comment by Fan Gillhaus 1903 (U3339)
posted 1 day, 13 hours ago
------------------------ De Gea -----------------------

Bellerin ----- Bonucci ----- Manolas ----- Ricardo

---------------- Arturo ------- Sergio ----------------

Sterling ---------------- Alli --------------- Neymar

------------------------ Aguero -----------------------

Lafont, Fabino, Mendy, Pogba, Mbappe, Sanchez, Dybala

We have opened up a small gap at the top, we must push on from this, a tough game v Hull, they have a good young team who will be nipping at our toes so we must play our usual quick, one touch, passing, looking for gaps to run into making ourselves available. When they have we press as a team and give them no time, the kids will panic for Hull.

In goal De Gea a fantastic shot stopper and a keeper that instills confidence in the back four, shouting instructions to his defenders. Out very quickly to shut down strikers and close there shooting angles down. Punches clear what he cant catch from high balls and likes to release early to set up quick counters.

Bonucci in beside Manolas with Manolas signing we feel this is a solid partnership and on this occassion Manolas will man mark the CF. Manolas is a very cultured defender who is quick and skillfull for a CB, with great marking abilities, powerfully built so marking the CF should be no trouble as he has to man up to him, will keep him away from goal and be on to him quickly as he comes forward so he can intercept any though he has of going for goal. When in possession he will carry the ball out and start attacks from the back. Bonucci alongside is fantastic in the air, so will mark any other big players that come into our danger area, strong in the air and strong in the tackle and make sure he is strong enough to get the ball away from danger. A clever player who can intercept attacks very quickly before they begin and he does this with great effect and simply takes the ball away from attackers. He too can carry the ball out from defence but we must be careful and only do this when it is possible. His passing is too top class as he at times plays the simple ball, however his range is fantastic and can quite easily ping a 50 yards pass forward for the front line to chase or take down. Both go up for corners and are a huge threat.

Bellerin and Ricardo at fullback, we must keep the wingers quiet, stop them and we stop a lot of there attacks. Both are perfect for this as they are both quick . They will look to keep them away from shooting areas where is dangerous in any position. This is a vital clash in this game. They will be up against quality wingers so look to force him away from goal and backwards. I want them to attack when in no danger (one at a time, dont be left exposed)so time these runs perfectly. One sits back a bit and allowing the other to attack, this is keeping a 3 at the back at all times. Their marking abilities are sound, both have good positional sense and very quick, do not make rash desicions and will stay on their feet. When one goes the other stays as they look to make an extra man down the flank for our wingers to cut inside or play neat one twos to free the wingers up as there fullbacks get dragged out of position.

We have a very industrious pairing in the middle, Busquets to stop the AM getting the ball from midfield to the striker, he must be right on top of him looking to close him down at the quickest opportunity, let him dictate play and there striker will get plenty chances, we must not let this happen. So quick and into him, fairly and stop this! Busquets himself will look to dictate from deep as he picks up from the defence and looks to drive us forward with precision passing. Vidal v the second most advanced midfielder much the same, but obvs when we have the ball he is allowed to move forward and move into dangerous areas where he is best and force there players back, Vidal should have a bit of time to look around him for the pass as he looks to find his team mates with ease. Pass and move always look for the return pass. When they have then close down the CM, he will look to ping the ball about so get to him before that opportunity arises. We have put Dele Alli in a No.10 role against there DM he must be strong, he is an all round fantastic midfielder,, however he will look to take the DM on one v one drag him about open up spaces for others to drive into, with the ball at feet look to play quick one twos with those around him so he makes the runs into the box looking for that return ball that will get him in on goal. If the ball is played to him with his back to goal hold it up, draw the foul from the DM, if it doesnt come then look to lay it off, look to play the slide pass into Aguero, he must support Aguero as best he can and the two must link up very well, very quickly, Alli is fantastic in front of goal, I think his record speaks for itself. All three are good all round midfielders, But Busquets i want to sit in the hole with the two either side when defending. I want our defence and midfield shutting down everything quickly, even if its high up the pitch, we don't give them time on the ball to get it to their dangerous front three.

Neymar and Sterling are known for their creativity, speed, and technical ability and are fearless, explosive attacking midfielders who can change the game with a turn of pace or a dribble. More importantly both scorers of wonderful and important goals. Both technically excellent in limited areas, fast explosive acceleration during the first ten yards. Which more often than not takes them passed defenders and allows them to get into dangerous areas. Always play with there heads up looking for the runs of others to get the ball into there feet. Sterling I want to be a proper winger today and look to drive down the line and keep it to the outside making them come to him, which will leave holes in the centre of the pitch hopefully he will get the ball into. When they have the ball look to stick close to fullbacks and stop them coming forward. Just track the fullbacks and use pace to get back and in around there faces to stop them becoming a threat. Always be looking for Alli inside as the four make an awesome quartet in behind Aguero and a scary proposition for there slow back line, Neymar, Sterling are versatile players so may switch during the course of the game to annoy defenders, They have attacking fullbacks so I want them to get in behind them and force them back

Aguero will get plenty chances, hat trick last week so bang in form, he must put away there side who will be solid at the back, however I want to target the slower of the two. Get into positions that he can go for goal or at very least drag players away for other players to drive into the space. Target the slower of the cbs, split them apart to create space, we are quick, so our forwards must hit them with pace to drag them all over the place. He can score from various angles/ranges..All of our front four/five will be a threat today we must go for it and keep pace with the league leaders. Can hold it up and look for runners, in particular Neymar and Sterling. Alli will be making his runs also so be watchful of him just to lay it off to the side. But especially look for Alli as he times his runs perfectly so a little touch back to him allows him to go for goal.

Captain - Bonucci
Penalties - Neymar
Free kicks - Neymar
Corners - Wingers

Losing
60 Mins - Sanchez for Sterling, Dybala for All, Sanchez is a straight swap Dybala into a 2 in a 442 with Dybala just off Aguero
80 Mins - Mbappe for Aguero now two young forwards v tiring defenders
88 mins Neymar, Sanchez push right up in a 424 long ball stuff

Winning -
70 Mins - Sanchez for Sterling he helps out defensively as well
75 Mins - Mendy for Neymar
80 Mins - Fabinho for Alli, he drops back into midfield

Drawing -
60 Mins - Sanchez for Sterling, Pogba for Alli
70 Mins - Dybala for Aguero

all straight swaps but fresh legs an all that
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Swaped hector for mendy

Korb, Toljan, Geis, Forsberg

Overview of our 5-4-1 formation


----------------------------------Horn
---------------Stark-------------Süle------------- Kempf
Weiser-----------------------------------------------------------Klostermann
---------------------Goretzka --------------Dahoud
-----Schöpf-------------------------------------------------Gnabry
-----------------------------------Milik

Subs: Karius, Elvedi, Biglia, Diawara, Bailey, Werner, Driussi


Our defensive formation will rely heavily on the defensive abilities of our back-five. It consists of five defenders; three central defenders and two full-backs. In midfield, there will be two central midfielders and two wingers, while a lone striker completes the formation.

Stated in very simple terms, there are basically three ways to get past an opposition defence: a team can go around, through or over the top. Our system is designed to stop all those three from happening.

How it works

Our idea is to make it virtually impossible for the opposition to create chances in our defensive-third. Executed properly, it should force our opponents to take their goal attempts from 30-plus yards out, which is far enough for our highly gifted keeper to save most attempts.

Usually, teams have two central defenders but in this system there will is an extra defender who takes care of any loose balls and aerial threats, so attempting to create chances from crosses usually won’t yield anything for the opposition.

Our back-five will have much less distance between the defenders than a back-four, which makes it almost impossible to penetrate through the middle of that line. Since our back-five will drop to the edge of the 18-yard box, any balls played in behind will simply collected by Horn.

Since our defensive line is quite deep, our four midfielders will protect the remainder of the defensive third by seriously pressing for the ball just in front of the back-five.

When attacking, our side will morph into a 3-4-3 formation with our full-backs pushing into midfield to supply width in attacks, leaving three at the back. Our wide midfielders join the centre forward from the flanks, forming a front-three.

Aside from player errors, it is supposed to be almost impossible to score against a side set up in this manner because more than 95 per cent of goals come from the attempts in the final-third and the 5-4-1 formation packs nine outfield players into that third to prevent our opponent from creating any chances in that area.


Like any defensive formation, our players will be required to do a lot of hard work off the ball. Discipline is also essential because unnecessary movements can open up gaps and afford the opposition a chance to score.

Subs on 65 mins – I’m expecting great demands from my players so fresh legs about half way through the 2nd half should keep the work levels high

Elvedi on for Stark, Biglia on for Goretzka, Bailey on for Schöpf

-----------------------Leno------------------
--Juanfran---Sokratis---Savic---Baines--
--------------Bakayoko----Ndidi----------
---Candreva---------Silva--------Draxler---
------------------------Morata------------------
Subs: Zoet, Traore, Mussachio, Clichy, Kampl, Lallana, Giroud.

Leno is our goalkeeper. Basic job of shot stopping throughout, organising his defence and communicating from the last line of defence.

Our full backs are Juanfran and Baines. There jobs are to sit along with the back 4 when defending to create a rigid 4 at the back when defending and supporting the wingers to create width when going forward. They force their wingers wide and show them down the line at all costs and look to be that extra man in a wide area as an option. Our centre backs are Sokratis and Savic. Sokratis will mark the striker tightly, not giving him the time or space for shots or to create chances. Savic will be the cover defender for the rest of defence, sweeping up with balls over the top and tracking any runners if they haven't already been picked up as the last man.

Bakayoko and Ndidi will be our holding midfielders. They will both look to hold a good position to sit in front of the back 4 and protect. Bakayoko will look to be the ball winning midfielder, breaking up the play when and where he can and looking to keep hold of possession. Ndidi will also look to hold alongside Bakayoko to allow our full backs to advance further up the field with good protection for attacks. This allows us good width on the flanks and being able to pin in the wingers where possible. Ndidi and Bakayoko wanting to be the main stoppers to break up attacks in the engine room and use your energy in midfield to look to dominate.

Our 3 more advanced midfielders are Candreva, Silva and Draxler. Candreva will stick wide and create our width, using the support from Juanfran to look to get in a 1v1 against the full back, putting dangerous, whipped crosses into the box. Draxler will look to come inside to support Silva and Morata when he can, looking to pick up little gaps in between the lines and receive balls from the deeper midfielders and then looking to get the ball in behind wherever possible. Silva deploys the same role but in a much more central position, looking to receive passes from deep and pick little gaps between the midfield and defence and looking to create and get the ball in behind when possible.

Morata will look to make runs in behind the defence where possible. Looking to latch onto balls through and into the spaces in behind as well as attacking crosses from either side but mainly from the right side. He needs to attempt to find himself that half a yard of space in the box when he can to get that finishing opportunity as well as tucking away his chances.

Subs:

Kampl > Ndidi, 75 mins
Giroud > Morata, 80 mins

BHAM VS Newcastle

-----------------------------------Cech-----------------------------------
Walker------------Bailly---------Verthonghen---------Rose
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------Brozovic----------Keita------------------------
Sane-----------------------------------------------------------Bernardeschi
--------------------------------James-----------------------------------------------
----------------------------------Fekir-----------------------------------

Subs - Zieler, Shawcross, Mario, Depay, Lanzini, Sanabria , Niang

CAPTAIN - CECH
CK'S - JAMES
FK'S - JAMES
PENALTIES - JAMES

A much changed team this week after my new assistant manager Hero made some tasty acquisitions and improvements to the team. Up against tranq this week and the strategy will be to sit deep and hit them on the counter. They're a quality side but I want Fekir to target the CB's as they are not the quickest.


This 4231 formation is solid in defence with 2 DM's but also very attacking 2 wingers. I want us to play high up and to not give the oppo attackers any room to breath. When we have the ball I want the team to play pass and move footbal. Don't stay static, try and get in behind the oppo defence as there is a lot of pace in our attacking players. When we don't have the ball I want the team to defend from the front line and pressure the oppo and try and win possession back. Do this in fits and bursts as it is a tiring tactic.

Defence
I got a world class keeper in goal so he will be hard to beat. The defence is well balanced. Bailly and Verthonghen are an excellent partnership and bring experience at the back. Vert brings that old school no nonsense defending. Stay strong and if the opposition play 1 up front than stay close to him and not let him turn. Full backs will start of with a conservative mind set and not attack too much but as the game goes on I want them to make overlapping runs and get some crosses in to the box.

Centre Mids
Brozovic + Keita
Brozovic and Keita will play a b2b role. When Keita attacks, Brozovic stays back to defend and vice versa. Close the oppo AM down and don't let the other team have any time on the ball in the centre of midfield. Brozovic has the ability to pick out a pass while Keita is an engine which can run all day long. They complement each other perfectly.

Wingers
Sane + Bernardeschi
Sane is a pacy winger, he is a very good dribbler and is very good at keeping hold of the ball. Play quick passes and try and carve open the oppo defence with intricate play. Be ready for the counter attack as both are deadly on them. Bernardeschi is also a tricky winger who will look to get to the byline and get some crosses in. Confuse the oppo left back by twisting and turning. I want you both to help track back and help the full backs when they are in our half of the pitch.

