----------------------------Hugo Lloris
Carvajal----Marquinhos-------Hummels-------Marcelo
-------------Javi Martinez------Luka Modric
-Juan Cuadrado------Marek Hamsik--------Julian Draxler
--------------------------Ciro Immobile

Subs: Aurier, Sterling, Fernando, Sokratis, Coutinho, Chambers, Kovacic

Formation: 4-2-3-1 (dropping back to a 4-5-1 defensively)
Freekicks: Modric (Long) Modric (Short)
Penalties: Hamsik
Corners: Modric
Captain: Mats Hummels

_____________________________

We go again in the 4-2-3-1 formation, with the idea of playing on the wings and getting the ball in towards Immobile. Martinez will take the defensive role whilst Modric is the roam, looking to play quick passes to release our wingers and getting our other attackers into play.

Marcelo will use his experience and speed to win the battle down the left. Marcelo will be allowed to attack, but nust always track back, as must Carvajal. Hummels and Marq must be on hand to rescue any mistakes.

Hummels and Marq will be playing man to man marking, as we feel they are good enough to fend for themselves, up against what we assume will be a lone RVP. Marq goes for the low balls, and also uses his very good awareness to clock runs from incoming players, and source out danger from all angles. Hummels will lead our backline and he goes for the high balls, and goes for the second ball, as his lack of pace may be a problem. MArq is notably quicker so goes for the first ball, whilst Hummles covers his ass.

Carvajal and Marcelo are given license to burn the wings, seeing as we want Draxler and Cuadradoto both come infield from time to time to add another dimension to our play. Both of them know how to cross a wicked un, and they have a great poacher in the box to aim at.

Draxler is bloody rapid, and must use this pace to run the nuts off the LB. He is an extremely tricky player and makes life hell for the best of defenders, and we can use this quality as a way of distraction, opening up space for Marcelo to join in the attack. Draxler also gets into very good position scoring wise, and when given the signal, must bomb into the box looking to get on the end of crosses.

Cuadrado on the other hand, is much more powerful, and really knows how to beat his man with a Yaya-esque drive on him. He loves running at his man, before taking him out of the game, and should aim to come inside and look to angle a ball into the box, aiming for Immobile. Carvajal will be on his outside, and seeing as Cuadrado will want to stay central for long periods of the game, he must always act as the support man. However, he must always be alert and make sure both he and Marcelo track back at all times whenever we are under threat. No loitering will be accepted.

Martinez will be the defensive cog in our midfield, as he likes sitting back and getting the ball played to his feet. He isn’t really expected to come out of position, but is allowed the odd run up to the edge of the box to keep his awareness levels high. Javi can be tough tackling, but we don’t want him to be reckless. We must limit the amount of Freekicks conceded as they could turn out to be a source of goals for the opposition. Martinez is also a great passer of the ball, and loves threading through balls of his own across the pitch. This will be another source of danger for City, as Martinez is much more than your every day CDM. He is also quality in the air, and will be a threat from corers and freekicks.

Alongside Javi, Modric will be the star of the show. Dictating the play is his cup of tea, and not only will he act as the go-to guy, he will be our midfield enforcer too, as he loves coming forward with the ball and connecting with the attackers. He has a great shot on him too, so is welcome to whip one when he’s feeling goal hungry.

In AM we have Hamsik. He loves playing behind Immobile and he has the vision required to set up Ciro on a plate. Hamsik must use his dribbling abiility to get into the box where he can cause severe damage. He is allowed to shoot from range, but his objective is to look for gaps in the defence to play in our attackers.


Up front is Immobile and he is thriving off our recent successes. Immobile will be the main source of goals, but he must make sure he gets on the end to all crosses, and when he is feeling isolated, he must do something about it. He is quality in and around the box, so musn't be afraid to run out with his back to goal, in order to get involved in the passing game. He must connect with Hamsik who plays in the hole behind him, and also must use his vision to play in the wingers. Immobile is one of the best when it comes to playing the ball with his back to goal. He is allowed to step out and take the ball on his chest/feet as his eye for a pass is brilliant for a striker. He must always try to be within 15 yards of Hamsik, as the best of partnerships require two players to be close to each other at all times. He can use his passing ability to play in our attackers, but his main job is to control his movement in the box so he can be ready for crosses into the box.

__________________________________________

Subs:

If Drawing 60mins:

Sterling > Cuadrado, 4-4-2, Sterling partners Immobile up top, with Draxler left and Hamsik right

If winning 60mins:

Fernando > Draxler, offers more steel, off the back of an excellent pre season and really does hold the fort:

----------------------------Lloris
Carvajal-------Marquinhos-------Hummels-------Adriano
-------------Javi Martinez------Fernando
-Juan Cuadrado------Luka Modric-----Mario Gotze
---------------------------Immboile

If losing 60mins: Sterling > Martinez + Kovacic > Cuadrado:

-----------------Kovacic--------Modric
------------------------Mario Gotze
----------------------------Draxler
------------Immobile------Sterling

We go to a 4-2-1-1-2 with Draxler playing just off Immobile. Push our fullbacks up a notch and play direct with pace.

Any defenders get sent off, Chambers > Cuadrado
Any midfielders, we make no changes
Any attackers, Sterling comes on for Cuadrado and we go narrow
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Hull City Tactics vs Everton

-----------------------------Scuffet-------------------------------

---------Otamendi---------Miranda-------Benatia---------------

Juanfran-----------Marchisio--------------Witsel----------Alex Sandro

------------Walcott---------------------James--------------------

----------------------------Rossi---------------------------

Subs: Dier, Cabaye, Lucas Moura, Quintero, Aubameyang

Game Plan: massive change this week for this week, moving from 4-3-3 to 3-4-2-1. This formation will see us attempt to dominate possession and be attacking, while still being compact and effective in defence. The 3-4-2-1 formation with two withdrawn forwards is very demanding and will require the players to be flexible and to be able to transition quickly, which they are all well capable of.

The two withdrawn strikers are the most critical piece of the attack, when one shifts wide, the other tucks in behind the main striker to maintain midfield superiority. James and Walcott both possess the ability to play in the wide areas and through the middle, both have good pace and dribbling ability but they also have the vision and the passing ability when infield.

The main structural difference between our usual 4-3-3 and this weeks 3-4-2-1 is obviously the 3-man backline. Like all 3-man backlines it will have to play narrow and compact in defence and nullify the space for Everton's attack. Benatia and Otamendi as the wide CB's will use their pace in dealing with the attackers of Everton while Miranda will use his intelligence and anticipation to cover in behind. However, the main focus of the 3-man backline isn't the defensive structure, it's the structure in possession. The main intent is to neuter the opposition press, offering 3 targets against a two-man press gives us too many passing options. With patience and guile, that press can be exhausted, if Everton decide to use a 3 man press then we can drop the wingbacks and with the 2 defensive midfield players this makes this a very effective formation against a side that likes to press high up the pitch as we expect Everton to do.

While both wide centerbacks function like true classical centerbacks, the middle one has to play exactly like a distributing midfielder. This makes it a fantastic position for Miranda and it also allows him a certain license in freedom of movement. Miranda's best ability is to read opposition attacks, creating interceptions and tackles. If need be Miranda can step into holding midfield to bring more bodies into the attack or he can drop deeper to act as a libero depending on the offensive setup of the opposition.

In the midfield we will pair Marchisio and Axel Witsel, Witsel will act more as the distributor while Marchisio will play more as a box to box player, although both players are more than capable of switching roles at times, which presents the opposition with a shifting movement pattern from midfield.

In this new system the linchpins of the attack become the wingbacks, we will use Juanfran and Alex Sandro who can stay wider and stretch opposition defenses giving more space in the center for the holding midfielders and centerbacks to step into. They are both capable of getting up and down the pitch for 90 minutes and possess great pace and excellent quality from wide areas, they are also both able to tuck in centrally at times and link with the attack and midfield, playing quick passes and moving into new positions quickly, they are both very dynamic players.

In Giuseppe Rossi we have a dynamic possession-based striker, Rossi can drop deep and play as a false 9 along with his ability to shift out towards the wing and interchange with the wide midfielders, allowing him to bring a high degree of versatility to our attack. As mentioned previously Both Walcott's and James's ability to dribble, create, and play off a main striker anywhere along the attacking band gives them the freedom to completely take over a match offensively.

Subs: Aubameyang for Walcott 75mins: straight swap, very pacy and skillful forward much in the same mould as Walcott.

If winning after 75 minutes: Yohan Cabaye for Rossi, Aubameyang plays as the forward, while Cabaye moves into a midfield 3 with Marchisio and Witsel, our attacking play becomes slightly more direct, Aubameyang to play on the shoulder of the defenders, looking for balls in behind and in the channels.

ASTON VILLA

4-2-3-1

_______________________Navas_______________________
Zabaleta__________Toprak_____Koscielny__________Shaw
_______________Fernandinho____Kroos________________
Vela___________________Kagawa_________________Koke
______________________Sturridge_____________________
SUBS: Begovic, Astori, Coleman, Gerrard, De Bruyne, Piatti, Destro

Captain: Toni Kroos
Right free-kicks: Toni Kroos
Left free-kicks: Toni Kroos
Penalties: Daniel Sturridge
Right corners: Toni Kroos
Left corners: Toni Kroos

GEGENPRESSING is a highly-organised approach and will be our approach to regaining possession and minimising space for the opposition. My opponents are rapidly closed down by well-rehearsed, co-ordinated pressing movements, often by two or more players, allied with intelligent positioning to restrict space for opposition to pass and move into. The best moment to win the ball is immediately after after my team just lost it. Once we have regained possession, the transition from defence to attack will be explosive. We will be an attacking team. Aim is to move the ball around efficiently and with purpose, with many forward passes and none of Spain’s useless sideway passes. Play on the counter if dominated, but move the ball around when they sit back. Passing will be quick and intelligent, players moving into space and plenty of interchange between the three attacking midfielders. Team will look at the striker as the focal point with attacking midfielders running off and beyond him, linking up efficiently. When defending Kagawa and Koke will drop back to help, Vela stays up as the out ball and Sturridge prepared for anything lumped up to him. Team must attempt to block shots at all times. Deep defensive line. * When defending we will play two banks of four and be compact leaving little space in between the lines. So when defending we will go into this mode:

Kagawa - Fernandinho - Kroos - Koke
Vela - Sturridge

And when we get the ball we will look to set loose the speedsters up front with the whole team pushing up a bit to at least outside our 18 yard box and switch back to our normal formation.

Navas:
Claim crosses if possible. Always clear lines and play safe, take no risks. Looks to set off counters with his distribution.

Toprak and Koscielny:
Deals with opposition attackers. Koscielny keeps an eye on their attacking midfielder when he gets close to the 18 yard line. Koscielny will also mark their striker closely not allowing him space to turn. Koscielny or Fernandinho will deal with knock-downs to their supporting player depending on who is closer. Toprak will try and win headers when long balls are played towards the back line. Toprak will also clean up any balls / players who manage to get past Koscielny. Koscielny will be the centre half who steps up and clears up balls before it reaches their attackers, but must only go if he’s 100% sure he’ll get it. Go up for corners. If in the event that an attacking midfielder / second striker is not played then Koscielny will just have to deal with the midfield runner but not get dragged too far out of his defensive line.

Zabaleta and Shaw:
Zabaleta will be disciplined for this match, but when we get the ball and whoever the opposition manager plays goes on one of his inside runs Zabaleta will look to overlap Honda and run into the box. Zabaleta and Shaw both will show the opposition wide players to their weak foot, threat weakens when they are shown away from goal. Both will sit back when without the ball, but Shaw will bomb forward when the opportunity arises. Main aim is to provide width and provide extra bodies in midfield to link up play. Stays back for corners. Must not commit to tackles otherwise wingers will skip past them, just stay close, limit their space and show them onto their weaker foot.

