------------------Cropper-----------------
Corchia---Zouma--Rekik--Kurwaza
----------------Carvalho---------------
Gnabray-Vilhena-Kallstrom-Deulofeu
----------------Berbatov--------------

Subs: Mersin, Bellerin, Grimaldo, Kiwomya, Robinson

Todays gameplan is to set up first and foremost to make us difficult to break down, get a foothold in the game and hopefully grow in confidence and begin to control the game and attack relentlessly with a lot of pace. As we have an inexperienced backline it's important to offer them a lot of protection and let them settle into the game, rather than get put under too much pressure too early and let their confidence wobble. This means without the ball we will be playing a 4-1-4-1, so that the full backs get enough protection, whereas with the ball it will be a 4-3-3. We will be playing a high line to try and compress the game allowing our midfield to press theirs quickly and stop them playing, Pirlo in particular.

GK: Usual GK role, command his box, let his defenders know where they should be, make himself big for one on ones and only come for crosses he is confident of making.

FBs: Two young FBs with plenty of energy, they can match anyone in a one on one defensive situation but also have the energy to get forward and help out in attack, offering the overlapping runs for Deulofeu and Gnabry.

CBs: A young partnership that could go on to be great, hopefully their youth with help them out as they will be fearless. Zouma will be the defender to deal with the opposition forward (presumable Tevez) as he's a horrible CB to play against, whilst Rekik will play a more intelligent game, reading the game, controlling the line and covering Zouma if he gets beat, allowing him to recover. We playing a high line as we have the pace at the back to recover if beaten, but I also want to see how this back line copes holding a high line against a talent like Tevez - the potential is there.

Carvalho: Today he'll be vital for us, his energy, reading of the game, strength and ability to move the ball on quickly could win us the game in midfield. He will break up the attacks and let us get back on the ball and attack the opposition quickly. His pressing play could set the tempo for the rest of our team.

Kallstrom and Vilhena - Both today will be playing a high tempo game, putting pressure on the opposition from the off, although they should haven't to cover huge amounts of ground on account of our high line. Their roles today are huge, as when we don't have the ball they will be the ones pressing Pirlo high up the pitch, looking to stop him playing and winning the ball back in dangerous areas. When we do have the ball both have a lot of ability on it, to take the ball forward and pick a pass, and they will have plenty of options ahead of them with the pace of the wingers and movement of Berba. Both have the ability to rock up and score goals with well timed runs too, which I would like to see them attempting. Although, I'd only want one going at a time and as the experienced player and captain it will be Kallstroms job to sit deeper of the two and ensure Carvalho gets support and only push on when he is sure Vilhena is covering.

Deulofeu and Gnabry: Two big outlets for us today, both are full of pace, have bags of energy and are very dangerous on the ball. I want them pressing the FBs high up the pitch, making them nervous to push forward keeping them boxed back in. They are both great options as their sheer pace makes them very dangerous going wide and getting balls into the box, but they're also naturally very good at drifting inside and playing off the CF, which allows the FBs to get foward into the vacated space. They also have a great end product so their pace and cutting edge could make them our match winners.

Berbatov - Looking for Berbatov to sit on the last man today, trying to stretch the defence and push them deep, whilst looking for the ball into feet to bring other people into the game with his great feet and vision. He also has a knack for timing his runs into the box perfectly as the ball goes out wide, so I want to see him doing this as the ball will be coming into the box a fair bit and will no doubt fall his way once or twice, when I want him to show his composed finishing ability.

Subs: Bellerin for Corchia (75 mins) - like for like, keeping energy levels fresh.

Grimaldo for Gnabry (75 mins) - Deulofeu moving to right wing and Grimaldo playing left wing. Offers more pace and energy going forward to rattle the opposition.

Robinson for Berbatov (85 mins) - Like for like, fresh legs.

Captain - Kallstrom
VC - Carvalho
Corners L - Deulofeu
Corners R - Kallstrom
FKs L - Deulofeu
FKs R - Kallstrom
Pens - Berbatov

Blyth 3-5-2

..................Neto.............
.......Rugani....Rio.....Vlaar....
Maggio........................Contento
..........Alonso....Cristante.......
...............Rosicky............
...........Destro.....Insigne......

Subs: Rubinho(GK), Maldini, Ambrosini,Neilton, Zigic

Captain: Ferdinand
Corners: Alonso/Insigne
Long Freekicks: Alonso
Short Freekicks: Insigne
Pens: Destro

Tough game today but there's no easy games in these leagues apparently. Spartans are set up today to pack the middle of the pitch forcing our opponents to either play through us or go wide were they can't really hurt us. Solid mix of youth and experience in our team and with Leonidas doing the pre-match team talk should be well up for this game

Neto: 24 year old Brasilian keeper signed from Fiorentina after an impressive season that saw him keep 16 clean sheets in 48 games. Quick off his line will play as a sweeper keeper. fast throw outs to available players always looking to launch counter-attacks

Rugani: 19 year old Italian U21 international. Decent pace and at 6ft capable in the air too. Will double up with Maggio when that side is threatened. when the side has the ball he will sit. But will go up for all attacking set-pieces

Ferdinand: Rio's been there and done it all in his career, has vital experience and will use it to marshall the defence. Pacey attackers are perhaps his biggest weakness now so will be used as the sweeper where his top class reading of the game will be a real strength as he looks to break up attacks before they fully develop.

Vlaar: May have been part of a struggling Villa side but he's a big strong old fashioned centre back that any side would value having. Will be expected to deal with any balls into the box...Like Rugani and Rio will push up for set-pieces

Maggio/Contento: As seems to be the current trend full-backs no longer seem to be picked on their ability to defend but more so on their ability going forwards, which is a good thing as neither of mine can defend. Both in the side to provide width for the side and an outlet for Neto's throw outs. Maggio has shown time and time again that he is a real threat going forwards and fully deserves his place. Contento is a bit of an unknown quantity but made 10 appearences for Bayern Munich this season and he tells me his trophy haul contains 3 german titles, 3 german cups and 1 champions league, capped by Germany at U21 level the kids got talent. Defensively both men will show their winger down the line forcing the cross and stopping the cut-in. Both men will stay back for set-pieces covering for the 3 big CB's to go forward

Alonso/Cristante - Our double midfield pivot...think the 2 men compliment each other perfectly as Cristante has all the lovely little touches and short passes that single him out as the heir to Pirlo, whilst Alonso has more grit about him and will always look for the rangier defence splitting pass.

Rosicky - May be 33 now but still has plenty to offer, we're playing him today in the hole as the number 10 he's backed up by great ball players and in front of him he has willing runners. Has an eye for a pass and more than capable of scoring from range.

Destro - Big strong and mobile, 23 year old Destro had a great season at Roma (15 goals in 24 appearences) and was unlucky not to make the World Cup squad. Will be used by Blyth as a traditional No9 playing on the shoulder of the last defender

Insigne: The perfect foil for Destro as he completes my big man little man strike-force. He's the man for the big occasion. fast and direct with the ball will run at defenders causing panic and drawing fouls. a real free-kick specialist and anything around the box he'll fancy his chances of converting.

Subs:

Winning or drawing at 65 mins:

Ambrosini > Cristante
The shape stays the same, just that Ambro is a proper DM and will come in to shore up the midfield as we look to hang onto the point(s), tactically nothing changes

Neilton > Rosicky
Again like for like just fresher legs as Neilton like Insigne brings a certain directness to his play, likened by many to Neymar could be one to watch

Losing 80 mins (this counts even if the 2 other subs are made)

Zigic > Insigne
Goes against our footballing ethos but hey-ho it's a results business. Zigic's 7ft frame makes him the perfect target man and makes us go more direct with Destro playing just off him and looking to run onto any Zigic flick ons

----------------------------------Horn-----------------------------------

Stones--------Kongolo------------Romagnoli----------Bernat

------------------------------Besic-------------------------------------

------------------Thiago------------Aranguiz------------------------

Promes-------------------------------------------------------Depay

----------------------------Totti----------------------------------------

subs: Christensen, Ledson, Lopes, Mastour, Alcacer

Game plan: our plan today is to go at Stockport from the off,first game of the season, everyone will be fired up and raring to go. We will look to press high up the pitch and condense the space in the midfield for the likes of Rakitic and Quintero, 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 4-1-4-1 formation when we lose possession.

In possession

-----------------------Kongolo-------Romagnoli---------------------

Stones---------------------------Besic----------------------Bernat

-----------------------Thiago-------------------Aranguiz------------

Promes-----------------------------------------------------------Depay

----------------------------------Totti--------------------------------

out of possession

Stones-------------Kongolo------Romagnoli-----------Bernat

-----------------------------------Besic-------------------------------

Promes------------Thiago------------Aranguiz---------Depay

---------------------------------Totti----------------------------------

Timo Horn: 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 as Stockport will look to do most of their attacking through the middle, 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, our players have great discipline and concentration to perform in this system.

