Leicester City vs Manchester C
Balanced 4-2-3-1
At home, we have gone with a side that we feel can control possession. City have a fantastic attack and defence, however we feel we have quality in the centre of the park that can win the midfield battle. In addition, injuries have hit them badly in attack and seek to take advantage today.
Importantly, we have a side that will set up in a strong defensive unit. Arteta comes into the centre of midfield for his ability to read the game, next to Inler they will form a solid base to our side. Arteta’s composure on the ball and ability to play long balls will also add greatly to our play as he seeks to spread the play and control the game.
We start the game with a high intensity and be direct going forward. Looking to put City on the backfoot from the off. We will press high up the pitch, playing with a high tempo in possession.
We keep this intensity for roughly 25 minutes. We won’t allow City to settle. From this point we will seek to be more patient and deliberate in possession.
Keep ball and build patiently, keeping the opposition on the backfoot and having them chase us, tire them and break them down. The opposition defence likes to defend deep, this will allow us to patiently build attacks and dominate possession.
In the second half we will inject fresh energy, and put a further emphasis on attack.
----------------- J.Diba
Richards – Mustafi – Reid – Baines
------------ Arteta -- Inler
Ramires ---- C.Eriksen ----- Chadli
--------------- K.Mirallas
Subs. Kaya, Sahin, Delph, Gaitan, Ljajic, Young, Giroud
Defend in numbers, in a compact and rigid formation, forcing the opposition into areas where they can’t hurt us. In these areas we will seek to crowd them out.
In defence we will be narrow, the opposition don’t have great width. We will force them into corners they can’t work in.
The formation will be fluid in attack. On each side one fb/wg keeps the width, the other has license to come inside. Eriksen and one cm will always be seeking to link up with the wide players. Eriksen is key to our attacking play, looking for fast combination layoffs with the wide men and cms.
Generally short passes out from defence, to the fbs or cm will look to pick up the ball. 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. Primarily Baines is the fb that gets forward, Richards remains in a back three. .
This ensures we have at least one dummy run, creating space and pulling City 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 one of our players in the box.
Defensive shape
Our main defence will be keeping the ball, patient in possession the opposition can’t hurt us without it. When they do have possession, ensure it’s in areas that can’t hurt us.
We always seek to defend from our rigid formation. In the first 25 mins, this means the front four will press. In a 4-3-3 formation, one of the four drops deep to cm, and the other three press the opposition high up the pitch, narrowing the play. As the game progresses we will defend deeper in the 4-2-3-1 formation.
When there dm’s come deep to get the ball, Mirallas 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.
The defence will ensure that as City advance further up the park, the line drops deep so there is no space in behind. As City advance into higher areas of the park and into our half, our shape will resemble a 4-1-4-1.
Arteta drops in between defence and midfield, reading the play and sweeping up danger in between the lines. Inler and Eriksen in cm. This shape ensures that when one of our midfielders do press we will still always have 4 midfielders behind, to cover.
Reid offers leadership in the back four, he seeks to dominate their central forward.
One full backs get forward at a time. The other stays in line with Inler, ready to break forward. Guarding against counters, allows us to get players back if possession changes quickly.
Our fb’s up against their wide forwards are to drop off more and narrow the play so they can bide their time, waiting for the right time to make the tackle and not diving in. Push them down the line, they prefer to come inside, out wide we can block the cross. If he does manage to get past you, there’s a chance to stop the cross.
Attack
As above, we seek to put City under intense pressure early on and then seeking to take advantage of their deep defence, by dominating possession and patiently building attacks.
As the game progresses into the second half we will seek to put more emphasis on the attack bringing on Delph and Ljaic.
We will also prove to take advantage of set pieces. Eriksen and Baines both have great delivery, and with the likes of Richards, Reid and Mustafi getting forward we feel we carry a great threat here.
Subs.
After 65 mins bring on Delph for Arteta and Ljajic for Ramires. Fresh energy in the middle of the park, and a greater attacking down the right where Ljajic has been impressing recently.
This will allow us to be more direct in our attacking play.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Young for Chaldi. Pace will be important at this stage of the game, while Young also offers greater defensive cover shown by his recent performances at lb.
If drawing after 75 mins bring on Giroud for Mirallas. Super sub as he has been recently as we press for winner.
If losing after 70 mins bring on Giroud for Inler. 4-4-2. Eriksen cm with Delph. Super sub comes on as we seek to grab an equaliser and a winner.
Birmingham City v EVERTON
Injuries: Martin Skrtel, Frank Lampard, Fernando Llorente, Domenico Criscito
-----------------Schmeichel
Manquillo - Vidic - Schär - Van Aanholt
--------------Capoue - Song
--------Navas - Sneijder - Bernard
-------------------Doumbia
Subs: Ruddy, Jenkinson, Ogbonna, Herrera, Hernanes, Ayew, Wickham
Birmingham are a tough side to play against but we have the side to compete and the players to cause them genuine problems. Matching them like for like with a 4-2-3-1. Same defence, a very solid midfield pairing of Capoue and Song, one solid DM and one box to box CM who is equally capable of filling in at DM if necessary. Navas and Bernard on the wings, their job will be to get down the outside of the Birmingham fullbacks and get crosses in, or cut inside to allow our fullbacks to overlap. Providing Doumbia 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 Doumbia.
Vidic/Schar - Vidic to mark their striker, force him high up the pitch thus limiting his impact close to goal, and Schar 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/Van Aanholt - Both of you to force the Birmingham 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 Doumbia and link with Sneijder. You will need to track back very quickly to ensure we don't get caught on the break.
Capoue/Song - Capoue the enforcer in midfield, assist the CB's in dealing with the Birmingham 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. Song is the box to box CM, 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 Birmingham 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, Doumbia and Song, look for Doumbia 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 Birmingham 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 Doumbia with chances and also provide yourselves with chances. Link up with Sneijder, and capitalise on the space Doumbia's presence will create for you. Without the ball I expect you two to track back and assist your fullback.
Doumbia - you will be expected to occupy the Birmingham 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 and Bernard off, Hernanes and Ayew on. Hernanes partners Capoue and Song 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 Birmingham on the break.
If drawing: Bernard, Song and Sneijder off, Ayew, Herrera and Hernanes on. Same system, big injection of pace against the tiring Birmingham defence. Herrera more creative in CM, Hernanes fresh legs at AM. Look to get the winner without overcommitting.
If losing: Capoue and Song off, Hernanes and Wickham on. Switch from 4-2-3-1 to an attacking 4-4-2 with attacking fullbacks, Hernanes and Sneijder at CM, Wickham and Doumbia upfront. Manquillo and Van Aanholt will be overlapping so utilise them and their runs. Bombard the Birmingham defence and get crosses into the area. Push for goals.
Tactics vs Arsenal
----------------------------------Scuffet--------------------------------
Juanfran---------Benatia-------------Miranda--------Alex Sandro
---------------------Witsel-------Marchisio----------------------
Walcott----------------Rodriguez-------------------L.Moura
-----------------------------Aubameyang--------------------------
Game plan: our plan today is to go at Arsenal from the off, they're missing the best player in the world and the best CF in the world in Ronaldo and Aguero. We're experimenting with a new team and system and will be looking to express ourselves and continue our good form. We will look to press high up the pitch, Successful pressing is dependant on group understanding, collective perception of ball, opponent and team mate, and a massive amount of hunger and desire to have the ball. It isn’t possible to press for 90 minutes. We will have to pick our times wisely in order to do it successfully. If our players are tracking back or not close enough to the ball it isn't sensible to press the ball, we will look to capitalise on poor passes by the opposition or when a player is facing his own goal or has his head down when receiving the ball, at these times to opposition player does not have a full view of the pitch and cannot pick a forward pass.
In possession we will have many lines of players in order to create easy triangles for the players on the ball, the player on the ball should always have at least 2 passing options, the full backs will also go forward creating an almost 3-4-3(2-3-2-3)formation when in possession, this reverts to a 5-4-1 formation when we lose possession.
In possession
-------------Benatia-------------------------Miranda----------
Juanfran---------------------Witsel------------------Alex Sandro
--------------------Marchsio-----------Rodriguez-----------------
Walcott------------------------------------------------L.Moura
--------------------------Aubameyang -------------------------------
out of possession
Juanfran------Benatia-------------Miranda--------Sandro
---------------------Witsel---------Marchisio--------------------
Walcott--------------------James-------------------Lucas
-----------------------------Aubameyang-----------------------------
Scuffet: very young, but a fantastic goalkeeper, excellent shot stopper and very confident coming off his line, will look to release the ball quickly in order to start attacks, when he gets the ball the full backs will push forward and the centre backs will spread out offering themselves for the pass, will only go long if there is no other option.
Defence: as has been spoken about in the game plan section, the full backs will look to push up the field when we are in possession creating the multiple lines across the pitch which is the basis of our possession philosophy. The central defenders will look to stay close to one another when out of possession, the full backs will also tuck in leaving little room in the centre of the pitch, while the midfield and attack will cover the defence of the wide areas, this is not the specific job of one player as we are playing in a fluid system, it will be whoever is available to do the job at that point in time. Benatia and Miranda are to talk to each other constantly and be wary of the movement of the arsenal forwards, but they will not be sucked out of position, Witsel and Marchisio will be providing cover in front of the back 4, so if the CF wants to drop off, the CB's are to hold their position and communicate to Witsel and Marchisio that they have an extra man to watch.
Midfield and Attack: Witsel will by and large stay in position in the holding role in the midfield. He will look to snuff out space for the opposition attacking players, and always be available for a pass when we are in possession. The 4 players in front of Axel will play very fluidly, and as has already been stated they will look to press the opposition when the time is right, all 4 possess good pace and stamina and are able to get up and down the pitch.
Marchisio will get up and down the pitch throughout, has terrific energy and is very creative and can carry the ball, will look to move the ball quickly, as will the whole team, we will play with a high tempo throughout the game not giving Arsenal any breathing space.
James will look to find space in possession, whether that means moving wide or into the gaps between the lines, he has the ability to run at the opposition and take the opportunity to shoot and link with Aubameyang, Walcott and Lucas who will bomb forward and provide an outlet in the wide areas. We will look to get James on the ball as much as possible as he is our most creative players. He will have a lot of freedom to roam and find space throughout the match.
Aubameyang will play as the centre forward for us today, his pace, movement and energy suits the change in the way we are going to play, he will look to roam across the pitch, dragging defenders out of position which will leave space for the other attackers and our midfield to benefit from, as stated previously in the tactics he is part of the fluid front 4 we are playing with today so will pop in different areas of the pitch on occasion, we are not just going to throw the ball into the box at every opportunity so his running of the channels and his technical ability are crucial in the way we want to play.
If losing/drawing -
Rodrigo for Lucas Moura 80 switch to 4-1-2-3, more direct, we have lightening pace up front so knock the balls into the channels and get the arsenal defence on the turn
------------------------Krul------------------------
Debuchy------Varane------Bonucci------Ricardo
----------------------Iturraspe---------------------
-----------------Pogba------Vidal------------------
Sanchez-----------------------------------Neymar
----------------------Benzema--------------------
Krul, Sciglio, Zouma, Guarin, Januzaj, Pereyra, Lacazette
In goal Krul, 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. When in possession he will carry the ball out and start attacks from the back. Varane alongside will mark any big men 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.
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 Pogba and Vidal either side of him Both extremely hard working lads who will get up and down the pitch helping both defence and attack. They sit as a threewith Vidal taking care of Schweinsteiger when he comes forward. They will break up play and get it moving forward, most likely Vidal to burst forward to assist Benzema. 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. He thrives with Pogba in the midfield and they will be no pushovers. Pogba is sort of mix of the two, can pass the ball about, defend the lines and also break forward. A very cool head for such a young lad. Look to pick up from Iturraspe and drive forward looking for more advanced passing to those in front of him or push forward with the ball with Vidal sitting jsut a bit behind.
Sanchez and Neymar are class. Both lightning quick with nimble feet which more often than not takes them passed the fullback, wether they knock it passed them and drive on or simple a quick turn, and there away. Will have fullbacks supporting them so this allows them to pass and cut inside where both are very useful. Give and go, wait for the return and go for goal, or look to drive into the box in support of Benzema. Neymar focusses more on the ttricks and twists to see him passed, whereas Sanchez likes to make the pass that gives him time to look for space for him to drive into and wait for the return. Both very dangerous and with support from there respective fullbacks we will be a danger out wide. When defending look to get back and stop there defenders becoming a threat. With Benzema as the middle man all three will drive at the
Benzema goes up top two good feet, will look to get into positions that he will become dangerous, in fact my front three 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 Benzema 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:- Sanchez (rigt) Neymar (left)
Corners:- Wingers
Subs:-
Losing -
70 Mins - Januzaj for Iturraspe, Januzaj LW, Neymar No.10 Free Role behind Benzema
80 Mins - Lacazette for Benzema
85 Mins - Ricardo to the left of a 3 man defence, Pereyra on for Debuchy, he goe RM, Sanchez up top with Lacazette 3412
Winning
80 Mins - Lacazette for Benzema straigh swap to run at defenders
85 Mins - Pereyra for Neymar, see it out
Drawing
70 Mins - Guarin for Pogba
80 Mins - Lacazette for Benzema
Swansea City v SOUTHAMPTON
Line Up:
Ospina
Srna Matip Inigo Robertson
Can
Valero Asamoah
Sam Huntelaar Hulk
Substitutes: Kitanov; De Silvestri; Naldo; Amavi; Benat; Barry; Lulic
Captain: Srna
Corners: Sam
Free Kicks: Hulk
Penalties: Huntelaar
Game plan:
Southampton have been on a bit of a slump recently that has put them back in the danger zone so the players know as well as anybody that this is a must win game for the club. With this in mind, we have set up to take the game straight to Swansea and to leave them battered and bruised.
We will be looking to play an organised unit when off the ball, covering space at the back well and pressing heavily when Swansea enter our half.
In attack, we will be looking to attack directly and with pace, utilising our two wing forwards to get at the Swansea full backs and look to score some goals. Our style will be at a high tempo and unrelenting and we will be looking to score as many goals as possible.
