ASTON VILLA 4-3-3 New

Captain: Marco Reus
Penalties: Marco Reus
Corners: Koke
Freekicks: Marco Reus
Crossing Freekick: Koke

—————————— 13. Oblak
24. Conti — 4. Alderweireld — 17. Boateng — 23. Shaw
————————— 16. De Rossi
—————— 6. Strootman — 8. D. Silva
22. Mkhitaryan ————————————————— 11. Reus
——————————— 18. Benzema

SUBS: 1. Chesney, 31. Benatia, 14. Romeu, 29. Xhaka, 7. Bernardo, 19. Falcao, 9. Ibrahimovic


We’ll Gegenpress the opposition like Liverpool in real life and win the ball as close to their goal as possible or move the ball up the pitch towards the opposition’s goal quickly. LSTD will probably play his back three so my 4-3-3 will overload his midfield and pin back his wing backs. We’ll use the quickness of our one touch, short passing game and using the pace & dribbling ability of the attacking players. However when the opposition get close to our box, we will revert to a defensive block to limit their chances. We defend and attack as a collective unit, limiting the space between the lines in which the opposition plays in.

When in attack we will get forward in numbers, using the footballing intelligence & movement of our attacking midfielders & striker to create passing angles and overloads in the opposition’s area of the pitch both out wide and in central zones, looking to drag the opposition’s players out of position and exploiting the space they leave open. When the opposition is using a deep defensive block to shut out our team we will use our fullbacks to create numbers out wide to stretch the opposition (this will be assisted by our CDM splitting the CBs wider allowing the FBs to move up the pitch) simultaneously using our wide-forward to cut inside to create overloads in the central areas giving us a number advantage. When creating chances from the wide areas with the FBs or WFs, we will send crosses in to feed the other forwards. Making runs behind the defence and beyond the striker is not prohibited by our attacking and central midfielders (minus CDM). There is a lot freedom in the movement of our attacking players. No player is restricted to a specific zone on the field or specific task. All four attackers (Reus, Mkhitaryan, David, Benzema) will either be provider or finisher with Strootman providing the support needed and De Rossi anchoring the midfield and supporting the centre backs. We want to make our style of play effective & deadly when in long spells of possession. Shooting from outside the box is encouraged. Our players will also gegenpress constantly from the front when we lose possession of the ball.

Offensive & Defensive Transitions:

This is the player's movements & reactions when moving between defence and attack, importantly the movement of the ball as this is arguably the most important aspect of our game. Winning the ball back when your opposition is disorganized is the perfect moment. We will aim for rapid movement up the pitch, with progressive passing to exploit the space left by the opposition. Whether it is from our defensive third of the pitch or whether we have won the ball back in our attacking third of the pitch we will exploit the disorganization of the opposition. We expect most of our attacking play will be as a result of our aggressive high press so we will use the following triggers for pressing the opponent:

1. The ball is played to a player facing his own goal

2. The ball is played to a player against the sidelines (using the sideline as an extra man in our favour)

3. A difficult bouncing ball is played to a player facing his own goal.

When any of these triggers happen, the players closest to the ball will press quickly and another 2 or 3 players will hold off slightly adding depth to the press and closing down their easy option pass. Once we win possession of the ball, we break in numbers again exploiting the opposition with either the pace of our attack. We also understand that we won't always get it right when pressing the opposition so we will employ a 10-second rule on pressing from the front after which, if we did not win back possession, we will revert to our defensive block. If we don’t win the ball after our initial phase of pressing it's imperative that the players work their way back into our defensive zone of the pitch and close the space that the opposition will look to play in. Close the space quickly and look to frustrate the opposition with intelligent positioning and hard tackling before winning the ball back and breaking forward at rapid speed. We will compact the central zones and force the opposition wide which limits the chances of breaking through our midfield. Long diagonal balls and quick releases from deep are encouraged when the opportunity arises. Our forwards have the pace to run onto through-balls.

We go into our defensive block if we cannot win the ball through our pressing. As a team we will defend deep in our half and close the space in the middle of the pitch. When forcing the opposition closer to the touchlines, we will use the touch line as an extra-man and press them so that we can win possession and result in us outnumbering them. If the play is on the left of the field the team will move towards the left and squeeze the space and vice versa on the right. We will try to force our opponents to play hopeful crosses into our box where we have towering CBs who are great at dealing with crosses. If a cross is coming from their right our LB will also move into the box to help deal with crosses and vice versa if the cross is coming from the left. The midfielders will be around the box pressing the opponent should they try to play it central. Our wide forwards will help the midfield in closing the space in the centre and then proceed to help the fullback after we have moved the opponent towards the touchline. The wide-forwards are the real work horses in the team and I have 2 very good, hard-working wide-forwards. Our striker will also drop into our half to help the midfield press the opposition’s defence. Also the reasoning behind dropping the striker deep is to draw the opponent’s defence away from their goal creating ample space for us to counter attack.

Substitutions:

If winning after 80 mins bring on Romeu for Silva. More physical presence in midfield, and gives greater defensive cover.

If drawing or losing after 65 mins bring on Bernardo for De Rossi. Fresh creativity and legs. Strootman will drop back to DM to control the game while Silva and Bernardo will push up into the 10 role from behind Benzema.

If drawing or losing after 75 mins bring on Ibrahimovic for David Silva. Bernardo drops back into centre mid. Ibra with more goal threat, plays up front with Benzema.

