Darmian should be RB instead of Lichtsteiner

Mandems vs. LITTLE HORSE

----------------------------Forster-----------------------------
Alves---------Rugani-----------Varane-----------Durm
------------Schneiderlin------Goretzka------------------
-----------------------------Lopes-----------------------------
------------Zaza----------Costa--------Aguero-----------

Subs - Horn, Hughes, Mandragora, Ings, Inaki

Tactics -

General - A team full of hustle, a bit of bustle, and most definitely some mustle. The plan is to completely shut down the centre of the pitch today, forcing the ball out wide and ensuring that Trebs is limited to crosses. With Suarez caught in a Forster-Rugani-Varane Marmite Sandwich, this is the best way to nullify the rat.

The pace and constant nature of our pressing game will ensure the game is played out our pace, rather than Trebs' and thus, even without our midfield Maestro dictating play, we will control the game.

Defence -

Varane is to pick up Suarez, keep goal side of him, with Rugani looking in just behind to cover Varane should Suarez spin away from him. If Suarez drops deep as he is want to do, Varane will ensure he hands him off to one of the two deep lying CMs.

The FBs aren't to get forward today, we have a plan for the forwards to offer width in a smart way, which means these two can concentrate on keeping narrow and forcing Mandem's wingers to spin quick crosses in, rather than have time to aim them - Again, this is all based on keeping Mandem's attacks limited to the wide positions, because from there, when the ball comes in, we will dominate.

Midfield -

Goretzka and Schneiderlin will be the two hardest workers on the pitch today - Which, of course, they normally are anyway. Their mobility, speed and all round combativeness will ensure that the centre of the pitch is essentially on lock down, again, forcing Mandems to look out wide if they want to get anything into the box.

Between them, they should create a box around Suarez, with Varane (closer to Suarez) and Rugani acting as the other two points of the square. This should completely cut the Uruguayan out of the game whilst also retaining our shape.

Marcos Lopes will be the creative light in this team, knitting together the hard work of the back 6 and the dangerous front three. Schneiderlin and Goretzka will be pretty locked back, so will look for Lopes, who will drop deep to lose his marker, giving him time to turn and pick out a pass or run at and past Mandem's DM - This is an area that he absolutely thrives in.

Forwards -

The Holy Trinity get to play together! A narrow, trident in attack, is how these three will start off. But should a Mandem FB charge forward, Zaza and Aguero shouldn't be afraid to drift wide, demand the ball, and drag a CB out into the wing position (putting Costa and the RF/LF up against one CB). Should the ball come out wide to one of these two, Costa will run to the front post (I expect the CB that's left in the box will follow him) and Aguero/Zaza will got to the far post (the FB on his side may chase him, but my forwards should have the advantage of a) moving first and b) being better in the air than most FBs out there.

Should Trebs' FBs stay deep, the trinity will move centrally, working within the width of the penalty area. This will mean two Mandem players are completely out the game, sitting deep to mark no-one. It also means we should have a numerical advantage up top (3 attackers against 2 CBs) so it's a case of pass, move, through ball. All the intricate play that these three are more than capable of pulling off.

Before the ball has reached the front three, who will tend to be level with each other when they attack, Aguero and Zaza can drop a little deep, adding numbers to our pressing and passing game and working in the space between the lines of midfield and defence. All three need to put in a shift closing down the defenders who receive back passes.

Subs -

Winning -

70 - Zaza off for Ings, Lopes off for Hughes - Very similar tactics, just fresh legs. Keeps us sharp at the top end.

Losing/Drawing -

70 - Zaza off for Inaki - Go 4-4-2. We have two of the best true box-to-box CMs in the world, we can still challenge in the centre of the park with these two, but it also makes sure Aguero and Costa are both central players, whilst the wingers can exploit a tiring opposition.

Fishguard Sports
Captain: Klaassen
Corners: Ödegaard (Zivkovic)/Fischer
Free kicks: Johansen
Pens: Vietto

----------------------Rajkovic
Jedvaj--------Friedrich---Wimmer---Günter
-------------------Stark
-----------------------------Johansen
Ödegaard-----------Klaassen---------Fischer
-----------------------Vietto

Subs: Kempf, Ajer, Fossum, Zivkovic, Muric



The first point to make about the players I have selected for this evening’s game is that they are all extremely comfortable on the ball.

In my opinion the position of defensive midfield is the key to all I want to achieve. For parts of the game Niklas Stark will fill this position, but for stretches of the game it will be Stefan Johansen – this I will explain below. Stark in particular is an ‘enforcer style’ defensive midfielder; however in both Stark and Johansen we possess two players who are equally excellent at intercepting opposition passes and quickly recycling the ball, doing both with unequalled composure. With Johansen in particular known for his excellent positioning and unbelievably accurate passing of the ball be it short passes or long floating balls out to the wings.

Now the question is; why do I need two players who can play at DM?

I’m going to play what appears to be a standard back four, with Stark sat in front of the two centre backs. However, whilst Jedvaj, Friedrich and Wimmer will need to follow a ‘defence first mentality’ I am going to use Gunter for far more offensive purposes.

When Gunter is advanced I will move Stark into the RCB position and Friedrich into the LCB position, with Johansen becoming the DM, and Kevin Wimmer covering LB for the absent Christian Gunter.

Gunter has licence to combine with Fischer to terrorise the right hand side of Battersea’s defence. Both players have blistering acceleration, searing pace and the aim is to concentrate on exposing any weaknesses on that side of the pitch time and time again. I really want to stretch the right hand side of their defence by using the pace of Gunter down the line, allowing Fischer as an inverted winger to cut in and do some serious damage. From there Fischer has a) licence to go at goal himself b) look to combine with Vietto/Klaassen to create goal scoring opportunities.

This all means that I can hammer their right sided defence but remain with 4 defenders and a defensive midfielder at all times.

When we are defending and Gunter is back in position then Stark as DM will have both Johansen and Klaassen as outlets ahead of him. When Johansen is playing at DM then he has Klaassen or the Gunter/Fischer combo as his main forward outlets (see notes on Ödegaard also).

However, Stark or Johansen can also play backwards if necessary as all of the defenders are happy to be on the ball as we look to recycle and concentrate on looking to get the ball to our left hand side and back up the pitch.

At some point Battersea will have to react to this relentless torture of the right hand side of their defence. At which stage, we’ll look to bring Ödegaard more into play. Whilst at times Ödegaard will appear to be a spare leg, this is far from the truth. If Battersea try to cover the weakness in their right – then I’ll want to see beautifully weighted long balls from Johansen over to Ödegaard on our right hand side and again as an inverted winger he can cut inside and head direct towards the goal at pace – with his screaming pace and bag of tricks – he’s the threat that they won’t see coming.

Klaassen is young (like the rest of our team) but he’s extremely composed for his age, and he has the important job of making sure that Stark/Johansen have a forward option to play the ball whenever possible. He can then look to play Gunter in, or look for a killer through ball into Ödegaard, Vietto or Fischer. He can also defend well, so if we’re becoming swamped then he can provide support to Johansen. Klaassen has an unbelievable engine on him and knows when to defend and when to use his creativity and pace through the centre. Expect lots of exciting combination play either between himself and Odegaard or Fischer.