Team plan:
Ospina: Undoubtedly a good shot stopper; he will be looking to organise his back 4 so that there are never gaps to be exploited. Will be deployed as a sweeper keeper to mop up any loose balls behind.
Srna and Robertson: The primary role is to defend the flanks and to push any wingers back. Don’t let them race down the wings and don’t let them cut inside. Stand them up and be strong. Will be allowed to push forward in attack and will be looking to loop crosses in from deep.
Matip and Inigo: A more mobile partnership for us this week; both will be looking to play the ball out with their feet and will be easily comfortable in standing up their opponents. Matip will challenge in the air whilst Inigo mops up the pieces.
Can: Big things expected from him in Biglia’s absence. He will be expected to be strong and industrious – unrelenting in the tackle and controlling the midfield. He will sit deep to cover the back two and, when we are attacking, he will drop in to a CB role so that the centre backs can cover the flanks.
Valero and Asamoah: Valero will be our playmaker today – attempting to thread balls through the Swansea defence and looking to stretch play. In defence, he will be looking to disrupt play in the centre. Asamoah will be our engine; he will not stop running, being the link between defence and attack, and he is equally adept at putting in a crunching tackle and rushing forward with the ball at his feet.
Hulk and Sam: Both will be playing as wing forwards today. Whilst they will be expected to track Swansea’s full backs when we are on the back foot, their primary objective will be to rush forward and get goals. Both are very adept at getting in to scoring chances and so they will be given free roles to move along the back line and cause problems.
Huntelaar: Klaas will do what Klaas does best. He 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.
Substitutions:
65 minutes: Benat for Valero: Benat is better at through balls and is equally adept at recycling possession so this change should see us as a more dangerous attacking unit.
70 minutes: Lulic for Can: Asamoah will drop in to a DM role and Lulic will continue Asamoah’s role of being the engine of midfield.
75 minutes: Amavi for Robertson: Both have been very impressive both defensively and offensively and I have every confidence in Amavi’s ability to put in a solid performance in the last few minutes.
MANCHESTER UNITED v Wolves
Injuries: Karim Bellarabi, Pepe, Morgan Schneiderlin
Suspended: Ron Vlaar
----------------Buffon
Alves - Fazio - Vertonghen - Clichy
---------Khedira - Fabregas
-----Robben - Oscar - Cazorla
----------------Tevez
Subs: Zieler, Rafael, Evans, Rakitic, Barkley, Shaqiri, Dzeko
New manager, but we need to hit the ground running. Three league games without a win needs to be addressed, so I want us to take it to Wolves. Playing 4-2-3-1 but with attacking fullbacks, Robben and Cazorla as inverted wingers to get at the Wolves midfield and defence. I feel we can really get at the Wolves left back, with Robben cutting inside and Alves overlapping we should create bundles of chances down the Wolves left. In possession look to dictate play and frustrate Wolves.
Buffon - Distribute from the back to the fullbacks/CM's, stay in communication with your defence throughout, be wary of long range efforts and ensure you stay big for any one on ones. On occasion go long for Tevez.
Fazio/Vertonghen - Fazio to mark their striker, force him high up the pitch thus limiting his impact close to goal, and Vertonghen 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.
Alves/Clichy - Both of you to force the Wolves 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 Robben/Cazorla 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 Tevez and link with Oscar. You will need to track back very quickly to ensure we don't get caught on the break.
Khedira/Fabregas - Khedira the enforcer in midfield, assist the CB's in dealing with the Wolves 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. Fabregas is the box to box CM, also able to assist at DM but with more creativity, link the play between defence and attack. Remain composed throughout.
Oscar - 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 Robben and Cazorla on occasion to create confusion and leave space for your teammates to run into. Link with Robben, Cazorla, Tevez and Fabregas, look for Tevez 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.
Robben/Cazorla - Both playing out wide and both have the pace and trickery to beat the Wolves 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 Tevez with chances and also provide yourselves with chances. Link up with Oscar, and capitalise on the space Tevez's presence will create for you. Without the ball I expect you two to track back and assist your fullback.
Tevez - you will be expected to occupy the Wolves 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: Oscar, Cazorla and Tevez off, Rakitic, Shaqiri and Dzeko on. Switch to 4-5-1, Rakitic alongside Khedira and Fabregas in midfield, Shaqiri to LW with Robben at RW, Dzeko upfront. Look to counter attack.
If drawing: Khedira, Cazorla and Tevez off, Rakitic, Shaqiri and Dzeko on. Like for like changes, Dzeko upfront and Shaqiri LW, push forward for the win.
If losing: Khedira, Cazorla and Fazio off, Rakitic, Shaqiri and Dzeko on. Switch to a 3-2-3-2, Alves - Vertonghen - Clichy at the back, Rakitic and Fabregas in CM, Robben - Oscar - Shaqiri behind Tevez and Dzeko. Push for goals.
-----------------Szczęsny
Clyne----Subotic----Godin----Siquera
-----------------Strootman
------Henderson-------Parejo
------------------Pjanic
----------Higuain-----Suarez
Subs
Perin, Rojo, Uchida, Colback, Muniain, Mata, Alcacer
Overview
We are using the diamond formation today to get the most out of our defensive and offensive capabilities, pressing all over the pitch when we don't have the ball and looking to get our front 3 on the ball as much as possible when we have it.
Keeper
When distributing the ball, he should look to keep it simple and play the percentage pass. At crosses and set pieces, should look to punch rather than 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 provide the width down their respective sides, keeping the pitch as wide as possible to try and stretch the opposition defensive line.
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, Subotic will be the defender who looks to meet the striker looking to stifle his space and rush his decisions, with Godin making the covering run. When on the ball, if the opposition are giving them space to come out with the ball, then they should look to take it forward, if not, keep it simple and play it to a man in space and retain possession.
Centre Mids
Strootman will be sitting at the base of the diamond looking to create himself little pockets of space so he can get on the ball and keep the game ticking over, Henderson and Parejo will be playing more all round games looking to put themselves about, getting into space to get onto the ball and using their energy to make late runs and be an extra attacking presence.
When defending, Strootman will be looking to help out our full back if the ball is on one side of the pitch, otherwise just sitting infront of the back 4 keeping tabs on their number 10. Henderson and Parejo will both be looking to press in the middle third of the pitch, pressing the CMs as they are looking to control the ball to give them little time to move it on, as well as working with the strikers to limit the attacking presence of their full backs.
Attacking Midfielder
Pjanic should be looking to make himself available for a pass as much as possible, having a free role at the tip of the diamond, when we have the ball in the middle of the pitch, he should be looking to drift around the space between the DM and full backs and make them have to make decisions on who goes to him. He should also look to be 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.
Strikers
When attacking, Suarez will look to play a high energy game by being a willing runner down the channels and constantly drift around the defenders looking to get himself a bit of space enough for him to face the defenders and take them on. He should also use his knack of anticipating what the defenders are going to try and get the ball to fend them off and gain that crucial advantage to create a chance for himself or others. Higuain will be more looking to stay more central, so if 1 centre back drifts out of position to try and go to Pjanic/Suarez, he will be left with 1 defender between him and the goal. When defending, they will be the first line of defence, letting the CBs have the ball as much as they want, focusing instead of cutting off the passing lines to the full backs, working with Pjanic, the aim is to get their CB's/Keeper to play a long ball with us having a better chance to win the ball back there.
Set Pieces
Corners - Pjanic takes the corners, the CB's go into the box, the FBs stay back to prevent counters, the CB's, Higuain and Suarez 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. Parejo + Strootman take positions 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
68 mins - Colback for Pjanic - He gets involved in the pressing game, with us mostly sticking to counter attacking by keeping the 2 upfront forcing the opposition into making a choice as to wether to commit their fullbacks forward and risk the 2 on 2 situations.
85 + 87 Mins - Alcacer for Higuain and Muniain for Suarez - Fresh legs with the added element of running down the clock.
If Losing
68 Mins - Mata for Parejo - a more attacking option with Pjanic slotting into the CM position.
83 Mins - Alcacer for Higuain - Fresh legs upfront.
----------------------------Hugo Lloris
Carvajal----Marquinhos-------Mangala-------Marcelo
-------------Javi Martinez------Luka Modric
-Juan Cuadrado------Marek Hamsik--------Mario Gotze
----------------------Robert Lewandowski
Subs: Aurier, Sterling, Fernando, Nastasic, Coutinho, Lukaku, Immobile
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 Lew. 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. Mangala and Marq must be on hand to rescue any mistakes.
Mangala 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 Mangala covers his ass.
Carvajal 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 Marcelo 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. Carvajalers 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 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 + Fernando > Cuadrado:
-----------------Fernando--------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
----------------------------------------------------------------------
———————————————-Courtois
Howedes————Nkoulou---------------Terry———Moreno
----------------------Matuidi—————Nainngolan
Origi—————————————Rooney--------------Griezzman
----------------------------------Costa
Subs: Ryan, Kondogbia, Tielemans, R.Garcia, Hernandez, Thauvin, Praet
Captain: John Terry
Free Kicks: Antoine Griezzman
Corners: Antoine Griezzman
Penalties: Wayne Rooney
We set up in as a 4-5-1 looking to play with energy and control of possession, pressing them quickly into mistakes, closing off the space and slowing their tempo with fouls if needed whilst controlling possession and moving the ball at pace.
The front four close down with intense pressure, stopping the opposition back line being able to play the ball out into midfield, force them back to the keeper and long or wide to the FBs. Rooney and Costa close on the CBs whilst the two wide attacking midfielders squeeze inside and block the route to the midfield. FBs push up to force wingers back, leave them no space. If they do get it forward quickly, Matuidi and Nainngolan cover with a strong tackle and slow them down(foul if we have to).
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 forwards 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 from stage one they get the ball central we set up with two banks of four and the two forwards dropping in to press the deeper midfielders, if the midfielders get beyond those two they will have Matuidi and Nainngolan to get through. 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 Newcastle get numbers central. Keeping the lines tight allows us to squeeze the ball if they get it to the strikers. 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 Newcastle do, keep disciplined, wait for the chance to break.
When we have the ball we want to control the game with good possession, but not dallying on the ball, we have a lot of pace, power and flair in this team and we want that to reflect in our attacking play. 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, Rooney will usually look to come to the ball and use Costa and Griezzman/Origi 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 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, whilst we can also target Origi. Make use of these counters but also be more focused in possession, keep the ball circulating and don't give them easy ball possession.
Individual:
Courtois commands his area, collecting crosses and distributing quickly.
FBs tight to the CBs, don’t give Newcastles forwards space to play in, with the back four tight it allows them to cover each other if one is beaten.
Terry the physical presence to mark the striker, winning all the duels, Nkoulou cover his partner. Don’t allow them to have time and space to control the ball and link up.
Matuidi use his energy, close their midfielders down, especially the AM and break up attacking moves quickly. Nainngolan to be the lnk between it all, get the ball and move it into space. Dominate the midfield.
Front 4 = quick and adaptable. Work hard off the ball, attack with precision. Costa provides extra power, the other three the speed and vision. Link quickly, be clinical. Origi comes in to be more direct runner, force them backwards.
Subs:
If Winning: Kondogbia and Garcia for Origi and Nainngolan 70’, make the midfield more penetrable, we can match them formation wise if needed as Garcia gives us an adaptable player, bully them out of the game. Praet for Griezzman 80’ gives us a bit of extra control in midfield.
If Drawing: Thauvin for Origi 70’, add flair, run at them, stretch the game. Thielemans for Nainngolan 75’, like for like. Hernandez for Costa 80’, push forward and get balls into the box, Hernandez will be there.
If Losing: Garcia for Origi 65’, Garcia tuck in and we will go more direct, into Garcia and Costa and Rooney and Griezzman look for knock downs, Moreno push forward. Hernandez for Rooney 75, be the poacher. Thauvin for Moreno 80’, 3-5-2, provide some extra flair.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Sebastien Rode
Ramsey
Sergio Silva
----------------------Hart---------------------
Lahm-----Kompany----Boateng----Gibbs
------------------------------------------------
Reus------Busquets----Ramsey----AOC-
------------------------------------------------
--------------------Silva-------------------
-------------------Martinez-------------------
Substitutes:
Ben Foster
Alex Kolarov
Daley Blind
Aymeric Laporte
Ander Herrera
James Milner
Lukas Podolski
With the guranteed red card in our game, we set up attacking, looking to get an early goal and then we back our team to defend with our strong defence and midfield if a red card occurs. Generally we want to take the game to the opposition and look for that early goal, putting the opposition under pressure. With our main man out, we still look to use pace on the wings, stretching the opposition. Also we look to use Ramsey as our main attacking force from midfield with his powerful drives taking opposition out of the game. Finally, something what the opposition will be totally no expecting, is we have a powerful striker. We look to feed balls into him, and feed off him. This game we look to play Silva off Martinez, by this he will help drag opposition out of position with his clever and tricky moment. In conclusion we feel all this will add up to be too much for the opposition to control, the spaces creates should give us enough opportunities to score goals at least.
When we don’t have the ball, I want my players to rush the opposition and press them. We have the legs in midfield this year with the inclusions of reus, OX. Ox has a great engine and will not stop rushing opponents into mistakes. Ramsey will use his mere presence to his advantage. Also both reus and ox have amazing workrate, which will no doubt help our full backs. I want them up and down the pitch doing both duties.
Lahm and Gibbs 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.
Kompany and Boateng, A good mix of power, pace, aerial ability and composure on the ball, allows us to be commanding at the back and limit the amount of opportunities for the opposition. Both will control the back four and make sure everybody is doing their job correctly by using their excellent leadership skills. Kompany and Boateng will stay close to each other not allowing the opposition to open up space. Boateng looks to defend the first ball coming towards our defence, using his reading of the game to get there before the striker and clear, he'll use his great tackling to shut him down around the area and then look to get the ball back Kompany stays in position when Boateng does this covering the remaining space, he will be able to clear the second ball if it gets beyond Boateng.
Busquets and Ramsey will be our two deepest central midfielders. As usual Busquets holds while Ramsey plays box to box. Ramsey uses his amazing energy to track down opposition in pressing while also making late runs into the box. Busquets helps us tick over. Ramsey will also have more options in front of him since we are playing two strikers.
