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comment by Perfect Cell - GET RID OF TACTICAL DEF ON FIFA (U9880)
posted 8 hours, 31 minutes ago
comment by Perfect Cell - GET RID OF TACTICAL DEF ON FIFA (U9880)
posted 14 hours, 54 minutes ago
Ortala
Walker Bartra Chiellini Bernat
Mikel Schwein
Di Maria Zelalem Vitinho
Costa

Cech, Cahill, Teixeira, Lavezzi, Bender, lacazette, Schmelzer

Half time

Lacazette > Costa
Bender > Mikel
Schmelzer > Bernat
Cahill > Bartra
Lavezzi > Vitinho

70 Mins

Teixiera > Zelalem
Cech > Ortala

Positional Tactics:

Ortala should communicate with the defence and protect the goal.

Walker should play as a wing back. He must go up to add to the pressure against their defence. He should stay out wide to create a crossing option and he will try and drill the ball into the centre. I want him to bring the other defenders towards him in order to open up space for Di Maria. While defending walker should try and push the player back. If he can’t do that he should push him out wide to a position where he has to kick the ball off. Bernat should act as a Wing Back. They will be dangerous on the counter so if we look to keep some players back we can prevent goals from occurring. However I would like him to go up every now and then if my attackers do need the help. He should also look to keep the attackers back or push them out wide. When we have a free kick or corner our full backs should stay back in case of a counter attack.

Bartra should use his height and strength to keep the striker(s) out of the game. I want him to keep with that attacker at all times not allowing him to break up space. If he tries to move Bartra away and allow space to occur then he should temporarily leave him and try and trap him offside. He should try and header every ball out of the box or kick it away. When he does kick it away he should kick it towards the wings so that we can create a counter attack. He should stay back when we’re attacking unless we have a corner or free kick. Chiellini should use his experience and strength to keep potential runners into the box out. We do not want any space opened up. He should look to keep command of the defensive line making sure it’s not too high but not too deep. For Bartra I would like him to be up in the opposition’s box for corners and free kicks. Chiellini should stay just outside the box before the free kick/corner is taken and then run in round the back when it is.

Mikel will act as a wall in front of the defence. He should look to disrupt their attacking play and be in the oppositions face, and watch the advances of their playmaker who will break from midfield and make runs into the box. Mikel has the power to cope with the strength of their playmaker and also the pace to follow the runs made by him. He will break late and Mikel should watch the runs into the box and look to cope with the balls put into the box which are heading for this player. He should not break forward but hold his position and not get caught up field. I want him to control the style of the game we play. While acting as cover for our defence he should also separate the midfield from the defence by keeping hold of the ball and form attacks.

Schwein will be our box-box midfielder. This means he will be linking our defence with our attack. He should take hold of the ball and then make runs forward and then supplying it to any of the front 4 ahead. When we’re attacking I want him to move up and stay in space. This will mean he will be an option for the others to pass to. He should also look to open up space for the other attacking players. When off the ball he should be a ball winning player by standing in front of their players and also covering up any spaces.

I want Di Maria to use his skill to keep the ball and then try and make runs into the box. This will cause the defender to follow him and opening up space for the full back to run into. He must use his pace to outrun the full back but also his quality control of the ball to dribble round him. He should work with walker to create space in the opposition’s box. Use walker out wide to bring their full back to him. When we’re off the ball I want him to make runs back to help protect the defence by helping walker cover their full back. When defending a corner he should stay just outside the box so that he can start a counter attack when or if we win the ball back. I would like Vitinho to do the same as Di Maria in this case.

Zelalem should use his pace and strength to make runs into the box and opening up space for Zelalem. It should do the same for the wingers as well. He will look to supply the ball to the wingers as well. He must make runs all around the front of the defence going right, left and centre. This will create himself as an added option for his wingers and also open up space for the other central players to run into. This will also cause his defensive midfielder to move out of position and allow our wingers to use that space by running into the centre or the other 2 central midfielders to run into.

Costa 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. He should also try and assist others in attacks. When we’re defending he should mark the player at the edge of the box. When we win the ball back he can run up to keep himself an option on the counter.

Captain: Schwein
Vice Captain: Chiellini
Penalties: Di Maria
Free Kicks: Di Maria
Corners: Di Maria
----------------------------------------------------------------------

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

Weds 9th

Chelsea u21s v Arsenal u21s

---------------------Butland---------------------
Bossaerts----Zouma----Bazoer----M.Targett
--------------Kongolo----Kingsley---------------
Ziyech--------------Gauld----------------Depay
--------------------Zivkovic----------------------

Crowley, Denayer, D.Alli, Solanke

I want my young team to play in the same way as my seniors, quick free flowing football, try and keep the ball on the deck, one touch football if possible.

Butland in goal I want to come off his line to shut down the forwards, out for high balls,punch what he cant catch and get the ball moving early, He has to put pressure on my No.2 mattia Perin this season so will want to put on a good show.

A young defence which Kurt Zouma will lead, he will mark the CF tightly always have an eye on him and be ready to push him back from goal and not allow him to turn an become a danger, Riecheldy Bazoer is the ball player, he is confident enough to start attacks from deep, nothing silly tho. Will also be my spare defender and help out where needed. Bossaerts and Matty Targett will defend first and foremost, keep the line to make it hard for Arsenal to break down. When poss, Targett will be the one to push up and support the midfield/attack while Bossaerts sits back and becomes the 3rd CB in case of break aways.