Fernandinho and Kroos:
Sits deep, breaks up play and snap at their heels. Fernandinho is an engine that can cover a lot of ground when defending. Fernandinho will hardly ever go past the half-way line. Kroos will buzz around and dictate play, bursting forwards at times to provide an extra body in attack. Kroos will be a bit ahead of Fernandinho to be more involved in exchanging passes with full backs / Kagawa, even going level with Kagawa at times to use his incredible vision to find teammates. Kroos will need to make himself a goal threat with his late runs into the box in this match. Fernandinho stays close to the centre halves. Both sprays balls wide to fullbacks when they get forward. Stays back for corners. Will not allow the opposition any time on the ball in front of centre halves. Fernandinho sticks to position when fullbacks fly forwards, providing cover if needed. Kroos drops deeper when this happens.

Vela, Kagawa and Koke:
Will constantly swap positions with each other. Will look to thread through balls to Sturridge and exchange passes with each other. Constantly drifting in and out of position, into space to make it difficult to mark. Can cross when out wide. Koke should always track back to help the fullbacks and midfield when defending. Kagawa can burst past Sturridge and shoot if needed. Constantly runs at their defence. All will press the opposition when without the ball. Koke will be drifting inside a lot and because he has stamina of six men he will therefore chase down the ball a lot and aim to create when he gets the ball. In this match when we don’t have the ball I will need Koke to sit on their deep lying midfielder and disrupt him. When Zabaleta gets forward during his rare forward runs Koke will attempt to find him at the far post for Zabaleta to knock the ball across goal for Sturridge Kagawa Kroos to knock in, with Vela arriving late to gobble up possible rebounds. They will also try and double up on a full back if required (like Robben and Ribery both attacking the same fullback).

Sturridge:
Holds up the ball, brings the three attacking midfielders into play. Play on the shoulder of the last man, always sets himself at the far post for crosses. Will keep the centre halves occupied. Will chase down opposition centre halves when they have the ball.

SUBS:
Winning/Drawing:
75 mins: Kagawa OFF Gerrard ON
Gerrard replaces Kagawa and we go 4-3-3 with Gerrard dropping back. We will then aim to keep the ball for as long as possible even if we have to do pointless sideway passing but if space opens up, work the ball forwards to try and create a chance.

Losing:
75 mins: Fernandinho OFF Destro ON
Go 4-2-4 with Destro Sturridge centre Vela right Koke left. Kagawa supports, Kroos holds and sprays passes from deep. All out attack, have to go level at least if not win it. When we lose the ball Koke goes central to provide support in centre mid and Sturridge goes to the left to provide that outlet. Switch back when we have the ball. Both full backs go forwards in turns and we will squeeze them back into their 18 yard box. Our CBs will not stick too close to the striker in case they get turned, Koscielny will be ready to chase back towards goal while Toprak will position himself to nick the ball off the attacker as soon as he gets it. Whatever second attacker from the opposition will be watched by the full back staying back depending on which side.

Scored the goal(s) to get all three points / to win the tie ONLY AFTER the Destro change:
Whatever minute: Sturridge OFF Astori ON
Whatever minute: Kagawa OFF De Bruyne ON
They’re gonna pen us back whether we like it or not, so we will go 5-4-1 with Astori slotting into a back 5. Koke will come into the centre along with Kroos with De Bruyne right and Vela left, Destro up front. Vela will provide the counter attacking threat when we win the ball back and him and Destro will break at their (supposedly) abandoned defence. This is not me playing defensive football voluntarily, this is the opposition forcing us into our box like we would’ve forced them into theirs and me providing a counter measure to this situation.

----------------Szczęsny
Clyne----Subotic----Godin----Rojo
--------Henderson-----Strootman
Callejon------------Pjanic----------Nasri
------------------Suarez
Subs
Perin, Siquera, Juan, Parejo, Pardo, Muniain, Higuain

Tactical Overview
For the first 20 minutes we are going to try and blitz the opposition, try to get an early goal or 2, then sit back into a counter attacking style with inverted wingers to allow full backs to provide width when attacking. and working in groups of 2 or 3 to press high up the pitch get the ball back by stayng on their feet and nick the ball rather than sliding in to launch quick transitions from defence to attack.



Keeper


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



Full Backs

Defensively the objective is to sit back and tuck in slightly, looking to stop balls being played between them and the centre backs, but then to push the opposition winger out as wide as possible to limit their opportunity to get a good cross in.

 Their objective when attacking will be to push on and make overlapping runs down their respective sides, keeping the pitch as wide as possible to try and stretch the opposition defensive line and be available to put crosses in.
 


Centre Backs

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



Centre Mids


Strootman will look to create himself little pockets of space so he can get on the ball and keep the game ticking over, Henderson will be playing a more all round game looking to put himself about, being a key figure in the pressing game and using his energy to get forward and make late runs and be an extra attacking presence. When defending, both players will be key components of our pressing game closing down the midfielders and restrict them to minimal time on the ball.





Wingers


When they are off the ball, the emphasis for both wingers will be to drift around combining with the other attackers to get little areas of space to take advantage of the quick transitions from defence to attack. then when they are on the ball the emphasis will be more on cutting inside with the occasional long shot to test the keeper, and only occasionally putting in crosses, getting involved in a fast intricate style of passing with Pjanic and Suarez, as defenders will be extra cautious to not make a rash tackle and give away a free kick or penalty. When the opposite winger has the ball, the winger without the ball should look to find space between the CB and full back to add an extra body for any crosses or capitalise on any defensive errors.
 When defending, they should be blocking the passing lines to the full backs as well as tracking their movement when they go forward.



Attacking Midfielder

Pjanic should be looking to make himself available for a pass as much as possible, when we have the ball in the middle of the pitch, he shouldn't be afraid to come a bit deeper to get the ball and take on players himself or look to make an attacking pass. he should also look to be making late runs into the box as an attacking option when we have the ball out wide. when defending, he should be looking to occupy the defensive pivot, stop him being an out ball for the opposition.



Striker


When attacking, he will look to play a high energy game by being a willing runner down the channels and constantly drift around the defenders looking to get himself a bit of space enough for him to face the defenders and take them on. When defending, he will be the first line of defence, using his high energy game to pressurise the defenders into making quick decisions.

Set Pieces



Corners - Nasri takes the corners, the 2 CB's and Rojo go into the box, Clyne and Hendo stay back to prevent counters, the CB's, Rojo, Suarez and Callejon work in a group to make little blocks and cross-runs to lose a marker so 1 or 2 can get a free run at the ball, Strootman looks to annoy the opposition keeper looking to limit his ability to move around the 6 yard box. Pjanic takes a position just outside the box to pick up any weak defensive headers or knockdowns occasionally going to Nasri to provide the short pass option to try and draw 2 defenders out of the box.





Free Kicks - Suarez takes Direct FK's, with Pjanic occasionally taking them as the 2nd option.



For Indirect FK's, follow the same directives for Corners





Penalties - Suarez is the designated taker.





Subs



If Winning


72 mins - Pardo for Pjanic - 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.
 Pardo slots in alongside the 2 CM's.




85 + 87 Mins - Muniain for Nasri and Siquera for Rojo - Fresh legs with the added element of running down the clock.



If Losing



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

83 Mins - Muniain + Parejo for Hendo + Nasri - more direct options.

-----------------------Cech
Piszczek------Moreno--------Chiellini-----Bernat
----------- Bender--------Clasie
Willian------------Di Maria---------------Turan
---------------------Cavani

Subs: Cesar, Kaya, Schmelzer, Carrick, Lavezzi, Jovetic, Soldado

Subs

65th Min Jovetic for Turan – Swap position with Di Maria
75th Min – Lavezzi for Di Maria
80th Min – Carrick for Clasie

GAME PLAN

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

Our attacking play will be fast and neat. Our two defensive midfielders will be breaking up play, holding on to the ball and then setting our wingers free. This means we want to play with plenty of pace. Out of our 2 wingers Turan is our fastest and we are likely to get some space in this area. Di Maria is playing central today so he should be able to make plenty of runs. This shows that we have the capability of pulling of counter attacking football successfully. Our wingers and number 10 shall be integrating with each other’s play and therefore we will have plenty of options during our attacks. All of our attackers will be looking to work their way into space using physical and skilful football. Our full backs will also be there during attacks so our wingers can cut inside more as well.

POSITIONAL TACTICS

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

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

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

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

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

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

I would like Di Maria, Willian and Turan to intersect and change positions.

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

RED CARD

Cech – Take off Turan and put on Cesar. Di Maria on LW.
Piszczek/Bernat – Willian off, Schmelzer on. Di Maria on RW.
Moreno/Chiellini – Take off Turan and put on Kaya. Move to cb, Di Maria LW.
Bender/Clasie – Take off Di Maria for Carrick. 4-4-1.
Di Maria – Continue as normal
Willian/Turan – Move Di Maria to LW
Cavani – Willian for Jovetic. Di Maria RW. Jovetic ST

Captain: Clasie
Vice: Cech
FK: Willian
PK: Willian
CK: Willian

------------------ Caballero ---------------
Ivanovic --- Ramos --- Dante -- Coentrao
----------- De Rossi ---- Tiago ------------
J.Pastore ------- E.Hazard ------ F.Ribery
----------------- R.Van Persie ---------------

Subs : Sagna, Nagatamo, Wilshere, Ozil, Schurrle, Bacca, H.Kane
-----------------
Wilshere > Tiago – 70th min – Wilshere will provide fresh spark and energy looking to support the midfield and getting the ball into feet.

Bacca > RVP - 70th minute - A new threat up front I want Bacca to bully their tiring defence looking to create chances.

Schurrle > Pastore - (draw/losing) - 80th minute onwards - Schurrle look to come inside and drive at their CB's whilst linking with others to open up the game.
----------------------
The outline:

We must from the outset look to present a physical and aggressive approach. I want us to prevent them from playing with any rhythm or flow so we must work as a cohesive unit working tirelessely to defend whilst going forward we can exploit them with the pace we possess.

I want us to play with high intensity however we need to know when to press and when to sit off. RVP will press from the front whilst I want the rest of the side pressing when they get into our half, we must keep a well organised and compact shape looking to cut down all avenues of a pass as quick as possible to ensure theres no purpose to their play.

In defence we look to defend deep as we feel this suits our CB’s best in looking to cut off any supply to their striker. We’ll look to dominate physically looking to bully off the ball showing who’s boss. Ramos, Ivanovic and Dante must dominate from the outset and their experience should come to the fore. In midfield De Rossi and Tiago must maintain the pressure and look to disrupt the play.

Attacking wise I want us to stretch them as much as possible down the flanks lookign to mix it up a lot with Pastore and Ribery very direct and the FB’s giving them real support on the outside. Hazard is the go to man in terms of making things happen, I want others making runs off him whilst this still ensures we can counter with pace when we retrieve the ball.

I want us to pose a real threat with set-pieces with the CB's up from the back looking to whip the ball into the box with real pace so we can use our height and physicality to engineer a goal.
-----------------
Individual tactics:

Caballero returns in goal today and must look to impress if he is to keep his place, I want him to command his area, very vocal, quick off his feet and distribution swift and on point.

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

De Rossi and Tiago add force and bite to our midfield, De Rossi is the powerhouse and should look to flex his muscles and get snapping at heels. He must work tirelessly for the full 90 setting the perfect example to others as we work collectively to keep them out. Tiago partners as he has great experience in playing in a well organised and compact system, very experienced and will run his socks off. I want him getting stuck in so we can retrieve the ball back as quickly as possible and start our own attacks.

Hazard will act as the focal point, we generally want everything to pass through him. I want him pulling the strings and dictating the play, v direct looking to use his drive to fly past challenges and opening up the game so others have the space and time when they receive the ball.
The wingers must support, Pastore has been in very good form this season and will look to mix it up looking to come inside a lot with his FB overlapping, Ribery very direct looking to take on players and looking to make things happen.

