for Lanzini
75 Mins:- Bent for Huntelaar
Balanced 4-2-3-1. Away to the Spanish side we feel the best way to beat them is to build on a solid defence and get our creative players in the team that can really control a game and get us a few vital away goals. A team full of Brazilians, and after their win over Spain in the Confed Cup, we're looking for more of the same!
------------- Cesar
Abate – Pepe - Skrtel - Filipe
--------- Lucas – Pirlo
Coutinho -- Diego ---- Lavezzi
-------------- Dzeko
Subs. Buffon, Filipe, De Rossi, Hamsik, Reus, Tevez, Eto’o
With the attacking quality we have in the side we will be patient in possession, and not try to force things as it’s important we don’t leave ourselves short at the back. Important to keep our shape today, compact as a unit defensively getting 10 players behind the ball. We will press hard as soon as the opposition enter our half. They’re at home, and so we don’t want to get carried away, don’t press too high up the pitch, more important we keep our shape and are compact as a unit.
Cesar has played all but one EL game, and so continues between the posts. In front of him we have opted for Abate at rb to give us that attacking threat down the right allowing Coutinho to drift inside and get involved in the play.
Pepe comes in to the EL side to give the side that real quality at the back, his pace will be vital against the likes of Muniain and Diego Costa.
At lb Filipe also comes into the EL side ahead of Adriano, this is to offer the team a more solid defensive option on the left and to help shore up the defence.
In midfield both Lucas and Pirlo will operate in deep positions. Lucas will patrol in front of the back four in a defensive manner and his energy and drive, keeping things simple in possession provides the perfect mix in middle with Pirlo’s inteligence, positional awareness and vision. Pirlo will always look for the ball from the back four, as we look to him to link the defence and attack. His long balls give us an option to immediately put the Spaniards on the back foot, and with our attacking trio playing off Dzeko this is a great option for us today.
Defensively we want to two banks of four, with one in front closing play, and Dzeko up top always ready. That’ll mean Coutinho/Diego filling in at rm, and Lavezzi/Diego at lm. Though they don’t offer great defensive assurance they can help us press the opposition and ensure there is no space for the opposition.
We will play a normal line, not high, not deep. As we have to be wary of their pace. And away from home they are likely to be full of running and looking to win possesion back quickly so we have to be aware and ready to defend.
Attack
Attack is key for us today, we want a couple away goals. Going forward we have the quality to do so.
Pirlo is the main man for us today, as always. He will set the tempo of our play, slowing things down when the Spaniards have had good possession, taking that pressure off us and not allowing them to build momentum. He will be our link between defence and attack. Going forward of course he will be direct and our attacking four have the ability to bring the ball under control and drive at the Spanish defence.
Diego comes in at attacking midfield, after a simply superb season in Germany, he excelled in the big games against the likes of Dortmund, Leverkusen and Munich. That’s the reason we’ve gone with him today in am, in what is a huge game for us. We know the quality he has on the ball, and he can be the man to pick out our trio in attacking positions. He also offers the perfect foil of Dzeko to thread through a ball to our wide players who will be looking to get in behind.
With these two in the middle we should be able to control possession well, and keep the Spaniards on the back foot.
We want Lavezzi and Coutinho to stay wide in the first two thirds of the park, in the final third they have freedom to drift inside. But we do want the winger on the opposite side of the attacking full back to stay wide, which will mean Coutinho being the one likely to come inside.
Abate is tasked with bombing up and down the right wing, he has the stamina and pace to do this, what’s important is that he finds the final ball. So when he’s in the final third we want him to keep his final ball simple, look for a cut back to the edge of the box, low to front post, try and avoid raking crosses.
Lucas will be our deepest midfielder in attack, with one full back forward, he will be in front of a 3 man defence. If we can’t find a way through, turn back to play to Lucas who will look to start the attack again.
Dzeko up top is key to our attack. We want him to play the target man role today, he also has the ability and quality to get in behind the defence with clever movement. Expecting a big performance, holding onto the ball and bringing our attacking trio into the game.
Subs. If after 60 mins we are losing bring on Reus for Diego. Bring on the quality.
If losing after 70 mins bring on Hamsik for Coutinho
If losing after 80 mins bring on Tevez for Dzeko.
If drawing after 70 mins bring on Hamsik for Diego.
If drawing after 75 mins bring on De Rossi for Lucas
If drawing after 80 mins bring on Tevez for Dzeko
If winning after 75 mins bring on Hamsik for Diego. If winning after 75 mins bring on De Rossi for Coutinho. 4-3-3. Hamsik right, Lavezzi left.
If winning after 82 mins bring on Eto’o for Dzeko. Someone to run the channels, fresh pace to get in behind and run at the Spanish defence.
-------------------- P.Reina -------------------
Alves -------- Vidic ---- Barzagli ---- A.Cole
---------- Busquets ---- Yaya Toure ----------
D.Silva -------- W.Rooney--------- C.Ronaldo
----------------- R.Van Persie ---------------------
Subs:
D.Lopez
K.Walker
R.Varane
J.Garcia
W.Sneijder
A.Schurrle
R.Palacio
---------------------------------------------------
Schurrle > Silva - 60th minute - (Ronaldo RW, Schurrle LW) - Schurrle look to get in behind their FB and link with Alves.
Sneijder > Rooney - 60th minute - Sneijder at this stage should have more time and space on the ball to create for attackers.
J.Garcia > Yaya Toure - 80th minute - Look to work with Busquets with ticking things over and defensive duties.
-------------------------------------------------
Tactics:
Reina will look to stay sharp and focused and look to take command of his box. He will come out for anything within his reach and narrow the angle for opposing strikers whilst distributing possession to players in space to efficiently start attacks.
Alves and Cole start as fullbacks. They both have an extremely important role to play today as want to impose ourselves on the opposition as much as possible however they should look to carry out defensive duties when required as they take it in turns to roam forward. Alves on the right will look to push up and support Silva whenever possible, I want the typical powerful runs forwards that he’s known for that intimidate the opposition FB outmuscling and pushing him back as much as possible . He should look to get in behind on a regular basis and to the byline so Silva always has the option to stretch the play outwide when Alves is on the ball I want him to whip it into the box with pace whilst occasionally cutting inside and causing havoc. Cole on the left is the more disciplined and will make defensive duties his priority only getting forward when needed. Defensively when our opponents have the ball both fullbacks should sit tight on the opposing wingers and as soon as they receive the ball look to stop them from posing a threat. They should look to force them wide and lead them down the line then look to marshal them off the ball looking to use their pace and strength to put them off their game whilst our DM’s double up.
Vidic starts in the centre of defence and today will mark their (most) forward. He most likely relys a lot on on service based game so we want to restrict that as much as possible, I want a dominant approach from Vidic looking to engage in physical battles using his intimidating and powerful nature to get right on top of him and bully him therefore taking him out the game. Vidic must get their him as frustrated as possible looking to also isolate him and giving him nothing to work with so he’s as little threat as possible. Barzagli will start besides Vidic. He adds a calm presence in defence and complements Vidic’s style. I want him to do all the necessities plain and simple. He’ll look to watch for runners from deep, look to mark closely in the box whilst closing down rapidly. In addition looking to clear anything that comes into our box and importantly staying strong in the challenge.
Our midfield duo of Yaya and Busquets will start in the centre of the park looking to make our rearguard as tough as possible to breach. Yaya is the more physical of the two and will get into the oppositions faces looking to stamp his mark on the game. I want him constantly pressing looking to rough up and intimidate the opposition and thus putting them and their AM off their game, when in possession he should look to use his great distribution skills and vision from deep to thread through a key pass or link with others. Busquets will partner Yaya abd look to throw himself about everywhere; I want him to get from A to B as quick as possible looking to recover possession and forcing them to release quickly through anticipating, pressurizing and reading the game.
Rooney will start as an AM, I want him playing in the ‘hole’ looking to pick out runs, link with others and driving further forward always supporting attacks and getting in the box. He knows how to take a game by the scruff of its neck looking to constantly get us moving forward with a pass and move and taking players out the game whilst linking with others and playing them in space. He also complements our midfield duo of Yaya and Busquets defensively, as a trio they each offer something different which will help us win the midfield battle and get as much service into our forwards as possible.
Ronaldo and Silva will start in a 4-3-3 down the flanks. Ronaldo starts on the left and he is the one who will look to penetrate their defence and create the openings today. I want us to get the ball out to him as much as possible so he can link with Coentrao and use his direct and skilful style to pull their defenders of position and shift the focus as much as possible. This should give the likes of RVP, Silva and Yaya more time on the ball to play their game. Ronaldo should also look to target their backline who will struggle to cope with his pace so he'll invite challenges and look for FK's in dangerous positions. Silva on the right has the license to roam, I want him drifting in and out of positions looking to receive the ball and driving at their defence looking to take players out the game. He also has a good eye for a pass and a creative nature so I want him spotting our forwards runs and playing them in behind witht he aid of Alves overlapping.
Van Persie is the perfect outlet and with an attack like ours supplying him there should be plenty of chances to convert today. I want him to use his experience and know how to get the better of their CB’s looking to get that extra yard on them whilst drawing them to him so others such as Ronaldo get the time and space to work with in dangerous positions. RVP should always look to make runs in behind and hold his own when possible holding the ball up and getting others involved whilst occasionally coming deeper to dictate the player whilst they go on beyond. The front 3 will all look to interchange making them as tough as possible to mark, we will look to target their weaknesses and find those roles where we are effectively getting maximum success.
--------------------------------------------------
Captain – Vidic
FK’s – Ronaldo
Corners – Silva
Pens – Ronaldo
Wolves V QPR
---------------------------------Alves---------------------------
----Caceres-----Wollschield----Kaboul-----Fuchs----
-------------------------------Capoue-------------------------
---------------------Bradley-----------Holtby----------------
-----------------Adrian-------------------Robinho-----------
-------------------------------Damiao--------------------------
Subs: Horn, Schwaab, Chiriches, Antonini, Lucho, Costa, Doumbia.
Game Plan: Away at Wolves in my first game back in charge but on the final day of the season. We will look to keep things tight in midfield and we will look to prevent them from getting closer to the goal and keep them with long range shots. We will use the technical and the pace of our front 3 to hit them on the break and try to nick an away goal.
Alves - Look to use his good shot stopping ability all game and push away any shots at him. He needs to command his area well and communicate to the defence.
Caceres and Fuchs - They will watch the wingers with caution all the time. They need to track the runs and force them to dribble further wide, they need to be solid in the challenges at all times and never let their man on the inside of them. They need to force the wingers backwards as often as possible. They will sometimes be used for width in attack but not often but if they get a chance to put a ball into the box, it must be delivered low with pace for our attackers to pounce on.
Wollschield and Kaboul - We will look at out CB's to stop all from coming into the box and make sure everything is cleared. They know they have a quality midfield in front of them to try and restrict them from as much pressure as possible but if they are to break past the midfield then Kaboul who will be marking needs to hold the forward up and don't give him space to pick a pass and allow our midfield chance to get back. he needs to force him backwards. Wollschield will drop 10 yards if anything is to come over the top towards goal as his height and good positioning skills will allow him to win all the headers and get the ball clear towards our more attacking line. If every in doubt, the ball goes, high and wide all the time.
Capoue - He will be our DM. His job is to stop the AM from dictating the play and stop him from getting shots away and from picking our passes towards a forward player of theirs. He needs to be quick off the mark and in his face quickly to prevent an early 1 touch pass. If he tries to take it past him, he stops him if his tracks if it is a winnable ball, if not, then he tracks him and looks to force him wide as well. he needs to mark well, wherever he goes, that's where Capoue goes.
Bradley and Holtby - These will be our CM's for the game, but playing very much different roles from each other. Bradley's job will be to support Capoue if there is an overload in attacking midfield. If there is an on running midfield, he needs to track him down, stop him in his tracks before advancing towards goal. He will also try to pull a midfielder out of the game to allow more creativity space for Holtby to use up. Holtby will be playing in an advanced, creative midfield role. When he gets the ball, he needs to run to where the space is and look to pick a pass towards our 3 forwards. He needs to drag the DM about and allow more space for our forwards to run into as well and he needs to be picking the right passes. Try and get shots off if he has the chance but if not, then he needs to be looking to give it into a better area of play for our forwards.
Adrian and Robinho - These 2 will be playing in our SS role pretty much. They will allow Holtby to take the DM and they don't have to worry about him. There job is to overload down the middle of the pitch and to try and tuck their full backs in to give them a defensive advantage. if that is to happen, it allows my full backs more time and space to get down the flanks and past the wingers. Adrian will be very direct, he will look to play on a CB as well by forcing him out of position and he will look to burst at him and test him with his dribbling skills. If he has the chance for a shot, he needs to have a go. Robinho will play in a more mobile role, looking to pull the full backs back out wide. As Holtby takes the DM, Robinho has then got the freedom to either run at the defnce, roam around in the space for a long range shot or make one of the full backs stay back for the extra cover and he attacks that full back with his dribbling skills. He has a variety of options so if he does have the time and the space to allow himself to have a go at one of the 3 options, I expect him to make the one with the most impact depending on the opposition positioning.
Damiao - He will be our CF. he will always play on the last man, the one that drops deeper. he will look to use his pace to nick the ball in front of the defence and set off lightning quick to get around him. A class finisher in the box so if he ever gets the chance then he needs to be taking them. He needs to anticipate low crosses as they will be coming in at times. He needs to follow in on long range shots and if he has a chance of his own, like we say, he needs to be slotting it away.
Subs:
If Drawing (65 mins):
Adrian Off - On Costa - Holtby goes into AM with Costa RW and Robinho LW and the 2 other midfielders. We will then look to use width and get low crosses in and test the defence even more.
If Losing (70 mins):
Robinho Off - On Doumbia - Go 4-4-2 with Adrian and Holtby going wide with the 2 midfielders the same and Doumbia up top. Look to go all out of there defence and try and get something from the game.
-------------------Neuer-------------------
Lahm----Kompany----Subotic----Baines
------------Khedira----A.Vidal------------
------------------Fabregas-----------------
Hueng MinSon--------------Neymar Silva
------------------S.Aguero-----------------
Hart, Muniesa, Kroos, Witsel, Gamiero, Morata, Benteke
This is it, last game of the season, its been nip and tuck with Arsenal and we go in knowing what we have to do, we wont change the way we play agaist very tough opposition at Old Trafford. Nice free flowing football, one touches, one twos to break them down and get in on goal.
Neuer is a top back up 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. Pressurising them into shooting high or wide. Release the wide players early if chasing the game.
A back four with Lahm and Baines 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. Match them for pace and shrug them out, must stay strong! Attack when you can one at a time, support the 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 Hueng and Neymar and ping the ball down the line for them to latch onto. Always look to get the ball from the winger or at very least make more room for them by taking the FB away, cross early if opportunity arises.
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. Kompany to go up for corners and use his upper body strength and height to pose a lot of problems.
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. Vidal 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 Hueng, Aguero and Neymar 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 more in the free role, with more freedom to attack 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 Aguero as much as possible, Also use Hueng and Neymar for one twos to break the line of defence. drop back and help defend v the DM if he breaks forward.
Hueng is on the right, will look to drive at the fb, causing him all sorts of problems with his pace, cut in off his right and shoot with his left, or lay off to Cesc/Aguero 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 Aguero 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 Aguero will thrive of this. At times Neymar and Hueng 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 both attacking mids to track back and stop the fullbacks and DMS getting forward and becoming a nuisance. Also look to switch with Aguero causing confusion in their back line
Aguero is a top striker, scores many goals from differwent angles and with either foot and is strong in the air, will thrive on the service from those behind so he will be looking to make a goalscoring return up front. Neymar Aguero and Hueng are a fearsome trio up front full of goals so they must capitialise on any mistake by the opposition. Always on his toes and on the last line of defence and ready to go for goal. If he cant then look to lay off/knock down for the support coming in from behind. He is strong so can hold of defenders and make his way into the danger area. Leap early for crosses coming in to beat the defender in the air.
We know we only have to match Arsenals result, but we have to go for the win, go for Man Utd, but not gung-ho, take our time, play it about the goals will come..stay strong at the back and defend as a team.
Captain:- Kompany
Penalties:- Aguero
Free Kicks:- Fabregas
Corners:- Wingers
Subs:-
Losing:-
65 Mins:- Benteke on for Hueng, Aguero switch to the right and Benteke up top to use his power to get through the defence and set up others
70 Mins:- Kroos on for Vidal, sits a little further up and a goal threat, sit alongside Khediras tho when they have its not all out attack yet.
