Blyth vs Stockpoor
.................Gordon.............
Darmian..Jagielka..Dedé..De Sciglio
..........De Rossi....De Jong...........
Gabbiadini....Wijnaldum....Berardi
...................Zaza.........................
Subs: Branescu, McNair, Vazquez, Bonaventura, Toni
Tough game against a Stockport side boasting on paper atleast the best strike-force in the league. But their defence is there to be gotten at and as the home side we will carry the game to them from the off. Power through the middle and blistering pace outwide.
Stockport have been a little unfortunate losing Kramer and Draxler from the midfield and we will look to use this to our advantage...Not entirely sure how they'll line up now so our formation is a kind of best of both (like the bread)
Gordon - Usual Goal-keepery stuff not point waffling on is there? catch crosses, save shots, kick the ball long etc etc......
The Defence:
Solid unit selected today, all four are great athletes blessed with good pace and stamina. All are good on the ball and useful offensively but their primary roles will be to maintain a solid shape defensively.
Darmian/De Sciglio - Italy's first choice full backs and now Blyth's. As I said primary duty is to be solid defensively especially if Park plays with any attacking width, if however, he perseveres with his diamond midfield then these two are given Carte Blanché (accept minus 1 slot for the use of French) to push on...stretching Stockport as much as possible and linking the defence with the attack, running the lines allowing Gab's & Berardi a little more creative freedom.
Jags/Dedé - The only real certainty of Parks set up is that both Costa & Aguero will play. Costa is a good hold up man and big and strong in the air...fellow Brazilian Dedé will utilise his extra height and power to shackle Costa, using all his experience and dark arts to get under the Brazilians skin, little kicks dodgy elbows Costa will do it all but Dedé will remain calm and let Costa wind himself himself up. If Cosa drfits wide then Dedé will still track him. Jags (statistically the quickest player in the Prem this season) will man mark Aguero, whether Kun plays as a striker or as a withdrawn/Number 10 it doesnt matter, wherever Kun goes Jags will follow, using his pace and strength to get close to Aguero and keep him quiet whatever the cost...
The Midfield:
This is where the game is won or lost, They may not be the most creative of combo's but as far as giving us a solid platform from which to build on goes, then you won't get a much more solid duo than De Rossi and De jong... Both defensive by nature but today both play as traditional CM's, maintaining possession for us in the middle of the pitch as we look to dominate proceedings and leave Stockports front two isolated...Schneidy and Rakitic are a formidable force but man for man we should be able to handle them. Both men have a certain rashness about them and we are happy for them to go flying into tackles, lifting the team and the fans as we look to build momentum. As both men are happy "sitting" this then enables Darmian and De Sciglio to kick on meaning we have 6 players in forward positions as we overload Stockports defence, this serves the dual purpose of making it easier for us to have better ball retention as more passes are "on" and it will stretch the play lovely if as expected Stockport go "narrow"
The Front Four
Nice blend to this side as we have a lot of grit, no small amount of flair and bags of pace, As I said earlier Stockport have a fantastic attack but the defence is neglected...
We/I expect our front four to face
Clyne........Varane......Ginter.....Durm
if this is case then Varane aside we should have some joy....All four of our men are high tempo players who can press high up the pitch, by doing this we unsettle them forcing them to try and play ball, Other than Varane I'm not sure the others are comfortable players so we will look to rush them from the start.
Gabbiadini - New signing for Blyth and Napoli, Gabby is a left footed right winger, big and strong with a fantastic work rate, will look to run the line and stretch the pitch, because he's on the "wrong" side the cut in is a good option for him and with Darmian running the over-lap we hope that causes indecision in Durm as to whom he should be tracking and will hopefully pull a defender over.
Wijnaldum - The 3rd of our debutants this week plays as the #10. Has shown real improvement the last couple of years, he's selected today over the likes of Vazquez/Bonaventura for his work rate and team ethic. Will sit in the hole occupying Parks defensive midfielders but by constantly moving about will look to pull them out of shape as we look for gaps to exploit. Defensively solid and quick into the tackle will drop back to join in with De Rossi and De Jong and as a trident they're as formidable as anything anyone else can field.
Berardi - Domenico is shuffled onto the other side today using his natural left foot to stretch the play as far as possible, Clynes a decent defender but Berardi is a gifted individual who will bank on himself getting the better of the duel, Another who's given ample back up by his full back will look to attack the space between full back and centre back as we wreak havoc in Stockports defence.
Zaza - Up against 2 CB's today but as mentioned we look to even that up...Varane is a quality player with bags of potential but not overly experienced, Ginter is a big unit but from I've seen slightly cumbersome....with our wingers stretching the full backs we hope to create some one on ones for Zaza...is in deadly form in real life and will look to carry that onto here....
Subs:
Winning/Drawing 65 mins N/A just carry on doing what were doing as it's working
Losing 70 Mins Bonaventura > Wijnaldum
..............Gordon.............
Darmian..Jagielka..Dedé..De Sciglio
..........De Rossi....De Jong...........
Gabbiadini........................Bonaventura
................Zaza........Berardi................
Kitchen sink time as we go 4-2-2-2......Cavalier football at it's finest...2 up top and 2 out and out wingers....Darmian and De Sciglio playing as full on wing backs with De Jong anchoring and De Rossi going box to box
The End
Ps Haak your hairs looking lovely at the moment, you were always my favourite Wolves fan
FC Pride
-----------------------Enyeama-------------------------
Coke------------Luisao--------Castro---------Aanholt
----------------------Mascherano-----------------------
Robben-------Rosicky-------T.Hazard-----------PEA
-----------------------Immobile------------------------
Subs:
Kouyate, Pereira, Halilovic, Baker, Afobe
We're the home team this week so our game plan is to control the game and play some fluid and exciting, attack-minded football. We've packed the midfield area with players able to help at either end of the pitch and we'll look to control the game from the middle of the park. Pass and move is the key phrase. We don't want to be static, when players are on the ball we want them to have options.
We want to press our opponents and put pressure on them when they have the ball, but will let them play the ball around in their own half as to utilise our pace and get in behind them on the counter when their players step up the pitch.
In defence we have pace in the fullback positions and in Castro at CB, accompanied by a leader and organiser, in our captain, Luisao. Our defenders will look to pass the ball out from the back, there will be plenty of options with the number of bodies in midfield. The full backs will only venture forward one at a time as to keep us tight at the back and a combination of Masch and our CB's ready to cover.
Mascherano takes up a position in the base of our midfield, his job is to break up the play and get the ball to our attacking players through shorter passes. He'll sit in his position, staying behind the ball so he's always on hand to shut down an opponents attack. We want him to close down the opposition in our half and battle for the ball.
Robben and Aubameyang will take up the wide roles. Their pace and trickery will be key in getting in behind our opponents and also pushing their wider players back into areas where they can't hurt us. They're instructed to balance their play between taking their men on and also playing one twos with the midfield and striker.
Rosicky and Hazard will operate in the middle of the park, both have a good engine, whilst the former will look to go to the ball more, whilst Hazard will look to push up the field and be involved more in the intricate passing and creating of space. Hazard could prove useful in playing defence splitting passes for Robben, PEA or Immobile to run onto. We'll always look to have the opposite wide man running in at the far post and Rosicky will staying more around the edge of the area.
Immobile is back to lead the line, he'll look to feed off of our midfielders, while also finding pockets of space between our opponents defenders.
If losing after 65 minutes:
Move to a 4-1-2-1-2 (diamond)
Baker > Hazard
----------Masch
---Baker-------Ros
-----------Rob
------Imm----PEA
If winning:
Move to a 4-2-3-1
Kouyate > Rosicky
------Kou----Mas
Rob-----Haz-----PEA
----------Imm
SC.UMPORT COUNTY Vs. Blyth.
------------------------------Forster----------------------------
Clyne---------Lascelles--------Varane-----------Durm
-------------------------------Ginter----------------------------
------------------Schn'dy-------------Clasie----------------
-------------------------------Rakitic---------------------------
------------------Costa-----------------Aguero--------------
Subs: Kameni, Yedlin, Hughes, Grealish, Ings
Tactics -
General - The key to this game is to set up a primarily defensive stance, unshackling the front three of defensive duties, meaning they can do what they do best and secure us a win.
Defence -
The back four shall be compact and deep. Tino's side have pace right across that front line, hence playing deep.But I feel that my defence is stronger and more powerful, so by playing a narrow back line we almost force Blyth to go out wide, and swing in crosses, which, as I say, should play into our hands.
Clyne and Durm need to keep back to ensure our defensive solidity, so no going forward, trying to get beyond the Spartan's FBs and drilling crosses in. The furthest these two should get is to a position when they can send in crosses from deep with a lot of curve on them, but ultimately, their role is primarily defensive today.
When releasing the ball, the defence has a couple of very good options, firstly, they can play it quick and simple with short passes into the midfield (no passing it amongst each other, we want to be direct today), or they can go long to our latest Galactico - Diego Costa. Costa provides a very good targetman for the defence to aim at, and he can make the best of most hopeful punts forward.
Midfield -
Firstly, I'll just detail Ginter's role. With the defence playing deep, Ginter needs to mark the space directly in front of Tino's striker. By keeping tight to this player, and keeping in front of him, we dull what is a fairly sharp attack. Blyth should be prevented from playing balls to his feet, and have to rely on balls that are played in front of, rather than directly to, him, otherwise known as through balls, in which case my CBs are quick enough to step up and snap the chance away. Ginter will not be involved in the attack, he has a very important duty to perform, Makelele role-esque I suppose.
Schneiderling and Clasie are my two box to boxers today. Both have the capacity to get forward and back all game long. Added to which, they are adept in both ends of the pitch, so can be capable additions to whichever circumstance they find themselves in. Importantly, they need to work to nullify Tino's no.10 (or the second striker if he's playing two up top as he suggested he may). This might see one of them dropping really quite deep, but if that's the case, the other should try and keep close, but further forward, let's say 15 yards ahead of them. This allows both a defensive stance from the two CMs, but also means they can act as a conduit for defence to mould into attack.
Because we are so defensive today, when these two get it to Rakitic, they must break forward, going out either side of the Croatian, almost as faux-wingers, i.e. playing wide, but still narrower than a winger. This should give our attacks more numbers, and as sucha greater potency. As I said, their energy levels and stamina allow them to do this and get back to cover, and are therefore perfect for the role.
Rakitic, I know you, Haak, really rate him, so I won't bore you with "Rakitic can do such and such" because there's little point... Rakitic is a fantastic player, and can keep play ticking over brilliantly, long balls, short balls, he's got both! He actually needs an operation for it, but for now, he has both...
Anyway... Joking aside... Rakitic is the linchpin to this formation, with 6/7 players really acting as a defensive platform, we need a player of Rakitic's quality to open up Blyth when we do get the chance to break forward. Given a free hand today due to the defensive work of the other players, he needs to be constantly moving, trying to pick up space, relying on his natural ability to pick up time in a very crowded midfield. By constantly moving, he works on the (one?) weakness of Tino's DMs, in that they aren't the fastest, so if he's finding 10 yards of space, he's got time to turn and pick a pass before they close him down.
That pass can be out wide to the onrushing CMs, into the feet of either striker, or even a lofted ball for the powerful Costa to contest. Ultimately, whatever the pass, he needs to follow it in, ghosting into the area around the box ready for rebounds and cut backs, allowing him to unleash that fantastic shot he possesses.
Strikers -
These two are, in theory, a perfect match for each other. Costa, whilst not slow, certainly isn't the paciest of strikers, so Aguero's speed off the line, and in general, allows us to force Blyth's defensive line deeper and deeper (to avoid Rakitic playing Aguero in behind for one on ones), getting Costa into those poaching positions he loves to work in.
On the other hand, Aguero isn't the strongest. So Costa's power and presence can knock defenders out of Aguero's way, opening up gaps for the Argentine. It also allows Aguero to play off a 'wall' as it were: One twos, knock downs etc. can all be played off the Spaniard, which should present Aguero with a host of opportunities.
Between the two of them, they bring out the best in one another, and together should force the Spartans defence deep enough to a) spread Blyth thinly across the pitch, and b) allow our attacking players time and space in areas very close to the opposition area.
Subs -
Winning/Drawing/Losing -
70 - Clasie for Hughes - It's a tough role to play, going box to box all game, so this is just to freshen things up. Hughes isn't a natural box to box player, so Rakitic needs to drop a little deep to help out, and Schneiderlin should be more conservative in his attacking runs to cover for Hughes.
Losing/Drawing -
70 - Ings on for Ginter. Change to a 4-2-3-1, with the three being a very narrow (no wingers) trio of Aguero, Ings, and Rakitic, all swapping and changing. It's a case of playing the long ball to Costa, who will be looking to knock it down to any of that attacking trio who can then try from range, or try and burst past Blyth's defence. They've all got a cracking long range shot on them (may be stretching it a bit for Ings, but he is good!) so this change in tactics could spell the end of the dreadful reign of Sparta!
FL FART vs Mandems tactics
--------------------Jefferson---------------------
Vd Wiel---Rami-----Otamendi---Balanta
-------------------Kondogbia--------------------
-----------Vidal--------------Toure Y------------
---Shaqiri-----------------------------Bakkali---
-------------------Mandzukic-------------------
SUBS:
Amat
Matthews
Zivkovic
Cambiasso
Pritchard
*******************
Overview: We'll set out our stall to defend from the front, aiming to press the opposition high up the pitch and keep the pressure on the defence so the opposition can never get the ball to Suarez.
A couple of new boys come into the lineup today - Vidal and Otamendi, and Bakkali makes his first start. As usual we have plenty of pace and power throughout the team. I'd like us to look to win the ball high up the pitch by pressing from the front and we'll keep the ball moving quickly with snappy short passes to feet. When our full backs are pushed forward we'll have triangles all over the pitch. With good quick passing and lots of movement we'll be a nightmare to defend against. We'll be tight and compact at the back when out of possession - Kondogbia is a monster of a defensive midfielder who gives great solidity when he drops back into defence as well as affording our other midfielders and full backs the opportunity to worry less about leaving space behind them when they push forwards. Toure in particular will love having Kondogbia as a shield behind him; he's freed up to bomb on and do what he does best.
I'd like us to keep the ball on the deck and move it quickly to pull defenders out of position; both wingers and the striker will all look to get past the line of defence and in on goal, as will Vidal and Toure. The counter will still be used when available and appropriate.
*******************
Keeper: Jefferson
He'll be asked to keep things simple today. No sweeping or anything daft like that. Save whatever would go in the goal, and distribute it short or with a quick throw to the flanks or Toure/Vidal.
Full backs: Van der Wiel and Balanta
Both have the gas to get up and down all match long and I want them to provide the width today, getting round the inside forward and creating overloads out wide. Mandems' midfield is slow so they'll struggle to get back and cover against midfield runners getting onto the end of crosses. Kondogbia will cover for them by tucking back into a back 3 when the full backs push on and playing as a sweeper
Centre backs: Rami and Otamendi
Both CBs are excellent all-rounders, good in the air and comfortable on the ball, both strong and quick. Rami is a born leader, physically immense and not afraid to scream his head off to keep his back line organised. Kondogbia will be tasked with closing down the attacking mids aggressively and spotting and blocking off any gaps in front of our defence that Mandems might look to exploit before we banging forward on the counter. The centre halves will sit deep to deny any space in behind with Kondogbia prowling in front.
Defensive midfield: Kondogbia
Kondogbia is the lynchpin of the midfield, a master of interceptions and a terrifying physical presence. When the full backs bomb on Kondogbia will drop back into a back 3 and will play as the sweeper between Rami and Otamendi. When we're in possession he'll make himself available in front of the defence for simple passes and he'll keep the ball moving with quick and simple short balls. If an attacking midfielder gets anywhere near the ball, Big Geoffrey is the man to shut them down with his pace, power and tenacity in the tackle. He's tasked with keeping a particularly close eye on the dangerman Suarez.
Midfielders: Vidal and Toure
My two key players. Both are dynamic powerhouses who can get up and down the pitch. They'll join Mandzukic in harrying from the front and both have free rein to shoot from range or play in a winger. With Kondogbia covering in behind they're both off the leash today, and they should support Mandy up top as much as possible. We're playing like the home team today and I want these two to dominate in midfield.
Wingers: Shaqiri and Bakkali
These two come in as inside forwards, Shaqiri on the right and Bakkali on the left, both rapid and tricky and able to cut in on their stronger foot. I want them to attack the space inside the fullback and centre half, or between centre halves if they go with 3 at the back. Mandzukic will be a handful for the centre halves so there'll be space for the wingers to attack. I'd like them to play in the striker or the midfielders as they push forwards, although Shaqiri has a great shot on him so he's free to shoot from range. When they cut inside I want the full back to get round and offer the overlap. They also have licence to switch flanks if play is becoming congested in the middle; both have the pace to beat a man round the outside and cut it back for Mandzukic/Vidal/Toure. If they switch flanks and operate as conventional wingers, the full backs will be expected to push forwards less.
Striker: Mandzukic
The Croatian Super Mario is the perfect man to lead the line solo. He's strong, quick, aggressive, excellent in the air and has an astonishing work rate, plus a great eye for goal. He's a striker with no weaknesses who will bring his all-round game to this match; primarily he will work his árse off and defend from the very front, before bringing the onrushing midfielders or inside forwards into the game. The nature of his hassling and harrying game is that it wins the ball back when the opposition defence is not in a good defensive shape; catching them off guard will free up space in front of the defence for my attacking midfielders to run into and play through balls behind the defence or go for goal from range. When the wingers do switch flanks Mandzukic will play right off the last defender, looking to push aggressively past the penalty spot to get on the end of crosses. Mandzukic is also a terrific finisher and will relish receiving balls into feet with his back to goal before laying it off to an onrushing midfielder/winger, spinning and getting into the box where his predatory instincts will be most valuable.
Captain: Rami
Free kicks: Toure
Penalties: Vidal
Corners: Shaqiri (R); Toure (L)
*******************
We're short on options today with so many starters and subs out of action with injuries and suspensions, but...
IF WINNING:
Cambiasso on for Toure, Matthews on for Balanta, 85 mins: Cambiasso drops back alongside Kondogbia as the triangle in midfield invert to a more defensive shape. Matthews for Balanta is a straight swap for tired legs.
IF LOSING/DRAWING: Zivkovic on for Kondogbia, 80 mins: We go 4-4-2, with Bakkali and Shaqiri switching to their natural sides. Vidal and Toure are solid enough in midfield as long as only one pushes forwards at once. Zivkovic goes up top alongside Mandzukic.
PEACE
Basingstoke Town tactics.
Week 10 vs Andover Town
4-2-3-1
----------------------Cesar--------------------
Carvajal---Marquez---Zouma---Gibbs
--------------Rode-- Carvalho----------
Menez-----------Quintero--------Teixeira
--------------------Rossi--------------------
Subs: Fabianski, Vilhena, Bellerin, Milik, Boetius
Captain - Marquez
Vice - Rossi
Corners & FKs (L) - Quintero
Corners & FKs (R) - Rossi
Pens - Rossi
Today, with another home game we really have a big chance to show we mean business as title contenders. Our brilliant form must be taken into consideration and the players will be hugely motivated, with a chance to go second today, ahead of our local rivals who we are up against today! Our gameplan is to play our game, as we're the home team and try and dictate the play and get on top of the dingles. We have a great blend of youth and experience with some impressive talent in the side and our aim is to press high up the pitch and control the opposition, whilst the guile and movement of our front four will prove incredibly difficult to stifle.
Cesar - A vastly experienced goalkeeper who is at his peak in 'keeper years. He will know what's expected of him with a young defence in front of him aside from Marquez, he will be key in keeping concentration levels in the team high. Aside from this he is a quality shot stopper and will be expected to command his area, be quick off his line (as we will be playing a high line) and be big if he's caught one on one.
FBs - The fbs are both young but experienced at the top level, extremely talented and have a great engine on them. At times they will be offering the width we need to stretch the defence, so their running will be valuable to us. First and foremost I want them defending though, only going forward when the opportunity is perfect and only one of them at a time to keep us from being hit on the counter. Without Elia, we will be looking for one of the FBs to be joining in on our attacks, however only one. This way Teixeira can drift more central, leaving Menez and a FB occupying the wide areas, thus allowing us to overload Wanyama.
CBs - A classic mix of youth and experience today. Whilst we line up as a back 4, our formation is almost really a 1-3-2-3-1, with Marquez as the one behind the defence. Whilst he will line up alongside the rest of the defence and generally sit in alongside the line, he will be dropping off as soon as he spots the danger coming. Basically, we will be playing a high line to press the other team, but not necessarily an offside trap as Marquez has license to drop off and snuff out any through passes before they come to anything if he likes. He can also hold up attacks while the extremely fast 3 around him get back in positions. Whilst Marquez is calling the line and has a complex role to meet his experience levels, Zouma's will be a lot more simple. When the CFs comes into Zouma in the central of defence Zouma will get right to him and give him a torrid time with his strength, aggressive and pace, allowing Marquez to work around him. Zouma is one of the few defenders in the league who can match anyone for strength, power and pace so shouldn't give Blyth much to work with, whilst Marquez has great experience, which should mean if Zouma or the FBs get beat Marquez will be in the position to mop up.
Carvalho - An important player for our balance, so will be key today in breaking up attacks from a side that like to move the ball well and quickly, he will be our anchor man looking to sit in front of the defence and break up attacks where possible and make sure the defence is never vulnerable. He will slot in playing his natural role and will be important in cutting off the service to the forwards. He will also be important to defend counter attacks, with a cynical foul if necessary! Overall he will be in it to hit the dingle midfield hard and fast, given his physicality, early on and make them think twice when they're on the ball from then on, panicking them into mistakes and then moving the ball on to the more naturally talented players with simple passes when he does get it.
Rode - With Ramsey out I had a choice to make and i have opted for Rode for a few reasons. Firstly, he has big game experience and this is as big as they come this season. Secondly, he is more naturally defensive than our other options so will be vital in our set up, as he will help keep tabs on the dangerous Natcho, and we also want one of the FBs forward whenever we attack, so his defensive nature will allow us to do this, without leaving too many gaps. Thirdly, he can slot in fairly seemlessly - his style is fairly similar to Ramsey's, just with a little less flair. He is full of running and can start the moves off with simple passes, but will be less of a goal threat.
Quintero - Quintero is really having a top season for us this year and hopefully today will be no different - we have set up with players around him to compliment him, especially given our game plan today. We know that fighting Wanyama will be a tough battle for him, especially as he is young, but it's a challenge he will relish and we're giving him the support to succeed. With Rode in for us and Elia out for us, it means we can nullify the ANdover threat better and push a FB on when attacking at all times, this in turn means Teixeira has license to roam along the 3 positions behind the CF. This means he and Quintero will be combining a lot and really making things difficult for Wanyama, who should hopefully be chasing shadows, especially as although we have an extra man in the middle we will still have options out wide to really stretch the opposition. As for Quintero, he can beat players, shoot from distance and he has 3 fast players ahead of him, interchanging with great moving to try and pick out with passes. This season could be brilliant for him.