Whilst Vietto is playing as CF he is equally known as a player who can play behind the main forward, which is good – as he’s prepared to drop deep if we’re losing the midfield battle, and with Fischer cutting in from the left hand side he’s not always going to be the most advanced player. However, when Gunter/Fischer – or Ödegaard are on the attack – he can leave waste to the opponent’s defensive midfielder and put immediate pressure on the centre backs, who best not caught ball be watching as Fischer / Ödegaard close in on them. Vietto is also known for his goal scoring efforts outside the penalty box as well as close range, and I am happy to encourage him to do this if he thinks that he is in prime position to do so. Vietto also combines exceptionally well with players around him - Fischer in particular, so expect lots of clever movement, quick tidy interplay as we look to take apart the Battersea defence.

Subs: Zivkovic on for Ödegaard (80th Minute)

TAIWAN 3-4-3

3-4-3. We will look to dominate possession from the back, pushing the opposition deep and forcing them to play direct. We expect them to play with one natural forward, Chiellini picks him up, Glik looks to ensure he picks up the second furthers forward player when they get up the pitch. Bonucci not man marking, and looking to sweep up after the other two.

We aim to attack the weaknesses in an existing football style that everyone in the league has become so complacent with.

Huge game, and at home we are going for all 3 points. We’re at home and are set up to continue our title push.

———————————— Cech
————— Glik ——— Bonucci — Chiellini
Coleman —— Alonso ——— Matic ———— Shaw
—————— Fabregas ——— Coutinho
—————————————Son

Subs: Burke, Evra, Ward-Prowse, Bellarabi, Dost

Rigid in our positions when defending, fluid in our positions when attacking.

The formation also gives us the element of surprise. The opposition won’t be expecting this. Naturally an attacking formation, we set up to do just that. We want to force the opposition back, committing men forward and penning them in. Son plays as a false 9 up top, giving us more movement and proving too elusive for any opposition marking system. He likes to naturally drift wide and Coutinho likes to come inside from the sides. The interchangeability and flexibility of our attack will be key to unlocking the opposition defence.

By giving our front three real freedom when going forward this will make their movement impossible to pick up, allowing us to always have a man in space. Alonso comes in at cm, for his tactical brain and ability to pick passes and because he is another who knows how to play in front of a 3 man defence, his strong defensive play will be important.

We would usually keep 3 at the back anyway with one wing-back going forward, so this formation gives more freedom to the midfielders and attacking players to really get in positions to hurt the opposition. Cech plays with a three man defence in front of him, his leadership will be important to ensure they are kept right. However unlike Juve we have two wider attacking midfielders as well, these top-tier players give us an extra level of insurance due to the use of four wide men, not two. Furthermore Coleman, more of a natural attacker has the extra protection in the energy of Fabregas in front of him, plus Alonso on his side.

We want to defend high up the park, looking to win it back straight away after losing it. Let the opposition keeper and centre halves have the ball, everyone else we close down. One player closes down, the rest keep their shape. When the opposition take the ball into our half we get 10 men back. Rigid in our positions defensively.

Dominating the ball from the back with 3 defenders and pushing players forward takes the responsibility off Matic to be link our defence and attack. This should allow him to get in positions where we can get the best from him for stopping the opposition play.

With a back 3 it is vital we have defenders comfortable on the ball, in addition the mobility of the centre halves in a back 3 is crucial and so Bonucci gives us the perfect man to partner Glik and Chiellini.

Focus on the battle on the wings being in the opposition half, with their wide players on the defensive. Wing-backs will always stay touchline-wide to stretch the pitch out and provide an outlet.
The left-sided centre-half, Chiellni, will drift wide to create a passing lane and that encourages Alaba to go forward, creating gaps for Alonso and Matic to receive the ball into or get the ball down the wing.

With the opposition likely to play with only one natural forward, we should have two spare defenders at all times giving us more than adequate cover for their attacks. Our wings backs have the pace to get back as well. We expect the opposition to hit us on the counter with our attacking formation, ability on the ball is key in possession and mobility is key when the opposition are attacking and that is why we have opted for these 3 defenders.

With 3 central defenders providing real strength in the centre, we have two players in Alonso and Matic who can dominate the centre. Matic’s defensive play will be important and we want him to dominate defensively the middle of the park blocking balls and breaking up play, he also brings an added goal threat from set pieces due to his aerial ability. Alonso is used to playing in front of a back three and his experience here will be key.

The opposition don’t have great power in the centre, so our partnership gives us real quality that will allow us to dominate possession with options all around them. One of Alonso / Matic stays back in front of the defence when we attack.

One of Son, Fabregas or Coutinho will look to come inside occupying the space centrally between the opposition defence and midfield. The other two will look to bomb forward, with the two wing-backs providing width. When attacking we want constant movement from our front three, looking for runs in behind, looking for space to allow the diagonal ball, and drifting into space.

Set pieces will be important for us today. Fabregas’ delivery is one of the best in the world. And with the likes of Matic, Bonucci, Glik and Chiellini offering great ability in the air we also have the quick reactions and scoring instinct of Son.

Subs.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Bellarabi for Coutinho. Straight replacement but Bellarabi will add pace and directness to our play, counter attacking ability and lungs to track back.

If drawing after 70 mins bring on Dost for Coutinho. Fabregas goes behind the two strikers, Dost gives us sharpness through the middle against a tiring centre half pair. Also gives us more more of a threat from crosses and long balls as game stretches.
If drawing after 80 mins bring on Bellarabi for Matic. Alonso dm, Bellarabi alongside the strikers and Fabregas cm with an attacking mentality.

If losing after 65 mins bring on Bellarabi for Matic. Fabregas back into centre midfield with Alonso becoming the defensive midfielder, Bellarabi moves over to right attacking midfield and Coutinho will operate on the left side. Get the ball down the wings linking up with Shaw.
If losing after 75 mins bring on Dost for Coutinho. Dost goes up front with Bellarabi and Son providing the pace behind the defenders. 

Basingstoke tactics

------------------------Lloris-----------------
Carvajal---Zouma--Laporte----Gibbs
------------Coquelin---Gundogan-------
Carrillo-----------Rafinha---------Shaqiri
-------------------------Milik----------------

Subs: Fabianski, van Dijk, Clasie, Gayle, Akpom

Lloris - do goalie stuff.

Full backs - up and down

CBs - dominate

Coq - do what he does for Arsenal

Gundogan - control the game

Rafinha - drive forward

Wingers - winger player

Milik - score the goals

Tbag

Slight change to my tactics - Shaqiri is now a Basingstoke player so Alex Teixeira takes his place on the bench/subs

Swap Ings for Glendon, and remove the Ings substitution

Comment deleted by Site Moderator

Comment deleted by Site Moderator

Tenby team and tactics:

------------------------Reina------------------

Cancelo-----San Jose-----Martinez-----Davies

----------------Casemiro-----Ramsey-----------------

Deulofeu---------------Jorginho--------------Tello

----------------------------Ings----------------------------

Subs:
Ake, Taylor, Assenio, Bamford, Unal

Set pieces:
Pens: Ramsey
Freekicks: Jorginho
Corners: Jorginho
Captain: Reina

Reina:
His job is to get the ball down and play it out to our full backs who will break down the wings. However, going long is also aloud as Ings will hold the ball up. When it comes to saving the ball he will push the ball out to safety. He will also collect the ball in his chest when the ball comes in from a height. At set pieces he’ll command his team to get into shape/line.