——————————-Courtois
———Christensen———Luiz———Koulibaly
Aurier————————-Danilo——————Marcelo
————-Fabregas————————Rakitic
—————-Aubameyang——Griezmann

Subs: Caballero, Moses, Tielemans, Pedro, Carrasco, Williams, Hernandez

Captain: David Luiz
Free Kicks: David Luiz/Antoine Griezmann/Cesc Fabregas
Corners: Ivan Rakitic/Cesc Fabregas
Penalties: Pierre Emerik Aubameyang


Huge game for us away at Ludy’s Villa but judging by comments and deals in this past week, their manager has already bottled it. All the pressure is on him and his players and they know that, win or their top 4 hopes are finished, we look to go and heap even more pressure on them during this match by keeping hold of the ball, flooding the middle of the pitch and covering all the spaces, make it seem like there is no room for them to play, have our 4 forwards and WBs dominate the ball circulation, keep Villa chasing shadows with the 4 behind nice and compact so that if the ball is lost, we quickly win it back.

The aim today is to try and press higher up the field with a compact 10 man block, everyone behind the ball when the Villa CBs have possession, allowing them to have the ball and instead focusing on staying compact and putting a blanket over the rest of their team. We do this by having Griezmann and Aubameyang blocking the passing lanes to the DM, making sure he’s not available to receive the ball, whilst the CM on the side of the opposition build up steps forward and closes off the pass to the FB, looking to force Villa into sideways passes from the back out towards the other FB, at which point the other CM comes out to press him, whilst his CM partner drops back in with Danilo. WBs in this phase of defending are pushed up onto the opposition wingers, keeping tight and making sure that if they drop in to receive passes they stay with them. That then allows us to form a diamond with our back 3 and DM, Luiz at its base, focusing on marking out the opposition striker, with Christensen and Koulibaly pushed up a little bit higher to make sure that the half spaces between defenders and CMs aren’t their to use, so that if Villa ever get the ball higher up they can’t get their tricky midfield players into the half spaces, they’ll always have CM and WB tight to them and the two extra players backing them up, particularly important if they use a high press that we always have a tight shape thats difficult to break through even if we lose the ball. Danilo and his CM partner, which ever isn’t pressing the passing lanes, are then positioned at the tip of this diamond, looking to close off the Villa CM players, Danilo on the main attacking mid, tracking his runs when he’s in the middle, tough in the tackle and dominant with any longer balls forward, with the CM alongside him blocking off the box to box midfielder. Our players stick to defending their zones, boss their space and the shape of the side does the rest, nice and compact, not allowing Villa space, forcing the sideways passing and loose balls forward that we mop up and can then counter on them. As already said, we want to get on top of the game so our intense and compact press is important to this, force them to the FB areas as much as possible as we can close them into an area of the field where theres a lot less space, using WB and CM on that side to go and press the ball, forwards always blocking the route infield to the DM and WB on the opposite side tucking in to give us a back 4 that’s impossible to break down, 2 CMs and 2 forwards always in the midfield zone when the ball goes out to the FB so they can’t get back infield. If we win the ball back in the FB zones we become a major threat, lots of tricky players to form overloads out wide and in half spaces.

Villa are a decent side so we don’t expect it all our way, they will have periods of dominance and when this happens we defend with a deep compact block, again being narrow, we don’t mind conceding the wide areas when we have the numbers in the middle to block anything that comes back infield. We defend as a proper 5-3-2 when were suffering a spell of Villa possession, again Luiz and the WBs with the marking duties on wingers and striker, leaving wide CBs and Fabregas and Danilo to focus on squeezing that space that Villa’s AMs want to use our the area, no half spaces and no gaps between the lines, these 4 players cover that, CBs as a second shield for both the WBs and the CMs, whilst Rakitic, being our most energetic midfielder is charged with going and pressing the DM so he can’t dictate the tempo, with Aubameyang and Griezmann spreading out slightly, in order to leave them in more space for when we win the ball back. WE focus on keeping space squeezed, if Villa go out wide, wide CB goes and backs WB and the whole defence shuffles across with the CMs filling the gaps. If we win the ball back no messing about, Luiz, Christensen, Fabregas can all hit a first time pass to the two strikers waiting in space, go route one to beat their press and get straight on the front foot.

We attack with the same organisation we defend but we want to make sure we are on the front foot in this game and to do that we firstly have to make sure the opposition press can’t be effective, doing so by attacking in a 3-3-4. Firstly the wide CBs have to spread wide with the WBs pushing on too, this means that when Villa try to come and press us they have to be able to run the full width of the pitch faster than we can pass the ball in order to stop us getting forward, by having the two wide CBs wider, both of whom are good on the ball, we open up space in the Villa press to either get Luiz on the ball (who will drop deeper when in possession to get room for himself) or Fabregas coming to receive the ball, both of whom are excellent at firing quick precise balls into the Wbs or the forward runners breaking the Villa defensive line and getting us up the field. Once we get into phase two of the attacks the midfield and WBs become key, we have the players in these areas to dominate possession and keep the ball moving, which they must do and do so quickly in order to drag Villa around. Build ups will tend to move wide so we can stretch things out, so when we build up down the right, Aurier joins in the midfield line and Fabregas goes ahead of him and joins the front 4, with Marcelo pushed right up on the other side against their FB keeping the defence spread out, which allows Aurier, Fabregas and Griezmann to quickly circulate the ball in between the lines, whilst Rakitic gets into the half space, with Villa unable to come across and be really compact as both our CMs off the ball movement, one in to the forward line in wider area and the other into the half space, and our WB have them stretched out of shape, the same happens with Aurier when we build up on the left, this just means that if we lose the ball on the side of build up the WB is closer to the defence and we won’t be as vulnerable to their wingers, but also gives us quick triangles for build up. We are set up from there with Fabregas and Rakitic rotating as mezzala’s depending on the side of build up to create overloads out wide and in the half spaces, so when the ball goes wide Griezmann comes across too and the CM on the side of build up as said already gets into the forward line and becomes an 8, looking to use their quick intricate passing to link with their WB and Griezmann to either get the ball into a crossing position or to drag defenders out to cover half spaces then quickly play it in behind for Aubameyang who will be able to run into the space that is vacated by Griezmann pulling defenders towards him. Of course we don’t just have this one style of play, if that side of the field becomes crowded we have the quick switch out to the other WB who is pushed high and in position to take on his FB, or even get between FB and CB and into the channel. We can also bring the ball back infield and build up using the roaming runs of Rakitic and Fabregas, with Griezmann dropping off to get involved, he draws a defender and allows Auba and the CMs, who can get either side of the DM and look to break into the box where they won’t be tracked. Important thing is to keep the ball circulating, CMs always using their movement to find the spaces and forwards working on a tangent so one comes to get involved and the other spins behind.