Midfield and Attack: Muhamed Besic 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, possesses great strength and is a very tidy user of the ball. The 4 midfield players in front of Muhamed 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.

Thiago and Aranguiz will get up and down the pitch throughout, both are very quick and very creative and can carry the ball. Both will look to move the ball quickly, as will the whole team, we will play with a high tempo throughout the game not giving Stockport any breathing space, without the ball they will look to pressurise the opposition in the centre of the pitch, but as spoken of earlier, only when it is sensible, no point doing it willy nilly and being picked off, we need to be very wary of Rakitic and Quintero and give them as little space and time as possible, this will be key to winning the match.

Quincy Promes and Memphis Depay will look to move wide when in possession, both have the ability to run at the opposition and will look to move inside at times and take the opportunity to shoot and link with Totti who will look to drop deep at times into a play-a-making role, they both have the pace and movement to make runs beyond Totti in the centre forward positions, we are playing a very fluid system and will not just be looking to throw the ball into the box at every opportunity so their movment, pace and runs into the channels will be crucial in creating space and chances during the 90 minutes. When Depay and Promes do move inside, Stones and Bernat will look to provide the outlet wide with overlapping runs.

Francesco Totti will play as our CF today, although as spoken about earlier will look to drop off at times into a creative role allowing our pacier forwards to stretch the Stockport Defence, his passing and vision is exceptional, in essence he will play a free role in a fluid front 5 popping up anywhere, he is the sort of player you can leave to his own devices up there as he is one of the most intelligent footballers in the world.

Substitutions: if losing after 65 minutes, Paco Alcacer for Muhamed Besic, go to 4-4-1-1 with Totti behind Paco, has exceptional movement and is a fantastic finisher, will love playing in front of Totti

80 minutes: Hachim Mastour for Quincy Promes, incredibly talented young Italian, will look to play a similar role to Promes, but use his intelligence and passing ability more than his pace in the wide areas, can beat a man for fun and is an possesses a fantastic shot on him

Captain: Totti
Freekicks: Thiago
Penalties: Totti

---------------Ochoa

Janmaat--Kalas--Morgan--Balanta

-------------Gerrard--Aguilar

------------------Nathan

--------Origi-----------------Volland

-------------------Ramos

Ikeme
Kitsiou
Maguire
Silva
McDaid

We will play a mixed game. The attacking players can hit the opposition with pace and guile whereas our defensive players will look to dominate physically.

As a back four we must sit tight and compact. With versatile options along the back all players can accommodate for colleagues being out of position. Kalas will aim to cut out attacks along the ground whilst Morgan deals with high balls to the forward. Both are capable of taking the ball out of defence and moving forward with it. When on the ball we will have a flat back three of Balanta, Morgan and Kalas as Janmaat will push forward to support Origi in the attack.

Gerrard and Aguilar will sit deep and look to control the play from there. Gerrard will play the deep lying playmaker role with Aguilar compensating for the formers lack of energy. Both will look to start attacks from deep and are adept at finding the right pass to set up quick and fast paced attacks.

Nathan will start in the advanced midfield role however the attacking trio will rotate, making it difficult for the opposition to stop. All three offer different qualities that should outfox the opposition. Nathan will drop deep to pick the ball up and pass it forward. Volland will use his skill and guile on the ball to take it past players. Origi will use his pace and directness to run at slower opponents and expose weaknesses in their defence.

Ramos will lead the line and score goals.

Stockport Tactics. Yo.

5-3-2

-------------------------Forster-------------------------
--------------Burn----Veltman---Fonte--------------
Clyne----------Hughes------Rakitic-----------Durm
--------------------------Quintero----------------------
------------------Gallagher-----Danny Ings----------

Subs: Van Der Sar, Lascelles, Reed, Grealish, Watmore

Tactics -

General – I’ve been mind gaming Mex all week, he reckons I’m going to play the Doughnut Formation Unfortunately for him, I have cunningly changed my formation away from that, hopefully nullifying his set up. Got a nice 5-3-2 formation today to really allow our WBs to get forward and shine. The WBs will be providing the width, due to their limited defensive duties, allowing the spine of the team to stick in their comfort game and control the game. Ultimately, the team is built on a balance, out wide we have pace and energy, in the middle we have passing control and defensive solidity. At the back I have a mix of height, power, technique and audacity which should meld together into a brilliant unit. Finally, up top, we have the classic ‘big’ and ‘little’ combination. This balance allows us to have a varied, and fluid game plan.

Defence – On crosses Forster’s stick to his line unless a cross comes into his six yard box. With three defenders in front of him, he shouldn’t need to worry about coming to claim 50/50’s and can focus on blocking any headers that do evade our defence. Burn and Fonte will be the two CBs who attack crosses, with Veltman sticking close (about 2 metres away, goal side) to (a) mop up whilst the striker and my CB are reorienting after challenging for the ball, and (b) add an extra obstacle that the striker’s header has to beat. If the ball comes in and Fonte challenges for it, Burn will pick up any runners or strike partners, and vice versa. The same tactic will be applied if the ball comes in low, or if the attacker runs in from the wing.

If the ball is sent through the centre, then it really has to be a low one to trouble my tall defence. So I’ll focus on how to defend that. Again, Fonte and Burn are the two that go and initially challenge for the ball, with Veltman slightly behind (this time trying to cover the space between the striker and the far post, stopping the striker dipping his shoulder and putting it beyond the keeper). Should the opponent’s attack beat my first defender, Veltman will immediately step in, not looking to tackle/steal the ball (unless it’s a dead cert), instead he should look to hold up Notts County long enough for Fonte/Burn to recover, before then trying to win the ball himself. This allows us a bit of insurance. In effect, Veltman will play as a sweeper, cutting down angles on early shots from the strikers, and holding up play long enough for us to regroup.

Midfield – Rakitic, Hughes, and Quintero are all technically fantastic. All have great close control, tactical awareness, and a beautiful passing range. In this midfield trio, Rakitic has, unfortunately, got to be the deepest lying CM due to injuries to Clasie and Schneiderlin, but it’s a role he can, and does excel in (WhoScored reckons it’s been his best position this season with a rating of 7.65!). The deeper role for Rakitic also allows him to utilise his vision and long passing skills, he can, in effect, dictate the game from a back seat, with a better view of the game than any other player. This allows Hughes to run with the ball, unshackled, and pair up with Quintero slightly higher up the midfield. Both young players are full of energy and creativity and should look to get the ball up top as quickly as possible. They have three options here;

A) Out wide to WBs – If they choose to play Clyne or Durm in, one (normally Quintero) must follow the ball and get into the box to overload on Notts County’s defence with a late run. Hughes will sit a bit deeper to offer protection to a counter attack. The WBs will be making the forward runs regardless of if they get the ball or not, this will take the enemy FBs out of the box, allowing us to go toe to toe with the CBs.

B) Get it to Gallagher and use him as a spring board to 1-2 it around the box. Gallagher is a very big, powerful young striker, and will be able to shield any ball played into him before releasing it to a forward charging AM, or lay it back for Rakitic to pull the trigger from distance. Gallagher will constantly be coming deep to offer this option, but should they bypass him he must instantly turn and be running into the box to get on the end of the WBs crosses, or Ings’ rebounds.

C) Ings plays on the shoulder of the slowest CB, the midfielders can play it in behind the defence and release Ings who has pace to burn. Once the ball is behind the CB, he will beat them to it, and depending on how good the ball is/how quick the keeper is, he should find himself with plenty of one-on-ones.

As you can see, the CMs have an array of options, and should be careful to not use one, and one alone, keep the opposition guessing on how we will come forward next, don’t get complacent.

Forwards – Probably outlines their roles above, but it’ll do no harm to just briefly re-outline them. Gallagher is the big striker, used to protect passes up top, shielding the ball before releasing it, turning, and getting into the box late.

Ings is the quick, small striker who will force Notts back into a deep line, giving Gallagher, Quinteor, and Hughes the space to exploit in between the Notts midfield and defence. A clinical striker, he should have plenty of chance to feast upon. When the WBs cross the ball, he should look to slow his run down and drop a bit deeper, to the edge of the area for rebounds or cutbacks 

All in all, I think it’s a nice balance, and should yield some goals.

Subs –
Losing -

60 – Grealish on for Burn. Grealish to play an unusual role, in that he’ll be a ‘floating winger’. It’s effectively the same formation, but with Grealish being allowed to play on whichever wings he gets the best luck. It will allow us to overload one of the wings, with the charging WBs and now a winger outnumbering Notts’ FB. He’ll be able to swing in crosses, or use his mazy dribbling ability to steal into the box and cause damage that way.

