--------------------Neuer---------------------
D.Alves----Varane----Bonucci----Ricardo
----------Pogba----Vidal----Guarin---------
Sanchez----------------------------Sterling
-------------------Benzema------------------

Krul, Zouma, Medel, Barkley , Depay, Cavani, Berahino


In goal Neuer, 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 Varane 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. Bonucci alongside will mark any big men that come up for corners etc strong in the air and strong ion the tackle and make sure he is strong enough to get the ball away from danger, will help out Varane if needed. If Bonucci start with a big No.9 they will simply switch roles.

Ricardo and D.Alves 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.

We go with Guarin, Vidal and Pogba in the centre of midfield, three absolute workhorses, all can defend and attack, when we defend it will be a wall of three to try and get passed and this will not be easy, they will close down everything very quickly and not allow there players any time on the ball whatsoever, once the ball is won, then one will drive on into support Benzema, the other will push up but not as far and the other sits, quite similar players so know there instructions. All good on the ball with a great eye for goal, can shoot from a variety of angles. Always looking to mix it up with who drives orward so no one can be particulary marked as i will cause confusion in the Soton defence, look out for Sterling and Sanchez coming inside and put some nice crisp through balls into them and Benzema.

Sanchez and Sterling 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. Sterling 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.

Benzema will get plenty chances, he must put away this Soton side who will be stuffy. Get into positions that he can go for goalor at very least drag players away for other players to drive into the space. Good in the air and two good feet, can score from various angles/ranges..All of our front four will be a threat today we must go for it and keep pace with the league leaders.

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

Subs:-
Losing
70 Mins, Depay for Guarin, he goes left sterling central
80 Mins, Cavani for Sterling 442
85 Mins, Berahino for Alves 343

Winning
70 Mins, Cavani for benzema
80 Mins medel for Guarin

Drawing
70 Mins, Depay for Guarin, LW and Sterling central
75 Mins, Cavani for benzema
80 Mins, Berahino for Sterling 442

Comment deleted by Site Moderator

4-5-1. Pace out wide to attack quickly, trio in midfield that can dominate possession and offer a solid shield in front of the defence. Counter attacking where we can. We have a team full of energy, with the right mix of quality and intelligence in Carrick and RVP.

We defend deep and in numbers when Arsenal are in possession. They are missing their main creative sparks, so we leave no space for them to operate.

When we have the ball, the team moves up the park as a unit, we have a team that are comfortable in possession, we aim to take advantage of this, quickly breaking forward to exploit the attacking nature of Arsenal’s players.

---------------- Casillas
Danilo – Musacchio – Manolas – Moreno
---------- Matuidi -- Carrick
Jese ---------- Ander.H ----- J.Draxler
--------------- van Persie

Subs. Butland, W.Reid, Baba, H.Herrera, Eriksen, Ljajic, Llorente

Defending in a rigid unit we aim to frustrate Arsenal. Getting everyone behind the ball quickly, and pressing as a team. We will defend narrow to the side of the play, moving and pressing as a unit, ensuring there are no gaps in our formation.

Attacking movement in the final third is key. One of the fb or wg running inside, the other going down the line. This ensures we have at least one dummy run, creating space and pulling Arsenal defenders out of position.

Defence

We always seek to defend from our rigid formation. The opposition like to attack quickly, so we defend deep in numbers, frustrate them, leaving no space for them to operate. Force them to try and play through us. They are missing the creative spark that is Silva and Ramsey in addition. We feel we can stand up to their strength and pace.

When there dm’s come deep to get the ball, RVP in the central area and the WGs on that side shut out the space in front of them, force them to take chances.

The defence will ensure that as Arsenal advance further up the park, the line drops deep so there is no space in behind. Our shape will resemble a 4-1-4-1. Carrick drops in between defence and midfield, reading the play and sweeping up danger in between the lines.

Ander and Matuidi in cm. This shape ensures there is no space for Arsenal to work in, allowing us to press the ball from a deep position, with cover behind. Push them in to areas where they can’t hurt us. Crowd them out and frustrate them.

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. If he does manage to get past you, there’s a chance to stop the cross.

Manolas and Musacchio are a pillar of strength and power in central defence, the perfect combo of interligence and strength. Manolas will pick up the opposition striker, while Musacchio is the defender with the quality to read the game and be in the right position at the right time.

Attack

In the final third, the key features of our play will be direct passing and fast combination layoffs between Ander, RVP and the wide players as we look to attack down the flanks. Exploiting the space in their formation.

Movement is key. One fb bombs forward at a time, the other remains in line with Carrick, just more advanced than the defence and ready to join the attack, but offering a shield in front of them with the deepest midfielder. Offering defensive cover, but also importantly in a position to attack if we switch the play and start the attack again. Matuidi and Ander in box to box roles, with Ander the more effensive.

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 providing close support to RVP, Ander and Matuidi will always be seek to link up with the wide players.

Attacking with pace down the wings, and quick interchanging passing. RVP has the quality to hurt Arsenal.

Subs. If winning/drawing after 68 mins bring on Eriksen for Carrick. Ander moves to cm. Matuidi dm. Eriksen AM. Gives us more energy and creativity to find space as Arsenal commit more men forward.
If winning/drawing after 75 mins bring on Llorente for RVP. Direct option, go long and exploit Arsenal.
If winning/drawing after 80 mins bring on Hector Herrera for Jese. Erikesn moves right. More energy and defensive cover in cm.

If losing after 60 mins bring on Eriksen for Carrick. Matuidi dm, Ander cm.
If losing after 70 mins bring on Reid and Llorente for Moreno and Jese. 3-5-2. Route one.

---------------------Perin
---------Mustafi-----Godin-----Sakho
Candreva-------------------------------Clichy
------------Pjanic-----Henderson
-----------Callejon--------Suarez
---------------------Higuain

Subs
Szczęsny, Rojo, Uchida, Mata, Parejo, Nasri, Iturbe

Tactics

Overview
We have set up with a 3-4-3 formation today, with the aim to getting extra attacking presences further up the pitch without losing strength in midfield or attack. We are going to play an attacking style of football, being aggressive in the way we defend by pressing quickly and high up the pitch.

Goalkeeper
Come for set pieces, punch rather than try the catch, when passing the ball look to play the percentage pass to the wing backs/outside centre backs and keep possession.

Centre Backs
Godin will sit at the base of the 3 organising the back line and is tasked with stopping any attacks coming through the centre of the pitch, and have him go against the striker when balls are played into him.

The other 2 centre backs will play wider, having more freedom to move around and help the wing backs with wide threats or stopping runs from attacking midfielders and press higher up the pitch, they are also both good on the ball so when in possession if there is space to run into, they are given the freedom to move into it and advance the play.

Wing Backs
Both guys have the energy levels to get up and down the pitch all match long, they will be tasked with keeping the width across the pitch forcing the opposition to keep their full backs from constricting the centre of the pitch. They won't put many crosses in, rather playing shorter passes to players who have come from the middle of the pitch.

Defensively, they have the wider centre backs to help them if they are outnumbered, but we want them to stop the wide men from cutting inside, forcing them to cross, which gives us a better chance of getting the ball back quickly and starting an attack.

Centre Mids


Pjanic and Hendo will be utilising their high energy styles to get themselves around the pitch, being key figures in the pressing game and always making themselves available for a pass when we are in the final third to shift their defensive players that little bit more which could be the difference in getting a player behind them. When defending, both players are looking to press in the middle third of the pitch, pressing the opposition CMs as they are on the ball to rush their decisions and win the ball back.

Attacking Midfielder

Both guys should be looking to make themselves available for a pass as much as possible, having free roles to drift around between their defence and midfield, when we have the ball in the middle of the pitch, they should be looking to drift around the space between the CMs and the defence and make them have to make decisions on who goes to them. They should also look to be moving out wider to get the ball and run at defenders or make key passes and make themselves available when the wing backs have the ball out wide.

Defensively, when their CBs/Keeper have the ball they will be working with Higuain to block off the lines to the full back and any CM that comes deep to get the ball to force a long kick, in general gameplay, they will track the full backs, looking to stop them pushing on too much.



Strikers


When attacking, Higuain 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, letting the CBs have the ball as much as they want, focusing instead of cutting off the passing lines to the full backs, the aim is to get their CB's/Keeper to kick it long with us having a better chance to win the ball back.

Set Pieces


Corners - Pjanic takes the corners, the CB's go into the box, the WB's stay back to prevent counters, the CB's, Callejon and Higuain work in a group to make little blocks and cross-runs to lose a marker to get a free run at the ball, Suarez looks to limit the opposition keeper from moving outside the 6 yard box and use his quick reactions to deflect shots going near him. Hendo takes a position outside the box to pick up weak clearances and occasionally providing the short option to try and draw 2 defenders out of the box.





Free Kicks - Suarez takes Direct FK's



For Indirect FK's, same instructions as Corners





Penalties - Suarez is the designated taker.

Subs

If Winning


68 mins - Parejo for Callejon - Parejo CM, Pjanic AM Fresh legs, gets more stuck in with defensive work.

75 mins - Uchida for Candreva - Fresh defensive legs, Wing backs tuck back in more.

86 mins - Mata for Higuain, fresh legs and extra defensive work with an element of running down the clock.