Attack Mid
James Rodriguez
Will look to be the architect in the centre of the pitch. He is surrounded by quick, pacy players who have the ability to get on the end of through balls and is very adapt at quick turns to fool the oppo defenders. Make late runs into the box aswell to try and score.

Strike
Fekir
I want you to use your pace to try and beat the offside trap. Pass and move is the way to go. With a fast pacy striker up front, we're bound to create chances on the counter.

Subs if LOSING BY 65MINS
Put on Niang for Fekir. Also bring on Lanzini for Brozovic and Depay for Keita. Play a high line and try and get a goal.

Subs if WINNING BY 65MINS
Take off Fekir and put on Shawcross in CB and play 5atb ultra defensive with everyone in our own half defending for their lives. Mario on for James aswell.

Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Fekir off for Niang
Brozovic off for Depay
James off for Lanzini

ASTON VILLA 4-2-3-1

———————————— 13. Oblak
24. Vrsaljko — 4. Alderweireld — 17. Boateng — 23. Shaw
————— 6. Strootman —— 19. Modric
7. Bernardo ————— 22. Mkhitaryan ————— 11. Reus
———————————— 9. Ibrahimovic

SUBS: 1. Chesney, 4. Jones, 23. Eriksen, 29. Xhaka, 19. Falcao, 22. Castillejo, 21. Cavani

Captain: Marco Reus
Corners: Luka Modric
Crossing free-kicks: Luka Modric
Shooting free-kicks: Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Penalties: Zlatan Ibrahimovic

We stick to a 4-2-3-1 counter attack and again a near full strength side with Strootman coming into the side bringing his vision with him, helping to dominate the midfield against a strong midfield, taking control with his experience especially when providing a threat from deep with his passing. Up against a strong opposition team today in what is a crucial game for Aston Villa’s chances at getting a trophy we need a win and so we are very motivated, we expect the opposition to be looking to dominate, we usually play this way too, however with our greater experience and the pace on the break of our front 4 we're going to play more on the counter attack leaving very little space between the lines of midfield and defence when defending.

The advantage of the 4-2-3-1 formation in terms of counter attacking is it is very easy to change quickly from defence to attack and create superior number situations in the opposition half of the pitch with the 4 rows of players on the pitch, what is a 4-5-1 in defensive situations can very quickly become a 4-3-3 in attack.

The block of four of Boateng Alderweireld Modric and Strootman will form a four man block around their striker when out of possession. Modric and Strootman will help cut the passing lanes to their forward line while Benatia will mark their striker tightly with Boateng sweeping behind if he does get through. Mkhitaryan will come back in the defending phase to help win the ball back with the two midfielders.

Oblak will play in goal, his talents are obvious to anyone, fantastic shot stopper and very good coming off his line so he can sweep up any balls in behind and someone capable of wonder saves.

The first line of our formation is the defence, the full backs Vrsaljko and Shaw are extremely fit and very strong in defence and tactically aware of their roles in this system which is crucial, they are to make the job of the wide attackers of the opposition as difficult as possible not allowing them to make runs in between themselves and the centre halves, keeping them as wide as possible and as far from goal as possible, good communication from the centre halves is crucial.

The two midfielders Modric and Strootman are our second line of defence and attack, by playing two deeper lying players they can rotate, one of them will always be available for the ball when we're in possession and both are able to launch attacks quickly due to their passing ability, defensively they are to watch runs from the opposition midfield who will be dangerous, both are very tactically educated and comfortable playing this way. Modric will be tasked with pushing the team forwards in the attacking phase and arriving late in the box.

Our attacking midfield trio are absolutely crucial to the way we want to attack, nobody is somewhat free of defensive responsibility especially under pressure as both Bernardo and Reus are very hard working and able to get up and down the pitch for 90 minutes, in defence it will become a 4-4-1-1 while the offensive ability and styles of Bernardo and Reus means the formation automatically becomes a 4-3-3 when in possession. Their pace and intelligence in making runs will cause havoc for the the opposition defence and their records speak for themselves when creating and taking chances.

Ibrahimovic will play as the centre forward, his reactions and energy will be crucial in pressurising the defensive midfielder of the opposition and he never stops running. When we obtain possession his first job is to get on the shoulder of the centre halves and make runs in behind and stretch the defence, this is crucial in creating gaps between the midfield and defence of the opposition for Bernardo, Mkhitaryan and Reus to create and take chances.

SUBS:

If winning after 75 mins bring on Xhaka for Mkhitaryan. More physical presence in midfield, and gives greater cover in a 433.

If drawing or losing after 65 mins bring on Eriksen for Strootman. Fresh creativity and legs. Pace will also cause problems. Modric will drop back to DM to control the game while Eriksen and Mkhitaryan will dominate from behind Ibrahimovic as well as adding an extra goal threat in a 4-1-4-1. Bernardo on right and Reus on the left.

If drawing or losing after 75 mins bring on Cavani for Mkhitaryan. Attacking 4-4-2 with Modric and Eriksen in the middle and Bernardo on the right Reus on the left. Ibrahimovic and Cavani up front.

WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS v Leicester City

Injuries: Valencia, Kolarov, Bentaleb (sold), Schurrle

-------------------Ter Stegen
Howedes - Toprak - Cahill - Hector
-----------A.Herrera - Kondogbia
Lucas ------------ Mata ------------ Nasri
--------------------Lacazette

Subs: Begovic, Bernardo, Gustavo, Cazorla, Embolo, Keita Balde, Gameiro

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

A very tough game today, a positive result today could be the difference between relegation and survival so we need to give absolutely everything, playing a positive 4-2-3-1 against a ridiculously strong Leicester side, we have a strong back four and plenty of legs in midfield to support our pace and creativity going forward so we will have chances today.

Howedes is playing at right back today, this is so we have stronger defensive cover up against whoever is playing LW for Leicester, be it Hazard or Ronaldo. Whoever is at LW for them will constantly be under pressure from Howedes who will harass and pressurise them at every opportunity, and prevent them from cutting inside as they love to do.

Going full strength today, taking no chances as Leicester are a very good side and we want to make sure we get as many points as we can. Ter Stegen in goal, Howedes, Toprak, Cahill and Hector in defence, Herrera and Kondogbia in midfield, Lucas Moura, Mata and Nasri behind Lacazette upfront.

This game is about controlling the tempo and giving us the best chance of getting through today. Leicester have some world class players in their side although we have some class players of our own to hurt them and cause them real problems. Our front four with assistance from the fullbacks should create plenty of chances, and in midfield we have a duo who can dictate the game in Herrera and Kondogbia, with Mata ahead of them, we can control the possession and the flow of the game. Lucas Moura at RW and Nasri at LW both able to use their pace and get at the Leicester defence with Howedes and Hector overlapping. Lacazette upfront to give us a physical presence and somebody who is able to hold up possession as well as create chances for himself and his teammates.

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

Toprak/Cahill - Cahill to mark their striker, force him high up the pitch thus limiting his impact close to goal, and Toprak to be the spare man, be first to the second ball and their second striker/AM making runs from midfield. If they play two strikers pick up a man each and leave Kondogbia to deal with the AM. When in possession bring the ball out of defence and use the midfielders ahead of you to help us play out from the back. Both of you go forward for setpieces.

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

Herrera/Kondogbia - Herrera playing the box to box role, assist Kondogbia in dealing with the Leicester attack when we don't have the ball, if they play an AM Kondogbia stay on him, but don't follow if he drifts wide. Be first to any loose balls, in possession Kondogbia to look for the attackers and pass rather than bring the ball out, Herrera to burst forward to join the front four on occasion and bring the ball to create space for others.

Lucas Moura/Nasri - Both playing out wide and both have the pace and trickery to beat the Leicester fullbacks and get crosses in, but both of you will also have our fullback overlapping giving you the chance to cut inside and get shots in. Look to supply Lacazette with chances and also provide yourselves with chances. Link up with Herrera/Kondogbia/Mata, and capitalise on the space Lacazette's presence will create for you. Without the ball I expect you two to track back and assist your fullback.

Mata - Mata to burst forward to join the front three as our AM, look to receive the ball and run at the Leicester defence, bring the ball to create space for others and look for the runs of Lucas/Nasri/Lacazette. Shoot if you get into position, also force the Leicester defenders to foul you when you're attacking as setpieces could be our best chance to score today. Link with Lacazette regularly. Able to drop into midfield with Herrera/Kondogbia when under pressure and make a 4-5-1. Get behind Lacazette on occasion.

Lacazette - you will be expected to occupy the Leicester centrebacks, hold up possession and look to turn the defender and shoot. Be strong in the air and look for your teammates trying to pick you out from deep. Shoot on sight. Stay on the last defender's shoulder for any passes in behind. Look to interchange with Lucas/Nasri/Mata on occasion.

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

Subs 70 mins:
If winning: Mata and Lacazette off, Gustavo and Gameiro on. Switch to a flat 4-5-1 with Gustavo alongside Herrera and Kondogbia in midfield.

If drawing: Mata, Nasri and Lacazette off, Cazorla, Keita Balde and Gameiro on. Switch to a 4-3-3 with Cazorla alongside Herrera and Kondogbia, Lucas and Keita Balde either side of Gameiro.

If losing: Hector and Kondogbia off, Cazorla and Gameiro on. Change to a 3-1-4-2, back three of Howedes, Toprak and Cahill, Cazorla the playmaker, Lucas - Herrera - Mata - Nasri behind a front two of Gameiro and Lacazette. Push for goals.

—————————-Caballero
———Koulibaly———D.Luiz———Azpilicueta
Moses———Wanyama———Rakitic————Carrasco
————Pedro—————————Griezmann
—————————Aubameyang

Subs: Svilar, Aurier, Marcelo, Danilo, Fabregas, Williams, Hernandez

Captain: David Luiz
Free Kicks: David Luiz/Antione Griezmann
Corners: Ivan Rakitic/Yannick Carrasco
Penalties: Pierre Emerik Aubameyang

After a loss and a rather negative performance last time out we need a win and we’re going to do it by playing on the front foot, getting numbers up the pitch and playing an intense pressing game with what will essentially be a 3-2-5 in the offensive phase, looking to put our 3 forwards and WBs up against their back 4 and really stretch things out and force them to bring back their more offensive players, leaving less work for our other 5 players, who will act as the playmakers and the defensive shield. If we are put on the back foot we very easily revert to a 3-4-3, with Azpilicueta as the free man in the back line, there so he can help out Carrasco against the pacy winger.

Today we defend as an 11 in that we will always be compact no matter where the play is, so if we are in their half the defence is pushed up and if we are in our half the forwards are back helping out, with the main aim to be on the front foot and defend higher up the field. This means that we want the front 3 pressing right in the faces of the opposition defenders, with one closing the man on the ball and the other two behind closing the cute into midfield, making sure the DM is marked out of this phase of the game, with Rakitic and Wanyama pushed up onto the other two CMs, making sure any ball into the becomes risky. This tight organisation means that we can force them to take risks with longer balls, with 3 CBs able to deal with their forward 3 from longer balls with no issues, or they go out to the FBs which allows us to quickly have our WB right in their face, wide CB pushed onto the winger to make sure he’s not avail be in space, and we slow them down in the wide areas where we can narrow to the play, bring across the two CMs who will work in tangent, and endlessly to stop the ball coming back central without them getting to it first, Rakitic as the first one to press and Wanyama as a shield behind, whilst the inside forward on that side can also come across, and the WB on the opposite side drop a little deeper to cover the switch of play, leaving Auba and the opposite inside forward in positions where they can quickly counter high up. This leaves Luiz as a sweeper to deal with the central striker’s movement in behind, doing so high up the field where Icardi is much less of a threat, with him not being faster that Luiz it means the Brazilian can bully him out of the game, always putting his body in the way, knowing that he has another CB next to him as cover, this CB there ready to deal with winger not involved in the opposition build up, if he tries to run in behind, or if he stays close to our WB, it means our CB can just help Luiz on Icardi.

The same style is used if they do get into the midfield, with the only tweak that we narrow and play our usual compact 3-4-3 pressing system, with inside forwards tucked in between opposition FB and CMs to stop there being a link between the two, allowing the WBs to deal with the wingers and the two wider CBs push up a little bit closer to Wanyama and Rakitic to make that midfield ground very hard to break through, as quickly as it goes wide our wide CB will be out to help double up on the opposition winger, with the two CMs using their fantastic energy to be quick into tackles and win the ball back so we can take advantage of our fast front three to counter quickly. Once again Luiz is man to man with Icardi, playing in the role that appears to get the very best out of him, his one job is to make sure their striker does not get a sniff today.