RVP is the perfect foil for us up top today, v well experienced at playing such a role and will defiantly get the better of defenders as he is strong, powerful and can hold his own. A very willing runner and likes to get involved as much as possible whilst not the type to get bogged down. He’ll look to link-up with others as much as possible and rile their defenders both on and off the ball.
----------------
C - Ramos
FK's/corners - Hazard/ Ribery
Pens - RVP

---------------------------------Courtois
Howedes---------Nkoulou----------------Terry------Azpilicueta
----------------------Matuidi-----------Nainngolan
Candreva---------------------R.Garcia----------------Griezzman
----------------------------------Costa

Subs: Ryan, Moreno, Tielemans, Thauvin, Hernandez, Rooney, Origi

Captain: John Terry
Free Kicks: Antoine Griezzman
Corners: Antoine Griezzman
Penalties: Diego Costa

We set up in as a 4-5-1 looking to press the opposition from half way, allowing them to have more possession in order to get men behind the ball and in position to frustrate them, pressing them into mistakes, closing off the space and slowing their tempo with fouls if needed. Break forward at pace over power them on the counter.

The front four close down with intense pressure, stopping the opposition being able to play a fast tempo and move the ball forward, force them backwards and sideways. Costa close on the CBs whilst the two wide attacking midfielders narrow and block the route to the midfield. Garcia the spare man closes off the gaps with his great workrate. The rest of the team in their structure ready to step up and compact the pitch, or drop off and deal with a longer ball.

After that, defend the area of the pitch the ball has been played to by compacting the side. If we have forced them wide we move to defend this horizontal area of the pitch in numbers, the FB and wide attacker being the two to press the players, with the CF and AM and one CM coming across to squeeze the space and step in if the other two are beaten, give them no way of playing the ball centrally, if they push it forward we have the CBs and DM in position to step in and break up play. If they move it across we have the players on the opposite side in position to slow play down whilst we reorganise.

If they get the ball central we set up with two banks of four and the two forwards dropping in to press, Costa when it goes backwards to the DMs and Garcia moving to where he's needed, always working to close down and force errors. We squeeze the space in the midfield, keep the lines compact with the two wide attackers moving out to stop the FBs if they overlap and they contract if Chelsea get numbers central. Keeping the lines tight allows us to squeeze the ball if they get it to the striker. If they are really pushing us back, fall to defend the 18 yard box, FBs tuck in alongside the CBs to give us to compact banks of four, only pushing wide if Chelsea do, keep disciplined, wait for the chance to break.

When we have the ball we want to counter with pace and power, looking to move the ball into the space and take advantage of the power we have centrally, especially Costa/Garcia getting up against Varane. Plan A will see us using lots of movement, moving the ball quickly in the area we win it, taking advantage of compact defending to be able to spring forward with one touch passing, quickly breaking into the final third and using our four attacking players and one FB on the side of attack. The two wide men have the license to attack wide or from central, with one holding width when we break down his flank, linking with the FB to create the overlap, whilst the other will come central and look to make use of free space to provide an overload, either down the wing where we are building, or centrally to give us three central attackers against their defence. The FB and winger must interchange, at times the FB going to the byline where he can find space to cross or open up room for the winger to cut in, and other times making underlap so the winger can get to the byline and into the box to pull it back. We then want movement between the forwards, Garcia will come to the ball and use Costa and Griezzman running off him, however sometimes Costa will drop deeper to hold it up and the others make runs off him. Plan B is the more physical approach, looking to hit Costa/Garcia early, cutting out their midfield and allowing him to push it wide for the wide attackers to spring forward at pace, this will be extra threatening if we are defending deep and Costa has dropped to half way, with more space for us to run into, make use of the power that Varane always struggles against

Individual:

Courtois commands his area, collecting crosses and distributing quickly.

FBs tight on the wingers, don't allow them space to run and don't let them cut inside, rough them up, neither like it.

Terry the physical presence to mark the striker, winning all the duels, N'Koulou to cover his partner. Don’t allow them to have time and space to control the ball and link up.

Matuidi use his power, bully the AM, don't let him between the lines or have time on the ball. Nainngolan likewise as well as looking for the early ball forward.

Wide men use their pace and work rate to impact both ends of the field. When they defend they must be ready to tuck in our push wide, whist going forward they have to provide the pace to use any space we get in the game.

Garcia a spare man defensively and a nuisance offensively with his power. We want him looking to play close to Costa when we attack so we can get balls into the two to give us hold up play.

Costa, movement, power, clinical. Get the goals. Look to play up against Varane and bully him throughout.

Subs:

If Winning: Moreno for Griezzman 75, use his energy to keep up the pressing. Origi for Costa 80', extra pace late on against defenders looking to push forward. Tielemans for Nainngolan 85', fresh legs just to make sure we aren't letting them come on to us too much and help us stay safe in the game.

If Drawing: Rooney for Garcia 70', more technical player, look to link with Costa and create chances. Thauvin for Candreva 75', look to come and provide some extra flair to the game, run at Rodriguez. Hernandez for Griezzman 80', Rooney can cover the left when we defend, Costa the spare man defending, when we get forward Hernandez looks to be the man over in the box, use his awareness of space and poach a winner.

If Losing: Rooney for Nainngolan 60', Garcia play from deeper, Rooney come and look to create chances. Thauvin got Candreva 70', adds more flair to the game as we attack. Hernandez for Azpilicueta 75', 3-5-2, Hernandez the goal poacher.

West Brom

--------------------Valdes--------------------
Montoya---Jagielka---Van Dijk---Darmian
--------------------Carrick--------------------
D.Payet--McCarthy----Hojbjerg--Naismith
---------------------Bony----------------------

Kiko, Schar, Tadic, Weimann, Davies, Remy, Sakho

Same formation that did so well to keep Newcastle out, we go with the same v Wolves, we are no an overly physical side but we have players who like to get stuck in and any team will find it difficult to get passed us.

Victor Valdes, experienced goalkeeper, great shot stopper, great to have him in goal behind the back four.

Montoya and Darmian along with Jagielka and Van Dijk is first choice at the moment as we look to get a bit of consistency going. We must keep concentration at all times, Mark the attacking players ie Montoya and Darmian must stop their wingers getting to the bye line any way they can and stop them cutting inside. Van Dijk will pick up their centre forward and mark him very tightly. Jagielka is the Captain and he is there to lead by example, keep the back four in a line when we defend making it impossible for them to break us down.

Carrick in for Wanyama in the DM role, not such a hard man as Wanyama but his experience gets him into the correct positions when he needs to be to stop there attacking midfielder, do not allow him time or space to support the CF or indeed shorten the time he has to pass the ball around him. McCarthy and Hojbjerg in the centre of the pitch, look to dominate the game, Hojbjerg I want as the young playmaker who will get the ball out wide and up to Bony, whereas McCarthy I want to move up the pitch looking to support Bony. In Payet and Naismith we have two very quick wingers, when we attack I want it to be done very quickly. Down the right I want Montoya and Payet to work in tandom, thus using each other to get the space required to get to the bye line, give and go. When the right hand attacks Darmian stays back, Naismith moves into the box to support Bony and the same on the other side when the left hand side attacks, Payet gets into the box, Montoya stays back, so when we are going forward we always have at least two ready to pounce on the cross balls, McCarthy on the edge and depending what side two players down the wing looking to get these cross balls in.

Defending this must be a stringent 4-1-4 system that will stop them coming through, they must work hard as Wolves have some fantastic players who must not be allowed to play.

Wilfried Bony is the prefect No.9, big, strong, a bit of pace and most of all he can score goals, can hold of the CB marking him and drive into the area. Or indeed, he can hold the ball up looking for the support coming his way in Payet, Naismith and McCarthy, Always on the last man ready to get into dangers areas.

Captain - Phil Jagielka
penalties - Wilfried Bony
Set Plays - Hojbjerg/Payet

Substitutes -

Dusan Tadic will come on for Carrick on 70 Minutes if we are losing, he will go to the RW, with Payet going to central AM, McCarthy taking over the man marking role

Loic Remy will come on for Payet on 80 and we go 4-4-2, Bony linking up with Remy

if we are winning Weimann on for Payet on 70 Minutes, Remy for Bony on 75 Minutes and Schar for Carrick on 80 Minutes

And if we are drawing the same subs as winning

If we get a man sent off

Valdes - Kiko comes on for Hojbjerg 4-4-1
Montoya - Davies for Hojbjerg, swap with Darmian
Darmian -Davies for Hojbjerg
Jags/VVD - Schar forHojbjerg
CM - no swaps
Winger - Tadic on for Hojbjerg
Bony - Remy for Hojbjerg
We always go 4-4-1 no matter who gets sent off

Manchester United vs Newcastle

A balanced 4-2-3-1, with players that will take the game to Newcastle, putting them under pressure high up the pitch.

We feel though we can expose their defence and central midfield with our high pressing and energetic play. Dominating possession with Cesc dictating play. Although they are missing their best forward, we will be wary of their attack

Oscar will play an important role today in defence and attack. We want to exploit the area in between Newcastle’s defence and midfield. With the wingers stretching the game, and creating space for our cms. Gaps that Cesc and Oscar will exploit.

Our formation ensures that the wingers offer cover against the oppositions fbs if they attack. Likewise, going forward the fbs and wingers work as a pair to double up on the opposition fbs. This is also an area we feel with our pace and quality we can cause problems for the Newcastle fbs.

------------- G.Buffon
D.Alves – Pepe – Vertonghen – Filipe
---- Schneiderlin – Fabregas
Bellarabi ----- Oscar ---- Robben
-------------- C.Tevez

Subs. Oblak, Manolas, Rakitic, Cazorla, Shaqiri, Wellbeck, Dzeko

Building on a strong compact formation, we play with plenty of width, seeking to stretch the opposition, and attack down the wings. Schneiderlin and Cesc can stamp their authority in the centre of midfield offering the defence the protection it needs but more importantly orchestrating our play.

We attack with a high tempo. We will be direct in our attacking play in the opposition half, this coupled with our width will stretch the opposition. We seek to create spaces and gaps in the oppositions midfield and defence allowing us to get our front four in dangerous areas.

The formation is rigid in defence, fluid in attack. On each side one fb/wg keeps the width, the other has license to come inside. Tevez and one cm will always be seeking to link up with the wide players. Tevez and Oscar are key to our attacking play, looking for fast combination layoffs with the wide men and Cesc.

Generally short passes out from defence, a cm will look to pick up the ball and paly it out wide, preferably to the full back getting forward. In the middle of the park we look to keep the ball on the deck passing in triangles, triangles that are directed out wide, as we look to shift the ball wider as we advance into the opposition half.

Attacking movement in the final third is key. One of the fb or wg running inside, the other going down the line. This ensures we have at least one dummy run, creating space and pulling Newcastle defenders out of position. Coming inside we look to whip the ball in behind the opposition defence, or play a cute through ball. When going wide, if possible get to the by line at the 18 yard box, from there you have a greater chance of finding Tevez/Oscar/opposite wg or Cesc at edge.

Defence.

Control the space. When they do have possession, ensure it’s in areas that can’t hurt us.

The first point of defence should be in in the opposition half, as we look to play a high pressing game. Force them to go long or take risks. We want to catch their defence and midfield out, winning possession in areas we can hurt them. Pen them back in, and isolate their attacking players.

As soon as they move the ball out of the first third, to the middle section of the park we want to press.
Keeping the 4-2-3-1 shape at this point, Tevez, Oscar and one of Bellarabi/Robben will look to close down the opposition depending where the opposition are. The winger on the opposite flank comes in narrow, ensuring there is no space in the centre.

When there dm’s come deep to get the ball, Tevez and one of WGs/AM shut out the space in front of them, force them back to their defenders as our other four midfielders and fb’s will pick up their players.

Although we press high up the park, the defence will ensure that as Newcastle advance further up the park, the line drops deep so there is no space in behind. As Newcastle advance into higher areas of the park and into our half, our shape will resemble a 4-1-4-1.

Schneiderlin drops in between defence and midfield, sweeping in between the lines. His energy and reading will be best utilised in this position. Cesc and Oscar in cm. This shape ensures that when one of our midfielders do press we will still always have 4 midfielders behind, to cover, particularly in the important central areas.

We always want at least one more defender than Newcastle has attacker. One full backs get forward at a time. The other stays in line with Schneiderlin, ready to break forward. Guarding against counters, allows us to get players back if possession changes quickly.