If losing

65 mins - Nasri + Mata for Clichy + Callejon - Nasri goes to LWB, Wing backs act more as wingers, and we go all out to win the tie, Suarez moves alongside Higuain.

78 mins - Parejo for Henderson - a more attacking option.

-----------------------Cech
Lahm------Kompany--------Chiellini-----Gibbs
-------------Bender--------Yaya
Ronaldo----------Aguero--------Di Maria
---------------------Giroud

Subs: Foster, Chambers, Monreal, Coquelin, Campbell, Herrera, Ox

Subs:

70 mins - Herrera for Yaya (Control Possession and slow down play)
73 Mins – Ox for Giroud (Aguero CF, OX LW and Di Maria AM)
75 Mins – Coquelin for Bender



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 defensive midfielder and one box to box midfielder. Yaya will be the box to box midfielder but he shall be playing as a DM when we are off the ball. 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. We want to reduce the amount of freedom the opposition has on the ball. Our players will keep close to the oppositions 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 Di Maria is our fastest and we are likely to get some space in this area. Aguero 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.

Overall we need to be in their faces by continuously pressing them and keeping all men behind the ball. When on the ball we need to be direct and composed. We need to dominate the midfield battle and control the game how we want it to be controlled. Try and keep it tight for them.

POSITIONAL TACTICS

Lahm 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 Lahm 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. Gibbs should play the same way.

Kompany 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 Kompany.

Bender will be the defensive midfielder. 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.

Yaya 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 Ronaldo 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 Lahm cover their full back. I would like Di Maria to do the same.

Aguero should use his pace and strength to make runs into the box and opening up space for Giroud. 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.

I would like Aguero, Ronaldo and Di Maria to intersect and change positions.

Giroud must use his pace and skill to open up spaces for the wingers and central players to run into. He should make runs to the wing forcing the centre backs out wide. 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: Yaya
Vice: Cech
Short FK: Ronaldo
Long FK: Aguero
PK:Ronaldo
CK: Ronaldo

Hull Tactics

-------------------------------Forster--------------------------------

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

---------------------Witsel-------Marchisio----------------------

Walcott----------------Rodriguez--------------------Rodrigo

-----------------------------Aubameyang-------------------------------



Game plan: our plan today is to go at wolves from the off, we're experimenting with a new team and system and will be looking to express ourselves in this game. 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

-----------------------Marchisio-----------James----------------------

Walcott------------------------------------------------Rodrigo

----------------------------Aubameyang-------------------------------

out of possession

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

---------------------Witsel---------Marchisio--------------------

Walcott--------------------James-------------------Rodrigo

---------------------------Aubameyang-----------------------------


Forster: 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 Villa CF, 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 Villa any breathing space.

James Rodriguez 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 Rodrigo, Walcott and Aubameyang 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.

Subs: Markovic for Rodrigo on 70 minutes, straight swap, very similar players.

if winning after 75 minutes, Ogenyi Onazi for Walcott, Onazi to act as an out and out anchorman in midfield, no risks, just sit and protect the back 4, also the fullbacks to be less attacking and take less risks.

Captain: Mehdi Benatia
Freekicks: James Rodriguez
Penalties: James Rodriguez
Corners: Marchisio

------------------Valdes-------------------
Montoya--Smalling---Van Dijk--L.Baines
----------------Wanyama-----------------
Willian--Iturraspe---Cleverley--Lallana
------------------Austin-------------------

Kiko, Ozcpika, Rodwell, Naismith, Januzaj, Kagawa, Remy

We rstick to the 4141 formation that proved us well at the start, we have fallen away a little now we look to steady the ship, even tho it will be difficult against a classy Liverpool side.

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.

Baines and Montoya at fullback, Smalling along with van Dijk who comes back into the side. We must keep concentration at all times, Mark the attacking players ie Montoya and Baines must stop their wingers getting to the bye line any way they can and stop them cutting inside. Montoya will be with the hard working Willian ahead of him, even though it will be difficult the two should work well together. Van Dijk will pick up their centre forward and mark him very tightly. Smalling is the Captain today 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. Van Dijk and Smalling are a huge pressence at set pieces so for set pieces and corners they both go up, Wanyama sits in..

Wanyama again in the DM role, a hard man to break down 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. Iturraspe and Cleverley in the centre of the pitch, look to dominate the game, both Cleverley and Iturraspe can move up the field to assist Austin, but they must be careful, we cannot be exposed against a very good Liverool side, In Willian and Lallana we have two very quick wingers, when we attack I want it to be done very quickly. Down the right I want Montoya and Willian to work in tandom, thus using each other to get the space required to get Willian to the bye line, give and go. Willian is very quick andskillful so will be a handful for there Left back. When the right hand attacks Baines stays back, Lallana moves into the box to support Austin and the same on the other side when the left hand side attacks, Willian 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, Iturraspe or Cleverley on the edge and depending what side two players down the wing looking to get these cross balls in. As said prerviously Willian and Lallana, Willian in particular are hard working winges so will look to help out our fullbacks in what will be a very difficult game, they must get back and support Montoya and Baines.

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.

Austin is the prefect No.9 to take over from Bony, 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 from Willian, Lallana, Cleverley and Iturrspe. Always on the last man ready to get into dangerous areas. He is fantastic in the air so must always look to beat the centre back to the ball, always has his head up looking to go for goal.

Captain is Chris Smalling
Penalty taker - Austin
Free Kicks - Lallana
Corners - Willian and Lallana

Substitutes

If we are losing Kagawa and Januzaj will come on for Cleverley and Lallana on 70 minutes and Remy for Autin on80 minutes

Winning Rodwell for Cleverley on 75 mins and Austin will come off for Remy on 80 minutes, sam eif drawing

comment by Tino - fate is inexorable (U2087)
posted 6 days, 20 hours ago
Everton

Injuries:
Nastasic
Inler
Pato
Drmic

....................Kivrak.......................
Walker....skrtel....Vidic.....Criscito
.....................Toulalan..................
...........Jorginho.......Montolivo.........
......................Menez..................
................Sakho......Chicharito......

subs: Schmeichel,Richards,Valero,Volland,Wickham,Dyer,Bernard.

The injury fairy has hit us pretty hard this week so it's a shuffle of the back and a switch to a diamond in midfield as we look to try and stay solid through the middle whilst attempting to retain some possession of the ball....Fully aware that we concede a lot of ground out wide but with our two centre backs being solid in the air, we look to deal with any crosses....

Kivrak - Big strong and a good shot stopper, will marshall his defence as we sit with a slightly deeper line to counter-act our lack of speed in the back....

Walker/Criscito - Both have fantastic engines and love getting forwards, so this will be bread and butter for them today as they provide the side with much needed width, defensively will show their man the line and not allow the cut in, force the cross.....don't dive in to tackles recklessly but don't be afraid to play man and ball...

Skrtel/Vidic - Old fashioned centre halves, rugged no-nonsence types....Every side needs one and we have two...deep line today nulifies their lack of pace as it cuts out the space for a run behind, keep the game in front of them and force the striker(s) to play with backs to goal

The Diamond
All 4 players bring their own parts to this set-up as we mix pace and power with a fair whack of skill and ability, they will move around the pitch together staying close enabling that the easy pass is always on.

Toulalan - The anchor man, pure and simple role for him today as he provides the muscle, sitting in front of the defence keeping things tidy

Jorginho - The engine, has a good goal scoring record but chips in defensively also, will be our box to boxer getting up and down the pitch, defensively he is tasked with helping Walker on our right hand side.

Montolivo - The deep lying playmaker - will add the flair and vision to out the middle, efficient use of the ball and never afraid to get stuck in, will be the heart beat to the side, defensively will help Criscito out on the left hand side.

Menez - The #10 - Having a very good season in Italy for Milan, will play at the point of the diamond connecting the midfield and the attack, but also running on past the strikers creating space for the others and chancing his arm from distance.

Sakho/Chicharito
Never a fan of one up top, so have gone with 2,today
Sakho - Big strong very good in the air, will act as the target man today, back to goal holding up the ball and bringing others into play.
Chicharito - The poacher, a fantastic finisher blessed with good speed and great movement, will play off the shoulder of the last defender,

Subs

65 mins - Winning/Drawing...the tactics are working so it's like for like and fresh legs only

Richards > Walker
Valero > Jorginho
Volland > Menez

Losing at 65
Volland > Toulalan - go 4-2-4 gung ho

...........................Kivrak....................
Walker.......Skrtel.....Vidic........Criscito
...................Jorginho...Montolivo..........
Volland.......................................Menez
..................Sakho...Chicharito..............
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Sorry no chance of me doing tactics this week...blatant rehash of last week but in line with injuries please read
Jorginho = inler
Montolivo = mauri
Volland = Bernard

Sorry

Man Utd v PORTSMOUTH


Line Up:

ter-Stegen
Carvajal Pepe Hummels Marcelo
De Rossi Modric
Coutinho Goetze Anderson
Lewandowski


Substitutes: Horn; Dragovic; Targett; Kranevitter; Nainggolan; Berardi; Welbeck


Captain: De Rossi
Penalties: Lewandowski
Free Kicks: Goetze
Corners: Anderson


Game Plan:

Consistency is the key to our line-up today as we line up in the same format and almost the exact same line-up that has seen us emerge victorious in the previous two outings.

