ARSENAL TACTICS UPDATE!!!

Replace De Vrij for Naldo please

Typical gooners having the wrong players on the pitch

TAIWAN

4-2-3-1

______________________Navas____________________
Coleman_______Hendrix______Laporte_________Shaw
________________Can______Ward-Prowse___________
Drmic_________________Barkley_________J Rodriguez
_____________________Di Natale__________________
SUBS: De Santis, Sama, Tielemans, Brandt, Toni

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


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

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

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

Coleman and Shaw:
Will get forward in turns when we get possession, if they aren’t individually under too much pressure. Will sit back when without the ball, but bomb forward when the opportunity arises. Main aim is to provide width and provide extra bodies in midfield to link up play. They should thump in crosses to Di Natale when it’s on. Shoot if there is a clear sight of goal. Stays back for corners. Must not commit to tackles otherwise wingers will skip past them, just stay close, limit their space and show them onto their weaker foot.

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

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

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

SUBS:
Winning/Drawing:
75 mins: Barkley OFF Brandt ON
J Rodriguez moves to attacking midfield and Brandt goes on to the left.

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

Comment deleted by Site Moderator

Formation: 3-1-5-1 (3-3-3-1/4-2-3-1)

------------------------------Ryan
-------Veltman----------Dendoncker---------Engels
-----------------------------Bazoer
-------------Jojic----------------------- Höjbjerg
Zivkovic-------------------Klaassen-------------------Fischer
-----------------------------Mitrovic

Subs: Rajkovic, Koch, Ritzmaier, Andersen, Tankovic
Captain: Klaassen
Corners: Zivkovic (Andersen)/Fischer (Tankovic)
Free Kicks: Höjbjerg

From kick off we’ll have a ‘pressing’ 3-1-5-1 formation with the aim of playing a nice passing game and using our obvious pace to get the opposition on the back foot, with the ultimate aim of causing some serious damage to Notts County’s back line.

Ryan is an extremely talented young keeper. He is extremely composed, commands his area, and distributes the ball in a very intelligent and quick minded manner.

The trio of Veltman, Dendoncker and Engels are composed defenders who will look to play a low risk, sensible defensive game. There is no need for risk taking, as they will find support from Bazoer when required and will always have plenty of options when looking to distribute the ball. All 3 are strong in the air and all 3 are technically gifted with the ball at their feet.

In front of this defensive trio, Bazoer will play as the defensive midfielder who is also comfortable at slipping into the back 4 if required (this is especially so if Notts County attempt to use continuous wide attacking phases). Bazoer is a great tackler, has a big engine and is also a great passer of the ball. He will keep the ball moving with neat tidy passing, whilst not doing anything too extravagant and fancy, and he is more than capable of getting stuck in the nitty gritty of things.

In front of Bazoer we have Jojic and Höjbjerg who are two of the finest young passing and composed footballers in European football today. They will look to play a quick passing style of play, playing beautifully timed balls for Zivkovic on the right, Fischer on the left and Klaassen down the centre to run onto.

When we are on the back foot so to speak Jojic and Höjbjerg will drop much deeper and so on (I have carefully selected midfielders who are comfortable with a defensive game as they are in an attacking sense) – technically becoming a 3331 or as mentioned above a 4231 formation. We aim to use this flexibility to tinker with the formation according to how the game pans out.

Jojic and Höjbjerg have more than enough pace to get back into shape again and thwart any possible counters.

Zivkovic, Klaassen and Fischer have no defensive worries in this match. They are purely here to batter opponents with wave and wave of tidy and varied pacy attacks. All three are extremely talented individuals with fantastic pace and skills. The ability to go past a player, take on defence and to play the sort of tricks that will wrong foot the opposition. They are as equally at home at making assists for Mitrovic and each other as they are at creating chances for themselves.

All 3 have tremendous engines and the intentions are to batter the Notts County back line until they have no option but to submit to this constant attacking threat from the right, left and straight down the middle.

Mitrovic up front will thrive off this constant willingness to attack by Zivkovic, Fischer and Klaassen by latching on to those killer through-balls, or he will be equally at home running from deep with the ball and looking for clever 1-2’s with Klaassen to pierce the Notts County defence.

Subs: I’m well aware that my attacking line is a high energy tactic. So I’ll bring Andersen on for Zivkovic, and Tankovic on for Fischer on 70 minutes.

FL Fart vs FC Pride

Formation: 3-4-1-2

________________1 Jefferson________________

_________________4 Mexes_________________
________13 Bruma__________17 Zapata_______

2 Carvajal____21 Pirlo__5 Cambiasso___3 Armero
_________________19 Toure_________________

___________9 Morata___10 Ronaldinho_________

Subs:
24 Howard
26 Pappoe
23 Pugliese
8 Lampard
20 Wijnaldum
7 Hofmann
14 Kane

Captain: 21 Pirlo
Corners: 21 Pirlo (R); 10 Ronaldinho (L)
Free kicks: 21 Pirlo / 10 Ronaldinho
Penalties: 10 Ronaldinho (21 Pirlo after subs)

Fart will line up in a 3-4-1-2 formation to begin with. I’ve lined up with 3 centre halves and wing backs to counter the obvious threat of Pride’s fast and direct front line. We’ll look to remain solid and difficult to penetrate, winning the ball back in our own half before springing forwards with lightning counter-attacks, orchestrated by pinpoint passes from the metronomic Pirlo.

In goal we have Jefferson, who arguably should have started for Brazil this summer (although he’ll be glad he didn’t). A big, imposing and commanding keeper, he marshals an already experienced defence and can rely on excellent reflexes. He’s quick off his line in anticipating danger and will be instructed to roll the ball short to his centre halves in an effort to get the ball and to the deep-lying Pirlo, although he has an excellent Schmeichel-style long throw for launching quick counters through the wing backs and Toure when the need arises.

I’ve gone for a back three to counter Pride’s dangerous front three. Bruma and Zapata are tall, quick and powerful and will look to aggressively win the ball back from the Pride front three before they can do too much damage. Mexes will patrol just behind the two stoppers as a sort of sweeper – he’s still got a bit of pace to mop up loose balls but for the most part he’ll use his experience and composure to snuff out danger before it arises and distribute the ball to the midfield or wing backs.

The wing backs are Carvajal and Armero. They’re both young, full of energy, quick and eager to get up and down their respective touchlines for the full 90. Carvajal is naturally more defensively inclined than Armero and he’ll keep a closer eye on his opposite number than Armero, who will instead push aggressively into the space left behind the Pride inside forward (especially if Robben plays as anticipated, as he’ll leave huge gaps for Armero to exploit with his pace). These two wing backs have a lot of responsibility in this game; they have to double up where possible on the winger and then look to burst forward and exploit the gaps on the counter, particularly if the Pride full backs push forward like they have done in the past.

The central midfield contains an incredible amount of talent and experience. Pirlo will do what Pirlo does best – drifting into pockets and dictating proceedings. Cambiasso has a big job covering Armero when he ventures foward, and when he’s not harrying the Pride playmakers he’ll drop backwards towards the left back position to help Armero and Zapata contain (presumably) Robben. I’m expecting Cambiasso to cover more ground than any other player (barring potentially the full backs) so he’ll be replaced with some fresher and younger legs after 75 minutes. Toure is the destructive force in this team, and he’ll be instrumental in sitting back into a compact flat midfield when we don’t have the ball, before thundering forward on one of his lung-busting runs and joining the front two. I’m expecting Toure to have a big impact as I don’t expect Pride’s diminutive midfield to be able to contain his pace and power.

Further forwards we have Morata and Ronaldinho, who will dovetail as a real 9&10 partnership. Morata is the front man with a great all-round game, who will give the centre halves a hard time and run the channels. Ronaldinho has licence to roam and will drop deep to pull centre halves out of position, pick up the ball and work his magic while Toure bursts beyond him from deep. Pride’s first-choice centre halves, Luisao and Omeruo, are both injured, so I’m hoping Ronny will be able to run rings around the inexperienced replacements, before being substituted after 70 minutes or so when he inevitably tires. Morata will love playing alongside the creative Ronaldinho and will look to get in on goal with clever one-twos.