Cancelo and Davies:
Both will get up and down the wings all day long. However, when one goes forward the other is to stay back and help us avoid been done on the break. Both will also command our wingers to help them out when the opposition put pressure on us, I want them to put tackles in to avoid the ball getting into the box. When going forward one at a time at the other end of the pitch both will link with their respective winger and get the ball into the box for Ings to get his head/foot on the end of.

San Jose and Martinez:
Martinez will clear any ball that gets knocked down whilst San Jose will win every ball in the air. Martinez’s job will be to follow the opposition’s striker and San Jose will be the last line of defence. When on the ball get the ball out wide where we have pace to kill any team. We also welcome going long to Ings as he’ll hold the ball up well. These two will be screaming at Casemiro and Ramsey to protect them from the opposition coming at them. Tackles are welcome as well.

Casemiro and Ramsey:
When one of the full backs goes forward Casemiro will slot into the defence and Martinez will go left if Davies goes forward, San Jose right if Cancelo goes forward. Ramseyi will then become the defensive midfielder in the side. These two are not to go forward we need both to protect the back four with their lives and get tackles in to help our team. Ramsey has great passing ability and will get the ball forward to our pacey forward thinking players.

Deulofeu, Jorginho and Tello:
These three have pace and are the perfect trio to get at the opposition players. They’ll be up in the oppositions half supporting Ings as quick as lightening. Ings will hold the ball up two of the three of them will break infront of him to get in on goal for him to pass the ball through to them. One will be in and around him and fire shots at the goal for the opposition’s goalkeeper to either slip the ball infront of the other two players or out for a corner. All three also need to be solid and support our defensive players as well when the opposition have the ball in our half.

Ings:
If the ball is out wide then he should be bursting a blood vessel to get on the end of crosses with his head/foot. But when the ball comes long he will hold the ball up and play the ball off to our three pacey players around him.

At set pieces:
Defensive:
All players bar Deulofeu and Jorginho (who will sit on the half way line) will go back in our own half and help protect our goal. Cancelo and Tello will both sit on the goal line either side. Deulofeu and Jorginho will hit the opposition on the counter when we clear the ball out of our box.

Attacking:
San Jose, Martinez and Casemiro will all add to the height of Ings in the box and will get on the end of corners and freekicks. Deulofeu, Tello and Jorginho will all be outside the box waiting to get on the end of the ball to get on the ball that comes to them and fire the ball back into the box or at goal. Davies and Cancelo will sit on the half way line and stop us getting done on the counter.

Subs:
Bamford on for Ings (70 mins) – like for like
Taylor on for Cancelo (75 mins) – like for like

SHAKHTAR SENSELESS v Tenby

Injuries: L.Hernandez, van der Wiel, Origi, Austin, Xavi, Samper
Suspended: Yaya Toure

-------------------Frey
Aurier - De Vrij - Pepe - Coentrao
----------------De Rossi
----------Khedira - D.Suarez
Florenzi-----------------------Perisic
------------------Costa

Subs: Raeder, Vermaelen, Niguez, Musonda, Z.Clough

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

Time to get our promotion quest back on track with a tough but winnable game at home to Tenby, playing our strongest side, with a couple of improvements compared to the previous setup. Like last week this game is about controlling the tempo and giving us the best chance of getting three points. They have some world class players in their side although we have some world class players of our own to hurt them and cause them real problems. Our front three with assistance from the fullbacks should create plenty of chances, and in midfield we have a trio who can dictate the game in De Rossi, Khedira and D.Suarez. Florenzi at RW with Perisic at LW but both able to cut inside and get at the Tenby defence with Aurier/Coentrao overlapping. Diego Costa upfront to give us a physical presence and somebody who is able to hold up possession as well as create chances for himself and his teammates.

Frey - Distribute from the back to the fullbacks/CM's, stay in communication with your defence throughout, be wary of long range efforts and ensure you stay big for any one on ones. On occasion go long for Costa.

De Vrij/Pepe - Pepe to mark their striker, force him high up the pitch thus limiting his impact close to goal, and De Vrij to be the spare man, be first to the second ball and their second striker/AM making runs from midfield. When in possession bring the ball out of defence and use the midfielders ahead of you to help us play out from the back. Both of you go forward for setpieces.

Aurier/Coentrao - Both of you to force the Tenby wingers out wide, do not allow them to come inside as this will cause more problems for our midfield. They will want to cut inside so force them outside and block their crosses at source. They will try to create problems infield so its vital you only show them down the wing. If they play a diamond with no wingers you will need to form a narrow back four with the CB's and leave no spaces in behind. When we have possession, push forward and support Florenzi/Perisic as they will try to run inside the fullback and you will provide the overlap to either create space or supply crosses into the area for Costa and link with De Rossi/Khedira/D.Suarez. You will need to track back very quickly to ensure we don't get caught on the break.

De Rossi - Playing as the defensive midfielder, able to assist the defenders in dealing with the Tenby attack but isn't just someone who can break up play, I want you to win possession then immediately look to retain possession with Khedira and D.Suarez, also look for Florenzi, Perisic or Costa making runs. Another MOTM performance needed.

Khedira/D.Suarez - Both of you playing the box to box role, both assist the CB's and De Rossi in dealing with the Tenby attack when we don't have the ball, if they play an AM stay on him, but don't follow if he drifts wide. Be first to any loose balls, in possession Khedira to look for the attackers and pass rather than bring the ball out, D.Suarez to burst forward to join the front three on occasion and bring the ball to create space for others.

Florenzi/Perisic - Both playing out wide and both have the pace and trickery to beat the Tenby fullbacks and get crosses in, but both of you will also have our fullback overlapping giving you the chance to cut inside and get shots in. Look to supply Costa with chances and also provide yourselves with chances. Link up with De Rossi/Khedira/D.Suarez, and capitalise on the space Costa's presence will create for you. Without the ball I expect you two to track back and assist your fullback.

Diego Costa - you will be expected to occupy the Tenby centrebacks, hold up possession and look to turn the defender and shoot. Be strong in the air and look for your teammates trying to pick you out from deep. Shoot on sight. Stay on the last defender's shoulder for any passes in behind.

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

Subs 70 mins:
If winning: D.Suarez off, Niguez on. Switch to 4-5-1, Niguez an extra CM alongside De Rossi and Khedira as we shut up shop. Florenzi moves to RM with Perisic at LM, absorb pressure and hit on the break.

If drawing: No subs but change to a 4-2-3-1, look to push for the winner without overcommitting. D.Suarez at AM with Florenzi and Perisic narrower, more space for Aurier and Coentrao to get forward. Get closer to Costa to create chances.

If losing: De Vrij and Khedira off, Musonda and Z.Clough on. Switch to 3-1-4-2, Aurier - Pepe - Coentrao the back three, De Rossi the deep playmaker, Florenzi - Musonda - D.Suarez - Perisic behind a front two of Costa and Clough. Push for goals in this "must not lose" game.

Fiorentina vs Fishguard

Injuries:
Jurgen Locadia
Holger Badstuber
Muhamed Besic
Carles Alena
Alex Meret
Yaya Toure

......................Casillas..............
Lichtsteiner.......Dede........Van Beek....De Sciglio
.....................De Jong.........................
.............Inler..............Iniesta..................
Munir.................Ibra...................Adnan........
Subs: Gordon, Vidic, Illarramendi, Vazquez, Toni

We’ve learnt our lessons from the first encounter between these two sides earlier on in the season, when Welshy’s youthful side took the game to us, and we’re unlucky not to get the win, before Ibra stole us the points with a penalty.