Menez and Teixeira - Both get to play the games that are natural to them, albeit slightly different styles, starting out wide and drifting into dangerous areas with well timed runs and intelligent movement. They're both powerful players and are good finishers, with Teixeira giving us a bit more guile and being able to drift into gaps, so will really keep the opposition defence on their toes, also pushing the defence back giving more room for Quintero and with their constant movement distracting the defenders it should allow Rossi the half a yard he needs to do the damage. Menez is free to interchange wings at will whilst Teixeira will be drifting into the areas where he's confident and where defenders and attackers won't want to follow him, causing confusion.
Rossi - The missing piece of the jigsaw, the world class CF we've been missing all last year and he will make us such a scary proposition going forward. HIs pace, movement and finishing are all equisite and IMO he's almost on par with someone like Aguero. He just gets to play his natural game, working hard and trying to find the space, which he will be aided by thanks to the players around him.
Subs if winning around 70 mins - Vilhena and Boetius on for Quintero and Menez - like for like, just to offer more energy levels and Vilhena to solidfy our CM.
75 mins - Milik on for Rossi.
Subs if losing/drawing around 65 mins - Boetius on for Quintero, with Teixeira coming into the central attacking midfield role, to give us more direct options down both flanks and put the opposition under pressure.
70 mins - Vilhena for Rode, like for like however Vilhena is more attacking minded and will have completely fresh legs so again will help to get on top of the opposition and press them back.
75 mins - Milik for Rossi - a real poacher and fox in the box type striker, hopefully with our other subs we will really be getting on top and making lots of chances, getting the ball in the box a lot, with Milik being able to put some of the chances away.
Fishguard Sports AFC
Captain: Lucas Biglia
Corners: Bernardeschi/Andersen
Goal Scoring Opportunity Free Kicks: Biglia
Pens: Fischer
Formation: 3-4-3 (Sweeper System)
----------------------------Ryan
--------------------------van Beek
-----------Veltman--------------------Rekik
----------------------------Biglia
--------Baselli----------------------------Klaassen
----------------------------Praet
----Bernardeschi-----------------------------Andersen
---------------------------Fischer
Starting: Ryan; Veltman, van Beek, Rekik; Biglia (c), Baselli, Praet, Klaassen; Bernardeschi, Fischer, Andersen
Subs: Nyland, Hendrix, Dendoncker, Daehli, Muric
We will line-up with two lightening quick wingers in Bernardeschi and Andersen patrolling each flank with the intelligent and technically superb Dennis Praet behind the equally gifted and pacy Viktor Fischer.
My intentions are to pack the midfield with Baselli, Biglia and Davy Klaassen protecting the back-three of Veltman, Rekik and Sven van Beek.
We will operate with van Beek as a sweeper. Pre-historic as it seems today, playing a sweeper will help to negate Blyth’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 Veltman and Rekik – this will leave van Beek to pick up stray balls, runs from deep and anything Blyth throw at him.
We will be comfortable in having 3 defenders against the 2 most central attacking players, Veltman and Rekik will comfortably pick up an attacking player each and if they fail to control the Blyth forward line, van Beek is the contingency plan.
With Veltman and Rekik picking up these 2 most central attacking players our defence is narrow. This would give theBlyth wingers a lot of space to move forward. We will anticipate this by instructing our two central players – Baselli and Klaassen to track these runs.
With Baselli and Klaassen now tracking the runs of the wingers, it would leave Biglia outnumbered in midfield. Dennis Praet will always look to drop into midfield so that we will always have a spare man. This spare man again will be Sven van Beek – 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; expect at times for even talented players like Lucas Andersen to play a simple yet effective 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 Blyth 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.
Biglia and Praet will always be available to receive the ball, and are capable of dissecting the Blyth midfield with ease.
Our flexible, hard-working system will allow us to have a spare-man available when Blyth have the ball, but significantly, it will gave flexibility and strength in keeping possession. With Biglia and Praet both floating around the half-way line and attacking third respectively, we can move the ball with ease.
Blyth may find it difficult to react to these players, as if they do move out of position to get closer to Praet and Biglia, the shape of the Blyth team may fall apart. If an attempt is made to combat the constant space we hope Praet will be receiving. This will only give slick-heeled Bernardeschi and Andersen more space to receive the ball.
My use of Klaassen and Baselli 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 Blyth. To do this, both Baselli and Klaassen 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 Blyth back-line. The implication of this will be that if Blyth try to play a high-line to combat the threat of Praet, then Blyth 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 the Blyth defence with Bernardeschi and Andersen always looking to stay wide in the build-up of moves. It will therefore be unsurprising that either Klaassen or Baselli will be the ones to break the deadlock in this game.
Fischer 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 Bernardeschi or Andersen to come a bit more central and make sure that Klaassen or Baselli push out a bit wider to cover - meaning we will still keep a good shape in attack and also be well set out if Blyth do try a counter. When Bernardeschi or Andersen come a bit more central, this is where we will use our technical ability, acceleration, sheer pace and goal scoring abilities to full effect. Bernardeschi, Fischer, Praet and Andersen’s collective creative partnerships will give even the sturdiest of defences a very testing time.
Subs: Daehli on for Andersen (75th Min)
-------------------Casteels--------------------
J. Stones---J.Okore---Dragovic---Willems
---------------Pogba-----Rabiot--------------
El Ghazi-----------Barkley-----------Januzaj
---------------------Torres--------------------
Blackett, Medran, Asensio, Gestede, Puscas
Casteels comes back in goal, a fantastic young shot stopper and a keeper that instills confidence in the back four, leads by example from the back, shouting instructions to hos defenders. Out quickly to shut down strikers and close there shooting angles down. Punches clear what he cant catch from high balls and likes to release early to set up quick counters.
Okore and Dragovic at CB on this ocassion Okore will man mark the CF, he is calm and composed, quick and skillfull for a CB, with great marking abilities, will keep the CF away from goal and be on to him quickly as he comes forward so he can intercept any though he has of going for goal. When in possession he will carry the ball out and start attacks from the back. Dragovic alongside will mark any big men that come up for corners etc and make sure he is strong enough to get the ball away from danger, will help out Okore if needed and double up on the CF if he is causing problems. Okore will look at times when in no danger to carry the ball out from the back and start attacks from deep.
Stones and Willems at fullback, when we attack one goes at a time the other sits back, They will venture forrward sporadically. When they attack I want them bombing down the wing over lapping the winger to allow them to cut inside, quick passing between the two to get them passed the opposition fullback, which will see the fullback drive towards the bye line to get a quick cross in. If its not a cross then look for the winger inside to play a quick pass back to them so they can drive into the box. Defending both will have to be vigilant and always mindful of the tricks the opposite winger can do. Be onto them quickly not allowing them the time to get going, push them out wide and stop them becoming a threat.
Rabiot will act as the main DM sits just in front of the two cbs, along with Okore and Dragovic they will look to keep the opposition away from the danger area, he stops there flow between midfield and attack, always watchful for the AM and when they come forward he will look to intercept any through balls or look to stop his runs forward. Even when we attack he is always mindful of the players movement and ready to act quickly if they break forward. Once the ball is won simple balls to those around him. He will be aided when we defend by Pogba and Barkley either side of him Both extremely hard working lads who will get up and down the pitch helping both defence and attack. They sit as a three with Pogba taking care of the most advanced CM when he comes forward. They will break up play and get it moving forward, most likely Barkley to burst forward to assist the front 3. He is decent in front of goal and can score from varous angles/ranges, he is a very dynamic player with great stamina, one who never gives up. He will thrive with Pogba in the midfield who will look after him and encourage him throughout and they will be no pushovers with Rabiot behind them. Pogba is sort of mix of the two, can pass the ball about, defend the lines and also break forward from deep areas. A very cool head for such a young lad. Look to pick up from Rabiot and drive forward looking for more advanced passing to those in front of him or push forward with the ball with barkely this time sitting just a bit behind. We must dominate the midfield and get the ball out to the skillfull wingers who will look to destroy their fullbacks.
The two wingers are quick and dynamic, I want them both driving at the opposition with the cms bombing forward as well, pass and move. Its all about pace and movement, dragging defenders all over the place for us to find positions in which we will become a massive threat, we want to tire the defenders out. Take players on look to get into there faces and really be troublesome for the entirity of the game, stop there fullbacks becoming a threat by pushing them back and sitting in a high line. Defend as there fullbacks and Dm try to push on.
Torres back in a bit of form goes up top, look to get into dangerous positions as will have plenty opportunities with the players artound him, a natural scorer with both feet and head. Always look to peel off his marker or out muscle him to the ball and passed him. If he cant go for goal look to hold up for those driving into support.
Captain - Pogba
Pens - Torres
Free kicks - Barkley
Corners - Wingers
Losing:-
70 Mins - Asensio for El Ghazi straight swap
80 Mins - Gestede and Puscas for Barkley and Torres 4-4-2
Winning
80 Mins - Gestede for Torres, can hold it up etc, Medran for Barkley more defense minded, fresh legs, Sit behind Rabiot and Pogba
85 Mins - Asensio for El Ghazi
Drawing -
70 Mins - Asensio for El Ghazi, Gestede for Torres
80 Mins - Puscas for Barkley play just off Gestede
FL FART vs Barcelona tactics
--------------------Jefferson---------------------
Vd Wiel----Rami----Gabriel----Kurzawa
-------------------Kondogbia--------------------
-----------Vidal--------------Toure Y------------
---Bakkali----------------------------Insigne---
-------------------Mandzukic-------------------
SUBS:
Fofana
Matthews
Zivkovic
Balanta
Correa
*******************
Overview: We'll set out our stall to defend from the front, aiming to press the opposition high up the pitch and keep the pressure on the defence so the opposition can never get the ball to their clever attackers.
Otamendi and Shaqiri are out today so Arsenal new boy Gabriel Paulista steps seamlessly into the centre of defence, and Bakkali continues on the wing. As usual we have plenty of pace and power throughout the team. I'd like us to look to win the ball high up the pitch by pressing from the front and we'll keep the ball moving quickly with snappy short passes to feet. When our full backs are pushed forward we'll have triangles all over the pitch. With good quick passing and lots of movement we'll be a nightmare to defend against. We'll be tight and compact at the back when out of possession - Kondogbia is a monster of a defensive midfielder who gives great solidity when he drops back into defence as well as affording our other midfielders and full backs the opportunity to worry less about leaving space behind them when they push forwards. Toure in particular will love having Kondogbia as a shield behind him; he's freed up to bomb on and do what he does best.
I'd like us to keep the ball on the deck and move it quickly to pull defenders out of position; both wingers and the striker will all look to get past the line of defence and in on goal, as will Vidal and Toure. The counter will still be used when available and appropriate.
*******************
Keeper: Jefferson
He'll be asked to keep things simple today. No sweeping or anything daft like that. Save whatever would go in the goal, and distribute it short or with a quick throw to the flanks or Toure/Vidal.
Full backs: Van der Wiel and Kurzawa
Both have the gas to get up and down all match long and I want them to provide the width today, getting round the inside forward and creating overloads out wide. I want to play like the home team and so my forwards have licence to get forwards. Kondogbia will cover for them by tucking back into a back 3 when the full backs push on and playing as a sweeper.
Centre backs: Rami and Gabriel
Rami is an excellent all-rounder, good in the air and comfortable on the ball, both strong and quick. He’s also a born leader, physically immense and not afraid to scream his head off to keep his back line organised. The centre halves will sit deep to deny any space in behind with Kondogbia prowling in front, but Gabriel is absolutely rapid and very aggressive, so I’d like him to take a very active approach to closing down; he’ll attack any balls into Pelle and leave Rami tucked in slightly behind to deal with any loose balls.
Defensive midfield: Kondogbia
Kondogbia is the lynchpin of the midfield, a master of interceptions and a terrifying physical presence. When the full backs bomb on Kondogbia will drop back into a back 3 and will play as the sweeper between Rami and Gabriel. When we're in possession he'll make himself available in front of the defence for simple passes and he'll keep the ball moving with quick and simple short balls. Di has clever an attacking midfielders and when any of them gets anywhere near the ball, Big Geoffrey is the man to shut them down with his pace, power and tenacity in the tackle.
Midfielders: Vidal and Toure
My two key players. Both are dynamic powerhouses who can get up and down the pitch. They'll join Mandzukic in harrying from the front and both have free rein to shoot from range or play in a winger. With Kondogbia covering in behind they're both off the leash today, and they should support Mandy up top as much as possible. We're playing like the home team today and I want these two to dominate in midfield.
Wingers: Bakkali and Insigne
These two come in as inside forwards, Bakkali on the right and Insigne on the left, both rapid and tricky and natural comfortable cutting inside. I want them to attack the space inside the fullback and centre half, or between centre halves if they go with 3 at the back. Mandzukic will be a handful for the centre halves so there'll be space for the wingers to attack. I'd like them to play in the striker or the midfielders as they push forwards, and when they cut inside I want the full back to get round and offer the overlap. They also have licence to go up the line if play is becoming congested in the middle; both have the pace to beat a man round the outside and cut it back for Mandzukic/Vidal/Toure. When they pull wide and play as wingers, the full backs will be expected to push forwards less.
Striker: Mandzukic
Difficult to write tactics for a player who does a bit of everything. The Croatian Super Mario is the perfect man to lead the line solo. He's strong, quick, aggressive, excellent in the air and has an astonishing work rate, plus a great eye for goal. He's a striker with no weaknesses who will bring his all-round game to this match; primarily he will work his árse off and defend from the very front, before bringing the onrushing midfielders or inside forwards into the game. The nature of his hassling and harrying game is that it wins the ball back when the opposition defence is not in a good defensive shape; catching them off guard will free up space in front of the defence for my attacking midfielders to run into and play through balls behind the defence or go for goal from range. When the wingers do go wide Mandzukic will play right off the last defender, looking to push aggressively past the penalty spot to get on the end of crosses. Mandzukic is also a terrific finisher and will relish receiving balls into feet with his back to goal before laying it off to an onrushing midfielder/winger, spinning and getting into the box where his predatory instincts will be most valuable.
Captain: Rami
Free kicks: Insigne
Penalties: Vidal
Corners: Insigne
*******************
We're short on options today with so many starters and subs out of action with injuries and suspensions, but...
IF WINNING:
Balanta on for Kurzawa, Fofana on for Bakkali, Matthew on for Vd.Wiel, 80 mins: Fofana drops in between Vidal and Toure in a solid midfield 3, with Insigne free to float behind Mandy. Balanta goes in at left back but tucks in a bit more and stays back more than Kurzawa did. Matthews for Vd.Wiel is a straight swap but Matthews is slightly more defensive too.
IF LOSING/DRAWING: Zivkovic on for Kondogbia, 75 mins: We go 4-4-2, with Bakkali and Insigne playing more as orthodox wingers. Vidal and Toure are solid enough in midfield as long as only one pushes forwards at once. Zivkovic goes up top alongside Mandzukic.
Correa on for Bakkali, 80 mins: Correa and Insigne float around in the pocket between midfield and the strikers.
PEACE
Fishy vs Blyth (4-3-3)
.................Gordon.............
Darmian..Jagielka..Dedé..De Sciglio
..................De Jong....................
........Wijnaldum....De Rossi............
.....Dyer...........Zaza.........Gabbiadini..
Subs: Branescu, McNair, Vazquez, Bonaventura, Romagna
Tough game away against a Fishguard side boasting A very talented but inexperienced side, They have fantastic prospects in midfield and up top, but their defence is there to be gotten at and as the reigning champions we will carry the game to them from the off. Power through the middle and blistering pace outwide.
Welshy has real tactical nous and it's always a pleasure trying to match up to him, He seems to be setting up lately with a sweeper system and this how we anticipate him going against us today...
I think both sides will be fairly even, so this game may balance on weaknesses not strengths of the teams, and I genuinely feel we have less weaknesses in our side and set-up than Fishy.
Gordon - Usual Goal-keepery stuff not point waffling on is there? catch crosses, save shots, kick the ball long etc etc......
The Defence:
Solid unit selected today, all four are great athletes blessed with good pace and stamina. All are good on the ball and useful offensively but their primary roles will be to maintain a solid shape defensively.
Darmian/De Sciglio - Italy's first choice full backs and now Blyth's. As I said primary duty is to be solid defensively. But with De Jong anchoring the midfield both lads will be given the freedom to attack at will (resisted using French this week) The weak link we have noticed in Fishy's set-up is no proper full backs, so with these two bombing on either Fishguard shuffle their centre-backs over to cover which frees up our wingers, or they track their midfielders back which then means their numerical advantage in the centre is nulified. Defensively it's the standard, show them the line, don't jump in force the cross etc.
Jags/Dedé - Vietto being out is a massive blow to the home side but an equally massive positive for us, Not sure how Welshy will shuffle the deck but he's a good problem solver.....He'll stick with one up top, but if it's a small nippy type striker then he's Jags' responsibility who's the quicker of my defenders, this then frees up Dedé to clear out any stray balls or big lumps into the box...IF Welshy goes with a target-man type striker then Dedé goes man to man as he's my more physical presence and Jags then is the cover.
The Midfield:
This is where the game is won or lost, They may not be the most creative of combo's but as far as giving us a solid platform from which to build on goes, then you won't get a much more solid duo than De Rossi and De jong... Both defensive by nature but today De Jong play as traditional Anchor man and De Rossi as an all action box-boxer, Wijnaldum comes into the midfield as a free roaming playmaker very much like a box-boxer to be honest, between the 3 of them we should be able to maintain possession for us in the middle of the pitch as we look to dominate proceedings and leave Fishguard's attackers isolated. All 3 men men have a certain rashness about them and we are happy for them to go flying into tackles, lifting the team and the fans as we look to build momentum. As De Jong is happy "sitting" this then enables Darmian and De Sciglio to kick on meaning we have 7 players in forward positions (inc De Rossi and Wij) as we overload Fishguards defence, this serves the dual purpose of making it easier for us to have better ball retention as more passes are "on" and it will stretch the play lovely if as expected Fishguard go "narrow"
The Front Three
Nice blend to this side as we have a lot of grit, no small technique and bags of pace...as have mentioned earlier, with 3 CB's but no real full backs and with ours surging on we look to really get at Fishguard's defence from the offset, putting Welshy's youngsters under heavy pressure trying to get their heads to drop.
Gabbiadini - New signing for Blyth and Napoli, Gabby is a left footed right winger, big and strong with a fantastic work rate, will look to run the line and stretch the pitch, Today he's playing off his stronger foot hogging the left touchline creating as much space as possible, When De Scig is on the over-lap he'll cut inside as we overload the central areas and taking a CB with him making space for the onrushing De Rossi/Wijnaldum as we pull their midfielders back and out of position.
Zaza - Up against 3 CB's today but as mentioned we look to even that up with our wingers and full backs stretching the two wider centre backs we hope to create some one on ones for Zaza...is in deadly form in real life and will look to carry that onto here....
Dyer - Makes his debut for Blyth after his transfer from Barca, Was a close call today between him and Bonaventura, but after our scouting reports highlighted a lack of defensive width by our opponents it was decided that we needed to hit them at speed out wide and not many are quicker than he...heads down winger will force Fishy's midfield to drop deeper to cover his runs giving us control of the centre and hopefully the game
Subs:
Winning/Drawing 65 mins N/A just carry on doing what were doing as it's working
Losing 70 Mins Bonaventura > Wijnaldum
Vazquez > Dyer
..............Gordon.............
Darmian..Jagielka..Dedé..De Sciglio
..........De Rossi....De Jong...........
Gabbiadini........................Bonaventura
................Zaza........Vazquez................
Kitchen sink time as we go 4-2-2-2......Cavalier football at it's finest...2 up top and 2 out and out wingers....Darmian and De Sciglio playing as full on wing backs with De Jong anchoring and De Rossi going box to box
Bonaventura is a natural LW, very quick and very direct his fresh legs could be a game changer.
Vazquez is Dybala's partner at Palermo and the big 6ft+ Italo-argentine will go as the target man using his height and power to hammer his way through Welshy's defence trying to create flick ons for Zaza to finish
The End
Ps Haak your hairs still looking lovely
Notts County tactics vs Manky Mandems
----------------------------------De Gea----------------------------
Vrsaljko----------Gimenez-----------Romagnoli-----------Bernat
-----------------Iturraspe------------Samper-------------------------
---------------------------Brahimi----------------------------
Alexis------------------------------------------------------Depay
-------------------------------Dybala--------------------------------
subs: Denayer, Tielemans, Traore, Mattiello, Nahuel Leiva
Game plan: our plan today is to be a little less gung ho and attacking than usual, we're experimenting with a new system and will be looking to be a little more cautious in defence. We will still look to press in our own half and our defensive line will be a little deeper than usual, but we wont be sitting on the edge of own 18 yard box, that would be dangerous with Luis Suarez in the opposition line up, the further away from our own box he is the better, our line will look to be around 15 yards outside the box. 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. When we win the ball back we will break with pace and precision, the likes of Sanchez, Depay, Brahimi and Dybala all have the pace and movement to be an effective. attacking foursome, while Iturraspe and Sergi Samper provide the quality passing to assist them.
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, Iturraspe and Samper will play as a pivot so one may move forward while the other sits in, this reverts to a 4-5-1 formation when we lose possession.
------------------------Gimenez-------Romagnoli------------------
Vrsaljko---------Iturraspe-------Samper--------------Bernat
------------------------------Brahimi------------------------------
Alexis--------------------------------------------------------Depay
----------------------------------Dybala-----------------------------
out of possession- the full backs will look to tuck in while Sanchez and Depay will track back to cover the wide areas and double up on the wide players.
Vrsaljko-------------Gimenez------Romagnoli-----------Bernat
-------------------------------Iturraspe-------------------------------
Sanchez-----------Samper------------Brahimi---------Depay
---------------------------------Dybala----------------------------------
De Gea: 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 not giving Suarez and the other forwards any time and space, if they manage to turn one Cb the other should always be there snuffing him out, the full backs will also tuck in leaving little room in the centre of the pitch for the runs of the Attackers of Mandems, while Sanchez and Depay look to cover in the wide areas.
Midfield: Iturraspe and Samper will play as the CM 2 today, they will perform in a double pivot, they are both extremely comfortable in possession and will look to keep the ball moving as much and quickly as possible, Ander is naturally the more defensive of the two, so Sergi will be the more likely to get forward and join the attacks while Ander holds his position in the defensive area of the pitch so as not to leave us exposed.
Yacine Brahimi he is an exceptionally talented attacker, he has extraordinary vision and great dribbling and passing ability, he will look to use these attributes to great effect, when he receives the ball he will look to turn and run at the opposition through the middle of the pitch, this Mandems side while experienced does lack pace in the centre of the pitch, he can create chances for the likes of Dybala, Depay and Sanchez who will use their movement and pace to run in behind the Mandems defence, or he can score goals himself as he has proved so far this season for Porto.