With the game plan to be on the front foot but still keep a compact shape so as to not give the opposition loads of pace to counter in behind, the CBs must push up too to cover the gaps, especially in behind the WBs and especially Azpilicueta, he has to be very alert to the threat of the pace down that side so we want him close enough to Cuadrado, and wide enough that a touch from Cuadrado to knock it into space isnt going to be effective. He and Koulibaly will stretch out slightly so that there are no big gaps left by the WBs pushing up but also in order to get wide CB, WB and AM all down the flank and really stretch the game out, move the ball out to the side so that City’s press is forced wide and opens up more room for Rakitic to take charge of the game with his passing range, with Luiz also able to drop deeper than the wide CBs and avoid being pressed, giving him more time on the ball when he gets it, allowing him to play quarterback. When the ball is moved about we have the option of the wide CBs looking to play the ball to the WB and introduce the overload in wide areas or get the ball back infield to Rakitic/Luiz who will quickly look to find the two AMs running infield and occupying half spaces where we can beat the City press. Rakitic takes charge of the game from midfield, looking to start attacks from deep then push further forward and help link things together, especially round the edge of the box where he can really open tight defences up, knowing that he has the energetic Wanyama as cover, constantly in position to snuff out counters quickly. The WBs will look to get forward whenever we win the ball, overlapping and stretching the defence out, giving us what will essentially be a front 5 in possession. Moses looks to use his direct running and pace to keep overlapping and stretching the game, acting as a foil for Pedro and likely as a spare man in attacks. Carrasco comes in as a WB today, a role he has played very well for Belgium as a forward thinking player he can really make our front 5 deadly, getting on the ball wide and then looking to come infield with his trickery or by playing quick passes with the CMs or the attackers, his penetrating runs provide us with something different and a player who is always willing to take players on and get in behind the opposition backline, where his marker won’t track him and he can get to the byline and pull the ball back. Pedro and Griezmann play in the half space, neither out wide nor in the hole, they occupy the positions between, roaming where they can effect the game in the way they like, Griezmann linking midfield to attack and then looking to get into the box to get on the end of balls in/through and Pedro occupying defenders with his trickery and pace, as well as using his excellent out to in runs to get in behind the City defenders. We introduce the two AM’s into the spaces between FB and central players where they can overload and bully the players that others are attacking(especially the opposition FBs/WBs in the initial build up phase) or occupy the vacant spaces between lines and players where once they receive the ball they will have time and space to turn which makes these two very dangerous. Aubameyang leads the line, he will occupy the CBs with his movement, they know they have to stay close because if they give him an inch he’s too quick to catch but if they go with him they free space for the two supporting forwards, this leaves them in a catch 22 and any moment of hesitation is a chance for Aubameyang to pounce, keep using his movement off the CB and the chances will arrive for him and his team mates.

Subs:

If Winning: Marcelo for Carrasco 65’. Aurier for Moses 75’. Danilo for Pedro 80’, 5-3-2.

If Drawing: Fabregas and Marcelo for Carrasco and Rakitic 70’, Fabregas freedom of the park, Marcelo in at WB gives him slightly more freedom, but Marcelo can keep us attacking with a front 5. Hernandez for Pedro 75’, goal poacher extraordinaire, we transition to a 3-5-2.

If Losing: Marcelo for Moses 60’, 4-4-2 with two FBs that an overlap and double up on the wing. Fabregas and Williams for Wanyama and Carrasco 70’, really get at them.

STOKE CITY v Aston Villa

Line Up:

Rulli
Sidibe Marquinhos Mammana Gaya
Lemar Dendoncker Paredes Boschilia
Kovacic
Belotti

Substitutes: Perin; Wallace; Ginter; Torreira; Pellegrini; Coric; Ponce

Captain: Rulli
Penalties: Kovacic
Free Kicks: Lemar
Corners: Boschilia

Game Plan:

Our form has been rather underwhelming as of late and a good result is needed against a strong Villa side to keep our hopes of a top half finish alive. With that in mind, we have mixed up the formation a little in an attempt to become more robust and to suppress the strong attacking talents that Villa possess.

The key to our game will be organisation. When the team is out of possession, they press ferociously, as a unit, to win it back. However, if Villa manage to keep the ball in the face of the pressure for 10 seconds, we must be quick to transition in to a deeper formation to cover gaps in our back line and to start the pressing game again. By pressing in 10 second spurts before reforming deeper and waiting to move forward again, we can conserve our energy and make sure that we can keep pressing for the whole 90 minutes.

Once back into position, they look for triggers to start their pressing. Like, the ball towards the right-back is a trigger of the left winger to begin the pressing. The left-winger’s pressing is a trigger for the attacking midfielder and the rest of the team of what is their role in this pressing.

The positioning of our players in this pressing game is important - we want every player to know exactly where he needs to be and what his role is. Only through working as a complete unit will this system work.

We want to keep our players as close to theirs throughout the game as possible. We don't want to give them time to relax on the ball and think about where the next pass is going and force them to play with their backs to goal. We want to crowd the pitch, effectively splitting the playing surface in to halves and quadrants, and dictate where they can pass the ball and when.

Belotti intercepts the space between the CBs so that they can't move the ball along the back four. Our two wingers then press inside and our midfielders press up and stick close to their man so that space is lacking for their centre backs. Along with this, our defensive line presses high so that the midfield becomes further congested (the pace in our back line is more than capable of covering ground in the events of a long ball - hit too long and Rulli comes out to mop it up) and the centre back in possession is left with a choice: play it back to the keeper, wherein the play starts again, or attempt a risky ball forward that has a good chance of being intercepted.

Villa are a good ball-playing team so we have contingencies if they break through the first line of pressing. If the ball gets out to the full back, we make it a 3-on-1 scenario, we don't want them having an easy time of playing the ball forward. Depending on the wing, that winger will press, Belotti will come across to cut out passing lanes along the back four and Kovacic will come forward to cut any passes to the midfield. The only option for the full back is backwards. In addition, our entire formation shifts across to plug any gaps in the line and effectively cut off a third of the pitch, making the switch impossible.

If the ball hits the midfield, their attempt will be to get the ball to the forward players are quickly as possible. The first way to stop this is to keep their back to goal, they can’t see the forwards that way. If we are pressing them with their back to goal, we will very rarely get turned (provided the other players close down the passing lanes) and this results usually in a turnover.
Along with that, teams just get in the faces of the opposition and cut off passing lanes. The midfielder is in the same dilemma as the defenders here about whether to dribble/pass forward and risk a turnover or pass the ball back and break down the move. The most important part to consider here is that the defenders and midfielders have only a second or two to think this before the ball is taken off them and thus finding the right pass isn’t easy.

If the ball makes it all the way to the front line, somehow, then we drop back deep and defend as a unit, plugging all gaps and not allowing them the space and time to work their way through. At no time do we want them to be in a one-on-one situation in our own half. We must double team them all game so that they can't make use of their technical or physical attributes. Even the best players in the world struggle to break through a wall of 10 men and, from here, we can look to spring an instant counter with pace of our own.

With Villa likely to be looking to dictate the play and get men forward, we will be in with the perfect opportunity to counter at pace whenever we get the ball. On the flanks, we have Boschilia and Lemar, who are both quick-footed and direct, supported by Gaya and Sidibe. With the athleticism and attacking prowess on show here, we want to focus our attacks down the flanks, stretching out Villa’s formation and looking to get the ball in to Belotti, who will fancy his chances in the air against any defender. With our flanks pushing up, it will be up to Kovacic to provide the support for Belotti, arriving in the area late so as not to be picked up, while Dendoncker and Paredes stay central to prevent a Villa breakaway.
If we don’t have the opportunity to break away with pace, then our midfield trio will look to play in triangles and work some space, keeping hold of the ball and looking for that killer ball out to the flanks or through for Belotti to finish.

Substitutions:

70 minutes: Torreira for Dendoncker - Torreira performs much the same role as Dendoncker and, in a high pressing line up such as this, the fresh legs will be greatly needed.

75 minutes: Coric for Boschilia - With injuries and suspensions to the pack in front of him, this is a perfect chance for Coric to prove what he can do. A versatile midfielder with a good eye for a pass and a desire to get forward, Coric will be looking to thread the ball through to Belotti or wait on the overlap from Gaya to beat the Villa full back.

80 minutes: Ponce for Paredes - We will shift to a 4-4-2 with Kovacic dropping deeper, as he will likely have fresher legs than Paredes. Ponce will come on to help out Belotti and to defend from the front. He will operate more as a Trequartista and look to set up goals on a plate for Belotti.

--------------------Lloris
Clyne-----Pepe-----Godin-----Bertrand
----------Casemiro-------Pjanic
Di Maria-----------Ozil----------Firmino
-------------------Suarez
Subs
Patricio, Hummels, Wendell, Krychowiak, Radja, Salah, Kane


Lloris is a commanding presence at the back, when he calls for a ball, the defence know he will claim it without trouble, he and the defence have complete confidence in each other and stops those little split second doubts which could lead to a chance being conceded When he has the ball he will look to offload quickly in the direction of the front 5 to get those quick counters started.


Godin is the defensive leader and will be the one to set the defensive line on the pitch, both centre backs will stay back with either one of the full backs or the DM always prepared to make it a back 3 when we lose possesion to stop counter attacks, Both CB"s will communicate with each other so they are clear in where the attacking threats are so they are always aware. When dealing with the opposition, we will avoid sliding tackles unless necessary instead looking to use our experience to just guide players off the ball. When on the ball, if the opposition are giving them space to come out with the ball, then they should take it forward, if not, keep it simple and play it to a man in space with the occasional long ball to the front 3 thrown in to keep the opposition from setting up against one style of play.




For the full backs today the objective is to sit back and tuck in slightly when defending, looking to stop balls being played between them and the centre backs, with the secondary advantage of discouraging the wide men from cutting inside, forcing them to cross, which gives us a better chance of getting the ball back quickly and launching an attack of our own.

 Their objective when attacking will be to keep making runs past the winger on both the inside and outside, giving the opposition full back that split second of indecision on who they go with. They will only occasionally put floated crosses in, preferring to either play shorter passes to the wingers or players who have come out from the middle of the pitch to keep possession and let the pressure build up in the final third, or run to the byline and put in fast and low crosses relying on both the faster reactions and control of our attackers and the pressure of the situation on their centre backs to hastily clear the ball without being in full control of the situation.


The focus of the midfield 2 will be to use their high energy, all action styles to get themselves around the middle of the pitch, working in collaboration with Ozil to control the midfield battle whilst still having the attacking nous to create chances for us. When we are in the attacking third, they will always be looking to make themselves available for a pass to keep recycling the ball, keeping the pressure up with us looking to use the movement of the other CM's and the front 3 to drag the opposition defensive players that little bit more which could be the difference in getting a player behind them. They also all have an eye for a pass so will look to take advantage of the front 3 all flitting around and play them in with through balls and quick one touch play. We will also occasionally take the occasional long shot, with the aim being to make sure defenders aren't content to sit back and forcing them to make a decision. When defending, they are looking to press the middle third of the pitch, pressing the opposition CMs/Wingers in conjunction with other players as they are on the ball to rush their decisions and win the ball back.


Both wingers today will be looking will be to drift around when deeper players are in possession, looking to combine with the other attacking players to get little areas of space before using their pace and trickery to make runs between the CB and FB and get in behind them. When they are on the ball the emphasis will be more on cutting inside with the occasional long shot to test the keeper, and only occasionally putting in crosses, getting involved in a fast intricate style of passing with the centre mids and Suarez, looking to create the passing triangles which will just take players out of the game. They should also look to run at players as they will be cautious not to give away a set piece due to the ability of our set piece takers. When the opposite wide man has the ball, the wideman without the ball should look to find space between the CB and FB to add an extra body in the box. When defending, they should be stopping the passing lines to the full backs primarily, then focus on ensuring our full backs dont get outnumbered.



When Suarez is attacking, he will look to constantly drift around the defenders looking to get himself a bit of space enough for him to get the ball and pass it along to another attacker or face up the defenders and take them on. When running onto a ball, He will also be looking to use his reactions to get ahead of the defender and then use his strength to cut in front of the defender, causing them to either stop their forward momentum completely, or make the foul, his unpredictable style when on the ball will look to cause a bit of doubt in the minds of the defenders as he has a knack of bouncing it off peoples shins and it landing in a perfect position for himself to create a chance for himself or others. He also has a knack of being the first to react to get onto rebounds or parries and taking those one touch chances.
When defending, he will be working with the wingers to cut off the passing lines for their CB's, forcing them or the keeper to launch it long, then using his tireless energy reserves to work back and press their centre mids.



Set Pieces


Corners - Ozil takes the corners, most of the time looking to have the ball at an attackable height around 8-10 yards out inbetween the posts, the FB's stay back to prevent counters, the CB's and Suarez work in a group to make little blocks and cross-runs to lose a marker so 1 or 2 can get a run at the ball, Firmino and Di Maria flit around away from the main attacking group looking to pounce on mistimed touches and flicks around the area. Casemiro looks to limit the opposition keeper from moving too far off his line, looking to take a defender with him to create less space for the keeper and one less man in the main action area. Pjanic takes a position just outside the box to pick up weak clearances and go for the odd thundercunt and occasionally providing the short option to try and draw 2 defenders out of the box.





Free Kicks - Suarez takes Direct FK's



For Indirect FK's, same instructions as Corners





Penalties - Suarez is the designated taker.

Subs



If Winning


70 mins - Radja for Ozil - The wingers tuck back, but look to get out quickly and counter if the opposition over-commit for a route back into the game.




81 + 85 Mins - Krych for Casemiro and Wendell for Bertrand - Fresh legs with the added element of running down the clock.



If Drawing
70 Mins - Radja for Casemiro - Bring a bit more urgency into attacks, show the opposition we are going for the win.

If Losing



70 Mins - Hummels, Kane and Radja for Bertrand, Casemiro and Clyne - switch to a 3-5-2 with emphasis on the wings backs acting as wingers and we go all out attacking for a way to get back into the game.

Balanced 4-3-3

A slight change in midfield with Partey and Khedira partnering each other as the central defensive midfielders as we look to give our attacking trio as much freedom as possible in the final third.