My substitutions depend entirely on the match situation. If we’re winning, then I’ll make a triple change on 75 minutes. Wijnaldum will come in for Ronaldinho to bring extra pace, power and energy to the midfield battle. He’s a clever, creative box-to-box midfielder who can also play wide if needs be, but I’ll ask him to stay fairly central and work with Toure to burst from deep and support the striker. With Ronaldinho dropping deep Morata will have a lot of running to do, so he’ll make way for the pacier and younger fresh legs of Harry Kane. His role will be similar, to work the defenders hard and look to get in on goal rather than dropping too deep. Cambiasso will be knackered and Pugliese will come in to lend his youth and energy to filling the same role as Cambiasso, and retaining possession with a simple short passing game.

So, if we’re winning:
Ronaldinho > Wijnaldum (75 mins)
Morata > Kane (75 mins)
Cambiasso > Pugliese (75 mins)

________________1 Jefferson________________

_________________4 Mexes_________________
________13 Bruma__________17 Zapata_______
2 Carvajal_________________________3 Armero
_______21 Pirlo_19 Toure_23 PUGLIESE_______

______________20 WIJNALDUM______________

_________________14 KANE_________________

If we’re losing, then we’ll switch to a 4-2-3-1 and push forward more. On 60 minutes, Bruma will make way for Wijnaldum, with the wing backs pulling back into a flat back four. Wijnaldum will take his place on the right hand side of the attacking midfield three. Hopefully the power of Toure, the pace and energy of Wijnaldum and the trickery of Ronaldinho will get us back into the game. Ronaldinho will be shattered after a while though so he’ll come off for the young, pacey and direct Jonas Hofmann on 70 minutes. He and Wijnaldum will switch flanks, both driving inwards towards goal to support Morata while the full backs continue to get forward and overlap and the defensive midfielders continue to cover the marauding full backs. After 75 minutes I’ll make the same change of Cambiasso for Pugliese to keep energy levels up in midfield.

So, if we’re losing or drawing:
Bruma > Wijnaldum (60 mins)
Ronaldinho > Hofmann (70 mins)
Cambiasso > Pugliese (75 mins)

________________1 Jefferson________________

2 Carvajal___4 Mexes____17 Zapata___3 Armero

__________21 Pirlo____23 PUGLIESE__________

___20 WIJNALDUM__19 Toure__7 HOFMANN___

_________________9 Morata_________________

Notts County tactics vs Fishguard Sports

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

Darmian--------Stones----------Manolas--------------Bernat


--------------------Iturraspe-------Diaz----------------------------

Lopes--------------------Thiago------------------------Januzaj

----------------------------Meyer------------------------------------

Game Plan: Our plan today is to dominate from the off with a high intensity pressing game when out of possession and a fluid possession based attack when in possession. We will look to press high up the pitch and condense the space in the midfield and attack for Fishguard, successful pressing is dependant on group understanding, collective perception of ball, opponent and team mate, and a massive amount of hunger and desire to have the ball. It isn’t possible to press for 90 minutes. We will have to pick our times wisely in order to do it successfully. If our players are tracking back or not close enough to the ball it isn't sensible to press the ball, we will look to capitalise on poor passes by the opposition or when a player is facing his own goal or has his head down when receiving the ball, at these times to opposition player does not have a full view of the pitch and cannot pick a forward pass.

In possession we will look to keep the ball moving quickly and efficiently, Fishguard will not be able to chase and harry all game while we have the ball. Our philosophy is based on the player in possession always having at least two options to pass to by making many lines of players across the pitch as shown below.

-------------Stones--------Manolas------------

Darmian-------Iturraspe----Diaz--------Bernat

----------------------Thiago-------------------------

Lopes------------------------------------Januzaj

----------------------Meyer------------------------

at times one of Diaz and Iturraspe can drop off to form a 6th line.

When we pass we dont stand still, we pass we move all game, Fishguard wont know who to mark, it will be mentally and physically draining for them , every player is comfortable on the ball and possesses excellent vision, its the perfect system for the 11 on the field, it requires hard work and energy, but they all possess that in abundance.

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

Defence: as has been spoken about in the game plan section, the full backs will look to push up the field when we are in possession creating the multiple lines across the pitch which is the basis of our possession philosophy. When out of possession Darmian and Bernat must be wary of the runs of Fishguards wingers, as they possess pace and trickery, but Darmian and Bernat are both lightening quick and intelligent defenders and will look to limit the space in the channels by closing up to Stones and Manolas, Januzaj and Marcos Lopes will also drop back and help to defend the wide areas. Stones and Manolas are to talk to each other constantly and be wary of the movement of Mitrovic, but they will not be sucked out of position, Marcelo Diaz and Iturraspe will be providing cover in front of the back 4, so if Mitrovic wants to drop off, the CB's are to hold their position and communicate to Diaz and Itturaspe that they have an extra man to watch.

Midfield: Iturraspe and Diaz 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 recycle possession quickly and will always be available for a pass. Defensively they will look to hold a position just in front of the back 4, leaving as little room as possible between themselves and the CB's for the Fishguard attack to work in, both cover the ground quickly and possess excellent defensive awareness and tackling skills.

Adnan Januzaj and Marcos Lopes will play in the wide forward roles today, 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 Meyer and Thiago they both have the pace and movement to make runs into the centre forward positions and create goalscoring opportunities , 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 Lopes and Januzaj do move inside, Darmian and Bernat will look to provide the outlet wide with overlapping runs. Out of possession both will look to pressure the opposition quickly and look to win the ball high up the pitch, if this initial press is unsuccessful they possess the pace and energy to regain their positions to cover the wide areas and support our FB's.

Thiago and Max Meyer will operate as a attacking midfield double pivot, both have the freedom to roam in the middle of the pitch and drag defenders out of position, we are playing without a CF, our attack is based on movement and intelligent passing, the ball will constantly be moving between our front 4, all 4 players can play in all 4 attacking roles. Meyer and Thiago both possess excellent dribbling aswell as vision and the ability to play that final ball, they can run at players if they get the space in the centre of the pitch to do so and if they get the chance to shoot then they will take that chance. Again out of possession their job is to pressurise the defence of Fishguard, either forcing a mistake or forcing them to clear the ball long which Manolas, Stones and Darmian will all be very comfortable in dealing with.


Subs: Memphis Depay for Marcos Lopes on 65', its going to be tiring out there, so we'll need fresh legs and pace and nobody is quicker than Memphis Depay, he can cause havoc amongst a tiring Fishguard backline.

Paco Alcacer for Marcelo Diaz if losing after 70' he will play as a more traditional CF, using his pace and movement into the channels to stretch the game and make it more open, we will switch to a 4-2-3-1

Darmian--Stones--Manolas--Bernat

----------Thiago-----Iturraspe------------

Depay---------Meyer-------------Januzaj

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


Captain: Thiago
Corners: Lopes
Freekicks: Thiago
Penalties: Thiago

Notts County subs

Alcacer, Depay, Kongolo, Ledson, Boga

STOCKPORT MONSTERBATERS! vs. Seekahome Lions.

-------------------------------Forster---------------------------------
Durm------------Ginter---------------Fonte------------Blackett
---------------------------Schneiderlin------------------------------
-------------------Rakitic-------------Clasie------------------------
-----Danny Ings---------Lambert-------S. Gallagher----------

Subs - Targett, Lascelles, Reed, Muric, Driussi

Tactics -

General - 4-3-3 with three very good, aerial strikers in play. We'll do it the David Moyes way and cross Shakakahn Lions to death! But unlike David Moyes, I am to win, not draw. Moyes' problem really was that he was overfaced by taking over a club as big as United. Unfortunately, Everton seemed to be his level. Pity, could've been a good match.

Defence - FBs will be playing more as wingbacks today, we need them to be getting forward at every opportunity. Both are young and extremely fit (both in terms of looks and stamina) so they shouldn't be overly fazed by the task as demanding as the wingback role. These two need to constantly get forward, staying wide, because they will be providing the width whenever the strikers move inside. I've asked them both to get forward because it will mean Sherekahn Tigers can't tighten up the defence by shifting to the side of play, they'll always be strung out across the width of the pitch to counter our WBs.