Rodney Kongolo is there to protect the back 4 at all times, stop there AM dictating play. Keeps it simple and when the ball is won simple short passes to those around him. Kingsley Coman is the box to box player, helps out Kongolo when defending and breaks up play but will drive forward and look to get into dangerous positions, a skillfull yet tough tackling player, has a bit of everything to his game so will be an important pllayer today. Always passing and moving to receive the return ball and looking to get others into good positions. Ryan GAuld is the playmaker, Not one to make 50 yard runs, but will make the passes that Zivkovic etc will thrive on. Hard to mark as his centre of gravity is low, can turn very quickly so will be a nightmare for whoever is marking him. Always head up looking for a froward pass and with Depay and Ziyech the 3 will play the one twos to break the lines of defence.

Wingers Ziyech and Depay will have freedom to attack. they are in the 1st team squad for a reason so will want to prove themselves worthy of a staring slot. Depay in particular is very quick so will knock it passed defenders and sprint ontto the ball and drive inside using Zivkovic and Gauld to pass and get into positions that he will become a goal threat, Ziyech is skillful and will take his marker on, playing one touch passing with others to get beyond the defence. Targett will be up supporting Depay so those two will be a massive threat on the left, whereas Ziyech will us Gauld and Zivkovic more often than not.

Zivkovic will lead the line, for such a young age he is a very mature striker, will go for goal alot but has the brain to use those around him, if he cant go for goal then he knows Gauld, Coma, Depay are there to suppoprt him, so he will try and get the ball to them with neat flicks or knockbacks. Two good feet and extremely good in the air.

Play with no fear, pass it about, defend and attack as a team. Enjoy it and show that this team will mean business in the U21 league.

Captain:- Kurt Zouma
Penalites:- Richairo Zivkovic
Free Kicks:- Ryan Gauld
Corners:- Ryan Gauld

Subs:-

Half Time
Solanke for Ziyech, Denayer for Targett - straight Swap
60 Mins:- Dan Crowley for Coman
70 Mins:- Dele Alli for Gauld

Comment deleted by Site Moderator

Arsenal u21s

-----------------Damien Martinez
Bellerin-----Laporte----Jedvaj----Janko
----------------Caio-----Ox-------------------
Ocampos---------Maher----Basacikoglu
--------------------Akpom

Muric, Milinkovic, Mosquito, Vilceanu, Ninkovic, Rotariu

We play an orthodox 4-2-3-1 with two natural wingers, a no 10, a cf and two attacking full backs.

At the back we have a solid pair in Laporte and Jedvaj, both very comfortable on the ball and in the air. I want Laporte to the man marking as he is more dominant and also the better defender. Jedvaj will look to use his pace in covering up.

Full backs are Bellerin and Janko, both very comfortable getting up and down the pitch. Janko will show his opposition inside.

Caio sits in while OX is box to box and gives us pace from midfield along with a passing range.

Ocampos and Bilal on each wing. Look to take on their opposition full backs with their pace and trickery or use their flair with a lively striker up top in Akpom.

Maher the perfect no 10 for this sort of team. Look to pull the strings and create things for us.

Akpom will play on the shoulder of the last defender creating a lot of space for the midfield to use. Can also be used as a target man.

65mins

Maher > Ninkovic
Bilal > Rotariu

ASTON VILLA

4-2-3-1

______________________Begovic___________________
Coleman__________Toprak_____Garay___________Cole
___________________Can_____Verratti______________
Vela__________________De Bruyne_________Rodriguez
_______________________Destro___________________
SUBS: Navas, Koscielny, Zabaleta, Kroos, Koke, Volland, Sturridge

Captain: Cole
Right free-kicks: De Bruyne
Left free-kicks: De Bruyne
Penalties: Destro
Right corners: De Bruyne
Left corners: De Bruyne


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

Begovic:
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.

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

Coleman and Cole:
Will get forward in turns when we get possession, if they aren’t individually under too much pressure. Will sit back when without the ball, but bomb forward when the opportunity arises. Main aim is to provide width and provide extra bodies in midfield to link up play. They should thump in crosses to Destro when it’s on. 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.

Can and Verratti:
Sits deep, breaks up play and snap at their heels. Can is an engine that can cover a lot of ground when defending. Can will hardly ever go past the half-way line. Verratti will buzz around and dictate play, bursting forwards at times to provide an extra body in attack. Verratti will be a bit ahead of Can 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. Can stays close to the centre halves. Both sprays balls wide to fullbacks when they get forward. Stays back for corners. Will not allow the opposition any time on the ball in front of centre halves. Can sticks to position when fullbacks flys forwards, providing cover if needed. Verratti drops deeper when this happens.

Vela, De Bruyne and Rodriguez:
Will constantly swap positions with each other. Will look to thread through balls to Destro and exchange passes with each other. Constantly drifting in and out of position, into space to make it difficult to mark. Can cross when out wide. Vela should always track back to help the fullbacks and midfield when defending. De Bruyne can burst past Destro and shoot if needed. Goes to near post to anticipate crosses. Constantly runs at their defence. All will press the opposition when without the ball.

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

SUBS:
Winning/Drawing:
75 mins: Vela OFF Volland ON
Volland replaces Vela but will be willing to tuck inside more to help keep the ball whilst offering support when defending down the right.

Losing:
75 mins: Can OFF Lambert ON
Go 4-2-4 with Lambert Destro centre Vela right Rodriguez left. De Bruyne supports, Verratti holds and sprays passes from deep.