Attacking down the wings. Fbs both given license to attack with two strong defensive midfielders in front of the defence. Target their fbs.

Khedira plays as the defensive midfielder. Partey next to him in more of an Essien role, staying defensively strong but showing his technical side and looking to get forward and contribute. Thiago is the playmaker of the side, he'll be looking to link with our wide men and full backs as we look to get the ball to Hazard and Ronaldo in the final third.

Key to our game plan today, using our power to win the midfield battle and using our pace out wide. We want to get the ball to our front three quickly and support them. With the pace of our wide players and Costa's ability to bully central defenders their defence will have a torrid time.

Thiago will always be looking for space in between the opposition defence and attack while the wingers have creative freedom, to switch or come central. The full backs on both sides will be overlapping.

The midfield should never be flat. Create as many lines as possible to increase the options we have in possession, and to create gaps in the opposition. Our wide attackers, and the attacking fbs look to give us width and stretch the game.

We'll also carry a huge threat at set pieces with Ramos, Costa, Khedira, Partey and Ronaldo in the box.


--------------- M.Neuer
Danilo - S.Ramos – Umtitii - Kurzawa
------------- Khedira - T.Partey
------------------ Thiago.A
E.Hazard ------------------------- Ronaldo
----------------- D.Costa

Subs. Schmeichel, Otamendi, Bernat, Verratti, Asensio, F.Anderson, Rashford

Key to our attack is quick attacking play. Varying our play and how we get the ball to our front 3 quickly.

Don’t let them play.

We look to press the opposition high up the pitch as soon as they look to play out to the midfield. We let their defenders have the ball, and get all our players behind the ball. Marking all options in midfield.

Costa blocking the pass to the cbs and the wingers in the space in front of the fbs, with the team as a unit pushing up behind them in a 4-2-1-3 formation, Thiago pressing the space in central midfield, he is one of the best in Europe for making interceptions.

If their fbs attacks we look to exploit that, if not it takes away another option for them. Not letting them play out.

Khedira looks to mark their central am. Partey picking up the second most offensive cm, and Thiago presses the space or picks up their dm in the unlikely event they attack. This should give us two men over in defence, with a cb and Thiago free.

We look to win the ball back and attack quickly. Get the ball to our front trio and exploit any gaps in their defence before they get back in.

Attack.

Get the ball to our wingers, get them attacking their fbs, and get balls into Ronaldo and Costa in the box.

In possession, the defence push up playing a normal line, wary of their pace on the attack. The cm trio seeking to collect the ball from the defence, and seeking to start our attacks from the back. Spreading play quickly, and setting the tempo of the game.

Khedira and Partey looking to collect the ball from defence, picking the passes to start the attacks. Then looking to find space between their defence and midfield. Thiago will be the main playmaker in the opposition half. Partey performing in a box to box role providing power to burst forward.

We want quick one twos in the opposition half. Thiago, Partey and the wingers will always be looking for the killer ball. If it is not on, we are happy to keep possession, attacking down the wings.

Captain: Ramos

Subs.

If winning or drawing after 65 mins bring on F.Anderson for D.Costa. Hazard left, Ronaldo central, Anderson right. Pure pace down the wings. Give their fbs something new to deal with.
If winning after 70 mins bring on Verratti for Thiago. Fresh legs in an important area.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Rashford for Hazard. Fresh pace to run at Wolves.

If drawing after 70 mins bring on Vidal for Partey.
If drawing after 75 mins bring on Otamendi and F.Anderson for Aleix Vidal and Kurzawa. 3-5-2.

If losing after 60 mins bring on F.Anderson for Partey. Hazard to CAM. Ronaldo left, Anderson Right. Thiago cm, Khedira dm. 4-2-3-1 Attack.
If losing after 70 mins bring on Otamendi and Rashford for Kurzawa and Danilo. 3-5-2. Attack!

---------------------- Handanovic
---------- Varane ------ Javi.M ----- Laporte
Carvajal ----- Gundogan --- Matuidi -------- Ghoulam
------------ De Bruyne ---------- O.Dembele
--------------------- Lewandowski

Subs: Navas, Tah, Guerreiro, Fernandinho, Rabiot, Perisic, Martial

Sit second in the form table and need to get some more points on the board. Man Utd are a good side but have just been relegated so confidence will be at an all time low, 5 losses in their last 6 but we don't take them lightly, stay focused and work as a unit.

We play a high line today, press as a unit further up in fits and bursts and get right in their skins, not allowing them to pass out from the back or string together several passes going forward, on our feet and quicker to everything, forcing errors and onto them like a bad rash.

Off the ball, hunt in packs and cut down any easy passing lanes within a close radius, high energy and worth ethic working together as a well oiled machine to win possession.

If we win the ball higher up, we attack and don't allow them to re-group, hit them hard and fast. Our CM's sit in and allow our fullbacks to burst forward and provide the width. If a quick attack is not on we are happy to circulate possession in mf and defence and build from the back, allows us to get our energy back and get them to chase when we have our foot on the ball.

They have a good attack but dont necessarily possess the pace to get in behind, play's into our hands and allows us to play a high line, 3 solid CB's at the back, J.Martinez man-marks their striker, CB's either side quick on their feet and alert to any danger.

O.Dembele returns from his injury and back in the side, can use his acceleration and speed to break and start many a counter attack today, platform for a quick transition as he carries the ball forward and leaves defenders in his wake, allowing others more time and space when in support.

On the ball, we should play more possession based. Passing the ball out from the back and playing at a high tempo, creating passing lanes and getting De Bruyne to come short and dictate the pace. One FB goes forward at a time, we probe and look to get it wide, runners on and off the ball and in the box. At times we look to vary our play but always maintain that we keep numbers back to cover the danger of a swift opposition counter.

It starts with Handanovic at the back, very good with his hands and feet. Fast and precise with his distribution to ensure we are controlling possession and initiating attacks quickly.

Quick and nimble CB’s either side of Martinez, stay tight at the back and makes themselves available for pass. At times Martinez can step out and get his foot on the ball or come short and collect from Handanovic, looking to thread a ball through to the midfielders/flanks or simple long ball over the top looking for Lewandowski to hold up play and bring others into the game.

Our wing-backs stay wide, looking to link with our midfielders and stretching the opposition. When our mf'ers are on the ball we need to give them as much passing options as possible, create lines and pass and move with the aim of getting it into our attackers pronto, overlap consistently on the flanks and work opportunities inside linking with KDB/Dembele.

Offensively, our midfielders sit deep and spread the play at a quick tempo, patient but penetrative. The duo provide a shield, if they are being vigorously pressed they know the next pass on before they receive the ball, good at working in restrictive space also. Matuidi at times maraud and use his burst of energy to get us moving forward, very physical and able to shield the ball in tight areas.

Defensively, need to oppress their midfielders and not allow them to adventure forward, roam or pick a pass in space. Matuidi and Gundogan need to work their socks off and cover every blade of grass, high on stamina. Man-mark, If they want to find an attacker make sure it is with a high degree of risk of losing possession, if they move the ball backwards, we re-organise and repeat as a well organised unit.

Our attackers trigger the press from the front, not allowing them to play out from the back. When on the ball, use their pace and movement to get in behind and always make themselves available for a pass looking to influence the game as much as possible.

Throughout we should frustrate them with our organisation and tight press, stay rigid and allow their attackers little involvement in the game so they have to come deeper to get involved, make them play in front of us and ensure we prevent runs in behind as much as possible.

In possession, we need to counter their press especially in central areas, diamond in midfield with Martinez dropping anchor playing slightly ahead of the other two CB's when on the ball, passing in triangles and using high energy, distribute and get them running after our shadows. The longer we are on the ball, the more they will tire as the game progresses and the more time we get to take a breather from defending.

Service out from the back, put them off their organisation with diagonal balls over the top into feet, switch the play quickly and allow the attackers to run into space.

Lewandowski strong as an outlet, strong support from attackers. Link constantly with teammates and run in-behind, dominate the CB's aerially and press from the front.

Subs:
65th minute - If winning - (3-4-3)
Rabiot > Matuidi
Guerreiro > Ghoulam
Martial > KdB (80th min)
Rabiot & Guerreiro look to provide more energy, we stay compact and continue to counter going forward, "80th min - Martial look to use his pace to get in behind late on.

65th minute – if draw - (4-3-3 wide)
Fernandinho > Laporte
Alves > Carvajal
Perisic > De Bruyne (75th min)
Fernandinho sits in and allows Gundogan and Matuidi to play with freedom as a duo further in midfield, width from FB's looking to get delivery into the box, "75th min - Perisic replaces De Bruyne on the flank.

65th minute - If losing (4-4-2 - direct)
Alves > Carvajal
Martial > Laporte
Perisic> KdB
4-4-2, Perisic on to support Lewa in attack, plenty of width with Dembele and Martial on the flanks, get crosses into the box and punt the ball forward from the back.

C – Lewandowski
FK’s – De Bruyne / near - Lewandowski
Corners – Gundogan/ De Bruyne
Pens – Lewandowski

ASTON VILLA 4-2-3-1

———————————— 13. Oblak
24. Vrsaljko — 4. Alderweireld — 17. Boateng — 23. Shaw
————— 16. De Rossi —— 6. Strootman
7. Bernardo ————— 22. Mkhitaryan ————— 11. Reus
———————————— 9. Ibrahimovic

SUBS: 1. Chesney, 4. Jones, 23. Eriksen, 29. Xhaka, 19. Falcao, 22. Castillejo, Benzema

Captain: Marco Reus
Corners: Luka Modric
Crossing free-kicks: Luka Modric
Shooting free-kicks: Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Penalties: Zlatan Ibrahimovic

We stick to a 4-2-3-1 counter attack and again a near full strength side with Strootman coming into the side bringing his vision with him, helping to dominate the midfield against a strong midfield, taking control with his experience especially when providing a threat from deep with his passing. Up against a strong opposition team today in what is a crucial game for Aston Villa’s chances at getting a trophy we need a win and so we are very motivated, we expect the opposition to be looking to dominate, we usually play this way too, however with our greater experience and the pace on the break of our front 4 we're going to play more on the counter attack leaving very little space between the lines of midfield and defence when defending.

The advantage of the 4-2-3-1 formation in terms of counter attacking is it is very easy to change quickly from defence to attack and create superior number situations in the opposition half of the pitch with the 4 rows of players on the pitch, what is a 4-5-1 in defensive situations can very quickly become a 4-3-3 in attack.

The block of four of Boateng Alderweireld DDR and Strootman will form a four man block around their striker when out of possession. DDR and Strootman will help cut the passing lanes to their forward line while Alderweireld will mark their striker tightly with Boateng sweeping behind if he does get through. Mkhitaryan will come back in the defending phase to help win the ball back with the two midfielders.

Oblak will play in goal, his talents are obvious to anyone, fantastic shot stopper and very good coming off his line so he can sweep up any balls in behind and someone capable of wonder saves.

The first line of our formation is the defence, the full backs Vrsaljko and Shaw are extremely fit and very strong in defence and tactically aware of their roles in this system which is crucial, they are to make the job of the wide attackers of the opposition as difficult as possible not allowing them to make runs in between themselves and the centre halves, keeping them as wide as possible and as far from goal as possible, good communication from the centre halves is crucial.

The two midfielders DDR and Strootman are our second line of defence and attack, by playing two deeper lying players they can rotate, one of them will always be available for the ball when we're in possession and both are able to launch attacks quickly due to their passing ability, defensively they are to watch runs from the opposition midfield who will be dangerous, both are very tactically educated and comfortable playing this way. Strootman will be tasked with pushing the team forwards in the attacking phase and arriving late in the box.

Our attacking midfield trio are absolutely crucial to the way we want to attack, nobody is somewhat free of defensive responsibility especially under pressure as both Bernardo and Reus are very hard working and able to get up and down the pitch for 90 minutes, in defence it will become a 4-4-1-1 while the offensive ability and styles of Bernardo and Reus means the formation automatically becomes a 4-3-3 when in possession. Their pace and intelligence in making runs will cause havoc for the the opposition defence and their records speak for themselves when creating and taking chances.

Ibrahimovic will play as the centre forward, his reactions and energy will be crucial in pressurising the defensive midfielder of the opposition and he never stops running. When we obtain possession his first job is to get on the shoulder of the centre halves and make runs in behind and stretch the defence, this is crucial in creating gaps between the midfield and defence of the opposition for Bernardo, Mkhitaryan and Reus to create and take chances.

SUBS:

If winning after 75 mins bring on Xhaka for Mkhitaryan. More physical presence in midfield, and gives greater cover in a 433.

If drawing or losing after 65 mins bring on Eriksen for DDR. Fresh creativity and legs. Pace will also cause problems. Stroots will drop back to DM to control the game while Eriksen and Mkhitaryan will dominate from behind Ibrahimovic as well as adding an extra goal threat in a 4-1-4-1. Bernardo on right and Reus on the left.

If drawing or losing after 75 mins bring on Benzema for Mkhitaryan. Attacking 4-4-2 with Stroots and Eriksen in the middle and Bernardo on the right Reus on the left. Ibrahimovic and Benzema up front.