Winning –
60 – Reed on for Gallagher – Another Southampton prodigy on, this time a more defensive minded midfielder. Sits in next to Hughes and Rakitic, and offers a solidity to our midfield, which allows Hughes and Rakitic to get forward a little more. Ings will use his high pace to keep Notts’ CBs pinned back into a deep line, meaning they can’t commit lots of men forward, meaning they can’t lay siege to our box and force a goal… Well, they can if they want, but it’ll only end badly for them once Ings gets away with no defender near him

Captain – Rakitic
FK – Rakitic
Penalties - Ings

TAIWAN

4-2-3-1

______________________Scuffet___________________
Pleguezuelo___Musacchio______Laporte________Shaw
________________Can_______Tielemans____________
Drmic_______________J. Rodriguez___________Brandt
_____________________Di Natale__________________
SUBS: De Santis, Hendrix, J. Teixeira, Dembele, Toni

Captain: Di Natale
Right free-kicks: J. Rodriguez
Left free-kicks: Di Natale
Penalties: Di Natale
Right corners: J. Rodriguez
Left corners: J. Rodriguez


General:
GEGENPRESSING is a highly-organised approach to regaining possession and minimising space for the opposition used by Dortmund, and now used by Taiwan. 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 Drmic and Brandt will drop back to help, J Rodriguez stays up as the out ball and Di Natale prepared for anything lumped up to him. Team must attempt to block shots at all times. Deep defensive line.

Scuffet:
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.

Musacchio and Laporte:
Deals with opposition attackers. Laporte keeps an eye on their attacking midfielder when he gets close to the 18 yard line. Laporte will also mark their striker closely not allowing him space to turn. Laporte or Can will deal with knock-downs to their supporting player depending on who is closer. Musacchio will try and win headers when long balls are played towards the back line. Musacchio will also clean up any balls / players who manage to get past Laporte. Laporte 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.

Pleguezuelo 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 Di Natale 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 Tielemans:
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. Tielemans will buzz around and dictate play, bursting forwards at times to provide an extra body in attack. Tielemans will be a bit ahead of Can to be more involved in exchanging passes with full backs / J. Rodriguez, even going level with J. Rodriguez 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. Tielemans drops deeper when this happens.

Drmic, J. Rodriguez and Brandt:
Will constantly swap positions with each other. Will look to thread through balls to Di Natale 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. Brandt should always track back to help the fullbacks and midfield when defending. J. Rodriguez can burst past Di Natale 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.

Di Natale:
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:
75 mins: Brandt OFF Toni ON
Dembele replaces Brandt where J. Rodriguez moves to the left, Di Natale moves back to second striker and Dembele goes up front.

Losing:
75 mins: Brandt OFF Toni ON
Go 4-2-4 with Toni and Di natale centre Drmic right J. Rodriguez left. Tielemans supports, Can holds and sprays passes from deep.

Week 1:

------------------------Enyeama--------------------------
Perrey--------Kouyate-----------Omeruo------Oczipka
-------------------------Samper-------------------------
-----------Britton---------------------Halilovic--------
Lingard---------------Immobile-----------------Hazard

Subs: Aréola, Baker, Lawrence, Schöpf, Wilson

Squad: Suliman, Rowe, Robert, Roberts


Enyema takes his place in goal, he's and ever present at club and international level and has the experience needed to command his defence. He'll be looking to claim aerial balls and play the ball out to feet rather than hitting it long.

Perrey and oczipka take up the fullback positions. Oczipka is very much the modern attacking fullback though he is also good defensively. He has excellent positional awareness and gets up and down the pitch tirelessly. Due to the injury to Janko, Perrey plays at right back. While he does play at centre back he has also spent a period of time at right back, successfully. He'll be abit more defensive minded than oczipka but will look to get forward at times.

Kouyate and omerou take up the cb slots, whilst young omerou is already a fully fledged international. He's good with the ball and will be the ball player from the back. Kouyate is solid and tough in the tackle, he'll win anything that comes his way, he's also good with the ball at his feet.

Britton, samper and Halilovic make up our midfield trio. The easiest way to describe their roles is the passer, defender and the skilful (xavi, busquets and iniesta). Britton will make is move the ball about to feet, he'll dictate the tempo. Samper will play as the DM, he has bags of potential and is see. As a cross between xavi & busquets in the barcelona ranks. Halilovic can move with the ball at his feet and create space for his teammates.

Lingard and Hazard occupy the wide forward roles, both are very capable assisters but also have an eye for goal. Lingard had 10 goals/7 assists playing 28 games in the championship last season, while Thorgan had 16 goals/ 20 assists in 47 games out on loan.

Immobile leads the line in the front 3, he's coming off the back of a very successful season as too scorer in Serie A. He's a Goalscorer who's also very good with the ball at his feet. Despite the name he is actually very mobile and quick!


Our game plan is to move the ball about quickly, we've got good passers of the ball in the side and we want to make the opposition tire themselves out chasing the ball. When we get into the last third of the pitch we will look to be a bit more direct in terms of the wide men running in behind, creating angles for through balls. Immobile will come to receive the ball when it's int he middle of the pitch, but will play of the last defender when the ball is out wide.


Subs after 75 mins if losing:

Lawerence in for Halilovic
Wilson in for Lingard
Moving to a 4-4-2

Hazard--Britton--Samper--Lawerence
---------Wilson--Immobile

If winning/drawing:

Baker in for Halilovic, keep possession of the ball

Arsenal tactics

------------------------Aranzubia----------------------
Arias--------Fernandez-----De Vrij-------Cole
------------------F.Silva-----Susic------------------
Joaquin----------------Xavi------------------Perisic
-------------------------Drogba----------------------

Subs: Raeder, Jara, Naldo, Van Anken, El Haddadi

Tactics: Fast pace counter-attacking football. We want to utlise the pace of our wingers and will try and attack as quick as possible. Not wanting to keep the ball longer than necessary and always look forward rather than back. Stay solid in midfield and harass the defenders.

Aranzubia
Experienced keeper and will be commanding in goal with a safe pair of hands. Strong and dominant on set pieces as well as not committing to diving out when 1v1.

Arias and Cole
A set of youth and experience with these two excellent full-backs. Both can provide assists to their respective wingers but their main priority is to defend and defend on their feet. No diving in whatsoever as we want to barge or unbalance the wingers who are facing them.

De Vrij and Fernandez
Both good strong defenders who have it all. Pace, power and good readers of the game. Both to anticipate danger and cover each other when facing the forwards. De Vrij to marshall and be the more dominant CB and by example. No rash tackles but play it clean and be strong.

Fernando Silva and Susic
A mix of youth and experience with these two talented DMs. Both to be protecting the back 4 but Susic has licence to go forward whilst Silva to remain disciplined at all times. Susic to be chasing down defenders of the opposition to harry them and forec a mistake from them for a quick counter attack. Both to be distributing the ball quick to the wingers or Xavi.

Perisic and Joaquin
These two will be our major outlets for this game and will be constantly trying to take on their respective fullbacks at every opportunity they are on 1v1. They will also have the option of using Xavi and Drogba to play 1-2s or feed them in. They will be running at speed and trying to create space for runners too. Defensively one or the other will be helping out depending on which side the ball is but both will be sprinting forwards when we have the ball for a counter attack.

Xavi
Playmaker and will be feeding Drogba or the wingers at every opportunity as he has the ability to unlock any defence. Xavi will be distributing the ball quick and not allowing midfielders to get back and be organised as our tactic doesnt allow for players to hoard the ball for too long.

Drogba
Stay on the last man and goal side and expect a pass from Xavi to feed in so he can shoot on sight and at goal. Drogba to win the headers and the likes of Xavi or the wingers will try and make that extra step to be first to the ball for a shot on goal.

Subs:

70mins - El Haddadi for Drogba. El to stay on the last man and look for midfielders to play him in.

Week 2 Tactics start here

GW2 Arsenal VS BLYTH

4-3-3

.....................Neto...................
Maggio....Rugani....Vlaar....Maldini
...................Alonso................
...Rosicky...........................Gauld.......
.........Berardi..Destro...Insigne

Subs: Rubinho,Ferdinand,Palombo,Dicko,Ambrosini

Captain: Vlaar
Corners: Alonso/Insigne
Freeckicks (short): Insigne
Freekicks (long): Alonso
Penalties: Destro

Change of system today as Blyth switch from the 3-5-2 containing system and go with a more adventurous 4-3-3. Side has a nice mix of pace power and experience. Side sacrifices some of it's strength through the centre of the park but looks to attack from wide and over-load their opponents box. Today is less about controlling the tempo and possession and more about fast counter-attacks

Neto - Other than being excellent value for money, has no other similarities with the low-budget supermarket with which he shares his name. Quick to come off his to claim crosses but with the threat of Ibra will have to trust his defenders today to deal with the balls in to his box....anything in the 6 yard box his tho

Maggio/Maldini - Maggio has show time and time again that he's a fantastic wing back and will be given the freedom to push on again today as Alonso will sit and cover him. Maldini is an unknown quantity really but I have every faith in his surname atleast. Both fullbacks will be expected to overlap their winger and help pin back Arsenals own full backs..Both will stay back for set-pieces to cover the CB's

Vlaar/Rugani - With Drogba injured we expect Ibra to be the lone striker. In which case Vlaar will man mark Ibra, be like a second skin to him if he's pulled out of position then so be it as Rugani is there to sweep up any loose balls or knocks ons. Rugani as the free man will act as the sweeper dealing with any late runs into the box as well as go for the previously mentioned "second balls" Vlaar and Rugani will both go up for set-pieces

Alonso - The deep lying playmaker will sit as the anchor man and use his range of passes to be our sides sniper. Spreading the ball around the pitch quick and direct always starting counters. As the DLP he will cover the runs forward of Maggio and Maldini

Rosicky/Gauld - will give the midfield width today whilst in possession of the ball, working with their full backs to over-lap and overload their opposite numbers. Rosicky has great ball control and a good range of passing so can spread the ball from one side to the other, where-as Gauld "mini Messi" is a more direct player and will look to run from deep with the ball causing Arsenal's midfield problems. When we dont have the ball both men will "tuck in" as we compress the centre of the pitch.