The CBs will have a tough job with half of their defence effectively utilised to attack. However, the midfield trio is very hard working and should ease the pressure somewhat. But, to really negate the dangers of the WB system, Schneiderlin will be dropping very deep when we don't have the ball, effectively creating a three man midfield, with Rakitic and Clasie closing down the opposition in front of us.

When clearing the ball, the CBs have a variety of options, from lumping it long to the powerful strikers, to keeping it short to the midfield or WBs. I think it's important to note this variety to show that they really shouldn't get caught in possession because if the worst comes to the worst it's a hoof forward to Lambert, in which case we have a good chance of retaining possession. So no panicking!

Midfield - When we don't have the ball, Schneiderling will drop deep into the CBs to cover the WBs. Rakitic and Clasie will be just in front of them. This 3-2 formation will do two things, 1) crowd the centre of the pitch in front of our box forcing the ball out wide into the space, effectively encouraging the crossed ball, which with Forster standing over 2m tall should be an easy clean up for us. 2) secondly, it will complete mark out the striker and No.10, as they should find themselves surrounded by 5 of our players, and again, this will force the ball right out wide and into our hands.

When we have the ball, Schneiderlin will come out a bit more, giving us an option to go back to should the attack slow up or anything, also he can cover counters from this delayed midfield position. Clasie, with his engine of an engine, will motor up and down, trying to keep level with Rakitic, this will give the Croatian a partner to play it off and around as they move forward. Clasie is a technically fantastic player, but he'll keep it simple today, looking to recycle possession and find the WBs/Rakitic who can create from out wide or behind the strikers respectively.

Rakitic will be the creator-in-chief. His passing range can allow him to play balls in behind the defence (which, with a striker of Ings' incredible pace) will always be a threat that can be unleashed against the run of play. He can snap it in at height for Lambert or Gallagher to challenge for. Or, he can whip it out wide to the wide WBs who can then cross it in for the strikers. Basically, Rakitic will dictate the tempo of the game, and with Clasie and Schneiderlin doing the moving and pressing for him, he should have the time and space to fulfil his ability in this role.

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

Should the Shumparumpa Lionesses stay deep, the trinity will move centrally, working within the width of the penalty area. This will mean two Cheetah players (the FBs) are completely out the game, sitting deep to mark no-one, but being kept there to counter the WBs (See it all comes together!). 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, Ings and Gallagher can drop a little deep, adding numbers to our 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 -

Losing -

70 - Gallagher off for Driussi, Driussi is a road runner, absolute pace to burn several times over in conjuncture with his feet. With Ings and Driussi flanking Lambert (knock ons from long balls), and in front of Rakitic (sheer quality of passing) we can unlock even the tightest, deepest defence.

Winning -

60 - Ings off for Targett. Go 3-4-1-2. Blackett to LCB like he's done under LVG and excelled. Targett LWB. Rakitic the No.10 and Gallagher and Lambert to physical, pacey, battering rams, to ram and batter the defence into submission.

santa vs Blyth 3-4-1-2

....................Neto...............
........Rugani...Barzagli...Vlaar
R.Insigne....Alonso..Delph....Gauld
....................L.Insigne..............
..............Berardi......Destro.....

Subs: Ferrari (GK), Rio, Palombo, Rosicky, Dicko

Long trip for us today up to the North Pole to visit the wrong en with the beard and that's just their manager.

Injuries have robbed us of our full backs so a switch in system to 3 CB's with wide midfielders not wing backs. The four man midfield should allow us to dictate the tempo of the game and control the middle of the pitch as we expect Rap to line up in a 4-3-3

Neto - Big strong and all the other cliché stuff we say about our keepers, will be expected to try and save any shots that Santa may muster against us

CB's - Barzagli man marks the centre forward of Santa, big and good in the air and enjoys a physical battle should be a good match up, wont get too tight as he can't risk getting turned due to the fact that Douglas Bader was faster. Rugani/Vlaar in the absence of wing or full backs today they will be expected to "shuffle" out wide and cover the runs from Santa's widemen force them down the line, if they get turned then take their man out. All 3 clear 6ft and will be a threat of set pieces so all 3 will go up for free kicks and corners.

Roberto/Gauld - Wide midfielders today, both very direct and will look to break from deep carrying the ball and surging at Santa's defence. Destro and Berardi are good in the air so all crosses will be whipped in at pace for them to attack. Defensively they will be asked to track Santa's full backs cutting off their over-laps but ideally both men will stay further forward to attempt to pin their opposition full backs in their own half. Both men will sit deep for our offensive set-pieces to allow the 3 centre backs to push on.

Alonso - The quarter-back will sit in the midfield and dictate the pace of the game ala Pirlo but without quite as good a beard. has a fantastic range of passing and will look to mix up the short triangles with Delph and Lorenzo and the more direct crossfield balls for our wide men to latch onto.

Delph - The engine of the side, can peform the defensive duties but has the skills and technique to perform further forwards. Will play the box to box role today as look to dominate the middle of the pitch, has an eye for goal and will be encouraged to have a go from distance.

Lorenzo - My little Scugnizzo ( http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=scugnizzo ) plays as the number 10, roaming around the pitch connecting the play and making sure the distance between attack and midfield isn't too great. full of running and carries that bit of magic dust in his boots, will always look for the through ball but isn't shy of having a go himself.

Destro/Berardi - 29 goals in Serie A between them last season. Destro will play as the target man today bringing the ball down and holding it up for others around him to come into play, Berardi is quicker and more direct and will look to have the ball played in front of him for him to run onto, will look to hit the space between the centre backs forcing them to make a choice as to whom is meant to be marking him.

Subs 65 mins regardless

Palombo > Delph

Shape stays the same but Palombo will sit as a second anchor man effectively giving us a double pivot. Will break up possession and keep it simple when he has the ball. He's the Gattuso to Alonso's Pirlo.

Rosicky > Roberto Insigne, who then switches with Lorenzo Insigne, Lorenzo goes RM Rosicky AM. Rosicky brings a bit more experience to the side as we're pretty "green" uptop whilst Lorenzo's direct running from the right should compliment Gauld on the left.

That is all....have managed to get through my tactics without a single sack full joke

Arsenal tactics

--------------------------Bravo---------------------
Jara--------Fernandez----De Vrij-------Van Anken
----------------------Gago---Xavi-----------------
Joaquin--------------R Cabella-------------Perisic
------------------------Ibrahimovic-------------------

Subs: Raeder, Naldo, Diaby, Quaresma, Drogba

General: Attack through the middle with quick passing and transition from back to front in secs. We want to attack Barca's defence as quick as possible as we feel we have the players to hurt them so we ar emore attacking than usual. Zlatan will be spearhead the attack but he has great support from the wide players and Cabella. We are very strong defensively and have tough players that are great in the air and and quick to match pacey players.

Bravo
Strong and versatile keeper that can dominate and be aggressive on set-pieces and great shot stopper. Brilliant 1v1 and stays big and doesnt steam out of his area to try and be a hero. He uses common sense.

Van Anken and Jara
Both full-backs will be organised and main duty is to stay defensive and stay on their feet rather than making a rash tackle. Both are strong in the air for goalkicks and take no prisoners.

De Vrij and Fernandez
De Vrij will be commanding that back line and alongside we have Fernandez who has the pace and uses his initiative to intercept. Both will be covering each other on most occasions. Both are tall and very dominant in the air so are good for set-pieces as well as defending corners.

Gago and Xavi
Both will have very different roles. Gago will play as a defensive midfielder and help out our defence when needed. He is an excellent passer of the ball and will shift it expertly to the attackers. He shall not try and advance forward as we could be exposed. Xavi to have more of a free-role but he shall have some defensive duties to help out Gago when we are being attacked. Xavi to release the ball quick and find the wingers and attackers as often as possible.