Alexis Sanchez 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 Dybala and Brahimi they both have the pace and movement to make runs beyond Dybala 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 Sanchez do move inside, Vrsaljko and Bernat will look to provide the outlet wide with overlapping runs.
Dybala will play as the centre forward for us today, his pace, movement and energy suits the change in the way we are going to play, he will look to roam across the pitch, dragging defenders out of position which will leave space for the other attackers and our midfield to benefit from, as stated previously in the tactics he is part of the fluid front 4 we are playing with today so will pop in different areas of the pitch on occasion, we are not just going to throw the ball into the box at every opportunity so his running of the channels and his technical ability are crucial in the way we want to play.
Substitutions: 70 minutes, Youri Tielemans for Sergi Samper, straight swap, a combative midfielder with great energy but also quality on the ball, will perform the same role as Sergi
if losing after 70 minutes: Adama Traore for Brahimi, Alexis plays just off Dybala while Adama moves wide right. Alexis will be the fulcrum of the side, using his genius and experience to carve out chances either for himself or others.
Captain: David De Gea
Free Kicks: Memphis Depay
Corners: Sanchez
---------------------------Guaita-------------------------------
---------------Vlaar--------Dante-------Pepe---------------
Aranguiz-------------------------------------------Bertrand
---------------------------Carrick------------------------------
---------------Xhaka-------------------Downing-------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------Suarez-----------------------
---------------------Demba Ba--------------------------------
BENCH
Lindegaard
Reveillere
Motta
Mounier
Carrillo
TACTICS
We need to build on two wins and I am going to set us the target of not finishing bottom depsite only getting half the games this season. We can beat Notts County today, I have faith in Vlaar, Pepe and Dante to keep a clean sheet. They have a horrible bunch of injuries to first teamers so we can take full advantage.
Sanchez is the obvious dangerman, but I'm also thinking about their other players such as Depay and Brahimi who are good with the ball and are fast. They will probably try to play their quick football but I want us to hold a solid back five and be impossible to break down. The three in midfield should sit deep, protect the defense and make sure that there is no room. It's about holding positions, don't go running and sliding in.
PLAYER ROLES
Guaita - Save shots, the obvious, get the ball if you can on crosses.
Aranguiz/Bertrand - Both of you have bags of energy and should get up and down the touchline all day long. Match their wingers for energy and pace, force them out wide and do not let them cut inside. Aranguiz, I know you're naturally a CM but you have also played as a wingback before and I think this role will suit you perfectly with your energy. Both of you have license to get forward when we have the ball.
Vlaar/Dante/Pepe - Keep a clean sheet. Dante should be the marker of the main striker, Alcacer is injured so we're not sure what they'll do instead. Do not lett him get any room to create a chance, physically outmuscle him. Vlaar and Pepe, you are both more mobile and aggressive so look to be that second man if Sanchez/Brahimi whoever manages to provide that moment to get past the first guy.
Carrick - Sit deep in front of the defense and do not allow any room for anyone to operate. When you get the opportunity try to quickly hit the ball long. Shout at the other midfielders when to close down and when to drop deep in support.
Xhaka/Downing - Both of you in box-to-box type roles today. Defensively you both need to drop back and help Carrick, some closing down, sometimes sitting deep. When we get the ball, break forward and get into the box. Downing can create opportunities whereas Xhaka is more about drive.
Suarez - Drift around, look to run across the back four and look for space between their defense and midfield. Make that moment happen. Look to get wide and onto the left if things aren't working, their first choice right back is out this week.
Ba - Get in the faces of their centre backs, be a general nuisance, they aren't the strongest and I believe you can beat them in the air today if the ball comes in. But generally try to occupy the defenders to create space for Suarez.
SET PIECES
Left Corner - Bertrand
Right Corner - Xhaka
Free Kicks - Suarez/Downing
Penalties - Suarez
------------------------Enyeama-------------------------
Coke------------Luisao----------Masch----------Castro
-------------------Pirlo----------Blind--------------------
-------Robben--------T.Hazard----------Pedro---------
------------------------Immobile-------------------------
Aréola, Ondoa, Janko, James, Perrey, Suliman, Kouyate, Van Aanholt, Britton, Rosicky, Baker, Christensen, Hojbjerg, Lawrence, Schöpf, Robert, Roberts, Rowe, Green, Pereira, Halilovic, Wilson, S. Ramirez, Afobe, Aubameyang
main page: http://www.ja606.co.uk/articles/viewArticle/271146
Week 6:
-----------------------Enyeama-------------------------
Coke------------Luisao----------Masch----------Castro
-------------------Pirlo----------Blind--------------------
-------Robben--------Halilovic----------Pedro---------
--------------------------PEA-----------------------------
Subs:
Kouyate, Hojbjerg, Baker, Wilson, Afobe
Our game plan is to control the game and play some fluid and exciting, attack-minded football. Pass and move is the key phrase. We don't want to be static, when players are on the ball we want them to have options.
We want to press our opponents and put pressure on them when they have the ball, but will let them play the ball around in their own half as to utilise our pace and get in behind them on the counter when their players step up the pitch.
In defence we have pace in the fullback positions, accompanied by a leaders and organisers, in the middle. Our defenders will look to pass the ball out from the back, there will be plenty of options with the number of bodies in midfield. The full backs will only venture forward one at a time as to keep us tight at the back and a combination of Blind and our CB's ready to cover.
Blind takes up a position in the base of our midfield, his job is to break up the play and get the ball to Pirlo. He'll sit in his position, staying behind the ball so he's always on hand to shut down an opponents attack. We want him to close down the opposition in our half and battle for the ball.
Alongside him will be our playmaker Pirlo, he'll dictate the tempo of the game and will be involved int he majority of our key passes.
Robben and Pedro will take up the wide roles. Their pace and trickery will be key in getting in behind our opponents and also pushing their wider players back into areas where they can't hurt us. They're instructed to balance their play between taking their men on and also playing one twos with the midfield and striker.
Halilovic will operate in the middle of the park, he has a good engine, he will look to go get the ball from Pirlo, his movement will also be key in opening up space for Pirlo to find passes to other players.
PEA will lead the line, he'll look to feed off of our midfielders, while also finding pockets of space between our opponents defenders and exploiting his pace on getting in behind them.
If losing after 70 minutes:
Diamond time
Kouyate > Blind
Hoj > Halilovic
Wilson > Pedro
-------Pirlo
--Hoj------Kou
-----Robben
---PEA--Wilson
If winning:
Move to 4-3-3
Hoj > Halilovic
Pirlo - Captain, freekicks
Robben - Pens
SKANKPORT vs. Andover
------------------------------Forster-----------------------------
-------------Varane-------Ginter----Hernandez----------
Yedlin------------Kramer-------Clasie--------------Durm
Coutinho---------------------------------------------Grealish
--------------------------------Costa------------------------------
Subs: Mandragora, Cook, Gonzalez, Lascelles, Nabiullin
General -
Ravished by injuries and suspensions, the story of my season But I feel we have the players to get a win today * so long as we play the right system *.
The tactics today are basically to sit deep in the middle, compacting space in and in front of the box, forcing the ball out wide for Andover to rely on crosses which play into our hands. Offensively, we can't go through the centre, because we're sitting deep, but I feel that Andover can be found out from our own crossing game, especially with Costa up top.
Effectively, I'm going to try and kill the central space in my own half with heavy pressing, and force the game to be won or lost out wide.
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. Ginter, as the most dominant aerial presence will be the central pivot, and is tasked with attacking crosses.
Varane have two duties, and which side the attack comes down will decide which role they take on. If the cross comes down our right, Varane will move out to meet the attacker, closing him down to ensure he can't pick out a cross. Whilst Varane goes out wide, Hernandez will look to occupy the point striker, giving Ginter a free role to attack the cross unhindered. If the ball comes down the left the roles are, obviously, reversed. I've picked these two to perform these roles because they're much more mobile than Ginter, and it allows Ginter to be our strong, physically dominant, CB, which brings the best out of him.
We expect Rap to play with Berahino or Austin, neither of these two are particularly good in the air, and as I'm man marking them, they should have no luck from the crossing positions we're herding Andover into.
The three centre backs, coupled with two defensive midfielders in Kramer and Clasie will allow my wingbacks to (largely) forgo their defensive duties. This is important because these two must be making constant runs up the side of the pitch, giving us players in crossing positions. As I said, we're trying to force the issue by swinging in lots of crosses to Costa, so by overloading both wings, we should see lots of these balls whipped in.
Midfield -
Clasie and Kramer have a very simple role. Stay back, stay deep, stay within the width of the penalty area. Within this relatively small quadrant, they're asked to buzz around, snapping into tackles and pressing very hard. This should make the space in front of the box tight, and near impossible to work in, forcing Andover to go wide, rather than play through the middle.
When the ball does go wide, they need to follow any late runners into the box to make sure no Andover player is left unmarked for the crosses we're forcing Andover to rely on. In this movement of running back to the goal, into the box, they also remove Andover's chance of trying to cut into the area on a mazy run due to it now being packed with large amounts of Stockers defenders. Again, this forces Andover to rely on crosses, which should be ineffectual.
When they're on the ball, they simply need to get it out wide as quickly as possible. No running it out of midfield, no long balls to Costa (unless under pressure), just out wide. This also applies to the defence
Forwards -
Coutinho and Grealish are perhaps a little inexperienced, but in terms of ability they are fantastic wingers/forwards. Additionally, it looks like Rap has some problems in his wide FBs (injuries), so it should be a good battle!
They need to be traditional wingers today, playing very wide, nice one twos with the on rushing wingbacks. The aim is to get in behind the Andoverish FBs before swinging in crosses to Costa. It's a very simple tactic, Moyesian even, but there's no reason why it shouldn't work, as explained below...
The key to this tactics is, and always will be, Costa. Fonte is out with injury, I'm fairly sure Rap is going to start Agger. And I'd just like to take a second to say why this could be the turning point.
Agger left the PL because he couldn't cope with the physical demands of it any more (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/liverpool/11065462/Daniel-Agger-joins-Brondby-from-Liverpool-and-says-he-could-no-longer-cope-with-Premier-League-demands.html). And I've got one of the most physical strikers in the world, and a set of tactics that relies on being physical at the sharp end of the attack...
So basically, Costa needs to isolate himself against Agger and force the issue, use his power and ability to get on the end of crosses against a CB who has confessed to being unable to play against this style.
But even if Rap has pulled something off and not started Agger, Costa should have enough against any pairing he puts out, because that's how good the Spaniard is.
So yeah, isolate the weakest defender (hopefully Agger) and the crossing game we're playing today should pay dividends. It plays into our hands, and exploits the weaknesses in Andover's injury hit defence.
Subs -
70 - Coutinho off for Gonzalez - Fresh legs on the wing, just keep up the crossing game. That's where we'll get joy, so by adding in some new pace to the wings we can keep it up in the last 20 minutes.
posted 6 days, 19 hours ago
Basingstoke Town tactics.
Week 11 vs Lions
4-2-3-1
----------------------Cesar--------------------
Carvajal---Marquez---Zouma---Gibbs
--------------Rode-----Ramsey---------
Menez-----------Quintero--------Teixeira
-----------------------Rossi--------------------
Subs: Fabianski, Vilhena, Bellerin, Gnabry, Boetius
Captain - Marquez
Vice - Rossi
Corners & FKs (L) - Quintero
Corners & FKs (R) - Rossi
Pens - Rossi
Today, with a tough away game we really have a big chance to show we mean business as title contenders. Our brilliant form must be taken into consideration and the players will be hugely motivated, with a chance to keep heading to the top of the table! Our gameplan is to play our game, as if we're the home team and try and dictate the play and get on top of the lions. We have a great blend of youth and experience with some impressive talent in the side and our aim is to press high up the pitch and control the opposition, whilst the guile and movement of our front four will prove incredibly difficult to stifle.
Cesar - A vastly experienced goalkeeper who is at his peak in 'keeper years. He will know what's expected of him with a young defence in front of him aside from Marquez, he will be key in keeping concentration levels in the team high. Aside from this he is a quality shot stopper and will be expected to command his area, be quick off his line (as we will be playing a high line) and be big if he's caught one on one.
FBs - The fbs are both young but experienced at the top level, extremely talented and have a great engine on them. At times they will be offering the width we need to stretch the defence, so their running will be valuable to us. First and foremost I want them defending though, only going forward when the opportunity is perfect and only one of them at a time to keep us from being hit on the counter.
CBs - A classic mix of youth and experience today. Whilst we line up as a back 4, our formation is almost really a 1-3-2-3-1, with Marquez as the one behind the defence. Whilst he will line up alongside the rest of the defence and generally sit in alongside the line, he will be dropping off as soon as he spots the danger coming. Basically, we will be playing a high line to press the other team, but not necessarily an offside trap as Marquez has license to drop off and snuff out any through passes before they come to anything if he likes. He can also hold up attacks while the extremely fast 3 around him get back in positions. Whilst Marquez is calling the line and has a complex role to meet his experience levels, Zouma's will be a lot more simple. When the CFs comes into Zouma in the central of defence Zouma will get right to him and give him a torrid time with his strength, aggressive and pace, allowing Marquez to work around him. Zouma is one of the few defenders in the league who can match anyone for strength, power and pace so shouldn't give Blyth much to work with, whilst Marquez has great experience, which should mean if Zouma or the FBs get beat Marquez will be in the position to mop up.
Rode - An important player for our balance, so will be key today in breaking up attacks from a side that like to move the ball well and quickly, he will be our anchor man looking to sit in front of the defence and break up attacks where possible and make sure the defence is never vulnerable. He will slot in playing his natural role and will be important in cutting off the service to the forwards. He will also be important to defend counter attacks, with a cynical foul if necessary! Overall he will be in it to hit the lion midfield hard and fast early on and make them think twice when they're on the ball from then on, panicking them into mistakes and then moving the ball on to the more naturally talented players with simple passes when he does get it.
Ramsey - Back from injury and ready to show us what we missed last week. He will play from deep, with his very high energy levels matched with our higher line meaning we can press the opposition midfield very quickly and into mistakes in dangerous areas. When on the ball too he is very good at the simple things, keepih the play ticking over and that's what I want him to do primarily today - making us solid and hard to break down whilst getting us on the attack. He will also get to make the late runs which are natural to him to try and get involved at the right time at the oppositions end, like he has done so often before.
Quintero - Quintero is really having a top season for us this year and hopefully today will be no different - we have set up with players around him to compliment him, especially given our game plan today. We know that fighting Wanyama will be a tough battle for him, especially as he is young, but it's a challenge he will relish and we're giving him the support to succeed. He should be starting to get an understanding of the two either side of him who are using him as the focal point in a system that allows us to overload the opposition with hard work and clever play. As for Quintero, he can beat players, shoot from distance and he has 3 fast players ahead of him, interchanging with great moving to try and pick out with passes. This season has been brilliant for him and I want to see it continued today.
Menez and Teixeira - Both get to play the games that are natural to them, albeit slightly different styles, starting out wide and drifting into dangerous areas with well timed runs and intelligent movement. They're both powerful players and are good finishers, with Teixeira giving us a bit more guile and being able to drift into gaps, so will really keep the opposition defence on their toes, also pushing the defence back giving more room for Quintero and with their constant movement distracting the defenders it should allow Rossi the half a yard he needs to do the damage. Menez is free to interchange wings at will whilst Teixeira will be drifting into the areas where he's confident and where defenders and attackers won't want to follow him, causing confusion. Despite this I want them putting in a bigger shift defensively this week too - away from home we can't afford to leave anyone exposed. With this in mind they can play the game that is natural to them, meaning when we're on the ball we will be deadly, but when we lose it I want them busting a gut to protect the FB behind them on their side of the pitch.
Rossi - Has been ticking along nicely for us and starting to find his feet in the team. Our plan is set up to get the best out of him - whilst his build up play is good, that area of the pitch is well stocked so I want him to use his best attributes: pace, movement and finishing. Essentially I want him off the shoulder of the last man, always trying to get in behind. Running the channels and moving constantly so that the opposition CBs can't relax for a minute, because if they do, he'll pounce. Hopefully his pace will force the lions to drop deeper too, allowing more room in the MF for Quintero to exploit. When he gets a chance he's a deadly finisher and will make the most of it.
Subs if winning around 70 mins - Vilhena and Boetius on for Quintero and Menez - like for like, just to offer more energy levels and Vilhena to solidfy our CM.
85 mins - Gnabry for Teixeira
Subs if losing/drawing around 65 mins - Boetius on for Quintero, with Teixeira coming into the central attacking midfield role, to give us more direct options down both flanks and put the opposition under pressure.
70 mins - Vilhena for Ramsey, like for like however Vilhena is more attacking minded and will have completely fresh legs so again will help to get on top of the opposition and press them back.
--------------------Bravo
Janmaat---De Vrij----Fernandez--Cole
-------------------Diaby
-----------Swift---------Gago
Joaquin--------------------------------Piatti
------------------Ibrahimovic
Subs – Raeder, Bruma, Perisic, Drogba, Adriano
Subs
70 Mins Swift for Drogba – 4-4-2
70 Mins Piatti for Perisic
Game Plan – I want my team to play counter attacking football. We need to be in their faces by continuously pressing them and keeping all men behind the ball (when we are off the ball). When on the ball we need to be direct and composed. We need to use our wingers as much as possible because that is where I believe we can take advantage of them. Their full backs will be attacking a lot and leaving plenty of gaps behind them. We need to dominate the midfield battle and control the game how we want it to be controlled. We need to control possession and work the ball into spaces. Try and keep it tight for the opposition so when we get the ball we can exploit any spaces left.
Our full backs and wingers shall press as well. Our team will be aiming to obtain the ball as soon as possible and then punish the opposition with swift attacks. We want to play a deep defensive line and keep things tight on the pitch. Therefore we shall aim to keep our defence behind the centre circle off the ball bar our full backs who will be invited to move forward. We want to reduce the amount of freedom the opposition has on the ball. Our players will keep close to the opposition’s men and push them back. We want to force errors out of them and push off the ball. Our two centre backs will stick together, whether that is when we are off the ball or when we are up for set pieces. The full backs shall cover the goal area during these set pieces. Our full backs shall be keeping our defensive line tight when we are off the ball, sticking in a line with our centre backs. However on the ball I want them moving forward and helping form the attacks. Our two defensive midfielders will be looking to slow down play, hold the ball and create opportunities by moving the ball forward as quick as possible. Defensively this will force the game to be tight and cancel out the opposition. On the ball it should free up space for our attackers and move forward as quickly as possible.
Our attacking play will be fast and neat. Our two defensive midfielders will be breaking up play, holding on to the ball and then setting our wingers free. This means we want to play with plenty of pace. Out of our 2 wingers Joaquin is our fastest and we are likely to get some space in this area. Swift is playing central today so he should be able to make plenty of runs. Our wingers and number 10 shall be integrating with each other’s play and therefore we will have plenty of options during our attacks.
Positional Tactics:
Janmaat should play as a wing back. I want him to move forward during our attacks. He should stay out wide to create a crossing option. I want him to create space for our wingers. While defending Janmaat should try and push the player back. If he can’t do that he should push him out wide to a position where he has to kick the ball off. Cole should play the same way.
De Vrij should use his height and strength to keep the striker(s) out of the game. I want him to keep with that attacker at all times or keep him offside. He should try and header every ball out of the box or kick it away preferably to the wingers. He should only go up for corners/free kicks. Fernandez should play the same way as De Vrij.
Diaby will be the DM. He should look to disrupt their attacking play and reduce the space around their playmaker. He should hold his position and not get caught up field. I want him to control the style of the game we play. While acting as cover for our defence he should also separate the midfield from the defence by keeping hold of the ball and form attacks.
Gago will be our box-box midfielder. I want him to identify spaces up the pitch. He should take hold of the ball and supply it to any of the front 3 ahead and try to exploit any space. When we’re attacking I want him to move up and stay in space. When off the ball he should be a ball winning player.
I want Joaquin to use his skill and pace and make runs into the box. He must use his pace to outrun the full back but also his quality control of the ball to dribble round him. When we’re off the ball I want him help Janmaat cover their full back. I would like Piatti to do the same.
Swift should use his pace and strength to make runs into the box and opening up space for Ibrahimovic. He will look to supply the ball to the wingers as well. Try and force their defensive midfielder to move out of position and allow our wingers to use that space by running into the centre. Off the ball he should drop back and play deeper therefore he will be able to use more of his trickery to open up games during a counter attack.
I would like Swift, Joaquin and Piatti to intersect and change positions.
Ibrahimovic must use his pace and skill to open up spaces for the wingers and central players to run into. I want him to stay inside the box so that he remains an option in the middle. However he should drop deeper to bring the defenders forward and open up space behind them. He should look to overpower their defenders with his pace and strength and height. He should constantly look to move into space to create himself as an option for the defence. When we’re defending he should mark the player at the edge of the box.
TEAM TALK
You are all pretty awful at this. You are all pretty sheit apart from Ibrahimovic so I don’t hope for much but hopefully my little song ive prepared will help you all feel that little bit motivated.
Let's get down to business
To defeat Southend.
Did they send me pansies
When I asked for men?
You're the saddest bunch I ever met
But you can bet before we're through
Mister, I'll make a man
Out of you.
Tippy would be better
But on fire within.
Once you find your center
You are sure to win.
You're a spineless, pale pathetic lot
And you haven't got a clue.
Somehow I'll make a man
Out of you.
Ibrahimovic: I'm never gonna catch my breath
Joaquin: Say goodbye to those who knew me
Gago: Boy, was I a fool in school for cutting gym
Piatti: This guy's got them scared to death
De Vrij: Hope he doesn't see right through me
Ibrahimovic: Now I really wish that I knew how to pass the ball
[men] BE A MAN
We must be swift as a coursing river
[men] BE A MAN
With all the force of a great typhoon
[men] BE A MAN
With all the strength of a raging fire
Mysterious as the dark side of the moon
Time is racing toward us
'til the Southenders arrive.
Heed my every order
And you might survive.
You're unsuited for the rage of football
So pack up, go home you're through
How could I make a man
Out of you?
[men] BE A MAN
We must be swift as a coursing river
[men] BE A MAN
With all the force of a great typhoon
[men] BE A MAN
With all the strength of a raging fire
Mysterious as the dark side of the moon
[everyone]BE A MAN
We must be swift as a coursing river
BE A MAN
With all the force of a great typhoon
BE A MAN
With all the strength of a raging fire
Mysterious as the dark side of the moon
Hoo-ah!
Captain: Gago
Vice Captain: De Vrij
Penalties: Swift
Free Kicks: Swift
Corners: Swift
I've missed willy's lyrical tactics
-----------------------Ryan
Friedrich---Veltman----Engels----Günter
------------Biglia (c)---------Baselli
Bernardeschi-----Klaassen-------Andersen
----------------------Vietto
Starting; Ryan, Friedrich, Veltman, Engels, Günter; Biglia (c), Baselli; Bernardeschi (Muric), Klaassen, Andersen; Vietto
Subs: Nyland, Meunier, Gaudino, Scholl, Muric
Corners: Biglia/Andersen
Pens: Biglia
Free Kicks: Biglia
My intentions are for my midfielders and forwards to pressurise the Andover players and thus compress the spaces, as the less time the Andover players will have on the ball, the smaller the area they have to play into becomes. Also winning the ball as close to the Andover goal as possible allows a more direct route to goal, increasing the chances of scoring.