85 Mins:- Neymar and Aguero push right up in a 4-3-3
88 Mins:- Morata for Khedira - Cesc and Kroos in the middle of the park
Morata-Aguero-Benteke-Neymar up front 4-2-4, if they get the ball track back asap, apart from Benteke
90 + Mins (injury time) Kompany go up front 3-2-5 higth ball, launch it, get it in the box
Winning:-
75 Mins:- Witsel > Hueng, more defence minded midfielder
80 Mins:- Kroos > Neymar, Witsel sits right side on the right of Khedira and help close down any other mids they have brought on
Kroos-Witsel-Khedira-Vidal-Cesc
85 Mins benteke for Aguero - hold it up, take to corners, win it in the air, dominate thers defenders
Drawing:-
70 Mins:- Benteke for Hueng, Aguero out wide to try a new approach
80 Mins:- if a draw is not gonna be enough Kroos for Vidal and sit up with Cesc
if it is looking like it will be enough then still Kroos on but sit deeper
85 Mins:- Arsenal winning - Morata for Cesc 4-2-4
85 Mins:- Arsenal losing - Witsel > Cesc sit in
Red Card
Neuer - Hart for Hueng - Aguero RW
DF - Muniesa on for Huneg - Aguero RW
CM - Kroos for Hueng - Aguero RW
AM/CF - play with the three as an attacking mid
Attacking 4-2-3-1. Compact defence, getting 10 men behind the ball. Direct going forward breaking quickly, with power and pace. High pressing game in the first two thirds of the pitch. Lots of width, get the ball down the wings, not letting their cms get in the game and on the ball. Make them worry about our attacking threat, not giving them time to settle. Rigid in defence, fluid in attack.
Tevez loves playing against Chelsea, today is his day to shine
------------ Buffon
Rafael – Pepe – Evans – Adriano
------- De Rossi – Gerrard
Hamsik ------ Tevez ---- Reus
--------------- Eto’o
Subs. Cesar, Skrtel, Lucas, Pirlo, Coutinho, Young, Dzeko
Last league game at home, entertain our fans. Chelsea wont expect us to come out and attack. We feel we’ve got more than enough quality in our side to put a few goals past them. On the bench, we’ve got plenty of players to get us even more goals. Golaccio!
Gerrard plays over Pirlo. With the energy of the Chelsea midfield, we feel Gerrard’s power will be more important than Pirlo’s creativity. Not as spectacular as Pirlo, Gerrard offers a brilliant long ball and his defensive capabilities will be key.
In the final third, Tevez, against Chelsea, he loves it. Get Reus and Tevez on the ball, the two that will make things happen in the final third.
Important game for us, we want Arsenal to win the league in the hope this gives us a better chance in the FA Cup final. We hope they'll be popping Champagne and drinking giving them a headache for a number of days.
We’ve got a fresh side. Pepe featured midweek, but this is the first time he's played twice in a week, more than fit enough for that at this stage of the season. Plus he’s a machine. No matter how much steam comes out his ears, he wont stop.
Key today is to get the ball out wide. Eto’o chosen up top as he is one of the best forwards in the world at running the channels. Tevez through the middle ensuring we have someone to stick the ball in the net, Tevez always scores against Chelsea. Make their cms chase us over the park, leaving spaces in the middle and tiring them out and crucially not allowing them on the ball in positions they can hurt us.
Defence
Buffon leads our defence. Natural leader, he will keep our defence right. Keeping a normal line, not too high. In possession we will always have one fb staying back. The other bombs forward.
When the opposition are in possession we look like a 4-4-1-1. Tevez behind Eto’o,(although Eto’o sometimes level as he closes fbs) they both have great work rates, in this game defend from the front. Not allowing their defence/midfield any time on the ball.
Behind, two walls of four. With Aguero up top they wont have the option of playing it in the air. De Rossi, Gerrard and Hamsik offer real power in midfield. Their height will also be important.
We expect Chelsea to try and play through us. For this reason it’s crucial we close down from the front, not giving them any space or time going forward. De Rossi is the important player ensuring that no one gets in between the defence and midfield in the middle of the park. Two cms have an abundance of experience and their positional awareness will be vital. The energy/drive of Hamsik and Reus out wide will be key in helping Rafael/Adriano against their fbs and wingers.
We shift around the ball like a unit. If they’re attacking down the right side, we move over to the right. Force them back to their defence. De Rossi will be slightly deeper than the other three midfielders. Eto’o comes across to that wing, Tevez in the middle, on their deepest midfielder.
Attack
Width. Lots of width. Get the ball out wide. We have two attacking full backs, one goes forward at a time. This means if Rafael goes forward Hamsik has license to come inside, vice versa on the left. Though we want Hamsik and Reus to stay wide and keep their positions (stretching play) in the first two thirds of the park regardless. Tevez will look to play very advanced when we work the ball down the wings, he’s the man we want to get on the ball in the centre, against Chelsea he transforms from a top class player to a world class player.
Eto’o will also be key to our plan to play it wide. He will offer a constant option running the channels, getting the ball wide. This should help us keep possession importantly, but should also help us draw the opposition defenders out of position, creating space for Tevez through the middle.
De Rossi has almost a purely defensive role, Gerrard is the one we want to go forward. Of course if De Rossi is on one of his charging runs, Gerrard stays back as our dm. 3 defenders, with a dm in front of them. The other cm, will be the 2nd deepest midfielder in attack.
Gerrard’s long balls will be a big part of our game today, we want to play direct, getting the ball out wide quickly. Should always have options out wide in possession, be it our Adriano/Rafael looking to get forward,our wingers, or for Eto’o. His raking diagonal balls out wide allow us to immediately put Chelsea on the back foot.Eto’o’s running will be a delight for Gerrard.
In front of Gerrard/De Rossi is Tevez. Main man in the middle, although he lines up behind Eto’o, he will often end up leading the line, with Eto’o out wide supporting play. Tevez of course likes to get involved in the play, he will look for the ball off De Rossi/Gerrard to switch it out wide himself.
Get the ball to Reus. With Adriano supporting look to double up on Lahm. Reus to play his natural game, he’s probably our best player, but not today as Tevez is up against Chelsea.
Subs.
If losing after 55 mins bring on Coutinho for Eto’o. Tevez up top. Similar tactic getting the ball out wide, Tevez plays more direct through the middle. Coutinho helping out the wingers.
If losing after 65 mins bring on Pirlo for Gerrard. As the game opens up a little, Pirlo will be able to influence the game more.
If losing after 75 mins bring on Dzeko for Hamsik. Tevez up top with Dzeko. Coutinho left, Reus right.
If drawing after 75 mins bring on Coutinho for Eto’o. Tevez up top. Similar tactic getting the ball out wide, Tevez plays more direct through the middle. Coutinho helping out the wingers.
If drawing after 75 mins bring on Lucas for Gerrard. De Rossi given license to push on. Looking for Coutinho to link the play and drive us on with De Rossi. More fresh legs in the middle so that the Chelsea midfield can’t get on top.
If drawing after 80 mins bring on Young for Hamsik. Plays left, pace and fresh legs to help us as game pushes on. Reus goes right.
If winning after 72 mins bring on Young for Eto’o. Young goes left. Tevez up top with Reus through the middle. Pace and fresh legs important to ensure we keep our shape and energy.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Lucas for Gerrard. If winning after 75 mins bring on Coutinho for Hamsik. Lucas gives us energy in the middle making us a more solid unit. While Coutinho offers more flair and creativity going forward as the game opens up.
------------------- D.Lopez -------------------
Alves ------- Vidic ----- Varane ------- Cole
---------- Busquets ---- Y.Toure -------------
C.Ronaldo ---- W.Rooney --------- D.Silva
---------------- R.Van Persie -------------------
Subs:
T.Krul
A.Barzagli
F.Coentrao
S.Roberto
A.Schurrle
S.Cazorla
R.Palacio
---------------------------------------------------
Cazorla > Rooney – 60th minute – Cazorla has the natural ability to carve open a defence as well as a good eye for a pass so he’ll look to exploit the gaps and ensure we take advantage of their tiring defense.
Schurrle > Silva - 60th minute - (Ronaldo RW, Schurrle LW) - Schurrle adds a new dimension to our attack he’s more prone to bursting a gut for the team and looking to get at the end of any opportunities that come our way.
Coentrao > Cole – 80th min (if needing goals/losing) – Coentrao look to overlap regularly using his pace and agility and whip balls into the box.
---------------------------------------------
After several seasons in charge it comes down to a last day league decider, we’ve been through the up and down’s and everything in-between. The core of this side has been the glue to our paper and a last hurrah would be the icing on the cake.
Always an advantage playing at home on the last day in front of your own fans, City are a good side but this season have lacked direction and have little to play for position wise. We must exert out authority looking to dictate the game and one particular area of the game we will look to target is their midfield and FB’s. Cambiasso and Diarra we can bypass and with the likes of Ozil and wingers offering little protection this will mean goals with the quality of our attack.
No nerves, no pressure just play with heart and passion!
---------------------------------------------
Tactics:
The experienced D.Lopez starts as GK and should look to impress, a remarkable shot-stopper with amazing reflexes, v good with his feet and has a great commanding presence in and around the box. I want him standing tall between the sticks, vocal at the back and leading from the front.
Alves and Cole as consistent and reliable as they come, very rarely fazed and both enjoy the big match occasion as it brings out the best in them. 2 very contrasting styles ensure we have the right balance between attack and defence and today they should look to stand up and be counted. We want to impose ourselves on the opposition as much as possible today however defensive duties are first priority. To combat this I want my wingers to help my FB’s as much as possible today looking to give them that extra security, a similar scenario is that of Ribery & Robben in the CL final against Barca where they not only supported their FB’s they suppressed the opposition further and further back so they had no bearing on the game. Individually both FB’s should trade blow by blow to their wingers looking to match them pace for pace looking to lead them down the line as well as using their strength to make them as uncomfortable as possible ensuring they are stranded towards the corner of the touchline with no hope of getting delivery into the box.
Vidic starts in the centre of defence and today will mark their (most) forward which is most likely to be Benzema. Benzema relys a lot on a service based game and is very easily intimidated so I want a dominant approach from Vidic looking to engage in physical battles using his strong and powerful nature to get right on top of him and bullying him therefore rendering him useless throughout the game. Vidic has stood tall against many and today I want him to use every last inch of experience looking to put his body on the line, fighting for those 50/50 balls, making last ditch tackles and surrendering himself completely so we can keep a clean sheet, captain fantastic puts the L in the word leader and if he sets a good example the others will all follow. Varane is chosen to partner Vidic today as what one CB lacks the other makes up for 2 combined have every attribute to make the perfect CB so whilst Vidic is deployed on the front line Varane will act as a 2nd shield. He’s a maestro at reading the play and between the lines and rarely do CB’s come in packages where they are not only tall yet so quick on their feet so I want him doing all the necessities plain and simple supporting Vida in a slightly more deeper role covering his tracks and intervening when needed.
Our midfield duo of Busquets and Yaya will start in the centre of the park looking to make our rearguard as tough as possible to breach. They both have a strong understanding and mental toughness so they should look to work well with each other to prevent the opposition from threatening in dangerous areas. Yaya is the more physical of the two and I want him to get into the oppositions faces looking to stamp his mark on the game like a bull when he sees red. The enigma in midfield I want him constantly pressing looking to rough and intimidate the opposition thus putting them off their game, when they see him approaching I want him to make them hurried and careless in possession as if he’s a mental block to their play in particular their AM. Busquets will partner Yaya and look to throw himself about everywhere; I want him to get from A to B as quick as possible looking to recover possession and forcing them to release quickly through anticipating, pressurizing and reading the game. Yaya and Busquets are the base to our play today, I want them to sit in the middle of the park as if they are enforcers with a sign stating ‘no entry beyond this point’. They will ensure we dictate proceeding and are able to re-cycle and recover possession to get us going forward as seamlessly as possible.
Rooney will start as our AM. He will revel in a game like this as we are playing to his strengths as he has the freedom to take a up a number of positions and penetrate their defence. The burden is off him so he should look to take the initiative and take the bull by its horns. I want him driving forward, supporting attacks and looking to make things happen as others feed off him and vice versa. He should look to get involved in as much as the play as possible looking to cover every area on that pitch with real passion and enthusiasm aiding the cause of the team and lifting spirits with his 100% effort and commitment.
Ronaldo and Silva will start down the flanks. Ronaldo starts on the right and is the heartbeat of the side the ‘go to’ player in possession as he influences the play like no other. I want him using his great positional sense and attacking awareness as effectively as possible today looking to come deep and pulling the strings using his pace and direct and skilful style to pull defenders out of position and towards him. He’ll look to invite challenges in dangerous positions as their defence will struggle to match his pace as well as linking with others as much as possible giving them as much freedom as possible to play their games due to his privileged status. Alves on the right will look to form a dream team looking to give Ronaldo that wide option when possible looking to burst a gut down the wing and giving the opposition nightmares. Silva on the right has the license to roam, I want him drifting in and out of positions looking to receive the ball and driving at their defence looking to take players out the game. He also has a good eye for a pass and a creative nature so I want him spotting our forwards runs and playing them in behind with the aid of Cole overlapping when possible.
Van Persie is the perfect outlet and with an attack like ours supplying him there should be plenty of chances to convert today. I want him to use his experience and know how to get the better of their CB’s looking to get that extra yard on them whilst drawing them to him so others such as Ronaldo get the time and space to work with in dangerous positions. RVP should always look to make runs in behind and hold his own when possible holding the ball up and getting others involved whilst occasionally coming deeper to dictate the player whilst they go on beyond. The front 3 will all look to interchange making them as tough as possible to mark, we will look to target their weaknesses and find those roles where we are effectively getting maximum success.
--------------------------------------------------
Captain – Vidic
FK’s – Ronaldo
Corners – Silva
Pens – Ronaldo
Wigan:
-------------------------Muslera
----Litchsteiner----Kirchoff---Albiol-----Siquera
-----------------Nainggolan-----Mauricio Isla
--------Farfan--------------------------------------Gaitan
-----------------Markovic-------Bafatembi Gomis
Subs: Stekelenberg, Vrsaljko, Cerci, Chedjou, Vucinic, Valero, Parker
Subs:
Parker > Nainggolan after 60
Vucinc > Gomis after 65
Chedjou > Kirchoff after 70
---------------Courtois
Piszczek---Kalas---Schär----Marcelo
---------------Chalobah
Lamela---De Bruyne---------Pineaar
------------------Mata
----------------Martinez
Subs: Stockdale, Marrone, Van Aanholt, Ramires, Beñat, Piazon, Cavani
Captain: Juan Mata
Free Kicks: Juan/Kevin
Penalties: Jackson
Corners: Juan/Kevin
Game Plan: Last game of the season and we need to make sure we get the points needed to secure a European finish. We will play with a lot of pace and flair in the side and look to create plenty of chances.
Tactics:
Courtois will command his area, coming out to collect crosses and relieve pressure on the defence.
FBs are able to push up the field, using their dynamic attacking play to help us create chances, making both over and underlapping runs to find the room and supply the men in the box. Defensively they must use their pace, stand up to the wingers and force them away from goal before getting the tackle in.
Kalas will man mark the main striker, getting tight to him and stopping him controlling balls into him, look to make him have to drop deep to get involved, whilst his pace and good aerial presence will also help keep the striker quiet. Schär will look to read the play and step out of defence when there is a chance to break the move down and then use his driving runs or great passing to put us back on the front foot. He can sweep in behind Kalas if anything beats him and deal with midfield runners.
Chalobah anchors the midfield, using his great power and energy to break up the attacks, getting tight into the most advanced midfielder and winning the ball back. He can use his excellent passing range to keep the play moving, looking to get the ball forward.
De Bruyne is the playmaker of the side, looking to move around the midfield and make things tick, linking the play and creating chances, whilst he can also make driving runs forward looking to get behind the defence.
Lamela will use his direct running to get at the FB constantly looking to beat him on the outside to get plenty of crosses in or on the inside to link the play around the middle quickly before using his acceleration to burst through the defence or play in a team mate. He should also look to link with the FB and attack back post crosses. Pineaar we will be looking for the same link up play as he had with Baines only with Marcelo, we want him coming off the flank and creating space for Marcelo and using his clever passing to play him in, whilst he can also come through the middle and look to release Jackson, Lamela, Mata and De Bruyne.
Mata will work around the advanced areas of the pitch linking the play, moving outwide to create 3 v 2 situations and open them up, or playing close to Jackson with clever link up play. Make runs in on goal to get chances.
Jackson simply uses his pace and movement to find the right place to be and create the passing opportunity for his team mates, before getting away and finishing his chances, attack every cross and look to score the goals.
If Winning: Ramires for De Bruyne 70'. Van Aanholt and Piazon for Marcelo and Mata 75'.
If Drawing: Beñat for Pienaar with De Bruyne moving wide 70'. Cavani for Mata 75', play 4-4-2. Ramires for Chalobah 80'.