Our fb’s up against their quick wide forwards are to drop off more so they can bide their time, waiting for the right time to make the tackle and not diving in. Show him down the line to block the cross. If he does manage to get past you, there’s a chance to stop the cross.

Attack

Passing simple in our own third. Playing short and on the deck where possible. If we go long, look to find our wingers, using their pace to get in behind. Seek to target their fbs in the final third.

The pace of Bellarabi & Robben will be a real asset down the wings and will help to stretch the opposition, forcing them deep. This will create space in the centre of the park, giving time to the central players. If all else fails, Robben will win us a penalty.

Schneiderlin offers the defensive cover, he will help to drive us forward out of defence, and then stay deep when we attack.

Oscar will always look to find space in between the Newcastle midfield and defence, where he can get on the ball, linking up and looking to create.

Tevez up top will play his natural game.

Subs.
If winning after 68 mins bring on Rakitic for Oscar. Fresh legs, and will help us dominate possession.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Shaqiri for Bellarabi. Fresh pace will be a real asset as the game opens up and he can get the better of the tired Newcastle defence.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Dzeko for Tevez. Super sub on, power to hold up ball and bring others into play.

If drawing after 65 mins bring on Rakitic for Oscar. Fresh legs to ensure we continue at a high tempo.
If drawing after 75 mins bring on Dzeko for Tevez. Super sub gives us a different option up top.
If drawing after 80 mins bring on Shaqiri for Schneiderlin. Rakitic deep midfielder next to Cesc. Shaqiri playing off Dzeko.

If losing after 65 mins bring on Dzeko for Oscar. Tevez no. 10. Super sub Dzeko up top.
If losing after 70 mins bring on Manolas for Alves, and Rakitic for Filipe. 3-5-2.

4-5-1. We aim to be hard to break down, and to break with pace. Our main threat to Chelsea will be on the counter, and from set pieces.

With the pace and directness of our front four, we are likely to win free kicks. Baines delivery will prove to be a real asset here, this coupled with our height and strength give us a real opportunity to get something.

We will generally be rigid in our positions. Inler remains disciplined in his dm role, while only one of the full backs ventures forward. This will generally be Baines.

El Sha and Mirallas will stay in their wide positions in defence, however going forward, they will look to play narrow, getting close to Giroud. Giroud’s ability to combine with the attackers joining, and getting beyond him will be key.

-------------- Casillas
Richards – de Vrij – Vlaar – Baines
------------ Inler – Montolivo
--------------- Ramires
K.Mirallas ------------- El Sharawaray
-------------- O.Giroud

Subs. Reid, Mings, Camacho, Delph, Gaitan, Chadli, di Natale

Our game plan today is a simple one, defend deep in numbers and counter quickly.

Allow the opposition no space in the final third. Frustrate Chelsea, giving no space in behind our defence for the pace of their forwards to exploit. Put the onus on their midfield to create, we feel we have a strong defence that we have set up to withstand all they can throw at us in this way.

Aggressive challenging for the ball at 50/50s. We will however not dive in when tackling in our first third of the park, we are defending in numbers, and so by not diving in if he beats one he will run into a second player, with the first also still challenging him. Simply crowd them out.

We have a rigid defensive formation, that will be able to break quickly.

Casillas – Provides experience at the back. He has a powerful backline in front of him who will dominate the box. Keep things simple and we have one of the best goalkeepers about.

We will defend deep. The back four will remain rigid, Vlaar seeks to mark and challenge their forward, de Vrij will seeking to cover. Isolate their forwards in the final third when we are defending.

In front the wingers will come deep, looking to halt any progress that their fbs may make going forward.

The midfield trio will be tight and compact. Ramires will be the first to close the opposition in the middle of the park, Monty and Inler will work behind him, closing the space down and seeking to push Chelsea backwards.

Once we have won possession, we seek to play the ball forward quickly. The defence will have several options as we look to attack quickly. Monty will always look to link the midfield and attack, set our wingers and Ramires bursting forward if he can. Baines will always seek to provide an outlet bursting down the left. If we seek to go long we will have a few dangerous outlets, the pace of El Sha or Mirallas if in space, or to Giroud will look to link up with those joining him.

Mirallas and El Sha both come inside off the wings, looking to overload Chelsea’s central defence. Outnumber them, and with our direct pace, catch them off guard with too many players in advanced positions.

Giroud will be important to our gameplan, his ability to take the ball down, keep possession in the opposition half and find players breaking beyond him will be key.

Subs.
After 65 mins bring on Delph for Montolivo. Fresh energy in the middle of the park.

After 70 mins bring on Chadli for El Sha. Fresh pace and goals.

If losing after 75 mins bring on Gaitan for Inler.
If drawing after 75 mins bring on Gaitan for Mirallas.

------------------Szczęsny
Clyne----Subotic----Godin----Siquera
--------Henderson-----Strootman
Callejon-----------Mata----------Nasri
--------------------Higuain
Subs
Perin, Rojo, Uchida, Parejo, Pardo, Muniain, Alcacer

Tactical Overview
For the first 20 minutes we are going to try and blitz the opposition, try to get an early goal or 2, then sit back into a counter attacking style with inverted wingers to allow full backs to provide width when attacking. and working in groups of 2 or 3 to press high up the pitch get the ball back by stayng on their feet and nick the ball rather than sliding in to launch quick transitions from defence to attack.



Keeper


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



Full Backs

Defensively the objective is to sit back and tuck in slightly, looking to stop balls being played between them and the centre backs, but then to push the opposition winger out as wide as possible to limit their opportunity to get a good cross in.

 Their objective when attacking will be to push on and make overlapping runs down their respective sides, keeping the pitch as wide as possible to try and stretch the opposition defensive line and be available to put crosses in.
 


Centre Backs

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



Centre Mids


Strootman will look to create himself little pockets of space so he can get on the ball and keep the game ticking over, Henderson will be playing a more all round game looking to put himself about, being a key figure in the pressing game and using his energy to get forward and make late runs and be an extra attacking presence. When defending, both players will be key components of our pressing game closing down the midfielders and restrict them to minimal time on the ball.





Wingers


When they are off the ball, the emphasis for both wingers will be to drift around combining with the other attackers to get little areas of space to take advantage of the quick transitions from defence to attack. then when they are on the ball the emphasis will be more on cutting inside with the occasional long shot to test the keeper, and only occasionally putting in crosses, getting involved in a fast intricate style of passing with Mata and Higuain, as defenders will be extra cautious to not make a rash tackle and give away a free kick or penalty. When the opposite winger has the ball, the winger without the ball should look to find space between the CB and full back to add an extra body for any crosses or capitalise on any defensive errors.
 When defending, they should be blocking the passing lines to the full backs as well as tracking their movement when they go forward.



Attacking Midfielder

Mata should be looking to make himself available for a pass as much as possible, when we have the ball in the middle of the pitch, he shouldn't be afraid to come a bit deeper to get the ball and take on players himself or look to make an attacking pass. he should also look to be making late runs into the box as an attacking option when we have the ball out wide. when defending, he should be looking to occupy the defensive pivot, stop him being an out ball for the opposition.



Striker


When attacking, he will look to play a high energy game by being a willing runner down the channels and constantly drift around the defenders looking to get himself a bit of space enough for him to face the defenders and take them on. When defending, he will be the first line of defence, using his high energy game to pressurise the defenders into making quick decisions.

Set Pieces



Corners - Nasri takes the corners, the CB's go into the box, the FBs stay back to prevent counters, the CB's, Higuain and Callejon work in a group to make little blocks and cross-runs to lose a marker so 1 or 2 can get a free run at the ball, Henderson looks to annoy the opposition keeper looking to limit his ability to move around the 6 yard box. Mata + Strootman takes a position just outside the box to pick up any weak defensive headers or knockdowns occasionally going to Nasri to provide the short pass option to try and draw 2 defenders out of the box.





Free Kicks - Mata takes Direct FK's, with Siquera occasionally taking them as the 2nd option.



For Indirect FK's, follow the same directives for Corners





Penalties - Higuain is the designated taker.





Subs



If Winning


72 mins - Parejo for Pjanic - 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.
 Parejo slots in alongside the 2 CM's.




85 + 87 Mins - Muniain for Nasri and Rojo for Siquera - Fresh legs with the added element of running down the clock.



If Losing



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

83 Mins - Muniain for Siquera - more direct options.

Swansea tactics

---------------------------Diego Alves----------------------
Caceres----Rami----Papadopoulos--Albiol---Maxwell
----------------------------Illarramendi-----------------------
--------Salah---------------Fellaini-----------------Cerci---
------------------------------Rondon-------------------------

Subs: Bauman, Yedlin, Contento, Rio, Lanzini, Ince, Michu

Tactics: Smash and grab. We will be playing counter-attacking football as we believe the home side will be bouyant of injuries and encourage to play attacking football and we have the numbers to combat that by double marking any player that has the ball deep in our area. We shall hound them and the look to play the ball either direct to Fellaini to win the ball and shield or we give it to our wingers who will have vast amount of open spaces to charge and we do it with quick transitions. We have 5 at the back and also potentially 2 holding midfielders so the spaces for them to attack will be near impossible and with the pressure we will be giving them, they shall either play it back or give a loose pass to which we shall pounce on charge.

Defence
Alves - Reliable, focussed and strong on set-pieces.
Caceres - Strong tackler. Will be looking to intercept as well as the other defenders. Look to stay with his man unless he moves in another area. We are zonal marking.
Rami - Great in the air and a good reader. To support the back line and help another of the other two CBs to hound them
Albiol - Captain. Marshalls the defence and will make sure they are organised. Brave and will fight for every ball and show by example.
Papa - Albiol's deputy and will be covering Albiol and they have extra help with Rami. Expect our defence to win the ball in the air.
Maxwell - Staying at LB and has the experience to shield the ball and position himself well. Both full-backs will have protection with a DM helping them at all times.

Midfield
Illaramendi - ruthless. He shall be hovering in front of the defence but up a little higher and closing down any potential attackers. He will be his body on the line and take a hit if he has to. We shall close down all long rangers and he will be in and around that distance. Offensively, he shall pass the ball and let Fellaini go forward as he knows he has enough cover at the back.
Fellaini - Dominant, bullyish. He has an important role of winning the balls in the air and keeping the ball if isolated and bring in Salah and Cerci into play. Fellaini will be piling on the pressure from midfield when defending and we know he is a strong player and he shall use that to shield the ball. He will be targeted for set-pieces as we are to make the most of our height and know we can win in the air.
Cerci - Creative and methodical. He shall be targeting the wide areas to receive the ball and when he has space, he is lethal. Cerci to use other players for quick passing and go for goal or slip in Rondon.
Salah - Pace. He will be so difficult to catch if he has space to run into and thats why we have employed this formation and know away from home, they will attack. Salah to be as direct as possible and target the full-backs or the slowest defender and take them on. Defensively, they shall press the wide midfielders but not come back too deep. (Same for Cerci)

Forward
Rondon - Deadly. We have faith in Rondon to score if he is 1v1 against the keeper and he does exactly that. No nonsense and he shall not be forced back to defend. We want him t occupy their defence and close them down rather then coming back and we have no outlet up top.

Subs:

Yedlin for Cerci 75mins. Switch flanks with Salah and also a very good defender. Yedlin has incredible pace and will run at the tired defenders.

EVERTON v Swansea City

Injuries: John Ruddy, Alex Song, Oleg Shatov, Hernanes

-----------------Schmeichel
Manquillo - Vidic - Ogbonna - Criscito
--------------Capoue - Herrera
--------Navas - Sneijder - Bernard
-------------------Llorente

Subs: Blackman, Jenkinson, Schär, Van Aanholt, Lampard, Ayew, Doumbia

Swansea are a tough side to play against but we have the side to compete and the players to cause them genuine problems. These are the games we need to win to compete in any way shape or form. Matching them like for like with a 4-2-3-1. Same defence, new midfield pairing of Capoue and Herrera, one solid DM and one more passing box to box CM. Navas and Bernard on the wings, their job will be to get down the outside of the Swansea fullbacks and get crosses in, or cut inside to allow our fullbacks to overlap. Providing Llorente with chances is key to any success we get today. Sneijder at AM should allow that to happen.