As mentioned Silva will play behind the striker. Although playing behind the striker, i want to have two strikers up top in comparison to only one. However just because we are the arsenal doesnt mean we do not defend therefore Silva WILL drop into the midfield when needed in order to retrieve the ball back. Also when Martinez has the ball, Silva looks to go close to him feeding off him causing havock to the opposition two centre backs.
Reus and AOC occupy both wings. When defending the come in a few yards tighting up the midfield, closing gaps. when attacking the hug the touchline, stretching the game. Both look to use their pace against the opposition. We feel this is where we may have an advantage over the opposition.
Martinez looks to hold the ball up, allowing Silva to feed off him. We will also have the option of playing the ball long to him. Also looks to use his burst of pace to get in behind.
IF RED CARD HAS HAPPENED TO US:
If losing 60mins:
Gibbs > Podolski
3-4-2
Ox--Bus--Ramsey--Pod
-----Reus--Jack
70mins:
apply above
80mins:
apply above
Busquets > Herrera
If drawing 75:
Gibbs > Herrera
3-5-1
Bus
Her Ram
Reus Jack Ox
If winning 70:
Reus > Blind - ox rw
Silva> Kolarov
4-5-1
IF RED CARD HAS HAPPENED TO OPPOSITION:
If losing 60mins:
Busquets > Herrera
full whack 4-4-2
70mins:
apply above
Gibbs > Kolarov
Boateng > Podolski. A goalscorer on the pitch.
3-4-3
80mins:
apply above
If drawing 65mins:
Busquets > Herrera
full whack 4-4-2
70mins:
apply above
Boateng > Podolski. A goalscorer on the pitch. Gibbs > Kolarov
3-4-3
80mins:
apply above
If winning 70mins:
Silva > Blind
Busquets...Blind
4-3-3-
75mins
Ramsey > Herrera
aply above
80
apply above two
RED CARD
immediate sub Silva off
if Silva red carded then no sub
if jackson red carded then Pod > Silva
GK Foster
RB Boateng to rb and Laporte on
cb Laporte
lb Kolarov on
Busquets red carded then blind on
Ramsey redcarded then Blind on
Podolski on if wi red carded, he will play lw
ASTON VILLA
4-2-3-1
_______________________Navas_______________________
Coleman________Mertesacker___Toprak____________Shaw
_______________Fernandinho____Kroos________________
Koke___________________Kagawa__________________Son
______________________Sturridge_____________________
SUBS: Begovic, Astori, Gustavo, Gerrard, De Bruyne, Vela, 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.
Mertesacker and Toprak:
Deals with opposition attackers. Toprak keeps an eye on their attacking midfielder when he gets close to the 18 yard line. Toprak will also mark their striker closely not allowing him space to turn. Toprak or Fernandinho will deal with knock-downs to their supporting player depending on who is closer. Mertesacker will try and win headers when long balls are played towards the back line. Mertesacker will also clean up any balls / players who manage to get past Toprak. Toprak 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.
Coleman and Shaw:
Coleman 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 Coleman will look to overlap Koke and run into the box. Coleman 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 Coleman gets forward during his rare forward runs Son will attempt to find him at the far post for Coleman 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 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 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, Toprak will be ready to chase back towards goal while Mertesacker 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.
-----------------------Cech
Piszczek------De Vrij--------Chiellini-----Bernat
----------- Bender--------Schwein
Willian------------Di Maria---------------Turan
---------------------Cavani
Subs: Cesar, Fernandez, Schmelzer, Clasie, Lavezzi, Jovetic, Arbeloa
Subs
65th Min Jovetic for Turan – Swap position with Di Maria
75th Min – Lavezzi for Di Maria
80th Min – Clasie for Schwein
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. Schwein 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 Schwein 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.
De Vrij 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.
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 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.
Captain: Schwein
Vice: Cech
FK: Willian
PK: Willian
CK: Willian
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Leicester City
Counter attacking 4-5-1/4-3-3.
Defending in numbers, in a compact 4-5-1. Song and Inler providing real strength in front of the defence in what is a powerful team.
In defence we will be tight and compact as a unit. When the opposition attack down one wing, the opposite fb and cb, tuck in, narrowing the back four.
The opposition wingers look to come inside. Force them out wide. With numbers, strength and height we are confident we can win balls that are played into the box from wide positions. Wingers get back following their fbs.
We will be direct going forward. Attacking with pace down the wings, and going long for Carroll, and looking for flick ons for the pace of El Sha and Mirallas to latch on to. Eriksen is key to our attacking play, looking for fast combination layoffs with the wingers and fbs.
Going forward we will play with lots of width. Using the great pace we have down the wings, with the full backs bombing forward.
Up top we want to utilise Carroll’s strengths, his strength and ability in the air. He has limited ability on the ball, however, he is possibly the best header of the ball in world football. Attack down the wings, and get balls into the box for him.
We also feel we can cause real problems from set pieces with the quality of delivery from Baines/Eriksen and the height and strength in the side.
-------------- Casillas
Danilo – Mustafi – Manolas – Baines
---------- A.Song -- Inler
------------- C.Eriksen
Mirallas ---------------------- El Sha
-------------- A.Carroll
Subs. Butland, W.Reid, Mings, Ramires, Gaitan, Chadli, Dybala
Defensive shape
We always seek to defend from our rigid formation.
When there dm’s come deep to get the ball, Carroll 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. The two defensive midfielders will defend deep in front of the back four. Ensuring there is no gaps in between the defence and midfield.
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.
One of Inler/Song drop in between defence and midfield, reading the play and sweeping up danger in between the lines. The other and Eriksen in cm. This shape ensures there is no space for Newcastle to work in. Push them in to areas where they can’t hurt us. When they get to areas where they can hurt us, crowd us out.
Both full backs get forward, with the two defensive midfielders offering protection to the back four.
Our fb’s up against their wide forwards are to drop off more and narrow the play so they can bide their time, waiting for the right time to make the tackle and not diving in. Push them down the line, they prefer to come inside, out wide we can block the cross. If he does manage to get past you, there’s a chance to stop the cross.
In defence we will be narrow, the opposition don’t have great width. We will force them into corners they can’t work in.
Attack
On each side the fbs and wingers offer great width, once we get into the final third, one of the fb/wg has license to come inside. Eriksen and one cm will always be seeking to link up with the wide players.
Simply get balls into the box for Carroll.
Hit Newcastle down the wings, the wingers and fbs look to double up on their fbs. Getting down the flanks, and putting balls in for Carroll. In the middle of the park, the midfield trio 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.
This ensures we have at least one dummy run, creating space and pulling Newcastle defenders out of position. Create the space to get the ball into the box.
Eriksen is the player we want linking up with the wide men, and then getting up to support Carroll.
Subs.
If winning after 70 mins bring Ramires on for Mirallas.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Reid for Eriksen and Chadli for El Sha. Ramires and Chadli offer fresh pace to support Carroll.
If drawing after 65 mins bring on Chadli for El Sha.
If drawing after 75 mins bring on Ramires for Eriksen. More defensive quality, and more pace, even more direct.
If drawing after 80 mins bring on Dybala for Mirallas.
If losing after 60 mins bring on Chadli for Eriksen and Dybala for Eriksen. 4-4-2. Direct.
If losing after 75 mins bring on Gaitan for Baines. 3-5-2.
ASTON VILLA
4-2-3-1
_______________________Navas______________________
Coleman________Mertesacker__Koscielny__________Shaw
_______________Fernandinho____Kroos________________
Koke___________________Rakitic__________________Son
______________________Sturridge____________________
SUBS: Begovic, Toprak, Gustavo, Kagawa, De Bruyne, Vela, Balotelli
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 Rakitic 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 - Rakitic
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.
Mertesacker 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. Mertesacker will try and win headers when long balls are played towards the back line. Mertesacker 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 Koke 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 / Rakitic, even going level with Rakitic 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, Rakitic 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. Rakitic 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 Zabaleta gets forward during his rare forward runs Son will attempt to find him at the far post for Zabaleta to knock the ball across goal for Sturridge Rakitic 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: Zabaleta OFF Gustavo ON
Gerrard replaces Zabaleta 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 Balotelli ON
Go 4-2-4 with Balotelli Sturridge centre Koke right Son left. Rakitic 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 Mertesacker 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 Balotelli change:
Whatever minute: Sturridge OFF Toprak ON
Whatever minute: Rakitic OFF Kagawa ON
They’re gonna pen us back whether we like it or not, so we will go 5-4-1 with Toprak slotting into a back 5. Koke will come into the centre along with Kroos with Son right and Kagawa left, Balotelli up front. Son will provide the counter attacking threat when we win the ball back and him and Balotelli 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.
oh dear forgot about the red
if the keeper gets sent off, sub rakitic for begovic and continue 4-4-1 more cautious but getting forward when we get the ball
if a cb/fb, sub in toprak for rakitic
if fernandinho, sub on gustavo for rakitic with gustavo slotting in to where fernandinho was
if kroos, no sub rakitic moves back
if wingers, vela comes on for rakitic
if rakitic then no change
if sturridge, rakitic goes off balo comes on
SOUTHAMPTON V Birmingham City
Line Up:
Ospina
Srna Inigo Vertonghen Robertson
Can Asamoah
Hulk Menez Costa
Huntelaar
Substitutes: Horn; Matip; Amavi; Cavanda; Ayew; Valero; Doumbia
Captain: Srna
Penalties: Huntelaar
Corners: Costa
Free Kicks: Hulk
Team Game Plan:
This home tie against Birmingham is an important game to stop the rot and to gain some much needed confidence with a positive result. With this in mind, we will be setting up to take the game to them as much as is possible with an industrious outlook to our style.
In defence, we will need to be at our absolute peak. We need to be organised at the back and our midfield must be never ending in its pursuit of the ball. It is imperative that we limit Birmingham’s possession as much as possible by playing an aggressive pressing game.
We must, also, be wary of the pace that Birmingham possesses. Therefore, we have set up with a pace filled back line that will sit fairly deep, whilst we have Can and Asamoah running the lines in front of them so that Birmingham cannot take advantage of any gaps between defence and midfield.
Due to the likelihood that we will be under pressure for large sections of the game, we have set up with three pacey attacking midfielders so that we can hit Birmingham on the break with impressive and decisive counter attacks. Hulk, Menez and Costa will all be looking to run at the defence and really cause them problems and their pace and attacking prowess will be devastating on a back line that is on the back foot.
Individual Game Plan:
Ospina: Undoubtedly a good shot stopper; he will be looking to organise his back 4 so that there are never gaps to be exploited. Will be deployed as a sweeper keeper to mop up any loose balls behind.
Srna and Robertson: The primary role is to defend the flanks and to push any wingers back. Don’t let them race down the wings and don’t let them cut inside. Stand them up and be strong. Will be allowed to push forward in attack and will be looking to loop crosses in from deep
Vertonghen and Inigo: Mobility is the key for this partnership; both will be looking to play the ball out with their feet and will be easily comfortable in standing up their opponents. One of the two will go up for the high balls with the other focussed on claiming that second ball.
Can and Asamoah: These two have the most important role in the team today. They must never stop running, they need to be all over the pitch – pressing the opposition and they need to be strong in the tackle to stop attacks before they can gain momentum. They need to cover from wing to wing and they also need to spring defence in to attack as quickly as possible to give us a chance.
Costa, Hulk, Menez: In defence, they will sit deep and look to track the runs of the wide men and central midfielders as they push up so that we aren’t outnumbered in our half. All three will be waiting for that moment when they can break (think Man Utd v Arsenal) style and work over every gap that Birmingham leave.
Huntelaar: Klaas will do what Klaas does best. He 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.
Substitutions:
70 minutes: Cavanda for Costa – Hulk goes left wing. Cavanda goes to the right to add more pace and more defensive ability.
75 minutes: Valero for Can – Fresh legs needed for the centre of the park and Valero’s passing ability could be key in unlocking the defence.
80 minutes: Doumbia for Huntelaar – With this sub, we are hoping that Doumbia’s pace will help us make our counters more effective as other players are tiring.
--------------------Perin
Clyne-----Godin-----Rojo-----Clichy
--------Henderson-----Parejo
Callejon----------Pjanic----------Nasri
------------------Higuain
Subs
Sczezney, Siquera, Vlaar, Geis, Mata, Iturbe, 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 to him, with Rojo concentrating on winning the 2nd ball. When the ball is on the floor, Rojo will be the defender who looks to meet the striker looking to stifle his space and rush his decisions, with Godin making the covering run. When on the ball, if the opposition are giving them space to come out with the ball, then they should look to take it forward, if not, keep it simple and play it to a man in space and retain possession.
Centre Mids
Parejo 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 into attacking positions. 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 keeping track of them 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, looking to pressurise the centre backs into making quick decisions.
Set Pieces
Corners - Nasri takes the corners, the CB's go into the box, the FB's 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. Pjanic and Parejo take positions just outside the box to pick up any weak defensive clearances and occasionally providing the short pass option to try and draw 2 defenders out of the box.
Free Kicks - Pjanic takes Direct FK's, with Nasri occasionally taking them as a 2nd option.
For Indirect FK's, follow the same directives for Corners
Penalties - Parejo is the designated taker.
Subs
If Winning
72 mins - Siquera for Nasri - 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.
Pjanic sits in alongside the 2 CM's.
85 + 87 Mins - Iturbe for Callejon and Geis for Parejo - Fresh legs with the added element of running down the clock.
If Losing
71 Mins - Alcacer and Vlaar for Clyne and Clichy - 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 - Mata for Henderson - more attacking option.
-----------------------Valdes------------------------
Montoya-----Jagielka-----Van Dijk-----Darmian
---------------------Wanyama----------------------
Montero-----Sissoko------Hojbjerg----Naismith
------------------------Bony-------------------------
Marshall, Smalling, Carrick, 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 Sissoko coming in for the injured McCarthy so this should not effect our tempo, 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 still 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.