Comment deleted by Site Moderator

Attacking 4-2-3-1. We setup with a solid defensive shape, and have the perfect players to play a high pressing and attacking game.
First key points to our game today will be our width, stretching the game and dominating possession in the middle. The second key point will be high pressing, playing the game where we want to, while simultaneously forcing our opponents into areas where they feel uncomfortable.

---------- G.Buffon
Alves – Pepe – Evans – Filipe
------- Khedira – Rakitic
Navas ----- Barkley -- Cazorla
----------- C.Tevez

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

The first point of defence should be in in the opposition half, as we look to play a high pressing game. We allow the opposition cb’s and gk time on the ball in the final third. But close down midfielders coming deep and the fbs. Limit their options. Force them to go long or take risks.

When Everton’s cm’s come deep to pick up the ball one of Barkley/Cazorla/Navas (bank of 4 midfielders behind) and Tevez look to close them down. Don’t give them time to pick a pass, working together they will have two banks of four behind them that will make it near impossible for Everton to find a way through. Frustrate them. When there deep midfielders do get on the ball, Tevez and Barkley shut out the space in front of them, force them back to their defenders as our other four midfielders and fb’s will pick up their midfielders.

Although we press high up the park, the defence will ensure that as Everton advance further up the park, the line drops deep so there is no space in behind. We will have a wall of five with a wall of four in front closing down, we will have a great solid shape. The closest player in the midfield 5 helps to close down, and the other four move across narrowing our midfield shape.

As Everton advance into higher areas of the park and closer to our first third, our shape will resemble a 4-1-4-1. Khedira drops in between defence and midfield, sweeping in between the lines. Rakitic and Barkley. This shape ensures that when our midfield do press, we always still have a midfielder in front of the defence.

We always want at least one more defender than Everton has attacker. One full backs get forward at a time. The other stays in line with Khedira, ready to break forward. This will help guard against counter attacks, as he provides a great stop or if not at least slows down the opposition from bursting straight through against the defence, and allows us to get players back to position. Rakitic has a box to box role, he has the energy to get up and down the park all game.

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

We look to keep our passing simple in our own third. Look for Rakitic or go down the wings. Playing short and on the deck where possible. If we go long, we look to find our wingers.

Khedira in front of the backline play a hugely important role in our defence. But also offers the option to go backwards and start attacks again, he will keep things simple in possession and drive us forward.

Attack

It’s the quality of possession that matters, and with the players in our side we are confident we can hurt this Everton side with our range of passing, ability to beat a man and quality in the final third.

Rakitic orchestrates our play in the central midfield role. His energy and composure will add a real dynamic to our play, and give us the ability to change the tempo of the game if we need to. Next to him Khedira offers real drive and defensive cover.

We will look to mix our play, stretch Everton. We have the players who will make the final ball and the players who can score. Get down the wings, and get the ball to one of our players feet in the box. Coupled with the space created from our width, we will create pockets of space that our players who are fantastic dribblers will thrive on.

Alves and Navas linking up down the right give us a great attacking outlet and real width. Filipe will keep his lines outside and down the line, giving Cazorla freedom to come inside.

Tevez us someone who can create gaps with his running and movement, we will look to throw men forward to exploit these gaps. Barkley behind him will look to get involved in everything. Giving him a deeper role so that he can get involved in everything, and so that Navas and Cazorla can really stretch the Everton defence and pull them out of position creating gaps. With runners from deep we will get plenty of chances through on goal.

Subs. After 60 min bring on Cesc for Rakitic. Shaqiri for Cazorla.

After 70 mins bring on Balotelli for Tevez, Bittencourt for Navas.

After 75 mins bring on and Pasallic for Barkley.

Liverpool vs Everton to take place 2nd August

LSTD league XI
---------------------------Valdes
Zabaleta-------Kompany------Benatia------Blind
--------------------Vidal---------Matuidi
Robben-----------------Gotze--------------Hazard
------------------------Suarez

Subs: Courtois, Sagna, Motta, Valbuena, James, Reus, Klose

Captain: Vincent Kompany
Free Kicks: Luis Suarez
Penalties: Arturo Vidal
Corners: Arjen Robben

Game Plan:

This in an elite group of players, selected to represent the league. We expect nothing but entertaining football and victory. We are set up to be very quick and direct on the ball, looking to move the ball at pace, running at the opposition as much as possible and creating plenty of chances. We have a lot of energy and will look to work hard high up the field to stop Birmingham being able to attack us, if they get through the first block, they have an incredible powerful midfield and a world class defence to get through, good luck to them!

Players:

Valdes commands his area, collecting the crosses and distributing quickly.

The two FBs have a license to go forward when we attack, Zabaleta looking to make the runs beyond his winger, allowing Robben the opportunity to cut inside and open things up, whilst Blind looks for the diagonal balls into the box. When defending they are quick to close down the opposition wingers, getting in their face but most importantly looking to force them further back towards their half, never allowing them to be on the front foot.

Kompany leads the team, between himself and Benatia they keep the front man quiet, one looking to step in and stick to him like glue, not giving him chance to control the ball properly or find space, and the other dropping off, reading the game and stopping the midfield runners or any flick ons.

In front of the back four two engines, Vidal and Matuidi. We want them covering a lot of ground, getting stuck in, protecting the defence and getting the ball forward into our attackers. One can join the attacks to add that extra drive.

The three attacking mids have a license to go where they want and make things happen, using their quick passing and great dribbling skills to run at people and open the game up.

Suarez will get involved in this build up play, moving around to draw out defenders and open up space for the run of deeper players, whilst he provides a clinical edge in front of goal.