We know that Man Utd are a very strong side so we will be looking to move the ball up the field quickly where our pace can catch their defence on the back foot. We want to play the ball around so that the Utd players start to push forward and come out of possession, whereby we will be able to exploit the space that they will leave.

Our defensive performance in the Europa League left much to be desired, however, so we will be looking to turn that around in this game with an organised approach that won't leave the space that Utd will need. Whereas in the last game we played an aggressive pressing formation, in this match we want to emulate the style that Arsenal used against Manchester City, setting up a solid 4-5-1 when not in possession. We will allow Man Utd to move the ball around their back 4 with minimal pressing from Lewandowski as our aim will be to invite them in to our half where our superior numbers in midfield will allow us to crowd out playing space and to regain possession.

It is imperative that our team plays as a cohesive unit in defence and with a blistering aggression in attack and so we have gone with an unchanged lineup that will help with team cohesion. We have pace up front and a great deal of experience at the back that we feel should lead to a confident performance and victory.


Individual Plans:
ter-Stegen: A fantastic shot stopper who will be looking to put in a superb performance in order to stake his claim for the 'keeper's spot.

Carvajal + Marcelo: In defence, they will be combative and will not let their man go down the flanks. They will prefer to push them in to the midfield where our other players can dispossess them. Offensively, they will look to hug the flanks and drill the ball in low and hard.

Pepe + Hummels: Pepe will go up for every ball with their centre forward, most likely Rooney, knowing that he is strong enough to dominate physically and aerially. Hummels will drop back and will be looking to pick up any runs off the centre forward's shoulder or any runs behind the full backs.

De Rossi + Modric: De Rossi will play the holding role, breaking up any play in the centre of the park, thus releasing Modric to play a more expansive style. Modric will look to close down the ball in the middle of the park and chase down every loose ball.

Coutinho, Goetze + Anderson: Given the opportunity to roam around the pitch, dragging players out of defence. They will always be on the lookout for that ball or run in behind the defence. In defence, Goetze will drop in to the centre of midfield to help crowd out Utd's midfield. Coutinho and Anderson will play as wide midfielders, contributing to defence both down the flanks and in the centre of the park.

Lewandowski: When we're in possession, he will play off the last shoulder, looking to get in behind for the goal. In defence, he will close down the man with the ball every time. We don't want them playing out from the back.


Substitutions:

65 minutes: Nainggolan for De Rossi: Nainggolan will provide a more energetic style of play to both attack and defence. With Nainggolan and Modric we will be looking to play a Heynckes style double pivot in midfield.

75 minutes: Kranevitter for Modric – Kranevitter has a never-say-die attitude that will be instrumental in winning a midfield duel. He will replace Modric to give more stability to our defence – Goetze will take the reins as the primary creative player.

80 minutes: Welbeck for Anderson – Welbeck provides a great energy to run after the ball and to hassle opposition players. He will be perfect to bring on late in the game for some added pace and energy.

--------------------------------Courtois
Azpilicueta-----------Garay-------------Terry-------Luis
---------------------------------Matic
--------------------Oscar-----------------Verratti
---Origi-----------------------Costa-----------------Griezmann

Subs: Ryan, De Vrij, Asamoah, Corchia, Lamela, Thauvin, Benteke

Captain: John Terry
Free Kicks: Oscar
Corners: Marco Verratti
Penalties: Diego Costa

We will defend from the front, using our high energy work rate to close Wba down in packs and leave them no room to break forward, forcing them to give the ball away either with loose passes or long balls. Costa, Origi and Griezzman press them immediately when the defenders have the ball, two pressing and one closing off the nearest wide option, not allowing time/space to pick their passes and making them rush the ball into the midfield area where we make it impossible to play through, and be first to every lose ball. Once the ball is played we want Griezzman and Origi dropping in and joining Oscar, Matic, Azpi, Luis and Verrratti in getting on top of the Wba midfield, with both FBs comfortable squeezing infield to narrow the game, pressing them quickly, closing off all the spaces, hunting in packs and winning the ball quickly, whilst Costa presses the CMs from behind, if we can do this high up it will capitalise on what we see as offensively lacking CMs and limit the use of their wide men, as we can cut off the wide route quickly. If the ball is moved into wider areas then our midfield push across looking to keep things compact and surround Wba on the flank, with the FB also pushing up to shut off space, and the winger on that side coming across to help with the FB. If we can't win the ball we look to slow the down and regain our defensive shape with a 4-4-2 with flat banks of four so that all the space is covered in defence and midfield(Origi staying with Costa, Oscar moving to RAM) and Costa and Origi pressing the CMs and being prepared to counter together, keeping two together means on the counter we can have support for the man on the ball and break faster, particularly with Origi running off Costa. FBs stay tight to the CBs so there is no gaps, with wingers first to engage their wide attackers, with the FB stepping out as back up if he's needed. Terry and Garay will have the CF tightly marked, being very physical with him.

One man who can stop their attacking intent is Matic, and we give him free reign over the midfield to use his excellent reading of the game to snuff out any danger, in particular paying attention to their AM, knowing that he has the energetic Verratti/Oscar covering. Both FBs like to be on the front foot and they will be straight into the wingers when they receive the ball, not allowing the winger to settle the ball and take control of the situation, win it back high up the field. Whilst the FBs do this, Oscar and Griezzman will spread to cover their FBs if the ball isn't won quickly by our FBs, this will slow down attacks and allow us to move into a 4-4-2 if we have to defend our final third. When we defend high we want the midfield and FBs in the opposition half so we have them penned in with plenty of numbers to press, using the energy of Oscar, Verratti and co to force long balls into Remy, who will be isolated with the two CBs, or if they try to counter wide the FBs are straight into their wingers and Matic is ready to come across and snuff the danger out.

Today we want to be on the front foot, controlling the game, looking to attack when're we get the ball and looking to control possession for large spells of the game. When we attack we look to have lots of movement for the man on the ball. The FBs will push up and look to provide some width and with Verratti and Griezmann on the left side of the field most attacks will go through these two meaning Wba will leave space on the right which we will exploit with Origi, looking to get at them down the flank and cross into the box, or trick his way past opponents and get into the box for a shot or the cut back, as well as drifting in to attack crosses from the left at the back stick, something Baines isn't good at defending. Azpi/Luis look to keep things moving, finding the runs of team mates or putting a cross in. The midfield will dictate this game for us, with Matic, Verratti, Oscar all excellent in position it allows us to work attacks with quick inter play and movement from Verratti and Oscar, with Verratti mainly moving round the midfield area looking to open the defence up with his passing and Oscar moving to the flanks to help work openings or running into the channel to play off Costa, both knowing that they have Matic behind them in position to step in and win the ball quickly if it's lost. Griezzman will be our flair man, looking to take players on but he will have free roam of the field, looking to drift left and get the ball from Azpi, drawing Wba out to the flank and opening room for Diego, Origi and Oscar to run into the channels, or himself after a one-two with Luis, or attacking from central, running at the defence or providing the runs for the midfield and Costa to pick out, getting round the sides of the CBs where he is a clinical finisher or providing the pass for the runs of Costa. Costa as always the focal point with his movement, stretching Wba defence wider and opening space for runs from Griezmann and being a handful for the CBs, fighting for everything and using his excellent movement in and around the box to make the goal scoring chance for himself. We look to really attack their wide areas, it's where they are most vulnerable, beating their FBs or getting between CB and FB.

Subs:

If Winning: Thauvin for Origi 70'. De Vrij for Griezmann 80', 3-4-2-1, press high still, with an extra defender to keep things quiet. Asamoah for Oscar 85' fresh legs to keep up the hard work.

If Drawing: Lamela for Oscar 70', will push up further to support Costa. Benteke for Origi 75', 4-4-2. Asamoah for Luis 80', reallŷ stretch the game, get let's of crosses into the box.

If Losing: Benteke for Oscar 65', 4-4-2. Lamela for Origi 70'. Corchia for Azpi 75', a more offensive FB who will provide a lot of width and allow Lamela the freedom to get infield and support the strikers. Lots of balls into the two strikers, work from there.

----------------------Ospina

Byram----Caceres----Vertonghen----Kolarov

---------------------Ramires

-------------Hernanes----Hughes

Shaqiri---------------------------------Hazard

--------------------Martinez


Veltman
Enrique
Sneijder
Downing
KJH
Hermann
Carvalho


Today's game will be heavily based on counter attacking football. We have set up in a way that can lead us to attacking on the break efficiently and effectively. Pace is a key element to our game, looking to find spaces behind the lines of the opposition midfield.

The defensive line is set up for a specific format. Due to the threat that the opposition poses out wide we have arranged our defence so the CBs are comfortable supporting the FBs out wide against the opposition's attackers. Both Byram and Kolarov are very capable of getting up and down the touchline, allowing them to contribute to the attack as well as support defensively. Caceres and Vertonghen are both very capable defenders in the air and on the ground. Vertonghen will organise the defence and help keep the structure around him. Caceres will look to support off Vertonghen, who will be the player challenging most balls in the air.

Ramires has been chosen to play a deeper role than he is accustomed to. This is because his energy means he can help the defense to nullify the threat poised by the oppositions wingers. He will run across the back line, helping to put physical pressure on the opposition, targeting Sterling especially. This presence will not only put off the opposition but also make cutting inside harder for them. When on the ball he can carry it forwards, aiming to find swift balls further field. Direct passing is key, we need to attack with pace.