Wanyama again in the DM role, a hard man to break done and very effective in the tackle 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. Sissoko 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 Sissoko I want to move up the pitch looking to support Bony. In Montero and Naismith we have two very quick wingers, especially Montero, 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, Sissoko 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 Sissoko, 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 Remy will come on for Naismith and Hojbjerg, play 4411 with Lallana on the left and Remy just off Bony on 70 Minutes
Cleverley for Montero 3 in the middle with Lallana behind Remy and Bony 4312 on 80
If we are WInning Carrick will come on for Hojbjerg and Lallana for Naismith on 70 Minutes
Remy for Bony on 80 Minutes
Drawing
Remy for Bony, Lallana for Naismith on 70 straight switches
Aston Villa v MANCHESTER UNITED
Injuries: Oguzhan Ozyakup, Santi Cazorla, Tonny Vilhena, Jan Oblak
-------------Buffon
Alves - Pepe - Subotic - Filipe
------Khedira - Fabregas
--Robben - Oscar - Brahimi
-------------Tevez
Subs: Zieler, Manquillo, Telles, Garay, Toulalan, Dzeko, Benteke
Very tough game today as Villa have some quality players in their side, however we have the players to hurt them and cause them real problems. Playing our usual system and looking to build on last week's victory. The defence is improved on last week with Pepe back from injury and Subotic joining the side, one forced change out wide as Brahimi replaces the injured Cazorla. I want us to absorb the pressure from Villa and look to hurt them on the break, we have the fullbacks to accompany the wingers in attack as long as they track back. I feel we can get a lot of joy targetting Luke Shaw as Robben can look to cut inside while Dani Alves overlaps, this should be a great source of chances for us today.
Buffon - Distribute from the back to the fullbacks/CM's, stay in communication with your defence throughout, be wary of long range efforts and ensure you stay big for any one on ones. On occasion go long for Tevez.
Pepe/Subotic - Subotic to mark their striker, force him high up the pitch thus limiting his impact close to goal, and Pepe 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.
Alves/Filipe - Both of you to force the Villa 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 Robben/Brahimi 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 Tevez and link with Oscar. You will need to track back very quickly to ensure we don't get caught on the break.
Khedira/Fabregas - Khedira the enforcer in midfield, assist the CB's in dealing with the Villa 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. Fabregas is the box to box CM, also able to assist at DM but with more creativity, link the play between defence and attack. Remain composed throughout.
Oscar - 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 Robben and Brahimi on occasion to create confusion and leave space for your teammates to run into. Link with Robben, Brahimi, Tevez and Fabregas, look for Tevez 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.
Robben/Brahimi - Both playing out wide and both have the pace and trickery to beat the Villa 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 Tevez with chances and also provide yourselves with chances. Link up with Oscar, and capitalise on the space Tevez's presence will create for you. Without the ball I expect you two to track back and assist your fullback.
Tevez - you will be expected to occupy the Villa 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.
Red card, change to 4-4-1:
Buffon - Zieler for Oscar
Alves - Manquillo for Oscar
Filipe - Telles for Oscar
Pepe/Subotic - Garay for Oscar
Khedira/Fabregas - Toulalan for Oscar
Oscar - No change
Robben - Oscar to RW
Brahimi - Oscar to LW
Tevez - Benteke for Oscar
Subs 70 mins:
If winning: Toulalan for Oscar, Benteke for Tevez, switch to 4-5-1 and absorb pressure before hitting on the break.
If drawing: Benteke for Brahimi, Benteke to centre forward, Tevez to left forward with Robben right forward, don't overcommit but push for the win.
If losing: Dzeko for Pepe, Benteke for Brahimi, Switch to 3-1-4-2 with Khedira holding, Fabregas pushes further forward with Oscar, Tevez out wide and Benteke and Dzeko upfront. Fullbacks to push forward and push for goals.
Kivrak
Richards Schar Okore Criscito
L.Leiva F.Delph
Navas Sneijder Drmic
Llorente
Schmeical, Van Rhijn, Capoue, Lampard, Hernanes, P.Cisse, Kiessling
Kivrak - 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.
Okore/Schar - Okore to mark their striker, force him high up the pitch thus limiting his impact close to goal, and Schar 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.
Richards/Criscito - Both of you to force the opp 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/Drmic 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.
Lucas and Delph in the heart of midfield - Lucas the enforcer in midfield, assist the CB's in dealing with there 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. Delph is the box to box CM, 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 there 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 drmic on occasion to create confusion and leave space for your teammates to run into. Link with Navas, Drmic, Delph, Llorente, look for Doumbia 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/Drmic - Both playing out wide and both have the pace and trickery to beat there 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 Llorentes 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 there 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.
Captain - Sneijder
Free Kicks - Sneijder
Pens - Llorente
Corners - Wingers
Subs
Losing
70 Mins - P.Cisse for Drmic
80 Mins - Kiessling for Delph 442, Lampard for Sneijder
Winning
70 Mins - Lampard for Sneijder
80 Mins Kiessling for Llorente
-----------------------Neuer-----------------------
Debuchy------Varane------Bonucci------Ricardo
----------------------Iturraspe---------------------
-----------------Pogba------Vidal------------------
Sanchez-----------------------------------Neymar
----------------------Benzema---------------------
Krul, Sciglio, Pirlo, Guarin, Januzaj, Lacazette, Berahino
In goal Neuer, for me the best Goalkeeper there is, 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. When in possession he will carry the ball out and start attacks from the back. Varane alongside will mark any big men 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.
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 Pogba and Vidal either side of him Both extremely hard working lads who will get up and down the pitch helping both defence and attack. They sit as a threewith Vidal taking care of Schweinsteiger when he comes forward. They will break up play and get it moving forward, most likely Vidal to burst forward to assist Benzema 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. He thrives with Pogba in the midfield and they will be no pushovers. Pogba is sort of mix of the two, can pass the ball about, defend the lines and also break forward. A very cool head for such a young lad. Look to pick up from Iturraspe and drive forward looking for more advanced passing to those in front of him or push forward with the ball with Vidal sitting jsut a bit behind.
Sanchez and Neymar are class. Both lightning quick with nimble feet which more often than not takes them passed the fullback, wether they knock it passed them and drive on or simple a quick turn, and there away. Will have fullbacks supporting them so this allows them to pass and cut inside where both are very useful. Give and go, wait for the return and go for goal, or look to drive into the box in support of Benzema. Neymar focusses more on the ttricks and twists to see him passed, whereas Sanchez likes to make the pass that gives him time to look for space for him to drive into and wait for the return. Both very dangerous and with support from there respective fullbacks we will be a danger out wide. When defending look to get back and stop there defenders becoming a threat. With Benzema as the middle man all three will drive at Man City who just have conceded 5 at Villa will be at an all time low in confidence, so there to be gotr at.
Benzema goes up top two good feet, will look to get into positions that he will become dangerous, in fact my front three 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 Benzema 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
Pens - Sanchez
Free Kicks - Neymar
Corners - Wingers
Subs -
Losing -
70 Mins - Lacazette for Pogba, he will sit just off Benzema 4231
80 Mins - Guarin for Iturraspe more forward driv in the centre
85 Mins - Berahino for Debuchy up top with Benzema 3 at the back
Winning
80 Mins - Pirlo for Pogba a cool head in the middle of the pitch
85 -Mins - Lacazette for Benzema
Drawing
70 Mins - Lacazette for Benzema, Guarin for Pogba
Muslera
Lichtsteiner Alderweireld Lovren Schmelzer
Schneiderlin H.Herrera
Shaqiri Mkhitaryan Mertens
Mandzukic
Ochoa, Fazio, Besic, Jese, Volland, Sam, Pelle
..
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 they come forward. Lovren 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 Shaqiri and Mertens. Drive at their defence and look to get the ball in to the front two or look for Mertens and Shaqiri 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 Schneiderlin and Herrera to protect the defence as already said we have two attacking FBs so they just sit in and stop the attacking players dictating the play, will be tough am sure but position properly, Schneiderlin from the two will pick up the AM and Herrera 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 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 Mandzukic 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 Mandy 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 Mandy
When they have the ball I want all 3 AMs to get back and creat a solid wall of 5.
Mandzukic 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.
Captain - Mkhitaryan
Pens - Mandzukic
Free kicks - Mkhitaryan
Corners - Wingers
Subs:-
Losing -
70 Mins - Jese for Mertens
75 Mins - Pelle for Herrera 442
Winning
75 Mins - Besic for Herrera
80 Mins - Pelle for Mandzukic
-----------------------Cech
Piszczek------De Vrij--------Chiellini-----Bernat
----------- Bender--------Schwein
Willian------------Di Maria---------------Turan
---------------------Cavani
Subs: Cesar, De Vrij, Ansaldi, Clasie, Lavezzi, Milik, Montolivo
Subs
65th Min Lavezzi for Turan – Swap position with Di Maria
75th Min – Montolivo for Di Maria - swap position with schwein
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. Schwein 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 Schwein 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.
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 Kuba 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, Kuba 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.
Captain: Schwein
Vice: Cech
FK: Di Maria
PK: Di Maria
CK: Di Maria
----------------------Foster---------------------
---Lahm------Laporte----Martins Indi-----Gibbs
------------------------------------------------------
--------------YayaToure---Blind---------------
----------------------------------------------------
-------Reus----------Silva--------Ronaldo
-------------------------------------------------
----------------------Aguero--------------------
Subs
Thomas Vermaelan
Aaron Ramsey
Ander Herrera
James Milner
Jackson Martinez
Lukas Podolski
Joel Campbelll
--------------------------------------------------------
SUBS
--------------------------------------------------------
IF WINNING
70' - Reus > Milner - Freshen up wing and also more defensive solidity
Silva > Herrera - Sits alongside Blind with Yaya Toure further forward.
80' Ronaldo > Podolski - (apply above also)
IF DRAWING
70' Blind > Milner
80' Silva > Martinez (apply above two also)
IF LOSING
60' Blind > Ramsey
80' Blind > Ramsey. Indi > Martinez, Reus > Podolski (Ronaldo rw) 3-5-2
-----------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------
We must win this game. We feel Swansea 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.
Foster 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 Gibbs 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.
Indi and Laporte, 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. Indi and Laporte will stay close to each other not allowing the opposition to open up space. Laporte 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 Indi stays in position when Laporte does this covering the remaining space, he will be able to clear the second ball if it gets beyond Laporte.
Blind and Yaya Toure will be our two deepest central midfielders. As usual Blind holds while Yaya Toure plays box to box. Yaya Toure uses his amazing energy to track down opposition in pressing while also making late runs intothe box. Blind helps us tick over.
Silva - 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.
————————————-Courtois
Corchia————Nkoulou---------------Terry———Azpilicueta
----------------------Matic—————Nainngolan
Candreva————————Rooney--------------Griezzman
----------------------------------Costa
Subs: Ryan, Kondogbia, Matuidi, R.Garcia, Hernandez, Thauvin, Origi
Captain: John Terry
Free Kicks: Antoine Griezzman
Corners: Antoine Griezzman
Penalties: Wayne Rooney
We set up in as a 4-5-1 looking to play with energy and control of possession, pressing them quickly into mistakes, closing off the space and slowing their tempo with fouls if needed whilst controlling possession and moving the ball at pace.
The front four close down with intense pressure, stopping the opposition back line being able to play the ball out into midfield, force them back to the keeper and long or wide to the FBs. Rooney and Costa close on the CBs whilst the two wide attacking midfielders squeeze inside and block the route to the midfield. FBs push up to force wingers back, leave them no space. If they do get it forward quickly, Matic and Nainngolan cover with a strong tackle and slow them down(foul if we have to).
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 forwards 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 from stage one they get the ball central we set up with two banks of four and the two forwards dropping in to press the deeper midfielders, if the midfielders get beyond those two they will have Matic and Nainngolan to get through. 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 Wolves get numbers central. Keeping the lines tight allows us to squeeze the ball if they get it to the strikers. 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 Wolves do, keep disciplined, wait for the chance to break.
When we have the ball we want to control the game with good possession, but not dallying on the ball, we have a lot of pace, power and flair in this team and we want that to reflect in our attacking play. 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, Rooney will usually look to come to the ball and use Costa and Griezzma 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 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 these counters but also be more focused in possession, keep the ball circulating and don't give them easy ball possession.
Individual:
Courtois commands his area, collecting crosses and distributing quickly.
FBs tight to the CBs, don’t give Wolves forwards space to play in, with the back four tight it allows them to cover each other if one is beaten.
Terry the physical presence to mark the striker, winning all the duels, Nkoulou cover his partner. Don’t allow them to have time and space to control the ball and link up.
Matic use his energy, close their midfielders down, especially the AM and break up attacking moves quickly. Nainngolan to be the link between it all, get the ball and move it into space. Dominate the midfield.
Candreva to provide the energy on the wing, pressing quickly and working very hard as well as providing plenty of width. His work rate frees the other attackers up slightly. Griezzman on the other side will be the flair man, running inside and out, getting crosses in and getting into goal scoring positions.
Rooney will be the main creator, looking for quick passes, one twos, movement in to space, he will work off of Costa too. Costa the complete forward, movement, skill, pace and goals galore, get into the positions for people to pick him out.
Subs:
If Winning: Matuidi and Garcia for Nainngolan and Griezzman 70', come on and help overpower the Wolves midfield to keep us in complete control. Kondogbia for Costa 80', Rooney upfront, Kondogbia holding midfield, control the game.
If Drawing: Origi for Candreva 65', more direct running and goal threat. Garcia for Rooney 70', if possession isn't providing anything, Garcia will come on and we will look to be more direct, put balls into the box and use the power of Garcia, Costa and Origi. Griezzman and Corchia must provide width. Hernandez for Nainngolan 80', poacher, 4-4-2 with Garcia making runs from CM, and getting in the box as we go route 1.
If Losing: Origi for Candreva 65', direct attacker. Hernandez and Thauvin for Corchia and Nainngolan 75', attack them with everything we have:
Courtois
N'Koulou Terry Azpilicueta
Matic Rooney
Origi Thauvin Griezzman
Hernandez Costa
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Tactics
Page 12 of 24
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posted on 5/12/14
Leicester City vs Manchester C
Balanced 4-2-3-1
At home, we have gone with a side that we feel can control possession. City have a fantastic attack and defence, however we feel we have quality in the centre of the park that can win the midfield battle. In addition, injuries have hit them badly in attack and seek to take advantage today.