The flipside to this kind of pressing is that it’s can be very tiring for the players doing it, and so part of what I plan to make these tactics a success is that the players will know when to sit in front of the opposition and when to harass the opposition.
As seen in my substitution below I will always look to substitute a forward or winger after 80 minutes. They are the players that have to press the most, while the defenders, in theory, should barely have to.
The alternative of sitting back and letting the opposition have the ball will give my forwards an opportunity to recover for another period of pressing. Our solid defence means we are happy to sit back and exchange long balls; it will allows our forwards to recover, but also force Andover to alter their style. If long balls don’t work, Andover are forced to try to play their way through, leaving gaps for my team to exploit on the counter-attack. In addition, the completeness that universality pushes towards means that the long balls will be be realistic goal-scoring opportunities for Luciano Vietto.
In possession, my five man midfield made it easier to maintain possession – indeed, my 4-2-3-1 formation will naturally encourage passing triangles – and my players’ ability to interchange positions will make them difficult to track.
A run through of my players shows that everyone is capable on the ball or is able to play in a different position.
Mathew Ryan is one of the best sweeper keepers in the world and his excellent distribution will start many attacks for us. Joel Veltman and Bjorn Engels are calm and assured on the ball, particularly the former who can also fit in at right-back, Marvin Friedrich is able to play anywhere along the defence and is decent going forward. Whilst Christian Günter is noted for his attacking ability.
Lucas Biglia and Daniele Baselli will play primarily defensive, with their main job being to win the ball back for Davy Klaassen, but both are very capable on the ball and will often be seen lingering outside the opposition penalty area, ready to shoot. Any of the front 4 are interchangeable; Vietto will often move to the flanks, Andersen can link up with Vietto, shift to the flanks or come deep and so on.
Sub: Muric on for Bernardeschi (80th Min)
----------------------Casteels----------------------
---------J.Stones---Barzagli---Jagielka----------
Widmer-------Pogba-------Rabiot-------Willems
----------------------Barkley-----------------------
---------------Torres-------Coman----------------
Dragovic, Januzaj, El Ghazi, Puscas, Medran
Well a change of tactics, this could easily be seen as a stroke of genius or we may fall completely on our faces.
Casteels is a good shotstopper, out early for the ball and always look to release it early for quick counters.
We line up with a strong back 3, Stones and Jagielka will do the marking job on the CF, depending which side he goes to if he is more left Stones and right it will be Jags, straight through the middle will depend on which fullback as come up from the oppositon, If the LB is attacking Jags will pick up the CF as Stones moves out asnd vice versa. Barzagli will take a ste[p back and be mindful of any player coming through and help out his fellow defenders. Stick as a three, we have plenty options going forward. Jagielka however will go up for set plays.. Now the wingbacks are youthful, and fuill of energy, so up and down the pitch is nop problem for them, Will watch there wingers and close them down early, if the fullback comes up as well, allow the winger to be marked by Stones/Jags so the full back doesnt become a threat, we dont think both fullbacks will attack at the same time so we shouldnt be too stretched. Attacking they will look to Pogba/Rabiot etc to pass and move up to receive the return ball drive at them and look to fire in some wicked crosses, Would like one fullback to attack whilst the other stays a bit deeper just in case.
Pogba and Rabiot in the heart of our team, Rabiot will look to take care of the AM and stop him dictating the passage of play, aided by Pogba when they attack they are exubarant charachters and feisty so will be hardf to get passed. stay up dont dive in, do this it will be harder for them to get passed. Once we have won the ball Rabiot stays on or nnear the half way line allowing Pogba to drive forward and do what he does best by getting into dangerous positions and become a massive goal threat, look to link well with the three ahead of him.
Barkley plays ahead of him and he links everything tfrom the back to the front, will spray the ball about to thw wide men and look to feed the front two, also be mindful of Pogbas lung bursting runs so he can play a defence splitting pass for Pogba to run on too. Will watch there DM coming forward and be onto him to stop him dicvtating where the ball goes for them.
Coman and Torres up top, when we defend I always want one to drift out wide depending on where there attacks start from, if its the left then Torres pushes out wide to force them into silly mistakes, close everything down, likewise with Coman on the right, Coman is full of energy like most of our players so he will also drop deepish to pick up the ball to look to take on players, will hep out the wingers and make himself available for the ball at all times. Torres is finding his feet again and on his day is a top striker, is quick and a good strong boy, will have plenty runners around him so he must get himself into positions where he will become dangerous to there goal, if he cvant go for goal look for the runners around him so he can link up play and move elsewhere, either to get the ball back or at very least drag a defender away for someone to move into that space.
|This is a young fit team, well mostly, so plenty running, passing and movement from them, talk to each other and always make themselves available as best they can, when they have houind them down, get into position early...
CAptain - Pogba
Pens - Torres
Free Kicks - Barkley/Pogba
Corners - Coman
Subs:-
Losing
70 Mins - Puscas for Coman, new striker and full of goals
80 Mins - Januzaj and El Ghazi for Willems and Widmer gotta go for it really
Winning
75 Mins - Medran for Coman, go into a three man midfield to shore it up
85 Mins - Puscas for Torres, just fresh legs hound them down, hold it up etc
Drawing
70 Mins - Puscas for Coman
Comment deleted by Site Moderator
FL FART vs Miami tactics
--------------------Jefferson---------------------
Vd Wiel----Rami----Otamendi----Kurzawa
---------------Vidal----Kondogbia------------
--------------------Toure Y----------------------
---Shaqiri----------------------------Bakkali---
-------------------Mandzukic-------------------
SUBS:
Fofana
Zivkovic
Balanta
Cambiasso
Gabriel
*******************
Overview: We'll set out our stall to defend from the front, aiming to press the opposition high up the pitch and keep the pressure on the defence so the opposition can never get the ball to Pogba and their clever attackers.
As usual we have plenty of pace and power throughout the team. I'd like us to look to win the ball high up the pitch by pressing from the front and we'll keep the ball moving quickly with snappy short passes to feet. When our full backs are pushed forward we'll have triangles all over the pitch. With good quick passing and lots of movement we'll be a nightmare to defend against. We'll be tight and compact at the back when out of possession - Kondogbia is a monster of a defensive midfielder who gives great solidity when he drops back into defence as well as affording our other midfielders and full backs the opportunity to worry less about leaving space behind them when they push forwards. Toure in particular will love having Kondogbia as a shield behind him; he's freed up to bomb on and do what he does best.
I'd like us to keep the ball on the deck and move it quickly to pull defenders out of position; both wingers and the striker will all look to get past the line of defence and in on goal, as will Vidal and Toure. The counter will still be used when available and appropriate.
*******************
Keeper: Jefferson
He'll be asked to keep things simple today. No sweeping or anything daft like that. Save whatever would go in the goal, and distribute it short or with a quick throw to the flanks or Toure/Vidal.
Full backs: Van der Wiel and Kurzawa
Both have the gas to get up and down all match long and I want them to provide the width today, getting round the inside forward and creating overloads out wide. We’re the home team today and I want to play like it, so my full backs have licence to get forwards. Kondogbia will cover for them by tucking back into a back 3 when the full backs push on and playing as a sweeper.
Centre backs: Rami and Otamendi
Both are excellent all-rounders, good in the air and comfortable on the ball, both strong and quick. Rami’s a born leader, physically immense and not afraid to scream his head off to keep his back line organised. The centre halves will sit deep to deny any space in behind with Kondogbia prowling in front. Both go up for corners. Otamendi is slightly quicker so will push up a bit more to aggressively tackle the Miami forward men while Rami sits slightly deeper and sweeps up anything loose.
Midfield: Vidal and Kondogbia
Kondogbia is the lynchpin of the midfield, a master of interceptions and a terrifying physical presence. When the full backs bomb on Kondogbia will drop back into a back 3 and will play as the sweeper between Rami and Otamendi. When we're in possession he'll make himself available in front of the defence for simple passes and he'll keep the ball moving with quick and simple short balls. If Pogba gets anywhere near the ball, Big Geoffrey must get close to him straight away and shut him down before he can have a go from range. Vidal will sit a little deeper than usual today to help Kondogbia dominate Pogba before releasing Toure to get forwards; Vidal’s energy will help him get up and down the pitch to support the attackers as well, but primarily I want him and Kondogbia to be all over Pogba from the start. Kondogbia will stay back at all times to protect against the counter.
Wingers: Shaqiri and Bakkali
These two come in as inside forwards, both rapid and tricky and naturally comfortable cutting inside. I want them to attack the space inside the fullback and centre half, or between centre halves if they go with 3 at the back. Mandzukic will be a handful for the centre halves so there'll be space for the wingers to attack. I'd like them to play in the striker or the midfielders as they push forwards, and when they cut inside I want the full back to get round and offer the overlap. They also have licence to switch flanks go up the line if play is becoming congested in the middle; both have the pace to beat a man round the outside and cut it back for Mandzukic/Vidal/Toure. When they pull wide and play as wingers, the full backs will be expected to push forwards less.
Striker: Mandzukic
Difficult to write tactics for a player who does a bit of everything. The Croatian Super Mario is a striker with no weaknesses who will bring his all-round game to this match; primarily he will work his árse off and defend from the very front, before bringing the onrushing midfielders or inside forwards into the game. The nature of his hassling and harrying game is that it wins the ball back when the opposition defence is not in a good defensive shape; catching them off guard will free up space in front of the defence for my attacking midfielders to run into and play through balls behind the defence or go for goal from range. When the wingers do go wide Mandzukic will play right off the last defender, looking to push aggressively past the penalty spot to get on the end of crosses. Mandzukic is also a terrific finisher and will relish receiving balls into feet with his back to goal before laying it off to an onrushing midfielder/winger, spinning and getting into the box where his predatory instincts will be most valuable.
Captain: Rami
Free kicks: Toure
Penalties: Vidal
Corners: Shaqiri
*******************
IF WINNING:
Balanta on for Kurzawa, Fofana on for Toure, Gabriel on for Vd.Wiel, 80 mins: Fofana drops in alongside Vidal and Kondogbia in a more solid defensive midfield 3. Balanta goes in at left back and Gabriel in at right back, both tuck in a bit more than the players they replace and stay back more.
IF LOSING/DRAWING: Zivkovic on for Kondogbia, 75 mins: We go 4-4-2, with Bakkali and Shaqiri switching flanks to play more as orthodox wingers. Vidal and Toure are solid enough in midfield as long as only one pushes forwards at once. Zivkovic goes up top alongside Mandzukic.
PEACE
----------------------------Guaita----------------------------
------------Vlaar-----Dante-----Pepe----Maxwell------
----------------------------Carrick---------------------------
------------------Illara'---------------Downing-------------
------------------------------Silva----------------------------
-------------------Suarez-------Demba Ba---------------
BENCH
Lee
Bertrand
Motta
Mounier
Crouch
TACTICS
Trying something different this week.
I'm terrified of their nasty wingers so I'm going for four good defenders at the back. Not interested in them attacking, just defend and don't let them do anything. Hold a deeper line. Thorgan is nowhere near as good as his brother. Their striker isn't very mobile, so it'll be simple just to man-mark him and not let him free of Dante.
Carrick, you don't know how to run so just stand there.
Pirlo is alright at passing the ball. But today Bernardo Silva will be not letting him do that. Chop him down, anything. Don't let him pass it. The other three midfielders will sit deeper, protecting the defense.
That's about it for defending stuff. It would be nice if they don't score any goals.
So let's talk about attacking. We want to score more goals than they do.
Suarez, you're the best player in the league so make stuff happen. Bite Pirlo and anyone else who tries to stop you.
Ba, you're taller than Mascherano and can turn him into mash potato so dominate him aerially. I want you to score a goal today. Preferably multiple.
Silva, create chances for the strikers. You're David Silva today. Downing, you do the same.
Simples. I look forward to our win despite their nasty wingers.
SUBSTITUTIONS
If a player is tired or not playing well then I want him gone. Crouch is a cool guy so bring him on sometime.
TEAM TALK
Just play better than them, score more goals. The trick is to hit the ball hard with your feet or head (or hands if you can get away with it) and put it between the posts and below the crossbar.
Blyth
......................Gordon...................
Sabelli......Williams...Vermaelen...Emerson
....................De Jong....De Rossi.............
Dyer......................Jese...............Gabbiadini
...........................Zaza..............................
Subs: Branescu, Maldini, Hagi, Bonaventura, Toni
Capt: De Rossi
Corners: Dyer
Free Kicks: Jese
Pens: Zaza
Hit pretty hard this week with injuries and suspensions as we lose De Sciglio,Wijnaldum,Darmian and Dede
inspite of this we have managed to put out a strong side with a fantastic spine and some decent pace outwide. Have no idea how Willy will line up his Arsenal side but we do know that Ibra will be the danger.
Back to back wins have taken us to the brink of a title challenge and with home advantage and the knowledge that Basingstoke play Saarfend this is a good chance to close the gap further as we enter the business end of the season.
We're the home team and we will look to press from the front dominating the play and playing at our tempo...Man to man on Ibra if not in fact doubling up on him and blasting the gunners out-wide.
a bit about the boys:
Gordon - A good solid shot stopper. sowing good form for Celtic, quick off his line to collect crosses, will keep it snappy with short throws to the FB's or long punts up to Zaza
Sabelli - Comes in for his debut today, 22 year old plays for Bari (16 games this season) and has this season cemented his place in the Italy U21's....a little raw but thats to be expected. As all our FB's do he's expected to supply the width and with De Rossi/De Jong sitting will crack on
Williams/Vermaelen - 2 More debutants....Williams will us his power to man mark Ibra wilst Verm is a ball player so will look to bring the ball out and play a bit allowing De Rossi and De Jong the freedom to squeeze higher up the pitch...If Willy goes one up top then Verm can double up with Williams on Ibra to snuff out the big Swede
Emerson - 20 year old Brazilian at Palermo having signed from Santos...will look to mirror Sabelli on the right maintaining balance
De Jong - The hatchet sorry anchor man, he does the dirty work that allows the more creative elements of the team the freedom to hurt Arsenal. Will sit today breaking up play and tracking Arsenal's AM, giving our FB's the freedom to double up with our wingers
De Rossi - The midfield general will be a proper box-boxer today linking the defence and the attack as we look to dictate the game and control the middle of the park.
Dyer - Fantastic debut last week with 2 assists, look for more of the same, very quick and very direct will run the line and keep their FB pegged back, When Sabelli runs the over lap he'll cut in and hit the space between their FB and CB causing confusion and making some space for Zaza
Jese - Debutant no5...Real Madrid starlet comes in today as the #10...Normally a LW but comfortable all across the front line makes him the perfect 10 as he'll drift around making himself hard to mark, decent pace and a good scoring record, will look to chance his arm from distance
Gabbiadini - usually plays on the right but as a leftie I want him over there using his stronger foot to whip balls in rather than the cut in...we want to stretch Arsenal so like Dyer he'll hog the line making our pitch as wide as possible, If and When Emerson makes the run then like Dyer he'll cut in, but predominately we're looking at proper wingers today.
Zaza - Fantastic player, doing well for Sassuolo (8 goals in 16 league games) well enough that he'll be at Juve next season, for me he's Tevez-esque and that high pressure, team ethic is invaluable as we defend from the front, never stops running a real defenders nightmare...plays off the shoulder of the last defender looking to hit the spaces we create with intelligent well timed runs
Subs:
Winning/Drawing 65 mins
No changes, it's working crack on
Losing 65 mins
Toni > Dyer
We go 4-2-4 gung ho football as we need atleast a win ti stay in the title race....Luca Toni is a real aerial threat so we go in hard and fast take no prisoners
......................Gordon...................
Sabelli......Williams...Vermaelen...Emerson
....................De Jong....De Rossi.............
Gabbiadini.............................................Jese.
......................Zaza........Toni......................
FC Pride
-----------------------Enyeama-------------------------
Janko------------Luisao----------Masch----------Castro
-------------------Pirlo---------Kouyate------------------
-------Robben--------T.Hazard----------Pedro---------
------------------------Immobile-------------------------
Subs:
Van Aanholt, Rosicky, Halilovic, Aubameyang, Wilson
Our game plan is to control the game and play some fluid and exciting, attack-minded football. Pass and move is the key phrase. We don't want to be static, when players are on the ball we want them to have options.
We want to press our opponents and put pressure on them when they have the ball, but will let them play the ball around in their own half as to utilise our pace and get in behind them on the counter when their players step up the pitch.
In defence we have pace in the fullback positions, accompanied by a leaders and organisers, in the middle. Our defenders will look to pass the ball out from the back, there will be plenty of options with the number of bodies in midfield. The full backs will only venture forward one at a time as to keep us tight at the back and a combination of Blind and our CB's ready to cover.
Kouyate takes up a position in the base of our midfield, his job is to break up the play and get the ball to Pirlo. He'll sit behind the ball so he's always on hand to shut down an opponents attack. We want him to close down the opposition in our half and battle for the ball. He's also very capable of filling in, in defence.
Alongside him will be our playmaker Pirlo, he'll dictate the tempo of the game and will be involved int he majority of our key passes.
Robben and Pedro will take up the wide roles. Their pace and trickery will be key in getting in behind our opponents and also pushing their wider players back into areas where they can't hurt us. They're instructed to balance their play between taking their men on and also playing one twos with the midfield and striker(s).
Thorgan Hazard will operate in the middle of the park, he has a good engine, he will look to go get the ball from Pirlo, his movement will also be key in opening up space for Pirlo to find passes to other players.
Immobile will lead the line, he'll look to feed off of our midfielders, while also finding pockets of space between our opponents defenders and exploiting his pace on getting in behind them.
If losing after 70 minutes:
Move to 4-3-3
PEA > Immobile
Halilovic > Hazard
-------Kouyate
----Pirlo------Hal
Rob-----PEA-----Ped
Kouyate anchors, Pirlo dictates, Halilovic is the link between the attack and midfield
If winning:
Move to 3-5-2
Van Aanholt > Luisao
Halilovic > Pedro
PEA > Immobile
-------Kouyate----Masch----Castro--------
Janko-------------------------------Aanholt
--------------------Pirlo--------------------
------Halilovic-----------T Hazard--------
------------Robben-------------------------
---------------------PEA--------------------
Strong, mobile and good with the ball at the back
Pace on the flanks
Ability to dictate the tempo in the middle
Good ont he ball and short passing in the AM
Pace and finishing up front
Notts County tactics vs Barcelona
----------------------------------De Gea----------------------------
Vrsaljko---------Manolas-----------Romagnoli-----------Bernat
-----------------Iturraspe------------Tolisso-------------------------
--------------------------------Isco----------------------------
Alexis-------------------------------------------------------Correa
-------------------------------Dybala--------------------------------
subs: Denayer, Tielemans, Traore, Mattiello, Alcacer
Game plan: our plan today is to be a little less gung ho and attacking than usual, we're experimenting with a new system and will be looking to be a little more cautious in defence especially as we're away from home. We will still look to press in our own half and our defensive line will be a little deeper than usual, but we wont be sitting on the edge of own 18 yard box, that would be dangerous with Graziano Pélle in the opposition line up, the further away from our own box he is the better, our line will look to be around 15 yards outside the box. 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. When we win the ball back we will break with pace and precision, the likes of Sanchez, Isco, Angel Correa and Dybala all have the pace and movement to be an effective. attacking foursome, while Iturraspe and Corentin Tolisso provide the quality passing and defensive security to assist them.
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, Iturraspe and Tolisso will play as a pivot so one may move forward while the other sits in, this reverts to a 4-5-1 formation when we lose possession.
-----------------------Manolas-------Romagnoli------------------
Vrsaljko---------Iturraspe-------Tolisso--------------Bernat
---------------------------------Isco-----------------------------
Alexis--------------------------------------------------------Correa
----------------------------------Dybala-----------------------------
out of possession- the full backs will look to tuck in while Sanchez and Correa will track back to cover the wide areas and double up on the wide players.
Vrsaljko------------Manolas------Romagnoli-----------Bernat
-------------------------------Iturraspe-------------------------------
Sanchez-----------Tolisso------------Brahimi---------Correa
---------------------------------Dybala----------------------------------
De Gea: 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 not giving Pélle and the other forwards any time and space, if they manage to turn one Cb the other should always be there snuffing him out, the full backs will also tuck in leaving little room in the centre of the pitch for the runs of the Attackers of Barca, while Sanchez and Correa look to cover in the wide areas.
Midfield: Iturraspe and Tolisso will play as the CM 2 today, they will perform in a double pivot, they are both extremely comfortable in possession and will look to keep the ball moving as much and quickly as possible, Ander is naturally the more defensive of the two, so Corentin will be the more likely to get forward and join the attacks while Ander holds his position in the defensive area of the pitch so as not to leave us exposed.
Isco he is an exceptionally talented attacker, he has extraordinary vision and great dribbling and passing ability, he will look to use these attributes to great effect, when he receives the ball he will look to turn and run at the opposition through the middle of the pitch, this Barcelona side while experienced does lack pace in the centre of the pitch with Gabi and Tiago, he can create chances for the likes of Dybala, Correa and Sanchez who will use their movement and pace to run in behind the Barca defence, or he can score goals himself as he has proved time and time for Real Madrid and Malaga before that.
Alexis Sanchez and Angel Correa 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 Dybala and Isco they both have the pace and movement to make runs beyond Dybala 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 Correa and Sanchez do move inside, Vrsaljko and Bernat will look to provide the outlet wide with overlapping runs.
Dybala will play as the centre forward for us today, his pace, movement and energy suits the change in the way we are going to play, he will look to roam across the pitch, dragging defenders out of position which will leave space for the other attackers and our midfield to benefit from, as stated previously in the tactics he is part of the fluid front 4 we are playing with today so will pop in different areas of the pitch on occasion, we are not just going to throw the ball into the box at every opportunity so his running of the channels and his technical ability are crucial in the way we want to play.
Substitutions: 70 minutes, Youri Tielemans for Corentin Tolisso, straight swap, a combative midfielder with great energy but also quality on the ball, will perform the same role as Tolisso
if losing after 70 minutes- Paco Alcacer for Angel Correa, Paco to play as the no9, and Paulo Dybala and Alexis to move into a genuine front 3, both Paulo and Alexis will have more freedom to move where they please and get in behind the centre backs and move into channels.
Captain: David De Gea
Free Kicks: Isco
Corners: Isco
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Pencampwriaeth Cynghrair Dream Tactics
Page 13 of 25
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posted on 21/1/15
Blyth vs Stockpoor
.................Gordon.............
Darmian..Jagielka..Dedé..De Sciglio
..........De Rossi....De Jong...........
Gabbiadini....Wijnaldum....Berardi
...................Zaza.........................