If Losing: Beñat for Pienaar as above 65', Cavani and Ramires for the FBs 75':
Courtois
Kalas Chalobah Schär
Ramires Beñat
Lamela Mata De Bruyne
Cavani Martinez
Because my teams are playing each other, im just going to post XI's and subs
Southampton
-----------------------Akinfeev
Clyne---Alderweireld---Mangala---Nagatomo
----------------Inan------------Pogba
Yarmolenko------Dzagoev------Mertens
-----------------------Chicarito
Subs
Ruddy, Samuel, Schennikov, Fernando, Kokorin, Wijanldum, Sow
Subs
If Winning
68 mins - Fernando for Inan - Fernando sole role is to sit infront of the back 4.
76 mins - Samuel and Sow for Yarmolenko and Chicarito - go to 5 at the back with Dzagoev out wide, and Sow is a more physical presence up front who can hold up the ball and provide an outlet if we invite too much pressure.
If Losing
71 mins - Wijnaldum for Inan - given more attacking impetus than Inan
80 Mins - Sow and Schennikov for Nags and Dzagoev
Pump crosses in for the front 2, all out attack.
Brum
-----------------------Cech
Johnson---Garay------Hummels-----Clichy
-------------Schweiny------Illarramendi
-----------------------Modric
Robben------------------------------------Ribery
------------------------Auby
Subs
Begovic, Juanfran, Garay, Payet, Inler, Salvio, Osvaldo
Subs
If Winning
68 mins - Salvio for Robben - Fresh legs and extra defensive workrate.
76 mins - Inler and Juanfran for Modric and Clichy - Juanfran RB, Johnson LB. 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. Inler slots in behind the midfield 2.
If Losing
71 mins - Juanfran For Johnson
77 Mins - Osvaldo and Payet for Robben and Modric - We go to 4-2-4, with the wingers bombarding crosses in to the 2 strikers with the other winger adding the third option.
------------------------------Maksym Koval
--Carvajal--Matthias Ginter------Ogbonna--Luke Shaw
----------------Jack Rodwell-------Kwadoh Asamoah
---Mario Gotze----------Alen Halilovic---------Draxler
------------------------------Lewandowski
Subs: Duvan Zapata, Icardi, Henderson, Papadopoulos, Nastasic, Chadli, Anderson
Carvajal attacks hard and fast down the right hand side, looking to get at WBA's defence, whilst linking up with Gotze, when he doesn't drift inside. Ginter makes a rare start at CB, but this kid is class, he will look to be composed alongside Ogbonna. Ginter goes for the high balls, whilst marking the main striker out of the game. He will look to use his pace to get to the ball first, whilst he must not wander out of position. Ogbonna plays CB, but he will look to step into deep midfield when we are on the attack, to add more steel to the midfield. However, when defending, it is important he stays back so he can use his height well, to challenge the aerial balls, whilst using strength to out muscle strikers. At LB, Shaw is very fast, so when he attackcs, he should look to pour real venom into his runs to the outside of Draxler. We need these runs from both full backs, as El Shaarawy and Gotze are both instructed to drift inside, allowing the FB to fill in their space. Without these full back runs, there will be no one to play in the crosses to Lewandowksi, which is what their aim of the game is. However, both full backs must use their pace to track back at all times, as the opposition have some very quick wingers. In midfield, there is a lot of energy shared between Rodwell and Imbula, with both being able to defend and attack. Rodwell is the deepest of the two, he will look to stay back most time and tackle the AM. He must stay on the AM at all times, not allowing him to move around without having pressure on him. The best thing about a midfield with a great engine is that it never gives up pressurising the opposition, which is what Imbula and Rodwell will be doing-chasing the ball down cleanly and efficiently, before looking to get the ball up to Halilovic. Imula's main job will be to caryy the ball forward to the front three, and often must look to bomb past our AM, using his good burst of speed. Imbula must also look to clip balls out wide to the wingers, or even eye up the runs by the full backs. We want to get the ball to the wings as much as possible, as this is where we can cause problems. Ahead of Imbula comes the youngster Halilovic. Halilovic makes his league debut, but he does this every week in Croatia so must not feel over whelmed. Halilovic must control the tempo, as he likes to drop deep, but Halilovic also has a wonderful eye for a pass, and he adds real flair to the side. Halilovic does like a dribble, and we allow him to skip past the opposition midfield, where he must use his vision to play in through balls to the wingers/strikers.
Out wide, Gotze is a super dribbler, and when he gets down the right flank, he must mix it up-at times he will go down the byline and get crosses in to Lew, or he will drift inside to an AM position, where he can curl inswingers to Drax/Lew. On the opposite side, Draxler must use his good accelaration and eye for goal to turn in defneders and aim for the net, either fomr long range, or from short distances after he is played in. He must not be selfish, and link up with Lewandowski, delivering crosses when appropiate.
Up front, Lewandowksi will be the lone striker, and he will be finishing off everything. He is good in the air, so will get on the end of all the crosses, whilst his movement is second to none, and he specialises in peeling off the last mans shoulders, which is what he will do after every through ball aimed for him to run into.
Subs:
70: Zapata for Halilovic, Zapata is a real beast, and a super finisher, we go 4-4-2
CL Tactics for Chelsea
-------------------Neuer-------------------
Lahm----Kompany----Subotic----Baines
------------Khedira----A.Vidal------------
------------------Fabregas-----------------
Hulk da Souza--------------Neymar Silva
------------------S.Aguero-----------------
Hart, Muniesa, Kroos, Witsel, Hueng, Morata, Benteke
We have had a great season and go into this with a great chance, a few players this could be there last game and they dont want that they want to leave Chelsea with a champions league medal round there necks..Play the way we can and we can win this game and have one more game to look forward to, come on lads we can do this!
Neuer is a top back up 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. Pressurising them into shooting high or wide. Release the wide players early if chasing the game.
A back four with Lahm and Baines 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. Match them for pace and shrug them out, must stay strong! Attack when you can one at a time, support the 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 Hulk and Neymar and ping the ball down the line for them to latch onto. Always look to get the ball from the winger or at very least make more room for them by taking the FB away, cross early if opportunity arises.
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. Kompany to go up for corners and use his upper body strength and height to pose a lot of problems.
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. Vidal 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 Hulk, Aguero and Neymar 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 more in the free role, with more freedom to attack 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 Aguero as much as possible, Also use Hulk and Neymar for one twos to break the line of defence. drop back and help defend v the DM if he breaks forward.
Hulk is on the right, will look to drive at the fb, causing him all sorts of problems with his pace, cut in off his right and shoot with his left, or lay off to Cesc/Aguero 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 Aguero 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 Aguero will thrive of this. At times Neymar and Hulk 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 both attacking mids to track back and stop the fullbacks and DMS getting forward and becoming a nuisance. Also look to switch with Aguero causing confusion in their back line
Aguero is a top striker, scores many goals from differwent angles and with either foot and is strong in the air, will thrive on the service from those behind so he will be looking to make a goalscoring return up front. Neymar Aguero and Hulk are a fearsome trio up front full of goals so they must capitialise on any mistake by the opposition. Always on his toes and on the last line of defence and ready to go for goal. If he cant then look to lay off/knock down for the support coming in from behind. He is strong so can hold of defenders and make his way into the danger area. Leap early for crosses coming in to beat the defender in the air.
Captain:- Kompany
Penalties:- Aguero
Free Kicks:- Fabregas
Corners:- Wingers
Subs:-
Losing:-
70 Mins - Benteke for Hulk - Aguero right
75 Mins - Kroos for Vidal sit higher
80 Mins - 4-3-3
85 Mins - Morata for Khedira - 4-2-4
Winning:-
70 Mins:- Benteke for Hulk - Aguero right, Benteke holds it to see game out
after injury time
105 Mins - Hueng for Aguero or if they score or agg score is in there favour, bring on Hueng for Cesc and go 4-4-2 with Aguero up top with Benteke
after this If we need a goal Morata comes on for Baines and push up front only if score is putting us out if 2-1 in my favour and going to pens leave ill take my chance in the shootout
Drawing
70 Mins:- Benteke for Hulk - Aguero right
80 Mins:- Kroos and Morata for Vidal and Khedira 4-2-4
whoever is on pitch
Aguero
Benteke
Vidal
Cesc
Neymar
Hueng
Lahm
Baines
Morata
Kroos
-----------------------Cech
Johnson---Hummels-----Agger-----Clichy
----------Schweiny----Illarramendi
Robben----------Modric--------------Ribery
----------------------Gomez
Subs
Begovic, Blind, Garay, Payet, Dembele, Salvio, 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 looking to cut inside fairly regularly, so the full backs should look to hug the touchlines to keep the defence stretched and provide the out ball. 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
Hummels will compete with the striker for the aerial balls played up to him, with Agger looking to snaffle the resulting knockdown, when the ball is on the floor, Agger will be the defender who looks to stand up the striker looking to keep tight to him and stifling his space to get the ball out of his feet, and Hummels will be making a covering run if Agger 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, keep it simple and play it to a man in space and retain possession.
Centre Mids
Both are comfortable on the ball, and have the awareness to create themselves little pockets of space so they free to get the ball and keep the game ticking over, if they are getting closely marked, they should look to play slightly deeper to create more space for themselves, and if the ankle biters follow them, that will create a gap between the defence and midfield for the front 3 to exploit. When defending, Schweiny has the energy to play a pressing game in conjunction with the wingers to put pressure on the opposition, whilst Modders will hang back slightly, almost playing alongside Inler focusing on trying to intercept the ball rather than banging into players.
AM
Modders will play a solely attacking game, as there are 2 more defensive heads behind him, so he will be looking to get himself into little pockets of space free to get the ball and keep the game ticking over, if he is getting closely marked, he should look to play slightly deeper to create more space for himself, and if the ankle biters follow him, that will create a gap between the defence and midfield for the front 3 to exploit. When defending, he will just look to get in the face of the oppositions creative CM to keep him hurried on the ball and try to create more errors.
Wingers
They should look to stay as wide as possible when they receive the ball to try and stretch the defensive line. When they are 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 the wide 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.
Occasionally, the 2 wingers will swap wings, where the emphasis will be more on crosses for 5-10 minute periods a few times during the match.
Striker
When defending, he should look to hover around the area of the opposition DM, trying to prevent the easy out of a pass back to him. When attacking, he shouldn't look to get too involved in build up play, just acting as a target man to give the back 5 the option of playing a lofted ball to him and hold the ball up for the wingers or CMs to get into the attacking area, when he has passed the ball, he should just look to get alongside the aerially weaker CB and be ready for crosses and look to feed on any panicky defensive blocks or weak goalkeeper parries and play the reak poachers role.
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, Modders looks to annoy the opposition keeper looking to limit his ability to move off the goalline. Schweiny 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 - Salvio for Robben - Fresh legs and extra defensive workrate.
76 mins - Dembele and Blind for Modric and Clichy - 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. Dembele slots in alongside Inler and all 3 Centre Mids play a high energy pressing game.
If Losing
71 mins - Dembele for Illaramendi - extra attacking impetus in the midfield
77 Mins - Auby and Payet for Robben and Modric - We go to 4-2-4, with the wingers bombarding crosses in to the 2 big men with the other winger adding the third option.
EL 2nd Leg.
Balanced 4-2-3-1. Solid backline, with a very attacking quartet in front of our two deep midfielders. Loads and loads of width. De Rossi and Lucas keeping things simple in the middle. De Rossi like a train up and down, taking the ball from defence and linking with the attack. Lucas keeping things simple, not letting the opposition play and allowing the fbs to bomb forward.
-------------- Cesar
Rafael – Pepe – Evans – Adriano
-------- De Rossi – Lucas
Hamsik ------ Reus ---- Lavezzi
---------------- Tevez
Subs. Buffon, Jones, Pirlo, Gerrard, Coutinho, Young, Dzeko
Aim of the game is to play with width, rigid in defence with lots of cover, allowing our attacking quartet to press high up the park, and importantly giving them more attacking freedom.
Huge game for us. We want to get to the second final. We put in a good performance in our last league game of the season and were unlucky to lose. Tonight we make up for that with a result.
We have the quality over the Spaniards. And at home we want to start quickly, stretching play not letting them have the ball. Taking the game to them down the wings. If things don't work out as we plan, we have more than enough quality on the bench to change things and get a result.
Most important thing is to keep a clean sheet, for that reason we go with De Rossi and Lucas as a pair in front of a strong back four. The strong base they provide as a defence gives our attacking quartet freedom, and with that freedom they’d frighten any defence in the world.
Cesar keeps his place in goals in the EL. Hasn't put a foot wrong, so wouldn't want to upset the team or mess up what's been working.
High pressing game as we look to squeeze the opposition play high up the park. The rigid back 6, with Hamsik joining them allow the other three players to press high up the pitch.
In defence we want to look like 4-3-2-1. Hamsik falls back to act as third midfielder. The two, Reus and Lavezzi will be on the right/left(depending which side ball is on) and centre, moving from right to left as the ball does. Tevez stays up top. Squeeze the play.
Three walls of defence. Keeping two players in front of/in line with the ball will force the Spanish side’s play. They wont have the options to go back, inside, forward etc, will be forced to make a pass. And by continuing to press we will force them into a corner(so to speak, not the actual corner), and they will have no options. Continuing to press as a unit.
Attack
In attack we play with lots of width. Almost 4-2-4, with two very attacking full backs. With Lucas playing as almost a third cb and De Rossi in front, we can allow both full backs to get forward. This can then allow our wide players freedom to come inside and overload the middle.
Reus is our key player, we want him on the ball as much as possible. With the quality and type of players we have we want our players to attack quickly, running at the opposition and looking to play between each other, moving into space so that one of our players can find you. Hamsik in particular comes inside, allowing Rafael to provide width on the right.
Hamsik playing just in front of De Rossi, driving forward behind Reus who is supporting Tevez. Tevez can also drop deep creating space for one of these 3 players, or Lavezzi to find space through the middle. This give us a great spine of quality right through the centre of the park.
While we want our front four to be quite direct and have creative freedom, the opposite is true for our defence. In the first half of the park, our play is simple. We want the cb’s and Lucas to generally look for De Rossi/fb’s. But if we are under pressure or the break is on, play it long quickly.
Tevez up top plays his natural game, getting involved in the play and being in the right place to score.
If our plans not working at half time, simply bring on Pirlo for Lucas. One fb attacks at a time. Balanced 4-2-3-1. Let Pirlo run things.
Subs. If losing at half time bring on Pirlo for Lucas.
If losing after 60 mins bring on Dzeko for Hamsik. Tevez plays slightly deeper, Reus on right.
If losing after 70 mins bring on Gerrard for De Rossi. Two creative midfielders from deep. Both fb’s attack.
If drawing after 60 mins bring on Pirlo for Lucas. One fb attacks at a time. More balanced 4-2-3-1, creativity of Pirlo as game opens up.
If drawing after 70 mins bring on Coutinho for Lavezzi.
If drawing after 75 mins bring on Dzeko for Tevez. Fresh legs and power as game opens up and we play it longer.
If winning after 70 mins bring on Pirlo for Hamsik. 4-3-3. Reus goes right, Tevez centre and Lavezzi left. Composure in the middle of the park.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Coutinho for Lavezzi. Fresh legs in attack. Exploit the space they will give him as they chase game.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Gerrard for Lucas. Fresh legs in the middle of the park. Experience and composure to help see the game out.
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Tactics Pages
Page 56 of 57
53 | 54 | 55 | 56 | 57
posted on 19/7/13
------------------JoeHart------------------
Lahm----Kompany----Subotic----Baines
------------Khedira----A.Vidal------------
------------------Fabregas-----------------
Hulk da Souza--------------Neymar Silva
------------------S.Aguero-----------------
Baumann, Chedjou, Kroos, Hueng, Mkhitaryan, Benteke, Morata
Hart is a top back up 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. Pressurising them into shooting high or wide. Release the wide players early if chasing the game.
A back four with Lahm and Baines 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. Match them for pace and shrug them out, must stay strong! Attack when you can one at a time, support the 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 Hulk and Neymar and ping the ball down the line for them to latch onto. Always look to get the ball from the winger or at very least make more room for them by taking the FB away, cross early if opportunity arises.
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. Kompany to go up for corners and use his upper body strength and height to pose a lot of problems.
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. Vidal 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 Hulk, Aguero and Neymar 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 more in the free role, with more freedom to attack 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 Aguero as much as possible, Also use Hulk and Neymar for one twos to break the line of defence. drop back and help defend v the DM if he breaks forward.
Hulk 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/Aguero 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 Aguero 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 Aguero will thrive of this. At times neymar and Hulk 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 both attacking mids to track back and stop the fullbacks and DMS getting forward and becoming a nuisance. Also look to switch with Aguero causing confusion in their back line
Aguero is a top striker, scores many goals from differwent angles and with either foot and is strong in the air, will thrive on the service from those behind so he will be looking to make a goalscoring return up front. Neymar Aguero and Hulk are a fearsome trio up dront full of goals so they must capitialise on any mistake by the opposition. Always on his toes and on the last line of defence and ready to go for goal. If he cant then look to lay off/knock down for the support coming in from behind. He is strong so can hold of defenders and make his way into the danger area. Leap early for crosses coming in to beat the defender in the air.