Subs:

At Half time, Courtois, Sagna, Motta and James will replace Valdes, Benatia, Matuidi and Gotze.

65' Valbuena and Reus will come on for Robben and Hazard.

70' Klose will come on for Suarez.

Tactics vs Man City Euro Cup friendly

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

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

---------------------Witsel-------Cabaye----------------------

Walcott----------------Rodriguez-------------------Markovic

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


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

-----------------------Cabaye-----------James----------------------

Walcott------------------------------------------------Markovic

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

out of possession

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

-------------------------------Witsel--------------------------------

Walcott---------Cabaye---------James-------------Markovic

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


Scuffet: very young, but a fantastic goalkeeper, excellent shot stopper and very confident coming off his line, will look to release the ball quickly in order to start attacks, when he gets the ball the full backs will push forward and the centre backs will spread out offering themselves for the pass, will only go long if there is no other option.

Defence: as has been spoken about in the game plan section, the full backs will look to push up the field when we are in possession creating the multiple lines across the pitch which is the basis of our possession philosophy. The central defenders will look to stay close to one another when out of possession, the full backs will also tuck in leaving little room in the centre of the pitch, while the midfield and attack will cover the defence of the wide areas, this is not the specific job of one player as we are playing in a fluid system, it will be whoever is available to do the job at that point in time.

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 5 possess good pace and stamina and are able to get up and down the pitch.

Cabaye will get up and down the pitch throughout, has terrifiv 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 City 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 Markovic 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.

Rodrigo Moreno 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:

halftime:
Giuseppe Rossi > Rodrigo Moreno
Rui Patricio > Simone Scuffet

60 mins:
Matteo Darmian > Juanfran
Juan Quintero > James Rodriguez
Claudio Marchisio > Yohan Cabaye

75 mins:
Lucas Moura > Theo Walcott

ASTON VILLA

4-2-3-1

______________________Navas_____________________
Zabaleta________Mertesacker__Koscielny________Shaw
_______________Fernandinho___Gerrard_____________
Volland________________Kroos_________________Koke
_____________________Sturridge___________________
SUBS: Begovic, Garay, Cole, Verratti, El Shaarawy, De Bruyne, Destro

Captain: Gerrard
Right free-kicks: Kroos
Left free-kicks: Kroos
Penalties: Gerrard
Right corners: Kroos
Left corners: Kroos


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

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 Fernandinho will deal with knock-downs to their supporting player depending on who is closer. Mertesacker will try and win headers when long balls are played towards the back line. Mertesacker will also clean up any balls / players who manage to get past Koscielny. Koscielny will be the centre half who steps up and clears up balls before it reaches their attackers, but must only go if he’s 100% sure he’ll get it. Go up for corners.

Zabaleta and Shaw:
Will get forward in turns when we get possession, if they aren’t individually under too much pressure. Will sit back when without the ball, but bomb forward when the opportunity arises. Main aim is to provide width and provide extra bodies in midfield to link up play. They should thump in crosses to Sturridge when it’s on. 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.

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

Volland, Kroos and Koke:
Will constantly swap positions with each other. Will look to thread through balls to Sturridge and exchange passes with each other. Constantly drifting in and out of position, into space to make it difficult to mark. Can cross when out wide. Koke should always track back to help the fullbacks and midfield when defending. Kroos can burst past Sturridge and shoot if needed. Goes to near post to anticipate crosses. Constantly runs at their defence. All will press the opposition when without the ball. Koke will be drifting inside a lot and because he has stamina of six men will therefore chase down the ball a lot and aim to create when he gets the ball.

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

SUBS:
Winning/Drawing:
75 mins: Volland OFF De Bruyne ON
De Bruyne replaces Volland but will be willing to tuck inside more to help keep the ball whilst offering support when defending down the right.

Losing:
75 mins: Fernandinho OFF Destro ON
Go 4-2-4 with Sturridge Destro centre Volland right Koke left. Kroos supports, Gerrard holds and sprays passes from deep.

Liverpool tactics 1st Half:

------------------------Foster
Azpilicueta-------Reyes----Terry-----Howedes
------------Kondogbia--------Matuidi
Bakalli-----------------Turan-----------Griezmann
------------------------Cavani

Subs: Courtois, Skrtel, Corchia, Balanta, Moreno, Matic, Sneijder, R.Garcia, Tielemams, Rooney, Origi

Captain: Terry
Free Kicks: Cavani
Corners: Griezmann
Penalties: Cavani

Game Plan:
We will play with a lot of energy and press high up the field from the front, with the first wave of pressure being put on by the front 4, looking to force the opposition to move the ball to wider areas, rather than allowing them comfortable possession in the midfield, this stage focusing on squeezing space. From here we can close them in and defend the flanks, looking to set up into horizontal thirds of the field, this allows us to squeeze both space and players, so when we defend one flank we move players across to narrow the field, when we defend the centre we narrow our team towards the middle. This is designed to give the opposition little space to play into, if they get past one player they will find another in their way and we can work hard to get the ball back. If they are getting possession in our third of the field we will become more rigid in the set up, with the back four staying close together, the midfield dropping back to become flat, the two CMs not allowing any space between the lines and the wide men looking to join on to our FBs, the front two players will drop backwards and look to keep in close proximity to the oppositions two holding players. This way we allow them to have more freedom on the ball, but give them no where to go and wait for the opportunity to win it back.