Subs:

If Winning: Pedro and Carrasco for Aubameyang and Fabregas 70’, 3-4-3 with a versatile front three of Griezmann, Pedro and Carrasco, always on the move, as Villa look to throw players forward, we take that option away, giving them a tricky front three to deal with and especially with them likely going to a 4-4-2 it makes it a 2 v 2 in midfield which we can win by getting the tricky forwards into the gaps around the sides of their CMs, force them two CMs onto the back foot and the rest of the team have to follow. Give them hell with ferocious, aggressive counter attacking football. Tielemans for Griezmann 80’, back to a 5-3-2 to give us that extra control in midfield, Villa should have taken a hammering by this point and Tielemans comes on to give us that element of control, dictate the tempo against a tired midfield.

If Drawing: Moses for Aurier 65’, more aggressive WB who loves to drive at players, will start to force Villa deeper. Carrasco for Fabregas 70’, another player who loves to run at players, move into a 3-4-3 with Griezmann and Carrasco in the gaps looking to take Villa’s players on and force them deeper and deeper. Hernandez for Aubameyang 80’, goal poacher, take advantage of weary defenders with his excellent movement off the shoulder.

If Losing: Carrasco for Fabregas 60’, 3-4-3. Pedro for Aurier 70’, drift between FB and CB as much as possible. Williams for Marcelo 75’, pushes high up the field and uses his speed and dribbling to really get at the RB.

------------------------Leno--------------------
--Juanfran---Smalling---Sokratis---Hector--
-----------------Castro----Zielinski-------------
---Candreva-------Eriksen------------Son---
-----------------------Morata-------------------
Subs: Zoet, Vrjsalko, Toprak, Milner, Kampl, Schurrle, Giroud.

As we are already down, we are looking to play for pride now and finish on as many points as we can and we will look to make it difficult for Arsenal.

Defensive: We set up with a rigid 4 in midfield and Castro and Zielinski look to set up just in front and look to recycle and retain possession for as long as they can to take the pressure off and to start attacks with energy in midfield. Our full backs show their wide men wide and because Arsenal don't play with wingers usually, we will look to keep our wingers pushed up the pitch for breaks as well as to try and pin their wing backs into a deeper area if we can to thwart their attacking threat. Eriksen presses the deepest man in midfield as well as tracking deep runners and Morata looks to peel away quickly for counter attacks. The transition period is important to ensure that both attacking and defensively we are both sound and we do the running to recover our shapes.

Attacking: We want to keep hold of the ball well and really stretch the game with our full back and wingers. Our wingers want to occupy the 2 wing backs that will invert as full backs for Arsenal but we want our full backs to really press on and open up the game by bringing some of their central midfielders out wide so we can open up the game in the middle of the park for Eriksen and Zielinski to feed off and create. Our wingers will look to run in behind the wing backs when they can and Morata looks to work in front of that 3 at the back to ensure that he can link moves and keep them working so that we can get in behind them quickly. Attacking crosses is crucial here as well.

Subs:

Schurrle > Son, 75 mins
Giroud > Morata, 80 mins
Kampl > Castro, 85 mins

ASTON VILLA 4-3-3 New

Captain: Marco Reus
Penalties: Marco Reus
Corners: Luka Modric
Freekicks: Marco Reus
Crossing Freekick: Luka Modric

—————————— 13. Oblak
24. Conti — 4. Alderweireld — 17. Boateng — 23. Shaw
————————— 6. Strootman
—————— 19. Modric — 8. D. Silva
10. Robben————————————————— 11. Reus
——————————— 9. Ibrahimovic

SUBS: 1. Chesney, Jones, 14. Romeu, 16. De Rossi, 7. Bernardo, 22. Mkhitaryan, 18. Benzema


We’ll Gegenpress the opposition like Liverpool in real life and win the ball as close to their goal as possible or move the ball up the pitch towards the opposition’s goal quickly. My 4-3-3 will overload his midfield and pin back his wing backs. We’ll use the quickness of our one touch, short passing game and using the pace & dribbling ability of the attacking players. However when the opposition get close to our box, we will revert to a defensive block to limit their chances. We defend and attack as a collective unit, limiting the space between the lines in which the opposition plays in.