Perisic and Joaquin
Both are very pacey and will be looking forward to take their chances against the Barca fullbacks especially if they are 1v1. They should be direct but aware of Ibra and Cabella who will create space for them to receive the ball. Defensivey both will be helping their respective full-backs on occasions but mainly they will be looking forward and pressing the midfield.

Cabella
Has the attributes of a striker with a deadly strike and great vision. He will play behing Ibra and hoping to find him on most occasions or go for goal himself. Cabella can take players on so I want him to target the CB's and dive at them as often as possible or slip in the runners from the wings.

Ibrahimovic
The sole striker and has quick movement to find space and an incredible strike that can make any goalkeeper look silly. Ibra will be looking to play along the line and keep moving. Zlatan's link up play is exceptional so expect him to dummy to shoot and play someone in or just randomly shoot from any distance as he can score from any angle. Zlatan not to have much defensive duties but should press the defence when they are in possession.

Capt: Xavi
Pen: Ibra
corners: Xavi
free kicks: Ibra (short), Xavi (Long)
Playmaker: Cabella

Subs:
70mins: Diaby for Gago (same role)
75mins: Quaresma for Joaquin (same role)

If losing:
65mins:
Drogba for Cabella and Drogba plays alongside Ibra

Basingstoke Tactics (4-3-3)

-----------------------Fabianski--------------------
Johnson-------Zouma----Heylen------Kurzawa
--------------------Carvalho-----------------------
--------------Ramsey------Kramer---------------
Deulofeu-----------Berbatov------------Boetius

Subs: Mersin, Bellerin, Kallstrom, Gnabry, Austin

Captain - Ramsey
Vice - Zouma
All FKs & Corners - Ramsey

This week we are going all for our first win, with an attacking line up full of pace and energy with experience in the right places to anchor the team. Hopefully these tactics will be quick and to the point, as we plan our football to be!

GK - Standard stuff, he's a great shot stopper so needs to concentrate on his organisation skills and commanding of his area.

Full backs - Both are great athletes who can get up and down a lot. I want to see them both using their pace, stamina and power to get forward at every given opportunity. They're important for us to stretch the opposition allowing us more space in the middle where our dangerman can operate. They will be looking for the ball all the time.

CBs - Zouma to play at the 'first knock defender', meaning he will be the one attacking the ball when it comes into the defence and generally going up against the attackers. This suits his game plan as he's a physical specimen and aggressive to match. Heylen will play a more reserved role, but equally important. He will be calling the line - we will be playing with a high line as we have the energy in the middle and the pace to recover if the line is beaten - and reading the game aiming to be able to cover the rest of the defence at the right times.

Carvalho - Huge role in todays game plan. He's a player no-one will want to come up against and I'm looking to him to disrupt the oppositions rhymth. When the FBs are back in position he will be rampant in the MF, protecting the back 4. When the FBs are back he will drop into the defence and offer them support in numbers as he has all the attributes to play there.

Ramsey and Kramer - Both players are young, with great engines and a bit of quality to match. Both will play as a more traditional box to box CM, almost like they're playing in a 4-4-2, just with Carvalho behind them. It's important that if Carvalho drops into defence at least one of these two make sure they're protecting the defence, but it's their natural game to sit from deep first and attack when the time is right, so we should be tough to break down, especially given their energy levels which should make it extremely tough for the opposition to play the ball in the middle, especially with our high line. When the time comes they can both break forward at a decent speed and Ramsey especially, has a knack of popping up at the right time to get important goals. Essentially their energy levels and intelligence are vital today, as it will give us a solid foundation whilst also allowing us to get numbers forward to trouble the opposition.

Deulofeu and Boetius - I want these two to enjoy themselves today, playing their natural roles. I want them dragging defenders all over the place, running at defenders and troubling them with their direct pacey play. They have license to run down the line or cut inside and get in on goal and I also want to try and see them working off of Berbatov, given his ability to bring players into the game. Two huge attacking young talents and I'm hoping they step it up and prove their ability today.

Berbatov - Just want him to play his natural game today, drifting into places where the defence don't know whether or not they should be picking him up. Holding the ball up and bringing players like Ramsey, Deuolufe & Boetius into play with his great touch and vision. And perhaps most importantly, getting into the area at the right times to show his composure in front of goal and get us the goals to win!

Subs - 60 mins Gnabry and Austin for Boetius and Berbatov

70 mins - Kallstrom for Kramer.

All changes are like for like, just to give us fresh legs and allow us to keep up with the style of play we want.

Week 6:

------------------------Enyeama------------------------
Janko----------Kouyate---------Abidal------Oczipka
----------------------Mascherano-----------------------
-----------Britton-------------------Halilovic----------
Robben--------------Immobile--------------T.Hazard

Subs: Samper, Lawrence, Green, Schöpf, Lingard

Squad: Perrey, Suliman, Baker, Roberts, Robert,

Injuries : Wilson, Areola, Luisao, Rowe, Omeruo


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

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

Kouyate and Abidal take up the cb slots. Kouyate takes up the right hand side of the defence. He's just earned himself a move to the EPL after my solid scouting. He's big, strong and powerful and will be the perfect fit alongside the experienced and organiser that is Abidal.

Mascherano will take up the defensive midfield role. He's an intelligent player who has ability with the ball at his feet. It's very difficult to get past him and his job will be to break up the opponents attacks. When the fullbacks push on, Mascherano will sit between the 2 centre backs creating a back 3 to protect against counter attacks.

Britton and Halilovic return to their midfield roles. Britton will be key in keeping possession and getting the ball to team mates through shorter passes. Halilovic will be the link between the midfield and the attack.
The trio will play reminiscent of Busquets, Xavi and Iniesta at Barcelona a few years ago when they were a bit more forward thinking and quicker to move the ball about.

Robben and T.Hazard occupy the wide forward roles, both are very capable assisters but also have an eye for goal. Everyone knows Robben as one of the current best wingers in the world. Both men will look to run at their opponents, pushing them back. They'll have support from the 2 advanced midfielders and Wilson will be showing to feet if they cut inside.

Immobile leads the line in the front 3, he's young and quick with an eye for goal. He's a goalscorer who's also very good with the ball at his feet.

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

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


Captain: Mascherano
Penalties: Robben
Freekicks: Robben


Subs after 75 mins if losing:

Green > Halilovic move to a 4-2-2-1-1 (An attacking 4-4-1-1)

------Brit---Masch
Green------------Haz
------Rob
------------Imm



If winning/drawing:

Samper > Halilovic to go slightly more solid in the middle of the park
Green > Hazard to keep the energy levels up from a new outlet

TAIWAN

4-2-3-1

______________________Navas____________________
Coleman______Musacchio_____Laporte_________Shaw
________________Can_______Tielemans____________
Ward-Prowse__________Barkley____________Di Natale
______________________Toni______________________
SUBS: De Santis, Sama, Teixeira, Iheanacho, Dembele

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


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

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

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

Coleman and Shaw:
Will get forward in turns when we get possession, if they aren’t individually under too much pressure. Will sit back when without the ball, but bomb forward when the opportunity arises. Main aim is to provide width and provide extra bodies in midfield to link up play. They should thump in crosses to Toni when it’s on. Shoot if there is a clear sight of goal. Stays back for corners. Must not commit to tackles otherwise wingers will skip past them, just stay close, limit their space and show them onto their weaker foot.

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

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

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

SUBS:
Winning/Drawing:
75 mins: Barkley OFF Teixeira ON
Go 4-3-3 to help keep hold of the ball and add legs into the midfield battle.

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

GW7

Spartans vs Lions 3-5-2

................Neto...............
.....Vlaar..Barzagli...Rugani
Maggio.......................Robertson
.........Alonso.......De Jong
................Insigne...........
..........Berardi.....Destro.......