Berardi/Destro/Insigne - playing as a narrow front 3 that resembles a wedge as Destro is slightly further forward. As our wide midfielders and fullbacks attack their fullbacks Berardi and Insigne will run and attack the space between the FB and CB in the hope of drawing CB's with them to create space in the box for Destro to exploit. Without the ball Berardi and Insigne will drop to the AM position pretty much making us a 4-5-1 and making Arsenal's job of playing through us a tall order

Subs winning or drawing at 65 mins

Rio > Rugani: Same system and tactics but Rio's experience could prove vital as we look to hold onto the point(s)

Palombo > Rosicky: Palombo's a specialist DM and will come in to shore up the midfield by sitting in front of the defence. Alonso pushes further forward into CM and we go 4-1-2-1-2

..............................Neto........................
Maggio...........Rio...............Vlaar.........Maldini
............................Palombo.......................
...............Alonso................Gauld............
.............................Insigne.....................
...................Berardi........Destro.........

Losing at 80 mins.....Same subs as previously plus
Dicko > Berardi: Dicko adds genuine pace and power as proven with his 18 goals and 5 assists in 24 games for Wolves last season. we go more direct, Dicko on the shoulder of the last man and Destro playing as the traditional target man

FISHGUARD SPORTS vs Sekhukhune Lions

Formation: 3-4-3 (Sweeper System)

-----------------------------Oliver Zelenika
-------------------------------Tin Jedvaj
---------Joël Veltman----------------------Martin Hinteregger
-------------------------------Daley Blind
------------Milos Jojic--------------------Pierre-Emile Höjbjerg
------------------------------Davy Klaassen
----Andrija Zivkovic-----------------------------Lucas Andersen
---------------------------Aleksandar Mitrovic


Starting: Zelenika, Veltman, Jedvaj, Hinteregger, Jojic, Blind, Höjbjerg, Klaassen, Zivkovic, Mitrovic, Andersen

Subs: Predrag Rajkovic, Riechedly Bazoer, Patrick Olsen, Sascha Horvath, Robert Muric

Captain: Blind
Corners: Zivkovic (Muric) / Andersen
Short Range Attacking Free Kicks: Klaassen
Pens: Mitrovic


We will line-up with two lightening quick wingers in Zivkovic and Andersen patrolling each flank with the intelligent and technically superb Davy Klaassen behind the talented all-round centre forward Aleksandar Mitrovic.

My intentions are to pack the midfield with Jojic, Blind and Höjbjerg protecting the back-three of Veltman, Jedvaj and Hinteregger.

We will operate with Tin Jedvaj as a sweeper. Pre-historic as it seems today, playing a sweeper will help to negate Sekhukhune Lions’ threat in the attacking third. With the two most central attacking players (could be two forwards, could be a forward and an attacking midfielder) being picked up by Veltman and Hinteregger – this will leave Jedvaj to pick up stray balls, runs from deep and anything Sekhukhune Lions throw at him.

We will be comfortable in having 3 defenders against the 2 most central attackers, Veltman and Hinteregger will comfortably pick up an attacking player each and if they fail to control Sekhukhune Lions forward line, Jedvaj is the contingency plan.


With Veltman and Hinteregger picking up these 2 most central attacking players our defence is narrow. This would give Sekhukhune Lions’wingers a lot of space to move forward. We will anticipate this by instructing our two central players – Jojic and Höjbjerg to track these runs.

With Jojic and Höjbjerg now tracking the runs of the wingers, it would leave Blind outnumbered in midfield. Davy Klaassen will always look to drop into midfield so that we will always have a spare man. This spare man again will be Tin Jedvaj – whose game intelligence and reading of the game will allow us to defend well.

When we are faced with doubling-up from our opposition (i.e. the opposition putting a winger and full back on to one of our defenders), we will use this to our advantage by switching the ball quickly and directly which will lead to our team finding an area of the pitch with no opposition player in. Such tactical nuances will be a distinct part of this Fishguard Sports team. This is an obvious and logical tactical ploy; this logical style of play will also be mixed up at times with a some individual flair – but expect at times for even talented players like Lucas Andersen to play a pass instead of attempting to pass his marker.

These tactics have proved that they can work by one of the greatest Ajax teams. The quick movement to an area where Sekhukhune Lions may be a man-short will allow us to keep possession comfortably as well as creating opportunities. We will hope to have the opportunity to find space in the most predictable of positions on the pitch.

Blind and Klaassen will always be available to receive the ball, and are capable of dissecting Sekhukhune Lions’ midfield with ease.

Our flexible, hard-working system will allow us to have a spare-man available when Sekhukhune Lions have the ball, but significantly, it will gave flexibility and strength in keeping possession. With Blind and Klaassen both floating around the half-way line and attacking third respectively, we can move the ball with ease.

Sekhukhune Lions may find it difficult to react to these players, as if they do move out of position to get closer to Klaassen and Blind, the shape of Sekhukhune Lions’ team may fall apart. If an attempt is made to combat the constant space we hope Klaassen will be receiving. This will only give slick-heeled Zivkovic and Andersen more space to receive the ball.

My use of Jojic and Höjbjerg will also be of interest too. As well as having defensive responsibilities, they will be instructed to run from deep to connect with our wingers and forwards. It will be their late runs that will often be the most dangerous to penetrate Sekhukhune Lions. To do this, both Jojic and Höjbjerg will show superb tactical understanding and discipline, not to mention supreme physical fitness. The combination of quick passing and runs from deep will be a constant menace for the Sekhukhune Lions back-line. The implication of this will be that if Sekhukhune Lions try to play a high-line to combat the threat of Klaassen, then Sekhukhune Lions will have to drop deeper and deeper to negate the threat of our quick triangles through the midfield.

We will constantly be looking to stretch Sekhukhune Lions’ defence with Zivkovic and Andersen always looking to stay wide in the build-up of moves. It will therefore be unsurprising that either Jojic or Höjbjerg will be the ones to break the deadlock in this game.

Mitrovic will not operate as purely an out and out centre forward – as he will also have a license to come a little bit deeper for the ball and run at defences, putting his pace and ability on the ball to full use. In that sort of scenario I will allow Zivkovic or Andersen to come a bit more central and make sure that Jojic or Höjbjerg push out a bit wider to cover - meaning we will still keep a good shape in attack and also be well set out if Sekhukhune Lions do try a counter. When Zivkovic or Andersen come a bit more central, this is where we will use our technical ability, acceleration and sheer pace to full effect. Zivkovic, Klaassen, Andersen and Mitrovic’s creative partnership will give even the sturdiest of defences a very testing time through their combined technical abilities and pace.

Mitrovic is a complete centre forward; a deadly finisher, excellent with the ball at his feet, strong presence in air and hard working for his team. All of these combined with his unique scoring record makes me feel entirely confident that his name will appear on the score sheet many times throughout the season.

Subs:
80th Minute: Horvath on for Jojic, Muric on for Zivkovic
Like for like, fresh legs and system as always remains exactly the same

Arsenal tactics

--------------------------Aranzubia-----------------------------
Arias----------Fernandez-----Naldo---------Cole
----------------------Xavi------Gago------------------
Joaquin-----------------Diaby-----------------------Perisic
-------------------------Ibrahimovic----------------------

Subs: Raeder, Van Anken, Swift, Kingsley, El Haddadi

Tactics: Midfield domination and quick transitions from defence to attack will be our main goal this game. We are aiming to dominate the midfield and use our pacey attacking midfielders to charge at the defence and use Ibra at every opportunity when he is available or goal for goal. We attack their fullbacks at all times and try and stretch the play. We keep the ball moving and dictate the pace from deep midfielders who are looking to attack and release the ball to our wingers.
Our defence will remain disciplined and take no prisoners...legally.
We will be pressing midfield but as a team and not trying to leave gaps to exploit.

Aranzubia
Alert and vocal so that the defence are aware of potential trouble especially on set-pieces. Aranz to be dominant on corners and if slightly touched, to go down easily. When 1v1, to stay big and keep focused on the ball with no diving in for an unecessary penalty and red card.