When in attack we will get forward in numbers, using the footballing intelligence & movement of our attacking midfielders & striker to create passing angles and overloads in the opposition’s area of the pitch both out wide and in central zones, looking to drag the opposition’s players out of position and exploiting the space they leave open. When the opposition is using a deep defensive block to shut out our team we will use our fullbacks to create numbers out wide to stretch the opposition (this will be assisted by our CDM splitting the CBs wider allowing the FBs to move up the pitch) simultaneously using our wide-forward to cut inside to create overloads in the central areas giving us a number advantage. When creating chances from the wide areas with the FBs or WFs, we will send crosses in to feed the other forwards. Making runs behind the defence and beyond the striker is not prohibited by our attacking and central midfielders (minus CDM). There is a lot freedom in the movement of our attacking players. No player is restricted to a specific zone on the field or specific task. All four attackers (Reus, Robben, David, Ibrahimovic) will either be provider or finisher with Modric providing the support needed and Strootman anchoring the midfield and supporting the centre backs. We want to make our style of play effective & deadly when in long spells of possession. Shooting from outside the box is encouraged. Our players will also gegenpress constantly from the front when we lose possession of the ball.

Offensive & Defensive Transitions:

This is the player's movements & reactions when moving between defence and attack, importantly the movement of the ball as this is arguably the most important aspect of our game. Winning the ball back when your opposition is disorganized is the perfect moment. We will aim for rapid movement up the pitch, with progressive passing to exploit the space left by the opposition. Whether it is from our defensive third of the pitch or whether we have won the ball back in our attacking third of the pitch we will exploit the disorganization of the opposition. We expect most of our attacking play will be as a result of our aggressive high press so we will use the following triggers for pressing the opponent:

1. The ball is played to a player facing his own goal

2. The ball is played to a player against the sidelines (using the sideline as an extra man in our favour)

3. A difficult bouncing ball is played to a player facing his own goal.

When any of these triggers happen, the players closest to the ball will press quickly and another 2 or 3 players will hold off slightly adding depth to the press and closing down their easy option pass. Once we win possession of the ball, we break in numbers again exploiting the opposition with either the pace of our attack. We also understand that we won't always get it right when pressing the opposition so we will employ a 10-second rule on pressing from the front after which, if we did not win back possession, we will revert to our defensive block. If we don’t win the ball after our initial phase of pressing it's imperative that the players work their way back into our defensive zone of the pitch and close the space that the opposition will look to play in. Close the space quickly and look to frustrate the opposition with intelligent positioning and hard tackling before winning the ball back and breaking forward at rapid speed. We will compact the central zones and force the opposition wide which limits the chances of breaking through our midfield. Long diagonal balls and quick releases from deep are encouraged when the opportunity arises. Our forwards have the pace to run onto through-balls.

We go into our defensive block if we cannot win the ball through our pressing. As a team we will defend deep in our half and close the space in the middle of the pitch. When forcing the opposition closer to the touchlines, we will use the touch line as an extra-man and press them so that we can win possession and result in us outnumbering them. If the play is on the left of the field the team will move towards the left and squeeze the space and vice versa on the right. We will try to force our opponents to play hopeful crosses into our box where we have towering CBs who are great at dealing with crosses. If a cross is coming from their right our LB will also move into the box to help deal with crosses and vice versa if the cross is coming from the left. The midfielders will be around the box pressing the opponent should they try to play it central. Our wide forwards will help the midfield in closing the space in the centre and then proceed to help the fullback after we have moved the opponent towards the touchline. The wide-forwards are the real work horses in the team and I have 2 very good, hard-working wide-forwards. Our striker will also drop into our half to help the midfield press the opposition’s defence. Also the reasoning behind dropping the striker deep is to draw the opponent’s defence away from their goal creating ample space for us to counter attack.

Substitutions:

If winning after 80 mins bring on De Rossi for Silva. More physical presence in midfield, and gives greater defensive cover.

If drawing or losing after 65 mins bring on Mkhitaryan for Strootman. Fresh creativity and legs. Modric will drop back to DM to control the game while Silva and Mkhitaryan will push up into the 10 role from behind Ibrahimovic.

If drawing or losing after 75 mins bring on Benzema for David Silva. Mkhitaryan drops back into centre mid. Benzema with more goal threat, plays up front with Ibrahimovic.

---------------------- Handanovic
---------- Varane ----- Javi.M ----- Laporte
Carvajal ----- Gundogan --- F'Dinho -------- Ghoulam
------------ De Bruyne ---------- O.Dembele
--------------------- Lewandowski

Subs: Navas, Alves, Guerreiro, Bender, Ox, Martial, Mandzukic

Europa League Q/Finals,

3-4-3, counter attack. We sit deep and defend as a compact XI, breaking with pace when we regain the ball as our fb's and front three fly forward.

Today we defend as a unit and attack as a unit, structured and narrowing passing lanes in defence to enforce errors whilst creating overloads in attack within a instance when on the break, as many if not more attackers getting forward then they have defenders.

Carvajal and Ghoulam 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.

With our CM's sitting in providing a base and three CB's at the back, it gives our attackers the flexibility to get forward whilst we remain solid at the back, in short giving us a great balance and fluidity to our play.

Hit them hard and fast, quick movement and numbers in attack. Width outwide and options through the middle, clinical in the final third.

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 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. Fernandinho 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. Fernandinho 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.

Off the ball, we revert to more of a defensive structured unit. Lewa, KdB and O.Dembele getting behind the ball in our half and as a unit we cut out passing lanes. 5 in defence, 4 in mf and Lewa the man to press the ball from the front.