Subs: Rubinho (GK), Souttar, Delph, Dongou, Cristante

Cpt: Vlaar
Corners: Alonso/Insigne
Short free kicks Insigne
Long free kicks: Alonso
Pens: Destro

Home against a decent lions team. We line up with a 3-5-2 and wing backs in the hope that LC doesn't do our result

Neto: will try to stop them scoring. come and claim any crosses preferably catching not punching, growing in confidence and will look to marshall his experienced defence. quick throw outs or low flat kicks to start any counter attacks

CB's: Barzagli is as tough as they come and will be his job to man mark Lacazette, stopping him by any means necessary. in possession will keep it simple and recycle the ball.
Rugani/Vlaar will act as the spare men watching any runs from midfield that aren't tracked by Alonso or NDJ. Their main defensive duty is to double up with their respective wing back to try and keep the Lions widemen quiet. Raheem Sterling has being singled out as the danger man hence Vlaar and Maggio doubling up on him, Maggio has shown that he has the pace and engine to match Jordi Alba so this could be an interesting match up as Maggio holds him up and Vlaar smashes into him at any opportunity. Intimidation is the key with our defence. as always all 3 will go up for set-pieces

Maggio/Robertson: A lot of pressure ont hem to provide width today both have good stamina and should cover the ground well, defensively will try to show the wingers the line but if that fails they have the safety blanket of covering centre-backs. Neither will dive in recklessly because if they miss then their man is away, but both may look for the niggly cynical tackles that break up play. offensively will push on safe in the knowledge that Alonso and NDJ will be sitting. Both men will stay back for set-pieces covering for the CB's

Alonso/NDJ: perfect blend of sublime skills and brute force. NDJ is the iron fist inside Alonso's velvet glove.
Xabi playing further forward than normal will look to dictate the play and control the tempo of the game getting the ball under control and spreading it around, the key for us today is dominating midfield and moving the lions around sapping their energy. Xabi will sit when our WB's push on incase we lose the ball. NDJ will operate box to box as the aim is to win the ball high up the field so our forwards can use their pace to hurt our opponents. Other than Yaya or Masch I can think of no other midfielder currently in this league better suited to playing the enforcer than he

Insigne: number 10, he may be diminutive in height but has a massive personal drive and will to win at all costs and that fits in perfectly for us. Will get the ball down and run at the defence exploiting the gaps that Berardi and Destro open up for him, will try his luck from distance

Destro: big strong and good in the air will be our target man today playing with his back to goal bringing others into play around him. Has goals in him too so will look to have a go when the shots on.

Berardi: will play off the shoulder of the last man, a winger by trade but I like him through the middle and he'll do as he's told. Full of running and a real eye for goal (scored 4 vs Milan at the San Siro last year) will look to split the centre backs and link up well with Insigne and Destro as our trident of attackers force their defence back.

Subs 65 mins regardless:

Delph > Alonso
Shape stays the same, Delph gives us more bustle and energy which will help wether we're chasing the game or holding on. Will go Box to box and allow NDJ to sit slightly deeper if we're under too much pressure

Dongou > Destro. Barca starlet and fifa wonderkid, strong fast and direct, will look to trouble a tiring defence with his pace and running, could be a good foil for Berardi

I'm aware I may have suspended players but Welshy said they could be carried over, if its a prob then I take the walkover loss

Formation: 3-1-5-1 (3-3-3-1/4-2-3-1)

--------------------------van der Hart
-------Veltman-------------Reyes-----------Aké
------------------------------Blind
-------------Gaudino---------------------- Höjbjerg
Andersen------------------Klaassen-------------------Fischer
---------------------------Finnbogason

Subs: van Beek, Bazoer, Ritzmaier, Tankovic, Jovic
Captain: Blind
Corners: Andersen/Fischer (Tankovic)
Free Kicks: Höjbjerg

From kick off we’ll have a ‘pressing’ 3-1-5-1 formation with the aim of playing a nice passing game and using our obvious pace to get the opposition on the back foot, with the ultimate aim of causing some serious damage to FL Fart’s back line.

van der Hart is an extremely talented young keeper. He is extremely composed, commands his area, and distributes the ball in a very intelligent and quick minded manner.

The trio of Veltman, Reyes and Aké are composed defenders who will look to play a low risk, sensible defensive game. There is no need for risk taking, as they will find support from Blind when required and will always have plenty of options when looking to distribute the ball. All 3 are strong in the air and all 3 are extremely technically gifted with the ball at their feet.

In front of this defensive trio, Blind will play as the defensive midfielder who is also comfortable at slipping into the back 4 if required (this is especially so if FL Fart attempt to use continuous wide attacking phases). Blind is a great tackler, has a big engine and is also a great passer of the ball. He will keep the ball moving with neat tidy passing, whilst not doing anything too extravagant and fancy, and he is more than capable of getting stuck in the nitty gritty of things.

In front of Blind we have Gaudino and Höjbjerg who are two of the finest young passing and composed and confident footballers in European football today. They will look to play a quick passing style of play, playing beautifully timed balls for Andersen on the right, Fischer on the left and Klaassen down the centre to run onto.

When we are on the back foot so to speak Gaudino and Höjbjerg will drop much deeper and so on (I have carefully selected midfielders who are comfortable with a defensive game as they are in an attacking sense) – technically becoming a 3331 or as mentioned above a 4231 formation. We aim to use this flexibility to tinker with the formation according to how the game pans out.

Gaudino and Höjbjerg have more than enough pace to get back into shape again and thwart any possible counters.

Andersen, Klaassen and Fischer have no defensive worries in this match. They are purely here to batter opponents with wave and wave of tidy and varied pacy attacks. All three are extremely talented individuals with fantastic pace and skills. The ability to go past a player, take on defence and to play the sort of tricks that will wrong foot the opposition. They are as equally at home at making assists for Finnbogason and each other as they are at creating chances for themselves.

All 3 have tremendous engines and the intentions are to batter the FL Fart back line until they have no option but to submit to this constant attacking threat from the right, left and straight down the middle.

Finnbogason up front will thrive off this constant willingness to attack by Andersen, Fischer and Klaassen by latching on to those killer through-balls, or he will be equally at home running from deep with the ball and looking for clever 1-2’s with Klaassen to pierce the FL Fart defence.

Subs: I’m well aware that my attacking line is a high energy tactic. So I’ll bring Tankovic on for Fischer and Jovic on for Finnbogason on 70 minutes.

Arsenal tactics

----------------------Bravo----------------------------
Jara------De Vrij--------Fernandez--------Cole
-----------------------Gago-------------------------
------------------------Xavi-----------------------
-Joaquin-----------Cabella-----------------Perisic
--------------------Ibrahimovic---------------

Subs: Aranzubia, Naldo, Coman, Quaresma, El-Haddadi

Arsenal tactics:
Dominate the midfield and attack. We want be mre offensive and use Zlatan alot more than on previous games. We have the talent and the ability to take any defence with our array of attackers and we shall do just this with this tactic. The defence will remain strong, aggressive and disciplined. Gago will hold and Xavi to have a free role and roam around as he pleases. Zlatan to see more of the ball and shoot at sight.

Bravo.
Top goalkeeper who is great on set-pieces and commands the area well. He will stand big on 1v1 situations and not commit too early.

Cole and Jara
Too of the most experience defenders we have and great tacklers of the ball. Both read the game very well and will be organised to stay goal side and intercept the ball. Both will be on the goalposts on set-pieces too and stay vigiliant.

De Vrij and Fernandez.
Both young energetic but have that mature approach to defending as they are calm and make the correct decisions more often than not. They are to be covering each ot her and be aware of the threat of their main striker. The will both be aggressive in the air have the pace to match any players too. De Vrij to organise the defence and make sure they are all in line.

Gago
Will be the midfielder that will be playing as a DM and will not commit to attack. He will be sitting above the defence and pas to the attackers and keep an eye on their midfielders to who is the most threat and target them.

Xavi
Free role and will be looking to get forward as much as possible. He will be trying to penetrate and look to advance and find key passes to Zlatan and the wingers as much as possible. Defensively Xavi will drop and assist Gago but we expect to have the ball for long periods and to dictate so Xavi will be more positive than before.

Perisic and Joaquin
Both to be absolutely direct and run at their respective full backs at any opportunity. They should be looking for goal or pass to someone in a goalscoring area. Both have a tremendous amount of skill and an eye for goal so expect both to shoot from long range. Defensively, they will seldomly help their full-backs but they will take up some deep positions when we are being attacked.