Subs: Branescu, McNair, Vazquez, Bonaventura, Toni
Tough game against a Stockport side boasting on paper atleast the best strike-force in the league. But their defence is there to be gotten at and as the home side we will carry the game to them from the off. Power through the middle and blistering pace outwide.
Stockport have been a little unfortunate losing Kramer and Draxler from the midfield and we will look to use this to our advantage...Not entirely sure how they'll line up now so our formation is a kind of best of both (like the bread)
Gordon - Usual Goal-keepery stuff not point waffling on is there? catch crosses, save shots, kick the ball long etc etc......
The Defence:
Solid unit selected today, all four are great athletes blessed with good pace and stamina. All are good on the ball and useful offensively but their primary roles will be to maintain a solid shape defensively.
Darmian/De Sciglio - Italy's first choice full backs and now Blyth's. As I said primary duty is to be solid defensively especially if Park plays with any attacking width, if however, he perseveres with his diamond midfield then these two are given Carte Blanché (accept minus 1 slot for the use of French) to push on...stretching Stockport as much as possible and linking the defence with the attack, running the lines allowing Gab's & Berardi a little more creative freedom.
Jags/Dedé - The only real certainty of Parks set up is that both Costa & Aguero will play. Costa is a good hold up man and big and strong in the air...fellow Brazilian Dedé will utilise his extra height and power to shackle Costa, using all his experience and dark arts to get under the Brazilians skin, little kicks dodgy elbows Costa will do it all but Dedé will remain calm and let Costa wind himself himself up. If Cosa drfits wide then Dedé will still track him. Jags (statistically the quickest player in the Prem this season) will man mark Aguero, whether Kun plays as a striker or as a withdrawn/Number 10 it doesnt matter, wherever Kun goes Jags will follow, using his pace and strength to get close to Aguero and keep him quiet whatever the cost...
The Midfield:
This is where the game is won or lost, They may not be the most creative of combo's but as far as giving us a solid platform from which to build on goes, then you won't get a much more solid duo than De Rossi and De jong... Both defensive by nature but today both play as traditional CM's, maintaining possession for us in the middle of the pitch as we look to dominate proceedings and leave Stockports front two isolated...Schneidy and Rakitic are a formidable force but man for man we should be able to handle them. Both men have a certain rashness about them and we are happy for them to go flying into tackles, lifting the team and the fans as we look to build momentum. As both men are happy "sitting" this then enables Darmian and De Sciglio to kick on meaning we have 6 players in forward positions as we overload Stockports defence, this serves the dual purpose of making it easier for us to have better ball retention as more passes are "on" and it will stretch the play lovely if as expected Stockport go "narrow"
The Front Four
Nice blend to this side as we have a lot of grit, no small amount of flair and bags of pace, As I said earlier Stockport have a fantastic attack but the defence is neglected...
We/I expect our front four to face
Clyne........Varane......Ginter.....Durm
if this is case then Varane aside we should have some joy....All four of our men are high tempo players who can press high up the pitch, by doing this we unsettle them forcing them to try and play ball, Other than Varane I'm not sure the others are comfortable players so we will look to rush them from the start.
Gabbiadini - New signing for Blyth and Napoli, Gabby is a left footed right winger, big and strong with a fantastic work rate, will look to run the line and stretch the pitch, because he's on the "wrong" side the cut in is a good option for him and with Darmian running the over-lap we hope that causes indecision in Durm as to whom he should be tracking and will hopefully pull a defender over.
Wijnaldum - The 3rd of our debutants this week plays as the #10. Has shown real improvement the last couple of years, he's selected today over the likes of Vazquez/Bonaventura for his work rate and team ethic. Will sit in the hole occupying Parks defensive midfielders but by constantly moving about will look to pull them out of shape as we look for gaps to exploit. Defensively solid and quick into the tackle will drop back to join in with De Rossi and De Jong and as a trident they're as formidable as anything anyone else can field.
Berardi - Domenico is shuffled onto the other side today using his natural left foot to stretch the play as far as possible, Clynes a decent defender but Berardi is a gifted individual who will bank on himself getting the better of the duel, Another who's given ample back up by his full back will look to attack the space between full back and centre back as we wreak havoc in Stockports defence.
Zaza - Up against 2 CB's today but as mentioned we look to even that up...Varane is a quality player with bags of potential but not overly experienced, Ginter is a big unit but from I've seen slightly cumbersome....with our wingers stretching the full backs we hope to create some one on ones for Zaza...is in deadly form in real life and will look to carry that onto here....
Subs:
Winning/Drawing 65 mins N/A just carry on doing what were doing as it's working
Losing 70 Mins Bonaventura > Wijnaldum
..............Gordon.............
Darmian..Jagielka..Dedé..De Sciglio
..........De Rossi....De Jong...........
Gabbiadini........................Bonaventura
................Zaza........Berardi................
Kitchen sink time as we go 4-2-2-2......Cavalier football at it's finest...2 up top and 2 out and out wingers....Darmian and De Sciglio playing as full on wing backs with De Jong anchoring and De Rossi going box to box
The End
Ps Haak your hairs looking lovely at the moment, you were always my favourite Wolves fan
posted on 21/1/15
FC Pride
-----------------------Enyeama-------------------------
Coke------------Luisao--------Castro---------Aanholt
----------------------Mascherano-----------------------
Robben-------Rosicky-------T.Hazard-----------PEA
-----------------------Immobile------------------------
Subs:
Kouyate, Pereira, Halilovic, Baker, Afobe
We're the home team this week so our game plan is to control the game and play some fluid and exciting, attack-minded football. We've packed the midfield area with players able to help at either end of the pitch and we'll look to control the game from the middle of the park. Pass and move is the key phrase. We don't want to be static, when players are on the ball we want them to have options.
We want to press our opponents and put pressure on them when they have the ball, but will let them play the ball around in their own half as to utilise our pace and get in behind them on the counter when their players step up the pitch.
In defence we have pace in the fullback positions and in Castro at CB, accompanied by a leader and organiser, in our captain, Luisao. Our defenders will look to pass the ball out from the back, there will be plenty of options with the number of bodies in midfield. The full backs will only venture forward one at a time as to keep us tight at the back and a combination of Masch and our CB's ready to cover.
Mascherano takes up a position in the base of our midfield, his job is to break up the play and get the ball to our attacking players through shorter passes. He'll sit in his position, staying behind the ball so he's always on hand to shut down an opponents attack. We want him to close down the opposition in our half and battle for the ball.
Robben and Aubameyang will take up the wide roles. Their pace and trickery will be key in getting in behind our opponents and also pushing their wider players back into areas where they can't hurt us. They're instructed to balance their play between taking their men on and also playing one twos with the midfield and striker.
Rosicky and Hazard will operate in the middle of the park, both have a good engine, whilst the former will look to go to the ball more, whilst Hazard will look to push up the field and be involved more in the intricate passing and creating of space. Hazard could prove useful in playing defence splitting passes for Robben, PEA or Immobile to run onto. We'll always look to have the opposite wide man running in at the far post and Rosicky will staying more around the edge of the area.
Immobile is back to lead the line, he'll look to feed off of our midfielders, while also finding pockets of space between our opponents defenders.
If losing after 65 minutes:
Move to a 4-1-2-1-2 (diamond)
Baker > Hazard
----------Masch
---Baker-------Ros
-----------Rob
------Imm----PEA
If winning:
Move to a 4-2-3-1
Kouyate > Rosicky
------Kou----Mas
Rob-----Haz-----PEA
----------Imm
posted on 21/1/15
SC.UMPORT COUNTY Vs. Blyth.
------------------------------Forster----------------------------
Clyne---------Lascelles--------Varane-----------Durm
-------------------------------Ginter----------------------------
------------------Schn'dy-------------Clasie----------------
-------------------------------Rakitic---------------------------
------------------Costa-----------------Aguero--------------
Subs: Kameni, Yedlin, Hughes, Grealish, Ings
Tactics -
General - The key to this game is to set up a primarily defensive stance, unshackling the front three of defensive duties, meaning they can do what they do best and secure us a win.
Defence -
The back four shall be compact and deep. Tino's side have pace right across that front line, hence playing deep.But I feel that my defence is stronger and more powerful, so by playing a narrow back line we almost force Blyth to go out wide, and swing in crosses, which, as I say, should play into our hands.
Clyne and Durm need to keep back to ensure our defensive solidity, so no going forward, trying to get beyond the Spartan's FBs and drilling crosses in. The furthest these two should get is to a position when they can send in crosses from deep with a lot of curve on them, but ultimately, their role is primarily defensive today.
When releasing the ball, the defence has a couple of very good options, firstly, they can play it quick and simple with short passes into the midfield (no passing it amongst each other, we want to be direct today), or they can go long to our latest Galactico - Diego Costa. Costa provides a very good targetman for the defence to aim at, and he can make the best of most hopeful punts forward.
Midfield -
Firstly, I'll just detail Ginter's role. With the defence playing deep, Ginter needs to mark the space directly in front of Tino's striker. By keeping tight to this player, and keeping in front of him, we dull what is a fairly sharp attack. Blyth should be prevented from playing balls to his feet, and have to rely on balls that are played in front of, rather than directly to, him, otherwise known as through balls, in which case my CBs are quick enough to step up and snap the chance away. Ginter will not be involved in the attack, he has a very important duty to perform, Makelele role-esque I suppose.
Schneiderling and Clasie are my two box to boxers today. Both have the capacity to get forward and back all game long. Added to which, they are adept in both ends of the pitch, so can be capable additions to whichever circumstance they find themselves in. Importantly, they need to work to nullify Tino's no.10 (or the second striker if he's playing two up top as he suggested he may). This might see one of them dropping really quite deep, but if that's the case, the other should try and keep close, but further forward, let's say 15 yards ahead of them. This allows both a defensive stance from the two CMs, but also means they can act as a conduit for defence to mould into attack.
Because we are so defensive today, when these two get it to Rakitic, they must break forward, going out either side of the Croatian, almost as faux-wingers, i.e. playing wide, but still narrower than a winger. This should give our attacks more numbers, and as sucha greater potency. As I said, their energy levels and stamina allow them to do this and get back to cover, and are therefore perfect for the role.
Rakitic, I know you, Haak, really rate him, so I won't bore you with "Rakitic can do such and such" because there's little point... Rakitic is a fantastic player, and can keep play ticking over brilliantly, long balls, short balls, he's got both! He actually needs an operation for it, but for now, he has both...
Anyway... Joking aside... Rakitic is the linchpin to this formation, with 6/7 players really acting as a defensive platform, we need a player of Rakitic's quality to open up Blyth when we do get the chance to break forward. Given a free hand today due to the defensive work of the other players, he needs to be constantly moving, trying to pick up space, relying on his natural ability to pick up time in a very crowded midfield. By constantly moving, he works on the (one?) weakness of Tino's DMs, in that they aren't the fastest, so if he's finding 10 yards of space, he's got time to turn and pick a pass before they close him down.
That pass can be out wide to the onrushing CMs, into the feet of either striker, or even a lofted ball for the powerful Costa to contest. Ultimately, whatever the pass, he needs to follow it in, ghosting into the area around the box ready for rebounds and cut backs, allowing him to unleash that fantastic shot he possesses.
Strikers -
These two are, in theory, a perfect match for each other. Costa, whilst not slow, certainly isn't the paciest of strikers, so Aguero's speed off the line, and in general, allows us to force Blyth's defensive line deeper and deeper (to avoid Rakitic playing Aguero in behind for one on ones), getting Costa into those poaching positions he loves to work in.
On the other hand, Aguero isn't the strongest. So Costa's power and presence can knock defenders out of Aguero's way, opening up gaps for the Argentine. It also allows Aguero to play off a 'wall' as it were: One twos, knock downs etc. can all be played off the Spaniard, which should present Aguero with a host of opportunities.
Between the two of them, they bring out the best in one another, and together should force the Spartans defence deep enough to a) spread Blyth thinly across the pitch, and b) allow our attacking players time and space in areas very close to the opposition area.
Subs -
Winning/Drawing/Losing -
70 - Clasie for Hughes - It's a tough role to play, going box to box all game, so this is just to freshen things up. Hughes isn't a natural box to box player, so Rakitic needs to drop a little deep to help out, and Schneiderlin should be more conservative in his attacking runs to cover for Hughes.
Losing/Drawing -
70 - Ings on for Ginter. Change to a 4-2-3-1, with the three being a very narrow (no wingers) trio of Aguero, Ings, and Rakitic, all swapping and changing. It's a case of playing the long ball to Costa, who will be looking to knock it down to any of that attacking trio who can then try from range, or try and burst past Blyth's defence. They've all got a cracking long range shot on them (may be stretching it a bit for Ings, but he is good!) so this change in tactics could spell the end of the dreadful reign of Sparta!
posted on 21/1/15
FL FART vs Mandems tactics
--------------------Jefferson---------------------
Vd Wiel---Rami-----Otamendi---Balanta
-------------------Kondogbia--------------------
-----------Vidal--------------Toure Y------------
---Shaqiri-----------------------------Bakkali---
-------------------Mandzukic-------------------
SUBS:
Amat
Matthews
Zivkovic
Cambiasso
Pritchard
*******************
Overview: We'll set out our stall to defend from the front, aiming to press the opposition high up the pitch and keep the pressure on the defence so the opposition can never get the ball to Suarez.
A couple of new boys come into the lineup today - Vidal and Otamendi, and Bakkali makes his first start. As usual we have plenty of pace and power throughout the team. I'd like us to look to win the ball high up the pitch by pressing from the front and we'll keep the ball moving quickly with snappy short passes to feet. When our full backs are pushed forward we'll have triangles all over the pitch. With good quick passing and lots of movement we'll be a nightmare to defend against. We'll be tight and compact at the back when out of possession - Kondogbia is a monster of a defensive midfielder who gives great solidity when he drops back into defence as well as affording our other midfielders and full backs the opportunity to worry less about leaving space behind them when they push forwards. Toure in particular will love having Kondogbia as a shield behind him; he's freed up to bomb on and do what he does best.
I'd like us to keep the ball on the deck and move it quickly to pull defenders out of position; both wingers and the striker will all look to get past the line of defence and in on goal, as will Vidal and Toure. The counter will still be used when available and appropriate.
*******************
Keeper: Jefferson
He'll be asked to keep things simple today. No sweeping or anything daft like that. Save whatever would go in the goal, and distribute it short or with a quick throw to the flanks or Toure/Vidal.
Full backs: Van der Wiel and Balanta
Both have the gas to get up and down all match long and I want them to provide the width today, getting round the inside forward and creating overloads out wide. Mandems' midfield is slow so they'll struggle to get back and cover against midfield runners getting onto the end of crosses. Kondogbia will cover for them by tucking back into a back 3 when the full backs push on and playing as a sweeper
Centre backs: Rami and Otamendi
Both CBs are excellent all-rounders, good in the air and comfortable on the ball, both strong and quick. Rami is a born leader, physically immense and not afraid to scream his head off to keep his back line organised. Kondogbia will be tasked with closing down the attacking mids aggressively and spotting and blocking off any gaps in front of our defence that Mandems might look to exploit before we banging forward on the counter. The centre halves will sit deep to deny any space in behind with Kondogbia prowling in front.
Defensive midfield: Kondogbia
Kondogbia is the lynchpin of the midfield, a master of interceptions and a terrifying physical presence. When the full backs bomb on Kondogbia will drop back into a back 3 and will play as the sweeper between Rami and Otamendi. When we're in possession he'll make himself available in front of the defence for simple passes and he'll keep the ball moving with quick and simple short balls. If an attacking midfielder gets anywhere near the ball, Big Geoffrey is the man to shut them down with his pace, power and tenacity in the tackle. He's tasked with keeping a particularly close eye on the dangerman Suarez.
Midfielders: Vidal and Toure
My two key players. Both are dynamic powerhouses who can get up and down the pitch. They'll join Mandzukic in harrying from the front and both have free rein to shoot from range or play in a winger. With Kondogbia covering in behind they're both off the leash today, and they should support Mandy up top as much as possible. We're playing like the home team today and I want these two to dominate in midfield.
Wingers: Shaqiri and Bakkali
These two come in as inside forwards, Shaqiri on the right and Bakkali on the left, both rapid and tricky and able to cut in on their stronger foot. I want them to attack the space inside the fullback and centre half, or between centre halves if they go with 3 at the back. Mandzukic will be a handful for the centre halves so there'll be space for the wingers to attack. I'd like them to play in the striker or the midfielders as they push forwards, although Shaqiri has a great shot on him so he's free to shoot from range. When they cut inside I want the full back to get round and offer the overlap. They also have licence to switch flanks if play is becoming congested in the middle; both have the pace to beat a man round the outside and cut it back for Mandzukic/Vidal/Toure. If they switch flanks and operate as conventional wingers, the full backs will be expected to push forwards less.
Striker: Mandzukic
The Croatian Super Mario is the perfect man to lead the line solo. He's strong, quick, aggressive, excellent in the air and has an astonishing work rate, plus a great eye for goal. He's a striker with no weaknesses who will bring his all-round game to this match; primarily he will work his árse off and defend from the very front, before bringing the onrushing midfielders or inside forwards into the game. The nature of his hassling and harrying game is that it wins the ball back when the opposition defence is not in a good defensive shape; catching them off guard will free up space in front of the defence for my attacking midfielders to run into and play through balls behind the defence or go for goal from range. When the wingers do switch flanks Mandzukic will play right off the last defender, looking to push aggressively past the penalty spot to get on the end of crosses. Mandzukic is also a terrific finisher and will relish receiving balls into feet with his back to goal before laying it off to an onrushing midfielder/winger, spinning and getting into the box where his predatory instincts will be most valuable.
Captain: Rami
Free kicks: Toure
Penalties: Vidal
Corners: Shaqiri (R); Toure (L)
*******************
We're short on options today with so many starters and subs out of action with injuries and suspensions, but...
IF WINNING:
Cambiasso on for Toure, Matthews on for Balanta, 85 mins: Cambiasso drops back alongside Kondogbia as the triangle in midfield invert to a more defensive shape. Matthews for Balanta is a straight swap for tired legs.
IF LOSING/DRAWING: Zivkovic on for Kondogbia, 80 mins: We go 4-4-2, with Bakkali and Shaqiri switching to their natural sides. Vidal and Toure are solid enough in midfield as long as only one pushes forwards at once. Zivkovic goes up top alongside Mandzukic.
PEACE
posted on 21/1/15
Basingstoke Town tactics.
Week 10 vs Andover Town
4-2-3-1
----------------------Cesar--------------------
Carvajal---Marquez---Zouma---Gibbs
--------------Rode-- Carvalho----------
Menez-----------Quintero--------Teixeira
--------------------Rossi--------------------
Subs: Fabianski, Vilhena, Bellerin, Milik, Boetius
Captain - Marquez
Vice - Rossi
Corners & FKs (L) - Quintero
Corners & FKs (R) - Rossi
Pens - Rossi
Today, with another home game we really have a big chance to show we mean business as title contenders. Our brilliant form must be taken into consideration and the players will be hugely motivated, with a chance to go second today, ahead of our local rivals who we are up against today! Our gameplan is to play our game, as we're the home team and try and dictate the play and get on top of the dingles. We have a great blend of youth and experience with some impressive talent in the side and our aim is to press high up the pitch and control the opposition, whilst the guile and movement of our front four will prove incredibly difficult to stifle.
Cesar - A vastly experienced goalkeeper who is at his peak in 'keeper years. He will know what's expected of him with a young defence in front of him aside from Marquez, he will be key in keeping concentration levels in the team high. Aside from this he is a quality shot stopper and will be expected to command his area, be quick off his line (as we will be playing a high line) and be big if he's caught one on one.
FBs - The fbs are both young but experienced at the top level, extremely talented and have a great engine on them. At times they will be offering the width we need to stretch the defence, so their running will be valuable to us. First and foremost I want them defending though, only going forward when the opportunity is perfect and only one of them at a time to keep us from being hit on the counter. Without Elia, we will be looking for one of the FBs to be joining in on our attacks, however only one. This way Teixeira can drift more central, leaving Menez and a FB occupying the wide areas, thus allowing us to overload Wanyama.
CBs - A classic mix of youth and experience today. Whilst we line up as a back 4, our formation is almost really a 1-3-2-3-1, with Marquez as the one behind the defence. Whilst he will line up alongside the rest of the defence and generally sit in alongside the line, he will be dropping off as soon as he spots the danger coming. Basically, we will be playing a high line to press the other team, but not necessarily an offside trap as Marquez has license to drop off and snuff out any through passes before they come to anything if he likes. He can also hold up attacks while the extremely fast 3 around him get back in positions. Whilst Marquez is calling the line and has a complex role to meet his experience levels, Zouma's will be a lot more simple. When the CFs comes into Zouma in the central of defence Zouma will get right to him and give him a torrid time with his strength, aggressive and pace, allowing Marquez to work around him. Zouma is one of the few defenders in the league who can match anyone for strength, power and pace so shouldn't give Blyth much to work with, whilst Marquez has great experience, which should mean if Zouma or the FBs get beat Marquez will be in the position to mop up.
Carvalho - An important player for our balance, so will be key today in breaking up attacks from a side that like to move the ball well and quickly, he will be our anchor man looking to sit in front of the defence and break up attacks where possible and make sure the defence is never vulnerable. He will slot in playing his natural role and will be important in cutting off the service to the forwards. He will also be important to defend counter attacks, with a cynical foul if necessary! Overall he will be in it to hit the dingle midfield hard and fast, given his physicality, early on and make them think twice when they're on the ball from then on, panicking them into mistakes and then moving the ball on to the more naturally talented players with simple passes when he does get it.
Rode - With Ramsey out I had a choice to make and i have opted for Rode for a few reasons. Firstly, he has big game experience and this is as big as they come this season. Secondly, he is more naturally defensive than our other options so will be vital in our set up, as he will help keep tabs on the dangerous Natcho, and we also want one of the FBs forward whenever we attack, so his defensive nature will allow us to do this, without leaving too many gaps. Thirdly, he can slot in fairly seemlessly - his style is fairly similar to Ramsey's, just with a little less flair. He is full of running and can start the moves off with simple passes, but will be less of a goal threat.
Quintero - Quintero is really having a top season for us this year and hopefully today will be no different - we have set up with players around him to compliment him, especially given our game plan today. We know that fighting Wanyama will be a tough battle for him, especially as he is young, but it's a challenge he will relish and we're giving him the support to succeed. With Rode in for us and Elia out for us, it means we can nullify the ANdover threat better and push a FB on when attacking at all times, this in turn means Teixeira has license to roam along the 3 positions behind the CF. This means he and Quintero will be combining a lot and really making things difficult for Wanyama, who should hopefully be chasing shadows, especially as although we have an extra man in the middle we will still have options out wide to really stretch the opposition. As for Quintero, he can beat players, shoot from distance and he has 3 fast players ahead of him, interchanging with great moving to try and pick out with passes. This season could be brilliant for him.