Importantly, we have a side that will set up in a strong defensive unit. Arteta comes into the centre of midfield for his ability to read the game, next to Inler they will form a solid base to our side. Arteta’s composure on the ball and ability to play long balls will also add greatly to our play as he seeks to spread the play and control the game.
We start the game with a high intensity and be direct going forward. Looking to put City on the backfoot from the off. We will press high up the pitch, playing with a high tempo in possession.
We keep this intensity for roughly 25 minutes. We won’t allow City to settle. From this point we will seek to be more patient and deliberate in possession.
Keep ball and build patiently, keeping the opposition on the backfoot and having them chase us, tire them and break them down. The opposition defence likes to defend deep, this will allow us to patiently build attacks and dominate possession.
In the second half we will inject fresh energy, and put a further emphasis on attack.
----------------- J.Diba
Richards – Mustafi – Reid – Baines
------------ Arteta -- Inler
Ramires ---- C.Eriksen ----- Chadli
--------------- K.Mirallas
Subs. Kaya, Sahin, Delph, Gaitan, Ljajic, Young, Giroud
Defend in numbers, in a compact and rigid formation, forcing the opposition into areas where they can’t hurt us. In these areas we will seek to crowd them out.
In defence we will be narrow, the opposition don’t have great width. We will force them into corners they can’t work in.
The formation will be fluid in attack. On each side one fb/wg keeps the width, the other has license to come inside. Eriksen and one cm will always be seeking to link up with the wide players. Eriksen is key to our attacking play, looking for fast combination layoffs with the wide men and cms.
Generally short passes out from defence, to the fbs or cm will look to pick up the ball. 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. Primarily Baines is the fb that gets forward, Richards remains in a back three. .
This ensures we have at least one dummy run, creating space and pulling City 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 one of our players in the box.
Defensive shape
Our main defence will be keeping the ball, patient in possession the opposition can’t hurt us without it. When they do have possession, ensure it’s in areas that can’t hurt us.
We always seek to defend from our rigid formation. In the first 25 mins, this means the front four will press. In a 4-3-3 formation, one of the four drops deep to cm, and the other three press the opposition high up the pitch, narrowing the play. As the game progresses we will defend deeper in the 4-2-3-1 formation.
When there dm’s come deep to get the ball, Mirallas 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.
The defence will ensure that as City advance further up the park, the line drops deep so there is no space in behind. As City advance into higher areas of the park and into our half, our shape will resemble a 4-1-4-1.
Arteta drops in between defence and midfield, reading the play and sweeping up danger in between the lines. Inler and Eriksen in cm. This shape ensures that when one of our midfielders do press we will still always have 4 midfielders behind, to cover.
Reid offers leadership in the back four, he seeks to dominate their central forward.
One full backs get forward at a time. The other stays in line with Inler, ready to break forward. Guarding against counters, allows us to get players back if possession changes quickly.
Our fb’s up against their wide forwards are to drop off more and narrow the play so they can bide their time, waiting for the right time to make the tackle and not diving in. Push them down the line, they prefer to come inside, out wide we can block the cross. If he does manage to get past you, there’s a chance to stop the cross.
Attack
As above, we seek to put City under intense pressure early on and then seeking to take advantage of their deep defence, by dominating possession and patiently building attacks.
As the game progresses into the second half we will seek to put more emphasis on the attack bringing on Delph and Ljaic.
We will also prove to take advantage of set pieces. Eriksen and Baines both have great delivery, and with the likes of Richards, Reid and Mustafi getting forward we feel we carry a great threat here.
Subs.
After 65 mins bring on Delph for Arteta and Ljajic for Ramires. Fresh energy in the middle of the park, and a greater attacking down the right where Ljajic has been impressing recently.
This will allow us to be more direct in our attacking play.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Young for Chaldi. Pace will be important at this stage of the game, while Young also offers greater defensive cover shown by his recent performances at lb.
If drawing after 75 mins bring on Giroud for Mirallas. Super sub as he has been recently as we press for winner.
If losing after 70 mins bring on Giroud for Inler. 4-4-2. Eriksen cm with Delph. Super sub comes on as we seek to grab an equaliser and a winner.
posted on 5/12/14
Birmingham City v EVERTON
Injuries: Martin Skrtel, Frank Lampard, Fernando Llorente, Domenico Criscito
-----------------Schmeichel
Manquillo - Vidic - Schär - Van Aanholt
--------------Capoue - Song
--------Navas - Sneijder - Bernard
-------------------Doumbia
Subs: Ruddy, Jenkinson, Ogbonna, Herrera, Hernanes, Ayew, Wickham
Birmingham are a tough side to play against but we have the side to compete and the players to cause them genuine problems. Matching them like for like with a 4-2-3-1. Same defence, a very solid midfield pairing of Capoue and Song, one solid DM and one box to box CM who is equally capable of filling in at DM if necessary. Navas and Bernard on the wings, their job will be to get down the outside of the Birmingham fullbacks and get crosses in, or cut inside to allow our fullbacks to overlap. Providing Doumbia 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 Doumbia.
Vidic/Schar - Vidic to mark their striker, force him high up the pitch thus limiting his impact close to goal, and Schar 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/Van Aanholt - Both of you to force the Birmingham 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 Doumbia and link with Sneijder. You will need to track back very quickly to ensure we don't get caught on the break.
Capoue/Song - Capoue the enforcer in midfield, assist the CB's in dealing with the Birmingham 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. Song is the box to box CM, 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 Birmingham 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, Doumbia and Song, look for Doumbia 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 Birmingham 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 Doumbia with chances and also provide yourselves with chances. Link up with Sneijder, and capitalise on the space Doumbia's presence will create for you. Without the ball I expect you two to track back and assist your fullback.
Doumbia - you will be expected to occupy the Birmingham 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 and Bernard off, Hernanes and Ayew on. Hernanes partners Capoue and Song 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 Birmingham on the break.
If drawing: Bernard, Song and Sneijder off, Ayew, Herrera and Hernanes on. Same system, big injection of pace against the tiring Birmingham defence. Herrera more creative in CM, Hernanes fresh legs at AM. Look to get the winner without overcommitting.
If losing: Capoue and Song off, Hernanes and Wickham on. Switch from 4-2-3-1 to an attacking 4-4-2 with attacking fullbacks, Hernanes and Sneijder at CM, Wickham and Doumbia upfront. Manquillo and Van Aanholt will be overlapping so utilise them and their runs. Bombard the Birmingham defence and get crosses into the area. Push for goals.
posted on 5/12/14
Tactics vs Arsenal
----------------------------------Scuffet--------------------------------
Juanfran---------Benatia-------------Miranda--------Alex Sandro
---------------------Witsel-------Marchisio----------------------
Walcott----------------Rodriguez-------------------L.Moura
-----------------------------Aubameyang--------------------------
Game plan: our plan today is to go at Arsenal from the off, they're missing the best player in the world and the best CF in the world in Ronaldo and Aguero. We're experimenting with a new team and system and will be looking to express ourselves and continue our good form. We will look to press high up the pitch, Successful pressing is dependant on group understanding, collective perception of ball, opponent and team mate, and a massive amount of hunger and desire to have the ball. It isn’t possible to press for 90 minutes. We will have to pick our times wisely in order to do it successfully. If our players are tracking back or not close enough to the ball it isn't sensible to press the ball, we will look to capitalise on poor passes by the opposition or when a player is facing his own goal or has his head down when receiving the ball, at these times to opposition player does not have a full view of the pitch and cannot pick a forward pass.
In possession we will have many lines of players in order to create easy triangles for the players on the ball, the player on the ball should always have at least 2 passing options, the full backs will also go forward creating an almost 3-4-3(2-3-2-3)formation when in possession, this reverts to a 5-4-1 formation when we lose possession.
In possession
-------------Benatia-------------------------Miranda----------
Juanfran---------------------Witsel------------------Alex Sandro
--------------------Marchsio-----------Rodriguez-----------------
Walcott------------------------------------------------L.Moura
--------------------------Aubameyang -------------------------------
out of possession
Juanfran------Benatia-------------Miranda--------Sandro
---------------------Witsel---------Marchisio--------------------
Walcott--------------------James-------------------Lucas
-----------------------------Aubameyang-----------------------------
Scuffet: very young, but a fantastic goalkeeper, excellent shot stopper and very confident coming off his line, will look to release the ball quickly in order to start attacks, when he gets the ball the full backs will push forward and the centre backs will spread out offering themselves for the pass, will only go long if there is no other option.
Defence: as has been spoken about in the game plan section, the full backs will look to push up the field when we are in possession creating the multiple lines across the pitch which is the basis of our possession philosophy. The central defenders will look to stay close to one another when out of possession, the full backs will also tuck in leaving little room in the centre of the pitch, while the midfield and attack will cover the defence of the wide areas, this is not the specific job of one player as we are playing in a fluid system, it will be whoever is available to do the job at that point in time. Benatia and Miranda are to talk to each other constantly and be wary of the movement of the arsenal forwards, but they will not be sucked out of position, Witsel and Marchisio will be providing cover in front of the back 4, so if the CF wants to drop off, the CB's are to hold their position and communicate to Witsel and Marchisio that they have an extra man to watch.
Midfield and Attack: Witsel will by and large stay in position in the holding role in the midfield. He will look to snuff out space for the opposition attacking players, and always be available for a pass when we are in possession. The 4 players in front of Axel will play very fluidly, and as has already been stated they will look to press the opposition when the time is right, all 4 possess good pace and stamina and are able to get up and down the pitch.
Marchisio will get up and down the pitch throughout, has terrific energy and is very creative and can carry the ball, will look to move the ball quickly, as will the whole team, we will play with a high tempo throughout the game not giving Arsenal any breathing space.
James will look to find space in possession, whether that means moving wide or into the gaps between the lines, he has the ability to run at the opposition and take the opportunity to shoot and link with Aubameyang, Walcott and Lucas who will bomb forward and provide an outlet in the wide areas. We will look to get James on the ball as much as possible as he is our most creative players. He will have a lot of freedom to roam and find space throughout the match.
Aubameyang will play as the centre forward for us today, his pace, movement and energy suits the change in the way we are going to play, he will look to roam across the pitch, dragging defenders out of position which will leave space for the other attackers and our midfield to benefit from, as stated previously in the tactics he is part of the fluid front 4 we are playing with today so will pop in different areas of the pitch on occasion, we are not just going to throw the ball into the box at every opportunity so his running of the channels and his technical ability are crucial in the way we want to play.
If losing/drawing -
Rodrigo for Lucas Moura 80 switch to 4-1-2-3, more direct, we have lightening pace up front so knock the balls into the channels and get the arsenal defence on the turn
posted on 6/12/14
------------------------Krul------------------------
Debuchy------Varane------Bonucci------Ricardo
----------------------Iturraspe---------------------
-----------------Pogba------Vidal------------------
Sanchez-----------------------------------Neymar
----------------------Benzema--------------------
Krul, Sciglio, Zouma, Guarin, Januzaj, Pereyra, Lacazette
In goal Krul, 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. When in possession he will carry the ball out and start attacks from the back. Varane alongside will mark any big men 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.
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 Pogba and Vidal either side of him Both extremely hard working lads who will get up and down the pitch helping both defence and attack. They sit as a threewith Vidal taking care of Schweinsteiger when he comes forward. They will break up play and get it moving forward, most likely Vidal to burst forward to assist Benzema. 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. He thrives with Pogba in the midfield and they will be no pushovers. Pogba is sort of mix of the two, can pass the ball about, defend the lines and also break forward. A very cool head for such a young lad. Look to pick up from Iturraspe and drive forward looking for more advanced passing to those in front of him or push forward with the ball with Vidal sitting jsut a bit behind.
Sanchez and Neymar are class. Both lightning quick with nimble feet which more often than not takes them passed the fullback, wether they knock it passed them and drive on or simple a quick turn, and there away. Will have fullbacks supporting them so this allows them to pass and cut inside where both are very useful. Give and go, wait for the return and go for goal, or look to drive into the box in support of Benzema. Neymar focusses more on the ttricks and twists to see him passed, whereas Sanchez likes to make the pass that gives him time to look for space for him to drive into and wait for the return. Both very dangerous and with support from there respective fullbacks we will be a danger out wide. When defending look to get back and stop there defenders becoming a threat. With Benzema as the middle man all three will drive at the
Benzema goes up top two good feet, will look to get into positions that he will become dangerous, in fact my front three 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 Benzema 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:- Sanchez (rigt) Neymar (left)
Corners:- Wingers
Subs:-
Losing -
70 Mins - Januzaj for Iturraspe, Januzaj LW, Neymar No.10 Free Role behind Benzema
80 Mins - Lacazette for Benzema
85 Mins - Ricardo to the left of a 3 man defence, Pereyra on for Debuchy, he goe RM, Sanchez up top with Lacazette 3412
Winning
80 Mins - Lacazette for Benzema straigh swap to run at defenders
85 Mins - Pereyra for Neymar, see it out
Drawing
70 Mins - Guarin for Pogba
80 Mins - Lacazette for Benzema
posted on 6/12/14
Swansea City v SOUTHAMPTON
Line Up:
Ospina
Srna Matip Inigo Robertson
Can
Valero Asamoah
Sam Huntelaar Hulk
Substitutes: Kitanov; De Silvestri; Naldo; Amavi; Benat; Barry; Lulic
Captain: Srna
Corners: Sam
Free Kicks: Hulk
Penalties: Huntelaar
Game plan:
Southampton have been on a bit of a slump recently that has put them back in the danger zone so the players know as well as anybody that this is a must win game for the club. With this in mind, we have set up to take the game straight to Swansea and to leave them battered and bruised.
We will be looking to play an organised unit when off the ball, covering space at the back well and pressing heavily when Swansea enter our half.
In attack, we will be looking to attack directly and with pace, utilising our two wing forwards to get at the Swansea full backs and look to score some goals. Our style will be at a high tempo and unrelenting and we will be looking to score as many goals as possible.
Team plan:
Ospina: Undoubtedly a good shot stopper; he will be looking to organise his back 4 so that there are never gaps to be exploited. Will be deployed as a sweeper keeper to mop up any loose balls behind.