Cabella
To stay as close to Zlatan as much as possible. He has the creativity to slip in Zlatan or bypass him and go for goal himself. Cabella is pacey so expect him to run at the CB's and make space for a shot or slip someone in. Defensively he will chase midfielders down and try to make them make a careless mistake.

Zlatan
Lone striker but will be looking to receive the ball as much as possible so he will be shooting at sight when having a clear sight goal. Zlatan to be always on the move and look to get in behind the defence or in front for corners and crosses. Zlatan is great shiedling the ball and can spot a pass if he decides to play someone in. Not much defensive work to be honest as we want him to always look to attack.

Subs:
Coman for Cabella 75mins. Comann to run at tired legs and shoot on sight.

Quaresma for Joaquin 80mins. Same role as Joaquin.

FL Fart team vs Fishguard Sports

----------------------1. Jefferson---------------------

2. Carvajal---17. Zapata---16. Rojo---3. Armero

----------------------8. Lampard----------------------
----------20. Wijnaldum---19. Yaya Toure---------

11. Menez--------9. Morata-------10. Ronaldinho


4-3-3 for my men this week, we've been hit hard with injuries and suspensions ruling Pirlo and Cambiasso out of action. The livewire Menez recovers from injury to make his debut though.

Jefferson starts in goal to celebrate his real-life promotion to Brazil's #1 shirt in Dunga's new-look squad. Playing behind an excellent back 4 he'll act as an ordinary keeper without any of these modern "sweeper keeper" fancies. He's a great shot stopper and commands his area well.

The back four are all quick, all fairly young and all powerful runners. Carvajal and Armero will get up and down the line all match long, whereas Zapata and Rojo are both quick and aggressive and will look to dominate Fishguard's attack.

Lampard in midfield will have a more withdrawn role than usual, playing as an old-school Regista like Pirlo usually does. He'll use his range of passing and he'll use his vast experience to take up good covering positions in defence.

Wijnaldum and Toure provide immense power and pace further forwards; they'll never stop running and they'll dominate the technical Fishguard midfield with sheer power, before bursting forwards in support of the Fart forwards. Wijnaldum can drift wide and bang in good crosses from the right flank when Menez comes narrower, but for the most part he'll look to get in the box alongside Toure.

Up front we have a bag of tricks. Menez is flamboyant, lightning quick and capable of just about anything. Ronaldinho we all know as a box of tricks who can turn a game on its head in an instant. Morata is an excellent young all-round striker who will lead the line while Menez looks to get in behind and Ronaldinho drops deep in search of the ball. Both wide men will have licence to roam as they see fit, switching flanks at will, pulling Fishguard's 2 wider centre halves out of position and causing havoc. Fishguard are very open at the back with just 3 centre halves and 1 defensive midfielder, so Menez and Ronaldinho will have a field day pulling the defence all over the shop and leaving massive gaps for Wijnaldum and Toure to exploit while Morata keeps the third centre half occupied.

This week I'll only use the one substitute (all my game-changing subs are suspended or injured) - Reece James for Armero after 80 mins, keeping the same formation.

Captain: Yaya Toure
Pens: Ronaldinho
FKs: Ronaldinho
Corners: Ronaldinho

FC Pride tactics

------------------------Enyeama------------------------
Janko----------Luisao---------Omerou------Oczipka
----------------------Mascherano-----------------------
-----------Britton-------------------Rosicky----------
Robben----------------Wilson--------------T.Hazard

Subs: Samper, Lawrence, Green, Halilovic, Lingard

Squad: Areola, Abidal, Kouyate, Perrey, Schöpf, Suliman, Rowe, Robert,

Injuries : Roberts, Immobile, Baker

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

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

Luisao and Omerou take up the cb slots. Luisao is a leader who is big, strong and powerful and has bags of experience. Omerou is a strong and quick, upcoming defender who is already a fully fledged international.

Mascherano will take up the defensive midfield role. He's an intelligent player who has ability with the ball at his feet. It's very difficult to get past him. When the fullbacks push on, Mascherano will sit between the 2 centre backs creating a back 3.

Britton and Rosicky take up their midfield roles. Britton will be key in keeping possession and getting the ball to team mates through shorter passes. Rosicky will be the link between the midfield and the attack.
The trio will play reminiscent of Busquets, Xavi and Iniesta at Barcelona a few years ago when they were a bit more forward thinking and quicker to move the ball about.

Robben and T.Hazard occupy the wide forward roles, both are very capable assisters but also have an eye for goal. Everyone knows Robben as one of the current best wingers in the world. Both men will look to run at their opponents, pushing them back. They'll have support from the 2 advanced midfielders and Wilson will be showing to feet if they cut inside.

Wilson leads the line in the front 3, he's young and quick with an eye for goal. He's a goalscorer who's also very good with the ball at his feet.

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

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


Captain: Mascherano
Penalties: Robben
Freekicks: Robben


Subs after 75 mins if losing:

Green > Rosicky move to a 4-2-2-1-1 (An attacking 4-4-1-1)

------Brit---Masch
Green------------Haz
------Rob
------------Wil



If winning/drawing:

Halilovic > Rosicky to freshen up the middle of the park
Green > Hazard to keep the energy levels up from a new outlet

Sorry forgot to do my subs (this post overrides the previous one):

24. Tim Howard
4. Philippe Mexes
22. Reece James (on for Armero, 70)
28. Andreas Pereira (on for Lampard, 75)
27. Isaiah Brown (on for Morata, 85) - ONLY IF WINNING

Keep the same system throughout

Notts County tactics vs Southend

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

Darmian---------Manolas-------Kongolo----------Bernat

Januzaj----------Iturraspe-------Diaz-------------Depay

----------------------------Meyer----------------------------------

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

subs: Romagnoli, Aranguiz, Ibe, Mastour, Totti

Game Plan: We're switching things up this week with a big tactical change, moving away from our high line and fast pressing game and moving more towards a counter attacking philosophy utilising our immense pace out wide and up front. Speed of thought, speed of movement, speed of passing. Very little is as important as speed to counter attack; we have to catch the opponents backpedaling and undermanned and imperative to this is a fast tempo, we have the ability and pace in the side to go from our own area to the opposition area in 3 or 4 passes and just a few seconds.

Scuffet: very intelligent young goalkeeper, will command his area, very good under the high ball and from crosses, when he has the ball will look to release the ball quickly into wide areas to begin counter attacks, Schmeichel Style

Defence: The importance of the defence in a counter attack is two-fold: first, they must be strong and able to withstand a great deal of pressure, Manolas and Kongolo are both very quick and very good in the air and possess great concentration levels as they must be forever vigilent of runners from midfield and out wide into the channels, Darmian and Bernat also possess great pace and tenacity in the challenge as well as excellent positional sense, they will look to stop crosses in the wide areas and must also watch the runs of the wide players if they look to make a move inside. The entire back 4 must be in constant communication with each other. Secondly the defence must be able to start attacks from deep, and Manolas and Kongolo are both very accomplished with the ball at their feet and have a great passing range, while Darmian and Bernat both possess the pace to transition quickly into attack and support the wingers on the overlap.

Midfield: The midfield is the link between defence and attack, as ever, but their role is even more important in a counter attack. Our 2 defensive midfielders Ander Iturraspe and Marcelo Diaz give us extra solidity in front of the defence, as ever, but they also serve a higher purpose in that they will force Southend's wingers to go wide by denying them space to cut into. Since we have big, aerial defenders, this is exactly what we want as we can trust our defenders to win the ball and use their ball skills to play it out nicely. Both Diaz and Iturraspe while defensively very disciplined and strong are also very accomplished ball players and are able to start attacks from deep, they will look to use the ball quickly and effectively, they have 4 very quick and intelligent runners ahead of them.