Schmeichel - Distribute from the back to the fullbacks/CM's, stay in communication with your defence throughout, be wary of long range efforts and ensure you stay big for any one on ones. On occasion go long for Llorente.

Vidic/Ogbonna - Vidic to mark their striker, force him high up the pitch thus limiting his impact close to goal, and Ogbonna to be the spare man, be first to the second ball and their second striker/AM making runs from midfield. When in possession bring the ball out of defence and use the midfielders ahead of you to help us play out from the back. Both of you go forward for setpieces.

Manquillo/Criscito - Both of you to force the Swansea wingers out wide, do not allow them to come inside as this will cause more problems for our midfield. They will want to cut inside so force them outside and block their crosses at source. They will try to create problems infield so its vital you only show them down the wing. If they play a diamond with no wingers you will need to form a narrow back four with the CB's and leave no spaces in behind. When we have possession, push forward and support Navas/Bernard as they will try to run inside the fullback and you will provide the overlap to either create space or supply crosses into the area for Llorente and link with Sneijder. You will need to track back very quickly to ensure we don't get caught on the break.

Capoue/Herrera - Capoue the enforcer in midfield, assist the CB's in dealing with the Swansea attack, if they play an AM stay on him, but don't follow if he drifts wide. If they have a second striker who drops off ensure you're on top of him too. Be first to any loose balls and in possession look for the attackers and pass rather than bring the ball out. Herrera is the passer, also able to assist at DM but with more creativity, link the play between defence and attack, and be prepared to help out the fullbacks in dealing with the Swansea wingers, if they are able to cut inside we may be outnumbered. Remain composed throughout.

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

Navas/Bernard - Both playing out wide and both have the pace and trickery to beat the Swansea fullbacks and get crosses in, but both of you will also have our fullback overlapping giving you the chance to cut inside and get shots in. Look to supply Llorente with chances and also provide yourselves with chances. Link up with Sneijder, and capitalise on the space Llorente's presence will create for you. Without the ball I expect you two to track back and assist your fullback.

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

Subs 70 mins:
If winning: Sneijder, Bernard and Llorente off, Lampard, Ayew and Doumbia on. Lampard partners Capoue and Herrera in a midfield three, switch to 4-5-1 with Navas RM and Ayew LM. Doumbia the lone striker. Doumbia, Navas and Ayew with the pace to punish Swansea on the break.

If drawing: Bernard, Herrera and Llorente off, Ayew, Lampard and Doumbia on. Same system, big injection of pace against the tiring Swansea defence. Also Lampard to CM as he's a proven matchwinner. Look to get the winner without overcommitting.

If losing: Capoue and Herrera off, Doumbia and Lampard on. Switch from 4-2-3-1 to an attacking 4-4-2 with attacking fullbacks, Lampard and Sneijder at CM, Doumbia with Llorente upfront. Manquillo and Criscito will be overlapping so utilise them and their runs. Bombard the Swansea defence and get crosses into the area. Push for goals.

———————————————--—Ryan
Azpilicueta————Kalas---------------Terry———Moreno
----------------------Matuidi—————Matuidi
Candreva---------------------R.Garcia----------------Griezzman
----------------------------------Costa

Subs: Hassen, Kondogbia, Nainngolan, Lamela, Hernandez, Rooney, Origi

Captain: John Terry
Free Kicks: Antoine Griezzman
Corners: Antoine Griezzman
Penalties: Diego Costa

We set up in as a 4-5-1 looking to press the opposition from half way, allowing them to have more possession in order to get men behind the ball and in position to frustrate them, pressing them into mistakes, closing off the space and slowing their tempo with fouls if needed. Break forward at pace over power them on the counter.

The front four close down with intense pressure, stopping the opposition being able to play a fast tempo and move the ball forward, force them backwards and sideways. Costa close on the CBs whilst the two wide attacking midfielders narrow and block the route to the midfield. Garcia the spare man closes off the gaps with his great workrate. The rest of the team in their structure ready to step up and compact the pitch, or drop off and deal with a longer ball.

After that, defend the area of the pitch the ball has been played to by compacting the side. If we have forced them wide we move to defend this horizontal area of the pitch in numbers, the FB and wide attacker being the two to press the players, with the CF and AM and one CM coming across to squeeze the space and step in if the other two are beaten, give them no way of playing the ball centrally, if they push it forward we have the CBs and DM in position to step in and break up play. If they move it across we have the players on the opposite side in position to slow play down whilst we reorganise.

If they get the ball central we set up with two banks of four and the two forwards dropping in to press, Costa when it goes backwards to the DMs and Garcia moving to where he's needed, always working to close down and force errors, drop deeper at get stuck in to Hazard if needed. We squeeze the space in the midfield, keep the lines compact with the two wide attackers moving out to stop the FBs if they overlap and they contract if City get numbers central. Keeping the lines tight allows us to squeeze the ball if they get it to the striker. If they are really pushing us back, fall to defend the 18 yard box, FBs tuck in alongside the CBs to give us to compact banks of four, only pushing wide if City do, keep disciplined, wait for the chance to break.

When we have the ball we want to counter with pace and power, looking to move the ball into the space and take advantage of the power we have centrally, especially Costa/Garcia getting up against Luiz and co. Plan A will see us using lots of movement, moving the ball quickly in the area we win it, taking advantage of compact defending to be able to spring forward with one touch passing, quickly breaking into the final third and using our four attacking players and one FB on the side of attack. The two wide men have the license to attack wide or from central, with one holding width when we break down his flank, linking with the FB to create the overlap, whilst the other will come central and look to make use of free space to provide an overload, either down the wing where we are building, or centrally to give us three central attackers against their defence. The FB and winger must interchange, at times the FB going to the byline where he can find space to cross or open up room for the winger to cut in, and other times making underlap so the winger can get to the byline and into the box to pull it back. We then want movement between the forwards, Garcia will come to the ball and use Costa and Griezzman running off him, however sometimes Costa will drop deeper to hold it up and the others make runs off him. Plan B is the more physical approach, looking to hit Costa/Garcia early, cutting out their midfield and allowing him to push it wide for the wide attackers to spring forward at pace, this will be extra threatening if we are defending deep and Costa has dropped to half way, with more space for us to run into, make use of the power advantage we possess.

Individual:

Ryan commands his area, collecting crosses and distributing quickly.

FBs tight on the wingers, don't allow them space to run and don't let them cut inside, rough them up, neither like it.

Terry the physical presence to mark the striker, winning all the duels, Kalas to cover his partner. Don’t allow them to have time and space to control the ball and link up.

Matic use his power, bully the AM, don't let him between the lines or have time on the ball. Matuidi will do this as well as looking for to be that driving force from Midfield. If any one can stop Hazard and co its these two, over power them.

Wingers have an impact at both ends of the field. When they defend they must be ready to tuck in our push wide, whist going forward they have to provide the pace to use any space we get in the game.

Garcia a spare man defensively and a nuisance offensively with his power. We want him looking to play close to Costa when we attack so we can get balls into the two to give us hold up play.

Costa, movement, power, clinical. Get the goals. Look to play up against Luiz and co and bully them throughout.

Subs:

If Winning: Nainngolan for Griezzman 70, Garcia go wide, fresh legs to keep control in midfield. Rooney for Costa 80’, like the Nainngolan change, gives us someone to help get greater control. Kondogbia for Matuidi 85’, we look to Kondogbia to come on for the remainder of the game, get in their faces and break up the rhythm of city attacks.

If Drawing: Lamela for Griezzman 70’, look to provide trickery and flair down the wing. Rooney for Costa 75’, fresh legs up front. Nainngolan for Garcia 80’, thread the passes.

If Losing: Nainngolan and Rooney for Matuidi and Garcia 65’, look to take over the game with quick decisive passing and movement. Lamela for Candreva 75’, impact the game with his speed and dribbling.

SOUTHAMPTON v Hull City:

Line up:

Ospina
Cavanda Naldo Garcia Robertson
Valero Biglia Asamoah
Menez Mertens
Huntelaar

Substitutes: Kitanov; Fazio; Amavi; Benat; Barry; Lulic; Sam

Captain: Biglia
Penalties: Huntelaar
Corner Kicks: Mertens
Free Kicks: Menez

Game plan:

In this pre-festive period, Southampton will be honouring the holiday period by lining up in the Christmas tree formation. Besides being blessed with holiday cheer, this formation is designed to create a spear point attack to drive through the centre of the field, whilst the full backs add the width that stretches the opposition out.

As always, we will be playing with a high stamina midfield trio in order to press in the midfield and to limit our opponent’s creativity. Menez and Mertens will be playing in a more central role so that they can help out defensively but, in attack, they will be granted the freedom to roam the pitch and find the best form of attack.

We will be coming up against a team with a decent amount of pace so we have gone with 2 new, pacey, full backs to make sure that out centre backs (who will be dropping deep throughout the game) will not be exposed against quick counter attacking football.

In our midfield trio, there will be no holding midfielder as all 3 are equally adept offensively and defensively. Instead, they will be playing a high tempo pressing game, moving around the midfield as much as possible. They will be harrying players on the ball and covering gaps in our defence so that we can be an impenetrable wall of human flesh. In attack, we will be looking to break quickly and efficiently – pushing players forward and swarming the final 3rd in an attempt to get a goal.


Individual tactics:

Ospina: Will look to be a sweeper keeper today – trying to mop up any loose balls behind the defence and generally marshalling the back 4.

Naldo and Garcia: Strong defenders who are very good in the air but also have good pace for their sizes. They will sit deep to give themselves those few yards of advantage. One will push forward to mark any players that are sitting off the shoulder, whilst the other drops back to cover.

Cavanda and Robertson: Both very fast players. They will look to use their pace to keep wingers on the outside, looking to push them out of bounds or in to an area where they are useless. In attack, they will move up the flanks to spread out the opposition defence.

Valero, Biglia and Asamoah: All 3 will be looking to play very end-to-end. High tempo pressing will be essential to challenging for midfield supremacy. Short, crisp passing will be needed and two will always look to push forward in attacks whilst one sits in the centre.

Menez and Mertens: Whilst they will be required to press just as much as the centre mids in defence, they will be given free roles in attack to punish the opposition defence in any way they can.

Huntelaar: Will run the length of the line, closing everything down. He will look to shift his body weight around and bully the opposition centre backs, challenging in the air and on the ground for every ball and generally making a nuisance of himself.


Substitutes:

70 minutes: Lulic for Valero – Lulic adds more pace, stamina and defensive ability. He will look to throw himself around in an attempt to control the midfield battle.

75 minutes: Sam for Menez – Sam will add fresh legs and a killer left foot. He will look to shoot whenever he can.

80 minutes: Amavi for Robertson – Amavi has been very impressive this season. He has good pace, high stamina and is a strong defender. He would be the perfect choice both to see the game out or to add fresh legs to the attack late on.

ASTON VILLA

4-2-3-1

_______________________Navas_______________________
Astori____________Toprak_____Koscielny___________Shaw
_______________Fernandinho____Kroos________________
Koke___________________Kagawa__________________Son
______________________Sturridge_____________________
SUBS: Begovic, Vela, Gustavo, Verratti, De Bruyne, Piatti, Destro

Captain: Toni Kroos
Right free-kicks: Toni Kroos
Left free-kicks: Toni Kroos
Penalties: Daniel Sturridge
Right corners: Toni Kroos
Left corners: Toni Kroos

GEGENPRESSING is a highly-organised approach and will be our approach to regaining possession and minimising space for the opposition. My opponents are rapidly closed down by well-rehearsed, co-ordinated pressing movements, often by two or more players, allied with intelligent positioning to restrict space for opposition to pass and move into. The best moment to win the ball is immediately after after my team just lost it. Once we have regained possession, the transition from defence to attack will be explosive. We will be an attacking team. Aim is to move the ball around efficiently and with purpose, with many forward passes and none of Spain’s useless sideway passes. Play on the counter if dominated, but move the ball around when they sit back. Passing will be quick and intelligent, players moving into space and plenty of interchange between the three attacking midfielders. Team will look at the striker as the focal point with attacking midfielders running off and beyond him, linking up efficiently. When defending Kagawa and Koke will drop back to help, Son stays up as the out ball and Sturridge prepared for anything lumped up to him. Team must attempt to block shots at all times. Deep defensive line. * When defending we will play two banks of four and be compact leaving little space in between the lines. So when defending we will go into this mode:

Koke - Fernandinho - Kroos - Kagawa
Sturridge - Son

And when we get the ball we will look to set loose the speedsters up front with the whole team pushing up a bit to at least outside our 18 yard box and switch back to our normal formation.