Captain:- Kompany
Penalties:- Aguero
Free Kicks:- Fabregas
Corners:- Wingers
Subs:-
Losing:-
65 Mins:- Hueng for Hulk
70 Mins:- Kroos for Vidal
75 Mins:- Benteke for Cesc (switch with Aguero)
Winning:-
75 Mins:- Kroos for Cesc go to right of Khedira
80 Mins:- Benteke for Hulk - Aguero right
Drawing:-
70 Mins:- Kroos for Vidal
80 Mins:- Mkhit > Cesc
reds always 4-2-3 with no CF but an attacking AM
posted on 19/7/13
Branislav Ivanovic - 1 weeks
Joao Moutinho - 2 weeks
Srdjan Mijailovic - 2 weeks
Koke - 2 weeks
--------------------Szczesny-------------------
---Zabaleta----Boateng----Godin----Kolarov
----------------Mikel-----Milner------------
Walcott------------Oscar--------Hazard-
---------------------Higuain--------------------
Subs: Al Habsi, Marquinhos, Valbuena, Djuricic, Callejon, Llorente, Gignac
Captain: Pablo Zabaleta
Free Kicks: Alexander Kolarov
Penalties: Eden Hazard
Corners: Hazard (from left, inswing) Kolarov (From right, outswing)
Szczesny will use his height to collect crosses, allowing our defence to keep in shape, if we have a chance to counter from there Szczesny uses his quick distribution to the wingers. He must command his area. Come for crosses when he is at least 80% sure he can get them. He will pass the ball out unless he is 80% sure we will not lose the ball when kicking it long as we want to keep possession as much as possible in this game.
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 Mikel.
Godin and Boateng, 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 Boateng will stay close to each other not allowing the opposition to open up space. Boateng 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 Boateng does this covering the remaining space, he will be able to clear the second ball if it gets beyond Boateng.
Mikel 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 has the responsibility in helping out the full backs also. Defensively be solid, Mikel and Milner will sit deep and defend our back four. When the attack is on their side, they will drift over and team up with our full back, close them down and win the ball back. Milner will look to protect the LB and Mikel the RB. However ultimately, they must stay tight in the middle and look to give no space to the opposition etc. When one of them covers a full back then Oscar drops in to still make it two in the middle:
-------------------------------Kolarov
---------Mikel----Oscar-----Moutinho
Walcott
This leaves Walcott and Hazard free which is where our main threat is and where we are dangerous.
Oscar will be our advanced playmaker. He has the ability to pick out the cutest of passes, which is just what we need with players like Higuain, Hazard, Walcott in the team. He has to manipulate the play and find these players in free space. Oscar is also there to support Higuain. When needed he will drop into midfield and make it tight.
Walcott and Hazard will be the wingers, and both should provide us natural width I want them to put the opposition full backs under pressure. They will play in an attacking role. They must keep the ball if there is no support and wait for players to arrive. They may also go for long range shots as both are good at them. This will also make the opposition full backs not attack making our job in defence easier. Furthermore they both have the ability to do that and are very good at it. Hazard is instructed to come on his right foot sometimes and take a ‘shock’ shot, catching the keeper out. Look for Higuain’s runs also.
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/drawing at 75mins –
Mikel off Valbuena on
Milner off Callejon on – Hazard AM Oscar deeper
80mins:
Boateng off Llorente on
3-5-2
If winning 75mins:
Walcott off for Valbuena
Higuain off for Llorente,
If Keeper gets sent off then AM comes off for keeper on bench
In this case: Moutinho > Szczesny 4-2-2-2
If Defender gets sent off then AM comes off for Defender on bench
In this case: Moutinho > Marquinhos – Ivanovic RB/Lb if needed. If DM gets sent off (Mikel/Moutinho) then AM for DM on bench
If st gets sent off, the AM for St on bench
In this case: Oscar > Llorente
posted on 19/7/13
TACTICS FOR LAST GAME OF THE SEASON
Valbuena - 2 weeks
Joao Moutinho - 2 weeks
Srdjan Mijailovic - 2 weeks
Koke - 2 weeks
--------------------Szczesny-------------------
---Zabaleta----Boateng----Godin----Kolarov
----------------Mikel-----Milner------------
Walcott------------Oscar--------Hazard-
---------------------Higuain--------------------
Subs: Al Habsi, Marquinhos, Ivanovic, Djuricic, Callejon, Llorente, Gignac
Captain: Pablo Zabaleta
Free Kicks: Alexander Kolarov
Penalties: Eden Hazard
Corners: Hazard (from left, inswing) Kolarov (From right, outswing)
Szczesny will use his height to collect crosses, allowing our defence to keep in shape, if we have a chance to counter from there Szczesny uses his quick distribution to the wingers. He must command his area. Come for crosses when he is at least 80% sure he can get them. He will pass the ball out unless he is 80% sure we will not lose the ball when kicking it long as we want to keep possession as much as possible in this game.
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 Mikel.
Godin and Boateng, 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 Boateng will stay close to each other not allowing the opposition to open up space. Boateng 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 Boateng does this covering the remaining space, he will be able to clear the second ball if it gets beyond Boateng.
Mikel 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 has the responsibility in helping out the full backs also. Defensively be solid, Mikel and Milner will sit deep and defend our back four. When the attack is on their side, they will drift over and team up with our full back, close them down and win the ball back. Milner will look to protect the LB and Mikel the RB. However ultimately, they must stay tight in the middle and look to give no space to the opposition etc. When one of them covers a full back then Oscar drops in to still make it two in the middle:
-------------------------------Kolarov
---------Mikel----Oscar-----Moutinho
Walcott
This leaves Walcott and Hazard free which is where our main threat is and where we are dangerous.
Oscar will be our advanced playmaker. He has the ability to pick out the cutest of passes, which is just what we need with players like Higuain, Hazard, Walcott in the team. He has to manipulate the play and find these players in free space. Oscar is also there to support Higuain. When needed he will drop into midfield and make it tight.
Walcott and Hazard will be the wingers, and both should provide us natural width I want them to put the opposition full backs under pressure. They will play in an attacking role. They must keep the ball if there is no support and wait for players to arrive. They may also go for long range shots as both are good at them. This will also make the opposition full backs not attack making our job in defence easier. Furthermore they both have the ability to do that and are very good at it. Hazard is instructed to come on his right foot sometimes and take a ‘shock’ shot, catching the keeper out. Look for Higuain’s runs also.
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/drawing at 75mins –
Milner off Callejon on – Hazard AM Oscar deeper
80mins:
Boateng off Llorente on
3-5-2
If winning 75mins:
Walcott off for Callejon
Higuain off for Llorente,
If Keeper gets sent off then AM comes off for keeper on bench
In this case: Moutinho > Szczesny 4-2-2-2
If Defender gets sent off then AM comes off for Defender on bench
In this case: Moutinho > Marquinhos – Ivanovic RB/Lb if needed. If DM gets sent off (Mikel/Moutinho) then AM for DM on bench
If st gets sent off, the AM for St on bench
In this case: Oscar > Llorente
posted on 20/7/13
League :
------------ Buffon
Rafael –Pepe - Evans – Filipe
- Banega - De Rossi – Pirlo
-------- Reus ----- Lavezzi --
--------------- Dzeko
Subs. Cesar, Skrtel, Lucas, Gerrard, Tevez, Hamsik, Eto’o
Balanced 4-3-3. Keep things calm in the middle of the park. Control possession and the tempo of the game. Generally opting to keep possession playing patiently, but with the option to go direct through Dzeko if need be. Reus and Lavezzi’s movement off Dzeko will be key. Hugely important they make the right runs at the right times.
With Liverpool missing Dante, they lack a physical presence to really deal with Dzeko.
Defence
Getting a 4-5-1 in defence. With the pace of Reus and Lavezzi to break and Dzeko to hold up/flick on. Simple. Reus and Lavezzi help the full backs. With three cm’s one goes to help the full back, other two stay central. If it goes to the other side all switch over, so 2 in the middle and other cm helping full back. This should make it extremely difficult for Pool to break us down. As we should always have an extra man to win the ball back.
Our key defensive tactic today though is possession. In Banega and Pirlo we have 2 cm’s who love the ball, and have fantastic technique. Pirlo has freedom to spray the ball around the park. Banega though we want to stay composed, keep passes relatively short.
Full backs stretch the play keeping it wide. Although only one ventures forward at a time.
We will look to contain Pool in their own half. Let them have possession there. Staying rigid and compact at the back, moving as a unit around the ball. As soon as they enter our half we press hard.
Pepe the man to mark Cavani/Martinez. Has the pace and power to deal with them as one of the quickest defenders in world football.
Attack.
Reus and Lavezzi have to look for space between defence and midfield. With two of them there it should be impossible for Pool to pick them up, and if they do will leave space for other players to exploit.
Banega and Pirlo will be the two key players on the ball. Lucas is the dm. Pirlo playmaker from deep while Banega gets further forward into attacking positions. This solidity in the middle of the park gives license to our full backs to get forward and for Reus & Lavezzi to really join the attack.
De Rossi provides the energy and Banega and Piro the creativity. With three players here we should overurn the opposition in the middle especially with the quality on the ball of Banega and Pirlo. Add in the energy of De Rossi and we should boss it in the middle.
Dzeko up top plays his natural game, getting in and around the box. Holding up play or knocking it on for the on running Reus/Lavezzi when we play it long.
Set Pieces will be a huge strength. With Pirlo’s delivery, Dzeko, Pepe and De Rossi providing the strength with quick reactions of Reus and Lavezzi to snatch a goal. And if we’re chasing we can throw Evans up for even more firepower. Set pieces will come, and we will be a constant threat.
Captain: Buffon. Leading from the back, instilling confidence in the defence and keeping them right.
Subs.
If losing after 60 mins bring on Tevez for Banega. 4-2-3-1. Attack.
If losing after 70 mins bring on Hamsik for Dzeko. More pace and drive. Tevez up top.
If losing after 80 mins bring on Gerrard for De Rossi. Attacking switch, more direct and fresh legs.
If drawing/winning after 70 mins bring on Hamsik for Banega. Playing in same box to box role keep things fresh in the centre.
If drawing/winning after 80 mins bring on Tevez for Dzeko. Mix things up as game closes.
If drawing/winning after 85 mins bring on Eto’o for Lavezzi/Reus.
posted on 20/7/13
Europe:
-------------- Cesar
Abate – Jones – Skrtel – Adriano
---------- Lucas – Gerrard
Hamsik ----- Tevez ---- A.Young
--------------- Eto’o
Subs. Buffon, Jones, Barry, Ox, Lavezzi, Reus, Dzeko
Balanced 4-2-3-1. We are going into the second win with everything to play for. A slight advantage with the away goal but we’ve gone with what we feel is our strongest team for this match. Plenty of drive and energy in midfield to allow us to over run the Germans. Don’t let them operate, we run the show.
Closing down high up the pitch, we want to play a high pressure game as soon as they leave the first third of their side. Rigid in defence as the whole team moves as a unit.
We want to push the line up a bit further this time, we have an abundance of pace at the back, so we feel we can squeeze the game up dominate the possession and keep ze Germans on the back foot.
Defending as a unit of 4-4-1-1. Two walls of four making it nearly impossible for them to double up on our defence. Tevez has to use his energy to win back the ball and put us back on the front foot. Him and Eto’o stay with attacking mentality to ensure we break quickly and with quality.
In attack we want to be far more fluid. Lucas remain defensive, keeping things simple from the back. Gerrard starts from deep in defence with the license to get as far forward in attack. The two offer real defensive cover, strength and composure in the middle. The experienced heads in our side, lead the side and keep everyone right.
Hamsik will drift in naturally and Abate gets forward as he likes to. This will give more support to our strikers. Young will stick wide right up unitl the final third where he has creative freedom. By giving them this freedom we hope to get the best out of them. If not just switch the players around.
Eto’o continues up top in Europe. He loves to run the channels, gives us a constant outball and will run the German defence ragged. Not ones to have plenty of pace Eto’o will thrive. Tiring them and dragging them out of position for the trio behind to find space and exploit the opposition backline.
Subs. If losing/drawing after 55 mins bring on Reus for Young.
If losing/drawing after 65 mins bring on Lavezzi for Eto’o. Tevez centre forward.
If losing after 75 mins bring on Dzeko for Abate.
If winning after 70 mins bring on Ox for Young.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Barry for Gerrard.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Reus for Tevez.
posted on 20/7/13
-----------------------Cech
Johnson---Garay------Hummels-----Clichy
----------------------Denisov
-------------Schweiny------Modric
Robben------------------------------------Ribery
----------------------Gomez
Subs
Begovic, Blind, Agger, Payet, Dembele, Salvio, 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 looking to cut inside fairly regularly, so the full backs should look to hug the touchlines to keep the defence stretched and provide the out ball. 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
Hummels will compete with the striker for the aerial balls played up to him, with Garay looking to snaffle the resulting knockdown, when the ball is on the floor, Garay will be the defender who looks to stand up the striker looking to keep tight to him and stifling his space to get the ball out of his feet, and Hummels will be making a covering run if Garay 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, keep it simple and play it 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 attack, when numbers are healthy at the back, he should be looking to hover close to the opposition am/playmaker, making sure there isnt an easy ball for him to pick up. When attacking, he will look to take the ball off the centre backs and most of the time play it simply to one of the other midfielders, if the opposition start to play higher up the field and keep close tabs on our midfielders, he should look to play a lofted ball to Gomez to exploit the area between defence and midfield.
Centre Mids
Both are comfortable on the ball, and have the awareness to create themselves little pockets of space so they free to get the ball and keep the game ticking over, if they are getting closely marked, they should look to play slightly deeper to create more space for themselves, and if the ankle biters follow them, that will create a gap between the defence and midfield for the front 3 to exploit. When defending, Schweiny has the energy to play a pressing game in conjunction with the wingers to put pressure on the opposition, whilst Modders will hang back slightly, almost playing alongside Inler focusing on trying to intercept the ball rather than banging into players.
Wingers
They should look to stay as wide as possible when they receive the ball to try and stretch the defensive line. When they are 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 the wide 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.
Occasionally, the 2 wingers will swap wings, where the emphasis will be more on crosses for 5-10 minute periods a few times during the match.
Striker
When defending, he should look to hover around the area of the opposition DM, trying to prevent the easy out of a pass back to him. When attacking, he shouldn't look to get too involved in build up play, just acting as a target man to give the back 5 the option of playing a lofted ball to him and hold the ball up for the wingers or CMs to get into the attacking area, when he has passed the ball, he should just look to get alongside the aerially weaker CB and be ready for crosses and look to feed on any panicky defensive blocks or weak goalkeeper parries and play the reak poachers role.
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, Modders looks to annoy the opposition keeper looking to limit his ability to move off the goalline. Schweiny 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 - Salvio for Robben - Fresh legs and extra defensive workrate.
76 mins - Dembele and Blind for Modric and Clichy - 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. Dembele slots in alongside Inler and all 3 Centre Mids play a high energy pressing game.
If Losing
71 mins - Dembele for Denisov - extra attacking impetus in the midfield
77 Mins - Auby and Payet for Robben and Modric - We go to 4-2-4, with the wingers bombarding crosses in to the 2 big men with the other winger adding the third option.
posted on 20/7/13
-----------------------Akinfeev
Clyne---Alderweireld---Mangala---Nagatomo
----------------Inan------------Pogba
Yarmolenko------Dzagoev------Mertens
------------------------Sow
Subs
Ruddy, Hubocan, Lombaerts, Schneiderlin, Kokorin, Natkho, Doumbia
Tactics
A 4-2-3-1 formation based on defending as a team when off the ball but with enough attacking flair to keep the opposition honest when on the ball.
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 looking to cut inside fairly regularly, so the full backs should look to hug the touchlines to keep the defence stretched and provide the out ball. 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
Alderweireld will compete with the striker for the aerial balls played up to him, with Mangala looking to snaffle the resulting knockdown, when the ball is on the floor, Mangala will be the defender who looks to stand up the striker looking to keep tight to him and stifling his space to get the ball out of his feet, and Alderweireld will be making the covering run. When on the ball, if the opposition are giving them space to come out with the ball, then they should look to take it forward, if not, keep it simple and play it to a man in space and retain possession.
Defensive Midfielders
Inan 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 attack, when numbers are healthy at the back, he should be looking to hover close to the opposition am/playmaker, making sure there isnt an easy ball for him to pick up.
Pogba will be the more adventurous of the 2, when defending, he will drift forward and keep tabs on the opposition playmaker without being overly aggressive and giving away fouls in pressure areas,
When attacking, they will look to take the ball off the centre backs and most of the time play it simply to one of the other midfielders, with Pogba being the more adventurous of the 2, if the opposition start to play higher up the field and keep close tabs on our midfielders, they should look to play a lofted ball to Sow to exploit the area between defence and midfield and allow the wingers to get into the game.