Our main aim is to win the ball as high up the field as possible and then attack with a lot of pace. The defenders will look to get the ball into the midfield and those two will dictate our play, looking to use the widths of the field and the pace we possess there to really hurt the opposition. The attacks will build quickly down the wings with the final aim to bring the ball central in the final third, be that with a player cutting inside, a ball into the channel or into the middle or crosses. The attacking play can be switched up to keep the opposition guessing. The three behind the striker are able to rotate positions, working the wings or running off Cavani, highlight the man in the SS position must look to be quick when he gets the ball, use quick dribbling to open the game up for us to attack. Cavani as the focus point, bring quick build up and movement around the area.

2nd half 11

-------------------------Courtois
Corchia--------Skrtel------------Balanta------Moreno
---------------Tielemans-------Matic
Sneijder---------------------------------------Garcia
------------------------Rooney
--------------------------Origi

In the second half, the defensive system will be the same, make things compact and work hard to stop the opposition. Offensively we continue to be direct but in a different manner, this time using our physicality against a team who aren't really used to that sort of opposition. In Tielemans, Matic and Sneijder we have three midfielders capable of playing some pinpoint passes I to the forwards, whilst Raul Garcia will take advantage of his physical presence to make runs drifting inside and provide a target for diagonal balls. Rooney and Origi switch positions, provide the strength but also pace and movement between them, making clever runs to get each other into some free space.

EVERTON v Southampton

------------Mandanda
------Lovren Alex Caulker
Sagna -------Defour-------- Criscito
-----Dembele -------- Hernanes
-------------Hulk Eto'o

Absorb pressure, look to hurt Southampton on the counter attack. Bully their defence with Hulk and Eto'o playing as strikers, Hernanes and Dembele supporting from midfield, with Sagna and Criscito getting forward from wingback to get crosses in.

Without the ball, wingbacks and Dembele drop back alongside Defour to have 8 men behind the ball, Hernanes, Hulk and Eto'o to pressurise but stay forward to catch them out if they over commit.

Subs 65 mins:
Carroll for Hulk, Drmic for Eto'o, Dzagoev for Hernanes, Arteta for Defour, Thauvin for Dembele, Richards for Sagna, Ronan for Criscito. All like for like changes.

If losing at 75 mins: Wingbacks be further forward, get balls into the box for Carroll to win headers. Alex to join the attack at 85 mins for aerial bombardment.

Cech
Piszczek Cahill Chiellini Schmelzer
Bender Schwein
Candreva Di Maria Lavezzi
Costa

Subs – Cesar, De Vrij, Bernat, Carrick, Eriksen, Muriel, Remy

Positional Tactics:

Cech should keep in his goal controlling his defenders to keep to their positions. He must use his strength to beat everyone to the ball. Communicate constantly with the defence to prevent confusion and mistakes.

Piszczek should play as a wing back. This means when we have the ball he should play as a supporting role to our wingers and midfielders. He must go up to add to the pressure against their defence. He should stay out wide to create a crossing option and he will try and drill the ball into the centre. I want him to bring the other defenders towards him in order to open up space for Candreva to take advantage of. While defending Piszczek should try and push the player back. This means it gives our players the chance to get into their positions and also limiting any attacking options for them. If he can’t do that he should push him out wide to a position where he has to kick the ball off. This is because running into the box would be dangerous for us to handle so this will be prevented. Schmelzer should act as a Wing Back. This is because we want to create some stability at the back. They will be dangerous on the counter so if we look to keep some players back we can prevent goals from occurring. However I would like him to go up every now and then if my attackers do need the help. He should also look to keep the attackers back or push them out wide. When we have a free kick or corner our full backs should stay back in case of a counter attack.

Cahill should use his height and strength to keep the striker(s) out of the game. I want him to keep with that attacker at all times not allowing him to break up space. If he tries to move Cahill away and allow space to occur then he should temporarily leave him and try and trap him offside. Because Cahill will be attacking he should act as help temporarily to prevent players cutting into the box. He should try and header every ball out of the box or kick it away. When he does kick it away he should kick it towards the wings so that we can create a counter attack. He should stay back when we’re attacking unless we have a corner or free kick. Chiellini should use his experience and strength to keep potential runners into the box out. We do not want any space opened up. He should look to keep command of the defensive line making sure it’s not too high but not too deep. For Cahill I would like him to be up in the opposition’s box for corners and free kicks. Chiellini should stay just outside the box before the free kick/corner is taken and then run in round the back when it is.

Bender will act as a wall in front of the defence. He should look to disrupt their attacking play and be in the oppositions face, and watch the advances of their playmaker who will break from midfield and make runs into the box. Bender has the power to cope with the strength of their playmaker and also the pace to follow the runs made by him. He will break late and Bender should watch the runs into the box and look to cope with the balls put into the box which are heading for this player. He should not break forward but hold his position and not get caught up field. I want him to control the style of the game we play. While acting as cover for our defence he should also separate the midfield from the defence by keeping hold of the ball and form attacks.

Schwein will be our box-box midfielder. This means he will be linking our defence with our attack. He should take hold of the ball and then make runs forward and then supplying it to any of the front 4 ahead. When we’re attacking I want him to move up and stay in space. This will mean he will be an option for the others to pass to. He should also look to open up space for the other attacking players. When off the ball he should be a ball winning player by standing in front of their players and also covering up any spaces.