Hughes and Hernanes will play in similar roles to Ramires off the ball. It is their job to prevent Pogba and Vidal from contributing within the final third. Both will Harry the opposition on the ball, forcing them out wide instead of through the middle. Once out wide Ramires and the FB can come and help win possession or force a mistake. Hernanes and Hughes are both very capable on the ball, they have the ability to run at the opposition as well as find the key balls out wide to further the attack.

Our wingers are one of our key elements. Both are very adapt at finding space behind the lines and this is key for us. Chelsea will play with attacking FBs and this means our wingers have the opportunity to peg them back and disrupt the oppositions tactical flow, as well as trying to find spaces to set up chances at goals as well as crosses into the penalty area. This means the wingers have to have energy to press the FBs high up the pitch as well as being ready for direct balls forward for them to latch on to.

Martinez is a very mobile target man. He is willing to drop deeper to pick balls up from midfield before quickly spreading the play and bombing into the penalty area. He offers a different dimension up front to the usual target man as he is also capable of running at the opposition defence, exploiting a lack of stamina centrally. He must not be put off by either opposition centre backs and will prove lethal to test the goalkeeper whenever he can.

Subs:

If winning

65 mins

William Carvalho on for Ramires

Fresh legs in the DM role with the same basic style adopted

75 mins

Enrique on for Kolarov

Fresh legs at LB against Sanchez

Downing on for Hazard

More of a wide option allowing us to spread the play and see out the remainder of the game.


If drawing/losing

70 mins

KJH on for Jackson Martinez

Downing on for Hazard

Play with a more traditional target man, Downing and Shaqiri get balls in the box with KJH dominating aerially

85 mins

Sneijder for Ramires

Sneijder pushes up to play just behind KJH in a last ditch attempt to put pressure on their defence. Hernanes drops deeper.


Captain: Vertonghen
Free kicks: Hazard
Penalties: Martinez

Discount the first set of soton tactics from me

Team:

-------------------- D.De Gea -------------
Piszczek ----- Ramos -- Marquinhos ------ Bernat
----------- S.Busquets --- I.Rakitic ------
A.Robben ---------------------------------- F.Ribery
------------------ Carlos Tevez ----------------
------------------- Harry Kane -----------------

Subs : Caballero, Cahill, Coentrao, Fernando, Cazorla, Jovetic, Bacca
-----------------
Fernando > Rakitic - 70th minute - Ensure we are dictating using his energy to press so we can win the ball back as quick as possible.

Bacca > Tevez - 70th minute - Bacca should look to take advantage of their tiring defence and give them more to think about during the later stages.

80th min+ - (If losing/draw - (3-5-2 - Cazorla in AM) Cazorla > Bernat - Look to push forward in numbers and win the game.
----------------------
The outline:
A full strength side going into this game as we look to continue our fine run of form . I want us playing with intent from the off looking to play silky free-flowing football with a big focus on attacking down the flanks as we look to get as much service into the front 2 as possible who both are in scintillating form.

De Gea in top form and one of the best in the world at keeping the ball out through his agility and flexibility whether that be long-range, one on one or reaction saves.

In defence we look to defend deep as we feel this suits our CB’s best in looking to cut off any supply to their striker. We’ll look to dominate physically looking to bully off the ball showing who’s boss. Ramos and Marquinhos complement each other very well and must dominate from the outset with their exceptional quality coming to the fore. In midfield S.Busquets and I.Rakitic must maintain the pressure and look to disrupt the play.

Attacking wise we must look to stretch the opposition as much as possible getting the ball out to Robben and Ribery with my FB’s giving them real support. Tevez slots in just behind Kane looking to bully their defenders and giving as much support as possible, Kane will look to hold the ball up whilst others make runs off him so we can attack with pace whilst being his usual clinical self in-front of goal.
-----------------
Individual tactics:

De Gea has the ability to win games with his keeping. He has a real presence in and around his box so he must command well today, very vocal, quick off his feet and distribution swift and on point.

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

S.Busquets adds force and bite to our midfield, He should look to flex his muscles and get snapping at heels. He must work tirelessly for the full 90 with his intensive pressing setting the perfect example to others as we work collectively to keep them out.
I.Rakitic partners and I want him to support Busquets as much as possible whilst playing in a more box to box role looking to run his socks off adding as much as possible to our play down both ends. Rakitic also adds so much creativity to the side so I want him dictating the tempo to our needs looking to make himself available at all times, getting our forward players in time and space and in short running the show.

Robben will act as the focal point, we generally want to get ball out to him as much as possible. I want him pulling the strings and dictating the play, v direct looking to use his drive to fly past challenges and opening up the game so others have the space and time when they receive the ball. Ribery has a similar role on the left, I want him taking on his FB as much as possible and mixing it up with deliveries, occasionally cutting inside to good measure with the support of Bernat in behind. C.Tevez starts in a more centrally attacking role today, I want him up and down that pitch supporting our play in every means possible, attacking wise looking to make himself a link in between our wingers so he is always available for a pass on the edge of the box and taking the burden of Kane occupying their defenders and riling them both on and off the ball.

H.Kane is the perfect foil for us up top today. He will defiantly get the better of defenders as he is strong, energetic, powerful and can hold his own. He’s able to score all types of goals and is a very willing runner pressing from the front. He’ll look to link-up with others as much as possible holding up the ball and bringing others into play generally influencing our play as much as possible.
----------------
C - S.Ramos
FK's/corners - Robben/Rakitic
Pens - C.Tevez

MANCHESTER UNITED v Portsmouth

Injuries: Pirlo, Sokratis, Fabregas, Debuchy

------------------Buffon
Rafael - Subotic - Howedes - Gaya
-----------Khedira - Perez
----Schurrle - Hamsik - Hazard
-----------------Rooney

Subs: Mandanda, Evans, Davies, Vilhena, Firmino, Milner, Lukaku

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

Tough but winnable game at home to Portsmouth, they have some quality players in their side, but we have some world class players who can hurt them and cause them real problems. Our front four with assistance from the fullbacks should create plenty of chances, and in midfield we have a trio who can dictate the game in Perez, Khedira and Hamsik. Schurrle at RW to give us more attacking potency with Rooney returning upfront.

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 Rooney.

Subotic/Howedes - Subotic to mark their striker, force him high up the pitch thus limiting his impact close to goal, and Howedes 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.

Rafael/Gaya - Both of you to force the Portsmouth 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 Schurrle/Hazard 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 Rooney and link with Hamsik. You will need to track back very quickly to ensure we don't get caught on the break.

Khedira/Perez - Both playing as box to box men, assist the CB's in dealing with the Portsmouth attack, when we don't have the ball, if they play an AM one of you stay on him, but don't follow if he drifts wide. Be first to any loose balls and in possession look for the attackers and pass rather than bring the ball out. Both of you can get forward but only in turn if the other one is sitting back.

Hamsik - 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 Schurrle and Hazard on occasion to create confusion and leave space for your teammates to run into. Link with Hazard, Schurrle, Rooney and Perez, look for Rooney 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.

Schurrle/Hazard - Both playing out wide and both have the pace and trickery to beat the Portsmouth 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 Rooney with chances and also provide yourselves with chances. Link up with Hamsik, and capitalise on the space Rooney's presence will create for you. Without the ball I expect you two to track back and assist your fullback.

Rooney - you will be expected to occupy the Portsmouth 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: Hamsik and Schurrle off, Vilhena and Milner on. Switch to 4-5-1 with Khedira sitting infront of the back four, Vilhena and Perez either side of him. Milner replace Schurrle at RW, he and Hazard drop deeper out wide to make it 4-5-1. Absorb pressure and hit on the break.

If drawing: Perez off, Milner on. Milner to CM to give us extra creativity to push for the winner without overcommitting. Same 4-2-3-1 system applies.

If losing: Gaya and Perez off, Lukaku and Firmino on. Switch to 3-1-4-2, back three of Rafael - Subotic - Howedes, Khedira the CM, Schurrle - Firmino - Hamsik - Hazard behind a front two of Rooney and Lukaku upfront. Push for goals.

BIRMINGHAM v Newcastle

Injuries: Clasie, David Luiz, Krychowiak, Adriano

-----------------------Hart
----------Ivanovic - Boateng - Dante
Srna - Schweinsteiger - J.Martinez - Schmelzer
-----------------------Ozil
--------------Mandzukic - Reus

Subs: Zieler, Ogbonna, Delph, Mkhitaryan, Navas, Mertens, Dzeko

Big game at home to Newcastle, we're going with a 3-4-1-2 in an attempt to be solid defensively while being able to hurt them on the counter attack. The back three of Ivanovic, Boateng and Dante should cope with Newcastle's front two, with Srna and Schmelzer at wingback dropping back to form a back five to keep Newcastle's wingers at bay. Schweinsteiger, Martinez and Ozil command the midfield, giving defensive support to the back three and creative support to the front two. Mandzukic and Reus upfront to give Newcastle real problems, Mandzukic the physical threat alongside Reus with his lightning pace.

Hart, stay calm under pressure, distribute the ball to your CB's but on occasion go long towards Mandzukic and Reus. Stay big for one on ones.