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

Bellerin ----- Bonucci ----- Manolas ----- Ricardo

---------------- Arturo ------- Sergio ----------------

Sanchez ---------------- Alli --------------- Neymar

------------------------ Aguero -----------------------

Lafont, Fabino, Mendy, Kessie, Mbappe, Sterling , Dybala

Huge game but we are up for this, they have a fantastic team who will be nipping at our toes so we must play our usual quick, one touch, passing, looking for gaps to run into making ourselves available. When they have we press as a team and give them no time at all.

In goal De Gea a fantastic shot stopper and a keeper that instills confidence in the back four, shouting instructions to his defenders. Out very quickly to shut down strikers and close there shooting angles down. Punches clear what he cant catch from high balls and likes to release early to set up quick counters.

Bonucci in beside Manolas with Manolas signing we feel this is a solid partnership and on this occassion Manolas will man mark the CF. Manolas is a very cultured defender who is quick and skillfull for a CB, with great marking abilities, powerfully built so marking the CF should be no trouble as he has to man up to him, will keep him away from goal and be on to him quickly as he comes forward so he can intercept any though he has of going for goal. When in possession he will carry the ball out and start attacks from the back. Bonucci alongside is fantastic in the air, so will mark any other big players that come into our danger area, strong in the air and strong in the tackle and make sure he is strong enough to get the ball away from danger. A clever player who can intercept attacks very quickly before they begin and he does this with great effect and simply takes the ball away from attackers. He too can carry the ball out from defence but we must be careful and only do this when it is possible. His passing is too top class as he at times plays the simple ball, however his range is fantastic and can quite easily ping a 50 yards pass forward for the front line to chase or take down. Both go up for corners and are a huge threat.

Bellerin and Ricardo at fullback, we must keep the wingers quiet, stop them and we stop a lot of there attacks. Both are perfect for this as they are both quick . They will look to keep them away from shooting areas where is dangerous in any position. This is a vital clash in this game. They will be up against quality wingers so look to force him away from goal and backwards. I want them to attack when in no danger (one at a time, dont be left exposed)so time these runs perfectly. One sits back a bit and allowing the other to attack, this is keeping a 3 at the back at all times. Their marking abilities are sound, both have good positional sense and very quick, do not make rash desicions and will stay on their feet. When one goes the other stays as they look to make an extra man down the flank for our wingers to cut inside or play neat one twos to free the wingers up as there fullbacks get dragged out of position.

We have a very industrious pairing in the middle, Busquets to stop the AM getting the ball from midfield to the striker, he must be right on top of him looking to close him down at the quickest opportunity, let him dictate play and there striker will get plenty chances, we must not let this happen. So quick and into him, fairly and stop this! Busquets himself will look to dictate from deep as he picks up from the defence and looks to drive us forward with precision passing. Vidal v the second most advanced midfielder much the same, but obvs when we have the ball he is allowed to move forward and move into dangerous areas where he is best and force there players back, Vidal should have a bit of time to look around him for the pass as he looks to find his team mates with ease. Pass and move always look for the return pass. When they have then close down the CM, he will look to ping the ball about so get to him before that opportunity arises. We have put Dele Alli in a No.10 role against there DM he must be strong, he is an all round fantastic midfielder,, however he will look to take the DM on one v one drag him about open up spaces for others to drive into, with the ball at feet look to play quick one twos with those around him so he makes the runs into the box looking for that return ball that will get him in on goal. If the ball is played to him with his back to goal hold it up, draw the foul from the DM, if it doesnt come then look to lay it off, look to play the slide pass into Aguero, he must support Aguero as best he can and the two must link up very well, very quickly, Alli is fantastic in front of goal, I think his record speaks for itself. All three are good all round midfielders, But Busquets i want to sit in the hole with the two either side when defending. I want our defence and midfield shutting down everything quickly, even if its high up the pitch, we don't give them time on the ball to get it to their dangerous front three.

Neymar and Sanchez are known for their creativity, speed, and technical ability and are fearless, explosive attacking midfielders who can change the game with a turn of pace or a dribble. More importantly both scorers of wonderful and important goals. Both technically excellent in limited areas, fast explosive acceleration during the first ten yards. Which more often than not takes them passed defenders and allows them to get into dangerous areas. Always play with there heads up looking for the runs of others to get the ball into there feet. Sanchez I want to be a proper winger today and look to drive down the line and keep it to the outside making them come to him, which will leave holes in the centre of the pitch hopefully he will get the ball into. When they have the ball look to stick close to fullbacks and stop them coming forward. Just track the fullbacks and use pace to get back and in around there faces to stop them becoming a threat. Always be looking for Alli inside as the four make an awesome quartet in behind Aguero and a scary proposition for there slow back line, Neymar, Sanchez are versatile players so may switch during the course of the game to annoy defenders, They have attacking fullbacks so I want them to get in behind them and force them back

Aguero will get plenty chances, hat trick last week so bang in form, he must put away there side who will be solid at the back, however I want to target the slower of the two. Get into positions that he can go for goal or at very least drag players away for other players to drive into the space. Target the slower of the cbs, split them apart to create space, we are quick, so our forwards must hit them with pace to drag them all over the place. He can score from various angles/ranges..All of our front four/five will be a threat today we must go for it and keep pace with the league leaders. Can hold it up and look for runners, in particular Neymar and Sanchez, Alli will be making his runs also so be watchful of him just to lay it off to the side. But especially look for Alli as he times his runs perfectly so a little touch back to him allows him to go for goal.

Captain - Bonucci
Penalties - Neymar
Free kicks - Neymar
Corners - Wingers

Losing
60 Mins - Dybala for Alli go into a proper no.10 role behind Aguero, can drive forward and passed him as well
70 Mins - Sterling for Sanchez
80 Mins - Fabinho for Ricardo, Busquets to CB 3 at the back midfield of Bellerin Fabinho Arturo Sterling and 3 up top

Winning
70 Mins Fabinho for Alli and into midfield 3
80 Mins Mbappe for Neymar, Dybala for Aguero

Drawing
70 Mins Sterling for Sanchez, Dybala for Aguero
Go behind after this Mbappe for Alli and up top

Arsenal vs Man Utd

Injuries:
Zaha, El Shaarawy, Jorginho, Hamsik & Wanyama



……………………………..Buffon……………………
Hysaj…………Romagnoli…..Chiellini…Sandro
……………………..Allan……Marchisio…………
Berardi………………..Mertens……….............Gelson
…………………………….Higuain……………………….

Subs: Macey, De Sciglio, Barzagli, Savic, Gotze, Gabbiadini, Lopes

Had a nice run of form of late and we will look to carry that on against a relegation threatened man Utd. Few key players out with injuries so we shuffle the pack and see how we fair.

We don’t really have the personnel to play slow tempo possession football, so instead we go with a fast-paced direct style utilising the explosive space of our attacking trident to quickly transition from defence to attack.

This is a side that is pretty hard to break down, United don’t have a huge amount of goals in them so we look to shut them out and make the most of the opportunities we create.

Buffon continues in goal, the kids still up there with the very best in the business and will play behind a defence he gives great confidence to, will come and collect what he can, always been quick around the goal mouth and leads with experience.

Sandro and Hysaj are arguably the two best full backs in Serie A, both actually know how to defend but importantly both are more than capable when going forwards, we’ll utilise that today as they kick on and give us some extra width, running the overlaps and letting our wingers drift inside, defensively it’s same old I’m afraid as it’s a case of not diving in and showing the man the line. If you do have to play the man try and get some of the ball as well.

Chiellini and Romagnoli a case of sorcerer and apprentice, if Leffy goes one up top then Chiellini man marks him with Roma dropping off as the insurance policy..IF it’s two-up-top then they go man for man, Chiellini is the one to deal with the more physical of the two strikers, both are good on the ball and in terms of distribution I want long raking diagonal balls exploiting the wider areas of the pitch and turning United’s defence, let’s see how they cope in a leg race.

Allan and Marchisio in the pivot, Allan is a great DM, not extravagant in anyway keeps it ticking over and does the dirty work for the good of the side, Marchisio is a far better player than statistics show, has a fantastic engine on him. In my humble opinion they have the makings of a very solid pairing in the middle of the park – giving us the foothold we need to take all 3 points.

The Trident for me is key to this game, all 3 are blessed with great technique and rapid acceleration, Berardi and Gelson Martins will start off very wide I want to really stretch this United team, as our FB’s push forward then they will drift inwards looking to operate in the spaces between DM and FB. Their initial burst of speed will trouble defenders from off of a standing start and this will be key today as we turn their defence and get them running towards their own goal, they won’t want to risk a lunging tackle will they? Mertens is having a fantastic season as Napoli’s front man, has weighed in with 23 Serie A goals so with him playing as more of a “false 9” rather than a #10 he’ll be a great partner for Higgy Stardust.

Higuain is the gamechanger, he’s not everyones cup of tea, granted. But he is a top drawer finisher and with the attacking midfielders at our disposal he’ll fancy his chances of bagging a couple, he leads the line well and will be the perfect springboard for our attack, hold it up, lay it off, spin get in the box and bingo..a slightly less good Inzaghi


Subs 70 mins

Gabbiadini > Gelson……Mertens then goes LW and we go 4-4-2 with Gabbi and Higgy uptop

---------------------Forster--------------------
Cedric-----van Dijk-----Kompany-----Blind
---------------Kante-------Gomes------------
Mahrez-------------Garcia------------Willian
----------------------Lukaku-------------------

Pickford, Tierney, Wilshire, Matic, Haddadi, Barkley, Kelechi

Forster behind the back four which is a solid defensive unit this defense has probably been as good as any in the league and we aim to keep it this way today, with the keeper shouting when he comes out for the ball, he will punch clear what he cant catch and look to release the ball early, Forster will look to dominate his area against the opposition.

Kompany takes the free role at the back, he sits spare whilst van Dijk picks up the CF. While van Dijk is picking up the CF, Kompany takes a step off him as he will be mindful of the CF if he gets away from van Dijk or indeed any other attacker that comes through. Both need to be strong in the defence, they cannot be bullied by the CF or any other attackers, although they are both powerful boys. van Dijk must make desicions quickly to where he has to be and not make rash desicions, that is where Kompany helps him. They attack all high balls, they must stick tight as we are playing two attacking fullbacks, Both top class with the ball, so if they are feeling comfortable then move out with the ball. Both go up for corners and free kicks as they are both very dangerous in the opposition box. Bender sits in with the fullabacks when they go forward.

Cedric and Blind are allowed to attack. When the fullbacks attack I want them up supporting our wingers getting beyond the wide forwards to give us some width and get to the bye line, so Mahrez and Willian can cut in if they wish and support Lukaku. Put in crosses for him to attack. When defending the lines, push there wingers out wide and stay on feet, dont dive in, this will force the player back or into a space they cant get out of. In this game we are obviously going to be up against top class players so our fullbacks must time there runs forward and not just do it for the sake of it. This defense has turned out to be one of the best in the league and don't concede many goals
.
We are going to look and play a compact midfield to reduce the time they have on the ball. Kante and Gomes do this and will be sitting in with either making the occassional run forward, one of them must sit in at all times. Gomes more than Kante will be making these runs. I want them to break their attack up very quickly and get the ball forward or out to our wingers/Garcia. Kante takes up the main role of marking there attacking midfielder. He is a very in your face type character with endless energy so there midfielders wont have much time on the ball. Gomes also hard working doesn't let anything go and will be at their players at all times, so as Kante takes care of the AM Gomes will be at the heals of every one else in possession in the middle of the park.

Mahrez and Willian will play with freedom to attack and support Garcia and Lukaku,they have a lot of skill so can pick these players out easily when we break forward and as we break forward they can cut inside and allow our fullbacks to get beyond them to put in the cross, we may seem like it is all about attack with the fullbacks attacking but when they attack Mahrez and Willian will push wide to stop there fullbacks if needed and support Cedric and Blind.

Garcia will be the link that will get the ball from midfield to attack, his passing is sublime and he has bursts of energy that sees him passed players. Will have his head up at all times and pick team mates out easily breaking down there defensive lines with ease, quick one touch passing to the front three and they will be in on goal very quickly.I would also like to see him push out to either wings to interchange with Mahrez and Willian as to move their defenders out of position, If he has to drop deep to get possession of the ball then so be it, he also has the freedom to do so..He is also fantastic in the air and a real threat at set pieces,also in open play he can rise above others and flick on to Lukaku

Lukaku is a fantastic outlet up front as he can not only take players on with his pace but is strong enough to hold off players to allow others to come in and support, especially Garcia who will be up in support a lot, always looking to go for goal and two good feet, with support from our fullbacks, Mahrez and Willian also this is a very quick and powerful front line always driving forward and hopefully that defenders will fear. We must drive at them non stop, do not give them a moments peace on the ball constantly pushing them backwards and away from our half.

We will be a massive threats at set pieces as van Dijk, Kompany, Garcia and Lukaku are all fantastic in the air and will be up for everything

Captain is Virgil van Dijk
Penalty taker is Lukaku
Free Kicks are taken by Mahrez
Corners are taken by Mahrez

Substitutes

if we are losing Kelechi will come on for Garcia on 65 minutes and go up front and on 75 minutes BArkley and Haddadi for Garcia and Cedric and we go 3412

if we are drawing Barkley for Garcia and Haddadi for Willian on 75 minutes

Winning then Matic for Garcia and sit in at DM and Wilshire for Gomes

----------------------- Hart ----------------------

Sidibe --- S.Mustafi -- Koscielny --- F.Luis

------------------ Schneiderlin ------------------

Florenzi --- Prowse --- Jankto --- Perrotti

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

Rajkovic, Maguire, Chalobah, Cuadrado, Hakan, Walcott, Bacca

Solid back 5 with Hart in goal, a super shot stopper, always on his toes ready. Is extremely confident. Always look to get the team away quickly on the counter by shipping it out wide to the wingers early. Close down forwards early and reduce there shooting angles.