I want Candreva to use his skill and pace so he can keep the ball and then try and make runs into the box. This will cause the defender to follow him and opening up space for the full back to run into. He must use his pace to outrun the full back but also his quality control of the ball to dribble round him. He will use the full back when the space has opened up. He should work with Piszczek to create space in the opposition’s box. Use Piszczek out wide to bring their full back to him so Candreva can run into the box with less challenge. If that doesn’t work then he should bring the full back to him and then use Piszczek. When we’re off the ball I want him to make runs back to help protect the defence by helping Piszczek cover their full back. They should both pressurise him to make a mistake or remove the ball from that area. Candreva should also be cautious of the other midfielders. When defending a corner he should stay just outside the box so that he can start a counter attack when or if we win the ball back. I would like Lavezzi to do the same as Candreva in this case.

Di Maria should use his pace and strength to make runs into the box and opening up space for Di Maria. It should do the same for the wingers as well. He will look to supply the ball to the wingers as well. He must make runs all around the front of the defence going right, left and centre. This will create himself as an added option for his wingers and also open up space for the other central players to run into. This will also cause his defensive midfielder to move out of position and allow our wingers to use that space by running into the centre or the other 2 central midfielders to run into. Off the ball he should drop back but still ahead of most the team so he can set off with the counter attack.

I would like Di Maria, Candreva and Lavezzi to intersect and change positions every now and then to cause their defenders to move out of position and open up space. This will also force them to constantly adapt to changing their defensive style.

Costa 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. Therefore players like Di Maria, Schwein and the wingers can cut into the centre and take chances by themselves. 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. He should also try and assist others in attacks. When we’re defending he should mark the player at the edge of the box. When we win the ball back he can run up to keep himself an option on the counter.

Subs

Teixeira for Candreva - HT
Carrick for Schwein - HT
Remy for Costa - HT
Muriel for Di Maria - 60 mins
Bernat for Schmelzer - 60 mins
De Vrij for Chiellini - 60 mins

Captain: Schwein
Vice Captain: Agger
Penalties: Di Maria
Free Kicks: Di Maria
Corners: Di Maria

------------------- De Gea -------------
Ivanovic --- Ramos --- Agger -- Coentrao
----------- De Rossi --- Tiago ---------
Schurrle -------- E.Hazard ------- Ribery
---------------- R.Van Persie --------------

Subs : Casillas, Dante, Bertrand, Fellaini, Ozil, Valencia, Bacca

60th > Subs:
Dante > Agger
Bertrand > Coentrao
Ozil > Ribery
Bacca > RVP

First game of the euro cup and we want to start strongly, Hull are a top side and will give us a good test, i want these players to create a good understanding amongst themselves and look to gel as a unit
---------------
De Gea look to make himself big in goal and take command of his box at all times, quick off his line when needed and reflexes second to none, distribute quickly

FB's very solid and add great balance to the side, Ivanovic look to make his presence felt and get their winger running down blind alleys, close down quickly allowing no time or space on the ball and strong in the tackle. Coentrao very flexible and posses great stamina, I want him as a willing runner down the left allowing Ribery to play to his strengths taking players on and cutting inside. CB's start deep with Ramos marking their main striker look to give him as little time on the ball as possible so they resort to long balls, Agger must keep it simple and look to clear up supporting when necessary.

De Rossi and Tiago ensure we are well organised and tough to break down ahead of the defence. I want them pressing from the off looking to get in their faces and snapping at heels, we must ensure we constantly push them back so they have to re-build attacks and there is little or no momentum possible.

I want both Schurrle and Ribery to be very direct looking to take on the FB's, Schurrle look to also make himself a nuisance constantly looking to make off the ball runs giving us various options in attack. Ribery provides the more natural width with the help of Coentrao. Hazard is given the license to attack and freedom to play his own game, I want him using his pace and trickery to slice open the game looking to play short snappy passes and attracting their players towards him so it opens up for others.

RVP the perfect fold up top, I want him linking with others as much as possible and using his clever movement to take players with him. He can make things happen within an instance so we'll look to get it into feet and with the trio in attack supplying him today he should have plenty to feed off.

C - RVP/Ramos
FK's - RVP/ Hazard
Pens - RVP/Bacca
Corners - Ribery/Hazard

Arsenal vs Romentus
--------------------------Hart----------------------
Janmaat----Kompany----Boateng----Gibbs
---------------Busquets---Ramsey-------------
---Reus-------------Silva------------Ronaldo--
------------------Aguero--------------------------

Subs: Lopez, Lahm, Indi, Laporte, Ramires, Yay Toure, Herrera, Chamberlain, Martinez, Podolski, Campbell,

Hart will use his height to collect crosses, allowing our defence to keep in shape, if we have a chance to counter from there Hart uses his quick distribution to the wingers. He must command his area. Come for crosses when he is at least 80% sure he can get them. He will pass the ball out
unless he is 80% sure we will not lose the ball when kicking it long as we want to keep possession as much as possible in this game.

Janmaat and Gibbs two natural full backs. I want them upon and down the pitch providing options for our attack. Also I want them to defend responsibly and not risk being caught out. They mark man for man and forces the opposition down the wing.

Kompany and Boateng, A good mix of power, pace, aerial ability and composure on the ball, allows us to be commanding at the back and limit the amount of opportunities for the opposition. Both will control the back four and make sure everybody is doing their job correctly by using their excellent leadership skills. Kompany and Boateng will stay close to each other not allowing the opposition to open up space. Boateng looks to defend the first ball coming towards our defence, using his reading of the game to get there before the striker and clear, he'll use his great tackling to shut him down around the area and then look to get the ball back. Kompany stays in position when Boateng does this covering the remaining space, he will be able to clear the second ball if it gets beyond Boateng.