Ivanovic/Boateng/Dante, dealing with the likely partnership of Higuain and Suarez, hence three of you playing. Mark one each and have an extra man to be first to any loose balls. In possession try to play through the middle, utilize the wingbacks and on occasion look for the ball over the top to Mandzukic or Reus.

Srna/Schmelzer, playing the wingback role, without the ball drop to form a back five with Boateng, Dante and Ivanovic and when their wingers run at you force them wide, prevent them from cutting inside. In possession get forward one at a time and look to overlap Ozil, and get crosses in for Mandzukic and Reus. Link with Schweinsteiger and Martinez.

Schweinsteiger and Martinez, sitting in midfield, I want you to go against the Newcastle CM's, Martinez to help whenever Suarez drops deep and break up play. Schweinsteiger to be the box to box man, assist Martinez when we don't have the ball, but when we win it back link with Ozil, the wingbacks and the strikers to cause Newcastle problems.

Ozil, playing AM, link the play from front to back and side to side, drift left and right and look to supply Mandzukic and Reus with chances, also look for the wingback getting forward to support you, have a shot if the opportunity arises.

Mandzukic/Reus, playing as a front two, Mandzukic to make his presence known by targeting their CB's physically, Reus to make runs in behind to get shots in on goal. Work together to drag defenders out of position, and shoot on sight. Occasionally when the long pass comes, Mandzukic try to flick headers on to Reus to get in on goal. Utilize your collective strength and pace.

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

Subs 70 mins;
If winning: Ozil off, Delph on. An extra CM in our midfield, wingbacks drop to fullback and we play a 5-3-1-1 with Reus off of Mandzukic. Absorb pressure and look to counter.

If drawing: Mandzukic off, Dzeko on. Same system, different striker with fresh legs and fresh ideas. Push for the winner without overcommitting.

If losing: Srna and Dante off, Navas and Dzeko on. Change to 4-1-3-2, Ivanovic - Boateng - Martinez - Schmelzer along the back four, Schweinsteiger in CM, then Navas - Ozil - Reus behind the front two of Mandzukic and Dzeko. Push for goals.

ASTON VILLA

3-4-1-2

_______________________Navas______________________
________Mertesacker____Toprak_____Koscielny_________
Zabaleta_______Koke______________Kroos________Shaw
______________________De Bruyne___________________
_____________Sturridge____________Dost_____________
SUBS: Mertesacker, Cole, Coleman, Gustavo, Fernandinho, Son, Pelle

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

General:
Aston Villa’s set-up will be reminiscent to the Dutch team in the 2014 World Cup. A back three, two central midfielders, 2 wing backs, a 10 and two centre forwards. Aston Villa’s back three can situationally morph into a back five with the wing backs dropping into the defensive line. Aston Villa’s 3-2 defensive block will allow easy circulation of the ball in the defensive area due to the natural positioning of the players in this system. This team will be one that presses in defensive phase, one which moves the ball quickly in transition phase and one which circulates the ball to open spaces. The 3 up front will look to take up good positions and cover space, reducing possible passes for the opposition team. The ball will be moved quickly when Aston Villa regain possession to take advantage of opened up space with the opposition not in their normal defensive structure. Both forwards need to make sure they run into wide areas where the full backs are probably missing and get a 1v1 with the centre halves where one could put the ball in and while the other gets into the box, link up with full backs when they come forward as well. The centre midfielder and the number 10 will get up to support the attack. Defending the 18 yard line is the main aim and will limit the opposition to long shots. All players stick to positions and won’t be dragged out of position. If the opposition want to play fancy passing and have 90% possession, let them, but our team will be compact not allowing anything to get into the 18 yard box.

Navas:
Claim crosses if possible. Always clear lines, and hoof up the pitch towards the strikers whenever possible. The ball must stay clear of the 18 yard box at all times. Communication is key with centre halves to avoid confusion when deciding who claims a loose ball / cross.

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 Koke 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 not be as aggressive but step up to attack players that come down his side. 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. Both will protect the central centre half to the best of their abilities. Go up for corners.

Toprak:
Sits in line with the other two centre halves, he is not a sweeper. Will try and win headers when long balls are played towards the back line. Will also clean up any balls / players who manage to get through the other two centre halves. Go up for corners. 

Zabaleta and Shaw:
Will both go forwards and support the attack. Will also act as extra bodies in midfield to help with holding onto the ball. Can drop into a back 5 if necessary. Main aim is to provide width and thump in crosses at every opportunity. Shoot if there is a clear sight of goal. 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.

Koke and Kroos:
Sits deep, breaks up play and snap at their heels then break with the ball. Koke is an engine that can cover a lot of ground when defending. 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 Koke to be more involved in exchanging passes with full backs / De Bruyne, even going level with De Bruyne at times to use his incredible vision to find teammates. Koke stays close to the centre halves. Both sprays balls wide to wing backs and directly to the front 3. Koke stays back for corners. Will not allow the opposition any time on the ball in front of centre halves. Koke sticks to position when wing backs fly forwards, providing cover if needed. Koke will stand outside the box during set pieces to smack in rebounds if not taking a set piece.

De Bruyne:
Will constantly hit balls towards both strikers and if not possible, to the wing backs flying forwards. The number 10 will press the opposition along with the the other midfielders when without the ball. Will stand outside the box if not taking a set piece to hit a rebound.

Sturridge and Dost:
Holds up play for the support midfielders and spray the ball wide to wing backs when they come forward, if not then they will pull wide to exploit attacking space. Get into the box at every opportunity when their partner pulls out to wide areas. Both should be able to play quick one-twos with each other if they happen to be close to each other. Both will play on the shoulder of the opposition defence and will attempt at times to get in the space between centre halves and full backs, if there isn’t a lot of space. Their pace will allow long balls to be launched occasionally to them.

SUBS:
Winning/Drawing:
75 mins: De Bruyne OFF Fernandinho ON
Fernandinho replaces De Bruyne and will slot into centre midfield to shore up the midfield and to help keep the ball better in order to close the game out. Proper 3 in midfield.

Losing:
75 mins: De Bruyne OFF Pelle ON
Essentially going 3-4-3 where Pelle will join Sturridge and Dost up front. Offers the option for the others to hoof the ball up to the front line.

--------------------Valdes--------------------
Stones----Smalling----Jagielka----Baines
-----------McCarthy----Wanyama----------
Willian------------Fellaini-----------Lallana
---------------------Bony---------------------

Marshall, Van Dijk, Cleverley, Januzaj, Naismith, Austin, Defoe

With the signing of Fellaini we go a bit more attacking in this game, we feel this is a solid unit with plenty of graft, skill and determination about it.

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.

Baines and Stones at fullback, Smalling along with Jagielka who comes back into the side after a week of rest. We must keep concentration at all times, Mark the attacking players ie Stones and Baines must stop their wingers getting to the bye line any way they can and stop them cutting inside. Stones will be with the hard working Willian ahead of him, even though it will be difficult the two should work well together. Smalling will pick up their centre forward and mark him very tightly. Jagielka back as the Captain today 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. Jagielka and Smalling are a huge pressence at set pieces so for set pieces and corners they both go up, Wanyama sits in..

Wanyama again in the DM role, a hard man to break down 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. McCarthy and Fellaini just ahead in the centre of the pitch, look to dominate the game, both McCarthy and Fellaini can move up the field to assist Bony, but they must be careful, we cannot be exposed against a very good side, Fellaini will be a huge danger with his power and height and will support Bont, his flick ons and through balls to the CF will be great to set Bony off on goal. In Willian and Lallana we have two very quick wingers, when we attack I want it to be done very quickly. Down the right I want Stones and Willian to work in tandom, thus using each other to get the space required to get Willian to the bye line, give and go. Willian is very quick and skillful so will be a handful for there Left back. When the right hand attacks Baines stays back, Lallana moves into the box to support Bony and the same on the other side when the left hand side attacks, Willian gets into the box, Stones stays back, so when we are going forward we always have at least two ready to pounce on the cross balls, McCarthy or Fellaini on the edge and depending what side two players down the wing looking to get these cross balls in. As said prerviously Willian and Lallana, Willian in particular are hard working winges so will look to help out our fullbacks in what will be a very difficult game, they must get back and support Stones and Baines.

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.

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 from Willian, Lallana, McCarthy and Fellaini. Always on the last man ready to get into dangerous areas. He is fantastic in the air so must always look to beat the centre back to the ball, always has his head up looking to go for goaWe have a huge aeriel threat from set pieces with the two CBs Fellaini and Bony all there to cause problems.

Captain is Phil Jagielka
Penalty taker - Bony
Free Kicks - Lallana
Corners - Willian and Lallana

Substitutes

If we are losing Charlie Austin will come on for James McCarthy on 70 minutes and we go 4-4-2 and on 80 minutes, Januzaj will replace Lallana

If we are winning then on 75 minutes Naismith will come on for Lallana and on 80 minutes Defoe will replace Bony

Drawing 70 minutes Austin will come on for Bony and Januzaj for Naismith

4-3-3. An attacking formation to take the game to our opponents and defend in a solid formation high up the pitch. Let the opposition defence have the ball, as soon as there midfield get the ball, or move into middle third of the pitch, we press hard. Isolate their attacking players, and create space in their formation we can exploit when we win the ball back. High tempo and energy from the start.

Full backs stretching the play as wide as possible when in possession, creating space for our fluid front three. Control possession and overload their defence.