We won’t be making the same mistakes again as we go with a more traditional set-up as we look to do the basics properly this time around and then let the fancy bits and pieces come into it after we’ve got a foothold in the game

Welshy plays a lovely fluid fast paced game that is hard to nullify, we have the players to be able to do this certainly in the centre of midfield…We also have home advantage so after a meeting with our grounds man, we’ve not cut the grass and just to make things that bit harder we’re heavily watering the pitch, these two factors combined making the ground softer and more difficult to sprint in, should in theory take some of the sting out of Welshy’s slick one touch style and quick play out wide, whilst our war-horses like De Jong and Inler, will thrive in such difficult conditions

As the home team the impetus will be on us to go on and press for the win, the Fruity has helped us a little by nobbling Vietto again (he missed the previous encounter with us also) we’ve changed the system today to give us that bit more width, to enable us to really try and stretch Welshy’s side, whilst maintaining a solid spine through-out

Casillas – He knows his business…..still a good keeper and a very good shot stopper, our side is harder-working than it used to be so as such the defence now gets more protection, so should only really be troubled by first timers from distance, quick recycling of the ball is key today, whether that be going long for Ibra or wide to the full-backs, the key is to keep the ball

The Defence:
Whether by accident or by design (deffo design) we have the same back four, for the second game in a row, all 4 men clearing 6ft, so as unit they’re impressive specimens, Welshy of late has moved to a 4-2-3-1 so our men have to match them up, Lichtsteiner and De Sciglio are both good solid defenders in the old fashioned mould that yes they enjoy getting forwards but both are good at the defending part also, Their primary function today is to be defence first, showing the man the line before diving in, playing man and ball sometimes just man is encouraged as we look to impose ourselves physically and mentally on our opponents, the heavy sodden turf should make it harder for Welshy’s boys to escape so slam them and slam them hard….. IF as expected Welshy goes one up-top and it’s not Vietto (injured) then Dedé and Van Beek go zonal, holding the line on the edge of the “D” so as not to be drawn in to a kind of false 9 type player, let the midfielders pick him up….by holding the “D” we also cut off the space behind for a cheeky Nando’s sorry through ball…..When I say hold the line at the “D” what I really want is my side to press forwards when we’re in possession to give us extra bodies for ball retention but when we lose our defence drop to that point as a default action.

The Midfield:
For a long time our weakest point, it’s now become an area of strength, this midfield 3 could hold it’s own against anyone and with Yaya and Illarra to add to the mix we’re well set.
Midfield in possession – With the ball all 3 men move forwards as a unit, De Jong is the deepest of the 3 but Inler and Iniesta are given freedom to push forwards and wide to create space and really stretch Welshy’s side, They play a high pressing game so we look to move them around and with our FB’s pushing on plus our wingers cutting inside added to our CB’s moving forwards there should in theory always be an “easy” ball open to the man in possession, even if it’s a simple 5 yard sideways pass, if we have the ball they can’t score
Midfield not in possession – The centre ground is the important ground and we have no passengers in this unit even Iniesta is expected to work hard(ish) he’ll remain the furthest forward cutting off a backwards pass by Fishy to their DM’s and starting the counter-attack…De Jong will drop off and look to silence their AM, whilst Inler will use his terrier like style to harry and rush the man in possession, forced passes lead to stray passes leading to possession turnovers….Inler and De Jong like our defenders are given free licence to well and truly get stuck in, hit their players hard and sometimes fair, make sure they stay hit

Wingers:
A bit of a novelty for us to have attacking width
Munir and Januzaj both have doubtless potential but both desperately need games to continue their development, If there’s one area on the pitch where you can afford players to be a little green then it’s out wide, with a solid core behind them, talking them through the game….. defensively both men have to track Welshy’s full-backs as the advance (no passing ownership on to another man, their full back is their man) IF Welshy has defensive full-backs that won’t kick on, then when we lose the ball they drop back to the half way line giving us a solid 5 man midfield stretched out the width of the pitch….with the ball both men are quick and direct but like to cut inside this can be encouraged but their primary job is to whip the ball in for Ibra to attack at pace. When our full-backs run the over-lap this is the time that these two are then to cut inside and run at the gaps between CB and FB

Ibracadabra :

[Hook]
Top shotta who started in the street
Zlatan Ibrahimović
Scored for six different teams in Champions League
Zlatan Ibrahimović
Self made millionaire in the top elite
Zlatan Ibrahimović
He's the kid with the golden feet
Zlatan Ibrahimović

[Verse 1]
Shots on the goalkeeper, this man a fire
Zlatan Ibra, football hit man fi hire
High kick, high flyer style a mad, undeniably skills were the ticket from Rosengard to Paris
Ibrahimović
Out top shotta man si, callejero footballero hajde idemo svi
It's the Swedish bad man, original balkan
Sanjin and Youthman bigging up Zlatan

[Hook]

[Bridge x2]
Zlatan Ibrahimović

[Verse 2]
Remember the goal he scored for Ajax in 2004
Or the one against England bicycle kick like tae kwon do
Representing for youth all over the world no matter where he goes
So gwan pushup unno lighter and get ready for the Ibra show

[Hook]

[Bridge x2]

[Verse 3]
Have you ever seen that
Mi can't believe that
Hand inna di air for Ibra (Ibra)
Have you ever seen that
Mi can't believe that
Hand inna di air for Ibra (Ibra)
Representing for youth all over the world no matter where he goes (Ibra)
So gwan pushup unno lighter and get ready for the Ibra show

[Hook x2]

[Outro x2]
So gwan pushup unno lighter
So gwan pushup unno lighter
So gwan pushup unno lighter
Zlatan Ibrahimović

http://genius.com/Sanjin-and-youthman-zlatan-lyrics/

Set-Pieces:

Defensive:
All men in the box apart from Januzaj and Munir who are on the half-way line for the counter, and De Jong who’s just outside the “D” to collect the secondary ball, This means not including Casillas we have six 6footer’s in the box which is more than enough to deal with any aerial ball in…..Lichty and De Scig will cover a post each….Dedé,Inler,Van Beek and Ibra will pick a man each to deal with
Offensive:
Pretty much the reverse as Januzaj,Munir and De Jong drop to the half-way line to stifle the counter-attack…..Iniesta takes all set-pieces
De Sciglio attacks near post, Lichty attacks far post…Ibra gets in the face of the keeper using his massive frame to be a nuisance which frees Van Beek,Dedé and Inler up to attack the ball as it comes in

Player Roles:
Captain: Ibrahimovic
Penalties: Ibrahimovic
Corners: (both sides) Iniesta
Free Kicks: (Long or short) Iniesta

Substitutions:
Have every faith in this system so all subs are from 65 minutes regardless of score as we look just for fresh legs
Besic > De Jong
Illarramendi > Inler
Vazquez > Iniesta

---------------Wellenruether--------------

Stones---Koulibaly----Jagielka---Hector

-------Pogba-----Gomes-----Xhaka------

Santiago--------Benteke--------Berahino

Abdennour, B.Mensah, J.Brandt, El Ghazi, Morata

One chnage sees Jagielka come back in, apart from that we remain the same in what is becoming a very good season, a couple of new signings make the bench but we feel it would be unfair to throw them straight in

Jagielka will be the leader at the back, he sits spare whilst Koulibaly picks up the CF, Jagielka will lead him through the game, in fact the whole back 4 will go by Jagielka's instructions. While Kouliably is picking up the CF, Jagielka, takes a step off him as he will be mindful of the CF if he gets away from Kouliably or indeed any other attcaker that comes through. Koulibaly needs to be strong and mature in this role, he cannot be bullied by the CF, although he is a quick, powerful boy. Also by mature I mean he must make desicions quickly to where he has to be, that is where Jagileka helps him, The two will form a powerful partnership with no messing. Koulibaly attacks all high balls and clears any danger from ball whipped in.