Wingers
They should look to stay as wide as possible when they receive the ball to try and stretch the defensive line. when they have the ball, the options will be to either stay out wide and have the option of just drilling a cross to Sow with Kokorin staying around the edge of the box to provide the drag back option. or to cut inside to provide a more simple option for the other front 3 or themselves, if they do cut inside, the full backs should look to move forward to provide the wide option. If the defenders are backing off from them, they shouldnt be afraid to go into the box, as defenders will be extra cautious to not give away a penalty, and this should give them a chance to make a bit of spce for themselves to take a shot or a pass to a player in a better position. 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.
Attacking Midfielder
Dzagoev will be buzzing around just off the striker, looking to play the classic Lampard role of late runs into the box to surprise the defence. When our wingers cut inside, he should hang back slightly to make those late runs. When defending, he should keep tabs on the DMs, not letting a simple ball be played to them.
Striker
When defending, he should look to hover around the area of the CB's, putting a bit of pressure on them to try and force an error. When attacking, he should be looking to be the most advanced player, occasionally dropping back to help link up play, but recognising when a lofted ball will be played to him he should play with his back to goal and hold off the CB's to give time for others to come into play when he has passed the ball, he should just look to get alongside the aerially weaker CB and be ready for crosses.
Set Pieces
Corners - Dzagoev will take inswinging corners, the 2 CB's go into the box, the FB's and Inan stay back to prevent counters, the CB's and Sow attack the ball, Kokorin looks to annoy the opposition keeper looking to limit his ability to move off the goalline. Pogba and Mertens take positions just outside the box to pick up any weak defensive headers or knockdowns.
Free Kicks - For direct FK's Inan will shoot. For Indirect FKs, follow the same directives for Corners
Penalties - Inan is the designated taker.
Subs
If Winning
68 mins - Schneiderlin for Kokorin - Morgan sits behind the current 2 DM's. adding further defensive strength
76 mins - Hubocan and Allen for Clyne and Pogba - Allen is a more calming presence than Pogba so will look to add an element of calmness when the midfield 3 have the ball, and the front 4 all have the pace and ability to trouble on counter attacks.
If Losing
71 mins - Natkho for Pogba - given more attacking impetus than Pogba
posted on 20/7/13
----------------Courtois
Piszczek----Schär----Cahill---Marcelo
-----------Matuidi--Ramires
Lamela----------Mata--------Asamoah
----------------Cavani
Subs: Diego Alves, Kalas, Marrone, Beñat, Martinez, Hernandez, Villa
Captain: Edison Cavani
Free Kicks: Mata
Penalties: Edison Cavani
Corners: Mata
Game Plan: This is a huge game for us today, we can't allow Man Utd to win as they'd still be in with a chance of getting top 4 and we have to stop them getting that, whilst we can't afford to drop points ourselves with three teams hot on our tails. We will give our all in these game and fight for the club and the supporters in order to make sure we can achieve our aims. We want to take the game to United as our strength lies in the attacking ability of the side, looking to move the ball at pace and really attack the flanks, getting plenty of supply into Cavani. We have a team full of hard workers too and we want to to be getting in the face of the opposition as soon as we lose the ball, pressing in numbers.
Tactics:
Courtois will command his area, coming out to collect crosses and relieve pressure on the back line. He's quick off his line to narrow the angle and always alert to the danger, pulling off some outstanding saves. He will be looking to get the ball out quickly to players in space if there is a chance of a counter.
The FBs are key to the side today as we look to double up down the flanks. Piszczek and Marcelo are both excellent going forward, able to make runs outside the FBs and get to the byline to cross or using their pace and skill to underlap the wingers and get into the channels where they can go for goal or cut the ball back. Marcelo has a great eye for a pass too, we want him looking to get the ball into Cavani from deep. Defensively they must get back quickly, using that pace to get tight to the wingers, standing up to them and not giving them space to beat them or get a shot a way, never dive in on them, look to force them right out to the touchline.
We are looking to Cahill to man mark the CF, he's played against this guy many times before and knows his game, he's always looking for that inch of space to go for goal or pick a pass, Cahill won't do that, sticking too him and being very physical, never allowing him room in and around our box, looking to force him to have to drop right back to get involved and which point Cahill deals with the most advanced runner. Cahill is also excellent in the air and should beat the CF every time. Schär alongside him has that extra energy, he reads the game very well and loves to step out and clear the first ball, we want him looking to read the game and come across to stop the ball getting to the CF, making it even harder for him to get into the game, whilst Schär can also beat the midfield runners to the ball and stop them being able to link up around the box. He can also sweep up, anything that gets away from Cahill he's into position to deal with and clear the danger. He's also been selected today to provide an excellent addition going forward, he can pick a great pass from deep whilst he is also able to make charging runs through midfield and pick his pass at the end or go for goal, whilst we don't want him over doing it at times this can cause further confusion to the united defence.
Matuidi and Ramires provide the engine to the midfield that will help us get on top of United today, they may not have the passing ability of the Pirlo's and the Gerrards but they can more than out run them. We want these two in the faces of that United midfield whenever they are on the ball not giving them a moment to slow things down and get a grip, biting away at them and winning the ball back for us. Matuidi will be the deeper of the two, looking to deal with the AM and get in his face whenever the ball comes into him, not allowing him to link up the play and being strong in the tackle. Matuidi has a good range of passing and will look to get the ball into the likes of Mata, Cavani and Lamela further forward so they can hurt United. Ramires will work his way around midfield, snapping away at the United playmakers as he does so well and stopping them finding any real rhythm, particularly if Pirlo is playing. On the ball he has far too much pace for anyone in the United midfield and will be able use his excellent dribbling to drive through midfield looking to run at the back 4 and force them back or force them into fouling him. He can link up with the attackers and make runs in behind the defence.
The two wingers will look to be getting down the line and putting crosses in with both offering something different. Asamoah looks to get right out to the touchline and use the space he gets to stretch his legs and put crosses in. He can also act as a decoy to Marcelo, allowing him to make the attacking runs whilst Asamoah drops back and covers the LB area. Lamela on the other side offers the greater flair, looking to run at players when he gets the ball, using the FB to link up and get space in for a cross or cut inside and pick a pass or go for goal. We want him constantly looking to attack the defence at pace. He's also got a great knack for popping up at the back post to score from crosses and we look to him for that today too.
Mata is the heart of the attacks, he works his way around, getting on the ball and making things happen, ether dropping deep to get the ball moving and pull the strings, or moving wide where we can then tripple up and really carve Man Utd open, whilst he can also push closer to Cavani and play with him, he will be everywhere, making it impossible to mark him or track his movement, allowing him to ghost into the box as well as create. When things aren't going well we know we can get the ball to him and he will make things happen.
Cavani will have to really battle the CBs today, looking to use his strong physical presence to hold the ball up and use quick one touch play to link things together and allow us to work the ball at pace, then making his run off the defenders to get on the end of a through ball or attack a cross. He thrives on the counter attacks too, when United have us penned back with numbers behind the ball he can push the CBs right up the field where he is at his most threatening, isolating the CBs from the rest of the team and using all of his strength, pace and technique to get to goal himself.
Subs:
If Winning: Beñat for Lamela 70', Mata can go right and Beñat will add extra control to midfield. Marrone for Matuidi 75', more specialist DM who is excellent at man marking. Kalas for Cavani 85' 5-5-0, get everyone back and stop them from causing any trouble.
If Drawing: Villa for Asamoah 70', greater attacking and particularly goal threat. Beñat for Ramires 75', more of a playmaker to create from deep against a tired midfield. Hernandez on for Cavani 80', always good for a goal.
If Losing: Beñat for Matuidi 65', allows us to move the ball faster. Villa for Asamoah 70' more attacking threat. Martinez for Marcelo 75' 3-5-2, really go for goal.
posted on 20/7/13
---------------------------Trapp ---------------------
Iraola----Jagielka --------Lescott ----------Monreal
------------M’Vila ------------------Cabaye ------------
Arnautovic------------------Michu --------------Turan
------------------------Sturridge ---------------------------
Subs: Savic , Knockaert, Carroll, Assaidi, Fer, Romeu Aspas
Trapp will command his back line.
Jagielka will mark Pompeyss main striker while Lescott will sweep away any loose balls in the box.
Iraola and Monreal have the licence to go forward and support the attack when necessary
M’Vila is the enforcer in midfield, while Cabaye sits. Cabaye will act as the play maker with good distribution of the ball making the team tick.
Arnautovic and Turan will as always attack the full backs with great pace and dribbling, whipping balls into the box or cutting inside and taking a shot so they don’t become predictable. The two can also act as inside forwards if necessary
Michu is lethal in the air and had good control of the ball. He will play behind Sturridge, playing him through or taking a shot from his lay offs.
Sturridge will attack the Pompey defence with pace and dribbling and be alert for any rebounds or balls across goal.
Subs if losing after 70 mins
------------------------Trapp---------------------
Iraola----Jagielka --------Lescott----------Monreal
------------Fer --------------Cabaye
Arnautovic----------------Michu-----------------------Assaidi
--------------- ----------------StURRIDGE ------- ------------------
Fer more box to box for an attacking impetus.
Assaidi on for fresh legs
If winning after 70 mins
Romeu on for Michu (extra guy in midfield)
Aspas on for Sturridge (more chasing the channels)
posted on 20/7/13
Portsmouth vs WBA
------------------------------Maksym Koval
--Carvajal--Matthias Ginter---Javi Martinez--Schmelzer
------------------Jack Rodwell---Henderson
---Mario Gotze----------Alen Halilovic---------El Shaarawy
------------------------------Lewandowski
Subs: Duvan Zapata, Icardi, Draxler, Papadopoulos, Nastasic, Gomez, Anderson
Carvajal attacks hard and fast down the right hand side, looking to get at WBA's defence, whilst linking up with Gotze, when he doesn't drift inside. Ginter makes a rare start at CB, but this kid is class, he will look to be composed alongside Martinez. Ginter goes for the high balls, whilst marking the main striker out of the game. He will look to use his pace to get to the ball first, whilst he must not wander out of position. Javi Martinez plays CB, but he will lookt o step into deep midfield when we are on the attack, to add more steel to the midfield. However, when defending, it is important he stays back so he can use his height well, to challenge the aerial balls, whilst using strength to out muscle strikers. At LB, Schmelzer is very fast, so when he attackcs, he should look to pour real venom into his runs to the outside of El Shaarawy. We need these runs from both full backs, as El Shaarawy and Gotze are both instructed to drift inside, allowing the FB to fill in their space. Without these full back runs, there will be no one to play in the crosses to Lewandowksi, which is what their aim of the game is. However, both full backs must use their pace to track back at all times, as the opposition have some very quick wingers. In midfeld, there is a lot of energy shared between Rodwell and Henderson, with both being able to defend and attack. Rodwell is the deepest of the two, he will look to stay back most time and tackle the AM. He must stay on the AM at all times, not allowing him to move around without having pressure on him. The best thing about a midfield with a great engine is that it never gives up pressurising the opposition, which is what Hendo and Rodwell will be doing-chasing the ball down cleanly and efficiently, before looking to get the ball up to Halilovic. Henderson's main job will be to caryy the ball forward to the front three, and often must look to bomb past our AM, using his good burst of speed. Henderson must also look to clip balls out wide to the wingers, or even eye up the runs by the full backs. We want to get the ball to the wings as much as possible, as this is where we can cause problems. Ahead of Henderson comes the youngster Halilovic. Halilovic makes his league debut, but he does this every week in Croatia so must not feel over whelmed. Halilovic must control the tempo, as he likes to drop deep, but Halilovic also has a wonderful eye for a pass, and he adds real flair to the side. Halilovic does like a dribble, and we allow him to skip past the opposition midfield, where he must use his vision to play in through balls to the wingers/strikers.
Out wide, Gotze is a super dribbler, and when he gets down the right flank, he must mix it up-at times he will go down the byline and get crosses in to Lew, or he will drift inside to an AM position, where he can curl inswingers to SES/Lew. On the opposite side, El Shaarawy must use his good accelaration and eye for goal to turn in defneders and aim for the net, either fomr long range, or from short distances after he is played in. He must not be selfish, and link up with Lewandowski, delivering crosses when appropiate.
Up front, Lewandowksi will be the lone striker, and he will be finishing off everything. He is good in the air, so will get on the end of all the crosses, whilst his movement is second to none, and he specialises in peeling off the last mans shoulders, which is what he will do after every through ball aimed for him to run into.
Subs:
If losing/drawing at any point, put on Zapata for Halilovic, Zapata is a real beast, and a super finisher, we go 4-4-2
posted on 22/7/13
Champions League 1st leg away to Arsenal
----------------Neuer----------------
Lahm--Kompany--Subotic--Baines
-------Kroos--Khedira--Vidal--------
Aguero---------Cesc--------Neymar
Hart, Muniesa, Clasie, Maher, Hueng, Morata, Benteke
First leg away from home, we have set up to contain Arsenal, using Fabregas up front to get a flat midfield 3 to stop them coming through.
In goal is Neuer, the talented German is one of the best shot stoppers around, he makes himself as big as possible to intimidate strikers, comes for high balls and what he cant catch he punches clear. quick on his feet so off his line to meet strikers and close them down..release the ball early if quick counter is on.
The regular back 4 are in for thios game and must stay tight and focussed, the pairing of Kompany and Subotic has done well this season so 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 movement 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. Kompany to go up for corners and use his upper body strength and height to pose a lot of problems.
Lahm and Baines must time there attacks to perfection today, one at as time we cannot you hear cannot be left exposed as the back! Support Neymar and Aguero as much as they can, get down the line over lapping for them to send the fullbacks down the line to get the cross in, although if a cross is on no harm firing it long from deep areas. If Neymar or Aguero look as if they are taking it on then cut inside and look for any balls thast come inside for one twos to send the wingers away. Defend the lines in the back 4, keep the wingers at bay and away from goal and out of harms way.
Going with 3 man mid today, this is to keep them quiet as we must look to dominate in the middle, Khedira is the most defensive so he watches there play maker or most advanced midfielder, stay on top of him, stop him dictating play, this is his job, its simple really, stop there threat from midfield and they wont get as many chances. Stay just in front of the defence to give them that bit of security. Vidal and Kroos either side are there to help break up play when they have it, Vidal espcially will be right there and in there faces, he is a tiger and wont give anything up, Kroos also not as defensive but will put in a power of work in there, he will want to show he worth a starting jersey next season, maybe even the No.10, help stop them coming through but also he and Vidal can push up and support the front 3, pass and move, one twos to break the lines of defence, always wanting the ball so they can create somthing, ping it out wide to AGuero and Neymar and make ther way forward to become a danger to them, both Kroos and Vidal are good from distance so have a pop in poss.
Aguero, Cesc and Neymar make up the front 3, I would have playued benteke, but I want today to be all about movement and quick passing, this gets us round the Arsenal players, if need be Benteke will come on to change it if not working.
Aguero and Neymar will work the flanks, I want there fullbacks to come off the pitch knackered. Drive will skill and pace use the fullbacks if needed or indeed Kroos and Vidal as they venture forward, pass inside or pass down thel ine and get into the box awaiting crosses/passes to feet and go for goal. If going on there own then be 100% confident ion taking players on, look for Fabregas in the centre, pass, pass, pass but iof an opportunity arises go for goal. Fabregas is up top, mainly for the fact I want a passing game like mentioned, he will drop deep as we look to pass about, play keep ball but also when we go we go with pace and hit them really hard, all five mids (not Khedira) and a fullback will be hard to contain at full flow.Look for those around him and use them, he is very intelligent with his use of the ball and Neymar/Aguero will always be in positions for him to find them..
Defend as a team, attack as a team..pass until we cant pass no more!!
Captain:- Kompany
Penalties:- Aguero
Free Kicks:- Cesc
Corners:- Neymar
Subs:-
Losing:-
70 Mins:- Benteke for Kroos go back to 4-2-3-1, Bentekes power and drive to try and get a goal
80 Mins:- Hueng for Cesc - switch with Aguero going 4-4-2
Winning:-
75 Mins:- Clasie for Kroos, same role but new energy
85 Mins:- Benteke for Cesc, look to hold it up , take it to corners etc, but go for goal if an extremely good chance appears
Drawing:-
80 Mins:- Hueng for Cesc - Aguero into the middle
posted on 23/7/13
Sunderland v wba
-------------------Marchetti-----------------
Uchida------J.Amat-----Sakho------Ekotto
----------------------Rode--------------------
Narsingh-Mkhitaryan-Giaccherini-Lanzini
-------------------Huntelaar------------------
Schmeicel, Amorebietta, Canos, Defour, Kiyotake, Bent, Ibarbo
Final game of the season so try and go out with a flourish, some new faces in the team particularly Mkhitaryan who will try and add the spark we have been missing most of the season
We line up 4-1-4-1 with Marchetti in goal, the Italian wants to be No.1 next season so will look to put on a good show, quick off his line and a top shot stopper will look to close down the forwards and shut their angles down, release early for quick counters.