Navas:
Claim crosses if possible. Always clear lines and play safe, take no risks. Looks to set off counters with his distribution.

Toprak and Koscielny:
Deals with opposition attackers. Koscielny keeps an eye on their attacking midfielder when he gets close to the 18 yard line. Koscielny will also mark their striker closely not allowing him space to turn. Koscielny or Fernandinho will deal with knock-downs to their supporting player depending on who is closer. Toprak will try and win headers when long balls are played towards the back line. Toprak will also clean up any balls / players who manage to get past Koscielny. Koscielny will be the centre half who steps up and clears up balls before it reaches their attackers, but must only go if he’s 100% sure he’ll get it. Go up for corners. If in the event that an attacking midfielder / second striker is not played then Koscielny will just have to deal with the midfield runner but not get dragged too far out of his defensive line.

Astori and Shaw:
Astori will be disciplined for this match, but when we get the ball and whoever the opposition manager plays goes on one of his inside runs Astori will look to overlap Koke and run into the box. Astori and Shaw both will show the opposition wide players to their weak foot, threat weakens when they are shown away from goal. Both will sit back when without the ball, but Shaw will bomb forward when the opportunity arises. Main aim is to provide width and provide extra bodies in midfield to link up play. Stays back for corners. Must not commit to tackles otherwise wingers will skip past them, just stay close, limit their space and show them onto their weaker foot.

Fernandinho and Kroos:
Sits deep, breaks up play and snap at their heels. Fernandinho is an engine that can cover a lot of ground when defending. Fernandinho will hardly ever go past the half-way line. Kroos will buzz around and dictate play, bursting forwards at times to provide an extra body in attack. Kroos will be a bit ahead of Fernandinho to be more involved in exchanging passes with full backs / Kagawa, even going level with Kagawa at times to use his incredible vision to find teammates. Kroos will need to make himself a goal threat with his late runs into the box in this match. Fernandinho stays close to the centre halves. Both sprays balls wide to fullbacks when they get forward. Stays back for corners. Will not allow the opposition any time on the ball in front of centre halves. Fernandinho sticks to position when fullbacks fly forwards, providing cover if needed. Kroos drops deeper when this happens.

Koke, Kagawa and Son:
Will constantly swap positions with each other. Will look to thread through balls to Sturridge and exchange passes with each other. Constantly drifting in and out of position, into space to make it difficult to mark. Can cross when out wide. Koke should always track back to help the fullbacks and midfield when defending. Kagawa can burst past Sturridge and shoot if needed. Constantly runs at their defence. All will press the opposition when without the ball. Koke will be drifting inside a lot and because he has stamina of six men he will therefore chase down the ball a lot and aim to create when he gets the ball. In this match when we don’t have the ball I will need Son to sit on their deep lying midfielder and disrupt him. When Astori gets forward during his rare forward runs Son will attempt to find him at the far post for Astori to knock the ball across goal for Sturridge Kagawa Kroos to knock in, with Koke arriving late to gobble up possible rebounds. They will also try and double up on a full back if required (like Robben and Ribery both attacking the same fullback).

Sturridge:
Holds up the ball, brings the three attacking midfielders into play. Play on the shoulder of the last man, always sets himself at the far post for crosses. Will keep the centre halves occupied. Will chase down opposition centre halves when they have the ball.

SUBS:
Winning/Drawing:
75 mins: Kagawa OFF Verratti ON
Verratti replaces Kagawa and we go 4-3-3 with Verratti dropping back. We will then aim to keep the ball for as long as possible even if we have to do pointless sideway passing but if space opens up, work the ball forwards to try and create a chance.

Losing:
75 mins: Fernandinho OFF Destro ON
Go 4-2-4 with Destro Sturridge centre Koke right Son left. Kagawa supports, Kroos holds and sprays passes from deep. All out attack, have to go level at least if not win it. When we lose the ball Koke goes central to provide support in centre mid and Sturridge goes to the right to provide that outlet. Switch back when we have the ball. Both full backs go forwards in turns and we will squeeze them back into their 18 yard box. Our CBs will not stick too close to the striker in case they get turned, Koscielny will be ready to chase back towards goal while Toprak will position himself to nick the ball off the attacker as soon as he gets it. Whatever second attacker from the opposition will be watched by the full back staying back depending on which side.

Scored the goal(s) to get all three points / to win the tie ONLY AFTER the Destro change:
Whatever minute: Sturridge OFF Gustavo ON
Whatever minute: Kagawa OFF De Bruyne ON
They’re gonna pen us back whether we like it or not, so we will go 5-4-1 with Astori slotting into a back 5. Koke will come into the centre along with Kroos with De Bruyne right and Son left, Destro up front. Son will provide the counter attacking threat when we win the ball back and him and Destro will break at their (supposedly) abandoned defence. This is not me playing defensive football voluntarily, this is the opposition forcing us into our box like we would’ve forced them into theirs and me providing a counter measure to this situation.

----------------------------Hugo Lloris
Chambers----Marquinhos-------Hummels-------Mangala
-------------Javi Martinez------Luka Modric
-Juan Cuadrado------Marek Hamsik--------Mario Gotze
----------------------Robert Lewandowski

Subs: Aurier, Sterling, Fernando, Sokratis, Coutinho, Lukaku, Kovacic

Formation: 4-2-3-1 (dropping back to a 4-5-1 defensively)
Freekicks: Modric (Long) Modric (Short)
Penalties: Hamsik
Corners: Modric
Captain: Mats Hummels

_____________________________

We go again in the 4-2-3-1 formation, with the idea of playing on the wings and getting the ball in towards Immobile. Martinez will take the defensive role whilst Modric is the roam, looking to play quick passes to release our wingers and getting our other attackers into play.

Mangala will use his experience and speed to win the battle down the left. Mangal will be allowed to attack, but nust always track back, as must Chambers. Hummels and Marq must be on hand to rescue any mistakes.

Hummels and Marq will be playing man to man marking, as we feel they are good enough to fend for themselves, up against what we assume will be a lone RVP. Marq goes for the low balls, and also uses his very good awareness to clock runs from incoming players, and source out danger from all angles. Hummels will lead our backline and he goes for the high balls, and goes for the second ball, as his lack of pace may be a problem. MArq is notably quicker so goes for the first ball, whilst Hummles covers his ass.

Chambers and Mangala are given license to burn the wings, seeing as we want Gotze and Cuadradoto both come infield from time to time to add another dimension to our play. Both of them know how to cross a wicked un, and they have a great poacher in the box to aim at.

Gotze is bloody rapid, and must use this pace to run the nuts off the LB. He is an extremely tricky player and makes life hell for the best of defenders, and we can use this quality as a way of distraction, opening up space for Mangala to join in the attack. Gotze also gets into very good position scoring wise, and when given the signal, must bomb into the box looking to get on the end of crosses.

Cuadrado on the other hand, is much more powerful, and really knows how to beat his man with a Yaya-esque drive on him. He loves running at his man, before taking him out of the game, and should aim to come inside and look to angle a ball into the box, aiming for Immobile. Chambers will be on his outside, and seeing as Cuadrado will want to stay central for long periods of the game, he must always act as the support man. However, he must always be alert and make sure both he and Mangala track back at all times whenever we are under threat. No loitering will be accepted.

Martinez will be the defensive cog in our midfield, as he likes sitting back and getting the ball played to his feet. He isn’t really expected to come out of position, but is allowed the odd run up to the edge of the box to keep his awareness levels high. Javi can be tough tackling, but we don’t want him to be reckless. We must limit the amount of Freekicks conceded as they could turn out to be a source of goals for the opposition. Martinez is also a great passer of the ball, and loves threading through balls of his own across the pitch. This will be another source of danger for City, as Martinez is much more than your every day CDM. He is also quality in the air, and will be a threat from corers and freekicks.

Alongside Javi, Modric will be the star of the show. Dictating the play is his cup of tea, and not only will he act as the go-to guy, he will be our midfield enforcer too, as he loves coming forward with the ball and connecting with the attackers. He has a great shot on him too, so is welcome to whip one when he’s feeling goal hungry.

In AM we have Hamsik. He loves playing behind Lew and he has the vision required to set up Lew on a plate. Hamsik must use his dribbling abiility to get into the box where he can cause severe damage. He is allowed to shoot from range, but his objective is to look for gaps in the defence to play in our attackers.


Up front is Lewa and he is thriving off our recent successes. Lewandowski will be the main source of goals, but he must make sure he gets on the end to all crosses, and when he is feeling isolated, he must do something about it. He is quality in and around the box, so musn't be afraid to run out with his back to goal, in order to get involved in the passing game. He must connect with Hamsik who plays in the hole behind him, and also must use his vision to play in the wingers. Immobile is one of the best when it comes to playing the ball with his back to goal. He is allowed to step out and take the ball on his chest/feet as his eye for a pass is brilliant for a striker. He must always try to be within 15 yards of Hamsik, as the best of partnerships require two players to be close to each other at all times. He can use his passing ability to play in our attackers, but his main job is to control his movement in the box so he can be ready for crosses into the box.

__________________________________________

Subs:

If Drawing 60mins:

Sterling > Cuadrado, 4-4-2, Sterling partners Lewa up top, with Gotze left and Hamsik right

If winning 60mins:

Fernando > Cuadrado, offers more steel, off the back of an excellent pre season and really does hold the fort:

----------------------------Lloris
Chambers-------Marquinhos-------Hummels-------Mangala
-------------Javi Martinez------Fernando
-Marek Hamsuj------Luka Modric-----Mario Gotze
---------------------------Kew

If losing 60mins: Sterling > Martinez + Kovacic > Cuadrado:

-----------------Kovacic--------Modric
------------------------Marek Hansik
----------------------------Gotze
------------Lewandowski------Sterling

We go to a 4-2-1-1-2 with Gotze playing just off Lew. Push our fullbacks up a notch and play direct with pace.

Any defenders get sent off, Chambers > Cuadrado
Any midfielders, we make no changes
Any attackers, Sterling comes on for Cuadrado and we go narrow
----------------------------------------------------------------------

comment by Wilshere - PES 2015 > FIFA 2015 (U9880)
posted 2 days, 16 hours ago
-----------------------Cech
Piszczek------Cahill--------Chiellini-----Bernat
------------Bender--------Schwein
Willian------------Di Maria------------------Turan
---------------------Jovetic
Subs: Cesar, Arbeloa, Veltman, Clasie, Lavezzi , Eriksen, Soldado

Subs

Eriksen for Willian - 60 mins - switch positions with Di Maria

Lavezzi for Turan - 70 mins


GAME PLAN

We need to be in their faces by continuously pressing them and keeping all men behind the ball (when we are off the ball). When on the ball we need to be direct and composed. We need to use our wingers as much as possible because that is where I believe we can take advantage of Bilbao. Their full backs will be attacking a lot and leaving plenty of gaps behind them. Willian and Turan have the pace to punish them. We need to dominate the midfield battle and control the game how we want it to be controlled. We need to control possession and work the ball into spaces. Try and keep it tight for Bilbao so when we get the ball we can exploit any spaces left. Bender is the DM so he will stay back to protect our defence while our other midfielders will be focusing on the attacking side of the game. Be in their faces, make them uncomfortable and then hopefully we will be able to take advantage.

POSITIONAL TACTICS

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

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

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

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

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

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

I would likeTuran, Di Maria and Willian to intersect and change positions.