Stones and Jonas Hector are allowed to attack, but I do stress, one goes at a time whilst the other stays back to keep three at the back. When they attack I want them up supporting our attack, getting beyond the wide forwards to take on there fullabacks and get to the bye line, so Santi and Saido can cut in and support Benteke. Whip in crosses for the big man to attack. When defending the lines, push the wingers out wide and stay on feet, dont dive in, this will force the player back or into a space they cant get out of.

With Wellenruether behind the back four this is a solid defence, with the keeper shouting when he comes out for the ball, he will punch clear what he cant catch and look to release the ball early.

Gone for the same midfield 3 which has everything, they can tackle, attack, score...Gomes central is more defensiive so he sits in and takes care of there AM, he will hound him down and makes sure he doesnt have any time on the ball to dictate play, Pogba and Xhaka either side makes sure we ar very difficult to get passed as they will be onto the other midfielders very quickly. Once we have the ball then look to drive forward, passing and moving Pogba and Xhaka will be helped by an attacking fullback as they try to get the ball upfield, use triangles with the two wide men to get beyond the defenders and into support Benteke. All three are tireless runners and never give up a lost cause..

Santiago Mina and Berahino either side of Benteke, there for pace, I want to push them back by playing a high line which will stop there fullbacks attacking, do this and there is no real reason for them to track back, however I do want them to stop them if they do, by playing the high line it will make there defenders wary of any counter we have. with support from either fullback I want the opposite player to drive into the box so there is at least him, Benteke and Pogba/Hxaka in the box when crosses come in, one of Pogba/Xhaka sit on the edge. Benteke will win a good percentage of crosses coming in so if he doesnt go for goal, look to head/chest it down to on runners. He is a very powerful boy and will go passed defenders like they aint there. A good outlet for us. The attcking players I want swarming round him as we go for goal.

Captain - Pogba
Penalties - Benteke
Free Kicks - Pogba
Corners - Wide men

Subs:-
Losing
70 Mins El Ghazi for Santiago, he will bring a new attacking threat down the right, quick and strong will fire the baklls in for Benteke.
80 Mins Morata for Xhaka, we go 4-4-2
85 Mins Brandt for Hector, Brandt to LW, and berahino goes up top 343

Winning
70 Mins - El Ghazi for Santiago, will still attack but also has the fresh legs to track back
75 Mins - Bernard mensah for Xhaka, again fresh legs in the centre and will chase everything down
85 Mins Morata for Benteke

Drawing
70 Mins - El Ghazi for Santiago, Mensah for Xhaka, he sits in with Gomes, Pogba push on a bit higher up
80 Mins Morata for Benteke

Comment deleted by Site Moderator

Fishguard Sports
Captain: Klaassen
Corners: Zivkovic/Fischer
Attacking Free kicks: Odegaard
Pens: Klaassen

------------------Rajkovic
Korb-----Friedrich---Wimmer---Dudziak
--------------Stark----Gaudino
Zivkovic (Andrija)-Odegaard-------Fischer
------------------Klaassen

Subs: Nyland, Kempf, Weigl, Muric, Daehli



The first point to make about the players I have selected for this evening’s game is that they are all extremely comfortable on the ball.

In my opinion the position of defensive midfield is the key to all I want to achieve. For parts of the game Niklas Stark will fill this position, but for stretches of the game it will be Gianluca Gaudino – this I will explain below. Whilst Stark in particular is an ‘enforcer style’ defensive midfielder; in both Stark and Gaudino we possess two players who are equally excellent at intercepting opposition passes and quickly recycling the ball, doing both with unequalled composure. With Gaudino in particular known for his excellent positioning, and unbelievably accurate passing of the ball be it short passes or long floating balls out to the wings.

Now the question is; why do I need two players who can play at DM?

I’m going to play what appears to be a standard back four, with Stark sat in front of the two centre backs. However, whilst Korb, Friedrich and Wimmer will need to follow a ‘defence first mentality’ I am going to use Dudziak for far more offensive purposes.

When Dudziak is advanced I will move Stark into the RCB position and Friedrich into the LCB position, with Gaudino becoming the DM, and Kevin Wimmer covering LB for the absent Jeremy Dudziak.

Dudziak has licence to combine with Fischer to terrorise the right hand side of Fiorentina’s defence. Both players have blistering acceleration, searing pace and the aim is to concentrate on exposing any weaknesses on that side of the pitch time and time again. I really want to stretch the right hand side of their defence by using the pace of Dudziak down the line, allowing Fischer as an inverted winger to cut in and do some serious damage. From there Fischer has a) licence to go at goal himself b) look to combine with Davy Klaassen and Martin Odegaard to create goal scoring opportunities.

This all means that I can hammer their right sided defence but remain with 4 defenders and a defensive midfielder at all times.

When we are defending and Dudziak is back in position then Stark as DM will have both Gaudino and Odegaard as outlets ahead of him. When Gaudino is playing at DM then he has Odegaard or the Dudziak/Fischer combo as his main forward outlets (see notes on Zivkovic also).

However it must also be noted that Stark or Gaudino can also play backwards if necessary as all of the defenders are happy to be on the ball as we look to recycle and concentrate on looking to get the ball to our left hand side and back up the pitch.

At some point Fiorentina will have to react to this relentless torture of the right hand side of their defence. At which stage, we’ll look to bring the dangerous Andrija Zivkovic more into play. Whilst at times Zivkovic will appear to be a spare leg, this is far from the truth. If Fiorentina try to cover the pressure on their right side of defence – then I’ll want to see beautifully weighted long balls from Gaudino over to Zivkovic on our right hand side and again as an inverted winger he can cut inside and head direct towards the goal at pace – with his screaming pace and bag of tricks – he’s the threat that they won’t see coming.

Odegaard is young (like the rest of our team) but he’s extremely composed for his age, and he has the important job of making sure that Stark/Gaudino have a forward option to play the ball whenever possible. From this point he can use his natural creative ability to bring Fischer/Zivkovic/Klaassen into play – expect lots of lovely 1-2 combo’s as we look to unlock Fiorentina either through our usage of Fischer/Dudziak or bringing Zivkovic into play, or combining with Klaassen as he drops deeper.

Whilst Davy Klaassen is playing as CF he is more known as a number 10, which is good – as he’s prepared to drop deep, and with Fischer cutting in from the left hand side he’s not always going to be the most advanced player. However, when Dudziak/Fischer – or Ödegaard or Zivkovic are on the attack – he can leave waste to the opponent’s defensive midfielder and put immediate pressure on the centre backs, who best not be caught ball watching as Fischer /Zivkovic close in on them. Klaassen is also known for his goal scoring efforts outside the penalty box as well as close range, and I am happy to encourage him to do this if he thinks that he is in prime position to do so. Klaassen also combines exceptionally well with players around him - Fischer in particular as you would expect, so expect lots of clever movement, quick tidy interplay as we look to take apart the Fiorentina defence.