We dominate possession, and in the final third play direct, get the ball to Llorente, and get our players up in support and ahead of him. Counter attack where possible, Ander and Eriksen creating for the pace of our fbs,Matuidi,Herrera and Draxler going forward.

Fast flowing possession based football, playing out from the back. Three players in midfield that can dictate and dominate possession. The energy of the central trio allows our side to press high up the pitch. Eriksen and Draxler will find space between the opposition defence and midfield. We play direct to these pockets of space where possible, allowing us to attack quickly. Eriksen drifts to central positions, Draxler keeps the width on the left.

A team full of energy also gives us a stronger defensive platform, win the ball back quickly, keeping the opposition on the back foot.

---------------- Casillas
Danilo - Manolas – Musacchio - Moreno
-------- B.Matuidi – H.Herrera
---------------- Ander.H
-- C.Eriksen ---------------- J.Draxler
-------------- F.Llorente

Subs. Butland, Baba, M.Carrick, Camacho, Jese, L.Adriano, van Persie

Musacchio and the fbs very strong on the ball, play out from the back and dictating the tempo of our play.

In front of them a solid team, capable of defending in numbers, but importantly being able to put the opposition under pressure high up the pitch.
The formation allows us to overload the opposition in attack, the full backs stretch the play, allowing a fluid front three that will work together to create space and opportunities.

One of the central trio always provides cover in front of the defence, fluidity here is important for our attack and defensive press and security. In line with the fb not attacking, in front of the two cbs.

As soon as the opposition enter the middle third of the park we look to win the ball back.

The midfield trio will look to quickly feed the attackers, and then to support and one will seek to get beyond. Dragging players out of position and creating openings.

Llorente up front is tasked with using his strength and strong technique to hold up the ball, and play in the opposition and more importantly get in the box.

Defence

When they do have possession, ensure it’s in areas that can’t hurt us. Playing a high line keeping them away from goal.

If the opposition have possession in their own half, our formation will resemble a 3-6-1. Looking to get all bodies in the opposition half bar our cbs and the fb opposite play. Put high pressure on the opposition. Don’t let them play. As soon as their midfielders get on the ball, or defenders advance to middle third park, we press and close them down.

High press: The fb on the side of play goes forward right on top of the opposition winger. The winger on the side opposite to play, comes narrow to mark the cm closest to his side. Matuidi picks up the dm, Herrera picks up the second cm, leaving Ander, Llorente and the winger on the side of the ball to press the ball. Llorente pressing the space, so the other two can get in about the opposition.

Force them to go long or take risks. We want to catch them out, winning possession in areas we can hurt them.

Once WBA pass this first wave of defence, we continue pressing in the middle third of the park as before. But one fb drops deeper to form a back four. Eriksen and Draxler drop back to forma 4-1-4-1.

Again, in the middle third, when the opposition attack the defence narrow to the side of the park the opposition are attacking.

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

In this tight rigid formation, we focus on pressing space. Pushing up, and keeping WBA away from our goal. Ensuring there are no gaps in the formation. We feel WBA lack the speed and creativity to break us down if we can keep them away from our box.

Attack

Quick passing football, going as direct as possible. Pass and move simple. We want the midfield to be quick on the ball, not taking too many touches, find our forwards quickly, then look to get forward and ahead of them. If we take the lead, we can vary the tempo of our play, being patient where necessary.

We will generally look to start attacks playing out from the back, keeping things simple when we need to calm and retain possession. Our midfielders will look to come deep, to orchestrate the play, and entice the opposition out of position. Create gaps in their formation.

The midfield should never be flat. Create as many lines as possible to increase the options we have in possession, and to create gaps in the opposition.

Fb on the side of play looks to get at the opposition fb, with Llorente, Eriksen, Draxler and 2 cm bombing forward, we should overload the opposition defence making it extremely difficult to pick up our players in and around their box. One of the cms stays deeper to cover, offering the option to go backwards, and allow him to orchestrate our play and pick a pass.

Subs.
If winning after 70 mins bring on Jese for Llorente. Fresh pace and quality to expose the opposition as they push for a goal.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Adriano for Draxler. Jese to the wing.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Carrick for Hector Herrera. Composure and height.

If drawing after 70 mins bring on Jese for Hector Herrera. Matuidi dm, Ander cm. Eriksen CAM. Jese RW.
If drawing after 75 mins bring on van Persie on for Llorente. Quality.
If drawing after 80 mins bring on for Carrick for Matuidi. More cutting edge.

If losing after 62 mins bring on Carrick for Hector Herrera. And Jese for Moreno. 3-5-2. Jese playing off Llorente. Draxler and Danilo on the wings.
If losing after 75 mins bring on van Persie for Danilo. Jese to the wing.
If losing after 80 mins bring on Adriano for Eriksen. 3-4-3. Route one.

Comment deleted by Site Moderator

MANCHESTER UNITED v Liverpool

Injuries: Schurrle, Milner, Perez, Caceres

-----------------4-2-2-2
------------------Buffon
Debuchy - Subotic - Howedes - Gaya
----------Khedira - Fabregas
----Hamsik-------------------Hazard
-----------------Rooney
---------------J.Martinez

Subs: Mandanda, Sokratis, Manquillo, Illarramendi, Pirlo, Lavezzi, Lukaku

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

Tough but winnable game at home to Liverpool, they have some quality players in their side, but we have some world class players who can hurt them and cause them real problems. Our front five with assistance from the fullbacks should create plenty of chances, and in midfield we have a pairing who can dictate the game in Khedira and Fabregas. Hamsik and Hazard playing RAM and LAM, with Rooney the second striker just off of Jackson Martinez. No point sitting back, we can get at this Liverpool side.

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 Jackson Martinez.

Subotic/Howedes - Subotic to mark their striker, force him high up the pitch thus limiting his impact close to goal, and Howedes 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.

Debuchy/Gaya - Both of you to force the Liverpool 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 Hamsik/Hazard 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 Jackson and Rooney, also link with Rooney when he drops deep. You will need to track back very quickly to ensure we don't get caught on the break.

Khedira/Fabregas - Khedira to patrol infront of the back four, if they play an AM stay on him, but don't follow if he drifts wide. Be first to any loose balls and in possession look for the attackers and pass rather than bring the ball out. Fabregas the box to box man, assist Khedira and the CB's in dealing with the Liverpool attack when we don't have the ball, but in possession get forward, use your ball playing ability to our advantage, link with Hamsik and Hazard, and look to create chances for Rooney and Martinez. Remain composed throughout.

Hamsik/Hazard - Both playing out wide but in RAM and LAM positions, both of you have the pace and trickery to beat the Liverpool 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. Their DM will be tasked with keeping tabs on you, but with one of you either side of him one of you will be free to cause carnage in the middle of the park. 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. Look to supply Rooney and Martinez with chances and also provide yourselves with chances. Link up with Fabregas, Rooney and Martinez, and capitalise on the space Rooney and Martinez's presence will create for you. Without the ball I expect you two to track back and assist your fullback.

Rooney/Martinez - you will be expected to occupy the Liverpool 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. Link together to create chances for each other. Stay on the last defender's shoulder for any passes in behind.

Subs 70 mins:
If winning: Hamsik and Martinez off, Pirlo and Lavezzi on. Switch to 4-5-1 with Pirlo, Khedira and Fabregas in midfield, Lavezzi to RW with Hazard at LW, Lavezzi and Hazard drop deeper out wide to make it 4-5-1. Absorb pressure and hit on the break.

If drawing: Martinez off, Lukaku on. Different sort of striker, same system as we push for the winner without overcommitting.

If losing: Gaya and Khedira off, Lukaku and Pirlo on. Switch to 3-1-4-2, back three of Debuchy - Subotic - Howedes, Pirlo the DM, Hamsik - Rooney - Fabregas - Hazard behind a front two of Martinez and Lukaku upfront. Push for goals.

---------------------Neuer----------------------
D.Alves-----Varane-----Bonucci-----Ricardo
---------------Vidal-------Pogba---------------
Pereyra-----------Neymar-----------Sanchez
--------------------Cavani---------------------

Krul, Laporte, Depay, Rabiot, Barkley, Morata, Vietto


In goal Neuer, 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 Varane 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. Bonucci alongside will mark any big men that come up for corners etc strong in the air and strong ion the tackle and make sure he is strong enough to get the ball away from danger, will help out Varane if needed. If Bonucci start with a big No.9 they will simply switch roles.

Ricardo and D.Alves 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.

We go with Vidal and Pogba in the centre of midfield, two absolute workhorses, can both defend and attack, when we defend they will work together to shut there midfield down the AM and second most advanced CM , they will close down everything very quickly and not allow there players any time on the ball whatsoever, once the ball is won, then one will drive on into support Neymar and Cavani, the other will stay backjust in case Both good on the ball with a great eye for goal, can shoot from a variety of angles. Always looking to mix it up with who drives orward so no one can be particulary marked as i will cause confusion in the Arsenal defence, look out for Pereyra and Sanchez coming inside and put some nice crisp through balls into them and Neymar and Cavani.

Sanchez and Pereyra are chosen on the wings as there work rate is exceptional and will help out the fullbacks when and if needed. Both 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 Cavani. Sanchez focusses more on the ttricks and twists to see him passed, whereas Pereyra 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. Like said they support the defenders when they have the ball and the defenders support them when we attack.