Srna and Robertson: The primary role is to defend the flanks and to push any wingers back. Don’t let them race down the wings and don’t let them cut inside. Stand them up and be strong. Will be allowed to push forward in attack and will be looking to loop crosses in from deep.
Matip and Inigo: A more mobile partnership for us this week; both will be looking to play the ball out with their feet and will be easily comfortable in standing up their opponents. Matip will challenge in the air whilst Inigo mops up the pieces.
Can: Big things expected from him in Biglia’s absence. He will be expected to be strong and industrious – unrelenting in the tackle and controlling the midfield. He will sit deep to cover the back two and, when we are attacking, he will drop in to a CB role so that the centre backs can cover the flanks.
Valero and Asamoah: Valero will be our playmaker today – attempting to thread balls through the Swansea defence and looking to stretch play. In defence, he will be looking to disrupt play in the centre. Asamoah will be our engine; he will not stop running, being the link between defence and attack, and he is equally adept at putting in a crunching tackle and rushing forward with the ball at his feet.
Hulk and Sam: Both will be playing as wing forwards today. Whilst they will be expected to track Swansea’s full backs when we are on the back foot, their primary objective will be to rush forward and get goals. Both are very adept at getting in to scoring chances and so they will be given free roles to move along the back line and cause problems.
Huntelaar: Klaas will do what Klaas does best. He 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.
Substitutions:
65 minutes: Benat for Valero: Benat is better at through balls and is equally adept at recycling possession so this change should see us as a more dangerous attacking unit.
70 minutes: Lulic for Can: Asamoah will drop in to a DM role and Lulic will continue Asamoah’s role of being the engine of midfield.
75 minutes: Amavi for Robertson: Both have been very impressive both defensively and offensively and I have every confidence in Amavi’s ability to put in a solid performance in the last few minutes.
posted on 6/12/14
MANCHESTER UNITED v Wolves
Injuries: Karim Bellarabi, Pepe, Morgan Schneiderlin
Suspended: Ron Vlaar
----------------Buffon
Alves - Fazio - Vertonghen - Clichy
---------Khedira - Fabregas
-----Robben - Oscar - Cazorla
----------------Tevez
Subs: Zieler, Rafael, Evans, Rakitic, Barkley, Shaqiri, Dzeko
New manager, but we need to hit the ground running. Three league games without a win needs to be addressed, so I want us to take it to Wolves. Playing 4-2-3-1 but with attacking fullbacks, Robben and Cazorla as inverted wingers to get at the Wolves midfield and defence. I feel we can really get at the Wolves left back, with Robben cutting inside and Alves overlapping we should create bundles of chances down the Wolves left. In possession look to dictate play and frustrate Wolves.
Buffon - Distribute from the back to the fullbacks/CM's, stay in communication with your defence throughout, be wary of long range efforts and ensure you stay big for any one on ones. On occasion go long for Tevez.
Fazio/Vertonghen - Fazio to mark their striker, force him high up the pitch thus limiting his impact close to goal, and Vertonghen 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.
Alves/Clichy - Both of you to force the Wolves 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 Robben/Cazorla 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 Tevez and link with Oscar. You will need to track back very quickly to ensure we don't get caught on the break.
Khedira/Fabregas - Khedira the enforcer in midfield, assist the CB's in dealing with the Wolves 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. Fabregas is the box to box CM, also able to assist at DM but with more creativity, link the play between defence and attack. Remain composed throughout.
Oscar - 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 Robben and Cazorla on occasion to create confusion and leave space for your teammates to run into. Link with Robben, Cazorla, Tevez and Fabregas, look for Tevez 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.
Robben/Cazorla - Both playing out wide and both have the pace and trickery to beat the Wolves 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 Tevez with chances and also provide yourselves with chances. Link up with Oscar, and capitalise on the space Tevez's presence will create for you. Without the ball I expect you two to track back and assist your fullback.
Tevez - you will be expected to occupy the Wolves 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: Oscar, Cazorla and Tevez off, Rakitic, Shaqiri and Dzeko on. Switch to 4-5-1, Rakitic alongside Khedira and Fabregas in midfield, Shaqiri to LW with Robben at RW, Dzeko upfront. Look to counter attack.
If drawing: Khedira, Cazorla and Tevez off, Rakitic, Shaqiri and Dzeko on. Like for like changes, Dzeko upfront and Shaqiri LW, push forward for the win.
If losing: Khedira, Cazorla and Fazio off, Rakitic, Shaqiri and Dzeko on. Switch to a 3-2-3-2, Alves - Vertonghen - Clichy at the back, Rakitic and Fabregas in CM, Robben - Oscar - Shaqiri behind Tevez and Dzeko. Push for goals.
posted on 6/12/14
-----------------Szczęsny
Clyne----Subotic----Godin----Siquera
-----------------Strootman
------Henderson-------Parejo
------------------Pjanic
----------Higuain-----Suarez
Subs
Perin, Rojo, Uchida, Colback, Muniain, Mata, Alcacer
Overview
We are using the diamond formation today to get the most out of our defensive and offensive capabilities, pressing all over the pitch when we don't have the ball and looking to get our front 3 on the ball as much as possible when we have it.
Keeper
When distributing the ball, he should look to keep it simple and play the percentage pass. At crosses and set pieces, should look to punch rather than 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 provide the width down their respective sides, keeping the pitch as wide as possible to try and stretch the opposition defensive line.
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, Subotic will be the defender who looks to meet the striker looking to stifle his space and rush his decisions, with Godin making the covering run. When on the ball, if the opposition are giving them space to come out with the ball, then they should look to take it forward, if not, keep it simple and play it to a man in space and retain possession.
Centre Mids
Strootman will be sitting at the base of the diamond looking to create himself little pockets of space so he can get on the ball and keep the game ticking over, Henderson and Parejo will be playing more all round games looking to put themselves about, getting into space to get onto the ball and using their energy to make late runs and be an extra attacking presence.
When defending, Strootman will be looking to help out our full back if the ball is on one side of the pitch, otherwise just sitting infront of the back 4 keeping tabs on their number 10. Henderson and Parejo will both be looking to press in the middle third of the pitch, pressing the CMs as they are looking to control the ball to give them little time to move it on, as well as working with the strikers to limit the attacking presence of their full backs.
Attacking Midfielder
Pjanic should be looking to make himself available for a pass as much as possible, having a free role at the tip of the diamond, when we have the ball in the middle of the pitch, he should be looking to drift around the space between the DM and full backs and make them have to make decisions on who goes to him. He should also look to be 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.
Strikers
When attacking, Suarez will look to play a high energy game by being a willing runner down the channels and constantly drift around the defenders looking to get himself a bit of space enough for him to face the defenders and take them on. He should also use his knack of anticipating what the defenders are going to try and get the ball to fend them off and gain that crucial advantage to create a chance for himself or others. Higuain will be more looking to stay more central, so if 1 centre back drifts out of position to try and go to Pjanic/Suarez, he will be left with 1 defender between him and the goal. When defending, they will be the first line of defence, letting the CBs have the ball as much as they want, focusing instead of cutting off the passing lines to the full backs, working with Pjanic, the aim is to get their CB's/Keeper to play a long ball with us having a better chance to win the ball back there.
Set Pieces
Corners - Pjanic takes the corners, the CB's go into the box, the FBs stay back to prevent counters, the CB's, Higuain and Suarez 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. Parejo + Strootman take positions 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
68 mins - Colback for Pjanic - He gets involved in the pressing game, with us mostly sticking to counter attacking by keeping the 2 upfront forcing the opposition into making a choice as to wether to commit their fullbacks forward and risk the 2 on 2 situations.
85 + 87 Mins - Alcacer for Higuain and Muniain for Suarez - Fresh legs with the added element of running down the clock.
If Losing
68 Mins - Mata for Parejo - a more attacking option with Pjanic slotting into the CM position.
83 Mins - Alcacer for Higuain - Fresh legs upfront.
posted on 6/12/14
----------------------------Hugo Lloris
Carvajal----Marquinhos-------Mangala-------Marcelo
-------------Javi Martinez------Luka Modric
-Juan Cuadrado------Marek Hamsik--------Mario Gotze
----------------------Robert Lewandowski
Subs: Aurier, Sterling, Fernando, Nastasic, Coutinho, Lukaku, Immobile
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 Lew. 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. Mangala and Marq must be on hand to rescue any mistakes.
Mangala 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 Mangala covers his ass.
Carvajal 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 Marcelo 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. Carvajalers 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 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 + Fernando > Cuadrado:
-----------------Fernando--------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
----------------------------------------------------------------------
posted on 6/12/14
———————————————-Courtois
Howedes————Nkoulou---------------Terry———Moreno
----------------------Matuidi—————Nainngolan
Origi—————————————Rooney--------------Griezzman
----------------------------------Costa
Subs: Ryan, Kondogbia, Tielemans, R.Garcia, Hernandez, Thauvin, Praet
Captain: John Terry
Free Kicks: Antoine Griezzman
Corners: Antoine Griezzman
Penalties: Wayne Rooney
We set up in as a 4-5-1 looking to play with energy and control of possession, pressing them quickly into mistakes, closing off the space and slowing their tempo with fouls if needed whilst controlling possession and moving the ball at pace.
The front four close down with intense pressure, stopping the opposition back line being able to play the ball out into midfield, force them back to the keeper and long or wide to the FBs. Rooney and Costa close on the CBs whilst the two wide attacking midfielders squeeze inside and block the route to the midfield. FBs push up to force wingers back, leave them no space. If they do get it forward quickly, Matuidi and Nainngolan cover with a strong tackle and slow them down(foul if we have to).
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 forwards 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 from stage one they get the ball central we set up with two banks of four and the two forwards dropping in to press the deeper midfielders, if the midfielders get beyond those two they will have Matuidi and Nainngolan to get through. 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 Newcastle get numbers central. Keeping the lines tight allows us to squeeze the ball if they get it to the strikers. 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 Newcastle do, keep disciplined, wait for the chance to break.
When we have the ball we want to control the game with good possession, but not dallying on the ball, we have a lot of pace, power and flair in this team and we want that to reflect in our attacking play. 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, Rooney will usually look to come to the ball and use Costa and Griezzman/Origi 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 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, whilst we can also target Origi. Make use of these counters but also be more focused in possession, keep the ball circulating and don't give them easy ball possession.
Individual:
Courtois commands his area, collecting crosses and distributing quickly.
FBs tight to the CBs, don’t give Newcastles forwards space to play in, with the back four tight it allows them to cover each other if one is beaten.
Terry the physical presence to mark the striker, winning all the duels, Nkoulou cover his partner. Don’t allow them to have time and space to control the ball and link up.
Matuidi use his energy, close their midfielders down, especially the AM and break up attacking moves quickly. Nainngolan to be the lnk between it all, get the ball and move it into space. Dominate the midfield.
Front 4 = quick and adaptable. Work hard off the ball, attack with precision. Costa provides extra power, the other three the speed and vision. Link quickly, be clinical. Origi comes in to be more direct runner, force them backwards.
Subs:
If Winning: Kondogbia and Garcia for Origi and Nainngolan 70’, make the midfield more penetrable, we can match them formation wise if needed as Garcia gives us an adaptable player, bully them out of the game. Praet for Griezzman 80’ gives us a bit of extra control in midfield.
If Drawing: Thauvin for Origi 70’, add flair, run at them, stretch the game. Thielemans for Nainngolan 75’, like for like. Hernandez for Costa 80’, push forward and get balls into the box, Hernandez will be there.
If Losing: Garcia for Origi 65’, Garcia tuck in and we will go more direct, into Garcia and Costa and Rooney and Griezzman look for knock downs, Moreno push forward. Hernandez for Rooney 75, be the poacher. Thauvin for Moreno 80’, 3-5-2, provide some extra flair.
posted on 6/12/14
Cristiano Ronaldo
Sebastien Rode
Ramsey
Sergio Silva
----------------------Hart---------------------
Lahm-----Kompany----Boateng----Gibbs
------------------------------------------------
Reus------Busquets----Ramsey----AOC-
------------------------------------------------
--------------------Silva-------------------
-------------------Martinez-------------------
Substitutes:
Ben Foster
Alex Kolarov
Daley Blind
Aymeric Laporte
Ander Herrera
James Milner
Lukas Podolski
With the guranteed red card in our game, we set up attacking, looking to get an early goal and then we back our team to defend with our strong defence and midfield if a red card occurs. Generally we want to take the game to the opposition and look for that early goal, putting the opposition under pressure. With our main man out, we still look to use pace on the wings, stretching the opposition. Also we look to use Ramsey as our main attacking force from midfield with his powerful drives taking opposition out of the game. Finally, something what the opposition will be totally no expecting, is we have a powerful striker. We look to feed balls into him, and feed off him. This game we look to play Silva off Martinez, by this he will help drag opposition out of position with his clever and tricky moment. In conclusion we feel all this will add up to be too much for the opposition to control, the spaces creates should give us enough opportunities to score goals at least.
When we don’t have the ball, I want my players to rush the opposition and press them. We have the legs in midfield this year with the inclusions of reus, OX. Ox has a great engine and will not stop rushing opponents into mistakes. Ramsey will use his mere presence to his advantage. Also both reus and ox have amazing workrate, which will no doubt help our full backs. I want them up and down the pitch doing both duties.
Lahm and Gibbs 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.
Kompany and Boateng, A good mix of power, pace, aerial ability and composure on the ball, allows us to be commanding at the back and limit the amount of opportunities for the opposition. Both will control the back four and make sure everybody is doing their job correctly by using their excellent leadership skills. Kompany and Boateng will stay close to each other not allowing the opposition to open up space. Boateng looks to defend the first ball coming towards our defence, using his reading of the game to get there before the striker and clear, he'll use his great tackling to shut him down around the area and then look to get the ball back Kompany stays in position when Boateng does this covering the remaining space, he will be able to clear the second ball if it gets beyond Boateng.
Busquets and Ramsey will be our two deepest central midfielders. As usual Busquets holds while Ramsey plays box to box. Ramsey uses his amazing energy to track down opposition in pressing while also making late runs into the box. Busquets helps us tick over. Ramsey will also have more options in front of him since we are playing two strikers.