Subs: Weigl on for Gaudino (80th Minute)

------------------------Guaita------------------------
-------Clyne----Dante----Vlaar---Bertrand-----
------------------------Carrick------------------------
-------------Aranguiz----Schweinsteiger--------
-----Insigne---------------------------Silva---------
----------------------Suarez--------------------------

BENCH
Lindegaard
Maxwell
Motta
Eriksen
Zardes


TACTICS
Difficult to work out what Leiva will do this week as he doesn't post tactics up. However, we expect either a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 from him today, and to attack us with loads of pace. We need to defend deep and counter attack them quickly through our front men. The key defensively is not to allow them any space in behind, if we do that, we can negate their pace and stop their biggest threat. They have a couple of centre backs out this week, so we fancy our chances running at their defense. New boy Silva is straight in the team, treat him nicely.


PLAYER ROLES
Guaita - You know how to save a ball, try to keep a clean sheet today. Look long when you get the ball to hit them on the counter.
Clyne/Bertrand - Get narrow this week as their wingers aren't the sort to hog the touchline, the likes of Sterling/Berardi/Greaseman want to cut infield and we need to be prepared for it. Look to jockey, don't dive in rashly.
Dante/Vlaar - Lacazette is going to be trying to get in behind at every turn but if you ensure that there isn't the space for him then we can keep a clean sheet. Hold a fairly deep line, not allowing that space and use your strength, look to outmuscle their forwards.
Carrick - Sit deep and protect the back four, they might play three behind the striker so that will be your main job if they do, to stop the AM. If there's not an AM, just sit tight and protect the space. Look to distribute the ball in a mixed way, sometimes try to find the long ball, sometimes be a bit more patient.
Aranguiz/Schweinsteiger - Full of energy this week to go box to box and win us the midfield battle. Look to support Carrick in protecting the defense, stopping their midfielders, particularly Gonalons who is their chief creative player. If he tries to drop deep, then leave him to Suarez, if he gets higher up then one of you two must close him down. Take it in turns getting forward to join the attack, but Aranguiz can break quickly from midfield to join a counter attack.
Insigne/Silva - Both of you can drift right inside, you aren't really wingers who hog the touchline. Get central and look for space between their defense and midfield. Particuarly looking to counter attack, so get up quickly to support Suarez. Defensively, if your full back (Danilo/Ghoulam) gets forward you need to track back with them.
Suarez - Look to find space in behind their defense, constantly moving. They have a couple of centre backs out so Vertonghen could play who always has a mistake in him. Drift between the centre backs and full backs, or get inside looking for space and make that moment happen. You have Silva, Carrick and Schweinsteiger feeding you!


SET PIECES
Left Corner - Silva
Right Corner - Schweinsteiger
Free Kicks - Suarez/Schweinsteiger
Penalties - Suarez


SUBSTITUTIONS
If winning - Motta on for a CM to shore up the midfield and add fresh legs.
If drawing - Eriksen for Aranguiz. You make a difference late on for Spurs pretty often IRL, so find us a winner here.
If losing - Eriksen and Zardes for Aranguiz and Carrick. Move to a 4-4-2 diamond attacking.

FC Pride:

------------------------Enyeama------------------------
Aanholt--------Masch--------Koscielny----------Blind
-----------------Pirlo------------Kouyate---------------
------------------------Höjbjerg------------------------
-----PEA--------------------------------------Dybala---
-------------------------Bueno---------------------------

Subs:

Hazard, Pereira, Halilovic, Immobile, Afobe


Injuries:

Jonny Castro
Saidy Janko
Arjen Robben
Pedro Rodriguez

Suspensions:

Coke


Enyeama takes his place in goal, with a back 4 of Van Aanholt, Mascherano, Koscielny and Blind in front of him. Van Aanholt is playing as an unorthodox right back, however we feel his pace will be enough to get him out of trouble as well as their wide man looking to come inside, which will actually help rather than hinder us with him coming onto his stronger foot to defend.

Pirlo, Kouyate and Hojbjerg make up the midfield trio. We combine passing, power and speed with youth and experience. Pirlo will dictate the tempo and orchestrate proceedings, the other two will do the leg work, with Kouyate being the solid hardman and Hojbjerg creating the spaces with his movement and short passing.

PEA and Dybala will play in the wider areas, they have the pace, stamina, skill and technique to cause all sorts of problems for the men marking them. When the balls on one side of the pitch, the other will look to support the forward who on this occasion is Alberto Bueno. Bueno has had a very successful season at Rayo Vallecano scoring 17 goals and providing 4 assists in La Liga.

Our game plan this week is more possession based, though we'll be a bit more direct when the front 3 are on the ball. We want to play out from the back, with shorter passes, getting the ball to Pirlo so he can pull the strings in the midfield. Kouyate and Hojbjerg will look to shut down our opponents in and around Pirlo and let him work his magic. Kouyate will also look to shield the back 4 when we are without the ball, covering the outside channels on the right to support Van Aanholt.

Captain: Pirlo
Vice Captain: Mascherano
Penalties: Pirlo
Freekicks: Pirlo
Corners: Pirlo


If losing after 75 mins:

Immobile > Bueno
Hazard > Hojbjerg

If winning after 75 mins:

Afobe > Bueno

BATTERSEA IRONSIDES v Pride

----------------Jefferson----------------

Montoya---Gabriel---Otamendi---Gaya

----------Vidal-----Kondogbia----------

---Lucas-------Teixeira-------Piatti---

-----------------Alcacer-----------------

Subs: Rami, Ferri, Murru, Cartabia, Maupay

Captain: Otamendi
Free kicks: Teixeira
Pens: Vidal
Corners: Teixeira

OVERVIEW

Bad injuries and suspensions this week but we’ve done some deals and I’m happy with the setup. I expect Pride to look to dominate possession with Pirlo as usual though his wingers are depleted this week so I anticipate them posing less of a threat than usual. I’d like us to sit deep and use the insane pace throughout the team to smash them on the break – hard, fast, wide and keeping the ball on the ground.

My midfield is a powerhouse that will give Pirlo no breathing room at all and my front 4 are quicker than any defender. We draw them out then hit them hard when they’re out of shape and can’t catch up.

INDIVIDUAL

Jefferson – stay big on crosses, distribute quickly wide. No sweeper nonsense.

Montoya/Gaya – start out deep, tucked in alongside the centre halves. Bomb forwards when the opportunity is on. Show wingers down the line.

Gabriel/Otamendi – sit deep, deny space. Gabriel aggressive in the challenge against the striker. Otamendi covering and distributing.

Vidal/Kondogbia – smash the opposition midfield to bits. Vidal has more positional freedom insofar as he is tasked with sticking to Pirlo like glue. Kondogbia can move sideways to double up on wingers but only if they’re posing a threat centrally. Otherwise he stays in the middle and dominates the opposition #10.

Lucas/Piatti – both rrrrrrrrrapido. No inside forwards today – I want these two stretching the pitch as wide as it will go. Get round the full back and cut it back or drill a cross. Get to the far post when the ball is on the opposite flank.