When they enter our half, 10 players behind the ball and press with high intensity. When we press, press as a unit. High workrate, organisation and aggression, cut off the supply going forward by pressing the space and only allow them to play where we want them to. Man-mark and allow little time on the ball for their more creative based players to dictate or create.

Our structure and unit behind the ball should enforce the opposition to take risk as they press to find an attacker, allowing us to take advantage and transition to counter when we regain possession.

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.

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:
70th minute - If winning - (3-4-3)
Bender > Fernandinho
Guerreiro > Ghoulam
Martial > Dembele (80th minute)

70th minute – if draw - (3-5-2 )
Mandzukic > Gundogan
Alves > Carvajal

70th minute - If losing (4-4-2 - direct)
Martial > Laporte
Mandzukic > Gundogan
Alves > Carvajal (75th minute)

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

---------------------Forster--------------------
Cedric-----van Dijk-----Kompany----Tierney
---------------Kante-------Gomes------------
Mahrez-----------Barkley------------Willian
----------------------Lukaku-------------------

Pickford, Robertson , Wilshire, Matic, Haddadi, Moussa 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. Kante sits in with the fullabacks when they go forward.

Cedric and Tierney 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/Barkley . 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 Barkley 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 Tierney

Barkley 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 with service pieces 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 Barkley 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 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 Barkley on 65 minutes and go up front and on 75 minutes Moussa for Mahrez and 433

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

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

vs Wolves
————————Courtois
——Azpilicueta——Luiz——Koulibaly
Moses—Rakitic—-Nzonzi—Koke——Marcelo
—————Williams——Griezmann

or fleshed out

—————————Courtois
——————————Luiz
———Azpilicueta——————Koulibaly
Moses——————-Nzonzi—————-Marcelo
————-Rakitic———————Koke
———————Griezmann
——————————Williams

Subs: Schmeichel, Aurier, Gagliardini, Tielemans, Carrasco, E.Unal, Hernandez


Aim to keep the ball in our possession, we have an excellent midfield to ensure this, if we lose it we drop back into our half, keep compact and stifle the opposition, setting up to allow rotations between 3-3-4/5-3-2/4-4-2.

When we lose the ball, we fall back into our own half and quickly shut up all the space the opposition has to work in, allowing us to focus primarily on defending the middle of the field, keeping it very tight. The CFs must be quick to drop in, shutting off the passing lanes to the DM, one either side of him, following him everywhere in the oppositions build up whilst the CM on the side of build up steps forward and closes the man on the ball down straight away, helping the forwards force the opposition attack out to the wide areas, whilst the other CM drops in with Nzonzi and the WBs get back into their defensive positions. We then enter into a phase of triangulation with the aim of making sure the middle ground is always shut off. If we do succeed in forcing them wide, this phase of triangulation focuses on the positioning of the WB, the CM and the wide CB on the side of attack. If we look at this for attacks down the opposition left, essentially, the WB (Moses) becomes the active player engaging the opposition man on the ball, stepping out of the back 5 to get tight, with the CM (Rakitic) coming across to close the passing lanes to the central attacking players, with the forwards still blocking the ball to Kondogbia and the WB (Marcelo) on the opposite side dropping in to make it a back 4, allowing the defence to shuffle across, making the wide CB (Azpilicueta) on the side of build up a FB, with both wide CBs suited to this role, it means we block the ball infield or back to Kondogbia, and the CB that is now a FB is able to block the ball into the channels or half spaces, or get across quickly if the opposition FB overlaps and is played in behind our WB and if the WB is beaten and the CM/FB has to step out, the WB always drops back in so no gap is left. The triangle squeezes the opposition attack, with a back 4 formed behind it and the other two CMs shuffled across to keep the middle closed up. If Wolves try and avoid this press with longer balls from defence into the wide areas, having our wide CBs spread out in possession negates this tactic.

When we defend the middle we use a back 5 but the concept of triangulation will still be used even in a 5-3-2. Behind the forwards there are triangles everywhere, the midfield 3 and the 3 CBs being the obvious, but also WB > wide CB > CM, CM > DM > wide CB, wide CB > CB > DM ect, so as soon as the ball is played between any of these groups, they quickly close in on the man on the ball, keep squeezing them, eventually they play the ball sideways or backwards or they lose it all together and we can break on them.

Attack in a 3-3-4. Wide CBs have to spread wide with the WBs pushing on too, Luiz as the deepest of the CBs and Nzonzi at the tip of what is a diamond, keeping the spaces between the players large so we are difficult to press, and allowing Luiz/Nzonzi the time on the ball to pick their passes into the forwards, or the wide CBs to find the WBs. Build ups will tend to move wide so we can stretch things out, so when we build up down the right, Moses joins in the midfield line and Rakitic goes ahead of him and joins the front 4, with Marcelo pushed right up on the other side against their FB keeping the defence spread out, which allows Moses, Rakitic and Griezmann/Williams to quickly circulate the ball in between the lines, whilst Koke gets into the half space, making sure we have numbers committed but not all grouped together, stretch things out and we become hard to defend against, so when one person drops from attack to midfield, another goes forward, say Rakitic drops in, Moses goes forward. It also makes us hard to counter, initial high press to slow things down so we can reorganise. We are set up from there with Rakitic and Koke rotating as mezzala’s depending on the side of build up to create overloads out wide and in the half spaces, so when the ball goes wide Griezmann/Williams comes across too and the CM on the side of build up as said already gets into the forward line and becomes an 8, looking to use their quick intricate passing to link with their WB and CF to either get the ball into a crossing position or to drag defenders out to cover half spaces then quickly play it in behind for the other CF who will be able to run into the space that is vacated by his partner pulling defenders towards him. Of course we don’t just have this one style of play, if that side of the field becomes crowded we have the quick switch out to the other WB who is pushed high and in position to take on his FB, or even get between FB and CB and into the channel. We can also bring the ball back infield and build up using the roaming runs of Rakitic and Koke, and the midfield dominance of Nzonzi, with Griezmann dropping off to get involved, he draws a defender and allows Williams and the CMs, who can get either side of the DM and look to break into the box where they won’t be tracked. Important thing is to keep the ball circulating, CMs always using their movement to find the spaces and forwards working on a tangent so one comes to get involved and the other spins behind, with Nzonzi interested to along with the back 3, dominate the space behind the attack, Nzonzi, and to an extent Luiz, must provide the links between defending and attacking, one with his deep passing and the other with his powerful running and control of the middle spaces.