Jordi Amat comes in to partner Sakho, the two are big powerful boys and dont get easily pushed about, Sakho a bit quicker so man marke the CF and keeps him away from goal, Amat helps out sitting spare and getting rid of all high balls, stay close together. Uchida and Ekotto will attack when possible to support the wingers going on the outside to get the ball and fire it in, also if its there they can fire it in from deep, defend the lines, keep tight to there players and away from the danger area.
Rode is the DM, he ventures no further than half way, he is support for the defence and breaks up the opposition play, will keep tight to Michu and stop him dictating play. Pass it forward when won.
Mkhitaryan and Giaccherini will drive thie team home, always looking to get forward and get the goals or at least support KJH as best possible, both have goals in them.. Pass and move about look to use the wingers then drive into the box, when defending well, just get in the way and make a nuisance out of yourself, NArsingh and Lanzini take men on push forward going outside to cross in or cut in and play the one-twos to get themin on goal, defend if you want, we want to score as many as we can to send fans home happy.
KJH will get into great positions to get on the end of the balls in, great record knows where the back of the net is so hit it..end of
He can also bring players into the game up front when he cant go himself..end of....I think
captain:- Sakho
Penalties:- Mkhitaryan
free Kicks:- Mkhitaryan
Corners:- Wingers
Subs:-
65 Mins - Canos for Rode
70 Mins:- Kiyotake for Lanzini
75 Mins:- Bent for Huntelaar
posted on 25/7/13
Balanced 4-2-3-1. Away to the Spanish side we feel the best way to beat them is to build on a solid defence and get our creative players in the team that can really control a game and get us a few vital away goals. A team full of Brazilians, and after their win over Spain in the Confed Cup, we're looking for more of the same!
------------- Cesar
Abate – Pepe - Skrtel - Filipe
--------- Lucas – Pirlo
Coutinho -- Diego ---- Lavezzi
-------------- Dzeko
Subs. Buffon, Filipe, De Rossi, Hamsik, Reus, Tevez, Eto’o
With the attacking quality we have in the side we will be patient in possession, and not try to force things as it’s important we don’t leave ourselves short at the back. Important to keep our shape today, compact as a unit defensively getting 10 players behind the ball. We will press hard as soon as the opposition enter our half. They’re at home, and so we don’t want to get carried away, don’t press too high up the pitch, more important we keep our shape and are compact as a unit.
Cesar has played all but one EL game, and so continues between the posts. In front of him we have opted for Abate at rb to give us that attacking threat down the right allowing Coutinho to drift inside and get involved in the play.
Pepe comes in to the EL side to give the side that real quality at the back, his pace will be vital against the likes of Muniain and Diego Costa.
At lb Filipe also comes into the EL side ahead of Adriano, this is to offer the team a more solid defensive option on the left and to help shore up the defence.
In midfield both Lucas and Pirlo will operate in deep positions. Lucas will patrol in front of the back four in a defensive manner and his energy and drive, keeping things simple in possession provides the perfect mix in middle with Pirlo’s inteligence, positional awareness and vision. Pirlo will always look for the ball from the back four, as we look to him to link the defence and attack. His long balls give us an option to immediately put the Spaniards on the back foot, and with our attacking trio playing off Dzeko this is a great option for us today.
Defensively we want to two banks of four, with one in front closing play, and Dzeko up top always ready. That’ll mean Coutinho/Diego filling in at rm, and Lavezzi/Diego at lm. Though they don’t offer great defensive assurance they can help us press the opposition and ensure there is no space for the opposition.
We will play a normal line, not high, not deep. As we have to be wary of their pace. And away from home they are likely to be full of running and looking to win possesion back quickly so we have to be aware and ready to defend.
Attack
Attack is key for us today, we want a couple away goals. Going forward we have the quality to do so.
Pirlo is the main man for us today, as always. He will set the tempo of our play, slowing things down when the Spaniards have had good possession, taking that pressure off us and not allowing them to build momentum. He will be our link between defence and attack. Going forward of course he will be direct and our attacking four have the ability to bring the ball under control and drive at the Spanish defence.
Diego comes in at attacking midfield, after a simply superb season in Germany, he excelled in the big games against the likes of Dortmund, Leverkusen and Munich. That’s the reason we’ve gone with him today in am, in what is a huge game for us. We know the quality he has on the ball, and he can be the man to pick out our trio in attacking positions. He also offers the perfect foil of Dzeko to thread through a ball to our wide players who will be looking to get in behind.
With these two in the middle we should be able to control possession well, and keep the Spaniards on the back foot.
We want Lavezzi and Coutinho to stay wide in the first two thirds of the park, in the final third they have freedom to drift inside. But we do want the winger on the opposite side of the attacking full back to stay wide, which will mean Coutinho being the one likely to come inside.
Abate is tasked with bombing up and down the right wing, he has the stamina and pace to do this, what’s important is that he finds the final ball. So when he’s in the final third we want him to keep his final ball simple, look for a cut back to the edge of the box, low to front post, try and avoid raking crosses.
Lucas will be our deepest midfielder in attack, with one full back forward, he will be in front of a 3 man defence. If we can’t find a way through, turn back to play to Lucas who will look to start the attack again.
Dzeko up top is key to our attack. We want him to play the target man role today, he also has the ability and quality to get in behind the defence with clever movement. Expecting a big performance, holding onto the ball and bringing our attacking trio into the game.
Subs. If after 60 mins we are losing bring on Reus for Diego. Bring on the quality.
If losing after 70 mins bring on Hamsik for Coutinho
If losing after 80 mins bring on Tevez for Dzeko.
If drawing after 70 mins bring on Hamsik for Diego.
If drawing after 75 mins bring on De Rossi for Lucas
If drawing after 80 mins bring on Tevez for Dzeko
If winning after 75 mins bring on Hamsik for Diego. If winning after 75 mins bring on De Rossi for Coutinho. 4-3-3. Hamsik right, Lavezzi left.
If winning after 82 mins bring on Eto’o for Dzeko. Someone to run the channels, fresh pace to get in behind and run at the Spanish defence.
posted on 26/7/13
-------------------- P.Reina -------------------
Alves -------- Vidic ---- Barzagli ---- A.Cole
---------- Busquets ---- Yaya Toure ----------
D.Silva -------- W.Rooney--------- C.Ronaldo
----------------- R.Van Persie ---------------------
Subs:
D.Lopez
K.Walker
R.Varane
J.Garcia
W.Sneijder
A.Schurrle
R.Palacio
---------------------------------------------------
Schurrle > Silva - 60th minute - (Ronaldo RW, Schurrle LW) - Schurrle look to get in behind their FB and link with Alves.
Sneijder > Rooney - 60th minute - Sneijder at this stage should have more time and space on the ball to create for attackers.
J.Garcia > Yaya Toure - 80th minute - Look to work with Busquets with ticking things over and defensive duties.
-------------------------------------------------
Tactics:
Reina will look to stay sharp and focused and look to take command of his box. He will come out for anything within his reach and narrow the angle for opposing strikers whilst distributing possession to players in space to efficiently start attacks.
Alves and Cole start as fullbacks. They both have an extremely important role to play today as want to impose ourselves on the opposition as much as possible however they should look to carry out defensive duties when required as they take it in turns to roam forward. Alves on the right will look to push up and support Silva whenever possible, I want the typical powerful runs forwards that he’s known for that intimidate the opposition FB outmuscling and pushing him back as much as possible . He should look to get in behind on a regular basis and to the byline so Silva always has the option to stretch the play outwide when Alves is on the ball I want him to whip it into the box with pace whilst occasionally cutting inside and causing havoc. Cole on the left is the more disciplined and will make defensive duties his priority only getting forward when needed. Defensively when our opponents have the ball both fullbacks should sit tight on the opposing wingers and as soon as they receive the ball look to stop them from posing a threat. They should look to force them wide and lead them down the line then look to marshal them off the ball looking to use their pace and strength to put them off their game whilst our DM’s double up.
Vidic starts in the centre of defence and today will mark their (most) forward. He most likely relys a lot on on service based game so we want to restrict that as much as possible, I want a dominant approach from Vidic looking to engage in physical battles using his intimidating and powerful nature to get right on top of him and bully him therefore taking him out the game. Vidic must get their him as frustrated as possible looking to also isolate him and giving him nothing to work with so he’s as little threat as possible. Barzagli will start besides Vidic. He adds a calm presence in defence and complements Vidic’s style. I want him to do all the necessities plain and simple. He’ll look to watch for runners from deep, look to mark closely in the box whilst closing down rapidly. In addition looking to clear anything that comes into our box and importantly staying strong in the challenge.
Our midfield duo of Yaya and Busquets will start in the centre of the park looking to make our rearguard as tough as possible to breach. Yaya is the more physical of the two and will get into the oppositions faces looking to stamp his mark on the game. I want him constantly pressing looking to rough up and intimidate the opposition and thus putting them and their AM off their game, when in possession he should look to use his great distribution skills and vision from deep to thread through a key pass or link with others. Busquets will partner Yaya abd look to throw himself about everywhere; I want him to get from A to B as quick as possible looking to recover possession and forcing them to release quickly through anticipating, pressurizing and reading the game.
Rooney will start as an AM, I want him playing in the ‘hole’ looking to pick out runs, link with others and driving further forward always supporting attacks and getting in the box. He knows how to take a game by the scruff of its neck looking to constantly get us moving forward with a pass and move and taking players out the game whilst linking with others and playing them in space. He also complements our midfield duo of Yaya and Busquets defensively, as a trio they each offer something different which will help us win the midfield battle and get as much service into our forwards as possible.
Ronaldo and Silva will start in a 4-3-3 down the flanks. Ronaldo starts on the left and he is the one who will look to penetrate their defence and create the openings today. I want us to get the ball out to him as much as possible so he can link with Coentrao and use his direct and skilful style to pull their defenders of position and shift the focus as much as possible. This should give the likes of RVP, Silva and Yaya more time on the ball to play their game. Ronaldo should also look to target their backline who will struggle to cope with his pace so he'll invite challenges and look for FK's in dangerous positions. Silva on the right has the license to roam, I want him drifting in and out of positions looking to receive the ball and driving at their defence looking to take players out the game. He also has a good eye for a pass and a creative nature so I want him spotting our forwards runs and playing them in behind witht he aid of Alves overlapping.
Van Persie is the perfect outlet and with an attack like ours supplying him there should be plenty of chances to convert today. I want him to use his experience and know how to get the better of their CB’s looking to get that extra yard on them whilst drawing them to him so others such as Ronaldo get the time and space to work with in dangerous positions. RVP should always look to make runs in behind and hold his own when possible holding the ball up and getting others involved whilst occasionally coming deeper to dictate the player whilst they go on beyond. The front 3 will all look to interchange making them as tough as possible to mark, we will look to target their weaknesses and find those roles where we are effectively getting maximum success.
--------------------------------------------------
Captain – Vidic
FK’s – Ronaldo
Corners – Silva
Pens – Ronaldo
posted on 26/7/13
Wolves V QPR
---------------------------------Alves---------------------------
----Caceres-----Wollschield----Kaboul-----Fuchs----
-------------------------------Capoue-------------------------
---------------------Bradley-----------Holtby----------------
-----------------Adrian-------------------Robinho-----------
-------------------------------Damiao--------------------------
Subs: Horn, Schwaab, Chiriches, Antonini, Lucho, Costa, Doumbia.
Game Plan: Away at Wolves in my first game back in charge but on the final day of the season. We will look to keep things tight in midfield and we will look to prevent them from getting closer to the goal and keep them with long range shots. We will use the technical and the pace of our front 3 to hit them on the break and try to nick an away goal.
Alves - Look to use his good shot stopping ability all game and push away any shots at him. He needs to command his area well and communicate to the defence.
Caceres and Fuchs - They will watch the wingers with caution all the time. They need to track the runs and force them to dribble further wide, they need to be solid in the challenges at all times and never let their man on the inside of them. They need to force the wingers backwards as often as possible. They will sometimes be used for width in attack but not often but if they get a chance to put a ball into the box, it must be delivered low with pace for our attackers to pounce on.
Wollschield and Kaboul - We will look at out CB's to stop all from coming into the box and make sure everything is cleared. They know they have a quality midfield in front of them to try and restrict them from as much pressure as possible but if they are to break past the midfield then Kaboul who will be marking needs to hold the forward up and don't give him space to pick a pass and allow our midfield chance to get back. he needs to force him backwards. Wollschield will drop 10 yards if anything is to come over the top towards goal as his height and good positioning skills will allow him to win all the headers and get the ball clear towards our more attacking line. If every in doubt, the ball goes, high and wide all the time.
Capoue - He will be our DM. His job is to stop the AM from dictating the play and stop him from getting shots away and from picking our passes towards a forward player of theirs. He needs to be quick off the mark and in his face quickly to prevent an early 1 touch pass. If he tries to take it past him, he stops him if his tracks if it is a winnable ball, if not, then he tracks him and looks to force him wide as well. he needs to mark well, wherever he goes, that's where Capoue goes.
Bradley and Holtby - These will be our CM's for the game, but playing very much different roles from each other. Bradley's job will be to support Capoue if there is an overload in attacking midfield. If there is an on running midfield, he needs to track him down, stop him in his tracks before advancing towards goal. He will also try to pull a midfielder out of the game to allow more creativity space for Holtby to use up. Holtby will be playing in an advanced, creative midfield role. When he gets the ball, he needs to run to where the space is and look to pick a pass towards our 3 forwards. He needs to drag the DM about and allow more space for our forwards to run into as well and he needs to be picking the right passes. Try and get shots off if he has the chance but if not, then he needs to be looking to give it into a better area of play for our forwards.
Adrian and Robinho - These 2 will be playing in our SS role pretty much. They will allow Holtby to take the DM and they don't have to worry about him. There job is to overload down the middle of the pitch and to try and tuck their full backs in to give them a defensive advantage. if that is to happen, it allows my full backs more time and space to get down the flanks and past the wingers. Adrian will be very direct, he will look to play on a CB as well by forcing him out of position and he will look to burst at him and test him with his dribbling skills. If he has the chance for a shot, he needs to have a go. Robinho will play in a more mobile role, looking to pull the full backs back out wide. As Holtby takes the DM, Robinho has then got the freedom to either run at the defnce, roam around in the space for a long range shot or make one of the full backs stay back for the extra cover and he attacks that full back with his dribbling skills. He has a variety of options so if he does have the time and the space to allow himself to have a go at one of the 3 options, I expect him to make the one with the most impact depending on the opposition positioning.
Damiao - He will be our CF. he will always play on the last man, the one that drops deeper. he will look to use his pace to nick the ball in front of the defence and set off lightning quick to get around him. A class finisher in the box so if he ever gets the chance then he needs to be taking them. He needs to anticipate low crosses as they will be coming in at times. He needs to follow in on long range shots and if he has a chance of his own, like we say, he needs to be slotting it away.
Subs:
If Drawing (65 mins):
Adrian Off - On Costa - Holtby goes into AM with Costa RW and Robinho LW and the 2 other midfielders. We will then look to use width and get low crosses in and test the defence even more.
If Losing (70 mins):
Robinho Off - On Doumbia - Go 4-4-2 with Adrian and Holtby going wide with the 2 midfielders the same and Doumbia up top. Look to go all out of there defence and try and get something from the game.
posted on 26/7/13
-------------------Neuer-------------------
Lahm----Kompany----Subotic----Baines
------------Khedira----A.Vidal------------
------------------Fabregas-----------------
Hueng MinSon--------------Neymar Silva
------------------S.Aguero-----------------
Hart, Muniesa, Kroos, Witsel, Gamiero, Morata, Benteke
This is it, last game of the season, its been nip and tuck with Arsenal and we go in knowing what we have to do, we wont change the way we play agaist very tough opposition at Old Trafford. Nice free flowing football, one touches, one twos to break them down and get in on goal.
Neuer is a top back up 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. Pressurising them into shooting high or wide. Release the wide players early if chasing the game.
A back four with Lahm and Baines 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. Match them for pace and shrug them out, must stay strong! Attack when you can one at a time, support the 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 Hueng and Neymar and ping the ball down the line for them to latch onto. Always look to get the ball from the winger or at very least make more room for them by taking the FB away, cross early if opportunity arises.
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. Kompany to go up for corners and use his upper body strength and height to pose a lot of problems.
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. Vidal 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 Hueng, Aguero and Neymar 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 more in the free role, with more freedom to attack 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 Aguero as much as possible, Also use Hueng and Neymar for one twos to break the line of defence. drop back and help defend v the DM if he breaks forward.