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

For the upcoming season we will have a different style of attack. This year we aim to be more pacy and direct rather than tippy tappy and make Silva the focal point of our attack. Reus starts on the right wing and we want him to give us natural width. Similarly with Ronaldo on the left wing but as usual he will have a free role.

Up front is Aguero, he should always look to make runs in behind and hold his own when possible holding the ball up and getting others involved whilst occasionally coming deeper to dictate the player whilst they go on beyond.

Subs at HT

Silva > Yaya, Yaya plays AM.
Janmaat > Lahm

60mins
Ramsey > Herrera
Reus > Oxlade Chamberlain

70mins:
Ronaldo > Podolski
Aguero > Campbell
Boateng > Indi

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Liverpool U21s to face Wolves

1st half XI.
--------------------Ryan
Aina------Balanta------Ake-----Grimaldo
-----------Chalobah---Aboagye
Boga-------------------------------Keita
-----------------Saponjic
-----------------Schrijvers

Subs: Fulton, McLaughlin, Rossiter, Petersen, Loftus-Cheek, Charly Musonda, Swift, Praet.

Game Plan:

In the first half we want the reserves to replicate the first team. This means playing at a high tempo with a lot of energy, not worrying about possession, instead focusing on stopping the opposition gaining anything from the ball and hitting the at pace when we do get hold of it. To do this we close down from the front, the front 4 advancing on the deep midfielders and defenders in the opposition, putting a lot of pressure on them and looking to force the opposition into wider areas, from here we look to switch to a vertical pressing system whereby we move our defensive unit across to the flank where the opposition have the ball in order to squeeze the space and giving the opposition a wall of players to have to play through, we will close down very quickly here and look to win it back. If they are playing through the middle we narrow our team and again make it difficult for them to pass the ball forwards. If they manage to move the ball across the pitch to a different verticle zone we must be lighting quick to move across. If the opposition get into our third of the pitch we must drop back as a team, the back four narrowing and the wingers dropping deep to cover the rest of the space in the wide position, the two CMs provide protection to that back four, not leaving space for Wolves to play between the lines and the front two drop back to play in front of the oppositions deeper midfielders.

When we get the ball we attack with pace, using width and speed in our game. The FBs have a license to bomb forward when the attack builds down their flank, giving the winger and option. Outwide we have two tricky players both love to run at players and we give them that freedom today. The midfield duo look to keep things moving around, Chalobah staying deeper and Aboagye a bit more freedom to make some forward movements and use his deadly passing. Saponjic and Schrijvers use their movement and speed to link up together, drag defenders around and create spaces.



Second half 11:

----------------------Fulton
McLaughlin----Balanta---Ake----Grimaldo
-------------------Loftus-Cheek
------------Rossiter------------Praet
Swift---------------Petersen----------Charly

Game Plan:

Second half we focus more on a possession game, with a midfield and attack capable of keeping the ball moving around, still adding an element of speed to our play and working the gaps to create chances. Swift and Charly both come inside more often, allowing the FBs to do the main attacking down the flanks, Swift using his good work rate to arrive in the box and Charly providing the spark. We defend in the same manner, working hard from the front to stop Wolves playing football, but able to drop deeper and form a bank of 4 and a bank of 5 in front of our goal.

Liverpool v PSG

----------------------Courtois
Azpilicueta---Schar---------Terry------Moreno
---------------Van Ginkel----Chalobah
Sneijder----------------------------------Keita
-----------------------Rooney
------------------------Bony

Subs: Ryan, Howedes, Reyes, Grimaldo, Skrtel, Matic, Tielemans, Praet, Origi, Boga, Turan

Game Plan: Another chance to gain some fitness. We set up in the same way as last weekend, however expecting to have a bit more possession in the game. We will once again be defending from the front with the front four the first to close down, putting pressure on the defence and deep midfielders, looking to force them to move wide and allow us to compact the pitch, narrowing the team by moving to defend vertical space, when on the flank that involves moving the team to that side and closing the opposition into a small space so there only chance of getting to goal is through crosses. If they manage to break the first stage of pressing we bring the wide forwards inside to narrow the side and make it compact through the middle, giving us two banks of four and then the two forwards pressing the deeper midfielders. We make sure there is no way through for the opposition. If they get into our third of the field we start to defend deep, narrowing the back four and using the wide forwards as wing backs, in position to stop them causing trouble on the flanks but also meaning there is a crowd of players in front of them through the middle, making sure we defend space and not just the man, stopping the getting any chances.

The aim is to win the ball back as quickly as possible to allow us to play on the front foot, but if this isn't possible we control the game from a defensive point of view and wait for the chance to break. Bony and Rooney will drop deeper into space to shorten the gap between them and the rest of the team when we are forced to defend our area, thus allowing for more accurate balls into them early on to start attacks and cut out most of the opposition team, Keita will be looking to get up quickly and join them. If we win it higher up the field we look to move it wide, Keita being the more direct of the wide players, looking to run at players, on the right we use Azpilicueta for width, with Sneijder given a free attacking role to pick up dangerous positions and link things together. Bony and Rooney work off each other, looking to make lots of runs to find space for crosses and through balls. Van Ginkel and Chalobah hold things together in midfield, keeping things ticking, helped out by Sneijder when we are just looking to keep the ball and wait for our chances, although most of the time we will look to play a quick tempo. Van Ginkel will be allowed to move further forward at times in order to provide and overload, when he does this Sneijder will drop into CM, Azpilicueta will look to make use of the space and get in behind the opposition FB.