Subs:

If Winning: Carrasco for Koke 70’, 3-4-3 to put extra pressure on them, Marky has a habit at this point of going to a back 3, its the weakest part of his team so if we can get Carrasco, Griezmann and Williams 3 v 3, with the other 7 players also going man to man, we just let our greater quality shine through. Gagliardini for Rakitic 75’, extra shield in front of the defence, great at winning the ball quickly and supplying the forwards. E.Unal for Williams 80’, natural goal poacher to finish our attacks off.

If Drawing: Carrasco for Koke 70’, 3-4-3 to try and get at them a bit more, with more emphasis on the half spaces, draw out their slow defenders. Hernandez for Williams 75’, big goal threat to play on the shoulder and take advantage of tricky players behind him. Tielemans for Moses 80’, 4-3-3 with Tielemans looking to get on the ball with his fresh legs and start finding the passes between the lines and find the movement of Hernandez.

If Losing: Hernandez and Carrasco for Moses and Koke 60’, 3-4-3 with Hernandez up front, Carrasco in the RWB role but pushed really high into a front 5 with Rakitic and Nzonzi offering protection behind the attackers. Tielemans for Nzonzi 70’, much faster distribution of the ball.

Pens:

1. Antoine Griezmann
2. Yannick Ferreira-Carrasco
3. Marcelo
4. Ivan Rakitic
5. David Luiz
6. Youri Tielemans
7. Javier Hernandez
8. Inaki Williams
9. Enes Unal
10. Steven Nzonzi
11. Roberto Gagliardini
12. Thibaut Courtois
13. Cesar Azpilicueta
14. Victor Moses
15. Kalidou Koulibaly

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

P.Lahm ----- Bonucci ----- Manolas ----- Ricardo

---------------- A.Vidal ----- Fabinho --------------------

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

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

Lafont, Pogba, Mendy, Kessie, Mbappe, Benteke , 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.

Lahm 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, 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, Fabinho in for 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! Fabinho 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. Kante will be at our heals but nice passingand don't panic and he will be put out the game

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 - Pogba for Fabinho
80 Mins - Mbappe for Ricardo 343

Winning
70 Mins Kessie for Alli and into midfield
80 Mins Mbappe for Neymar

Drawing
70 Mins Dybala for Alli
80 Pogba for Aguero switch with Dybala

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

FA Cup Semi Final
WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS v Liverpool

Injuries: Semper, Savic, Kolarov, Herrera

-------------------- Ter Stegen
Valencia - Howedes - Cahill - Baines
-------------------- Kondogbia
-----Lucas - Mata - Lallana - Draxler
--------------------- Lacazette

Subs: Begovic, Bernardo, Bartra, Gustavo, Cazorla, Embolo, Gameiro

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

Big semi final, we may as well have a go at this Liverpool side who are fragile defensively, so we're playing a 4-1-4-1 to try and get at them where they are most vulnerable.

Ter Stegen in goal, Valencia, Howedes, Cahill and Baines at the back, Kondogbia in front of the back four, Lucas, Mata, Lallana and Draxler behind Lacazette upfront, we are going to be on the front foot today and get at this Liverpool side. Outscore them, magic of the cup and all that, while maintaining a sensible approach with our back four and DM.

This game is about controlling the tempo and giving us the best chance of getting through today. Liverpool 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 five with assistance from the fullbacks should create plenty of chances, and in midfield we have a lynchpin in Kondogbia, with Mata and Lallana 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 Liverpool defence with Valencia and Baines 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.

Howedes/Cahill - Cahill to mark their striker, force him high up the pitch thus limiting his impact close to goal, and Howedes 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/Baines - Both of you to force the Liverpool 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 Kondogbia/Mata/Lallana. You will need to track back very quickly to ensure we don't get caught on the break.

Kondogbia - As our sole DM today your job is to patrol the back four, make sure we aren't overrun by their midfield when Mata and Lallana are both forward. Get stuck in and provide a blockage any time Liverpool try to attack us centrally. When in possession look for the five in front of you.

Lucas Moura/Draxler - Both playing out wide and both have the pace and trickery to beat the Liverpool 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 Lallana/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/Lallana - Both of you burst forward to join the front five as our AM's, look to receive the ball and run at the Liverpool 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 Liverpool 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 Kondogbia when under pressure and make a 4-5-1. Get behind Lacazette on occasion.

Lacazette - you will be expected to occupy the Liverpool 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/Lallana 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 Lallana and Kondogbia in midfield.