Arias and Cole
They both will be disciplined as the wingers will be more advanced forward so we do not want to have any chances for the opposition to find space and attack our fullback positions if they are vacated. Both to stay on their feet and barge the players out to the touchline and stay goalside. Both to distribute the ball to the midfielders as quick as possible and stay disciplined in defence.

Naldo and Fernandez
Youth and experience are a good mix with Naldo the more natural leader and will be marshalling the defence. Naldo will be more dominating and the first defender to face the striker/s whilst Fernandez to be anticipating to intercept as last man. Both to be aggressive in the air and play and make sure that they are always in line and make sure that everyone else is too. Stay on their feet and no rash tackles whatsoever.

Xavi and Gago
Xavi's passing range will be key for our quick attacks as the midfielders or Zlatan know he will find them so they need to be in space or available to receive the ball. Xavi to play a little deep but pass it forwards quickly. Gago to be more of a DM but his passing range will be just as effective as Xavi's. Gago to be more disciplined and help the back 4 whilst Xavi to ponder forward whenever necessary. Both to be blockades for when we are being attacked so we have some resistance and try to nick the ball for a quick attack.

Joaquin and Perisic
I'm expecting both to be ruthless in attacking their respective full-backs and they will be vital to our system in this game. We need them to be stretching defence and allowing Ibra some space to receive the ball. Both to be starting high in midfield and pushing their opponents back which gives them headache whether to push forward or not and allows our central midfielders to push on with more space.

Diaby
Diaby will be constantly on the move and with his athelticism and skill, he can be our box-to-box player helping Ibra further forward and assisting or creating for the wingers and then be just as effective defensively with his tackling and helps Gago and Xavi when are being attacked like
------------------Gago----Diaby-------Xavi--------------

Diaby to always look forward and find Ibra and the wingers if they are in space or alternatively run at the defence and back 4 and go for goal.

Zlatan
Stays with the back 4 and doesnt drop deep as we need him to be in his most dangerous areas, in and around the goal because he is capable of scoring anywhere from 35 yards and he has the licence to shoot on sight as well as feed advancing players in if he does see fit. Zlatan shall look to charge at defenders and don't give them time to dictate and see who is available. Try and force mistakes and take advantage.

Subs: 70mins Coman for Gago. Diaby slots in midfield as plays as a DM whilst Coman's pace is there to see and he targets the CB who will have tired legs.

Stockport vs. BlazingSmoke

---------------------Van Der Sar---------------------
-Clyne--------Ginter--------Fonte----------Durm
---------------------Schneiderlin---------------------
------------Rakitic---------------Clasie--------------
------------------------Quintero------------------------
------------Lambert----------Gallagher-------------

Subs: Targett, Burns, Reed, Grealish, Driussi

Tactics -

General - Packed midfield with four players in there. Whilst you may claim it is too narrow, the FBs will be given licence to get forward with abandon, with Schneiderlin dropping deep into a 3 man defence - Not dissimilar to how Brazil have set up with Gustavo dropping very deep to let Marcelo and Alves bomb on. This will allow us to absolutely control the midfield, and as such, the game

With width and skill, the midfield should be able to outnumber TBag's side in the centre of the park, meaning they will chase the ball around. Keep passes short, and quick, letting the ball move around and tire out the opposition. When defending, use the extra numbers to close down in pairs, forcing mistakes, and back passes to kill off any threats to our goal.

Defence - Aim is to keep the pressure off our young keeper, so when he has the ball I'm not asking him to do any dangerous short play, get the ball long and trust that our powerful strikers Gallagher and Lambert can best their opponent.

With Berbatov likely to lead the line against us, there's little threat of pacey attacks to beat us, so I'm going to ask Fonte and Ginter to step up and play a medium-high line to keep Berba as far away from the net as possible, nullifying his threat altogether. The danger may come in Morrison/Deulofeu/other winger breaking through, but again, these players are based more on technical ability, rather than sheer pace, so the high line shouldn't pose us too many problems. Added to which, with Schneiderlin dropping deep, Fonte and Ginter can move slightly wider to help negate dangers from TBag's wingers.

The FBs job is more that of a WB. They need to keep attacking to ensure we have width, and to pin back TBag's FBs, to stop them entering into the fray in offensive positions. Both quick, and good crossers, they should look to constantly run on the outside of the FBs to drag them very wide, allowing us to go toe-to-toe with TBag's CBs.

Midfield -

Schneiderlin, sit nice and deep, ala Gustavo, to allow the FBs to get forward and complete the important role they have. When he has the ball, keep it simple, short passes out wide to the FBs, or into the feet of Clasie/Rakitic. Never to get beyond the halfway line.

Clasie and Rakitic are the middle of this team, and will control the play with their passing ability. Clasie will be slightly more reserved, trying to play in Quintero and the two FBs, i.e. the players directly next to him. Rakitic has the ability to go slightly longer, allowing him to try more dangerous passes beyond the opposition CBs for Lambert and Gallagher to get in behind Blazingsmoke.

Clasie will sit deeper, rarely foraying forward to allow extra defence, but Rakitic can get forward, looking to get onto knock downs from the strikers allowing him to unleash the deadly long strike he poses.

Quintero will be the creative coin calculating crosses, chips and control, all focusing on opening up Basingstoke. Needs to play in between the opposition defence and midfield (who should be occupied with Lambert/Gallagher, Rakitic/Clasie/Schneiderlin respectively). This should give him the space he needs to absolutely terrorise the enemy. Can play it in behind FBs for our WBs to whip in crosses, or attempt to drag a CB out of position before sending the ball into the newly opened space for the strikers. Once he's released the ball forward he needs to move left-centre (allowing Rakitic to take right centre) just outside the area for knock backs and rebounds, if he gets it he has licence to shoot.

Strikers - Kambert and Gallagher are two strong powerful forwards with a good working relationship together. They are both strong enough to hold off TBag's defenders and hold the ball up, whilst also being fast enough (both of foot and mind) to turn a CB and get in behind them for through balls and crosses. When one comes in for knock downs, the other should push up to break the defensive line, i.e. pulling CBs right out of their well drilled positions, allowing Quintero to play in dangerous through balls into now vacant space. Hopefully the combination of power, intelligence and pace in these two should bully the CBs who, without the support of their FB teammates (due to our attacking WBs) will break and make errors.

Subs -

80 - Driussi on for Gallagher - offers sheer, unbeatable pace to really exploit Basingstoke's now error-strewn defence. Hopefully, after 80 minutes of Gallagher-Lambert, Driussi's pace and fresh legs will exploit a weary and battered CB pairing

(?)45 - If it looks like TBag has got the edge over our defence aerially, at half time, Burns will come on for Fonte. Burns offers the height and strength to repel all aerial balls (take that from a United fan who watched Moyes tactics...) But should only come on if TBag's overpowering us aerially time after time.

------------------------Enyeama--------------------------
Janko----------Luisão-----------Omeruo--------Oczipka
-------------------------Samper-------------------------
-----------Britton---------------------Halilovic--------
Robben---------------Immobile-----------------Hazard


Aréola, Perrey, Suliman, Kouyate, Baker, Lawrence, Lingard, Schöpf, Robert, Roberts, Rowe, Green, Wilson


main page: http://www.ja606.co.uk/articles/viewArticle/271146


Week 2:

------------------------Enyeama--------------------------
Janko----------Luisão---------Omeruo------Oczipka
-------------------------Kouyate-------------------------
------------Baker-------------------Lingard--------
Robben---------------Immobile-----------------Hazard

Subs: Aréola, Lawrence, Green, Schöpf, Wilson

Squad: Perrey, Suliman, Rowe, Roberts, Robert


Enyema takes his place in goal, he's and ever present at club and international level and has the experience needed to command his defence. He'll be looking to claim aerial balls and play the ball out to feet rather than hitting it long.

Janko and Oczipka take up the fullback positions. Oczipka is very much the modern attacking fullback though he is also good defensively. He has excellent positional awareness and gets up and down the pitch tirelessly. Janko is a beast with similar attributes as well as being solid. The fullbacks will provide width to our attacks, working in unison with the wide forwards.

Luisão and Omerou take up the cb slots. Omerou is already a fully fledged international with Nigeria, he's good with the ball and will be the ball player from the back. Luisão is solid and tough in the tackle, he'll win anything that comes his way, he's also good with the ball at his feet. He's also a leader and will captain the side, commanding the players around him.

Kouyate moves into defensive midfield, it's a position he has played for his club as well as centre back. He's a strong player but also has ability with the ball at his feet. It's very difficult to get past him. When the fullbacks push on, Kouyate will sit between the 2 centre backs creating a back 3.

Baker and Lingard will play in front of Kouyate. Both are good with the ball at their feet and comfortable in possession. They look to keep the ball moving, therefore keep the opposition chasing.

Robben and Hazard occupy the wide forward roles, both are very capable assisters but also have an eye for goal. Everyone knows Robben as one of the current best wingers in the world, while Thorgan had 16 goals/ 20 assists in 47 games out on loan. Both men will look to run at their opponents, pushing them back. They'll have support from the 2 advanced midfielders and Immobile will be showing to feet if they cut inside.