Mustafi and Koscielny know each other well and have a good relationship which always helps at centre back. Mustafi picks up the danger man, stay tight on him and watches his every move, even when we attack Mustafi must always be prepared to get onto to him quickly just in case, be solid in the tackle, hit him early but don't dive in. Koscielny sits spare, if they have two up top then he goes for the second striker, if its just one then he sits just off Mustafi in case the forward breaks free, both must dominate today don't give the forwards an inch. Luis sits in which allows Sidibe to attack, putting us into a 352 of some sort then Luis simply moves to LCB and Sidibe pushes on this will see Florenzi move inside. Anyway in our line up to start Sidibe is allowed to support Florenzi, get up and to his outside allowing him to move inside as the two look to push there LB back and cause havoc, look to fire in a cross to Icardi or if Icardi/Florenzi in space a simple ball inside. Luis on the other hand will take the ball to half way and look to get Perrotti away with his pace and look to put a ball in between the defenders for him to chase. He sits back most of the time however as Sidibe will be on the attack.

We keep it simple at the back nothing silly, Sidibe doesn't have a free reign to attack, but he knows when and when not to.

Morgan just in front, he patrols that area, a big player for us today, a lot will go through him, wether its the defenders passing forward or the midfielders passing back to him to start again. He can supply some very good balls, but with there AM on him he must do it quickly, an intelligent player so will know where the pass is going before he gets the ball, mostly just keep it simple but if he sees a long pass on either out wide or to Icardi up top then ping it to them. Defending then there AM will be dangerous, so again look at his positioning make sure it is correct and don't allow the player to control the game, get right on top of him, so he panics and puts away a silly pass.

Prowse and Jankto ahead of him and fantastic ball players, both can attack and defend well, so again when we are in possession always go looking for the ball, quick one touch passing letting them chase them around the park and tire themselves out, if it has to go backwards to get us forwards then so be it, Morgan is there to start again, a quick turn with the ball will not only take there player out of it but it will also give them room to get there head up and see where the front three are then its up to them to make sure the pass goes straight to them, both similar players and will be allowed to make a move forward into the box, but II always want one just holding back, in case they break or the ball comes out, both can shoot from distance so if the opportunity arises then go for it. When defending then along with Morgan these three will look to dominate there midfield.

|Florenzi & Perotti are skillfull and like to take on there man so there fullbacks are up against it, Perrotti may have to do a lot on his own as Luis wont be up that much, however his pace allows this, Luis will look to play the pass that allows Perrotti to use his skill to beat his man and get down the line and take on the RB, use those inside to give and go and get right into the mixer and give to Prowse/Jankto/Icardi or go for goal. Sidibe and Florenzi will have fun down our right, Sidibe will time his runs down the right so Florenzi will look for him so he can pass it passed there LB for Luis to run onto, once this is done Florenzi can shuffle inside to make himself available again. If Sidibe isn't up then Florenzi will be looking to get in early crosses for Icardi and the two cms to run at.

Both must help out defensively, we set up with the two banks of 4 with Morgan in between them, when we do this it make it very difficult for them to break down, we chase down everything, we don't give them any time on the ball, this is a must win today, so 100% from every single player out there.

Icardi is a top striker, he sits on the last man all the time, he runs the line looking to ruffle up there defenders if he has a marker then look to drag him about and out of position for other players to drift into when we attack. He has a great eye for goal so if he gets a chance he will bury it, good in the air too so time his jumps and if he gets up before the cb

Captain - Koscielny
Penalties - Icardi
Free Kicks - Florenzi
Corners - Wingers

Subs

Losing -
65 Mins - Calhanoglu for Jankto and go 4231
75 Mins - Walcott for Florenzi, Bacca for Perrotti, Hakan to the left and 442

Winning -
70 Mins - Chalobah for Jankto 451
80 Mins - Bacca for Icardi

Drawing
70 Mins - Hakan for Perrotti, Walcott for Jankto, Florenzi into CM

--------------------Lloris
Clyne-----Pepe-----Godin-----Bertrand
----------Casemiro-------Radja
Mane------------Ozil-----------Firmino
-------------------Suarez
Subs
Patricio, Matip, Wendell, Krychowiak, Di Maria, Brandt, Kane


Lloris is a commanding presence at the back, when he calls for a ball, the defence know he will claim it without trouble, he and the defence have complete confidence in each other and stops those little split second doubts which could lead to a chance being conceded. When he has the ball he will look to offload quickly in the direction of the front 5 to get those quick counters started.


Godin is the defensive leader and will be the one to set the defensive line on the pitch, both centre backs will stay back with either one of the full backs or the DM always prepared to make it a back 3 when we lose possesion to stop counter attacks, Both CB"s will communicate with each other so they are clear in where the attacking threats are so they are always aware. When dealing with the opposition, we will avoid sliding tackles unless necessary instead looking to use our experience to just guide players off the ball. When on the ball, if the opposition are giving them space to come out with the ball, then they should take it forward, if not, keep it simple and play it to a man in space with the occasional long ball to the front 3 thrown in to keep the opposition from setting up against one style of play.




For the full backs today the objective is to sit back and tuck in slightly when defending, looking to stop balls being played between them and the centre backs, with the secondary advantage of discouraging the wide men from cutting inside, forcing them to cross, which gives us a better chance of getting the ball back quickly and launching an attack of our own.

 Their objective when attacking will be to keep making runs past the winger on both the inside and outside, giving the opposition full back that split second of indecision on who they go with. They will only occasionally put floated crosses in, preferring to either play shorter passes to the wingers or players who have come out from the middle of the pitch to keep possession and let the pressure build up in the final third, or run to the byline and put in fast and low crosses relying on both the faster reactions and control of our attackers and the pressure of the situation on their centre backs to hastily clear the ball without being in full control of the situation.


The focus of the midfield 2 will be to use their high energy, all action styles to get themselves around the middle of the pitch, working in collaboration with Ozil to control the midfield battle whilst still having the attacking nous to create chances for us. When we are in the attacking third, they will always be looking to make themselves available for a pass to keep recycling the ball, keeping the pressure up with us looking to use the movement of the other CM's and the front 3 to drag the opposition defensive players that little bit more which could be the difference in getting a player behind them. They also all have an eye for a pass so will look to take advantage of the front 3 all flitting around and play them in with through balls and quick one touch play. We will also occasionally take the occasional long shot, with the aim being to make sure defenders aren't content to sit back and forcing them to make a decision. When defending, they are looking to press the middle third of the pitch, pressing the opposition CMs/Wingers in conjunction with other players as they are on the ball to rush their decisions and win the ball back.


Both wingers today will be looking will be to drift around when deeper players are in possession, looking to combine with the other attacking players to get little areas of space before using their pace and trickery to make runs between the CB and FB and get in behind them. When they are on the ball the emphasis will be more on cutting inside with the occasional long shot to test the keeper, and only occasionally putting in crosses, getting involved in a fast intricate style of passing with the centre mids and Suarez, looking to create the passing triangles which will just take players out of the game. They should also look to run at players as they will be cautious not to give away a set piece due to the ability of our set piece takers. When the opposite wide man has the ball, the wideman without the ball should look to find space between the CB and FB to add an extra body in the box. When defending, they should be stopping the passing lines to the full backs primarily, then focus on ensuring our full backs dont get outnumbered.



When Suarez is attacking, he will look to constantly drift around the defenders looking to get himself a bit of space enough for him to get the ball and pass it along to another attacker or face up the defenders and take them on. When running onto a ball, He will also be looking to use his reactions to get ahead of the defender and then use his strength to cut in front of the defender, causing them to either stop their forward momentum completely, or make the foul, his unpredictable style when on the ball will look to cause a bit of doubt in the minds of the defenders as he has a knack of bouncing it off peoples shins and it landing in a perfect position for himself to create a chance for himself or others. He also has a knack of being the first to react to get onto rebounds or parries and taking those one touch chances.
When defending, he will be working with the wingers to cut off the passing lines for their CB's, forcing them or the keeper to launch it long, then using his tireless energy reserves to work back and press their centre mids.



Set Pieces


Corners - Ozil takes the corners, most of the time looking to have the ball at an attackable height around 8-10 yards out inbetween the posts, the FB's stay back to prevent counters, the CB's and Suarez work in a group to make little blocks and cross-runs to lose a marker so 1 or 2 can get a run at the ball, Firmino and Mane flit around away from the main attacking group looking to pounce on mistimed touches and flicks around the area. Casemiro looks to limit the opposition keeper from moving too far off his line, looking to take a defender with him to create less space for the keeper and one less man in the main action area. Radja takes a position just outside the box to pick up weak clearances and go for the odd thundercunt and occasionally providing the short option to try and draw 2 defenders out of the box.





Free Kicks - Suarez takes Direct FK's



For Indirect FK's, same instructions as Corners





Penalties - Suarez is the designated taker.

Subs



If Winning


70 mins - Krychowiak for Ozil - The wingers tuck back, but look to get out quickly and counter if the opposition over-commit for a route back into the game.




81 + 85 Mins - Brandt for Firmino and Wendell for Bertrand - Fresh legs with the added element of running down the clock.



If Drawing
70 Mins - Di Maria for Firmino - Bring a bit more urgency into attacks, show the opposition we are going for the win.

If Losing



70 Mins - Matip, Di Maria and Kane for Bertrand, Firmino and Clyne - switch to a 3-5-2 with emphasis on the wings backs acting as wingers and we go all out attacking for a way to get back into the game.

BIRMINGHAM vs stoke

-----------------------------------Cech-----------------------------------
Walker------------Bailly---------Verthonghen---------Rose
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------Brozovic----------Keita------------------------
Sane-----------------------------------------------------------Bernardeschi
--------------------------------James-----------------------------------------------
----------------------------------Jesus-----------------------------------

Subs - Zieler, Ake, Mario, Depay, Lanzini, Sanabria , Niang

CAPTAIN - CECH
CK'S - JAMES
FK'S - JAMES
PENALTIES - JAMES

Up against ska and his Stoke team, who are missing their main striker Belotti. I want us to go after them from the get go and pressure them high up the pitch. They are a bit lightweight in CM so I want us to try and pressure them there mostly.

This 4231 formation is solid in defence with 2 DM's but also very attacking 2 wingers. I want us to play high up and to not give the oppo attackers any room to breath. When we have the ball I want the team to play pass and move footbal. Don't stay static, try and get in behind the oppo defence as there is a lot of pace in our attacking players. When we don't have the ball I want the team to defend from the front line and pressure the oppo and try and win possession back. Do this in fits and bursts as it is a tiring tactic.

Defence
I got a world class keeper in goal so he will be hard to beat. The defence is well balanced. Bailly and Verthonghen are an excellent partnership and bring experience at the back. Vert brings that old school no nonsense defending. Stay strong and if the opposition play 1 up front than stay close to him and not let him turn. Full backs will start of with a conservative mind set and not attack too much but as the game goes on I want them to make overlapping runs and get some crosses in to the box.

Centre Mids
Brozovic + Keita
Brozovic and Keita will play a b2b role. When Keita attacks, Brozovic stays back to defend and vice versa. Close the oppo AM down and don't let the other team have any time on the ball in the centre of midfield. Brozovic has the ability to pick out a pass while Keita is an engine which can run all day long. They complement each other perfectly.

Wingers
Sane + Bernardeschi
Sane is a pacy winger, he is a very good dribbler and is very good at keeping hold of the ball. Play quick passes and try and carve open the oppo defence with intricate play. Be ready for the counter attack as both are deadly on them. Bernardeschi is also a tricky winger who will look to get to the byline and get some crosses in. Confuse the oppo left back by twisting and turning. I want you both to help track back and help the full backs when they are in our half of the pitch.

Attack Mid
James Rodriguez
Will look to be the architect in the centre of the pitch. He is surrounded by quick, pacy players who have the ability to get on the end of through balls and is very adapt at quick turns to fool the oppo defenders. Make late runs into the box aswell to try and score.

Strike
Gabriel Jesus
I want you to use your pace to try and beat the offside trap. Pass and move is the way to go. With a fast pacy striker up front, we're bound to create chances on the counter.

Subs if LOSING BY 65MINS
Put on Niang for Keita. Also bring on Lanzini for Brozovic and Depay for Bernardeschi. Play a very high line and try and get a goal.

Subs if WINNING BY 65MINS
Take off Jesus and put on Ake in CB and play 5atb ultra defensive with everyone in our own half defending for their lives. Mario on for James aswell.

Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Jesus off for Niang
Brozovic off for Depay
James off for Lanzini

comment by Fan Gillhaus 1903 (U3339)
posted 15 hours, 22 minutes ago

----------------------- Hart ----------------------

Sidibe --- S.Mustafi -- Koscielny --- F.Luis

------------------ Schneiderlin ------------------

Florenzi --- Prowse --- Jankto --- Perrotti

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

Rajkovic, Maguire, Chalobah, Cuadrado, Hakan, Walcott, Bacca

Solid back 5 with Hart in goal, a super shot stopper, always on his toes ready. Is extremely confident. Always look to get the team away quickly on the counter by shipping it out wide to the wingers early. Close down forwards early and reduce there shooting angles.