Menez and Teixeira - Both get to play the games that are natural to them, albeit slightly different styles, starting out wide and drifting into dangerous areas with well timed runs and intelligent movement. They're both powerful players and are good finishers, with Teixeira giving us a bit more guile and being able to drift into gaps, so will really keep the opposition defence on their toes, also pushing the defence back giving more room for Quintero and with their constant movement distracting the defenders it should allow Rossi the half a yard he needs to do the damage. Menez is free to interchange wings at will whilst Teixeira will be drifting into the areas where he's confident and where defenders and attackers won't want to follow him, causing confusion.
Rossi - The missing piece of the jigsaw, the world class CF we've been missing all last year and he will make us such a scary proposition going forward. HIs pace, movement and finishing are all equisite and IMO he's almost on par with someone like Aguero. He just gets to play his natural game, working hard and trying to find the space, which he will be aided by thanks to the players around him.
Subs if winning around 70 mins - Vilhena and Boetius on for Quintero and Menez - like for like, just to offer more energy levels and Vilhena to solidfy our CM.
75 mins - Milik on for Rossi.
Subs if losing/drawing around 65 mins - Boetius on for Quintero, with Teixeira coming into the central attacking midfield role, to give us more direct options down both flanks and put the opposition under pressure.
70 mins - Vilhena for Rode, like for like however Vilhena is more attacking minded and will have completely fresh legs so again will help to get on top of the opposition and press them back.
75 mins - Milik for Rossi - a real poacher and fox in the box type striker, hopefully with our other subs we will really be getting on top and making lots of chances, getting the ball in the box a lot, with Milik being able to put some of the chances away.
posted on 26/1/15
Fishguard Sports AFC
Captain: Lucas Biglia
Corners: Bernardeschi/Andersen
Goal Scoring Opportunity Free Kicks: Biglia
Pens: Fischer
Formation: 3-4-3 (Sweeper System)
----------------------------Ryan
--------------------------van Beek
-----------Veltman--------------------Rekik
----------------------------Biglia
--------Baselli----------------------------Klaassen
----------------------------Praet
----Bernardeschi-----------------------------Andersen
---------------------------Fischer
Starting: Ryan; Veltman, van Beek, Rekik; Biglia (c), Baselli, Praet, Klaassen; Bernardeschi, Fischer, Andersen
Subs: Nyland, Hendrix, Dendoncker, Daehli, Muric
We will line-up with two lightening quick wingers in Bernardeschi and Andersen patrolling each flank with the intelligent and technically superb Dennis Praet behind the equally gifted and pacy Viktor Fischer.
My intentions are to pack the midfield with Baselli, Biglia and Davy Klaassen protecting the back-three of Veltman, Rekik and Sven van Beek.
We will operate with van Beek as a sweeper. Pre-historic as it seems today, playing a sweeper will help to negate Blyth’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 Veltman and Rekik – this will leave van Beek to pick up stray balls, runs from deep and anything Blyth throw at him.
We will be comfortable in having 3 defenders against the 2 most central attacking players, Veltman and Rekik will comfortably pick up an attacking player each and if they fail to control the Blyth forward line, van Beek is the contingency plan.
With Veltman and Rekik picking up these 2 most central attacking players our defence is narrow. This would give theBlyth wingers a lot of space to move forward. We will anticipate this by instructing our two central players – Baselli and Klaassen to track these runs.
With Baselli and Klaassen now tracking the runs of the wingers, it would leave Biglia outnumbered in midfield. Dennis Praet will always look to drop into midfield so that we will always have a spare man. This spare man again will be Sven van Beek – 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; expect at times for even talented players like Lucas Andersen to play a simple yet effective 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 Blyth 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.
Biglia and Praet will always be available to receive the ball, and are capable of dissecting the Blyth midfield with ease.
Our flexible, hard-working system will allow us to have a spare-man available when Blyth have the ball, but significantly, it will gave flexibility and strength in keeping possession. With Biglia and Praet both floating around the half-way line and attacking third respectively, we can move the ball with ease.
Blyth may find it difficult to react to these players, as if they do move out of position to get closer to Praet and Biglia, the shape of the Blyth team may fall apart. If an attempt is made to combat the constant space we hope Praet will be receiving. This will only give slick-heeled Bernardeschi and Andersen more space to receive the ball.
My use of Klaassen and Baselli 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 Blyth. To do this, both Baselli and Klaassen 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 Blyth back-line. The implication of this will be that if Blyth try to play a high-line to combat the threat of Praet, then Blyth 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 the Blyth defence with Bernardeschi and Andersen always looking to stay wide in the build-up of moves. It will therefore be unsurprising that either Klaassen or Baselli will be the ones to break the deadlock in this game.
Fischer 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 Bernardeschi or Andersen to come a bit more central and make sure that Klaassen or Baselli push out a bit wider to cover - meaning we will still keep a good shape in attack and also be well set out if Blyth do try a counter. When Bernardeschi or Andersen come a bit more central, this is where we will use our technical ability, acceleration, sheer pace and goal scoring abilities to full effect. Bernardeschi, Fischer, Praet and Andersen’s collective creative partnerships will give even the sturdiest of defences a very testing time.
Subs: Daehli on for Andersen (75th Min)
posted on 27/1/15
-------------------Casteels--------------------
J. Stones---J.Okore---Dragovic---Willems
---------------Pogba-----Rabiot--------------
El Ghazi-----------Barkley-----------Januzaj
---------------------Torres--------------------
Blackett, Medran, Asensio, Gestede, Puscas
Casteels comes back in goal, a fantastic young shot stopper and a keeper that instills confidence in the back four, leads by example from the back, shouting instructions to hos defenders. Out quickly to shut down strikers and close there shooting angles down. Punches clear what he cant catch from high balls and likes to release early to set up quick counters.
Okore and Dragovic at CB on this ocassion Okore will man mark the CF, he is calm and composed, quick and skillfull for a CB, with great marking abilities, will keep the CF away from goal and be on to him quickly as he comes forward so he can intercept any though he has of going for goal. When in possession he will carry the ball out and start attacks from the back. Dragovic alongside will mark any big men that come up for corners etc and make sure he is strong enough to get the ball away from danger, will help out Okore if needed and double up on the CF if he is causing problems. Okore will look at times when in no danger to carry the ball out from the back and start attacks from deep.
Stones and Willems at fullback, when we attack one goes at a time the other sits back, They will venture forrward sporadically. When they attack I want them bombing down the wing over lapping the winger to allow them to cut inside, quick passing between the two to get them passed the opposition fullback, which will see the fullback drive towards the bye line to get a quick cross in. If its not a cross then look for the winger inside to play a quick pass back to them so they can drive into the box. Defending both will have to be vigilant and always mindful of the tricks the opposite winger can do. Be onto them quickly not allowing them the time to get going, push them out wide and stop them becoming a threat.
Rabiot will act as the main DM sits just in front of the two cbs, along with Okore and Dragovic they will look to keep the opposition away from the danger area, he stops there flow between midfield and attack, always watchful for the AM and when they come forward he will look to intercept any through balls or look to stop his runs forward. Even when we attack he is always mindful of the players movement and ready to act quickly if they break forward. Once the ball is won simple balls to those around him. He will be aided when we defend by Pogba and Barkley either side of him Both extremely hard working lads who will get up and down the pitch helping both defence and attack. They sit as a three with Pogba taking care of the most advanced CM when he comes forward. They will break up play and get it moving forward, most likely Barkley to burst forward to assist the front 3. He is decent in front of goal and can score from varous angles/ranges, he is a very dynamic player with great stamina, one who never gives up. He will thrive with Pogba in the midfield who will look after him and encourage him throughout and they will be no pushovers with Rabiot behind them. Pogba is sort of mix of the two, can pass the ball about, defend the lines and also break forward from deep areas. A very cool head for such a young lad. Look to pick up from Rabiot and drive forward looking for more advanced passing to those in front of him or push forward with the ball with barkely this time sitting just a bit behind. We must dominate the midfield and get the ball out to the skillfull wingers who will look to destroy their fullbacks.
The two wingers are quick and dynamic, I want them both driving at the opposition with the cms bombing forward as well, pass and move. Its all about pace and movement, dragging defenders all over the place for us to find positions in which we will become a massive threat, we want to tire the defenders out. Take players on look to get into there faces and really be troublesome for the entirity of the game, stop there fullbacks becoming a threat by pushing them back and sitting in a high line. Defend as there fullbacks and Dm try to push on.
Torres back in a bit of form goes up top, look to get into dangerous positions as will have plenty opportunities with the players artound him, a natural scorer with both feet and head. Always look to peel off his marker or out muscle him to the ball and passed him. If he cant go for goal look to hold up for those driving into support.
Captain - Pogba
Pens - Torres
Free kicks - Barkley
Corners - Wingers
Losing:-
70 Mins - Asensio for El Ghazi straight swap
80 Mins - Gestede and Puscas for Barkley and Torres 4-4-2
Winning
80 Mins - Gestede for Torres, can hold it up etc, Medran for Barkley more defense minded, fresh legs, Sit behind Rabiot and Pogba
85 Mins - Asensio for El Ghazi
Drawing -
70 Mins - Asensio for El Ghazi, Gestede for Torres
80 Mins - Puscas for Barkley play just off Gestede
posted on 27/1/15
FL FART vs Barcelona tactics
--------------------Jefferson---------------------
Vd Wiel----Rami----Gabriel----Kurzawa
-------------------Kondogbia--------------------
-----------Vidal--------------Toure Y------------
---Bakkali----------------------------Insigne---
-------------------Mandzukic-------------------
SUBS:
Fofana
Matthews
Zivkovic
Balanta
Correa
*******************
Overview: We'll set out our stall to defend from the front, aiming to press the opposition high up the pitch and keep the pressure on the defence so the opposition can never get the ball to their clever attackers.
Otamendi and Shaqiri are out today so Arsenal new boy Gabriel Paulista steps seamlessly into the centre of defence, and Bakkali continues on the wing. As usual we have plenty of pace and power throughout the team. I'd like us to look to win the ball high up the pitch by pressing from the front and we'll keep the ball moving quickly with snappy short passes to feet. When our full backs are pushed forward we'll have triangles all over the pitch. With good quick passing and lots of movement we'll be a nightmare to defend against. We'll be tight and compact at the back when out of possession - Kondogbia is a monster of a defensive midfielder who gives great solidity when he drops back into defence as well as affording our other midfielders and full backs the opportunity to worry less about leaving space behind them when they push forwards. Toure in particular will love having Kondogbia as a shield behind him; he's freed up to bomb on and do what he does best.
I'd like us to keep the ball on the deck and move it quickly to pull defenders out of position; both wingers and the striker will all look to get past the line of defence and in on goal, as will Vidal and Toure. The counter will still be used when available and appropriate.
*******************
Keeper: Jefferson
He'll be asked to keep things simple today. No sweeping or anything daft like that. Save whatever would go in the goal, and distribute it short or with a quick throw to the flanks or Toure/Vidal.
Full backs: Van der Wiel and Kurzawa
Both have the gas to get up and down all match long and I want them to provide the width today, getting round the inside forward and creating overloads out wide. I want to play like the home team and so my forwards have licence to get forwards. Kondogbia will cover for them by tucking back into a back 3 when the full backs push on and playing as a sweeper.
Centre backs: Rami and Gabriel
Rami is an excellent all-rounder, good in the air and comfortable on the ball, both strong and quick. He’s also a born leader, physically immense and not afraid to scream his head off to keep his back line organised. The centre halves will sit deep to deny any space in behind with Kondogbia prowling in front, but Gabriel is absolutely rapid and very aggressive, so I’d like him to take a very active approach to closing down; he’ll attack any balls into Pelle and leave Rami tucked in slightly behind to deal with any loose balls.
Defensive midfield: Kondogbia
Kondogbia is the lynchpin of the midfield, a master of interceptions and a terrifying physical presence. When the full backs bomb on Kondogbia will drop back into a back 3 and will play as the sweeper between Rami and Gabriel. When we're in possession he'll make himself available in front of the defence for simple passes and he'll keep the ball moving with quick and simple short balls. Di has clever an attacking midfielders and when any of them gets anywhere near the ball, Big Geoffrey is the man to shut them down with his pace, power and tenacity in the tackle.
Midfielders: Vidal and Toure
My two key players. Both are dynamic powerhouses who can get up and down the pitch. They'll join Mandzukic in harrying from the front and both have free rein to shoot from range or play in a winger. With Kondogbia covering in behind they're both off the leash today, and they should support Mandy up top as much as possible. We're playing like the home team today and I want these two to dominate in midfield.
Wingers: Bakkali and Insigne
These two come in as inside forwards, Bakkali on the right and Insigne on the left, both rapid and tricky and natural comfortable cutting inside. I want them to attack the space inside the fullback and centre half, or between centre halves if they go with 3 at the back. Mandzukic will be a handful for the centre halves so there'll be space for the wingers to attack. I'd like them to play in the striker or the midfielders as they push forwards, and when they cut inside I want the full back to get round and offer the overlap. They also have licence to go up the line if play is becoming congested in the middle; both have the pace to beat a man round the outside and cut it back for Mandzukic/Vidal/Toure. When they pull wide and play as wingers, the full backs will be expected to push forwards less.
Striker: Mandzukic
Difficult to write tactics for a player who does a bit of everything. The Croatian Super Mario is the perfect man to lead the line solo. He's strong, quick, aggressive, excellent in the air and has an astonishing work rate, plus a great eye for goal. He's a striker with no weaknesses who will bring his all-round game to this match; primarily he will work his árse off and defend from the very front, before bringing the onrushing midfielders or inside forwards into the game. The nature of his hassling and harrying game is that it wins the ball back when the opposition defence is not in a good defensive shape; catching them off guard will free up space in front of the defence for my attacking midfielders to run into and play through balls behind the defence or go for goal from range. When the wingers do go wide Mandzukic will play right off the last defender, looking to push aggressively past the penalty spot to get on the end of crosses. Mandzukic is also a terrific finisher and will relish receiving balls into feet with his back to goal before laying it off to an onrushing midfielder/winger, spinning and getting into the box where his predatory instincts will be most valuable.
Captain: Rami
Free kicks: Insigne
Penalties: Vidal
Corners: Insigne
*******************
We're short on options today with so many starters and subs out of action with injuries and suspensions, but...
IF WINNING:
Balanta on for Kurzawa, Fofana on for Bakkali, Matthew on for Vd.Wiel, 80 mins: Fofana drops in between Vidal and Toure in a solid midfield 3, with Insigne free to float behind Mandy. Balanta goes in at left back but tucks in a bit more and stays back more than Kurzawa did. Matthews for Vd.Wiel is a straight swap but Matthews is slightly more defensive too.
IF LOSING/DRAWING: Zivkovic on for Kondogbia, 75 mins: We go 4-4-2, with Bakkali and Insigne playing more as orthodox wingers. Vidal and Toure are solid enough in midfield as long as only one pushes forwards at once. Zivkovic goes up top alongside Mandzukic.
Correa on for Bakkali, 80 mins: Correa and Insigne float around in the pocket between midfield and the strikers.
PEACE
posted on 27/1/15
Fishy vs Blyth (4-3-3)
.................Gordon.............
Darmian..Jagielka..Dedé..De Sciglio
..................De Jong....................
........Wijnaldum....De Rossi............
.....Dyer...........Zaza.........Gabbiadini..
Subs: Branescu, McNair, Vazquez, Bonaventura, Romagna
Tough game away against a Fishguard side boasting A very talented but inexperienced side, They have fantastic prospects in midfield and up top, but their defence is there to be gotten at and as the reigning champions we will carry the game to them from the off. Power through the middle and blistering pace outwide.
Welshy has real tactical nous and it's always a pleasure trying to match up to him, He seems to be setting up lately with a sweeper system and this how we anticipate him going against us today...
I think both sides will be fairly even, so this game may balance on weaknesses not strengths of the teams, and I genuinely feel we have less weaknesses in our side and set-up than Fishy.
Gordon - Usual Goal-keepery stuff not point waffling on is there? catch crosses, save shots, kick the ball long etc etc......
The Defence:
Solid unit selected today, all four are great athletes blessed with good pace and stamina. All are good on the ball and useful offensively but their primary roles will be to maintain a solid shape defensively.
Darmian/De Sciglio - Italy's first choice full backs and now Blyth's. As I said primary duty is to be solid defensively. But with De Jong anchoring the midfield both lads will be given the freedom to attack at will (resisted using French this week) The weak link we have noticed in Fishy's set-up is no proper full backs, so with these two bombing on either Fishguard shuffle their centre-backs over to cover which frees up our wingers, or they track their midfielders back which then means their numerical advantage in the centre is nulified. Defensively it's the standard, show them the line, don't jump in force the cross etc.
Jags/Dedé - Vietto being out is a massive blow to the home side but an equally massive positive for us, Not sure how Welshy will shuffle the deck but he's a good problem solver.....He'll stick with one up top, but if it's a small nippy type striker then he's Jags' responsibility who's the quicker of my defenders, this then frees up Dedé to clear out any stray balls or big lumps into the box...IF Welshy goes with a target-man type striker then Dedé goes man to man as he's my more physical presence and Jags then is the cover.
The Midfield:
This is where the game is won or lost, They may not be the most creative of combo's but as far as giving us a solid platform from which to build on goes, then you won't get a much more solid duo than De Rossi and De jong... Both defensive by nature but today De Jong play as traditional Anchor man and De Rossi as an all action box-boxer, Wijnaldum comes into the midfield as a free roaming playmaker very much like a box-boxer to be honest, between the 3 of them we should be able to maintain possession for us in the middle of the pitch as we look to dominate proceedings and leave Fishguard's attackers isolated. All 3 men men have a certain rashness about them and we are happy for them to go flying into tackles, lifting the team and the fans as we look to build momentum. As De Jong is happy "sitting" this then enables Darmian and De Sciglio to kick on meaning we have 7 players in forward positions (inc De Rossi and Wij) as we overload Fishguards defence, this serves the dual purpose of making it easier for us to have better ball retention as more passes are "on" and it will stretch the play lovely if as expected Fishguard go "narrow"
The Front Three
Nice blend to this side as we have a lot of grit, no small technique and bags of pace...as have mentioned earlier, with 3 CB's but no real full backs and with ours surging on we look to really get at Fishguard's defence from the offset, putting Welshy's youngsters under heavy pressure trying to get their heads to drop.
Gabbiadini - New signing for Blyth and Napoli, Gabby is a left footed right winger, big and strong with a fantastic work rate, will look to run the line and stretch the pitch, Today he's playing off his stronger foot hogging the left touchline creating as much space as possible, When De Scig is on the over-lap he'll cut inside as we overload the central areas and taking a CB with him making space for the onrushing De Rossi/Wijnaldum as we pull their midfielders back and out of position.
Zaza - Up against 3 CB's today but as mentioned we look to even that up with our wingers and full backs stretching the two wider centre backs we hope to create some one on ones for Zaza...is in deadly form in real life and will look to carry that onto here....
Dyer - Makes his debut for Blyth after his transfer from Barca, Was a close call today between him and Bonaventura, but after our scouting reports highlighted a lack of defensive width by our opponents it was decided that we needed to hit them at speed out wide and not many are quicker than he...heads down winger will force Fishy's midfield to drop deeper to cover his runs giving us control of the centre and hopefully the game
Subs:
Winning/Drawing 65 mins N/A just carry on doing what were doing as it's working
Losing 70 Mins Bonaventura > Wijnaldum
Vazquez > Dyer
..............Gordon.............
Darmian..Jagielka..Dedé..De Sciglio
..........De Rossi....De Jong...........
Gabbiadini........................Bonaventura
................Zaza........Vazquez................
Kitchen sink time as we go 4-2-2-2......Cavalier football at it's finest...2 up top and 2 out and out wingers....Darmian and De Sciglio playing as full on wing backs with De Jong anchoring and De Rossi going box to box
Bonaventura is a natural LW, very quick and very direct his fresh legs could be a game changer.
Vazquez is Dybala's partner at Palermo and the big 6ft+ Italo-argentine will go as the target man using his height and power to hammer his way through Welshy's defence trying to create flick ons for Zaza to finish
The End
Ps Haak your hairs still looking lovely
posted on 27/1/15
Notts County tactics vs Manky Mandems
----------------------------------De Gea----------------------------
Vrsaljko----------Gimenez-----------Romagnoli-----------Bernat
-----------------Iturraspe------------Samper-------------------------
---------------------------Brahimi----------------------------
Alexis------------------------------------------------------Depay
-------------------------------Dybala--------------------------------
subs: Denayer, Tielemans, Traore, Mattiello, Nahuel Leiva
Game plan: our plan today is to be a little less gung ho and attacking than usual, we're experimenting with a new system and will be looking to be a little more cautious in defence. We will still look to press in our own half and our defensive line will be a little deeper than usual, but we wont be sitting on the edge of own 18 yard box, that would be dangerous with Luis Suarez in the opposition line up, the further away from our own box he is the better, our line will look to be around 15 yards outside the box. 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. When we win the ball back we will break with pace and precision, the likes of Sanchez, Depay, Brahimi and Dybala all have the pace and movement to be an effective. attacking foursome, while Iturraspe and Sergi Samper provide the quality passing to assist them.
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, Iturraspe and Samper will play as a pivot so one may move forward while the other sits in, this reverts to a 4-5-1 formation when we lose possession.
------------------------Gimenez-------Romagnoli------------------
Vrsaljko---------Iturraspe-------Samper--------------Bernat
------------------------------Brahimi------------------------------
Alexis--------------------------------------------------------Depay
----------------------------------Dybala-----------------------------
out of possession- the full backs will look to tuck in while Sanchez and Depay will track back to cover the wide areas and double up on the wide players.
Vrsaljko-------------Gimenez------Romagnoli-----------Bernat
-------------------------------Iturraspe-------------------------------
Sanchez-----------Samper------------Brahimi---------Depay
---------------------------------Dybala----------------------------------
De Gea: 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 not giving Suarez and the other forwards any time and space, if they manage to turn one Cb the other should always be there snuffing him out, the full backs will also tuck in leaving little room in the centre of the pitch for the runs of the Attackers of Mandems, while Sanchez and Depay look to cover in the wide areas.
Midfield: Iturraspe and Samper will play as the CM 2 today, they will perform in a double pivot, they are both extremely comfortable in possession and will look to keep the ball moving as much and quickly as possible, Ander is naturally the more defensive of the two, so Sergi will be the more likely to get forward and join the attacks while Ander holds his position in the defensive area of the pitch so as not to leave us exposed.
Yacine Brahimi he is an exceptionally talented attacker, he has extraordinary vision and great dribbling and passing ability, he will look to use these attributes to great effect, when he receives the ball he will look to turn and run at the opposition through the middle of the pitch, this Mandems side while experienced does lack pace in the centre of the pitch, he can create chances for the likes of Dybala, Depay and Sanchez who will use their movement and pace to run in behind the Mandems defence, or he can score goals himself as he has proved so far this season for Porto.