Attack: The most important thing about the four forward most players is that they have the speed and movement to make each attack count, and this is certainly the case with Januzaj, Depay, Meyer and Alcacer. Paco Alcacer is a very intelligent player, who will have litte to no defensive responsibilty in open play, instead he will have to be aware of when the ball is turned over and then use his movement and pace to create space and cause havoc amongst the defence of Southend on the counter attack. Max Meyer as the attacking midfielder will also not have a great deal of defensive resonsibility, he is a player oozes flair, composure, decision making, creativity, passing, technique, pace and dribbling, he will use all of these attributes to create chances either for himself or the other forwards, the pace and movement of Alcacer will open up through ball opportunities for Meyer and he has the skill to execute these chances. Januzaj and Depay will have defensive resposibilty, they must look to drop back and help in wide areas and look to pick up clearances from our own box, they have the pace and energy to then get up the field quickly and transition into attack, they have very intelligent movement and can move inside or stay wide and look to stay on the defence's blind side.

Subs: Jordon Ibe for Adnan Januzaj 70 minutes, straight swap, very quick player, with excellent dribbling ability and goal scoring potential against tired Southend defenders.

Captain: Marcelo Diaz
Freekicks: Memphis Depay
Pens: Memphis Depay
Corners: Max Meyer

SHOCKANDAWEPORT vs Tie? Just the one?

----------------------Forster----------------------
Clyne-----Ginter---------Lascelles---Durm
------------------Schneiderlin-------------------
-----------Rakitic----------J. Clasie------------
--Deulofeu-------------------------R. Muric----
---------------------Lambert----------------------

Subs - Horn, Burn, Hughes, Gallagher, Ings

Tactics -

Ludy's getting predictable with his 'gen-gen' pressing, so first and foremost we're going to completely negate it. Finally, Stockport will field wingers! The wingers pushing right out to the lines stretch the pitch. Ludy can choose to stretch too (giving everyone another 3-4 yards of space and time, or he can keep it narrow, pressing in the centre, which immediately opens up tons of space for the wingers, so ping it out to them.

With the wingers taking the edge of the midfield pressing, I'll quickly point out how any pressing higher up the pitch will be useless. All my defenders are good (very good) passers and ball players and won't panic. Sharp, quick passes will leave Ludy chasing shadows, and ultimately, if they are closed down the long hoof up field to Lambert gives us a good chance of retaining the ball anyway, so we won't get caught at the back.

Finally, gen-gen pressing might be very impressive *with the right players *. But at this stage in the league, there is no midfield of the quality, stamina and tactical awareness to carry it off successfully. All the above points should show how Ludy's style won't work here today.

General - A very mixed style today. Players of all qualities run through this team, but ultimately one thing holds them together... The quality. Like a good cup of tea, my players are made in bags. Bags of leaves. Leaves of winning.

High, wide, wingers will keep Ludy's wings penned right back, with the storming forward forays from the FBs adding to this wide pressure and threat. Down the middle we have energy, creativity and beauty. Rakitic can create something from nothing. It ultimately gives us three routes of attack, LW, RW and AM, spreading Ludy's defence thinner than a scrapping of butter at Fishguard Hotel's cheap-ar.se rival

Ultimately, the game is to use Gen-Gen against Ludy as (imo) he doesn't yet have the players to use it as well as he'd like. He wants players working in packs to close down players, that's why I'm playing a team of very calm and composed passers (notably Rakitic, Clasie and Lascelles), as Ludy's side close us down, they pull players out of position and open up space. Someone is closed down, another moves into the space left open, the pass goes to them and we move forward with time and space.

Defence - Forster can go long with Lambert more than capable of keeping possession for us, or play it short and initiating the tactic of pulling Ludy's team around, opening up space against him.

FBs don't have as hard a game as last one (as WBs effectively) because the wingers are staying wide, giving no room for overlap. However, they should try and keep close (10-15 yards behind when we attack) this gives an outlet for the winger (again, this will drag Ludy's team out as they press, giving the winger more space to try and move forward again. For example, if Deulofeu is closed down by Ludy's LW and LB, he can knock it back for Clyne. Ludy's LW and LB (should) then move forward to Clyne (again, he likes them working in teams) giving Deulofeu time to move forward into the now open space! So, yeah, a less strenuous but very important role for these two. By being reserved, they open up space for attacking forays forward for other players.

CBs are a perfect blend of power, strength and ball playing astuteness, Lascelles, for example, has often been likened to Rio Ferdinand in his ability to play the ball and read the game extremely well. When moving forward, it will be this youngster (who recently earned a big money move to Newcastle) who will take the lead, calm and composed he should be able to move Ludy's forwards around enough to give the midfield extra time and space.

When defending, FBs keep narrow, forcing the ball out wide. Forster's height, and Ginter's power will remove all trace of threat from Ludy's relatively short attack force (especially with Toni out injured!)

Midfield - Firstly, I think it's important to note that Clasie is pushed further forward than normal, almost making us like a 4-1-4-1. I think this will get him closer to Rakitic, giving both of them a very capable partner for passing and moving the ball around. This should exacerbate Ludy's problems that I'm trying to create by working off the weaknesses of Gen-Gening it.

Schneiderlin will be nice and reserved, keeping deep away from the Taiwanesian midfield. Then, when the ball comes back to him, they have to travel well out of their starting positions to close him down, which (if they attack in groups) should leave Clasie and Rakitic 2-vs-1 in midfield (assuming two CMs go to close Schneiderlin down. Again, by being reserved in his play, we open up space against Taiwain, similar to the FBs role.

Rakitic and Clasie have two real options today, play it back to Schneiderlin and create space (as explained above), or do the similar tactic but playing it out to the wings. If it goes to Muric/Deulofeu, we can assume it will be a combo of the LW & LCM/RW & RCM going to close the winger down. This creates space in the middle which they will move into. Again, pass and move, pass and move. It will force us up the pitch and drag them all out of position.

For the wingers, if the ball comes to them from the CMs, their first thought should be holding it, waiting for the space to open in the middle, then returning it to the (now advanced) CM. If that isn't possible, they can go back to the FBs and, as discussed above, move forward into space now vacated. Ultimately, the ball back to Schneiderlin will always be on, they have no reason to be caught on the ball!

ST - Lambert has a very important role, when we're building up an attack, he should drop deep. He likes being involved in the build up play, and his strength allows him to hold the ball under pressure before moving it on. However, once we've got advance players into space and on the ball, we can (again due to the reliance on Gen-Gen pressing) safely assume that the defenders will move out to meet the CM/Winger who has now received the ball in space well into Taiwan's half. As they do this, Lambert needs to spin back into the space that is now left in and around the penalty area. This should give him time and space (those key words again! Sorry... I lost my thesaurus...) to turn, look up, pick a pass, or, hopefully, get a shot away.

Conclusion!

- Yeah, it's all about passing and moving. Shifting from a reserved, deeper lying position, to an advanced one in acres of space. The deep starting point will drag Ludy's pressers forward, opening up gaps for our forward movers to exploit. Pass, and move.

Subs -

Winning -

70 - Ings on for Lambert, Ings offers more pace to really hurt a high-pressing defence which, with Raktiic and Clasie to contend with, can face constant probing through balls into the space they leave.

80 - Hughes on for Clasie. Hughes offers a like for like style. The closest England have to Tika-Taka in some respects. A brilliant passer and user of space to exploit weaknesses in the team and tactics we face.

Losing/Drawing -

70 - Ings on for Schneiderlin - Two strikers now working to exploit the space left by 'Gen-Gen' defenders. Two strikers who have different skillsets. This mix of pace, strength and renewed stamina should unlock a now tired (pressing's a tiring game!) defence.

TAIWAN

3-4-1-2

_______________________Navas_______________________
___________Musacchio___Hendrix___Laporte____________
Coleman___________Can______Tielemans__________Shaw
_______________________Brandt______________________
_______________Drmic____________Di Natale___________
SUBS: De Sanctis, Canos, Teixeira, Iheanacho, Dembele

Captain: Di Natale
Right free-kicks: Di Natale
Left free-kicks: Di Natale
Penalties: Di Natale
Right corners: Di Natale
Left corners: Di Natale

Here’s how the team will set out: http://sharemytactics.com/20046/

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

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

Musacchio and Laporte:
Deals with opposition attackers. Laporte keeps an eye on their attacking midfielder when he gets close to the 18 yard line. Laporte will also mark their striker closely not allowing him space to turn. Laporte or Can will deal with knock-downs to their supporting player depending on who is closer. Musacchio will try and win headers when long balls are played towards the back line. Musacchio will not be as aggressive but step up to attack players that come down his side. Laporte will be the centre half who steps up and clears up balls before it reaches their attackers, but must only go if he’s 100% sure he’ll get it. Both will protect the central centre half to the best of their abilities. Go up for corners.