Mustafi and Koscielny know each other well and have a good relationship which always helps at centre back. Mustafi picks up the danger man, stay tight on him and watches his every move, even when we attack Mustafi must always be prepared to get onto to him quickly just in case, be solid in the tackle, hit him early but don't dive in. Koscielny sits spare, if they have two up top then he goes for the second striker, if its just one then he sits just off Mustafi in case the forward breaks free, both must dominate today don't give the forwards an inch. Luis sits in which allows Sidibe to attack, putting us into a 352 of some sort then Luis simply moves to LCB and Sidibe pushes on this will see Florenzi move inside. Anyway in our line up to start Sidibe is allowed to support Florenzi, get up and to his outside allowing him to move inside as the two look to push there LB back and cause havoc, look to fire in a cross to Icardi or if Icardi/Florenzi in space a simple ball inside. Luis on the other hand will take the ball to half way and look to get Perrotti away with his pace and look to put a ball in between the defenders for him to chase. He sits back most of the time however as Sidibe will be on the attack.

We keep it simple at the back nothing silly, Sidibe doesn't have a free reign to attack, but he knows when and when not to.

Morgan just in front, he patrols that area, a big player for us today, a lot will go through him, wether its the defenders passing forward or the midfielders passing back to him to start again. He can supply some very good balls, but with there AM on him he must do it quickly, an intelligent player so will know where the pass is going before he gets the ball, mostly just keep it simple but if he sees a long pass on either out wide or to Icardi up top then ping it to them. Defending then there AM will be dangerous, so again look at his positioning make sure it is correct and don't allow the player to control the game, get right on top of him, so he panics and puts away a silly pass.

Prowse and Jankto ahead of him and fantastic ball players, both can attack and defend well, so again when we are in possession always go looking for the ball, quick one touch passing letting them chase them around the park and tire themselves out, if it has to go backwards to get us forwards then so be it, Morgan is there to start again, a quick turn with the ball will not only take there player out of it but it will also give them room to get there head up and see where the front three are then its up to them to make sure the pass goes straight to them, both similar players and will be allowed to make a move forward into the box, but II always want one just holding back, in case they break or the ball comes out, both can shoot from distance so if the opportunity arises then go for it. When defending then along with Morgan these three will look to dominate there midfield.

|Florenzi & Perotti are skillfull and like to take on there man so there fullbacks are up against it, Perrotti may have to do a lot on his own as Luis wont be up that much, however his pace allows this, Luis will look to play the pass that allows Perrotti to use his skill to beat his man and get down the line and take on the RB, use those inside to give and go and get right into the mixer and give to Prowse/Jankto/Icardi or go for goal. Sidibe and Florenzi will have fun down our right, Sidibe will time his runs down the right so Florenzi will look for him so he can pass it passed there LB for Luis to run onto, once this is done Florenzi can shuffle inside to make himself available again. If Sidibe isn't up then Florenzi will be looking to get in early crosses for Icardi and the two cms to run at.

Both must help out defensively, we set up with the two banks of 4 with Morgan in between them, when we do this it make it very difficult for them to break down, we chase down everything, we don't give them any time on the ball, this is a must win today, so 100% from every single player out there.

Icardi is a top striker, he sits on the last man all the time, he runs the line looking to ruffle up there defenders if he has a marker then look to drag him about and out of position for other players to drift into when we attack. He has a great eye for goal so if he gets a chance he will bury it, good in the air too so time his jumps and if he gets up before the cb

Captain - Koscielny
Penalties - Icardi
Free Kicks - Florenzi
Corners - Wingers

Subs

Losing -
65 Mins - Calhanoglu for Jankto and go 4231
75 Mins - Walcott for Florenzi, Bacca for Perrotti, Hakan to the left and 442

Winning -
70 Mins - Chalobah for Jankto 451
80 Mins - Bacca for Icardi

Drawing
70 Mins - Hakan for Perrotti, Walcott for Jankto, Florenzi into CM
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Red card go 441

Gk then Rajkovic on for Jankto
DF Chalobah on for Jankto
Winger Hakan for Jankto
CF Bacca for Jankto

Hull - Horn, Weiser, Geis, Diawara

Overview of our 5-4-1 formation


---------------------------------Karius
---------------Stark-------------Süle------------- Kempf
Klostermann------------------------------------------------Toljan
---------------------Goretzka --------------Dahoud
-------Bailey--------------------------------------------Forsberg
-----------------------------------Milik

Subs: Hennessey, Korb, Elvedi, Augustinsson, Biglia, Gnabry, Werner


Our defensive formation will rely heavily on the defensive abilities of our back-five. It consists of five defenders; three central defenders and two full-backs. In midfield, there will be two central midfielders and two wingers, while a lone striker completes the formation.

Stated in very simple terms, there are basically three ways to get past an opposition defence: a team can go around, through or over the top. Our system is designed to stop all those three from happening.

How it works

Our idea is to make it virtually impossible for the opposition to create chances in our defensive-third. Executed properly, it should force our opponents to take their goal attempts from 30-plus yards out, which is far enough for our highly gifted keeper to save most attempts.

Usually, teams have two central defenders but in this system there will is an extra defender who takes care of any loose balls and aerial threats, so attempting to create chances from crosses usually won’t yield anything for the opposition.

Our back-five will have much less distance between the defenders than a back-four, which makes it almost impossible to penetrate through the middle of that line. Since our back-five will drop to the edge of the 18-yard box, any balls played in behind will simply collected by Karius .

Since our defensive line is quite deep, our four midfielders will protect the remainder of the defensive third by seriously pressing for the ball just in front of the back-five.

When attacking, our side will morph into a 3-4-3 formation with our full-backs pushing into midfield to supply width in attacks, leaving three at the back. Our wide midfielders join the centre forward from the flanks, forming a front-three.

Aside from player errors, it is supposed to be almost impossible to score against a side set up in this manner because more than 95 per cent of goals come from the attempts in the final-third and the 5-4-1 formation packs nine outfield players into that third to prevent our opponent from creating any chances in that area.


Like any defensive formation, our players will be required to do a lot of hard work off the ball. Discipline is also essential because unnecessary movements can open up gaps and afford the opposition a chance to score.

Subs on 65 mins – I’m expecting great demands from my players so fresh legs about half way through the 2nd half should keep the work levels high

Gnabry on for Forsberg


If the is for our club:
If Milik is then we’ll go 5-4-0
If Karius is then Hennessey on for Milik (5-4-0 formation)
If Stark, Sule or Kempf is then Elvedi on for Milik (5-4-0 formation)
If Klostermann is then Korb on for Milik (5-4-0 formation)
If Toljan is then Augustinsson on for Milik (5-4-0 formation)
If Goretzka or Dahoud is then Biglia on for Milik (5-4-0 formation)
If Bailey or Forsberg (Gnabry) is then Werner on for Milik (5-4-0 formation)

Birmingham City v STOKE CITY

Line up:

Rulli
Mammana Marquinhos Sarr
Cancelo Paredes Kovacic Gaya
Keita-Balde Coutinho F.Anderson

Substitutes: Perin; Ginter; Ndidi; Koziello; Cyprien; Boschilia; Ponce

Captain: Rulli
Free Kicks: Coutinho
Corners: Coutinho
Penalties: Paredes

Game Plan:

Birmingham like to play the ball out from the back and to play the ball quickly and so we have elected for a 3-4-3 formation with the employment of two full backs in the more advanced positions. This way, when we are on the back foot we can manoeuvre very quickly in to a 5-4-1 formation that will close off any spaces at the back that Birmingham might be looking to exploit.

However, this is our last line of defence, we have lined up in a 3-4-3 formation to take the game to Birmingham away from home and to prevent them from playing their game. Birmingham like to line up very similar to Spurs with lots of pace and creativity on the wings and a solid, mostly static midfield - in order to counteract that, we are lining up like Liverpool with a trident of quick, technically gifted forwards and a quick and hardworking midfield.

The key to our game will be organisation. When the team is out of possession, they press ferociously, as a unit, to win it back. However, if Birmingham manage to keep the ball in the face of the pressure for 10 seconds, we must be quick to transition in to a deeper formation to cover gaps in our back line and to start the pressing game again. By pressing in 10 second spurts before reforming deeper and waiting to move forward again, we can conserve our energy and make sure that we can keep pressing for the whole 90 minutes.

Once back into position, they look for triggers to start their pressing. Like, the ball towards the right-back is a trigger of the left winger to begin the pressing. The left-winger’s pressing is a trigger for the midfield and the rest of the team of what is their role in this pressing.

The positioning of our players in this pressing game is important - we want every player to know exactly where he needs to be and what his role is. Only through working as a complete unit will this system work.

We want to keep our players as close to theirs throughout the game as possible. We don't want to give them time to relax on the ball and think about where the next pass is going and force them to play with their backs to goal. We want to crowd the pitch, effectively splitting the playing surface in to halves and quadrants, and dictate where they can pass the ball and when.

One of our trident intercepts the space between the CBs so that they can't move the ball along the back four. The two others then press inside and our midfielders press up and stick close to their man so that space is lacking for their centre backs. Along with this, our defensive line presses high so that the midfield becomes further congested (the pace in our back line is more than capable of covering ground in the events of a long ball - hit too long and Rulli comes out to mop it up) and the centre back in possession is left with a choice: play it back to the keeper, wherein the play starts again, or attempt a risky ball forward that has a good chance of being intercepted.

The key to stopping Birmingham’s attack is to control the middle of the pitch and to stop them breaking in numbers and so, by using a trident to harry their defence when on the ball and pressing up with our midfield to stop them from moving the ball up in stages, we force them to play quicker, riskier or more direct passes than they normally would like, and this will play in to our advantage with a trio of clever centre backs with top positional awareness and good physical attributes.

In attack, we want to break forward with numbers and overload the opposition defence - quick interplay and lots of movement will mean that they can’t settle in position and will inevitably leave gaps for us to penetrate. We want the front trio to switch position regularly, with no player playing as an out-and-out striker. All three are great on the ball, can dribble at speed and have good passing and shooting ability so will keep the defence on the back foot. Our two wing backs will push forward down the flanks to keep Birmingham’s line up stretched and our two creative centre mids will also push forward to keep Birmingham’s midfield occupied and to dictate play - both have great passing ability and are difficult players to close down due to their close control so they will be able to perform under heavy pressure from the opposition.

This leaves us with our three centre backs in reserve in case of a quick break by Birmingham, Marquinhos will look to play as the sweeper of the three, prepared to come forward to mop up loose balls and recycle possession, while Mammana and Sarr will be prepared to rush backwards to prevent a quick counter and to pick up any clearances that fall in to our half.

It is absolutely vital that we play at pace when on the ball so that Birmingham cannot settle in to a deep defensive formation that then becomes difficult to break down - if Birmingham look to come out and close us down with a high defensive line, this will play directly into the strengths of our overload tactics and we anticipate that we will carve out a number of chances.

Substitutions:

70 minutes: Ndidi for Sarr - Later on in the game, we will look to drop in to a 4-3-3 formation with Gaya and Cancelo operating as full backs and Ndidi offering some muscle in the centre of the park to provide relief for Kovacic and Paredes. Ndidi is also good going forward and will look to provide fresh legs to our pressing style.

75 minutes: Boschilia for Keita - One quick young winger for another, this is simply a like-for-like substitution to provide fresh legs.

80 minutes: Koziello for Kovacic - Koziello may be diminutive in stature but he makes up for that in his tenacity and ball control. He will look to take over directly from where Kovacic left off and provide creativity to our quick moving attack.

Tottenham v WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS

Injuries: Fonte, Welbeck, Howedes, Gustavo

------------------Ter Stegen
Valencia - Savic - Cahill - Kolarov
----------A.Herrera - Kondogbia
Lucas ---------- Mata ---------- Draxler
------------------Lacazette

Subs: Begovic, Bernardo, Baines, Cazorla, Nasri, Lallana, Gameiro

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

A very tough game today, a positive result today could be the difference between relegation and survival so we need to give absolutely everything, playing a positive 4-2-3-1 against a good Spurs side, we have a strong back four and plenty of legs in midfield to support our pace and creativity going forward so we will have chances today.

Let's not forget, this is a meaningless game for Spurs as they have nothing to play for, while we are fighting for Premier League survival, so I expect us to win every 50/50 and second ball, make sure we give absolutely everything to get a result today.

Going full strength today, taking no chances as Spurs are a good side and we want to make sure we get as many points as we can. Ter Stegen in goal, Valencia, Savic, Cahill and Kolarov in defence, Herrera and Kondogbia in midfield, Lucas Moura, Mata and Draxler behind Lacazette upfront.

This game is about controlling the tempo and giving us the best chance of getting through today. Spurs have some world class players in their side although we have some class players of our own to hurt them and cause them real problems. Our front four with assistance from the fullbacks should create plenty of chances, and in midfield we have a duo who can dictate the game in Herrera and Kondogbia, with Mata ahead of them, we can control the possession and the flow of the game. Lucas Moura at RW and Draxler at LW both able to use their pace and get at the Spurs defence with Valencia and Kolarov overlapping. Lacazette upfront to give us a physical presence and somebody who is able to hold up possession as well as create chances for himself and his teammates.