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

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

If penalties, in the following order minus those not on the pitch;
1. Lacazette
2. Gameiro
3. Baines
4. Lallana
5. Draxler
6. Howedes
7. Valencia
8. Mata
9. Lucas
10. Cazorla
11. Ter Stegen
12. Gustavo
13. Kondogbia
14. Cahill

Arsenal vs Pompey

Injuries:
Sandro, Jorginho, Lopes, Zaha



……………………………………..Buffon…………………………
………………………De Vrij…Chiellini….Romagnoli……..
………………………………Wanyama…Marchisio……………
Walcott…………………………Hamsik………………….Mertens
…………………………….Higuain………Gabbiadini…………….

Subs: Butland, Barzagli, Lyanco, Allan, Pellegrini, El Shaarawy, Gotze


End of the season, dead rubber, guaranteed 6th and as such Europa League, Pompey themselves have nothing to play for – that said we go into the game wanting to win to sign off on a high note infront of a packed emirates.
No real pressure on the team today, so not gonna bore you to death with loads of rambling about heavy pressing, or high intensity or how great such and such is or how many goals this guy or that guy has scored this season. It’s all noncey bollox and we all know it.

My 3 Cb’s are all capable at erm defending, the RCB and LCB will as and when required “shuffle” wide to deal with Pay up Pompeys wingers – leaving King Kong to deal with Pompey’s central striker.
Marchisio likes to run around a lot so he can do that today, leaving big Vince to do all the hard work, like putting a foot in and that kinda thing.
Walcott is as fast as a whippet so he’s on the wing doing his best run forest run impression.
Mertens has to be fair being top notch this season, he’s not as quick as Theo – but he can have a good go on the left wing.
Hamsik has only one drawback and that’s the feckin ludicrous hair cut…good job I’m not Brian Clough, because other than being dead I wouldn’t be standing for it.

Higuain he maybe a fat, lazy big game choking but he’s our fat, lazy big game choking feed him and he will score (other than in the big games obviously) I think it’s the French in him that makes him a bottler. Gabbiadini he maybe a scrawny, lanky, big game choking but he’s our scrawny, lanky, big game choking


Subs 60 mins

El Egypt > Hamsik – Hair for hair substitution
Pellegrini > Marchisio – The heir to the best pop in the world comes in for his debut.
Lyanco > De Vrij

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

Bellerin --- Bonucci --- Manolas --- B.Mendy

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

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

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

Heaton, Fabinho, Henrichs, Benteke, Pogba, Mbappe, 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, 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 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 Mendy at fullback, we must keep the wingers quiet, stop them and we stop a lot of there attacks. Both are perfect for this, 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/wingbacks and stop them coming forward especially Marcelo, Sanchez must track him when he has the ball. 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 slowish back line.

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

Subs

Losing
65 Mins - Fabinho for Alli,, Busquets drops to play CB as he has done before, Fabinho takes up the DM role, Bellerin and Mendy become wingbacks in a 343 formation
75 Mins - Benteke for Aguero and Dybala for Sanchez, Benteke a focal point in the attack with Dybala and Neyamar buzzing around him

Winning -
75 Mins - Fabinho for Alli, sit in alongside Vidal and Busquets
80 Mins - Dybala for Aguero, Mbappe for Neymar

Drawing -
70 Mins - Dybala for Alli sit in at No.10
80 Mins - Mbappe for Neymar

Man City

----------------- Strakosha -----------------

Sidibe --- Mustafi --- M.Keane --- F.Luis

Florenzi -- Walace - Morgan -- A.Turan

---------------- Calhanoglu ----------------

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

Perin, Maguire, Prowse, Phillips, Schick, Berardi, Bacca

We go in against all the odds of staying up, but we have put out a strong, well organised side, with plenty experience and youth blend with players that can hurt Leicester who have had an excellent season.

We have made some changes looking ahead to next season no matter what happens today, So young Strakosha comes in as our new No.1, he is a confident keeper, his shot stopping is excellent and his positioning for a long shot coming out is also very good, crossoing could be improved but he punches clear what he cant catch. Look to send our players away for quick counters.

Our back 4 is pretty solid, two good fullbacks both good in defence and attack and a solid partnership in the middle, Mustafi will pick up the CF and mark him closely, even if we are on the attack Mustafi must be mindful of the strikers movement as one quick kick up the park and he will be free, niggle at him and amnnoy him, put him off any way he can to distract him, strong but fair. Keane alongside will mark any other striker r forward coming into the area and generally just tidy up at the back. No fckin about at the back just clear the loines, like said fullbacks can attack and defend, so look to have a good bank of four when defending and make it as hard as possible for them to break us down, especially with our midfield bank of 4 ahead. If we have a chance tho one of the fullbacks will drive down the line and support the winger and look to get the ball into a dangerous position.

Our midfield bank of four are very important today, Leicester will see a lot of the ball so its up to us to try and break them down and frustrate them, peg them back and not allow them to control the game at their pace. Walace is our main DM and he will again have a tough job but if he remains focussed he will be fine. Shut the AM down early stop him controlling the game and hopefully stop him spraying the ball about and keep the ball away from the striker, Morgan likewise beside him, the pair are important to us today if we are to have any chance. He looks to stop the next most attacking CM again right in his face, this will be a blood and guts performance today from the lads and if these two can look to get on top of the Leicester pair it will give confidence to the rest of the team. When they win the ball nice easy balls out wide or through to HAkan and Icardi.