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

Coleman and Shaw:
Will both go forwards and support the attack. Will also act as extra bodies in midfield to help with holding onto the ball. Can drop into a back 5 if necessary. Main aim is to provide width and thump in crosses at every opportunity. Shoot if there is a clear sight of goal. Stays back for corners. Must not commit to tackles otherwise wingers will skip past them, just stay close, limit their space and show them onto their weaker foot.

Can and Tielemans:
Sits deep, breaks up play and snap at their heels. Can is an engine that can cover a lot of ground when defending. Can will hardly ever go past the half-way line. Tielemans will buzz around and dictate play, bursting forwards at times to provide an extra body in attack. Tielemans will be a bit ahead of Can to be more involved in exchanging passes with full backs / Brandt, even going level with Brandt at times to use his incredible vision to find teammates. Can stays close to the centre halves. Both sprays balls wide to wing backs and directly to the front 3. Can stays back for corners. Will not allow the opposition any time on the ball in front of centre halves. Can sticks to position when wing backs fly forwards, providing cover if needed. Tielemans will stand outside the box during set pieces to smack in rebounds if not taking a set piece.

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

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

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

Losing:
75 mins: Brandt OFF Dembele ON
Essentially going 3-4-3 where Dembele will join Di Natale and Drmic up front. Offers the option for the others to hoof the ball up to the front line.

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

Janmaat--Kalas--Balanta--Vrsjalko

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

--------------Pritchard

--------Volland-------Lallana

-----------------Origi

Kitsiou
Yepes
Ignjovski
Cahill
Gutierrez

Today we intend to employ a style of Offence is the best form of defence. We will hit their defence with the pace and guile we have started up front whilst remaining a tight and mobile unit at the back. We specifically have to watch out for Robben and Mascherano who are the opponents star players however we have set up in a way that will deal with them.

Defensive,he we are more mobile than usual, having replaced Yepes with Kalas. We feel this is the best way to combat the movement that the opposition attackers have between them. It allows fluidity from the back and a drive forward. The specific problem here comes from the flanks in Hazard and Robben. It is up to the full backs Vrsjalko and Janmaat to cut off the supply to Wilson by dealing with these two. Janmaat will be strong in the tackle, not giving Hazard any time on the ball and thus cutting out the threat from him. Robben is more difficult. Kalas and Balanta will take it in turns marking Wilson whilst the other helps. Vrsjalko deal with Robben. Whilst this is occurring Aguilar will drop back to prevent an overload of our defence.

This brings us on to the two deeper lying midfielders. Gerrard will keep his role of playmaker in the side however he will look to spend as little time as possible on the ball as we do not want to lose it in dangerous positions. He must look forward to find a ball for Volland and Lallana who will be supplying options out wide, this way we hope to bypass Mascherano as he will be dealing with Pritchard. Alternatively if Mascherano looks to the two wide players we have Pritchard as an option who is capable on the ball. His role will be to find the space in the midfield and draw Mascherano and the other midfielders out of position. Aguilar will support the defence by cutting out runs and supplying more mobility in midfield than the other two do.

Lallana and Volland are the centre point of our team. It is their job to manipulate the space left in the opponents defence. Combined with Origi they have pace, guile and tact and constitute a mobile attacking trio. They will be allowed to run at the opposition and expose their lack of pace and experience.

Corner - Gerrard

Free kicks - Gerrard

Penalties - Volland

Captain - Gerrard


Substitutes


If losing or drawing


Cahill on for Pritchard 65 mins - gives us a more physical option to cause Mascherano more issues

Basingstoke Tactics (4-2-3-1)

-----------------------Fabianski--------------------
Johnson-------Zouma----Rekik------Grimaldo
--------------Carvalho-----Ramsey--------------
Gnabry-------------Quintero-----------Boetius
----------------------Berbatov-------------------

Subs: Mersin, Bellerin, Kallstrom, Vilhena, Austin

Captain - Ramsey
Vice - Zouma
All FKs & Corners - Ramsey

This week we are going all out to get another win and get ourselves on a run, with an attacking line up full of pace and energy with experience in the right places to anchor the team. However, we know just how tough this will be against a Barca side who have the quality but will also be coming into the game with some confidence, making them a dangerous opponent. Overall, I hope my quality and balance in CM makes the difference. Hopefully these tactics will be quick and to the point, as we plan our football to be!

GK - Standard stuff, he's a great shot stopper so needs to concentrate on his organisation skills and commanding of his area.

Full backs - Both are great athletes who can get up and down a lot. I want to see them both using their pace, stamina and power to get forward at every given opportunity. They're important for us to stretch the opposition allowing us more space in the middle where our dangerman can operate. They will be looking for the ball all the time.

CBs - Zouma to play at the 'first knock defender', meaning he will be the one attacking the ball when it comes into the defence and generally going up against the attackers. This suits his game plan as he's a physical specimen and aggressive to match. Rekik will play a more reserved role, but equally important. He will be calling the line - we will be playing with a high line as we have the energy in the middle and the pace to recover if the line is beaten - and reading the game aiming to be able to cover the rest of the defence at the right times. These two are my first choice defence, and compliment each other perfectly and could be one of the best partnerships around in seasons to come.

Carvalho - Huge role in todays game plan. He's a player no-one will want to come up against and I'm looking to him to disrupt the oppositions rhymth. When the FBs are back in position he will be rampant in the MF, protecting the back 4. When the FBs are back he will drop into the defence and offer them support in numbers as he has all the attributes to play there.

Ramsey - Gets to play his natural game plan as he does for Arsenal. He will dictate the play from deepm often and will play as a more traditional box to box CM, almost like he's playing in a 4-4-2, just with Carvalho behind him. It's important that if Carvalho drops into defence Ramsey makes sure he's protecting the defence, but it's his natural game to sit from deep first and attack when the time is right, so we should be tough to break down, especially given his incredible energy levels which should make it extremely tough for the opposition to play the ball in the middle, especially with our high line. When the time comes he can break forward at a decent speed and he has a knack of popping up at the right time to get important goals. Essentially his energy levels and intelligence are vital today, as it will give us a solid foundation whilst also allowing us to get numbers forward to trouble the opposition.

Quintero - First game for us today and I'm trying to get him playing his natural game and letting his talent flourish. Him and Ramsey will be the ones on the ball most often. He has license to come deep and pick the ball up if he likes and drive forward with it, but most of all I want him getting into the gaps left by the Barca midfield. They're not the most defensive midfield and have no natural anchorman, so there will be space for Quintero to exploit, and when he has the ball in this positions he can do it all - pick passes, beat men or hit them from distance. This variation will make him incredibly difficult to stop and will make the team less predictable as a whole. If people get drawn to Quintero, he can find the runners exploiting the space. If people back off him, he can drive forward or hit a twonker from range.

Gnabry and Boetius - I want these two to enjoy themselves today, playing their natural roles. I want them dragging defenders all over the place, running at defenders and troubling them with their direct pacey play. They have license to run down the line or cut inside and get in on goal and I also want to try and see them working off of Berbatov, given his ability to bring players into the game. Two huge attacking young talents and I'm hoping they step it up and prove their ability today.

Berbatov - Just want him to play his natural game today, drifting into places where the defence don't know whether or not they should be picking him up. Holding the ball up and bringing players like Ramsey, Gnarby & Boetius into play with his great touch and vision. And perhaps most importantly, getting into the area at the right times to show his composure in front of goal and get us the goals to win!

Subs - 65 mins Austin for Berbatov

75 mins - Vilhena for Quintero

Both changes are like for like, just to give us fresh legs and allow us to keep up with the style of play we want, whilst having genuine quality coming off the bench.