Teixeira – creative and quick. Feed the wingers but also drop deep and turn and run at the retreating defence to slip it behind for Alcacer to chase. Once the ball is out wide, bust a gut getting past the centre half and support Alcacer in the box.

Alcacer – use your pace playing on the shoulder. Be alive to our quick counters by making runs in behind. Get in the box and be available for a cutback or a cross.

SUBS
If winning: Ferri for Teixeira, Cartabia for Piatti, Murru for Gaya (80 mins)
Ferri sits back alongside the CMs and does the same job as Vidal, tightening our midfield. Cartabia is a like-for-like swap. So is Murru for Gaya, though Murru is more defensive.

If losing/drawing: Maupay for Teixeira (80 mins)
Maupay goes up top alongside Alcacer and adds his pace to our already quick attack in an attacking 4-4-2. Vidal pushes up a bit and we go balls out.


PEACE

Tenby team and tactics:

---------------------Reina---------------------

Cancelo—San Jose—Martinez—Davies

-----------------------Ake--------------------------

----------Jorginho---------Allen-----------------

---------------------Ramsey----------------------------

------------Hernandez--------Pelle-----------------

Subs:
Taylor, Christensen, Tello, Unal, Bamford

Set pieces:
Pens: Ramsey
Freekics: Jorginho, Ramsey or Allen
Corners: Allen
Captain: Reina

Game plan:
Let’s keep the game tight and congressed in midfield. Trying to frustrate the opposition from getting in on our CB. We may look light-weight out wide but I have a plan for that. But going forward we have plenty of pace on the counter attack and the power of Pelle. We also plan to make good use of our subs too.

Jobs:
Reina:
He will come and collect or punch any high ball that comes in from the air. He’ll get down low when anything low comes towards him from low on the ground. He’ll push any shot wide that comes his way too. He’ll also command his area as well. When on the ball he’ll get it out wide to our full backs as quickly as possible or alternatively he can go long and find Pelle down field.

Cancelo and Davies:
Each will need to defend for their lives and make it hard for the opposition to get crosses into our box. Tackles are welcomed and should be taken to avoid our box been bombarded with high crosses into the box. When going forward one of the two will go up at a time, when at the other end of the pitch both shall put high crosses into the box for Pelle to get his head on.

San Jose and Martinez:
San Jose will head everything away that comes in towards the box from a height. Whilst Martinez will cleanly sweep anything away that comes in on the ground. San Jose can handle himself against a big strapping CF, whilst Martinez will track any number 10’s coming into the box from deep. Tackles are welcomed as well. These two will also get Cancelo and Davies in line and make sure we play the offside trap well. These two need to get the ball out wide to Cancelo or Davies and make sure their set the attacks off. Also going long to Pelle is an option.

Ake, Allen, Jorginho and Ramsey:
Ake’s job is to protect the back four and put his foot in to stop the opposition running in on our box. Allen and Jorginho will also help congress the middle of the park and make it hard for any players from the opposition running at our defence from deep. Tackles from these 3 are welcomed as well. Allen and Jorginho will also help Cancelo and Davies out wide when the opposition have the ball out wide and make sure the ball doesn’t get into the box. When on the ball Ake will get down and play it to Allen and Jorginho and both of these will break forward (one at a time) and support Ramsey in breaking forward and getting the ball into the oppositions box by slipping the ball into the box. Ramsey will also make last minute dashes into the box and get on the end of crosses or slip balls coming into the box making the opposition follow him too. Allen, Jorginho and Ramsey can all fire shots towards goal from outside the box.

Hernandez and Pelle:
These two will cause any team headaches and as a duo they’ve been lethal this season. Pelle will win any ball coming in from a height and will head the ball towards goal or knock down to Hernandez and Ramsey to get on the end of. Hernandez will buzz around the box and will drag players around making it easier on our team to hit the opposition where it hurts. He’ll also fire shots on goal.

Subs:
Allen off, Tello on (70 mins) – not like for like. Ramsey will slot where Allen played and Tello will play in Ramsey’s position.

Hernandez and Cancelo off, Bamford and Taylor on (75 mins) – these both are like for like.

Notts County vs Stockport

-------------------------------De Gea--------------------------------

Darmian----------Gimenez--------Marquinhos--------Bernat

-----------------------------Verratti----------------------------------

------------------Thiago-------------Isco---------------------------

Alexis-----------------------------------------------------Reus

-----------------------------Icardi------------------------------------

Subs: Baba Rahman, Gentiletti, Tolisso, Brahimi, Martial

Game Plan: Biggest game of the season, so far so we're ready and raring to go after a couple of disappointing results so we need to put it right, we'll set up in our usual 4-3-3 system, we'll look to dominate possession from the off, every man from 1-11 is very comfortable in possession. By keeping as much possession as possible we'll look to be patient and create space by moving the ball from side to side with a quick tempo, with horsey expected to play a 4-4-2 diamond system it should give us plenty of opportunity to dominate the midfield and then take advantage in the wide areas with the pace and movement of our front 3, however we are still able to manage the game if they set up in a 4-3-3 system, as we will match up with their system.

Defensively we will look to push high up the pitch, all of our defenders are lightning quick so are able to do this without fear of Little Horse being able to spring us on the counter attack. The reason for the high line is to condense the space while out of possession for the likes of Aguero, Muller and Draxler, denying them the space to get on the ball and turn at our defence will be crucial in winning this game. The gap between the defence and the forwards should be very tight, we don't necessarily need to go chasing the ball from their CB's but when the wing backs and midfielders of Horsey receive the ball, the nearest player (whether that be a midfielder, striker or defender) should be sprinting out to him to put him under pressure, when a player leaves his position, the next man must always be aware to cover the space he leaves, it's a very fluid system that requires a lot of hard work and concentration but we're good enough to do it, we want to force Horsey to either have to pass backwards or force a mistake from the man in possession.

As spoken of previously in the tactics, we will look to be in possession a damn site more than we are out of it, we will move the ball with tempo and pace between the midfielders and forwards, however we must not be afraid to play the ball backwards in order to keep the ball if a forward pass is not on, the idea behind keeping possession for so long is to draw defenders out of position and exploit the gaps that they leave, it's very difficult to concentrate as a defender of you're under pressure for a long time, mistakes will happen.

Our 3 forwards Reus, Icardi and Alexis again are all comfortable receiving the ball to feet and linking play effectively, their movement and pace will be key in dragging defenders out of position and then exploiting that space in order to create chances, this front 3 will always create chances with the quality of our midfield supplying them, they just have to take them, and they have all proven capable of that in their careers.


Substitutions: if losing after 70 minutes, Anthony Martial for Isco, Martial to play as up front off with Icardi, Thiago to play alongside Verratti in a 2 man midfield. More pace and more threat in behind with Martial, aswell as more physical presence.

If winning after 70 minutes, Corentin Tolisso for Isco,Tolisso moves into the holding role, a much more defensively sound player, who will chase and tackle all day, but retains the quality to keep the ball under pressure.


Captain: De Gea
Corners: Isco
Free Kicks: Sanchez
Penalties: Reus

TAIWAN 4-2-3-1

A balanced 4-2-3-1, with players that will really attack the opposition, but more importantly will play a high pressing game in important areas of the park.