Alexis Sanchez 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 Dybala and Brahimi they both have the pace and movement to make runs beyond Dybala 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 Sanchez do move inside, Vrsaljko and Bernat will look to provide the outlet wide with overlapping runs.
Dybala will play as the centre forward for us today, his pace, movement and energy suits the change in the way we are going to play, he will look to roam across the pitch, dragging defenders out of position which will leave space for the other attackers and our midfield to benefit from, as stated previously in the tactics he is part of the fluid front 4 we are playing with today so will pop in different areas of the pitch on occasion, we are not just going to throw the ball into the box at every opportunity so his running of the channels and his technical ability are crucial in the way we want to play.
Substitutions: 70 minutes, Youri Tielemans for Sergi Samper, straight swap, a combative midfielder with great energy but also quality on the ball, will perform the same role as Sergi
if losing after 70 minutes: Adama Traore for Brahimi, Alexis plays just off Dybala while Adama moves wide right. Alexis will be the fulcrum of the side, using his genius and experience to carve out chances either for himself or others.
Captain: David De Gea
Free Kicks: Memphis Depay
Corners: Sanchez
posted on 28/1/15
---------------------------Guaita-------------------------------
---------------Vlaar--------Dante-------Pepe---------------
Aranguiz-------------------------------------------Bertrand
---------------------------Carrick------------------------------
---------------Xhaka-------------------Downing-------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------Suarez-----------------------
---------------------Demba Ba--------------------------------
BENCH
Lindegaard
Reveillere
Motta
Mounier
Carrillo
TACTICS
We need to build on two wins and I am going to set us the target of not finishing bottom depsite only getting half the games this season. We can beat Notts County today, I have faith in Vlaar, Pepe and Dante to keep a clean sheet. They have a horrible bunch of injuries to first teamers so we can take full advantage.
Sanchez is the obvious dangerman, but I'm also thinking about their other players such as Depay and Brahimi who are good with the ball and are fast. They will probably try to play their quick football but I want us to hold a solid back five and be impossible to break down. The three in midfield should sit deep, protect the defense and make sure that there is no room. It's about holding positions, don't go running and sliding in.
PLAYER ROLES
Guaita - Save shots, the obvious, get the ball if you can on crosses.
Aranguiz/Bertrand - Both of you have bags of energy and should get up and down the touchline all day long. Match their wingers for energy and pace, force them out wide and do not let them cut inside. Aranguiz, I know you're naturally a CM but you have also played as a wingback before and I think this role will suit you perfectly with your energy. Both of you have license to get forward when we have the ball.
Vlaar/Dante/Pepe - Keep a clean sheet. Dante should be the marker of the main striker, Alcacer is injured so we're not sure what they'll do instead. Do not lett him get any room to create a chance, physically outmuscle him. Vlaar and Pepe, you are both more mobile and aggressive so look to be that second man if Sanchez/Brahimi whoever manages to provide that moment to get past the first guy.
Carrick - Sit deep in front of the defense and do not allow any room for anyone to operate. When you get the opportunity try to quickly hit the ball long. Shout at the other midfielders when to close down and when to drop deep in support.
Xhaka/Downing - Both of you in box-to-box type roles today. Defensively you both need to drop back and help Carrick, some closing down, sometimes sitting deep. When we get the ball, break forward and get into the box. Downing can create opportunities whereas Xhaka is more about drive.
Suarez - Drift around, look to run across the back four and look for space between their defense and midfield. Make that moment happen. Look to get wide and onto the left if things aren't working, their first choice right back is out this week.
Ba - Get in the faces of their centre backs, be a general nuisance, they aren't the strongest and I believe you can beat them in the air today if the ball comes in. But generally try to occupy the defenders to create space for Suarez.
SET PIECES
Left Corner - Bertrand
Right Corner - Xhaka
Free Kicks - Suarez/Downing
Penalties - Suarez
posted on 28/1/15
------------------------Enyeama-------------------------
Coke------------Luisao----------Masch----------Castro
-------------------Pirlo----------Blind--------------------
-------Robben--------T.Hazard----------Pedro---------
------------------------Immobile-------------------------
Aréola, Ondoa, Janko, James, Perrey, Suliman, Kouyate, Van Aanholt, Britton, Rosicky, Baker, Christensen, Hojbjerg, Lawrence, Schöpf, Robert, Roberts, Rowe, Green, Pereira, Halilovic, Wilson, S. Ramirez, Afobe, Aubameyang
main page: http://www.ja606.co.uk/articles/viewArticle/271146
Week 6:
-----------------------Enyeama-------------------------
Coke------------Luisao----------Masch----------Castro
-------------------Pirlo----------Blind--------------------
-------Robben--------Halilovic----------Pedro---------
--------------------------PEA-----------------------------
Subs:
Kouyate, Hojbjerg, Baker, Wilson, Afobe
Our game plan is to control the game and play some fluid and exciting, attack-minded football. Pass and move is the key phrase. We don't want to be static, when players are on the ball we want them to have options.
We want to press our opponents and put pressure on them when they have the ball, but will let them play the ball around in their own half as to utilise our pace and get in behind them on the counter when their players step up the pitch.
In defence we have pace in the fullback positions, accompanied by a leaders and organisers, in the middle. Our defenders will look to pass the ball out from the back, there will be plenty of options with the number of bodies in midfield. The full backs will only venture forward one at a time as to keep us tight at the back and a combination of Blind and our CB's ready to cover.
Blind takes up a position in the base of our midfield, his job is to break up the play and get the ball to Pirlo. He'll sit in his position, staying behind the ball so he's always on hand to shut down an opponents attack. We want him to close down the opposition in our half and battle for the ball.
Alongside him will be our playmaker Pirlo, he'll dictate the tempo of the game and will be involved int he majority of our key passes.
Robben and Pedro will take up the wide roles. Their pace and trickery will be key in getting in behind our opponents and also pushing their wider players back into areas where they can't hurt us. They're instructed to balance their play between taking their men on and also playing one twos with the midfield and striker.
Halilovic will operate in the middle of the park, he has a good engine, he will look to go get the ball from Pirlo, his movement will also be key in opening up space for Pirlo to find passes to other players.
PEA will lead the line, he'll look to feed off of our midfielders, while also finding pockets of space between our opponents defenders and exploiting his pace on getting in behind them.
If losing after 70 minutes:
Diamond time
Kouyate > Blind
Hoj > Halilovic
Wilson > Pedro
-------Pirlo
--Hoj------Kou
-----Robben
---PEA--Wilson
If winning:
Move to 4-3-3
Hoj > Halilovic
posted on 28/1/15
Pirlo - Captain, freekicks
Robben - Pens
posted on 28/1/15
SKANKPORT vs. Andover
------------------------------Forster-----------------------------
-------------Varane-------Ginter----Hernandez----------
Yedlin------------Kramer-------Clasie--------------Durm
Coutinho---------------------------------------------Grealish
--------------------------------Costa------------------------------
Subs: Mandragora, Cook, Gonzalez, Lascelles, Nabiullin
General -
Ravished by injuries and suspensions, the story of my season But I feel we have the players to get a win today * so long as we play the right system *.
The tactics today are basically to sit deep in the middle, compacting space in and in front of the box, forcing the ball out wide for Andover to rely on crosses which play into our hands. Offensively, we can't go through the centre, because we're sitting deep, but I feel that Andover can be found out from our own crossing game, especially with Costa up top.
Effectively, I'm going to try and kill the central space in my own half with heavy pressing, and force the game to be won or lost out wide.
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. Ginter, as the most dominant aerial presence will be the central pivot, and is tasked with attacking crosses.
Varane have two duties, and which side the attack comes down will decide which role they take on. If the cross comes down our right, Varane will move out to meet the attacker, closing him down to ensure he can't pick out a cross. Whilst Varane goes out wide, Hernandez will look to occupy the point striker, giving Ginter a free role to attack the cross unhindered. If the ball comes down the left the roles are, obviously, reversed. I've picked these two to perform these roles because they're much more mobile than Ginter, and it allows Ginter to be our strong, physically dominant, CB, which brings the best out of him.
We expect Rap to play with Berahino or Austin, neither of these two are particularly good in the air, and as I'm man marking them, they should have no luck from the crossing positions we're herding Andover into.
The three centre backs, coupled with two defensive midfielders in Kramer and Clasie will allow my wingbacks to (largely) forgo their defensive duties. This is important because these two must be making constant runs up the side of the pitch, giving us players in crossing positions. As I said, we're trying to force the issue by swinging in lots of crosses to Costa, so by overloading both wings, we should see lots of these balls whipped in.
Midfield -
Clasie and Kramer have a very simple role. Stay back, stay deep, stay within the width of the penalty area. Within this relatively small quadrant, they're asked to buzz around, snapping into tackles and pressing very hard. This should make the space in front of the box tight, and near impossible to work in, forcing Andover to go wide, rather than play through the middle.
When the ball does go wide, they need to follow any late runners into the box to make sure no Andover player is left unmarked for the crosses we're forcing Andover to rely on. In this movement of running back to the goal, into the box, they also remove Andover's chance of trying to cut into the area on a mazy run due to it now being packed with large amounts of Stockers defenders. Again, this forces Andover to rely on crosses, which should be ineffectual.
When they're on the ball, they simply need to get it out wide as quickly as possible. No running it out of midfield, no long balls to Costa (unless under pressure), just out wide. This also applies to the defence
Forwards -
Coutinho and Grealish are perhaps a little inexperienced, but in terms of ability they are fantastic wingers/forwards. Additionally, it looks like Rap has some problems in his wide FBs (injuries), so it should be a good battle!
They need to be traditional wingers today, playing very wide, nice one twos with the on rushing wingbacks. The aim is to get in behind the Andoverish FBs before swinging in crosses to Costa. It's a very simple tactic, Moyesian even, but there's no reason why it shouldn't work, as explained below...
The key to this tactics is, and always will be, Costa. Fonte is out with injury, I'm fairly sure Rap is going to start Agger. And I'd just like to take a second to say why this could be the turning point.
Agger left the PL because he couldn't cope with the physical demands of it any more (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/liverpool/11065462/Daniel-Agger-joins-Brondby-from-Liverpool-and-says-he-could-no-longer-cope-with-Premier-League-demands.html). And I've got one of the most physical strikers in the world, and a set of tactics that relies on being physical at the sharp end of the attack...
So basically, Costa needs to isolate himself against Agger and force the issue, use his power and ability to get on the end of crosses against a CB who has confessed to being unable to play against this style.
But even if Rap has pulled something off and not started Agger, Costa should have enough against any pairing he puts out, because that's how good the Spaniard is.
So yeah, isolate the weakest defender (hopefully Agger) and the crossing game we're playing today should pay dividends. It plays into our hands, and exploits the weaknesses in Andover's injury hit defence.
Subs -
70 - Coutinho off for Gonzalez - Fresh legs on the wing, just keep up the crossing game. That's where we'll get joy, so by adding in some new pace to the wings we can keep it up in the last 20 minutes.
posted on 28/1/15
posted 6 days, 19 hours ago
Basingstoke Town tactics.
Week 11 vs Lions
4-2-3-1
----------------------Cesar--------------------
Carvajal---Marquez---Zouma---Gibbs
--------------Rode-----Ramsey---------
Menez-----------Quintero--------Teixeira
-----------------------Rossi--------------------
Subs: Fabianski, Vilhena, Bellerin, Gnabry, Boetius
Captain - Marquez
Vice - Rossi
Corners & FKs (L) - Quintero
Corners & FKs (R) - Rossi
Pens - Rossi
Today, with a tough away game we really have a big chance to show we mean business as title contenders. Our brilliant form must be taken into consideration and the players will be hugely motivated, with a chance to keep heading to the top of the table! Our gameplan is to play our game, as if we're the home team and try and dictate the play and get on top of the lions. We have a great blend of youth and experience with some impressive talent in the side and our aim is to press high up the pitch and control the opposition, whilst the guile and movement of our front four will prove incredibly difficult to stifle.
Cesar - A vastly experienced goalkeeper who is at his peak in 'keeper years. He will know what's expected of him with a young defence in front of him aside from Marquez, he will be key in keeping concentration levels in the team high. Aside from this he is a quality shot stopper and will be expected to command his area, be quick off his line (as we will be playing a high line) and be big if he's caught one on one.
FBs - The fbs are both young but experienced at the top level, extremely talented and have a great engine on them. At times they will be offering the width we need to stretch the defence, so their running will be valuable to us. First and foremost I want them defending though, only going forward when the opportunity is perfect and only one of them at a time to keep us from being hit on the counter.
CBs - A classic mix of youth and experience today. Whilst we line up as a back 4, our formation is almost really a 1-3-2-3-1, with Marquez as the one behind the defence. Whilst he will line up alongside the rest of the defence and generally sit in alongside the line, he will be dropping off as soon as he spots the danger coming. Basically, we will be playing a high line to press the other team, but not necessarily an offside trap as Marquez has license to drop off and snuff out any through passes before they come to anything if he likes. He can also hold up attacks while the extremely fast 3 around him get back in positions. Whilst Marquez is calling the line and has a complex role to meet his experience levels, Zouma's will be a lot more simple. When the CFs comes into Zouma in the central of defence Zouma will get right to him and give him a torrid time with his strength, aggressive and pace, allowing Marquez to work around him. Zouma is one of the few defenders in the league who can match anyone for strength, power and pace so shouldn't give Blyth much to work with, whilst Marquez has great experience, which should mean if Zouma or the FBs get beat Marquez will be in the position to mop up.
Rode - An important player for our balance, so will be key today in breaking up attacks from a side that like to move the ball well and quickly, he will be our anchor man looking to sit in front of the defence and break up attacks where possible and make sure the defence is never vulnerable. He will slot in playing his natural role and will be important in cutting off the service to the forwards. He will also be important to defend counter attacks, with a cynical foul if necessary! Overall he will be in it to hit the lion midfield hard and fast early on and make them think twice when they're on the ball from then on, panicking them into mistakes and then moving the ball on to the more naturally talented players with simple passes when he does get it.
Ramsey - Back from injury and ready to show us what we missed last week. He will play from deep, with his very high energy levels matched with our higher line meaning we can press the opposition midfield very quickly and into mistakes in dangerous areas. When on the ball too he is very good at the simple things, keepih the play ticking over and that's what I want him to do primarily today - making us solid and hard to break down whilst getting us on the attack. He will also get to make the late runs which are natural to him to try and get involved at the right time at the oppositions end, like he has done so often before.
Quintero - Quintero is really having a top season for us this year and hopefully today will be no different - we have set up with players around him to compliment him, especially given our game plan today. We know that fighting Wanyama will be a tough battle for him, especially as he is young, but it's a challenge he will relish and we're giving him the support to succeed. He should be starting to get an understanding of the two either side of him who are using him as the focal point in a system that allows us to overload the opposition with hard work and clever play. As for Quintero, he can beat players, shoot from distance and he has 3 fast players ahead of him, interchanging with great moving to try and pick out with passes. This season has been brilliant for him and I want to see it continued today.
Menez and Teixeira - Both get to play the games that are natural to them, albeit slightly different styles, starting out wide and drifting into dangerous areas with well timed runs and intelligent movement. They're both powerful players and are good finishers, with Teixeira giving us a bit more guile and being able to drift into gaps, so will really keep the opposition defence on their toes, also pushing the defence back giving more room for Quintero and with their constant movement distracting the defenders it should allow Rossi the half a yard he needs to do the damage. Menez is free to interchange wings at will whilst Teixeira will be drifting into the areas where he's confident and where defenders and attackers won't want to follow him, causing confusion. Despite this I want them putting in a bigger shift defensively this week too - away from home we can't afford to leave anyone exposed. With this in mind they can play the game that is natural to them, meaning when we're on the ball we will be deadly, but when we lose it I want them busting a gut to protect the FB behind them on their side of the pitch.
Rossi - Has been ticking along nicely for us and starting to find his feet in the team. Our plan is set up to get the best out of him - whilst his build up play is good, that area of the pitch is well stocked so I want him to use his best attributes: pace, movement and finishing. Essentially I want him off the shoulder of the last man, always trying to get in behind. Running the channels and moving constantly so that the opposition CBs can't relax for a minute, because if they do, he'll pounce. Hopefully his pace will force the lions to drop deeper too, allowing more room in the MF for Quintero to exploit. When he gets a chance he's a deadly finisher and will make the most of it.
Subs if winning around 70 mins - Vilhena and Boetius on for Quintero and Menez - like for like, just to offer more energy levels and Vilhena to solidfy our CM.
85 mins - Gnabry for Teixeira
Subs if losing/drawing around 65 mins - Boetius on for Quintero, with Teixeira coming into the central attacking midfield role, to give us more direct options down both flanks and put the opposition under pressure.
70 mins - Vilhena for Ramsey, like for like however Vilhena is more attacking minded and will have completely fresh legs so again will help to get on top of the opposition and press them back.
posted on 28/1/15
--------------------Bravo
Janmaat---De Vrij----Fernandez--Cole
-------------------Diaby
-----------Swift---------Gago
Joaquin--------------------------------Piatti
------------------Ibrahimovic
Subs – Raeder, Bruma, Perisic, Drogba, Adriano
Subs
70 Mins Swift for Drogba – 4-4-2
70 Mins Piatti for Perisic
Game Plan – I want my team to play counter attacking football. We need to be in their faces by continuously pressing them and keeping all men behind the ball (when we are off the ball). When on the ball we need to be direct and composed. We need to use our wingers as much as possible because that is where I believe we can take advantage of them. Their full backs will be attacking a lot and leaving plenty of gaps behind them. We need to dominate the midfield battle and control the game how we want it to be controlled. We need to control possession and work the ball into spaces. Try and keep it tight for the opposition so when we get the ball we can exploit any spaces left.
Our full backs and wingers shall press as well. Our team will be aiming to obtain the ball as soon as possible and then punish the opposition with swift attacks. We want to play a deep defensive line and keep things tight on the pitch. Therefore we shall aim to keep our defence behind the centre circle off the ball bar our full backs who will be invited to move forward. We want to reduce the amount of freedom the opposition has on the ball. Our players will keep close to the opposition’s men and push them back. We want to force errors out of them and push off the ball. Our two centre backs will stick together, whether that is when we are off the ball or when we are up for set pieces. The full backs shall cover the goal area during these set pieces. Our full backs shall be keeping our defensive line tight when we are off the ball, sticking in a line with our centre backs. However on the ball I want them moving forward and helping form the attacks. Our two defensive midfielders will be looking to slow down play, hold the ball and create opportunities by moving the ball forward as quick as possible. Defensively this will force the game to be tight and cancel out the opposition. On the ball it should free up space for our attackers and move forward as quickly as possible.
Our attacking play will be fast and neat. Our two defensive midfielders will be breaking up play, holding on to the ball and then setting our wingers free. This means we want to play with plenty of pace. Out of our 2 wingers Joaquin is our fastest and we are likely to get some space in this area. Swift is playing central today so he should be able to make plenty of runs. Our wingers and number 10 shall be integrating with each other’s play and therefore we will have plenty of options during our attacks.
Positional Tactics:
Janmaat should play as a wing back. I want him to move forward during our attacks. He should stay out wide to create a crossing option. I want him to create space for our wingers. While defending Janmaat should try and push the player back. If he can’t do that he should push him out wide to a position where he has to kick the ball off. Cole should play the same way.
De Vrij should use his height and strength to keep the striker(s) out of the game. I want him to keep with that attacker at all times or keep him offside. He should try and header every ball out of the box or kick it away preferably to the wingers. He should only go up for corners/free kicks. Fernandez should play the same way as De Vrij.
Diaby will be the DM. He should look to disrupt their attacking play and reduce the space around their playmaker. He should hold his position and not get caught up field. I want him to control the style of the game we play. While acting as cover for our defence he should also separate the midfield from the defence by keeping hold of the ball and form attacks.
Gago will be our box-box midfielder. I want him to identify spaces up the pitch. He should take hold of the ball and supply it to any of the front 3 ahead and try to exploit any space. When we’re attacking I want him to move up and stay in space. When off the ball he should be a ball winning player.
I want Joaquin to use his skill and pace and make runs into the box. He must use his pace to outrun the full back but also his quality control of the ball to dribble round him. When we’re off the ball I want him help Janmaat cover their full back. I would like Piatti to do the same.
Swift should use his pace and strength to make runs into the box and opening up space for Ibrahimovic. He will look to supply the ball to the wingers as well. Try and force their defensive midfielder to move out of position and allow our wingers to use that space by running into the centre. Off the ball he should drop back and play deeper therefore he will be able to use more of his trickery to open up games during a counter attack.
I would like Swift, Joaquin and Piatti to intersect and change positions.
Ibrahimovic must use his pace and skill to open up spaces for the wingers and central players to run into. I want him to stay inside the box so that he remains an option in the middle. However he should drop deeper to bring the defenders forward and open up space behind them. He should look to overpower their defenders with his pace and strength and height. He should constantly look to move into space to create himself as an option for the defence. When we’re defending he should mark the player at the edge of the box.
TEAM TALK
You are all pretty awful at this. You are all pretty sheit apart from Ibrahimovic so I don’t hope for much but hopefully my little song ive prepared will help you all feel that little bit motivated.
Let's get down to business
To defeat Southend.
Did they send me pansies
When I asked for men?
You're the saddest bunch I ever met
But you can bet before we're through
Mister, I'll make a man
Out of you.
Tippy would be better
But on fire within.
Once you find your center
You are sure to win.
You're a spineless, pale pathetic lot
And you haven't got a clue.
Somehow I'll make a man
Out of you.
Ibrahimovic: I'm never gonna catch my breath
Joaquin: Say goodbye to those who knew me
Gago: Boy, was I a fool in school for cutting gym
Piatti: This guy's got them scared to death
De Vrij: Hope he doesn't see right through me
Ibrahimovic: Now I really wish that I knew how to pass the ball
[men] BE A MAN
We must be swift as a coursing river
[men] BE A MAN
With all the force of a great typhoon
[men] BE A MAN
With all the strength of a raging fire
Mysterious as the dark side of the moon
Time is racing toward us
'til the Southenders arrive.
Heed my every order
And you might survive.
You're unsuited for the rage of football
So pack up, go home you're through
How could I make a man
Out of you?
[men] BE A MAN
We must be swift as a coursing river
[men] BE A MAN
With all the force of a great typhoon
[men] BE A MAN
With all the strength of a raging fire
Mysterious as the dark side of the moon
[everyone]BE A MAN
We must be swift as a coursing river
BE A MAN
With all the force of a great typhoon
BE A MAN
With all the strength of a raging fire
Mysterious as the dark side of the moon
Hoo-ah!