Subs:

Half Time: Ryan for Courtois, Origi for Bony, Turan for Keita, Matic for Chalobah, Tielemans for Van Ginkel, Skrtel for Schar. - Rooney goes as the main CF with Origi playing off him, adding extra pace upfront, otherwise it is like for like.

65' Boga for Sneijder, Howedes for Azpilicueta - Boga adds a bit more trickery to the role Sneijder was playing.

75' Grimaldo for Moreno, Reyes for Terry, Praet for Rooney - Praet drops deeper into an AM role, allow for more retention of the ball, Origi leads the line:

---------------------------Ryan
Howedes--------Skrtel----------Reyes-----Grimaldo
------------------Matic--------Tielemans
--Boga-----------------Praet-----------------Turan
--------------------------Origi

ASTON VILLA

4-2-3-1

______________________Begovic___________________
Coleman__________Toprak_____Garay___________Cole
___________________Can_____Verratti______________
Vela__________________De Bruyne_________Rodriguez
_______________________Destro___________________
SUBS: Navas, Koscielny, Zabaleta, Kroos, Koke, Volland, Sturridge

Captain: Cole
Right free-kicks: De Bruyne
Left free-kicks: De Bruyne
Penalties: Destro
Right corners: De Bruyne
Left corners: De Bruyne


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

Begovic:
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.

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

Coleman and Cole:
Will get forward in turns when we get possession, if they aren’t individually under too much pressure. Will sit back when without the ball, but bomb forward when the opportunity arises. Main aim is to provide width and provide extra bodies in midfield to link up play. They should thump in crosses to Destro when it’s on. 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.

Can and Verratti:
Sits deep, breaks up play and snap at their heels. Can is an engine that can cover a lot of ground when defending. Can will hardly ever go past the half-way line. Verratti will buzz around and dictate play, bursting forwards at times to provide an extra body in attack. Verratti will be a bit ahead of Can 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. Can stays close to the centre halves. Both sprays balls wide to fullbacks when they get forward. Stays back for corners. Will not allow the opposition any time on the ball in front of centre halves. Can sticks to position when fullbacks flys forwards, providing cover if needed. Verratti drops deeper when this happens.

Vela, De Bruyne and Rodriguez:
Will constantly swap positions with each other. Will look to thread through balls to Destro and exchange passes with each other. Constantly drifting in and out of position, into space to make it difficult to mark. Can cross when out wide. Vela should always track back to help the fullbacks and midfield when defending. De Bruyne can burst past Destro and shoot if needed. Goes to near post to anticipate crosses. Constantly runs at their defence. All will press the opposition when without the ball.

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

SUBS:
Winning/Drawing:
75 mins: Vela OFF Volland ON
Volland replaces Vela but will be willing to tuck inside more to help keep the ball whilst offering support when defending down the right.

Losing:
75 mins: Can OFF Lambert ON
Go 4-2-4 with Lambert Destro centre Vela right Rodriguez left. De Bruyne supports, Verratti holds and sprays passes from deep.

-----------------------Hart----------------------
Lahm-----Kompany----Boateng----Gibbs
-------------Busquets---Ramsey-------------
Reus------------Yaya Toure---------Ronaldo
----------------------Aguero----------------------

Subs: Lopez, Janmaat, Indi, Laporte, Kolarov, Ramires, Herrera, Silva, Chamberlain, Podolski, Campbell

Game Plan: We are fully aware that todays opponents could be our potential title rivals therefore I have decided to play my strongest possible team. We start with a duo of Busquets and Ramsey in the middle with Yaya ahead of them. The reason I opted for Yaya instead of Silva is that I feel the City midfield is a very weak area and if we manage to win the midfield battle, we will win the game. Ramsey and Yaya are very similar in terms of their game so they may well take turn in doing each other’s roles. Also I feel the likes of Ramos, Luiz, Dante are very vulnerable when intimidated hence why Yaya plays further up the pitch.

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

Kompany and Boateng, A good mix of power, pace, aerial ability and composure on the ball, allows us to be commanding at the back and limit the amount of opportunities for the opposition. Both will control the back four and make sure everybody is doing their job correctly by using their excellent leadership skills. Kompany and Boateng will stay close to each other not allowing the opposition to open up space. Boateng looks to defend the first ball coming towards our defence, using his reading of the game to get there before the striker and clear, he'll use his great tackling to shut him down around the area and then look to get the ball back. Kompany stays in position when Boateng does this covering the remaining space, he will be able to clear the second ball if it gets beyond Boateng.

Busquets and Ramsey will be our two deepest central midfielders. As usual Busquets holds while Ramsey plays box to box. Ramsey uses his amazing energy to track down opposition in pressing while also making late runs into the box. Busquets helps us tick over. Yaya will play the AM role (already explained)

As mentioned in the previous game we will have a different style of attack. This year we aim to be more pacy and direct therefore the AM will be the focal point of this type of attack. However with a player like Ronaldo in the team it is more than likely that he will be the focal point. Reus starts on the right wing and we want him to give us natural width. Similarly with Ronaldo on the left wing but as usual he will have a free role.

Up front is Aguero, he should always look to make runs in behind and hold his own when possible holding the ball up and getting others involved whilst occasionally coming deeper to dictate the player whilst they go on beyond.

70mins subs:
Reus > Chamberlain
Ramsey > Herrera
Aguero > Campbell
Gibbs > Kolarov

Keep the core of the team the same