Immobile leads the line in the front 3, he's coming off the back of a very successful season as too scorer in Serie A. He's a Goalscorer who's also very good with the ball at his feet. Despite the name he is actually very mobile and quick!


Our game plan is to move the ball about quickly, we've got good passers of the ball in the side and we want to make the opposition tire themselves out chasing the ball. When we get into the last third of the pitch we will look to be a bit more direct in terms of the wide men running in behind, creating angles for through balls. Immobile will come to receive the ball when it's in the middle of the pitch, but will play of the last defender when the ball is out wide.

We'll be looking to play a high pressing game, winning the ball back as high up the pitch as possible, not giving our opponents time to settle. Our players will hunt in packs of 2/3 closing off the angles for a pass, forcing them back. If we win the ball back off their defence we will break at speed and with supporting runners. When we bring the ball out from the back we will play a more patient passing game, looking for openings, but then hitting them when one appears.

Captain: Luisão
Penalties: Robben
Freekicks: Robben


Subs after 75 mins if losing:

Green on for Lingard (Hazard moves back and Green plays out left)

If winning/drawing:

Schöpf in for Baker to keep possession

TAIWAN

4-2-3-1

______________________Scuffet___________________
Coleman______Musacchio_____Laporte_________Shaw
________________Can______Ward-Prowse___________
J. Rodriguez___________Barkley_____________Brandt
_____________________Di Natale__________________
SUBS: De Santis, Hendrix, Tielemans, Dembele, Mosquito

Captain: Di Natale
Right free-kicks: J. Rodriguez
Left free-kicks: Di Natale
Penalties: Di Natale
Right corners: J. Rodriguez
Left corners: J. Rodriguez


General:
GEGENPRESSING is a highly-organised approach to regaining possession and minimising space for the opposition used by Dortmund, and now used by Taiwan. 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 Barkley and Brandt will drop back to help, J Rodriguez stays up as the out ball and Di Natale prepared for anything lumped up to him. Team must attempt to block shots at all times. Deep defensive line.

Scuffet:
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.

Musacchio and Laporte:
Deals with opposition attackers. Laporte keeps an eye on their attacking midfielder when he gets close to the 18 yard line. Laporte will also mark their striker closely not allowing him space to turn. Laporte or Can will deal with knock-downs to their supporting player depending on who is closer. Musacchio will try and win headers when long balls are played towards the back line. Musacchio will also clean up any balls / players who manage to get past Laporte. Laporte 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 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 Di Natale 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 Ward-Prowse:
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. Ward-Prowse will buzz around and dictate play, bursting forwards at times to provide an extra body in attack. Ward-Prowse will be a bit ahead of Can to be more involved in exchanging passes with full backs / J. Rodriguez, even going level with J. Rodriguez 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. Ward-Prowse drops deeper when this happens.

J. Rodriguez, Barkley and Brandt:
Will constantly swap positions with each other. Will look to thread through balls to Di Natale 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. Brandt should always track back to help the fullbacks and midfield when defending. Barkley can burst past Di Natale 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.

Di Natale:
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: Brandt OFF Dembele ON
Straight swap, will do the same job except will hold the ball up for onrushing teammates more.

Losing:
75 mins: Brandt OFF Dembele ON
Go 4-2-4 with Dembele and Di natale centre Barkley right J. Rodriguez left. Ward-Prowse supports, Can holds and sprays passes from deep.

Basingstoke tactics vs Stockport

----------------------Fabianski--------------------
Corchia----Zouma----Heylen---Kurwaza
----------------------Carvalho----------------------
----------------Ramsey---Vilhena-------------
-----------------------Morrison-----------------
----------------Deulofeu--Berbatov----------

Subs: Mersin, Bellerin, Grimaldo, Kiwomya & Robinson

Corners and FKs - Deulofeu
Pens - Berbatov
C - Ramsey

Today we're trying something new, its partly down to injuries but it also makes sense given the abundance of decent central midfielders Stockport have. While we're playing a 4-4-2 diamond, it has a slight twist in that its not two out and out centre forwards, as Deulofeu will be playing a free role off Berbatov which means he can roam out to either wing and look to get at the full backs and cause them problems, whilst Morrison will be trying to get up alongside Berbatov whenever he gets the chance and work off of him, so at times it will work like an unorthodox 4-3-3, which should make us difficult to figure out. I'm also a fan of this because not only does the movement make us difficult to stop, but all three players can change a game in an instant and will be getting supplied by two fantastic CMs in Ramsey and Vilhena. Off the ball we want to play our high pressing game again, especially as Stockport don't have much pace up front or out wide to get in behind us. Our whole team is really built around Ramsey, he's superb going back and forward, has an unbelievable engine, can operate well in tight spaces, pick a pass, time his runs and finish beautifully, so I'm hoping for a big game from him today. Lastly, I want us to trouble their goalie, as he is young and inexperienced I want to be hitting crosses into areas where he doesn't know if he should be coming for them or not, I want us shooting when we get a chance and making sure we're following up shots as there's a good chance he'll spill them out to us, this is something Berbatov will be good at. I also want Vilhena stood on the keeper from all corners, not impeding him or fouling him, just making him uncomfortable and ruining his concentration in the hope he makes a rash mistake.

Fabianski - experienced gk today who knows what will be expected from him. He's a good shot stopper with good handling, he'll just need to command his area and be aware of being quick off his line as we're playing a high line, just in case.

FBs - Although not mentioned yet the FBs will be pretty vital in today's game. They're both solid defensively and full of pace and energy which will be important as they'll be up and down. As Stockport don't have a huge amount of danger down the wings Corchia and Kurwaza will have the chance to push on a lot and at times will be playing like wingers, offering our width, making overlapping runs for Deulofeu, offering an out ball for the midfield and getting crosses into the box.

CBS - same as last week, Zouma will be attacking the ball, going directly against the striker whilst Heylen will drop off a little as the ball comes forward just in case Zouma is beaten which is unlikely as he's likely to be up against Lambert. Heylen will be in better position to organise the defence and will try to keep our high line a straight line! Although we should have the pace to make the high line work perfectly today.

Carvalho - sitting midfielder doing what he does best today just anchoring the midfield and protecting the defence. He'll be onto the opposition quickly, coming into them with big tackles and moving the ball on quickly. As much as anything his presence will hopefully make less experienced players like Quintero nervous when they get the ball, and hopefully panic and mishit their passes.

Ramsey and Vilhena - both get to play in their favoured box to box role today, although hopefully that description won't be literally as I want to spend a lot of the game in the Stockport half. They've both got good engines so won't find the pressing game too hard, they should be able to get all over the likes of Rakitic and Hughes quickly and pressure them into mistakes. As a pair I think ours are slightly more talented and I hope that shows today. In terms of box to box running I want one of them sitting back while the other goes forward to support, as often the FBS will be forward too so we'll need to defend against counter attacks, but both are good at timing their runs and I expect them to make a difference going forward, Ramsey especially in his favoured role.

Morrison - today Morrison will be in a role that should be difficult to track for the opposition. Without the ball he'll be helping in the pressing game, getting on Schneiderlin trying to stop him starting attacks, but with the ball he'll be floating between Schneiderlin and the CBs, often causing confusion over who should pick him up. For example he'll drift onto the CBs alongside Berbatov, but at the right time drop into the space in front of the defence and before the DM realises he's there, he's already done his damage. He's a supremely talented player and with this freedom it should feed his ego and get the best out of him.

Deulofeu - again I want him to cause confusion, he'll be lining up as a CF but will play all along the front line, almost daring the FBs to get forward so he can attack the space they leave. He'll be looking to play on the last man, getting off Berbatovs flicks, balls into the channels etc and his pace and movement should make him a nightmare, especially if no one knows where he is or who he should be picking up.

Berbatov - same as last week for Berbatov, just with slightly different personnel around him. Holding the ball up, bringing others into play and getting into the box at the right times as the ball goes wide or in this match, when we have a shot on goal, just in case the keeper spills it.

Subs - 65 mins Grimaldo for Kurwaza. Fresh legs, same role.

Tbag is the Macca of the DL

comment by Lubo - I talk to LRF as much as Brian talks to Cellino (U14008)
posted 1 week, 1 day ago
---------------Ikeme

Janmaat--Kalas--Balanta--Vrsjalko

-------------Gerrard--Ignjovski

------------------Lallana

--------Origi-----------------McDaid

-------------------Ramos

Ikeme
Kitsiou
Morgan
Nathan
Lindeloff

We will play a mixed game. The attacking players can hit the opposition with pace and guile whereas our defensive players will look to dominate physically.

As a back four we must sit tight and compact. With versatile options along the back all players can accommodate for colleagues being out of position. Kalas will aim to cut out attacks along the ground whilst Morgan deals with high balls to the forward. Both are capable of taking the ball out of defence and moving forward with it. Will will set up with a flat back 3 when we are in possession with Ignjovski dropping back to play alongside Balanta and Kalas. This will accommodate for Vrsjalko and Janmaat bombing forward.