We come into this game in confidence, our overall results this season has given us that extra edge to believe that we can win this division.

Higuain will be key today, in fantastic form, he always scores important goals. Tevez lines up in the CAM role behind Higuain, and their fantastic work-rate off the ball will be vital in ensuring we keep the opposition in areas they can’t hurt us. In addition, if the opposition utilises a deep-lying playmaker, we want Tevez to do everything to nullify his threat.

We want our central trio to dominate possession, looking to control the game in the middle of the park. As we advance into the final third we will seek to attack down the wings, target their full backs.

Our formation ensures that the wingers offer cover against the oppositions full backs if they attack. And likewise, going forward the full backs and wingers work as a pair to double up on the opposition full backs.

——————————— Cech
Coleman — Bonucci — Chiellini — Evra
———————— Alaba — Matic
Bellarabi ————— Tevez —————— Son
—————————— Higuain

Subs. Glik, Shaw, Ward-Prowse, Barry, Castillejo

Building on a strong compact formation, we play with plenty of width, seeking to stretch the opposition, and attack down the wings. Alaba and Matic can stamp their authority in the middle of the park, offering the defence the protection it needs but more importantly orchestrating our play.

We attack with a high tempo, using the pace we having going forward. We will be direct in our attacking play in the opposition half, this coupled with our width will stretch the opposition. We seek to create spaces and gaps in the oppositions midfield, and defence allowing us to get Tevez and Higuain in dangerous areas in the opposition third.

The formation is rigid in defence, fluid in attack. On each side one full back / winger keeps the width, the other has license to come inside. Higuain and Alaba will always be seeking to link up with the wide players. Higuain and Tevez are key to our attacking play, looking for fast combination layoffs with the wide men and Alaba.

Generally short passes out from defence, a centre mid will look to pick up the ball and play it out wide, preferably to the full back getting forward. In the middle of the park we look to keep the ball on the deck passing in triangles, triangles that are directed out wide, as we look to shift the ball wider as we advance into the opposition half.

Attacking movement in the final third is key. One of the full backs or wingers running inside, the other going down the line. This ensures we have at least one dummy run, creating space and pulling the opposition defenders out of position. Coming inside we look to whip the ball in behind the opposition defence, or play a cute through ball. When going wide, if possible get to the by line at the 18 yard box, from there we have a greater chance of finding Higuain / Tevez / opposite winger or Alaba at edge.

Defence.

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

The first point of defence should be in in the opposition half, as we look to play a high pressing game. Force them to go long or take risks. We want to catch them out, winning possession in areas we can hurt them.

As soon as they move the ball out of the first third, to the middle section of the park we want to press.
Keeping the 4-2-3-1 shape at this point, Higuain, Tevez and one of Bellarabi / Son will look to close down the opposition depending where the opposition are. The winger on the opposite flank comes in narrow, ensuring there is no space in the centre.

When their deep midfielders come deep to get the ball, Higuain and one of wingers / Tevez shut out the space in front of them, force them back to their defenders as our other four midfielders and full backs will pick up their players.

Although we press high up the park, the defence will ensure that as the opposition advance further up the park, the line drops deep so there is no space in behind. As the opposition advance into higher areas of the park and into our half, our shape will resemble a 4-1-4-1.

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

We always want at least one more defender than the opposition has attacker. One full backs get forward at a time. The other stays in line with Matic, ready to break forward. Guarding against counters, allows us to get players back if possession changes quickly.

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

Attack

Passing simple in our own third. Playing short and on the deck where possible. If we go long, look to find our wingers, using their pace to get in behind. Seek to target their full backs in the final third.

Generally direct going forward, in the opposition half we will always look to go forward and stretch the opposition where possible.

Tevez will always look to find space in between the the opposition midfield and defence, where he can get on the ball, link up with others and look to create.

Higuain up top will play his natural game. He loves running at the opposition.

Subs. If winning after 75 mins bring on Barry for Higuain. Fresh legs, and will help us dominate possession in a more reserved 4-3-3 with Barry dropping back and Tevez going to striker.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Ward-Prowse for Bellarabi. Right mid, offering fresh energy in defence and on the break.

If drawing after 70 mins bring on Ward-Prowse for Matic. Fresh legs to ensure we continue at a high tempo with Alaba becoming the defensive midfielder.
Same for losing after 75 mins.

Comment deleted by Site Moderator

UPDATED: MANDEMS TACTICS
Because Haak is a snake

------------------------Guaita------------------------
-------Clyne----Dante----Vlaar---Bertrand-----
------------------------Carrick------------------------
-------------Aranguiz----Schweinsteiger--------
-----Insigne--------------------------Eriksen---------
----------------------Suarez--------------------------

BENCH
Lindegaard
Maxwell
Motta
Mounier
Zardes


TACTICS
Difficult to work out what Leiva will do this week as he doesn't post tactics up. However, we expect either a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 from him today, and to attack us with loads of pace. We need to defend deep and counter attack them quickly through our front men. The key defensively is not to allow them any space in behind, if we do that, we can negate their pace and stop their biggest threat. They have a couple of centre backs out this week, so we fancy our chances running at their defense. New boy Silva would be straight in the team, but Haak is a snake.


PLAYER ROLES
Guaita - You know how to save a ball, try to keep a clean sheet today. Look long when you get the ball to hit them on the counter.
Clyne/Bertrand - Get narrow this week as their wingers aren't the sort to hog the touchline, the likes of Sterling/Berardi/Greaseman want to cut infield and we need to be prepared for it. Look to jockey, don't dive in rashly.
Dante/Vlaar - Lacazette is going to be trying to get in behind at every turn but if you ensure that there isn't the space for him then we can keep a clean sheet. Hold a fairly deep line, not allowing that space and use your strength, look to outmuscle their forwards.
Carrick - Sit deep and protect the back four, they might play three behind the striker so that will be your main job if they do, to stop the AM. If there's not an AM, just sit tight and protect the space. Look to distribute the ball in a mixed way, sometimes try to find the long ball, sometimes be a bit more patient.
Aranguiz/Schweinsteiger - Full of energy this week to go box to box and win us the midfield battle. Look to support Carrick in protecting the defense, stopping their midfielders, particularly Gonalons who is their chief creative player. If he tries to drop deep, then leave him to Suarez, if he gets higher up then one of you two must close him down. Take it in turns getting forward to join the attack, but Aranguiz can break quickly from midfield to join a counter attack.
Insigne/Eriksen - Both of you can drift right inside, you aren't really wingers who hog the touchline. Get central and look for space between their defense and midfield. Particuarly looking to counter attack, so get up quickly to support Suarez. Defensively, if your full back (Danilo/Ghoulam) gets forward you need to track back with them.
Suarez - Look to find space in behind their defense, constantly moving. They have a couple of centre backs out so Vertonghen could play who always has a mistake in him. Drift between the centre backs and full backs, or get inside looking for space and make that moment happen.

SET PIECES
Left Corner - Eriksen
Right Corner - Schweinsteiger
Free Kicks - Suarez/Schweinsteiger
Penalties - Suarez


SUBSTITUTIONS
If winning - Motta on for a CM to shore up the midfield and add fresh legs.
If drawing - Mounier for Aranguiz. Eriksen to AM in a 4-2-3-1.
If losing - Mounier and Zardes for Aranguiz and Carrick. Move to a 4-4-2 diamond attacking.

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