As mentioned Silva will play behind the striker. Although playing behind the striker, i want to have two strikers up top in comparison to only one. However just because we are the arsenal doesnt mean we do not defend therefore Silva WILL drop into the midfield when needed in order to retrieve the ball back. Also when Martinez has the ball, Silva looks to go close to him feeding off him causing havock to the opposition two centre backs.
Reus and AOC occupy both wings. When defending the come in a few yards tighting up the midfield, closing gaps. when attacking the hug the touchline, stretching the game. Both look to use their pace against the opposition. We feel this is where we may have an advantage over the opposition.
Martinez looks to hold the ball up, allowing Silva to feed off him. We will also have the option of playing the ball long to him. Also looks to use his burst of pace to get in behind.
IF RED CARD HAS HAPPENED TO US:
If losing 60mins:
Gibbs > Podolski
3-4-2
Ox--Bus--Ramsey--Pod
-----Reus--Jack
70mins:
apply above
80mins:
apply above
Busquets > Herrera
If drawing 75:
Gibbs > Herrera
3-5-1
Bus
Her Ram
Reus Jack Ox
If winning 70:
Reus > Blind - ox rw
Silva> Kolarov
4-5-1
IF RED CARD HAS HAPPENED TO OPPOSITION:
If losing 60mins:
Busquets > Herrera
full whack 4-4-2
70mins:
apply above
Gibbs > Kolarov
Boateng > Podolski. A goalscorer on the pitch.
3-4-3
80mins:
apply above
If drawing 65mins:
Busquets > Herrera
full whack 4-4-2
70mins:
apply above
Boateng > Podolski. A goalscorer on the pitch. Gibbs > Kolarov
3-4-3
80mins:
apply above
If winning 70mins:
Silva > Blind
Busquets...Blind
4-3-3-
75mins
Ramsey > Herrera
aply above
80
apply above two
RED CARD
immediate sub Silva off
if Silva red carded then no sub
if jackson red carded then Pod > Silva
GK Foster
RB Boateng to rb and Laporte on
cb Laporte
lb Kolarov on
Busquets red carded then blind on
Ramsey redcarded then Blind on
Podolski on if wi red carded, he will play lw
posted on 6/12/14
ASTON VILLA
4-2-3-1
_______________________Navas_______________________
Coleman________Mertesacker___Toprak____________Shaw
_______________Fernandinho____Kroos________________
Koke___________________Kagawa__________________Son
______________________Sturridge_____________________
SUBS: Begovic, Astori, Gustavo, Gerrard, De Bruyne, Vela, 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.
Mertesacker and Toprak:
Deals with opposition attackers. Toprak keeps an eye on their attacking midfielder when he gets close to the 18 yard line. Toprak will also mark their striker closely not allowing him space to turn. Toprak or Fernandinho will deal with knock-downs to their supporting player depending on who is closer. Mertesacker will try and win headers when long balls are played towards the back line. Mertesacker will also clean up any balls / players who manage to get past Toprak. Toprak 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.
Coleman and Shaw:
Coleman 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 Coleman will look to overlap Koke and run into the box. Coleman 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 Coleman gets forward during his rare forward runs Son will attempt to find him at the far post for Coleman 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 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 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, Toprak will be ready to chase back towards goal while Mertesacker 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.
posted on 6/12/14
-----------------------Cech
Piszczek------De Vrij--------Chiellini-----Bernat
----------- Bender--------Schwein
Willian------------Di Maria---------------Turan
---------------------Cavani
Subs: Cesar, Fernandez, Schmelzer, Clasie, Lavezzi, Jovetic, Arbeloa
Subs
65th Min Jovetic for Turan – Swap position with Di Maria
75th Min – Lavezzi for Di Maria
80th Min – Clasie for Schwein
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. Schwein 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 Schwein 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.
De Vrij 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.
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 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.
Captain: Schwein
Vice: Cech
FK: Willian
PK: Willian
CK: Willian
----------------------------------------------------------------------
posted on 11/12/14
Leicester City
Counter attacking 4-5-1/4-3-3.
Defending in numbers, in a compact 4-5-1. Song and Inler providing real strength in front of the defence in what is a powerful team.
In defence we will be tight and compact as a unit. When the opposition attack down one wing, the opposite fb and cb, tuck in, narrowing the back four.
The opposition wingers look to come inside. Force them out wide. With numbers, strength and height we are confident we can win balls that are played into the box from wide positions. Wingers get back following their fbs.
We will be direct going forward. Attacking with pace down the wings, and going long for Carroll, and looking for flick ons for the pace of El Sha and Mirallas to latch on to. Eriksen is key to our attacking play, looking for fast combination layoffs with the wingers and fbs.
Going forward we will play with lots of width. Using the great pace we have down the wings, with the full backs bombing forward.
Up top we want to utilise Carroll’s strengths, his strength and ability in the air. He has limited ability on the ball, however, he is possibly the best header of the ball in world football. Attack down the wings, and get balls into the box for him.
We also feel we can cause real problems from set pieces with the quality of delivery from Baines/Eriksen and the height and strength in the side.
-------------- Casillas
Danilo – Mustafi – Manolas – Baines
---------- A.Song -- Inler
------------- C.Eriksen
Mirallas ---------------------- El Sha
-------------- A.Carroll
Subs. Butland, W.Reid, Mings, Ramires, Gaitan, Chadli, Dybala
Defensive shape
We always seek to defend from our rigid formation.
When there dm’s come deep to get the ball, Carroll 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. The two defensive midfielders will defend deep in front of the back four. Ensuring there is no gaps in between the defence and midfield.
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.
One of Inler/Song drop in between defence and midfield, reading the play and sweeping up danger in between the lines. The other and Eriksen in cm. This shape ensures there is no space for Newcastle to work in. Push them in to areas where they can’t hurt us. When they get to areas where they can hurt us, crowd us out.
Both full backs get forward, with the two defensive midfielders offering protection to the back four.
Our fb’s up against their wide forwards are to drop off more and narrow the play so they can bide their time, waiting for the right time to make the tackle and not diving in. Push them down the line, they prefer to come inside, out wide we can block the cross. If he does manage to get past you, there’s a chance to stop the cross.
In defence we will be narrow, the opposition don’t have great width. We will force them into corners they can’t work in.
Attack
On each side the fbs and wingers offer great width, once we get into the final third, one of the fb/wg has license to come inside. Eriksen and one cm will always be seeking to link up with the wide players.
Simply get balls into the box for Carroll.
Hit Newcastle down the wings, the wingers and fbs look to double up on their fbs. Getting down the flanks, and putting balls in for Carroll. In the middle of the park, the midfield trio 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.
This ensures we have at least one dummy run, creating space and pulling Newcastle defenders out of position. Create the space to get the ball into the box.
Eriksen is the player we want linking up with the wide men, and then getting up to support Carroll.
Subs.
If winning after 70 mins bring Ramires on for Mirallas.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Reid for Eriksen and Chadli for El Sha. Ramires and Chadli offer fresh pace to support Carroll.
If drawing after 65 mins bring on Chadli for El Sha.
If drawing after 75 mins bring on Ramires for Eriksen. More defensive quality, and more pace, even more direct.
If drawing after 80 mins bring on Dybala for Mirallas.
If losing after 60 mins bring on Chadli for Eriksen and Dybala for Eriksen. 4-4-2. Direct.
If losing after 75 mins bring on Gaitan for Baines. 3-5-2.
posted on 12/12/14
ASTON VILLA
4-2-3-1
_______________________Navas______________________
Coleman________Mertesacker__Koscielny__________Shaw
_______________Fernandinho____Kroos________________
Koke___________________Rakitic__________________Son
______________________Sturridge____________________
SUBS: Begovic, Toprak, Gustavo, Kagawa, De Bruyne, Vela, Balotelli
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 Rakitic 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 - Rakitic
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.
Mertesacker 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. Mertesacker will try and win headers when long balls are played towards the back line. Mertesacker 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 Koke 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 / Rakitic, even going level with Rakitic 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, Rakitic 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. Rakitic 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 Zabaleta gets forward during his rare forward runs Son will attempt to find him at the far post for Zabaleta to knock the ball across goal for Sturridge Rakitic 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: Zabaleta OFF Gustavo ON
Gerrard replaces Zabaleta 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 Balotelli ON
Go 4-2-4 with Balotelli Sturridge centre Koke right Son left. Rakitic 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 Mertesacker 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 Balotelli change:
Whatever minute: Sturridge OFF Toprak ON
Whatever minute: Rakitic OFF Kagawa ON
They’re gonna pen us back whether we like it or not, so we will go 5-4-1 with Toprak slotting into a back 5. Koke will come into the centre along with Kroos with Son right and Kagawa left, Balotelli up front. Son will provide the counter attacking threat when we win the ball back and him and Balotelli 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.
posted on 12/12/14
oh dear forgot about the red
if the keeper gets sent off, sub rakitic for begovic and continue 4-4-1 more cautious but getting forward when we get the ball
if a cb/fb, sub in toprak for rakitic
if fernandinho, sub on gustavo for rakitic with gustavo slotting in to where fernandinho was
if kroos, no sub rakitic moves back
if wingers, vela comes on for rakitic
if rakitic then no change
if sturridge, rakitic goes off balo comes on
posted on 12/12/14
SOUTHAMPTON V Birmingham City
Line Up:
Ospina
Srna Inigo Vertonghen Robertson
Can Asamoah
Hulk Menez Costa
Huntelaar
Substitutes: Horn; Matip; Amavi; Cavanda; Ayew; Valero; Doumbia
Captain: Srna
Penalties: Huntelaar
Corners: Costa
Free Kicks: Hulk
Team Game Plan:
This home tie against Birmingham is an important game to stop the rot and to gain some much needed confidence with a positive result. With this in mind, we will be setting up to take the game to them as much as is possible with an industrious outlook to our style.
In defence, we will need to be at our absolute peak. We need to be organised at the back and our midfield must be never ending in its pursuit of the ball. It is imperative that we limit Birmingham’s possession as much as possible by playing an aggressive pressing game.
We must, also, be wary of the pace that Birmingham possesses. Therefore, we have set up with a pace filled back line that will sit fairly deep, whilst we have Can and Asamoah running the lines in front of them so that Birmingham cannot take advantage of any gaps between defence and midfield.
Due to the likelihood that we will be under pressure for large sections of the game, we have set up with three pacey attacking midfielders so that we can hit Birmingham on the break with impressive and decisive counter attacks. Hulk, Menez and Costa will all be looking to run at the defence and really cause them problems and their pace and attacking prowess will be devastating on a back line that is on the back foot.
Individual Game Plan:
Ospina: Undoubtedly a good shot stopper; he will be looking to organise his back 4 so that there are never gaps to be exploited. Will be deployed as a sweeper keeper to mop up any loose balls behind.
Srna and Robertson: The primary role is to defend the flanks and to push any wingers back. Don’t let them race down the wings and don’t let them cut inside. Stand them up and be strong. Will be allowed to push forward in attack and will be looking to loop crosses in from deep
Vertonghen and Inigo: Mobility is the key for this partnership; both will be looking to play the ball out with their feet and will be easily comfortable in standing up their opponents. One of the two will go up for the high balls with the other focussed on claiming that second ball.
Can and Asamoah: These two have the most important role in the team today. They must never stop running, they need to be all over the pitch – pressing the opposition and they need to be strong in the tackle to stop attacks before they can gain momentum. They need to cover from wing to wing and they also need to spring defence in to attack as quickly as possible to give us a chance.
Costa, Hulk, Menez: In defence, they will sit deep and look to track the runs of the wide men and central midfielders as they push up so that we aren’t outnumbered in our half. All three will be waiting for that moment when they can break (think Man Utd v Arsenal) style and work over every gap that Birmingham leave.
Huntelaar: Klaas will do what Klaas does best. He 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.
Substitutions:
70 minutes: Cavanda for Costa – Hulk goes left wing. Cavanda goes to the right to add more pace and more defensive ability.
75 minutes: Valero for Can – Fresh legs needed for the centre of the park and Valero’s passing ability could be key in unlocking the defence.
80 minutes: Doumbia for Huntelaar – With this sub, we are hoping that Doumbia’s pace will help us make our counters more effective as other players are tiring.
posted on 12/12/14
--------------------Perin
Clyne-----Godin-----Rojo-----Clichy
--------Henderson-----Parejo
Callejon----------Pjanic----------Nasri
------------------Higuain
Subs
Sczezney, Siquera, Vlaar, Geis, Mata, Iturbe, 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 to him, with Rojo concentrating on winning the 2nd ball. When the ball is on the floor, Rojo will be the defender who looks to meet the striker looking to stifle his space and rush his decisions, with Godin making the covering run. When on the ball, if the opposition are giving them space to come out with the ball, then they should look to take it forward, if not, keep it simple and play it to a man in space and retain possession.
Centre Mids
Parejo 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 into attacking positions. 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 keeping track of them 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, looking to pressurise the centre backs into making quick decisions.
Set Pieces
Corners - Nasri takes the corners, the CB's go into the box, the FB's 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. Pjanic and Parejo take positions just outside the box to pick up any weak defensive clearances and occasionally providing the short pass option to try and draw 2 defenders out of the box.
Free Kicks - Pjanic takes Direct FK's, with Nasri occasionally taking them as a 2nd option.
For Indirect FK's, follow the same directives for Corners
Penalties - Parejo is the designated taker.
Subs
If Winning
72 mins - Siquera for Nasri - 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. Pjanic sits in alongside the 2 CM's.
85 + 87 Mins - Iturbe for Callejon and Geis for Parejo - Fresh legs with the added element of running down the clock.
If Losing
71 Mins - Alcacer and Vlaar for Clyne and Clichy - 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 - Mata for Henderson - more attacking option.
posted on 12/12/14
-----------------------Valdes------------------------
Montoya-----Jagielka-----Van Dijk-----Darmian
---------------------Wanyama----------------------
Montero-----Sissoko------Hojbjerg----Naismith
------------------------Bony-------------------------
Marshall, Smalling, Carrick, 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 Sissoko coming in for the injured McCarthy so this should not effect our tempo, 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 still 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.