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

Captain: Schwein
Vice: Cech
FK: Di Maria
PK: Di Maria
CK: Di Maria
------------------------------------

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

-----------------------Krul-----------------------
Debuchy-----Varane-----Bonucci-----Ricardo
------------Iturraspe-----A.Vidal(c)------------
Pereyra------------Neymar-----------Memphis
-------------------A.Sanchez--------------------

Karius, Sciglio, Pogba, Guarin, Januzaj, Morata, Berahino

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

Varane and Bonucci are a solid pairing at CB, on this occassion Bonucci will man mark the CF, quick and skillfull for a CB, with great marking abilities, will keep the CF away from goal and be on to him quickly as he comes forward so he can intercept any though he has of going for goal. Varane alongside will mark any others that come up for corners etc and make sure he is strong enough to get the ball away from danger, will help out Bonucci if needed. Varane when in possession he will carry the ball out and start attacks from the back

Ricardo and Debuchy at fullback, when we attack one goes at a time the other sits back. When they attack I want them bombing down the wing over lapping the winger to allow them to cut inside, quick passing between the two to get them passed the opposition fullback, which will see the fullback drive towards the bye line to get a quick cross in. If its not a cross then look for the winger inside to play a quick pass back to them so they can drive into the box. Defending both will have to be vigilant and always mindful of the tricks the opposite winger can do. Be onto them quickly not allowing them the time to get going, push them out wide and stop them becoming a threat.

Iturraspe sits just in front of the two cbs, he stops there flow between midfield and attack, always watchful for the AM and when they come forward he will look to intercept any through balls or look to stop his runs forward. Even when we attack he is always mindful of the players movement and ready to act quickly if they break forward. Once the ball is won simple balls to those around him. He will be aided when we defend by Arturo Vidal who takes up a slightly deeper role, extremely hard working who will get up and down the pitch helping both defence and attack. They sit as a pair Vidal taking care of the other most attacking cm when he comes forward. They will break up play and get it moving forward,Vidal when in no danger can burst forward from deep to assist Sanchez. His goal record for a CM is fantastic and can score from varous angles/ranges, he is a very dynamic player with great stamina, one who never gives up.

Pereyra and Memphis Depay. Depay is lightning quick with nimble feet which more often than not takes him passed the fullback, wether he knocks it passed him and drive on or simple a quick turn, and he is away. Will have Ricardo supporting him so this allows him to pass and cut inside where he is very useful. Give and go, wait for the return and go for goal, or look to drive into the box in support of Sanchez. Pereyra is a work horse and will help out defensively especially with Baines driving forward, going forward he will always looks for the pass to Neymar/Sanchez. There is little point us pumping in high balls so always play the ball to feet and use pace and power to get at theire defence. Like said when defending look to get back and stop there defenders becoming a threat. Neymar is given a central role, this doesnt mean he stays there, not so much Pereyra but Sanchez, neymar and Depay will be inter changing causing alot of problems for Leicesters back 4, Neymar in his free role will roam and cos chaos. Drifting left to switch with Depay with pace, both are extremely good in front of goal so look to play round the Leicester defence and support Sanchez as much as poss.

Sanchez goes up top two good feet, will look to get into positions that he will become dangerous, in fact my front three on the central/left are a danger and there movement will be a serious concern for the other team. Pace and movement from them, can all play CF or drift wide so when the winger comes in Sanchez will be looking to drag the CB away freeing up room for the other two to drive into. With Vidal also supporting we are a huge goal threat to anyone. I want quick football as they arent the biggest of lads, ball to feet and always looking up for a pass.

Captain - Vidal
Penalties - Sanchez
Free Kicks - Neymar
Corners - Wingers

Subs:-
Losing/drawing
70 Mins - Morata for Pereyra, switch with Sanchez
75 Mins - Pogba for Iturraspe, big powerful boy to help Vidal and, more forward thinking, Vidal take ove man marking
78 Mins - Berahino for Memphis, Neymar goes left, Berahino in to support Morat as the two with fresh legs up front look to hurt Leicester with there pace and power 442

Winning:-
75 Mins - Pogba for Neymar, stiffen up the midfield as he goes to the right of Iturraspe
85 Mins - Morata for Sanchez

HULL CITY away at Southampton

------------------------------Scuffet----------------------------------

Juanfran------------Benatia--------Miranda---------Alex Sandro

Walcott----------Witsel--------Cabye--------Lucas Moura

-------------------------James Rodriguez-----------------------

-------------------------Rodrigo------------------------------

subs: Quintero, Onazi, Valbuena, Musacchio, Rossi

Game Plan: We're switching things up this week with a big tactical change, moving away from our high line and fast pressing game and moving more towards a counter attacking philosophy utilising our immense pace out wide and up front. Speed of thought, speed of movement, speed of passing. Very little is as important as speed to counter attack; we have to catch the opponents backpedaling and undermanned and imperative to this is a fast tempo, we have the ability and pace in the side to go from our own area to the opposition area in 3 or 4 passes and just a few seconds.

Simone Scuffet: very intelligent goalkeeper, will command his area, very good under the high ball and from crosses, when he has the ball will look to release the ball quickly into wide areas to begin counter attacks, Schmeichel Style

Defence: The importance of the defence in a counter attack is two-fold: first, they must be strong and able to withstand a great deal of pressure, Benatia and Miranda are both very quick and very good in the air and possess great concentration levels as they must be forever vigilent of runners from midfield and out wide into the channels, Juanfran and Alex Sandro also possess great pace and tenacity in the challenge as well as excellent positional sense, they will look to stop crosses in the wide areas and must also watch the runs of the wide players if they look to make a move inside. The entire back 4 must be in constant communication with each other. Secondly the defence must be able to start attacks from deep, and Benatia and Miranda are both very accomplished with the ball at their feet and have a great passing range, while Juanfran and Alex Sandro both possess the pace to transition quickly into attack and support the wingers on the overlap.

Midfield: The midfield is the link between defence and attack, as ever, but their role is even more important in a counter attack. Our 2 defensive midfielders Witsel and Cabaye give us extra solidity in front of the defence, as ever, but they also serve a higher purpose in that they will force Southampton's wingers to go wide by denying them space to cut into. Since we have big, aerial defenders, this is exactly what we want as we can trust our defenders to win the ball and use their ball skills to play it out nicely. Both Witsel and Cabaye while defensively very disciplined and strong are also very accomplished ball players and are able to start attacks from deep, they will look to use the ball quickly and effectively, they have 4 very quick and intelligent runners ahead of them.

Attack: The most important thing about the four forward most players is that they have the speed and movement to make each attack count, and this is certainly the case with Lucas, Walcott, James and Rodrigo. Rodrigo is a very intelligent player, who will have litte to no defensive responsibilty in open play, instead he will have to be aware of when the ball is turned over and then use his movement and pace to create space and cause havoc amongst the defence of Southampton on the counter attack. James as the attacking midfielder will also not have a great deal of defensive resonsibility, he is a player oozes flair, composure, decision making, creativity, passing, technique, pace and dribbling, he will use all of these attributes to create chances either for himself or the other forwards, the pace and movement of Rodrigo will open up through ball opportunities for James and he has the skill to execute these chances. Walcott and Lucas Moura will have defensive resposibilty, they must look to drop back and help in wide areas and look to pick up clearances from our own box, they have the pace and energy to then get up the field quickly and transition into attack, they have very intelligent movement and can move inside or stay wide and look to stay on the defence's blind side.

Subs: Valbuena for Lucas Moura 70 minutes, straight swap.

if winning after 80 minutes: Onazi for James Rodriguez, Onazi to play as the holding player, with Witsel and Cabaye ahead, very disciplined player who will snuff out any opportunites that Southampton look to create, we will also look to go more direct and risk free in our attacking player, long balls into the channels for Rodrigo to chase, look to play down time as much as possible.

Captain: Mehdi Benatia
Freekicks: James Rodriguez
Pens: James Rodriguez
Corners: Cabaye

------------------ D.Dea Gea ---------------
Johnson -- Ivanovic --- Ramos -- Nagatamo
----------- De Rossi ---- Tiago ------------
J.Pastore ------- E.Hazard ------- F.Ribery
----------------- Carlos Bacca ---------------

Subs : Caballero, Bertrand, Wilshere, Ozil, Schurrle, RVP, H.Kane
-----------------
Wilshere > Tiago – 70th min – Wilshere will provide fresh spark and energy looking to support the midfield and getting the ball into feet.

RVP > Bacca - 70th minute - A new threat up front I want Bacca to bully their tiring defence looking to create chances.

Schurrle > Pastore - (draw/losing) - 80th minute onwards - Schurrle look to come inside and drive at their CB's whilst linking with others to open up the game.
----------------------
The outline:

We must from the outset look to present a physical and aggressive approach. I want us to prevent them from playing with any rhythm or flow so we must work as a cohesive unit working tirelessely to defend whilst going forward we can exploit them with the pace we possess.

I want us to play with high intensity however we need to know when to press and when to sit off. Bacca will press from the front whilst I want the rest of the side pressing when they get into our half, we must keep a well organised and compact shape looking to cut down all avenues of a pass as quick as possible to ensure theres no purpose to their play.

In defence we look to defend deep as we feel this suits our CB’s best in looking to cut off any supply to their striker. We’ll look to dominate physically looking to bully off the ball showing who’s boss. Ramos and Ivanovic must dominate from the outset and their experience should come to the fore. In midfield De Rossi and Tiago must maintain the pressure and look to disrupt the play.

Attacking wise I want us to stretch them as much as possible down the flanks lookign to mix it up a lot with Pastore and Ribery very direct and the FB’s giving them real support on the outside. Hazard is the go to man in terms of making things happen, I want others making runs off him whilst this still ensures we can counter with pace when we retrieve the ball.

I want us to pose a real threat with set-pieces with the CB's up from the back looking to whip the ball into the box with real pace so we can use our height and physicality to engineer a goal.
-----------------
Individual tactics:

De Gea returns in goal today and must look to impress if he is to keep his place, I want him to command his area, very vocal, quick off his feet and distribution swift and on point.

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

De Rossi and Tiago add force and bite to our midfield, De Rossi is the powerhouse and should look to flex his muscles and get snapping at heels. He must work tirelessly for the full 90 setting the perfect example to others as we work collectively to keep them out. Tiago partners as he has great experience in playing in a well organised and compact system, very experienced and will run his socks off. I want him getting stuck in so we can retrieve the ball back as quickly as possible and start our own attacks.

Hazard will act as the focal point, we generally want everything to pass through him. I want him pulling the strings and dictating the play, v direct looking to use his drive to fly past challenges and opening up the game so others have the space and time when they receive the ball.
The wingers must support, Pastore has been in very good form this season and will look to mix it up looking to come inside a lot with his FB overlapping, Ribery very direct looking to take on players and looking to make things happen.

C.Bacca is the perfect foil for us up top today, v well experienced at playing such a role and will defiantly get the better of defenders as he is strong, powerful and can hold his own. A very willing runner and likes to get involved as much as possible whilst not the type to get bogged down. He’ll look to link-up with others as much as possible and rile their defenders both on and off the ball.
----------------
C - Ramos
FK's/corners - Hazard/ Ribery
Pens - RVP

---------------------Hart---------------------
---Lahm-----Kompany----Boateng-----Kolarov
------------------------------------------------------
--------------Ramsey-----Blind------------------
----------------------------------------------------
-------Reus------YayaToure--------Ronaldo
-------------------------------------------------
----------------------Aguero--------------------
Subs
Aymeric Laporte
Kieran Gibbs
Ander Herrera
James Milner
Lukas Podolski
James Campbell
Jackson Martinez

--------------------------------------------------------
SUBS
--------------------------------------------------------
IF WINNING
70' - Reus > OX - Freshen up wing and also more defensive solidity
Ramsey > Milner - Sits alongside Blind with Ramsey further forward.