Neymar is given a free role today to try and break them down, he will drift all over as to make it difficult for his marker to pick him up, as he drifts this will leave holes in the Aresnal midfield for us to take advantage of. He will switch with eithe Winger at times as he looks to get himself into dnagerous positons. If he drives centrally he and Cavani will cause a lot of problems, he will pass to the CF and look to move into fantastic positions for Cavani to get him in in on goal, when we defend I want him to run down the DM looking to keep him off the ball and foerce him into mistakes.

Cavani will get plenty chances, he must put away this Arsenal side who will be solid at the back. Get into positions that he can go for goalor at very least drag players away for other players to drive into the space. Good in the air and two good feet, can score from various angles/ranges..All of our front four will be a threat today we must go for it and keep pace with the league leaders. Can hold it up and look for runners, in particular Neymar running into support.

A very difficult game but we have a good side defensively and going forward, quick passing, one twos and drive into positions to recieve a return ball, we really must go fr it, at the same time nothing risky.

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

Subs:-
Losing
70 Mins - Memphis Depay for Pereyra, switch sides with Sanchez
80 Mins - Laporte and Morata for Alves and Ricardo 3 at the back Sanchez Vidal Pogba Memphis in midfield wth Neymar supporting the two strikers

Winning
80 Mins - Rabiot for Neymar sit in a 5 man midfield to shut them down
85 Mins - Morata for Cavani

Drawing
70 Mins - Depay for Pereyra, Morata for Cavani, freshe legs to go at a tiring defence, Sanchez to the right, Depay to the left to confuse them a little

ASTON VILLA

3-4-1-2

_______________________Navas______________________
________Mertesacker____Toprak_____Koscielny_________
Zabaleta_______Koke______________Kroos________Shaw
______________________De Bruyne___________________
_____________Sturridge____________Dost_____________
SUBS: Mertesacker, Coleman, Gustavo, Fernandinho, Son, Pelle

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

General:
Aston Villa’s set-up will be reminiscent to the Dutch team in the 2014 World Cup. A back three, two central midfielders, 2 wing backs, a 10 and two centre forwards. Aston Villa’s back three can situationally morph into a back five with the wing backs dropping into the defensive line. Aston Villa’s 3-2 defensive block will allow easy circulation of the ball in the defensive area due to the natural positioning of the players in this system. This team will be one that presses in defensive phase, one which moves the ball quickly in transition phase and one which circulates the ball to open spaces. The 3 up front will look to take up good positions and cover space, reducing possible passes for the opposition team. The ball will be moved quickly when Aston Villa regain possession to take advantage of opened up space with the opposition not in their normal defensive structure. Both forwards need to make sure they run into wide areas where the full backs are probably missing and get a 1v1 with the centre halves where one could put the ball in and while the other gets into the box, link up with full backs when they come forward as well. The centre midfielder and the number 10 will get up to support the attack. Defending the 18 yard line is the main aim and will limit the opposition to long shots. All players stick to positions and won’t be dragged out of position. If the opposition want to play fancy passing and have 90% possession, let them, but our team will be compact not allowing anything to get into the 18 yard box.

Navas:
Claim crosses if possible. Always clear lines, and hoof up the pitch towards the strikers whenever possible. The ball must stay clear of the 18 yard box at all times. Communication is key with centre halves to avoid confusion when deciding who claims a loose ball / cross.

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 Koke 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 not be as aggressive but step up to attack players that come down his side. 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. Both will protect the central centre half to the best of their abilities. Go up for corners.

Toprak:
Sits in line with the other two centre halves, he is not a sweeper. Will try and win headers when long balls are played towards the back line. Will also clean up any balls / players who manage to get through the other two centre halves. Go up for corners.

Zabaleta and Shaw:
Will both go forwards and support the attack. Will also act as extra bodies in midfield to help with holding onto the ball. Can drop into a back 5 if necessary. Main aim is to provide width and thump in crosses at every opportunity. Shoot if there is a clear sight of goal. 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.

Koke and Kroos:
Sits deep, breaks up play and snap at their heels then break with the ball. Koke is an engine that can cover a lot of ground when defending. 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 Koke to be more involved in exchanging passes with full backs / De Bruyne, even going level with De Bruyne at times to use his incredible vision to find teammates. Koke stays close to the centre halves. Both sprays balls wide to wing backs and directly to the front 3. Koke stays back for corners. Will not allow the opposition any time on the ball in front of centre halves. Koke sticks to position when wing backs fly forwards, providing cover if needed. Koke will stand outside the box during set pieces to smack in rebounds if not taking a set piece.

De Bruyne:
Will constantly hit balls towards both strikers and if not possible, to the wing backs flying forwards. The number 10 will press the opposition along with the the other midfielders when without the ball. Will stand outside the box if not taking a set piece to hit a rebound.

Sturridge and Dost:
Holds up play for the support midfielders and spray the ball wide to wing backs when they come forward, if not then they will pull wide to exploit attacking space. Get into the box at every opportunity when their partner pulls out to wide areas. Both should be able to play quick one-twos with each other if they happen to be close to each other. Both will play on the shoulder of the opposition defence and will attempt at times to get in the space between centre halves and full backs, if there isn’t a lot of space. Their pace will allow long balls to be launched occasionally to them.

SUBS:
Winning/Drawing:
75 mins: De Bruyne OFF Fernandinho ON
Fernandinho replaces De Bruyne and will slot into centre midfield to shore up the midfield and to help keep the ball better in order to close the game out. Proper 3 in midfield.

Losing:
75 mins: De Bruyne OFF Pelle ON
Essentially going 3-4-3 where Pelle will join Sturridge and Dost up front. Offers the option for the others to hoof the ball up to the front line.

---------------------Szczęsny
---------Mustafi-----Godin-----Rojo
Candreva-------------------------------Mane
------------Pjanic-----Henderson
-----------Callejon--------Suarez
---------------------Higuain

Subs
Clyne, Clichy, Ginter, Strootman, Parejo, Nasri, Icardi

Tactics

Overview
We have set up with a 3-4-3 formation today, with the aim to getting extra attacking presences further up the pitch without losing strength in midfield or attack. We are going to play an attacking style of football, being aggressive in the way we defend by pressing quickly and high up the pitch.

Goalkeeper
Come for set pieces, punch rather than try the catch, when passing the ball look to play the percentage pass to the wing backs/outside centre backs and keep possession.

Centre Backs
Godin will sit at the base of the 3 organising the back line and is tasked with stopping any attacks coming through the centre of the pitch, and have him go against the striker when balls are played into him.

The other 2 centre backs will play wider, having more freedom to move around and help the wing backs with wide threats or stopping runs from attacking midfielders and press higher up the pitch, they are also both good on the ball so when in possession if there is space to run into, they are given the freedom to move into it and advance the play.

Wing Backs
Both guys have the energy levels to get up and down the pitch all match long, they will be tasked with keeping the width across the pitch forcing the opposition to keep their full backs from constricting the centre of the pitch. They won't put many crosses in, rather playing shorter passes to players who have come from the middle of the pitch.

Defensively, they have the wider centre backs to help them if they are outnumbered, but we want them to stop the wide men from cutting inside, forcing them to cross, which gives us a better chance of getting the ball back quickly and starting an attack.

Centre Mids


Pjanic and Hendo will be utilising their high energy styles to get themselves around the pitch, being key figures in the pressing game and always making themselves available for a pass when we are in the final third to shift their defensive players that little bit more which could be the difference in getting a player behind them. When defending, both players are looking to press in the middle third of the pitch, pressing the opposition CMs as they are on the ball to rush their decisions and win the ball back.

Attacking Midfielder

Both guys should be looking to make themselves available for a pass as much as possible, having free roles to drift around between their defence and midfield, when we have the ball in the middle of the pitch, they should be looking to drift around the space between the CMs and the defence and make them have to make decisions on who goes to them. They should also look to be moving out wider to get the ball and run at defenders or make key passes and make themselves available when the wing backs have the ball out wide.

Defensively, when their CBs/Keeper have the ball they will be working with Higuain to block off the lines to the full back and any CM that comes deep to get the ball to force a long kick, in general gameplay, they will track the full backs, looking to stop them pushing on too much.



Strikers


When attacking, Higuain 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, letting the CBs have the ball as much as they want, focusing instead of cutting off the passing lines to the full backs, the aim is to get their CB's/Keeper to kick it long with us having a better chance to win the ball back.

Set Pieces


Corners - Pjanic takes the corners, the CB's go into the box, the WB's stay back to prevent counters, the CB's, Callejon and Higuain work in a group to make little blocks and cross-runs to lose a marker to get a free run at the ball, Suarez looks to limit the opposition keeper from moving outside the 6 yard box and use his quick reactions to deflect shots going near him. Hendo takes a position outside the box to pick up weak clearances and occasionally providing the short option to try and draw 2 defenders out of the box.





Free Kicks - Suarez takes Direct FK's



For Indirect FK's, same instructions as Corners





Penalties - Suarez is the designated taker.

Subs

If Winning


68 mins - Strootman for Callejon - Strooty CM, Pjanic AM Fresh legs, gets more stuck in with defensive work.

75 mins - Clyne + Clichy for Candreva + Mane - Fresh defensive legs, Wing backs tuck back in more.