Captain: Gago
Vice Captain: De Vrij
Penalties: Swift
Free Kicks: Swift
Corners: Swift
posted on 28/1/15
I've missed willy's lyrical tactics
posted on 3/2/15
-----------------------Ryan
Friedrich---Veltman----Engels----Günter
------------Biglia (c)---------Baselli
Bernardeschi-----Klaassen-------Andersen
----------------------Vietto
Starting; Ryan, Friedrich, Veltman, Engels, Günter; Biglia (c), Baselli; Bernardeschi (Muric), Klaassen, Andersen; Vietto
Subs: Nyland, Meunier, Gaudino, Scholl, Muric
Corners: Biglia/Andersen
Pens: Biglia
Free Kicks: Biglia
My intentions are for my midfielders and forwards to pressurise the Andover players and thus compress the spaces, as the less time the Andover players will have on the ball, the smaller the area they have to play into becomes. Also winning the ball as close to the Andover goal as possible allows a more direct route to goal, increasing the chances of scoring.
The flipside to this kind of pressing is that it’s can be very tiring for the players doing it, and so part of what I plan to make these tactics a success is that the players will know when to sit in front of the opposition and when to harass the opposition.
As seen in my substitution below I will always look to substitute a forward or winger after 80 minutes. They are the players that have to press the most, while the defenders, in theory, should barely have to.
The alternative of sitting back and letting the opposition have the ball will give my forwards an opportunity to recover for another period of pressing. Our solid defence means we are happy to sit back and exchange long balls; it will allows our forwards to recover, but also force Andover to alter their style. If long balls don’t work, Andover are forced to try to play their way through, leaving gaps for my team to exploit on the counter-attack. In addition, the completeness that universality pushes towards means that the long balls will be be realistic goal-scoring opportunities for Luciano Vietto.
In possession, my five man midfield made it easier to maintain possession – indeed, my 4-2-3-1 formation will naturally encourage passing triangles – and my players’ ability to interchange positions will make them difficult to track.
A run through of my players shows that everyone is capable on the ball or is able to play in a different position.
Mathew Ryan is one of the best sweeper keepers in the world and his excellent distribution will start many attacks for us. Joel Veltman and Bjorn Engels are calm and assured on the ball, particularly the former who can also fit in at right-back, Marvin Friedrich is able to play anywhere along the defence and is decent going forward. Whilst Christian Günter is noted for his attacking ability.
Lucas Biglia and Daniele Baselli will play primarily defensive, with their main job being to win the ball back for Davy Klaassen, but both are very capable on the ball and will often be seen lingering outside the opposition penalty area, ready to shoot. Any of the front 4 are interchangeable; Vietto will often move to the flanks, Andersen can link up with Vietto, shift to the flanks or come deep and so on.
Sub: Muric on for Bernardeschi (80th Min)
posted on 3/2/15
----------------------Casteels----------------------
---------J.Stones---Barzagli---Jagielka----------
Widmer-------Pogba-------Rabiot-------Willems
----------------------Barkley-----------------------
---------------Torres-------Coman----------------
Dragovic, Januzaj, El Ghazi, Puscas, Medran
Well a change of tactics, this could easily be seen as a stroke of genius or we may fall completely on our faces.
Casteels is a good shotstopper, out early for the ball and always look to release it early for quick counters.
We line up with a strong back 3, Stones and Jagielka will do the marking job on the CF, depending which side he goes to if he is more left Stones and right it will be Jags, straight through the middle will depend on which fullback as come up from the oppositon, If the LB is attacking Jags will pick up the CF as Stones moves out asnd vice versa. Barzagli will take a ste[p back and be mindful of any player coming through and help out his fellow defenders. Stick as a three, we have plenty options going forward. Jagielka however will go up for set plays.. Now the wingbacks are youthful, and fuill of energy, so up and down the pitch is nop problem for them, Will watch there wingers and close them down early, if the fullback comes up as well, allow the winger to be marked by Stones/Jags so the full back doesnt become a threat, we dont think both fullbacks will attack at the same time so we shouldnt be too stretched. Attacking they will look to Pogba/Rabiot etc to pass and move up to receive the return ball drive at them and look to fire in some wicked crosses, Would like one fullback to attack whilst the other stays a bit deeper just in case.
Pogba and Rabiot in the heart of our team, Rabiot will look to take care of the AM and stop him dictating the passage of play, aided by Pogba when they attack they are exubarant charachters and feisty so will be hardf to get passed. stay up dont dive in, do this it will be harder for them to get passed. Once we have won the ball Rabiot stays on or nnear the half way line allowing Pogba to drive forward and do what he does best by getting into dangerous positions and become a massive goal threat, look to link well with the three ahead of him.
Barkley plays ahead of him and he links everything tfrom the back to the front, will spray the ball about to thw wide men and look to feed the front two, also be mindful of Pogbas lung bursting runs so he can play a defence splitting pass for Pogba to run on too. Will watch there DM coming forward and be onto him to stop him dicvtating where the ball goes for them.
Coman and Torres up top, when we defend I always want one to drift out wide depending on where there attacks start from, if its the left then Torres pushes out wide to force them into silly mistakes, close everything down, likewise with Coman on the right, Coman is full of energy like most of our players so he will also drop deepish to pick up the ball to look to take on players, will hep out the wingers and make himself available for the ball at all times. Torres is finding his feet again and on his day is a top striker, is quick and a good strong boy, will have plenty runners around him so he must get himself into positions where he will become dangerous to there goal, if he cvant go for goal look for the runners around him so he can link up play and move elsewhere, either to get the ball back or at very least drag a defender away for someone to move into that space.
|This is a young fit team, well mostly, so plenty running, passing and movement from them, talk to each other and always make themselves available as best they can, when they have houind them down, get into position early...
CAptain - Pogba
Pens - Torres
Free Kicks - Barkley/Pogba
Corners - Coman
Subs:-
Losing
70 Mins - Puscas for Coman, new striker and full of goals
80 Mins - Januzaj and El Ghazi for Willems and Widmer gotta go for it really
Winning
75 Mins - Medran for Coman, go into a three man midfield to shore it up
85 Mins - Puscas for Torres, just fresh legs hound them down, hold it up etc
Drawing
70 Mins - Puscas for Coman
posted on 4/2/15
Comment deleted by Site Moderator
posted on 4/2/15
FL FART vs Miami tactics
--------------------Jefferson---------------------
Vd Wiel----Rami----Otamendi----Kurzawa
---------------Vidal----Kondogbia------------
--------------------Toure Y----------------------
---Shaqiri----------------------------Bakkali---
-------------------Mandzukic-------------------
SUBS:
Fofana
Zivkovic
Balanta
Cambiasso
Gabriel
*******************
Overview: We'll set out our stall to defend from the front, aiming to press the opposition high up the pitch and keep the pressure on the defence so the opposition can never get the ball to Pogba and their clever attackers.
As usual we have plenty of pace and power throughout the team. I'd like us to look to win the ball high up the pitch by pressing from the front and we'll keep the ball moving quickly with snappy short passes to feet. When our full backs are pushed forward we'll have triangles all over the pitch. With good quick passing and lots of movement we'll be a nightmare to defend against. We'll be tight and compact at the back when out of possession - Kondogbia is a monster of a defensive midfielder who gives great solidity when he drops back into defence as well as affording our other midfielders and full backs the opportunity to worry less about leaving space behind them when they push forwards. Toure in particular will love having Kondogbia as a shield behind him; he's freed up to bomb on and do what he does best.
I'd like us to keep the ball on the deck and move it quickly to pull defenders out of position; both wingers and the striker will all look to get past the line of defence and in on goal, as will Vidal and Toure. The counter will still be used when available and appropriate.
*******************
Keeper: Jefferson
He'll be asked to keep things simple today. No sweeping or anything daft like that. Save whatever would go in the goal, and distribute it short or with a quick throw to the flanks or Toure/Vidal.
Full backs: Van der Wiel and Kurzawa
Both have the gas to get up and down all match long and I want them to provide the width today, getting round the inside forward and creating overloads out wide. We’re the home team today and I want to play like it, so my full backs have licence to get forwards. Kondogbia will cover for them by tucking back into a back 3 when the full backs push on and playing as a sweeper.
Centre backs: Rami and Otamendi
Both are excellent all-rounders, good in the air and comfortable on the ball, both strong and quick. Rami’s a born leader, physically immense and not afraid to scream his head off to keep his back line organised. The centre halves will sit deep to deny any space in behind with Kondogbia prowling in front. Both go up for corners. Otamendi is slightly quicker so will push up a bit more to aggressively tackle the Miami forward men while Rami sits slightly deeper and sweeps up anything loose.
Midfield: Vidal and Kondogbia
Kondogbia is the lynchpin of the midfield, a master of interceptions and a terrifying physical presence. When the full backs bomb on Kondogbia will drop back into a back 3 and will play as the sweeper between Rami and Otamendi. When we're in possession he'll make himself available in front of the defence for simple passes and he'll keep the ball moving with quick and simple short balls. If Pogba gets anywhere near the ball, Big Geoffrey must get close to him straight away and shut him down before he can have a go from range. Vidal will sit a little deeper than usual today to help Kondogbia dominate Pogba before releasing Toure to get forwards; Vidal’s energy will help him get up and down the pitch to support the attackers as well, but primarily I want him and Kondogbia to be all over Pogba from the start. Kondogbia will stay back at all times to protect against the counter.
Wingers: Shaqiri and Bakkali
These two come in as inside forwards, both rapid and tricky and naturally comfortable cutting inside. I want them to attack the space inside the fullback and centre half, or between centre halves if they go with 3 at the back. Mandzukic will be a handful for the centre halves so there'll be space for the wingers to attack. I'd like them to play in the striker or the midfielders as they push forwards, and when they cut inside I want the full back to get round and offer the overlap. They also have licence to switch flanks go up the line if play is becoming congested in the middle; both have the pace to beat a man round the outside and cut it back for Mandzukic/Vidal/Toure. When they pull wide and play as wingers, the full backs will be expected to push forwards less.
Striker: Mandzukic
Difficult to write tactics for a player who does a bit of everything. The Croatian Super Mario is a striker with no weaknesses who will bring his all-round game to this match; primarily he will work his árse off and defend from the very front, before bringing the onrushing midfielders or inside forwards into the game. The nature of his hassling and harrying game is that it wins the ball back when the opposition defence is not in a good defensive shape; catching them off guard will free up space in front of the defence for my attacking midfielders to run into and play through balls behind the defence or go for goal from range. When the wingers do go wide Mandzukic will play right off the last defender, looking to push aggressively past the penalty spot to get on the end of crosses. Mandzukic is also a terrific finisher and will relish receiving balls into feet with his back to goal before laying it off to an onrushing midfielder/winger, spinning and getting into the box where his predatory instincts will be most valuable.
Captain: Rami
Free kicks: Toure
Penalties: Vidal
Corners: Shaqiri
*******************
IF WINNING:
Balanta on for Kurzawa, Fofana on for Toure, Gabriel on for Vd.Wiel, 80 mins: Fofana drops in alongside Vidal and Kondogbia in a more solid defensive midfield 3. Balanta goes in at left back and Gabriel in at right back, both tuck in a bit more than the players they replace and stay back more.
IF LOSING/DRAWING: Zivkovic on for Kondogbia, 75 mins: We go 4-4-2, with Bakkali and Shaqiri switching flanks to play more as orthodox wingers. Vidal and Toure are solid enough in midfield as long as only one pushes forwards at once. Zivkovic goes up top alongside Mandzukic.
PEACE
posted on 4/2/15
----------------------------Guaita----------------------------
------------Vlaar-----Dante-----Pepe----Maxwell------
----------------------------Carrick---------------------------
------------------Illara'---------------Downing-------------
------------------------------Silva----------------------------
-------------------Suarez-------Demba Ba---------------
BENCH
Lee
Bertrand
Motta
Mounier
Crouch
TACTICS
Trying something different this week.
I'm terrified of their nasty wingers so I'm going for four good defenders at the back. Not interested in them attacking, just defend and don't let them do anything. Hold a deeper line. Thorgan is nowhere near as good as his brother. Their striker isn't very mobile, so it'll be simple just to man-mark him and not let him free of Dante.
Carrick, you don't know how to run so just stand there.
Pirlo is alright at passing the ball. But today Bernardo Silva will be not letting him do that. Chop him down, anything. Don't let him pass it. The other three midfielders will sit deeper, protecting the defense.
That's about it for defending stuff. It would be nice if they don't score any goals.
So let's talk about attacking. We want to score more goals than they do.
Suarez, you're the best player in the league so make stuff happen. Bite Pirlo and anyone else who tries to stop you.
Ba, you're taller than Mascherano and can turn him into mash potato so dominate him aerially. I want you to score a goal today. Preferably multiple.
Silva, create chances for the strikers. You're David Silva today. Downing, you do the same.
Simples. I look forward to our win despite their nasty wingers.
SUBSTITUTIONS
If a player is tired or not playing well then I want him gone. Crouch is a cool guy so bring him on sometime.
TEAM TALK
Just play better than them, score more goals. The trick is to hit the ball hard with your feet or head (or hands if you can get away with it) and put it between the posts and below the crossbar.
posted on 4/2/15
Blyth
......................Gordon...................
Sabelli......Williams...Vermaelen...Emerson
....................De Jong....De Rossi.............
Dyer......................Jese...............Gabbiadini
...........................Zaza..............................
Subs: Branescu, Maldini, Hagi, Bonaventura, Toni
Capt: De Rossi
Corners: Dyer
Free Kicks: Jese
Pens: Zaza
Hit pretty hard this week with injuries and suspensions as we lose De Sciglio,Wijnaldum,Darmian and Dede
inspite of this we have managed to put out a strong side with a fantastic spine and some decent pace outwide. Have no idea how Willy will line up his Arsenal side but we do know that Ibra will be the danger.
Back to back wins have taken us to the brink of a title challenge and with home advantage and the knowledge that Basingstoke play Saarfend this is a good chance to close the gap further as we enter the business end of the season.
We're the home team and we will look to press from the front dominating the play and playing at our tempo...Man to man on Ibra if not in fact doubling up on him and blasting the gunners out-wide.
a bit about the boys:
Gordon - A good solid shot stopper. sowing good form for Celtic, quick off his line to collect crosses, will keep it snappy with short throws to the FB's or long punts up to Zaza
Sabelli - Comes in for his debut today, 22 year old plays for Bari (16 games this season) and has this season cemented his place in the Italy U21's....a little raw but thats to be expected. As all our FB's do he's expected to supply the width and with De Rossi/De Jong sitting will crack on
Williams/Vermaelen - 2 More debutants....Williams will us his power to man mark Ibra wilst Verm is a ball player so will look to bring the ball out and play a bit allowing De Rossi and De Jong the freedom to squeeze higher up the pitch...If Willy goes one up top then Verm can double up with Williams on Ibra to snuff out the big Swede
Emerson - 20 year old Brazilian at Palermo having signed from Santos...will look to mirror Sabelli on the right maintaining balance
De Jong - The hatchet sorry anchor man, he does the dirty work that allows the more creative elements of the team the freedom to hurt Arsenal. Will sit today breaking up play and tracking Arsenal's AM, giving our FB's the freedom to double up with our wingers
De Rossi - The midfield general will be a proper box-boxer today linking the defence and the attack as we look to dictate the game and control the middle of the park.
Dyer - Fantastic debut last week with 2 assists, look for more of the same, very quick and very direct will run the line and keep their FB pegged back, When Sabelli runs the over lap he'll cut in and hit the space between their FB and CB causing confusion and making some space for Zaza
Jese - Debutant no5...Real Madrid starlet comes in today as the #10...Normally a LW but comfortable all across the front line makes him the perfect 10 as he'll drift around making himself hard to mark, decent pace and a good scoring record, will look to chance his arm from distance
Gabbiadini - usually plays on the right but as a leftie I want him over there using his stronger foot to whip balls in rather than the cut in...we want to stretch Arsenal so like Dyer he'll hog the line making our pitch as wide as possible, If and When Emerson makes the run then like Dyer he'll cut in, but predominately we're looking at proper wingers today.
Zaza - Fantastic player, doing well for Sassuolo (8 goals in 16 league games) well enough that he'll be at Juve next season, for me he's Tevez-esque and that high pressure, team ethic is invaluable as we defend from the front, never stops running a real defenders nightmare...plays off the shoulder of the last defender looking to hit the spaces we create with intelligent well timed runs
Subs:
Winning/Drawing 65 mins
No changes, it's working crack on
Losing 65 mins
Toni > Dyer
We go 4-2-4 gung ho football as we need atleast a win ti stay in the title race....Luca Toni is a real aerial threat so we go in hard and fast take no prisoners
......................Gordon...................
Sabelli......Williams...Vermaelen...Emerson
....................De Jong....De Rossi.............
Gabbiadini.............................................Jese.
......................Zaza........Toni......................
posted on 4/2/15
FC Pride
-----------------------Enyeama-------------------------
Janko------------Luisao----------Masch----------Castro
-------------------Pirlo---------Kouyate------------------
-------Robben--------T.Hazard----------Pedro---------
------------------------Immobile-------------------------
Subs:
Van Aanholt, Rosicky, Halilovic, Aubameyang, Wilson
Our game plan is to control the game and play some fluid and exciting, attack-minded football. Pass and move is the key phrase. We don't want to be static, when players are on the ball we want them to have options.
We want to press our opponents and put pressure on them when they have the ball, but will let them play the ball around in their own half as to utilise our pace and get in behind them on the counter when their players step up the pitch.
In defence we have pace in the fullback positions, accompanied by a leaders and organisers, in the middle. Our defenders will look to pass the ball out from the back, there will be plenty of options with the number of bodies in midfield. The full backs will only venture forward one at a time as to keep us tight at the back and a combination of Blind and our CB's ready to cover.
Kouyate takes up a position in the base of our midfield, his job is to break up the play and get the ball to Pirlo. He'll sit behind the ball so he's always on hand to shut down an opponents attack. We want him to close down the opposition in our half and battle for the ball. He's also very capable of filling in, in defence.
Alongside him will be our playmaker Pirlo, he'll dictate the tempo of the game and will be involved int he majority of our key passes.
Robben and Pedro will take up the wide roles. Their pace and trickery will be key in getting in behind our opponents and also pushing their wider players back into areas where they can't hurt us. They're instructed to balance their play between taking their men on and also playing one twos with the midfield and striker(s).
Thorgan Hazard will operate in the middle of the park, he has a good engine, he will look to go get the ball from Pirlo, his movement will also be key in opening up space for Pirlo to find passes to other players.
Immobile will lead the line, he'll look to feed off of our midfielders, while also finding pockets of space between our opponents defenders and exploiting his pace on getting in behind them.
If losing after 70 minutes:
Move to 4-3-3
PEA > Immobile
Halilovic > Hazard
-------Kouyate
----Pirlo------Hal
Rob-----PEA-----Ped
Kouyate anchors, Pirlo dictates, Halilovic is the link between the attack and midfield
If winning:
Move to 3-5-2
Van Aanholt > Luisao
Halilovic > Pedro
PEA > Immobile
-------Kouyate----Masch----Castro--------
Janko-------------------------------Aanholt
--------------------Pirlo--------------------
------Halilovic-----------T Hazard--------
------------Robben-------------------------
---------------------PEA--------------------
Strong, mobile and good with the ball at the back
Pace on the flanks
Ability to dictate the tempo in the middle
Good ont he ball and short passing in the AM
Pace and finishing up front
posted on 4/2/15
Notts County tactics vs Barcelona
----------------------------------De Gea----------------------------
Vrsaljko---------Manolas-----------Romagnoli-----------Bernat
-----------------Iturraspe------------Tolisso-------------------------
--------------------------------Isco----------------------------
Alexis-------------------------------------------------------Correa
-------------------------------Dybala--------------------------------
subs: Denayer, Tielemans, Traore, Mattiello, Alcacer
Game plan: our plan today is to be a little less gung ho and attacking than usual, we're experimenting with a new system and will be looking to be a little more cautious in defence especially as we're away from home. We will still look to press in our own half and our defensive line will be a little deeper than usual, but we wont be sitting on the edge of own 18 yard box, that would be dangerous with Graziano Pélle in the opposition line up, the further away from our own box he is the better, our line will look to be around 15 yards outside the box. 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. When we win the ball back we will break with pace and precision, the likes of Sanchez, Isco, Angel Correa and Dybala all have the pace and movement to be an effective. attacking foursome, while Iturraspe and Corentin Tolisso provide the quality passing and defensive security to assist them.
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, Iturraspe and Tolisso will play as a pivot so one may move forward while the other sits in, this reverts to a 4-5-1 formation when we lose possession.
-----------------------Manolas-------Romagnoli------------------
Vrsaljko---------Iturraspe-------Tolisso--------------Bernat
---------------------------------Isco-----------------------------
Alexis--------------------------------------------------------Correa
----------------------------------Dybala-----------------------------
out of possession- the full backs will look to tuck in while Sanchez and Correa will track back to cover the wide areas and double up on the wide players.
Vrsaljko------------Manolas------Romagnoli-----------Bernat
-------------------------------Iturraspe-------------------------------
Sanchez-----------Tolisso------------Brahimi---------Correa
---------------------------------Dybala----------------------------------
De Gea: 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 not giving Pélle and the other forwards any time and space, if they manage to turn one Cb the other should always be there snuffing him out, the full backs will also tuck in leaving little room in the centre of the pitch for the runs of the Attackers of Barca, while Sanchez and Correa look to cover in the wide areas.
Midfield: Iturraspe and Tolisso will play as the CM 2 today, they will perform in a double pivot, they are both extremely comfortable in possession and will look to keep the ball moving as much and quickly as possible, Ander is naturally the more defensive of the two, so Corentin will be the more likely to get forward and join the attacks while Ander holds his position in the defensive area of the pitch so as not to leave us exposed.
Isco he is an exceptionally talented attacker, he has extraordinary vision and great dribbling and passing ability, he will look to use these attributes to great effect, when he receives the ball he will look to turn and run at the opposition through the middle of the pitch, this Barcelona side while experienced does lack pace in the centre of the pitch with Gabi and Tiago, he can create chances for the likes of Dybala, Correa and Sanchez who will use their movement and pace to run in behind the Barca defence, or he can score goals himself as he has proved time and time for Real Madrid and Malaga before that.
Alexis Sanchez and Angel Correa 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 Dybala and Isco they both have the pace and movement to make runs beyond Dybala 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 Correa and Sanchez do move inside, Vrsaljko and Bernat will look to provide the outlet wide with overlapping runs.
Dybala will play as the centre forward for us today, his pace, movement and energy suits the change in the way we are going to play, he will look to roam across the pitch, dragging defenders out of position which will leave space for the other attackers and our midfield to benefit from, as stated previously in the tactics he is part of the fluid front 4 we are playing with today so will pop in different areas of the pitch on occasion, we are not just going to throw the ball into the box at every opportunity so his running of the channels and his technical ability are crucial in the way we want to play.
Substitutions: 70 minutes, Youri Tielemans for Corentin Tolisso, straight swap, a combative midfielder with great energy but also quality on the ball, will perform the same role as Tolisso
if losing after 70 minutes- Paco Alcacer for Angel Correa, Paco to play as the no9, and Paulo Dybala and Alexis to move into a genuine front 3, both Paulo and Alexis will have more freedom to move where they please and get in behind the centre backs and move into channels.
Captain: David De Gea
Free Kicks: Isco
Corners: Isco
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