80' Ronaldo > Gibbs - Kolarov LM (apply above also)

IF DRAWING
70' Blind > Herrera
80' Ramsey > Martinez
4-4-2

IF LOSING
60' Blind > herrera
80' Ramsey > Martinez 4-4-2
-----------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------
We must win this game. We feel Villa are there for the taking therefore we will be positive in our play.
We line up in a familiar 4-2-3-1.
In today's game, we look to add more width and pace to our team. When needed we will sit in an absorb pressure pouncing on any opportunity to counter attack with or deadly trio up front.(madrid style) We also look to use the full length of the pitch therefore Reus and Ronaldo will play as wingers and will also be provided support from the full backs. When defending we will be disciplined, at times having everybody behind the ball and then wait for the opportunity to use our pace and power on a counter attack. We will not be afraid to play it out from the back, everybody is comfortable on the ball.

Generally we want to take the game to the opposition and look for that early goal, putting the opposition under pressure.

Hart will be quick off his line for one on ones and crosses into the box. I want him to be vocal in his box maintaining communication with his centre halves. Comfortable with the ball at his feet he will play it both short to my centre backs and long to my attackers who look to break at speed.

Lahm and Kolarov two natural full backs. I want them upon and down the pitch providing options for our attack. Also I want them to defend responsibly and not risk being caught out. They mark man for man and force the opposition inwards into a packed midfield.

Boateng and Kompany, 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. Both will control the back four and make sure everybody is doing their job correctly by using their excellent leadership skills. Boateng and Kompany will stay close to each other not allowing the opposition to open up space. Kompany 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 Boateng stays in position when Kompany does this covering the remaining space, he will be able to clear the second ball if it gets beyond Kompany.

Blind and Ramsey will be our two deepest central midfielders. As usual Blind holds while Ramsey plays box to box. Ramsey uses his amazing energy to track down opposition in pressing while also making late runs intothe box. Blind helps us tick over.

Yaya Toure - Sits in a free role between midfield and striker. Using his dribbling and vision will pick up possession and drive forward to play incisive passes. Will consistently pass and move to be in strong positions to effectively receive and distribute the ball, once he has done so he will use his strong dribbling abilities to hold possession and enable team mates to forge attacking runs beyond him then getting his head up to read these runs push forwards and play the decisive pass into attacking positions.

Ronaldo + Reus: Both quick, direct, tricky and strong, they'll pull the opposition defence all over the place. They are both creative playmakers as well as wingers and will look to play balls in to Aguero's feet for the one-two, but they're also quick and have great energy so can get round the back of the WBA defence and drill in low balls and cutbacks, or they can drive at the defence and cause them problems. They'll be allowed to switch at will.

Up front is Aguero, he 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.

-----------------------Valdes------------------------
Montoya-----Jagielka-----Van Dijk-----Darmian
-----------------------Carrick-----------------------
Montero----McCarthy-----Hojbjerg----Naismith
------------------------Bony-------------------------

Kiko, Smalling, Sissoko, Payet, Marin, Lallana, Remy

We will persevere with the same formation that has done so well in recent weeks, we go with the same side bar Montero coming in for Payet, we are not an overly physical side but we have players who like to get stuck in and any team will find it difficult to get passed us.

Victor Valdes, experienced goalkeeper, great shot stopper, great to have him in goal behind the back four. Will look to dominate his patch of grass and get the ball moving quickly.

Montoya and Darmian along with Jagielka and Van Dijk are first choice at the moment as we look to get a bit of consistency going. We must keep concentration at all times, Mark the attacking players ie Montoya and Darmian must stop their wingers getting to the bye line any way they can and stop them cutting inside. Van Dijk will pick up their centre forward and mark him very tightly. Jagielka is the Captain and he is there to lead by example, keep the back four in a line when we defend making it impossible for them to break us down.

Carrick in for Wanyama again in the DM role, not such a hard man as Wanyama but his experience gets him into the correct positions when he needs to be to stop there attacking midfielder, do not allow him time or space to support the CF or indeed shorten the time he has to pass the ball around him. McCarthy and Hojbjerg in the centre of the pitch, look to dominate the game, Hojbjerg I want as the young playmaker who will get the ball out wide and up to Bony, whereas McCarthy I want to move up the pitch looking to support Bony. In Payet and Naismith we have two very quick wingers, when we attack I want it to be done very quickly. Down the right I want Montoya and Montero to work in tandom, thus using each other to get the space required to get to the bye line, give and go. Montero is very, very quick and will beat most players for pace When the right hand attacks Darmian stays back, Naismith moves into the box to support Bony and the same on the other side when the left hand side attacks, Montero gets into the box, Montoya stays back, so when we are going forward we always have at least two ready to pounce on the cross balls, McCarthy on the edge and depending what side two players down the wing looking to get these cross balls in.

Defending this must be a stringent 4-1-4 system that will stop them coming through, they must work hard as they have some fantastic players who must not be allowed to play.

Wilfried Bony is the prefect No.9, big, strong, a bit of pace and most of all he can score goals, can hold of the CB marking him and drive into the area. Or indeed, he can hold the ball up looking for the support coming his way in Montero, Naismith and McCarthy, Always on the last man ready to get into dangers areas.

Captain is Phil Jagielka
Penalty taker - Wilfried Bony
Free Kicks - Hojbjerg
Corners - Naismith and Montero

Substitutes

Lallana and Payet will come on for Montero and Hojbjerg, play 4411 with Lallana playing behind Bony and Payet out wide on 70 Minutes

Loic Remy for Naismith on 80 Minutes Lallana left wing and Remy up front with Bony

If we are WInning Sissoko will come on for Hojbjerg and Lallana for Naismith on 70 Minutes
and on 80 Mins Loic Remy for Bony

Same subs if we are drawing

Wolves

-------------------Muslera-----------------------
----------Kolo Toure--Alderweireld------------
Lichtsteiner----------------------M.Schmelzer
-------------Toulalan--N.De Jong--------------
Texeira--------------------------------Mertens
------------------Mkhitaryan-------------------
----------------------Pelle-----------------------

Bentley, Okore, Allen, Konoplyanka, Volland, Jese, lambert

A new dawn for Wolves, up against a Man Utd who despite being top of the league there are disruptions in the camp with Rof unhappy in his role, making the players unhappy...this is the time to play them..

We have an experience back 4, Alderweireld will man mark the CF into oblivion, stay tight, always watch his movement and be ready to stop him in his tracks when Man Utd come forward. Kolo Toure will aide him and together look to form a formidable challenge for the Man Utd attack. The two fullbacks are attack minded, hence we have two DMs in the team, we will focus on hurting them down the flanks today, get forward and support the twe wingers Texeira and Mertens. Drive at their defence and look to get the ball in to the front two or look for Mertens and Texeira cutting inside. Devfensively watch the wingers, keep them to the outside and stop them getting into dangerous positions. behind the back 4 is Muslera, not so long ago he was praised for being close to WC by a certain manager on here, he must prove it now, being back in the league, dominate the box, be loud and claim everything as his own. release the wide men early to set up quick counters.

We have chosen Toulalan and De Jong to protect the defence as already said we have two attacking FBs so they just sit in and stop the attacking players such as Oscar, Cesc etc dictating the play, will be tough am sure but position properly, De Jong from the two will pick up the AM and Toulalan being a little more elegant will pick up the second, he will also look to get the ball moving forward to the wide men or Mkhitaryan.

The wingers I want to attack with pace, with the fullbacks assisting then really have a go at them. When the fbs come forward then look to play nice one twos with them to get them round the defenders and into dangerous areas. If the fbs are played down the line look to cut inside and scream for a pass and go for goal, always look to get into the box of on the other side of the attack, we have to hurt this Man Utd team, drive with pace and power at all times, we have 4 experienced guys holding down the fort, so can afford to go for it.

Mkhitaryan is my main man he and Pelle will be the spearhead of all our attacks, he can drop deep and pick up from behind to then either drive at defenders or get it out wide and drive into the area. Dangerous in the air and a fantastic goal to game ratio. He and Pelle must link up quickly. His movement must take the defenders away or his marker, he has free role to move around, and also he can get up and beyound Pelle.

When they have the ball I want all 3 AMs to get back and creat a solid wall of 5.

Pelle gets his chance with mandzukic being out, he must prove himself a contender for that No.9 jersey. Has a proven record as a goalscorer, so if he gets the chance he will look to bury it. Again powerful in the air so if he times his jumps right a good chance he will beat the CB, For a big man he has a good touch so if he cant go for goal look to set up those around him.

Like said, if we hold back we will get nothing so we must go for this game 100%, no fear, they are in turmoil, fans are against their manager, confidence is low even if they are top. RoF ahas made no friends from this and his timing is rubbish!

Captain - Mkhitaryan
Pens - Pelle
Free kicks - Mkhitaryan
Corners - Wingers

Subs:-
Losing
70 Mins - Volland for mertens, jese for Texeira, same role fresh legs, pace..play the same way but defenders are tiring so get at them
80 Mins - Lambert for Toulalan 442 with Mkhit dropping back a bit, long ball if needed

Winning
70 Mins - Volland for Mertens, straight swap
80 Mins - Lambert for Pelle, straight swap again
88 Mins - Allen for Mkhitaryan, sit in and help protect the lead

Drawing
Jese > Texeira, Volland > Mertens 70 Mins - straight swaps
Lambert > Pelle on 80

Swansea tactics

---------------------------Diego Alves----------------------
Caceres---Papadopoulos-------Albiol---Contento
-----------------Illarramendi-----Motta------------------
--------Salah--------------Fellaini--------------Cerci---
-----------------------------Negredo-------------------------

Subs: Bauman, Yedlin, Oviedo, Lanzini, Ince, Michu, Rondon

Tactics: Attack with purpose. We will be playing attacking football as we are the home side are positive throughout. We will be piling pressure on them in midfield and hounding them down. We are playing high tempo for 90 mins. We have a balanced side and have the quality to hurt them as they are missing their main striker with give us more impotus to play our natural attacking game. We will utilise our pace and hit the quick and hard. Defensively we are solid and have two CM that can help out.

Defence
Alves - Reliable, focussed and strong on set-pieces.
Caceres - Strong tackler. Will be looking to intercept as well as the other defenders. Look to stay with his man unless he moves in another area. We are zonal marking.
Papa - Great in the air and a good reader. To support the back line and help another of the other two Albiol to hound them
Albiol - Captain. Marshalls the defence and will make sure they are organised. Brave and will fight for every ball and show by example.
Contento - Staying at LB and has the experience to shield the ball and position himself well. Both full-backs will have protection with a DM helping them at all times.

Midfield
Illaramendi - ruthless. He shall be hovering in front of the defence but up a little higher and closing down any potential attackers. He will be his body on the line and take a hit if he has to. We shall close down all long rangers and he will be in and around that distance. Offensively, he shall pass the ball and let Fellaini go forward as he knows he has enough cover at the back.
Motta - Aggressive and no nonsense but has a knack of going forward and helps us press the midfield. Very reliable and a very good reader of the game. Strong battler
Fellaini - Dominant, bullyish. He has an important role of winning the balls in the air and keeping the ball if isolated and bring in Salah and Cerci into play. Fellaini will be piling on the pressure from midfield when defending and we know he is a strong player and he shall use that to shield the ball. He will be targeted for set-pieces as we are to make the most of our height and know we can win in the air.
Cerci - Creative and methodical. He shall be targeting the wide areas to receive the ball and when he has space, he is lethal. Cerci to use other players for quick passing and go for goal or slip in Negredo.
Salah - Pace. He will be so difficult to catch if he has space to run into and thats why we have employed this formation and know away from home, they will attack. Salah to be as direct as possible and target the full-backs or the slowest defender and take them on. Defensively, they shall press the wide midfielders but not come back too deep. (Same for Cerci)

Forward
Negredo - Lethal. We have faith in Negredo to score if he is 1v1 against the keeper and he does exactly that. No nonsense and he shall not be forced back to defend. We want him t occupy their defence and close them down rather then coming back and we have no outlet up top.

Subs:

Yedlin for Cerci 75mins. Switch flanks with Salah and also a very good defender. Yedlin has incredible pace and will run at the tired defenders.