If losing

65 mins - Nasri + Icardi for Mane + Candreva - Nasri goes to LWB, Callejon RWB, Wing backs act more as wingers, and we go all out to win the tie, Suarez moves alongside Higuain.

78 mins - Parejo for Mustafi - a more attacking option.

PORTSMOUTH v Hull City

Line up:

ter-Stegen
Carvajal Pepe Hummels Marcelo
Nainggolan Modric Guarin
Coutinho Goetze
Lewandowski

Soares; Jedvaj; De Rossi; Goretzka; Fekir; Anderson; Berardi


Captain: Hummels
Penalties: Lewandowski
Corner Kicks: Coutinho
Free Kicks: Goetze


Game Tactics:
A very important game against Hull City and one in which we are lining up in a Christmas tree 4-3-2-1 formation with the design of negating Hull's weighty offense down the flanks, as well as giving us the tools to control the midfield.

The midfield revolves around Modric holding a fairly central role that gives Nainggolan and Guarin the freedom to roam up and down the pitch and, if necessary, out to the flanks in order to cover against the Hull City wingers.

We know that Hull are a very strong side so we will be looking to move the ball up the field quickly where our pace can catch their defence on the back foot. We want to play the ball around so that the City players start to push forward and come out of possession, whereby we will be able to exploit the space that they will leave.

Whereas in the last game we played an aggressive pressing formation, in this match we want to emulate the style that Arsenal used against Manchester City, setting up a solid 4-5-1 when not in possession. We will allow Hull to move the ball around their back 4 with minimal pressing from Lewandowski as our aim will be to invite them in to our half where our superior numbers in midfield will allow us to crowd out playing space and to regain possession.

It is imperative that our team plays as a cohesive unit in defence and with a blistering aggression in attack and so we have gone with an unchanged lineup that will help with team cohesion. We have pace up front and a great deal of experience at the back that we feel should lead to a confident performance and victory.


Individual Tactics:

ter-Stegen: A fantastic shot stopper who will be looking to put in a superb performance in order to stake his claim for the 'keeper's spot.

Carvajal + Marcelo: In defence, they will be combative and will not let their man go down the flanks. They will prefer to push them in to the midfield where our other players can dispossess them. Offensively, they will look to hug the flanks and drill the ball in low and hard.

Pepe + Hummels: Pepe will go up for every ball with their centre forward, knowing that he is strong enough to dominate physically and aerially. Hummels will drop back and will be looking to pick up any runs off the centre forward's shoulder or any runs behind the full backs.

Nainggolan + Modric + Guarin: Each midfielder will be expected to pull his weight equally in both attack and defence. With Modric holding the centre of the pitch, on the ball, this allows Nainggolan and Guarin the freedom to charge forward and help in attack. When defending, they will be expected to push slightly wider to cut off passing lanes to Hull's flanks.

Modric will not be a static holding midfielder, however. He will look to press heavily when the ball is in our half and, when on the ball, he will look to be constantly on the move - trying to find space in which to work his magic on our opponents.

Coutinho + Goetze: Given the opportunity to roam around the pitch, dragging players out of defence. They will always be on the lookout for that ball or run in behind the defence. In defence, Goetze and Coutinho will both drop in to the centre of midfield to help crowd out Hull's midfield.

Lewandowski: When we're in possession, he will play off the last shoulder, looking to get in behind for the goal. In defence, he will close down the man with the ball every time. We don't want them playing out from the back.


Substitutions:

75 minutes: Berardi for Lewandowski: Berardi will provide a new burst of energy and pace to our front line.

80 minutes: Anderson for Coutinho: Anderson is more direct and a more accomplished goalscorer which we hope will give us the edge late on.

81 minutes: De Rossi for Modric: This will provide more stability in the midfield as we will have a proper defensive midfielder to see us through the last few minutes.

-------------------Courtois
Azpilicueta---Garay----Terry---Asamoah
---------------------Matic
------Tielemans-----------Kondogbia
Origi---------------------------------Griezmann
---------------------Costa

Subs: Ryan, N'Koulou, Luis, Thauvin, Oscar, Cuadrado, Praet

Captain: John Terry
Free Kicks: Youri Tielemans
Corners: Youri Tielemans
Penalties: Diego Costa


We will defend our half of the pitch, allowing Fabregas and co to push on and leave them vulnerable. We have the players to get on top of the midfield and if we can click in this area we can really hurt United with our pace and midfield power today. Be in their faces from the off, surprise them!

Defend our half of the field in order to draw them out as we are confident in our organisation at the back and this allows us a better chance of exploiting the space united leave when the FBs and Fabregas push on. We will defend with a compact back four and a group of 6 in front who will look to press furiously, using our extra power and energy in the midfield to get on top of them and in particular kick the likes of Fabregas out of the game. The first defensive stage will begin on half way, with the front three pressing the CMs, Origi closing off the left flank so they can't pick out Gaya/Hazard, this should hurry the CMs up and force the rushed pass into an area we have the power to control. If the ball stays central we continue to press right in their face, the three CMs working together using their power to get in their faces, one closing the man on the ball, the other two closing off the passing routes, this way we give Cesc no time to find the pass. The widemen stay compact so that the midfield can move across their line as the situation dictates and the defence is together so that any attempt at a ball over the top or into the channels is pointless, there won't be the space for that. If they get into our third we remain organised, the players don't have specific marking duties as we expect a lot of moving around from United, all three CMs are capable of stopping them playing in between the lines and limiting them to sideways and backwards movement, whilst Griezmann can drop back and make it four in midfield to leave no space, Origi staying up with Costa as out balls, positioning themselves near the deepest United players to press them if the ball goes back. The FBs are tight on the widemen, especially Azpi, he won't give Hazard an inch, bring him down as soon as he attempts a run, it's the best way to keep him out, whilst Tielemans/Griezmann at this point are ready to go out to the FBs and defend the flanks, leaving Matic, Kondogbia, Costa and Origi to press in the middle. If the ball goes into the CF on the edge of the box he has Terry on him, battling on the ball, the other defenders compact so that the channels can't be used and one two's are easily dealt with. They key is to defend with our energy, both FBs always in the faces of their wingers, not allowing them to run into space and the midfield/attack constantly brushing United off the ball.

If they start the attack from wide we respond by positioning ourselves so that two can press the man on the ball(eg Azpi/Origi on the left) whilst the midfielders and the two forwards close in so that we can surround United in this section of the field, defending in vertical lines. Press them quickly so they have to rush the passes, either sideways to the CMs, who will be covered by the CFs to allow us time to reorganise and defend the next vertical section of the field, or towards the striker, who if he is first to the ball will have defenders on him immediately so he can't take control of the situation. We must close off the flank, especially when it's Hazard, if he somehow gets past Azpi he's going to have Teielemans, Matic, Kondogbia waiting in the central spaces he wants to use, ready to kick him even more. Origi/Griezmann must stick with the FBs so they can't cause problems, but this is only when the attack starts from wide, if it's central then moved wide in the final third we defend with the two banks of four as stated above.

Our intense pressure and extra power and energy should mean we are able to get on the ball in the midfield areas and move it forward before United can organise themselves. Matic will largely stay at the base of midfield, keeping things simple and making sure we aren't vulnerable to counters. Kondogbia will be the engine, able to use his power to break forward and pick his passes, whilst Tielemans has that in his locker too but his range of passing can really hurt United today, we want plenty of quick passes to split the defence and release the forwards early. If we enjoy a spell of possession, we want these three controlling the ball,m Asamoah and Origi staying wide to stretch United out, with Griezmann ready to come infield and support Costa to give the CBs more to think about. Azpi will push on too, force Hazard into tracking right back where he's no longer in position to break fast. When we are countering we will once again use Asamoah as the player to really stretch things, if we can get the ball out to him, his excellent crossing means we can flood the box, the front three and Kondogbia all a big aerial threat. The extra space will also allow for the wingers to move around more in counters, Griezmann from out to in to attack the CBs and run off Costa, and Origi from in to to out to stretch United. Both wingers want to run at players and we encourage them to do so, getting us forward and looking for Costa, who will be occupying the defenders, battling them, linking the play and providing the end product and runs on goal.

Subs:

If Winning: N'Koulou for Origi 70', 3-4-2-1, the WBs keep on the wingers and allow them no time on the ball, but they have three behind them now, meaning absolutely no space for United to break and we can deal with whatever they throw at us. Oscar and Luis for Tielemans and Asamoah 75', fresh legs to keep pressing really quickly, don't allow them to get on top, especially in midfield, Oscar and Griezmann can drop right in with Matic and Kondogbia if required.

If Drawing: Cuadrado and Oscar for Origi and Tielemans 70', Cuadrado holds lots of width which will really stretch United and Oscar comes on to take advantage of the space Costa creates, link up with him. Praet for Costa 80', Griezmann plays centrally and as United look to push even more when forward we take advantage with extra pace in the counters, Praet playing from left and using the space to come infield, whilst Cuadrado is providing the width.

If Losing: N'Koulou, Cuadrado and Oscar for Kondogbia, Azpilicueta and Origi 65', 3-4-2-1, press from the front now, in their half of the field, use the WBs to stretch things and use the two behind the strikers to overrun their defence:

Courtois
N'Koulou Terry Garay
Cuadrado Matic Tielemans Asamoah
Oscar Griezmann
Costa