Hueng is on the right, will look to drive at the fb, causing him all sorts of problems with his pace, cut in off his right and shoot with his left, or lay off to Cesc/Aguero 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 Aguero 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 Aguero will thrive of this. At times Neymar and Hueng 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 both attacking mids to track back and stop the fullbacks and DMS getting forward and becoming a nuisance. Also look to switch with Aguero causing confusion in their back line
Aguero is a top striker, scores many goals from differwent angles and with either foot and is strong in the air, will thrive on the service from those behind so he will be looking to make a goalscoring return up front. Neymar Aguero and Hueng are a fearsome trio up front full of goals so they must capitialise on any mistake by the opposition. Always on his toes and on the last line of defence and ready to go for goal. If he cant then look to lay off/knock down for the support coming in from behind. He is strong so can hold of defenders and make his way into the danger area. Leap early for crosses coming in to beat the defender in the air.
We know we only have to match Arsenals result, but we have to go for the win, go for Man Utd, but not gung-ho, take our time, play it about the goals will come..stay strong at the back and defend as a team.
Captain:- Kompany
Penalties:- Aguero
Free Kicks:- Fabregas
Corners:- Wingers
Subs:-
Losing:-
65 Mins:- Benteke on for Hueng, Aguero switch to the right and Benteke up top to use his power to get through the defence and set up others
70 Mins:- Kroos on for Vidal, sits a little further up and a goal threat, sit alongside Khediras tho when they have its not all out attack yet.
85 Mins:- Neymar and Aguero push right up in a 4-3-3
88 Mins:- Morata for Khedira - Cesc and Kroos in the middle of the park
Morata-Aguero-Benteke-Neymar up front 4-2-4, if they get the ball track back asap, apart from Benteke
90 + Mins (injury time) Kompany go up front 3-2-5 higth ball, launch it, get it in the box
Winning:-
75 Mins:- Witsel > Hueng, more defence minded midfielder
80 Mins:- Kroos > Neymar, Witsel sits right side on the right of Khedira and help close down any other mids they have brought on
Kroos-Witsel-Khedira-Vidal-Cesc
85 Mins benteke for Aguero - hold it up, take to corners, win it in the air, dominate thers defenders
Drawing:-
70 Mins:- Benteke for Hueng, Aguero out wide to try a new approach
80 Mins:- if a draw is not gonna be enough Kroos for Vidal and sit up with Cesc
if it is looking like it will be enough then still Kroos on but sit deeper
85 Mins:- Arsenal winning - Morata for Cesc 4-2-4
85 Mins:- Arsenal losing - Witsel > Cesc sit in
Red Card
Neuer - Hart for Hueng - Aguero RW
DF - Muniesa on for Huneg - Aguero RW
CM - Kroos for Hueng - Aguero RW
AM/CF - play with the three as an attacking mid
posted on 26/7/13
Attacking 4-2-3-1. Compact defence, getting 10 men behind the ball. Direct going forward breaking quickly, with power and pace. High pressing game in the first two thirds of the pitch. Lots of width, get the ball down the wings, not letting their cms get in the game and on the ball. Make them worry about our attacking threat, not giving them time to settle. Rigid in defence, fluid in attack.
Tevez loves playing against Chelsea, today is his day to shine
------------ Buffon
Rafael – Pepe – Evans – Adriano
------- De Rossi – Gerrard
Hamsik ------ Tevez ---- Reus
--------------- Eto’o
Subs. Cesar, Skrtel, Lucas, Pirlo, Coutinho, Young, Dzeko
Last league game at home, entertain our fans. Chelsea wont expect us to come out and attack. We feel we’ve got more than enough quality in our side to put a few goals past them. On the bench, we’ve got plenty of players to get us even more goals. Golaccio!
Gerrard plays over Pirlo. With the energy of the Chelsea midfield, we feel Gerrard’s power will be more important than Pirlo’s creativity. Not as spectacular as Pirlo, Gerrard offers a brilliant long ball and his defensive capabilities will be key.
In the final third, Tevez, against Chelsea, he loves it. Get Reus and Tevez on the ball, the two that will make things happen in the final third.
Important game for us, we want Arsenal to win the league in the hope this gives us a better chance in the FA Cup final. We hope they'll be popping Champagne and drinking giving them a headache for a number of days.
We’ve got a fresh side. Pepe featured midweek, but this is the first time he's played twice in a week, more than fit enough for that at this stage of the season. Plus he’s a machine. No matter how much steam comes out his ears, he wont stop.
Key today is to get the ball out wide. Eto’o chosen up top as he is one of the best forwards in the world at running the channels. Tevez through the middle ensuring we have someone to stick the ball in the net, Tevez always scores against Chelsea. Make their cms chase us over the park, leaving spaces in the middle and tiring them out and crucially not allowing them on the ball in positions they can hurt us.
Defence
Buffon leads our defence. Natural leader, he will keep our defence right. Keeping a normal line, not too high. In possession we will always have one fb staying back. The other bombs forward.
When the opposition are in possession we look like a 4-4-1-1. Tevez behind Eto’o,(although Eto’o sometimes level as he closes fbs) they both have great work rates, in this game defend from the front. Not allowing their defence/midfield any time on the ball.
Behind, two walls of four. With Aguero up top they wont have the option of playing it in the air. De Rossi, Gerrard and Hamsik offer real power in midfield. Their height will also be important.
We expect Chelsea to try and play through us. For this reason it’s crucial we close down from the front, not giving them any space or time going forward. De Rossi is the important player ensuring that no one gets in between the defence and midfield in the middle of the park. Two cms have an abundance of experience and their positional awareness will be vital. The energy/drive of Hamsik and Reus out wide will be key in helping Rafael/Adriano against their fbs and wingers.
We shift around the ball like a unit. If they’re attacking down the right side, we move over to the right. Force them back to their defence. De Rossi will be slightly deeper than the other three midfielders. Eto’o comes across to that wing, Tevez in the middle, on their deepest midfielder.
Attack
Width. Lots of width. Get the ball out wide. We have two attacking full backs, one goes forward at a time. This means if Rafael goes forward Hamsik has license to come inside, vice versa on the left. Though we want Hamsik and Reus to stay wide and keep their positions (stretching play) in the first two thirds of the park regardless. Tevez will look to play very advanced when we work the ball down the wings, he’s the man we want to get on the ball in the centre, against Chelsea he transforms from a top class player to a world class player.
Eto’o will also be key to our plan to play it wide. He will offer a constant option running the channels, getting the ball wide. This should help us keep possession importantly, but should also help us draw the opposition defenders out of position, creating space for Tevez through the middle.
De Rossi has almost a purely defensive role, Gerrard is the one we want to go forward. Of course if De Rossi is on one of his charging runs, Gerrard stays back as our dm. 3 defenders, with a dm in front of them. The other cm, will be the 2nd deepest midfielder in attack.
Gerrard’s long balls will be a big part of our game today, we want to play direct, getting the ball out wide quickly. Should always have options out wide in possession, be it our Adriano/Rafael looking to get forward,our wingers, or for Eto’o. His raking diagonal balls out wide allow us to immediately put Chelsea on the back foot.Eto’o’s running will be a delight for Gerrard.
In front of Gerrard/De Rossi is Tevez. Main man in the middle, although he lines up behind Eto’o, he will often end up leading the line, with Eto’o out wide supporting play. Tevez of course likes to get involved in the play, he will look for the ball off De Rossi/Gerrard to switch it out wide himself.
Get the ball to Reus. With Adriano supporting look to double up on Lahm. Reus to play his natural game, he’s probably our best player, but not today as Tevez is up against Chelsea.
Subs.
If losing after 55 mins bring on Coutinho for Eto’o. Tevez up top. Similar tactic getting the ball out wide, Tevez plays more direct through the middle. Coutinho helping out the wingers.
If losing after 65 mins bring on Pirlo for Gerrard. As the game opens up a little, Pirlo will be able to influence the game more.
If losing after 75 mins bring on Dzeko for Hamsik. Tevez up top with Dzeko. Coutinho left, Reus right.
If drawing after 75 mins bring on Coutinho for Eto’o. Tevez up top. Similar tactic getting the ball out wide, Tevez plays more direct through the middle. Coutinho helping out the wingers.
If drawing after 75 mins bring on Lucas for Gerrard. De Rossi given license to push on. Looking for Coutinho to link the play and drive us on with De Rossi. More fresh legs in the middle so that the Chelsea midfield can’t get on top.
If drawing after 80 mins bring on Young for Hamsik. Plays left, pace and fresh legs to help us as game pushes on. Reus goes right.
If winning after 72 mins bring on Young for Eto’o. Young goes left. Tevez up top with Reus through the middle. Pace and fresh legs important to ensure we keep our shape and energy.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Lucas for Gerrard. If winning after 75 mins bring on Coutinho for Hamsik. Lucas gives us energy in the middle making us a more solid unit. While Coutinho offers more flair and creativity going forward as the game opens up.
posted on 26/7/13
------------------- D.Lopez -------------------
Alves ------- Vidic ----- Varane ------- Cole
---------- Busquets ---- Y.Toure -------------
C.Ronaldo ---- W.Rooney --------- D.Silva
---------------- R.Van Persie -------------------
Subs:
T.Krul
A.Barzagli
F.Coentrao
S.Roberto
A.Schurrle
S.Cazorla
R.Palacio
---------------------------------------------------
Cazorla > Rooney – 60th minute – Cazorla has the natural ability to carve open a defence as well as a good eye for a pass so he’ll look to exploit the gaps and ensure we take advantage of their tiring defense.
Schurrle > Silva - 60th minute - (Ronaldo RW, Schurrle LW) - Schurrle adds a new dimension to our attack he’s more prone to bursting a gut for the team and looking to get at the end of any opportunities that come our way.
Coentrao > Cole – 80th min (if needing goals/losing) – Coentrao look to overlap regularly using his pace and agility and whip balls into the box.
---------------------------------------------
After several seasons in charge it comes down to a last day league decider, we’ve been through the up and down’s and everything in-between. The core of this side has been the glue to our paper and a last hurrah would be the icing on the cake.
Always an advantage playing at home on the last day in front of your own fans, City are a good side but this season have lacked direction and have little to play for position wise. We must exert out authority looking to dictate the game and one particular area of the game we will look to target is their midfield and FB’s. Cambiasso and Diarra we can bypass and with the likes of Ozil and wingers offering little protection this will mean goals with the quality of our attack.
No nerves, no pressure just play with heart and passion!
---------------------------------------------
Tactics:
The experienced D.Lopez starts as GK and should look to impress, a remarkable shot-stopper with amazing reflexes, v good with his feet and has a great commanding presence in and around the box. I want him standing tall between the sticks, vocal at the back and leading from the front.
Alves and Cole as consistent and reliable as they come, very rarely fazed and both enjoy the big match occasion as it brings out the best in them. 2 very contrasting styles ensure we have the right balance between attack and defence and today they should look to stand up and be counted. We want to impose ourselves on the opposition as much as possible today however defensive duties are first priority. To combat this I want my wingers to help my FB’s as much as possible today looking to give them that extra security, a similar scenario is that of Ribery & Robben in the CL final against Barca where they not only supported their FB’s they suppressed the opposition further and further back so they had no bearing on the game. Individually both FB’s should trade blow by blow to their wingers looking to match them pace for pace looking to lead them down the line as well as using their strength to make them as uncomfortable as possible ensuring they are stranded towards the corner of the touchline with no hope of getting delivery into the box.
Vidic starts in the centre of defence and today will mark their (most) forward which is most likely to be Benzema. Benzema relys a lot on a service based game and is very easily intimidated so I want a dominant approach from Vidic looking to engage in physical battles using his strong and powerful nature to get right on top of him and bullying him therefore rendering him useless throughout the game. Vidic has stood tall against many and today I want him to use every last inch of experience looking to put his body on the line, fighting for those 50/50 balls, making last ditch tackles and surrendering himself completely so we can keep a clean sheet, captain fantastic puts the L in the word leader and if he sets a good example the others will all follow. Varane is chosen to partner Vidic today as what one CB lacks the other makes up for 2 combined have every attribute to make the perfect CB so whilst Vidic is deployed on the front line Varane will act as a 2nd shield. He’s a maestro at reading the play and between the lines and rarely do CB’s come in packages where they are not only tall yet so quick on their feet so I want him doing all the necessities plain and simple supporting Vida in a slightly more deeper role covering his tracks and intervening when needed.
Our midfield duo of Busquets and Yaya will start in the centre of the park looking to make our rearguard as tough as possible to breach. They both have a strong understanding and mental toughness so they should look to work well with each other to prevent the opposition from threatening in dangerous areas. Yaya is the more physical of the two and I want him to get into the oppositions faces looking to stamp his mark on the game like a bull when he sees red. The enigma in midfield I want him constantly pressing looking to rough and intimidate the opposition thus putting them off their game, when they see him approaching I want him to make them hurried and careless in possession as if he’s a mental block to their play in particular their AM. Busquets will partner Yaya and look to throw himself about everywhere; I want him to get from A to B as quick as possible looking to recover possession and forcing them to release quickly through anticipating, pressurizing and reading the game. Yaya and Busquets are the base to our play today, I want them to sit in the middle of the park as if they are enforcers with a sign stating ‘no entry beyond this point’. They will ensure we dictate proceeding and are able to re-cycle and recover possession to get us going forward as seamlessly as possible.
Rooney will start as our AM. He will revel in a game like this as we are playing to his strengths as he has the freedom to take a up a number of positions and penetrate their defence. The burden is off him so he should look to take the initiative and take the bull by its horns. I want him driving forward, supporting attacks and looking to make things happen as others feed off him and vice versa. He should look to get involved in as much as the play as possible looking to cover every area on that pitch with real passion and enthusiasm aiding the cause of the team and lifting spirits with his 100% effort and commitment.
Ronaldo and Silva will start down the flanks. Ronaldo starts on the right and is the heartbeat of the side the ‘go to’ player in possession as he influences the play like no other. I want him using his great positional sense and attacking awareness as effectively as possible today looking to come deep and pulling the strings using his pace and direct and skilful style to pull defenders out of position and towards him. He’ll look to invite challenges in dangerous positions as their defence will struggle to match his pace as well as linking with others as much as possible giving them as much freedom as possible to play their games due to his privileged status. Alves on the right will look to form a dream team looking to give Ronaldo that wide option when possible looking to burst a gut down the wing and giving the opposition nightmares. Silva on the right has the license to roam, I want him drifting in and out of positions looking to receive the ball and driving at their defence looking to take players out the game. He also has a good eye for a pass and a creative nature so I want him spotting our forwards runs and playing them in behind with the aid of Cole overlapping when possible.
Van Persie is the perfect outlet and with an attack like ours supplying him there should be plenty of chances to convert today. I want him to use his experience and know how to get the better of their CB’s looking to get that extra yard on them whilst drawing them to him so others such as Ronaldo get the time and space to work with in dangerous positions. RVP should always look to make runs in behind and hold his own when possible holding the ball up and getting others involved whilst occasionally coming deeper to dictate the player whilst they go on beyond. The front 3 will all look to interchange making them as tough as possible to mark, we will look to target their weaknesses and find those roles where we are effectively getting maximum success.
--------------------------------------------------
Captain – Vidic
FK’s – Ronaldo
Corners – Silva
Pens – Ronaldo
posted on 26/7/13
Wigan:
-------------------------Muslera
----Litchsteiner----Kirchoff---Albiol-----Siquera
-----------------Nainggolan-----Mauricio Isla
--------Farfan--------------------------------------Gaitan
-----------------Markovic-------Bafatembi Gomis
Subs: Stekelenberg, Vrsaljko, Cerci, Chedjou, Vucinic, Valero, Parker
Subs:
Parker > Nainggolan after 60
Vucinc > Gomis after 65
Chedjou > Kirchoff after 70
posted on 27/7/13
---------------Courtois
Piszczek---Kalas---Schär----Marcelo
---------------Chalobah
Lamela---De Bruyne---------Pineaar
------------------Mata
----------------Martinez
Subs: Stockdale, Marrone, Van Aanholt, Ramires, Beñat, Piazon, Cavani
Captain: Juan Mata
Free Kicks: Juan/Kevin
Penalties: Jackson
Corners: Juan/Kevin
Game Plan: Last game of the season and we need to make sure we get the points needed to secure a European finish. We will play with a lot of pace and flair in the side and look to create plenty of chances.
Tactics:
Courtois will command his area, coming out to collect crosses and relieve pressure on the defence.
FBs are able to push up the field, using their dynamic attacking play to help us create chances, making both over and underlapping runs to find the room and supply the men in the box. Defensively they must use their pace, stand up to the wingers and force them away from goal before getting the tackle in.
Kalas will man mark the main striker, getting tight to him and stopping him controlling balls into him, look to make him have to drop deep to get involved, whilst his pace and good aerial presence will also help keep the striker quiet. Schär will look to read the play and step out of defence when there is a chance to break the move down and then use his driving runs or great passing to put us back on the front foot. He can sweep in behind Kalas if anything beats him and deal with midfield runners.