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

Savic/Cahill - Cahill to mark their striker, force him high up the pitch thus limiting his impact close to goal, and Savic to be the spare man, be first to the second ball and their second striker/AM making runs from midfield. If they play two strikers pick up a man each and leave Kondogbia to deal with the AM. When in possession bring the ball out of defence and use the midfielders ahead of you to help us play out from the back. Both of you go forward for setpieces.

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

Herrera/Kondogbia - Herrera playing the box to box role, assist Kondogbia in dealing with the Spurs attack when we don't have the ball, if they play an AM Kondogbia stay on him, but don't follow if he drifts wide. Be first to any loose balls, in possession Kondogbia to look for the attackers and pass rather than bring the ball out, Herrera to burst forward to join the front four on occasion and bring the ball to create space for others.

Lucas Moura/Draxler - Both playing out wide and both have the pace and trickery to beat the Spurs fullbacks and get crosses in, but both of you will also have our fullback overlapping giving you the chance to cut inside and get shots in. Look to supply Lacazette with chances and also provide yourselves with chances. Link up with Herrera/Kondogbia/Mata, and capitalise on the space Lacazette's presence will create for you. Without the ball I expect you two to track back and assist your fullback.

Mata - Mata to burst forward to join the front three as our AM, look to receive the ball and run at the Spurs defence, bring the ball to create space for others and look for the runs of Lucas/Draxler/Lacazette. Shoot if you get into position, also force the Spurs defenders to foul you when you're attacking as setpieces could be our best chance to score today. Link with Lacazette regularly. Able to drop into midfield with Herrera/Kondogbia when under pressure and make a 4-5-1. Get behind Lacazette on occasion.

Lacazette - you will be expected to occupy the Spurs centrebacks, hold up possession and look to turn the defender and shoot. Be strong in the air and look for your teammates trying to pick you out from deep. Shoot on sight. Stay on the last defender's shoulder for any passes in behind. Look to interchange with Lucas/Draxler/Mata on occasion.

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

Subs 70 mins:
If winning: Mata and Lacazette off, Gustavo and Gameiro on. Switch to a flat 4-5-1 with Gustavo alongside Herrera and Kondogbia in midfield.

If drawing: Mata, Lucas and Lacazette off, Cazorla, Lallana and Gameiro on. Switch to a 4-3-3 with Cazorla alongside Herrera and Kondogbia, Lallana and Draxler either side of Gameiro.

If losing: Valencia and Kondogbia off, Lallana and Gameiro on. Change to a 3-1-4-2, back three of Savic, Cahill and Kolarov, Herrera the playmaker, Lucas - Lallana - Mata - Draxler behind a front two of Gameiro and Lacazette. Push for goals.

Attacking Possession based 4-3-3

Key to our game plan today, is quick passing moves in the midfield and using our pace out wide. In Verratti and Thiago we have two players that are experts at controlling games with possession.

One big change today being the introduction of Vitolo on the right wing, bringing natural width on the right and most importantly someone that will work hard. We feel he brings more balance to our side as we look to get the best out of Hazard and Ronaldo. Looking to stretch the game to create space for our midfield.

Because we're at home, and because its more fun, we go out looking to really attack Chelsea. All the pressure is on Chelsea, so we go looking to play quick passing, attacking football.

Khedira is the holding player today, a calming influence in possession keeping it simple but more importantly powerful and intelligent defensively. Verratti looking to pick the ball up from deep and link the defence and attack. Thiago the more advanced playmaker of the trio. Thiago and Verratti together will look to work together to dominate possession.


The midfield should never be flat. Create as many lines as possible to increase the options we have in possession, and to create gaps in the opposition. Our wide attackers, and the attacking fb look to give us width and stretch the game.

In the middle of the park, the midfield trio look to keep the ball on the deck passing in triangles, triangles that are directed out wide as gaps appear in the opposition formation, we look to shift the ball wider as we advance into the opposition half. This will be key to our attacks, as we look to overload one side of the play.

After Chelsea attacks, we will also try the odd long ball, either direct to Ronaldo or over the top for the pace of our forwards to run on to.

We defend in a rigid defensive unit behind the ball, the two closest players pressing the ball, the others getting back and pressing the space so that they have no options to break.

---------------- Neuer
Danilo- S.Ramos – Umtiti - Bernat
--------- Verratti – Khedira
--------------- Thiago.A
Vitolo ---------------------- Hazard
-------------- C.Ronaldo

Subs. S.Rico, Otamendi, A.Vidal, Partey, Asensio, Douglas Costa, Diego Costa

Key to our attack is quick attacking play. Varying our play and how we get the ball to our front three in space.

Defending in numbers

We look to control the opposition by pressing the space with a narrow rigid defensive unit, only allowing them to play in areas we want them to. When we lose the ball the closest player presses the ball, the second closest presses the obvious passing channel. As they’re doing this everyone else bar Hazard and Ronaldo gets behind the ball into position. Stop them breaking.

In a deep, narrow, rigid formation, we will look to press the space, not allowing them options. Draw them in to positions where they can’t hurt us, and then try and win the ball back.

We always keep one fb back. We have a quick defence and energy and pace in midfield to stop quick breaks.

As Chelsea advance into higher areas of the park and into our half, our shape will resemble a 4-4-1-1, narrowing to the side of play. Thiago moves to the left to track Bellerin if he gets forward. Hazard and Ronaldo ahead of two walls of four ready to expose any space they leave on the counter.

In this tight rigid formation, ensuring there are no gaps in the formation. Khedira will be key, reading the play in between the defence and midfield, reading any dangers to get across.

Narrowing the play to the side Chelsea are attacking, pushing them backwards and wide away from danger. When they switch play, we switch over.

Our fb’s have fantastic pace up against their wide forwards, they will drop off more and narrow the play so they can bide their time, waiting for the right time to make the tackle, not diving in. If he does manage to get past you coming inside Khedira and a cb will be there to tidy up or down the line then there’s a chance to get back and stop the cross.

Attack.
Get the ball to our wingers, get them attacking their fbs.

In possession, the defence push up playing a reasonably high line as all are comfortable in possession and have great pace. The cm trio seeking to collect the ball from the defence, and seeking to start our attacks from the back. Spreading play, and setting the tempo of the game.

Sami and Verratti picking the passes to start the attacks. They take turns to look for space in between the defence and midfield. They both have the ability to link with our front three and be a threat in and around their box.

We want quick one twos in the opposition half. Verratti, Thiago and the wingers will always be looking for the killer ball. If it is not on, we are happy to keep possession, attacking down the wings.

Costa has freedom to play his natural game and get the goals.

Captain: Ramos

Subs.

If winning after 65 mins bring on Douglas Costa for Vitolo. Fresh pace to get at them as Chelsea will be looking to attack.
If winning after 70 mins bring on Diego Costa for Ronaldo. Bully their tired defenders.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Partey for Verratti. Fresh legs.

If drawing after 65 mins bring on Diego Costa and Douglas Costa for Ronaldo and Vitolo. Fresh attack.
If drawing after 75 mins bring on Asensio for Verratti. Thiago deeper cm, Asensio advanced cm.

If losing after 55 mins bring on Diego Costa for Verratti. 4-2-3-1. Hazard behind Costa, Ronaldo left.
If losing after 70 mins bring on Douglas Costa for Vitolo.
If losing after 80 mins bring on Asensio for Danilo. Attacking 3-5-2. Ronaldo up top with Costa. Hazard left, Asensio am.

---------------------- Handanovic
---------- Varane ------ Javi.M ----- Laporte
Carvajal ----- Gundogan --- Matuidi -------- Guerreiro
------------ De Bruyne ---------- O.Dembele
--------------------- M.Mandzukic

Subs: Navas, Tah, Gibbs, Fernandinho, Rabiot, Coman, Perisic

At home and In very good form of late with 3 wins on the bounce, we go again and look to end the season on a high.

Today we will look to stifle the opposition, men behind the ball working as a rigid unit, cutting out passing lanes in close proximity and pressing the player in possession to force errors.

We will allow their defenders to have the ball, but as soon as they play out to the midfield we form a solid unit behind the ball and press the space, man-marking their most creative influences on the pitch and identifying those who are less comfortable in possession so we can pounce.

5-4-1 - off the ball, our wg-backs drop back to create a block of 5 in defence whilst our wingers get back to create a 4 man mf, our striker picks up the CDM playing the pivot role and we look to make ourselves as difficult as possible to break down.

Manduzkic comes into the side, great energy and willing to put in a shift but more so a fantastic outlet that is able to bring others into the game, lay the ball off to our AM's and make a dart for the box looking to use his head and poaching abilities in and around the penalty area.

Attacking wise, we look to break with pace, ideally looking to create a numerical overload within seconds and hurting the opposition hard and fast.

Carvajal and Guerreiro integral to how we play. As we break I want our central midfield duo to sit in and remained disciplined allowing our fullbacks to burst forward and stretch the opposition, creating invaluable gaps and width.

O.Dembele is our platform for a quick transition as he carries the ball forward and leaves defenders in his wake using his pace and trickery whilst De Bruyne brings a calm and creative persona to the side, pick players out with his passing range and generally stay slightly deeper behind the ball so he can see the 'bigger' picture, looking to play others in and running the show.

If a quick counter is not on, we should play more possession based. Passing the ball out from the back and playing at a high tempo, creating lanes and getting our AM’s to come short and dictate the pace - pass and receive. One FB goes forward at a time, we probe and look to get it wide, runners on and off the ball and in the box. At times we look to vary our play but always maintain that we keep numbers back to cover the danger of a swift opposition counter.

It starts with Handanovic at the back, very good with his hands and feet. Fast and precise with his distribution to ensure we are controlling possession and initiating attacks quickly.

Quick and nimble CB’s either side of Martinez, stay tight at the back and makes themselves available for a pass. At times Martinez can step out and get his foot on the ball or come short and collect from Handanovic, looking to thread a ball through to the midfielders/flanks or simple long ball over the top looking for Mandzukic to hold up play and bring others into the game.

Our wing-backs stay wide, looking to link with our midfielders and stretching the opposition. When our mf'ers are on the ball we need to give them as much passing options as possible, create lines and pass and move with the aim of getting it into our attackers pronto, overlap consistently on the flanks and work opportunities inside linking with KDB/O.Dembele.

Offensively, our midfielders sit deep and spread the play at a quick tempo, patient but penetrative. The duo provide a shield, if they are being vigorously pressed they know the next pass on before they receive the ball, good at working in restrictive space also. Matuidi at times maraud and use his burst of energy to get us moving forward, very physical and able to shield the ball in tight areas.

Defensively, need to oppress their midfielders and not allow them to adventure forward, roam or pick a pass in space. Matuidi and Gundogan need to work their socks off and cover every blade of grass, high on stamina. Man-mark, If they want to find an attacker make sure it is with a high degree of risk of losing possession, if they move the ball backwards, we re-organise and repeat as a well organised unit.

Our attackers need to put in a really shift today, Mandzukic setting the example from the front. Work as a unit and first and foremost support teammates defensively and do your bit, get back and don’t allow the opposition to create overloads, When on the ball, use their pace and movement to get in behind and always make themselves available for a pass looking to influence the game.

Working as a team, covering for one another and quick on your toes to any danger, communicate and encourage.

Throughout we should frustrate them with our organisation, stay rigid and allow their attackers little involvement in the game so they have to come deeper to get involved, make them play in front of us and ensure we prevent runs in behind as much as possible.

In mf/attack we need to counter their press especially in central areas, diamond in midfield with Martinez dropping anchor playing slightly ahead of the other two CB's when on the ball, passing in triangles and using high energy, distribute and get them running after our shadows. The longer we are on the ball, the more they will tire as the game progresses and the more time we get to take a breather from defending.

Service out from the back, put them off their organisation with diagonal balls over the top into feet, switch the play quickly and allow the attackers to run into space.

Mandzukic strong as an outlet, strong support from attackers. Link constantly with teammates and run in-behind, dominate the CB's aerially and press from the front.

Subs:
70th minute - If winning - (3-4-3)
Rabiot > Matuidi
Coman > O.Dembele
Fernandinho > Gundogan ("80th min)
Like for like changes looking to keep up the energy and workrate, Rabiot quick on his feet looking to cover ground and Coman looking to break with pace, 80th" min - Fernandinho replaces Gundogan, sits in and alert to any danger.

70th minute – if draw - (4-3-3 wide)
Fernandinho > Laporte
Perisic > De Bruyne
Rabiot > Matuidi > ("80th min)
Fernandinho sits in and allows Gundogan and Matuidi to play with freedom as a duo further in midfield, Perisic replaces KdB and plays as LW with Dembele on the right as we stretch our opponents and look for gaps in behind, "80th min – Rabiot replaces Matuidi to cover quick ground.

70th minute - If losing (4-4-2 - direct)
Perisic > kdB
Coman > Laporte
4-4-2, Perisic on to support Mandzukic in attack, plenty of width with O.Dembele and Coman on the flanks, get crosses into the box and punt the ball forward from the back.

C – Matuidi
FK’s – Guerreiro
Corners – Gundogan/ KdB
Pens – KdB (if off - Mandz)