Gerrard and Ignjovski will sit deep and look to control the play from there. Gerrard will play the deep lying playmaker role with Ignjovski compensating for the formers lack of energy. Both will look to start attacks from deep and are adept at finding the right pass to set up quick and fast paced attacks. Ignjovski will stay back as part of a back 3 when the ball is played forward.

Lallana will start in the advanced midfield role however the attacking trio will rotate, making it difficult for the opposition to stop. All three offer different qualities that should outfox the opposition. Lallana will pick the ball up deep and use trickery to run with the ball forward. McDaid will use his skill and guile on the ball to take it past players and run directly at the opposition to expose any lack of pace and weaknesses they may have. Origi will use his pace and directness to run at slower opponents and expose weaknesses in their defence.

Ramos will lead the line, using his aerial ability to bring the two 'wingers' into the game. He suits the direct style of play perfectly and will give the opposition CBs nightmares. When the wingers have possession of the ball he will look to find space in the box and get his head on incoming crosses.

Penalties - Gerrard
Free kicks - Gerrard
Captain - Gerrard

Subs -

Whatever the score - Lindeloff on Ignjovski off 65 mins - brings us fresh legs in the midfield.

If winning

Morgan on McDaid off 80 mins - go 5 at the back with 2 up top
----------------------------------------------------------------------

------------------------WEEK 3 TACTICS------------------------

FC Pride v FISHGUARD SPORTS

Formation: 3-4-3 (Sweeper System)

----------------------------Predrag Rajkovic
--------------------------------Tin Jedvaj
--------Björn Engels----------------------------Daley Blind
----------------------------Riechedly Bazoer
------------Milos Jojic--------------------Pierre-Emile Höjbjerg
------------------------------Davy Klaassen
----Andrija Zivkovic-----------------------------Viktor Fischer
---------------------------Aleksandar Mitrovic


Starting: Rajkovic, Engels, Jedvaj, Blind, Jojic, Bazoer, Höjbjerg, Klaassen, Zivkovic, Mitrovic, Fischer

Subs: Mickey van der Hart, Nicolai Boilesen, Sascha Horvath, Robert Muric, Lucas Andersen

Captain: Blind
Corners: Zivkovic / Fischer (Andersen)
Short Range Attacking Free Kicks: Klaassen
Pens: Mitrovic


We will line-up with two lightening quick wingers in Zivkovic and Fischer patrolling each flank with the intelligent and technically superb Davy Klaassen behind the talented all-round centre forward Aleksandar Mitrovic.

My intentions are to pack the midfield with Jojic, Bazoer and Höjbjerg protecting the back-three of Engels, Jedvaj and Blind.

We will operate with Tin Jedvaj as a sweeper. Pre-historic as it seems today, playing a sweeper will help to negate FC Pride’s threat in the attacking third. With the two most central attacking players (could be two forwards, could be a forward and an attacking midfielder) being picked up by Engels and Blind – this will leave Jedvaj to pick up stray balls, runs from deep and anything FC Pride throw at him.

We will be comfortable in having 3 defenders against the 2 most central attackers, Engels and Blind will comfortably pick up an attacking player each and if they fail to control FC Pride’s forward line, Jedvaj is the contingency plan.


With Engels and Blind picking up these 2 most central attacking players our defence is narrow. This would give FC Pride’s winger a lot of space to move forward. We will anticipate this by instructing our two central players – Jojic and Höjbjerg to track these runs.

With Jojic and Höjbjerg now tracking the runs of the wingers, it would leave Bazoer outnumbered in midfield. Davy Klaassen will always look to drop into midfield so that we will always have a spare man. This spare man again will be Tin Jedvaj – whose game intelligence and reading of the game will allow us to defend well.

When we are faced with doubling-up from our opposition (i.e. the opposition putting a winger and full back on to one of our defenders), we will use this to our advantage by switching the ball quickly and directly which will lead to our team finding an area of the pitch with no opposition player in. Such tactical nuances will be a distinct part of this Fishguard Sports team. This is an obvious and logical tactical ploy; this logical style of play will also be mixed up at times with a some individual flair – but expect at times for even talented players like Viktor Fischer to play a pass instead of attempting to pass his marker.

These tactics have proved that they can work by one of the greatest Ajax teams. The quick movement to an area where FC Pride may be a man-short will allow us to keep possession comfortably as well as creating opportunities. We will hope to have the opportunity to find space in the most predictable of positions on the pitch.

Bazoer and Klaassen will always be available to receive the ball, and are capable of dissecting FC Pride’s midfield with ease.

Our flexible, hard-working system will allow us to have a spare-man available when FC Pride have the ball, but significantly, it will gave flexibility and strength in keeping possession. With Bazoer and Klaassen both floating around the half-way line and attacking third respectively, we can move the ball with ease.

FC Pride may find it difficult to react to these players, as if they do move out of position to get closer to Klaassen and Bazoer, the shape of FC Pride’s team may fall apart. If an attempt is made to combat the constant space we hope Klaassen will be receiving. This will only give slick-heeled Zivkovic and Fischer more space to receive the ball.

My use of Jojic and Höjbjerg will also be of interest too. As well as having defensive responsibilities, they will be instructed to run from deep to connect with our wingers and forwards. It will be their late runs that will often be the most dangerous to penetrate FC Pride. To do this, both Jojic and Höjbjerg will show superb tactical understanding and discipline, not to mention supreme physical fitness. The combination of quick passing and runs from deep will be a constant menace for the FC Pride back-line. The implication of this will be that if FC Pride try to play a high-line to combat the threat of Klaassen, then FC Pride will have to drop deeper and deeper to negate the threat of our quick triangles through the midfield.

We will constantly be looking to stretch FC Pride’s defence with Zivkovic and Fischer always looking to stay wide in the build-up of moves. It will therefore be unsurprising that either Jojic or Höjbjerg will be the ones to break the deadlock in this game.

Mitrovic will not operate as purely an out and out centre forward – as he will also have a license to come a little bit deeper for the ball and run at defences, putting his pace and ability on the ball to full use. In that sort of scenario I will allow Zivkovic or Fischer to come a bit more central and make sure that Jojic or Höjbjerg push out a bit wider to cover - meaning we will still keep a good shape in attack and also be well set out if FC Pride do try a counter. When Zivkovic or Fischer come a bit more central, this is where we will use our technical ability, acceleration and sheer pace to full effect. Zivkovic, Klaassen, Fischer and Mitrovic’s creative partnership will give even the sturdiest of defences a very testing time through their combined technical abilities and pace.

Mitrovic is a complete centre forward; a deadly finisher, excellent with the ball at his feet, strong presence in air and hard working for his team. All of these combined with his unique scoring record makes me feel entirely confident that his name will appear on the score sheet many times throughout the season.

Subs:
80th Minute: Andersen on for Fischer
Like for like, fresh legs and system as always remains exactly the same

BLYTH vs Barcelona 4-1-3-2

.................Neto.....................
Maggio...Rugani...Vlaar....Robertson
.................Alonso..................

Berardi........Neilton.......Insigne
..........Destro......May...........

Subs: Rubinho, Ferdinand, Palombo, Ambrosini,Dongou

Capt: Vlaar
Corners: Alonso/Insigne
Long free kicks: Alonso
Short free kicks: Insigne
Penalties: Destro

Change of system 3 weeks running as Tino Ranieri continues to tinker. We expect Barca to come with the tried and tested 4-2-3-1 and this in theory should nuilify it, altough we run the risk of cancelling each other out for large parts of the game I feel we have enough players that have that bit of magic about them to turn the game in our favour. Sacrificing men and possession in the centre of the park today for our tactics to bear fruition. Passing today is fast and direct, playing the ball out wide and into space for our attackers to run onto.

Neto - Not much you can ask of a keeper really other than the generic, be big be strong be vocal....so I'm not gonna bother to be honest

Maggio/Robertson: Both are naturally attacking full backs but both will be asked to curb that part of their game. neither will venture too far forward as they will be expected to man mark their winger, safe in the knowledge that our own wingers today will be pegging back Barca's full backs. Maggio is an experinced defender and will know his duty to show the man down the line and not dive in. Robertson makes his debut today and is one of 3 Dundee Utd starlets that now find themselves at Blyth. Robertson is young Scottish player of the year and (probably) has a bright future ahead of him. Both will stay back as cover for our attacking set-pieces

Vlaar/Rugani: Vlaar is Mr Dependable at the back for us, big strong and good in the air, will marshall his defence well and be the man marker for Barca's main striker, sticking close to him and not allowing himself to be turned will fancy his chances in any aerial battle. Rugani highly rated youngster expect him to make the step up from Italy's U21's soon enough, will be the spare man at the back today (if Barca go with 1 uptop) he will be the one to deal with any loose or secondary balls. His other duty is to pick up any runs from their attacking midfielder. Both men will go up for attacking set-pieces

Alonso: is our quarter-back today, will sit in front of the defence collect the ball and spray it around the park long and flat for our runners to latch onto. Defensively he will "shuffle" applying pressure on the ball forcing any mistakes, his main duty is to track the run from their centre-mids not the attacking mid as Rugani should have him covered.