Wanyama again in the DM role, a hard man to break done and very effective in the tackle 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. Sissoko 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 Sissoko I want to move up the pitch looking to support Bony. In Montero and Naismith we have two very quick wingers, especially Montero, 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, Sissoko 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 Sissoko, 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 Remy will come on for Naismith and Hojbjerg, play 4411 with Lallana on the left and Remy just off Bony on 70 Minutes
Cleverley for Montero 3 in the middle with Lallana behind Remy and Bony 4312 on 80
If we are WInning Carrick will come on for Hojbjerg and Lallana for Naismith on 70 Minutes
Remy for Bony on 80 Minutes
Drawing
Remy for Bony, Lallana for Naismith on 70 straight switches
posted on 12/12/14
Aston Villa v MANCHESTER UNITED
Injuries: Oguzhan Ozyakup, Santi Cazorla, Tonny Vilhena, Jan Oblak
-------------Buffon
Alves - Pepe - Subotic - Filipe
------Khedira - Fabregas
--Robben - Oscar - Brahimi
-------------Tevez
Subs: Zieler, Manquillo, Telles, Garay, Toulalan, Dzeko, Benteke
Very tough game today as Villa have some quality players in their side, however we have the players to hurt them and cause them real problems. Playing our usual system and looking to build on last week's victory. The defence is improved on last week with Pepe back from injury and Subotic joining the side, one forced change out wide as Brahimi replaces the injured Cazorla. I want us to absorb the pressure from Villa and look to hurt them on the break, we have the fullbacks to accompany the wingers in attack as long as they track back. I feel we can get a lot of joy targetting Luke Shaw as Robben can look to cut inside while Dani Alves overlaps, this should be a great source of chances for us today.
Buffon - Distribute from the back to the fullbacks/CM's, stay in communication with your defence throughout, be wary of long range efforts and ensure you stay big for any one on ones. On occasion go long for Tevez.
Pepe/Subotic - Subotic to mark their striker, force him high up the pitch thus limiting his impact close to goal, and Pepe 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.
Alves/Filipe - Both of you to force the Villa 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 Robben/Brahimi 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 Tevez and link with Oscar. You will need to track back very quickly to ensure we don't get caught on the break.
Khedira/Fabregas - Khedira the enforcer in midfield, assist the CB's in dealing with the Villa 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. Fabregas is the box to box CM, also able to assist at DM but with more creativity, link the play between defence and attack. Remain composed throughout.
Oscar - 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 Robben and Brahimi on occasion to create confusion and leave space for your teammates to run into. Link with Robben, Brahimi, Tevez and Fabregas, look for Tevez 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.
Robben/Brahimi - Both playing out wide and both have the pace and trickery to beat the Villa 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 Tevez with chances and also provide yourselves with chances. Link up with Oscar, and capitalise on the space Tevez's presence will create for you. Without the ball I expect you two to track back and assist your fullback.
Tevez - you will be expected to occupy the Villa 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.
Red card, change to 4-4-1:
Buffon - Zieler for Oscar
Alves - Manquillo for Oscar
Filipe - Telles for Oscar
Pepe/Subotic - Garay for Oscar
Khedira/Fabregas - Toulalan for Oscar
Oscar - No change
Robben - Oscar to RW
Brahimi - Oscar to LW
Tevez - Benteke for Oscar
Subs 70 mins:
If winning: Toulalan for Oscar, Benteke for Tevez, switch to 4-5-1 and absorb pressure before hitting on the break.
If drawing: Benteke for Brahimi, Benteke to centre forward, Tevez to left forward with Robben right forward, don't overcommit but push for the win.
If losing: Dzeko for Pepe, Benteke for Brahimi, Switch to 3-1-4-2 with Khedira holding, Fabregas pushes further forward with Oscar, Tevez out wide and Benteke and Dzeko upfront. Fullbacks to push forward and push for goals.
posted on 12/12/14
Kivrak
Richards Schar Okore Criscito
L.Leiva F.Delph
Navas Sneijder Drmic
Llorente
Schmeical, Van Rhijn, Capoue, Lampard, Hernanes, P.Cisse, Kiessling
Kivrak - 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.
Okore/Schar - Okore to mark their striker, force him high up the pitch thus limiting his impact close to goal, and Schar 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.
Richards/Criscito - Both of you to force the opp 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/Drmic 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.
Lucas and Delph in the heart of midfield - Lucas the enforcer in midfield, assist the CB's in dealing with there 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. Delph is the box to box CM, 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 there 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 drmic on occasion to create confusion and leave space for your teammates to run into. Link with Navas, Drmic, Delph, Llorente, look for Doumbia 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/Drmic - Both playing out wide and both have the pace and trickery to beat there 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 Llorentes 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 there 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.
Captain - Sneijder
Free Kicks - Sneijder
Pens - Llorente
Corners - Wingers
Subs
Losing
70 Mins - P.Cisse for Drmic
80 Mins - Kiessling for Delph 442, Lampard for Sneijder
Winning
70 Mins - Lampard for Sneijder
80 Mins Kiessling for Llorente
posted on 12/12/14
-----------------------Neuer-----------------------
Debuchy------Varane------Bonucci------Ricardo
----------------------Iturraspe---------------------
-----------------Pogba------Vidal------------------
Sanchez-----------------------------------Neymar
----------------------Benzema---------------------
Krul, Sciglio, Pirlo, Guarin, Januzaj, Lacazette, Berahino
In goal Neuer, for me the best Goalkeeper there is, 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. When in possession he will carry the ball out and start attacks from the back. Varane alongside will mark any big men 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.
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 Pogba and Vidal either side of him Both extremely hard working lads who will get up and down the pitch helping both defence and attack. They sit as a threewith Vidal taking care of Schweinsteiger when he comes forward. They will break up play and get it moving forward, most likely Vidal to burst forward to assist Benzema 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. He thrives with Pogba in the midfield and they will be no pushovers. Pogba is sort of mix of the two, can pass the ball about, defend the lines and also break forward. A very cool head for such a young lad. Look to pick up from Iturraspe and drive forward looking for more advanced passing to those in front of him or push forward with the ball with Vidal sitting jsut a bit behind.
Sanchez and Neymar are class. Both lightning quick with nimble feet which more often than not takes them passed the fullback, wether they knock it passed them and drive on or simple a quick turn, and there away. Will have fullbacks supporting them so this allows them to pass and cut inside where both are very useful. Give and go, wait for the return and go for goal, or look to drive into the box in support of Benzema. Neymar focusses more on the ttricks and twists to see him passed, whereas Sanchez likes to make the pass that gives him time to look for space for him to drive into and wait for the return. Both very dangerous and with support from there respective fullbacks we will be a danger out wide. When defending look to get back and stop there defenders becoming a threat. With Benzema as the middle man all three will drive at Man City who just have conceded 5 at Villa will be at an all time low in confidence, so there to be gotr at.
Benzema goes up top two good feet, will look to get into positions that he will become dangerous, in fact my front three 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 Benzema 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
Pens - Sanchez
Free Kicks - Neymar
Corners - Wingers
Subs -
Losing -
70 Mins - Lacazette for Pogba, he will sit just off Benzema 4231
80 Mins - Guarin for Iturraspe more forward driv in the centre
85 Mins - Berahino for Debuchy up top with Benzema 3 at the back
Winning
80 Mins - Pirlo for Pogba a cool head in the middle of the pitch
85 -Mins - Lacazette for Benzema
Drawing
70 Mins - Lacazette for Benzema, Guarin for Pogba
posted on 12/12/14
Muslera
Lichtsteiner Alderweireld Lovren Schmelzer
Schneiderlin H.Herrera
Shaqiri Mkhitaryan Mertens
Mandzukic
Ochoa, Fazio, Besic, Jese, Volland, Sam, Pelle
..
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 they come forward. Lovren 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 Shaqiri and Mertens. Drive at their defence and look to get the ball in to the front two or look for Mertens and Shaqiri 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 Schneiderlin and Herrera to protect the defence as already said we have two attacking FBs so they just sit in and stop the attacking players dictating the play, will be tough am sure but position properly, Schneiderlin from the two will pick up the AM and Herrera 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 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 Mandzukic 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 Mandy 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 Mandy
When they have the ball I want all 3 AMs to get back and creat a solid wall of 5.
Mandzukic 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.
Captain - Mkhitaryan
Pens - Mandzukic
Free kicks - Mkhitaryan
Corners - Wingers
Subs:-
Losing -
70 Mins - Jese for Mertens
75 Mins - Pelle for Herrera 442
Winning
75 Mins - Besic for Herrera
80 Mins - Pelle for Mandzukic
posted on 13/12/14
-----------------------Cech
Piszczek------De Vrij--------Chiellini-----Bernat
----------- Bender--------Schwein
Willian------------Di Maria---------------Turan
---------------------Cavani
Subs: Cesar, De Vrij, Ansaldi, Clasie, Lavezzi, Milik, Montolivo
Subs
65th Min Lavezzi for Turan – Swap position with Di Maria
75th Min – Montolivo for Di Maria - swap position with schwein
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. Schwein 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 Schwein 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.
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 Kuba 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, Kuba 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.
Captain: Schwein
Vice: Cech
FK: Di Maria
PK: Di Maria
CK: Di Maria
posted on 13/12/14
----------------------Foster---------------------
---Lahm------Laporte----Martins Indi-----Gibbs
------------------------------------------------------
--------------YayaToure---Blind---------------
----------------------------------------------------
-------Reus----------Silva--------Ronaldo
-------------------------------------------------
----------------------Aguero--------------------
Subs
Thomas Vermaelan
Aaron Ramsey
Ander Herrera
James Milner
Jackson Martinez
Lukas Podolski
Joel Campbelll
--------------------------------------------------------
SUBS
--------------------------------------------------------
IF WINNING
70' - Reus > Milner - Freshen up wing and also more defensive solidity
Silva > Herrera - Sits alongside Blind with Yaya Toure further forward.
80' Ronaldo > Podolski - (apply above also)
IF DRAWING
70' Blind > Milner
80' Silva > Martinez (apply above two also)
IF LOSING
60' Blind > Ramsey
80' Blind > Ramsey. Indi > Martinez, Reus > Podolski (Ronaldo rw) 3-5-2
-----------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------
We must win this game. We feel Swansea 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.
Foster 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 Gibbs 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.
Indi and Laporte, 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. Indi and Laporte will stay close to each other not allowing the opposition to open up space. Laporte 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 Indi stays in position when Laporte does this covering the remaining space, he will be able to clear the second ball if it gets beyond Laporte.
Blind and Yaya Toure will be our two deepest central midfielders. As usual Blind holds while Yaya Toure plays box to box. Yaya Toure uses his amazing energy to track down opposition in pressing while also making late runs intothe box. Blind helps us tick over.
Silva - 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.
posted on 13/12/14
————————————-Courtois
Corchia————Nkoulou---------------Terry———Azpilicueta
----------------------Matic—————Nainngolan
Candreva————————Rooney--------------Griezzman
----------------------------------Costa
Subs: Ryan, Kondogbia, Matuidi, R.Garcia, Hernandez, Thauvin, Origi
Captain: John Terry
Free Kicks: Antoine Griezzman
Corners: Antoine Griezzman
Penalties: Wayne Rooney
We set up in as a 4-5-1 looking to play with energy and control of possession, pressing them quickly into mistakes, closing off the space and slowing their tempo with fouls if needed whilst controlling possession and moving the ball at pace.
The front four close down with intense pressure, stopping the opposition back line being able to play the ball out into midfield, force them back to the keeper and long or wide to the FBs. Rooney and Costa close on the CBs whilst the two wide attacking midfielders squeeze inside and block the route to the midfield. FBs push up to force wingers back, leave them no space. If they do get it forward quickly, Matic and Nainngolan cover with a strong tackle and slow them down(foul if we have to).
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 forwards 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 from stage one they get the ball central we set up with two banks of four and the two forwards dropping in to press the deeper midfielders, if the midfielders get beyond those two they will have Matic and Nainngolan to get through. 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 Wolves get numbers central. Keeping the lines tight allows us to squeeze the ball if they get it to the strikers. 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 Wolves do, keep disciplined, wait for the chance to break.
When we have the ball we want to control the game with good possession, but not dallying on the ball, we have a lot of pace, power and flair in this team and we want that to reflect in our attacking play. 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, Rooney will usually look to come to the ball and use Costa and Griezzma 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 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 these counters but also be more focused in possession, keep the ball circulating and don't give them easy ball possession.
Individual:
Courtois commands his area, collecting crosses and distributing quickly.
FBs tight to the CBs, don’t give Wolves forwards space to play in, with the back four tight it allows them to cover each other if one is beaten.
Terry the physical presence to mark the striker, winning all the duels, Nkoulou cover his partner. Don’t allow them to have time and space to control the ball and link up.
Matic use his energy, close their midfielders down, especially the AM and break up attacking moves quickly. Nainngolan to be the link between it all, get the ball and move it into space. Dominate the midfield.
Candreva to provide the energy on the wing, pressing quickly and working very hard as well as providing plenty of width. His work rate frees the other attackers up slightly. Griezzman on the other side will be the flair man, running inside and out, getting crosses in and getting into goal scoring positions.
Rooney will be the main creator, looking for quick passes, one twos, movement in to space, he will work off of Costa too. Costa the complete forward, movement, skill, pace and goals galore, get into the positions for people to pick him out.
Subs:
If Winning: Matuidi and Garcia for Nainngolan and Griezzman 70', come on and help overpower the Wolves midfield to keep us in complete control. Kondogbia for Costa 80', Rooney upfront, Kondogbia holding midfield, control the game.
If Drawing: Origi for Candreva 65', more direct running and goal threat. Garcia for Rooney 70', if possession isn't providing anything, Garcia will come on and we will look to be more direct, put balls into the box and use the power of Garcia, Costa and Origi. Griezzman and Corchia must provide width. Hernandez for Nainngolan 80', poacher, 4-4-2 with Garcia making runs from CM, and getting in the box as we go route 1.
If Losing: Origi for Candreva 65', direct attacker. Hernandez and Thauvin for Corchia and Nainngolan 75', attack them with everything we have:
Courtois
N'Koulou Terry Azpilicueta
Matic Rooney
Origi Thauvin Griezzman
Hernandez Costa
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