Chalobah anchors the midfield, using his great power and energy to break up the attacks, getting tight into the most advanced midfielder and winning the ball back. He can use his excellent passing range to keep the play moving, looking to get the ball forward.
De Bruyne is the playmaker of the side, looking to move around the midfield and make things tick, linking the play and creating chances, whilst he can also make driving runs forward looking to get behind the defence.
Lamela will use his direct running to get at the FB constantly looking to beat him on the outside to get plenty of crosses in or on the inside to link the play around the middle quickly before using his acceleration to burst through the defence or play in a team mate. He should also look to link with the FB and attack back post crosses. Pineaar we will be looking for the same link up play as he had with Baines only with Marcelo, we want him coming off the flank and creating space for Marcelo and using his clever passing to play him in, whilst he can also come through the middle and look to release Jackson, Lamela, Mata and De Bruyne.
Mata will work around the advanced areas of the pitch linking the play, moving outwide to create 3 v 2 situations and open them up, or playing close to Jackson with clever link up play. Make runs in on goal to get chances.
Jackson simply uses his pace and movement to find the right place to be and create the passing opportunity for his team mates, before getting away and finishing his chances, attack every cross and look to score the goals.
If Winning: Ramires for De Bruyne 70'. Van Aanholt and Piazon for Marcelo and Mata 75'.
If Drawing: Beñat for Pienaar with De Bruyne moving wide 70'. Cavani for Mata 75', play 4-4-2. Ramires for Chalobah 80'.
If Losing: Beñat for Pienaar as above 65', Cavani and Ramires for the FBs 75':
Courtois
Kalas Chalobah Schär
Ramires Beñat
Lamela Mata De Bruyne
Cavani Martinez
posted on 27/7/13
Because my teams are playing each other, im just going to post XI's and subs
Southampton
-----------------------Akinfeev
Clyne---Alderweireld---Mangala---Nagatomo
----------------Inan------------Pogba
Yarmolenko------Dzagoev------Mertens
-----------------------Chicarito
Subs
Ruddy, Samuel, Schennikov, Fernando, Kokorin, Wijanldum, Sow
Subs
If Winning
68 mins - Fernando for Inan - Fernando sole role is to sit infront of the back 4.
76 mins - Samuel and Sow for Yarmolenko and Chicarito - go to 5 at the back with Dzagoev out wide, and Sow is a more physical presence up front who can hold up the ball and provide an outlet if we invite too much pressure.
If Losing
71 mins - Wijnaldum for Inan - given more attacking impetus than Inan
80 Mins - Sow and Schennikov for Nags and Dzagoev
Pump crosses in for the front 2, all out attack.
Brum
-----------------------Cech
Johnson---Garay------Hummels-----Clichy
-------------Schweiny------Illarramendi
-----------------------Modric
Robben------------------------------------Ribery
------------------------Auby
Subs
Begovic, Juanfran, Garay, Payet, Inler, Salvio, Osvaldo
Subs
If Winning
68 mins - Salvio for Robben - Fresh legs and extra defensive workrate.
76 mins - Inler and Juanfran for Modric and Clichy - Juanfran RB, Johnson LB. 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. Inler slots in behind the midfield 2.
If Losing
71 mins - Juanfran For Johnson
77 Mins - Osvaldo and Payet for Robben and Modric - We go to 4-2-4, with the wingers bombarding crosses in to the 2 strikers with the other winger adding the third option.
posted on 27/7/13
------------------------------Maksym Koval
--Carvajal--Matthias Ginter------Ogbonna--Luke Shaw
----------------Jack Rodwell-------Kwadoh Asamoah
---Mario Gotze----------Alen Halilovic---------Draxler
------------------------------Lewandowski
Subs: Duvan Zapata, Icardi, Henderson, Papadopoulos, Nastasic, Chadli, Anderson
Carvajal attacks hard and fast down the right hand side, looking to get at WBA's defence, whilst linking up with Gotze, when he doesn't drift inside. Ginter makes a rare start at CB, but this kid is class, he will look to be composed alongside Ogbonna. Ginter goes for the high balls, whilst marking the main striker out of the game. He will look to use his pace to get to the ball first, whilst he must not wander out of position. Ogbonna plays CB, but he will look to step into deep midfield when we are on the attack, to add more steel to the midfield. However, when defending, it is important he stays back so he can use his height well, to challenge the aerial balls, whilst using strength to out muscle strikers. At LB, Shaw is very fast, so when he attackcs, he should look to pour real venom into his runs to the outside of Draxler. We need these runs from both full backs, as El Shaarawy and Gotze are both instructed to drift inside, allowing the FB to fill in their space. Without these full back runs, there will be no one to play in the crosses to Lewandowksi, which is what their aim of the game is. However, both full backs must use their pace to track back at all times, as the opposition have some very quick wingers. In midfield, there is a lot of energy shared between Rodwell and Imbula, with both being able to defend and attack. Rodwell is the deepest of the two, he will look to stay back most time and tackle the AM. He must stay on the AM at all times, not allowing him to move around without having pressure on him. The best thing about a midfield with a great engine is that it never gives up pressurising the opposition, which is what Imbula and Rodwell will be doing-chasing the ball down cleanly and efficiently, before looking to get the ball up to Halilovic. Imula's main job will be to caryy the ball forward to the front three, and often must look to bomb past our AM, using his good burst of speed. Imbula must also look to clip balls out wide to the wingers, or even eye up the runs by the full backs. We want to get the ball to the wings as much as possible, as this is where we can cause problems. Ahead of Imbula comes the youngster Halilovic. Halilovic makes his league debut, but he does this every week in Croatia so must not feel over whelmed. Halilovic must control the tempo, as he likes to drop deep, but Halilovic also has a wonderful eye for a pass, and he adds real flair to the side. Halilovic does like a dribble, and we allow him to skip past the opposition midfield, where he must use his vision to play in through balls to the wingers/strikers.
Out wide, Gotze is a super dribbler, and when he gets down the right flank, he must mix it up-at times he will go down the byline and get crosses in to Lew, or he will drift inside to an AM position, where he can curl inswingers to Drax/Lew. On the opposite side, Draxler must use his good accelaration and eye for goal to turn in defneders and aim for the net, either fomr long range, or from short distances after he is played in. He must not be selfish, and link up with Lewandowski, delivering crosses when appropiate.
Up front, Lewandowksi will be the lone striker, and he will be finishing off everything. He is good in the air, so will get on the end of all the crosses, whilst his movement is second to none, and he specialises in peeling off the last mans shoulders, which is what he will do after every through ball aimed for him to run into.
Subs:
70: Zapata for Halilovic, Zapata is a real beast, and a super finisher, we go 4-4-2
posted on 30/7/13
CL Tactics for Chelsea
-------------------Neuer-------------------
Lahm----Kompany----Subotic----Baines
------------Khedira----A.Vidal------------
------------------Fabregas-----------------
Hulk da Souza--------------Neymar Silva
------------------S.Aguero-----------------
Hart, Muniesa, Kroos, Witsel, Hueng, Morata, Benteke
We have had a great season and go into this with a great chance, a few players this could be there last game and they dont want that they want to leave Chelsea with a champions league medal round there necks..Play the way we can and we can win this game and have one more game to look forward to, come on lads we can do this!
Neuer is a top back up 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. Pressurising them into shooting high or wide. Release the wide players early if chasing the game.
A back four with Lahm and Baines 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. Match them for pace and shrug them out, must stay strong! Attack when you can one at a time, support the 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 Hulk and Neymar and ping the ball down the line for them to latch onto. Always look to get the ball from the winger or at very least make more room for them by taking the FB away, cross early if opportunity arises.
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. Kompany to go up for corners and use his upper body strength and height to pose a lot of problems.
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. Vidal 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 Hulk, Aguero and Neymar 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 more in the free role, with more freedom to attack 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 Aguero as much as possible, Also use Hulk and Neymar for one twos to break the line of defence. drop back and help defend v the DM if he breaks forward.
Hulk is on the right, will look to drive at the fb, causing him all sorts of problems with his pace, cut in off his right and shoot with his left, or lay off to Cesc/Aguero 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 Aguero 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 Aguero will thrive of this. At times Neymar and Hulk 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 both attacking mids to track back and stop the fullbacks and DMS getting forward and becoming a nuisance. Also look to switch with Aguero causing confusion in their back line
Aguero is a top striker, scores many goals from differwent angles and with either foot and is strong in the air, will thrive on the service from those behind so he will be looking to make a goalscoring return up front. Neymar Aguero and Hulk are a fearsome trio up front full of goals so they must capitialise on any mistake by the opposition. Always on his toes and on the last line of defence and ready to go for goal. If he cant then look to lay off/knock down for the support coming in from behind. He is strong so can hold of defenders and make his way into the danger area. Leap early for crosses coming in to beat the defender in the air.
Captain:- Kompany
Penalties:- Aguero
Free Kicks:- Fabregas
Corners:- Wingers
Subs:-
Losing:-
70 Mins - Benteke for Hulk - Aguero right
75 Mins - Kroos for Vidal sit higher
80 Mins - 4-3-3
85 Mins - Morata for Khedira - 4-2-4
Winning:-
70 Mins:- Benteke for Hulk - Aguero right, Benteke holds it to see game out
after injury time
105 Mins - Hueng for Aguero or if they score or agg score is in there favour, bring on Hueng for Cesc and go 4-4-2 with Aguero up top with Benteke
after this If we need a goal Morata comes on for Baines and push up front only if score is putting us out if 2-1 in my favour and going to pens leave ill take my chance in the shootout
Drawing
70 Mins:- Benteke for Hulk - Aguero right
80 Mins:- Kroos and Morata for Vidal and Khedira 4-2-4
whoever is on pitch
Aguero
Benteke
Vidal
Cesc
Neymar
Hueng
Lahm
Baines
Morata
Kroos
posted on 31/7/13
-----------------------Cech
Johnson---Hummels-----Agger-----Clichy
----------Schweiny----Illarramendi
Robben----------Modric--------------Ribery
----------------------Gomez
Subs
Begovic, Blind, Garay, Payet, Dembele, Salvio, 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 looking to cut inside fairly regularly, so the full backs should look to hug the touchlines to keep the defence stretched and provide the out ball. 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
Hummels will compete with the striker for the aerial balls played up to him, with Agger looking to snaffle the resulting knockdown, when the ball is on the floor, Agger will be the defender who looks to stand up the striker looking to keep tight to him and stifling his space to get the ball out of his feet, and Hummels will be making a covering run if Agger 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, keep it simple and play it to a man in space and retain possession.
Centre Mids
Both are comfortable on the ball, and have the awareness to create themselves little pockets of space so they free to get the ball and keep the game ticking over, if they are getting closely marked, they should look to play slightly deeper to create more space for themselves, and if the ankle biters follow them, that will create a gap between the defence and midfield for the front 3 to exploit. When defending, Schweiny has the energy to play a pressing game in conjunction with the wingers to put pressure on the opposition, whilst Modders will hang back slightly, almost playing alongside Inler focusing on trying to intercept the ball rather than banging into players.
AM
Modders will play a solely attacking game, as there are 2 more defensive heads behind him, so he will be looking to get himself into little pockets of space free to get the ball and keep the game ticking over, if he is getting closely marked, he should look to play slightly deeper to create more space for himself, and if the ankle biters follow him, that will create a gap between the defence and midfield for the front 3 to exploit. When defending, he will just look to get in the face of the oppositions creative CM to keep him hurried on the ball and try to create more errors.
Wingers
They should look to stay as wide as possible when they receive the ball to try and stretch the defensive line. When they are 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 the wide 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.
Occasionally, the 2 wingers will swap wings, where the emphasis will be more on crosses for 5-10 minute periods a few times during the match.
Striker
When defending, he should look to hover around the area of the opposition DM, trying to prevent the easy out of a pass back to him. When attacking, he shouldn't look to get too involved in build up play, just acting as a target man to give the back 5 the option of playing a lofted ball to him and hold the ball up for the wingers or CMs to get into the attacking area, when he has passed the ball, he should just look to get alongside the aerially weaker CB and be ready for crosses and look to feed on any panicky defensive blocks or weak goalkeeper parries and play the reak poachers role.
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, Modders looks to annoy the opposition keeper looking to limit his ability to move off the goalline. Schweiny 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 - Salvio for Robben - Fresh legs and extra defensive workrate.
76 mins - Dembele and Blind for Modric and Clichy - 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. Dembele slots in alongside Inler and all 3 Centre Mids play a high energy pressing game.
If Losing
71 mins - Dembele for Illaramendi - extra attacking impetus in the midfield
77 Mins - Auby and Payet for Robben and Modric - We go to 4-2-4, with the wingers bombarding crosses in to the 2 big men with the other winger adding the third option.
posted on 31/7/13
EL 2nd Leg.
Balanced 4-2-3-1. Solid backline, with a very attacking quartet in front of our two deep midfielders. Loads and loads of width. De Rossi and Lucas keeping things simple in the middle. De Rossi like a train up and down, taking the ball from defence and linking with the attack. Lucas keeping things simple, not letting the opposition play and allowing the fbs to bomb forward.
-------------- Cesar
Rafael – Pepe – Evans – Adriano
-------- De Rossi – Lucas
Hamsik ------ Reus ---- Lavezzi
---------------- Tevez
Subs. Buffon, Jones, Pirlo, Gerrard, Coutinho, Young, Dzeko
Aim of the game is to play with width, rigid in defence with lots of cover, allowing our attacking quartet to press high up the park, and importantly giving them more attacking freedom.
Huge game for us. We want to get to the second final. We put in a good performance in our last league game of the season and were unlucky to lose. Tonight we make up for that with a result.
We have the quality over the Spaniards. And at home we want to start quickly, stretching play not letting them have the ball. Taking the game to them down the wings. If things don't work out as we plan, we have more than enough quality on the bench to change things and get a result.
Most important thing is to keep a clean sheet, for that reason we go with De Rossi and Lucas as a pair in front of a strong back four. The strong base they provide as a defence gives our attacking quartet freedom, and with that freedom they’d frighten any defence in the world.
Cesar keeps his place in goals in the EL. Hasn't put a foot wrong, so wouldn't want to upset the team or mess up what's been working.
High pressing game as we look to squeeze the opposition play high up the park. The rigid back 6, with Hamsik joining them allow the other three players to press high up the pitch.
In defence we want to look like 4-3-2-1. Hamsik falls back to act as third midfielder. The two, Reus and Lavezzi will be on the right/left(depending which side ball is on) and centre, moving from right to left as the ball does. Tevez stays up top. Squeeze the play.
Three walls of defence. Keeping two players in front of/in line with the ball will force the Spanish side’s play. They wont have the options to go back, inside, forward etc, will be forced to make a pass. And by continuing to press we will force them into a corner(so to speak, not the actual corner), and they will have no options. Continuing to press as a unit.
Attack
In attack we play with lots of width. Almost 4-2-4, with two very attacking full backs. With Lucas playing as almost a third cb and De Rossi in front, we can allow both full backs to get forward. This can then allow our wide players freedom to come inside and overload the middle.
Reus is our key player, we want him on the ball as much as possible. With the quality and type of players we have we want our players to attack quickly, running at the opposition and looking to play between each other, moving into space so that one of our players can find you. Hamsik in particular comes inside, allowing Rafael to provide width on the right.
Hamsik playing just in front of De Rossi, driving forward behind Reus who is supporting Tevez. Tevez can also drop deep creating space for one of these 3 players, or Lavezzi to find space through the middle. This give us a great spine of quality right through the centre of the park.
While we want our front four to be quite direct and have creative freedom, the opposite is true for our defence. In the first half of the park, our play is simple. We want the cb’s and Lucas to generally look for De Rossi/fb’s. But if we are under pressure or the break is on, play it long quickly.
Tevez up top plays his natural game, getting involved in the play and being in the right place to score.
If our plans not working at half time, simply bring on Pirlo for Lucas. One fb attacks at a time. Balanced 4-2-3-1. Let Pirlo run things.
Subs. If losing at half time bring on Pirlo for Lucas.
If losing after 60 mins bring on Dzeko for Hamsik. Tevez plays slightly deeper, Reus on right.
If losing after 70 mins bring on Gerrard for De Rossi. Two creative midfielders from deep. Both fb’s attack.
If drawing after 60 mins bring on Pirlo for Lucas. One fb attacks at a time. More balanced 4-2-3-1, creativity of Pirlo as game opens up.
If drawing after 70 mins bring on Coutinho for Lavezzi.
If drawing after 75 mins bring on Dzeko for Tevez. Fresh legs and power as game opens up and we play it longer.
If winning after 70 mins bring on Pirlo for Hamsik. 4-3-3. Reus goes right, Tevez centre and Lavezzi left. Composure in the middle of the park.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Coutinho for Lavezzi. Fresh legs in attack. Exploit the space they will give him as they chase game.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Gerrard for Lucas. Fresh legs in the middle of the park. Experience and composure to help see the game out.
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