Berardi/Insigne: 2 bright prospects, removed of defensive duties today the furthest back they will drop is to stay onside, with the aim being that they compress the Barca defence not allowing their fullbacks the space or freedom to push on thus isolating their wingers into one on ones with our fullbacks. With the ball both players have great speed and are direct. will look to link up with Neilton as well as Destro and May forming a fluid front 5 that will pull Barca's defence out of position. Berardi and Insigne both have goals in them from playing out wide (16 for Berardi)

Neilton: Likened by many to Neymar, altough I think thats because of the hair will play as the number 10 today given free licence to roam, will link up with the other front 4 and will interchange positions with Berardi/Insigne making it hard for him to be man marked, In possession will look to drive forwards with the ball inviting fouls (Neymar-esque) and drawing defenders towards him creating space for others. Defensively he's another let off the hook today by our 5 back 5 forward policy, will stay up forcing Barca to keep a midfielder back to keep an eye on him.

Destro/May: 33 league goals in 58 games combined for these 2 last season. Destro his mobile target man with a good finish, will look to turn the defence and run through on goal, where-as May is more your "fox in the box" where he will play off the shoulder of the last defender he will be our Pippo Inzaghi. Both men as with the Berardi/Neilton/Insigne will stay up the pitch at all times squeezing Barca's defence and forcing them to look for the quick pass and making mistakes.

This I feel should counter the 4-2-3-1 if Barca do indeed play it as it pits us man for man all over the pitch but leaves us 5 up front at all times to hit them on the break. If the gamble doesn't pay off and they go with a different formation then our tactics stay the same, lose the middle ground but force our opponents to worry about our attacking options.

Subs:

65 Mins regardless of scoreline:

Palombo > Alonso
Shape stays the same but Palombo is a specialist DM and should in my opinion have stepped up to fill Rino Gattuso's shirt for Italy. Tips you're a Samp lover so this should get me brownie points will be employed as a destroyer ala Mascherano as opposed to a deep lying playmaker

Rio > Rugani
Steady experienced head to come on at the back, legs have gone but still reads the game as good as anyone else, will be ideal for the spare man at the back acting as a sweeper

Dongou > May

19 year old Barca starlet, looks big and strong and could be a real handful for Barca's tiring defence will be used as a battering ram charging into the back line causing space for the others

------------------Ochoa

Janmaat--Yepes--Balanta---Vrsjalko

--------------Aguilar---Gerrard

----------------------Lallana

-------------Origi--------------Volland

-----------------------Cahill

Kitsiou
Rabia
Nathan
Leckie
Ramos

We will play a quick counter attacking game, built on a strong defence and attacking flair

For us defence is key against a strong attack from Tippy. Yepes and Balanta have experience of playing together and both have certain attributes that will bring the best out of the other. For us the key is to isolate Sturridge up front, that means cutting off service from Chamberlain and whoever else plays up front with them. The FB that Ox is facing should stick to him and refrain from attacking. However we will look to exploit opposition FBs wandering forward by hitting them with pace from the back.

gerrard will play a deeper role than usual, alongside Aguilar. Part of his role will be based around supporting the defence. Aguilar will make up for Gerrard's lack of energy by constantly running. they will sit deeper.

Lallana will start in the advanced midfield role however the attacking trio will rotate, making it difficult for the opposition to stop. All three offer different qualities that should outfox the opposition. Lallana will pick the ball up deep and use trickery to run with the ball forward. Volland will use his skill and guile on the ball to take it past players and run directly at the opposition to expose any lack of pace and weaknesses they may have. Origi will use his pace and directness to run at slower opponents and expose weaknesses in their defence.

Cahill will use his ability in the air to lead the line. He will bring the attacking players into the game and cause problems in the opposition penalty area.

Penalties - Gerrard
Free Kicks - Gerrard
Captain - Yepes

Whatever the score

Ramos on for Cahill 65 minutes

Give us fresh legs up front for a push forwrad

If losing

Leckie on for Vrsjalko 70 minutes

He will lay wing back and give us a more attacking option to create space down the left hand side.

STOCKPORT Vs. LC's Team of Reprobates.

---------------------Van Der Saar-----------------------
Clyne-------Ginter--------------Fonte----------Durm
---------------------Schneiderlin------------------------
-----------Hughes-----------------Clasie----------------
-------------------------Rakitic----------------------------
------------Lambert-----------D. Ings-------------------

Subs: Ake, Burns, Reed, Grealish, Driussi

Tactics -

General - Packed midfield with four players in there. Whilst you may claim it is too narrow, the FBs will be given licence to get forward with abandon, with Schneiderlin dropping deep into a 3 man defence - Not dissimilar to how Brazil have set up with Gustavo dropping very deep to let Marcelo and Alves bomb on. This will allow us to absolutely control the midfield, and as such, the game

With width and skill, the midfield should be able to outnumber LC's side in the centre of the park, meaning they will chase the ball around. Keep passes short, and quick, letting the ball move around and tire out the opposition. When defending, use the extra numbers to close down in pairs, forcing mistakes, and back passes to kill off any threats to our goal.

Defence - Aim is to keep the pressure off our young keeper, so when he has the ball I'm not asking him to do any dangerous short play, get the ball long and trust that our powerful striker Lambert can best his opponent.

With a very young strike force, LC won't be able to put out any experienced striker. So I'm going to ask Fonte and Ginter to step up and play a medium-high line to really expose this lack of footballing awareness, keeping a young striker facing away from goal and effectively asking him to play very deep will nullify the threat. The danger may come in wingers breaking through, but the pace of our FBs, coupled (again) with the youth of LC's team, mean they shouldn't have the physical, or mental, attributes to put us to the sword, so the high line shouldn't pose us too many problems. Added to which, with Schneiderlin dropping deep, Fonte and Ginter can move slightly wider to help negate dangers from LC's wingers.

The FBs job is more that of a WB. They need to keep attacking to ensure we have width, and to pin back TBag's FBs when we have the ball, this will stop them entering into the fray in offensive positions. Both quick, and good crossers, they should look to constantly run on the outside of the FBs to drag them very wide, allowing us to go toe-to-toe with LC's CBs.

Midfield -

Schneiderlin, sit nice and deep, ala Gustavo, to allow the FBs to get forward and complete the important role they have. When he has the ball, keep it simple, short passes out wide to the FBs, or into the feet of Clasie/Hughes/Rakitic. Never to get beyond the halfway line.

Clasie and Hughes are the middle of this team, and will control the play with their passing ability. Clasie will be slightly more reserved, trying to play in Rakitic and the two FBs, i.e. the players directly next to him. Hughes has the ability to go slightly longer, allowing him to try more dangerous passes beyond the opposition CBs for Lambert and Ings to get in behind the enemy lines.

Clasie will sit deeper, rarely foraying forward to allow extra defence, but Hughes (in a self-described style of Iniesta mixed with Xavi!) can get forward, looking to get onto knock downs from the strikers allowing him to unleash the strikes on goal.

Rakitic will be the creative coin calculating crosses, chips and control, all focusing on opening up LC's side. Needs to play in between the opposition defence and midfield (who should be occupied with Lambert/Ings, Hughes/Clasie/Schneiderlin respectively). This should give him the space he needs to absolutely terrorise the enemy. Can play it in behind FBs for our WBs to whip in crosses, or attempt to drag a CB out of position before sending the ball into the newly opened space for the strikers. Once he's released the ball forward he needs to move left-centre (allowing Hughes to take right centre) just outside the area for knock backs and rebounds, if he gets it he has licence to shoot.

Strikers - Lambert and Ings are two disparate strikers. One is tall and powerful, the other is small(ish) and quick. Lambert is strong enough to hold off LC's defenders and hold the ball up, whilst also being fast enough (both of foot and mind) to turn a CB and get in behind them for through balls and crosses. When Lambert comes in for knock downs, Ings should use his pace to push forward and break the defensive line, i.e. pulling CBs right out of their well drilled positions, allowing Rakitic to play in dangerous through balls into now vacant space. Hopefully the combination of power, intelligence and pace in these two should bully the CBs who, without the support of their FB teammates (due to our *wide* attacking WBs) will break and make errors.

Subs -

80 - Driussi on for Lambert - offers sheer, unbeatable pace to really exploit LC's now error-strewn defence. Hopefully, after 80 minutes of Ings-Lambert, Driussi's pace and fresh legs will exploit a weary and battered CB pairing

(?)45 - If it looks like LC has got the edge over our defence aerially, at half time, Burns will come on for Fonte. Burns offers the height and strength to repel all aerial balls (take that from a United fan who watched Moyes tactics...) But should only come on if LC's overpowering us aerially time after time.