Florenzi and Turan are dangerous players, but also give 100% to the cause, chosen for the defensive contribution as well as there attacking, don't let the fullbacks become dangerous and stop them breaking into our half, force them wide and also not to tlet them inside where they will become a threat. Just be on top of them, however when we have the ball they have the skill and pace to get beyond there markes and onto the bye line where they will cross in, or Hakan will look to get himself into space where he can gather the ball and control things centrally.

Ok so 2 banks of 4 who need to be solid today, will break when they have the chance but do not waste energy cchasing down lost causes, ie ball going back to the keeper, if we play the way I want then conserving energy is a must. Close every one down like a pack of dogs, don't give them time or space and we have a chance.

Especially with our front two, who yes Iwill have there work cut out, but if they take there chances then you never know, Hakan is deadly from dead ball situations so if we get a free kick then go for goal, obvs with in distance and Icardi even tho I have focussed on defending I want him at all times on the last man, running the line looking to move his marker around leaving gaps for others to break into. The two will play off one another and have the skills to really get at the Leicester defence, so fingers crossed we have enough to break them down with there movement, let them do the chasing. Whatever the outcome I want rof and Leicester to know they have been in a game as we fight for our lives to stay up and not go down in flames.

Captain - F.Luis
Pens - Icardi
Free Kicks - Hakan
Corners - Wingers

Subs

Losing -
65 Mins - Phillips for Turan, Berardi for Florenzi, two more positive wingers with pace to hurt them
75 Mins - Bacca for Sidibe we go 3-2-3-2 all out
85 Mins losing all 5 attackers up front 3-2-5
last minute every one up if we have an attack

Winning -
75 Mins - Prowse for Hakan, Prowse to RM and Florenzi into CM 451
85 Mins - Bereardi for Icardi

Drawing -
75 Mins - Phillips for Turan, Berardi for Walace, Florenzi into CM
85 Mins - Bacca for Sidibe obvs goes up front

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

Bellerin ----- Bonucci ----- Manolas ----- B.Mendy

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

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

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

Heaton, Fabinho, Lahm, Pogba, Mbappe, Dybala, Benteke

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. The league title comes down to this and we are not giving it up!

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, 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 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 Mendy at fullback, we must keep the wingers quiet, stop them and we stop a lot of there attacks. Both are perfect for this, 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/wingbacks and stop them coming forward especially Marcelo, Sanchez must track him when he has the ball. 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 slowish back line.

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

Subs

Losing -
70 Mins - Dybala for Alli and plays just off Aguero
80 Mins - Mbappe for Mendy, Skriniar for Bellerin

De Gea
Manolas-Bonucci-Skriniar
Sterling-Arturo-Sergio-Neymar
Dybala-Aguero-Mbappe

Winning -
75 Mins - Fabinho for Alli sit in midfield
85 Mins - Dybala for Aguero

Drawing -
70 Mins - Dybala for Alli, Mbappe for Sanchez
80 Mins - Dybala right up top and Skriniar for Mendy

De Gea
Manolas-Bonucci-Skriniar
Bellerin-Arturo-Sergio-Neymar
Dybala-Aguero-Mbappe

Skriniar should be on the bench instead of Lahm

ASTON VILLA 4-3-3 New

Captain: Marco Reus
Penalties: Marco Reus
Corners: Luka Modric
Freekicks: Marco Reus
Crossing Freekick: Luka Modric

—————————— 13. Oblak
38. Toure — 4. Alderweireld — 31. Benatia — 23. Shaw
————————— 6. Strootman
—————— 19. Modric — 8. D. Silva
10. Robben————————————————— 11. Reus
——————————— 9. Ibrahimovic

SUBS: 1. Chesney, Jones, 14. Romeu, 16. De Rossi, 7. Bernardo, 22. Mkhitaryan, 18. Benzema


We’ll Gegenpress the opposition like Liverpool in real life and win the ball as close to their goal as possible or move the ball up the pitch towards the opposition’s goal quickly. My 4-3-3 will overload his midfield and pin back his wing backs. We’ll use the quickness of our one touch, short passing game and using the pace & dribbling ability of the attacking players. However when the opposition get close to our box, we will revert to a defensive block to limit their chances. We defend and attack as a collective unit, limiting the space between the lines in which the opposition plays in.

When in attack we will get forward in numbers, using the footballing intelligence & movement of our attacking midfielders & striker to create passing angles and overloads in the opposition’s area of the pitch both out wide and in central zones, looking to drag the opposition’s players out of position and exploiting the space they leave open. When the opposition is using a deep defensive block to shut out our team we will use our fullbacks to create numbers out wide to stretch the opposition (this will be assisted by our CDM splitting the CBs wider allowing the FBs to move up the pitch) simultaneously using our wide-forward to cut inside to create overloads in the central areas giving us a number advantage. When creating chances from the wide areas with the FBs or WFs, we will send crosses in to feed the other forwards. Making runs behind the defence and beyond the striker is not prohibited by our attacking and central midfielders (minus CDM). There is a lot freedom in the movement of our attacking players. No player is restricted to a specific zone on the field or specific task. All four attackers (Reus, Robben, David, Ibrahimovic) will either be provider or finisher with Modric providing the support needed and Strootman anchoring the midfield and supporting the centre backs. We want to make our style of play effective & deadly when in long spells of possession. Shooting from outside the box is encouraged. Our players will also gegenpress constantly from the front when we lose possession of the ball.

Offensive & Defensive Transitions:

This is the player's movements & reactions when moving between defence and attack, importantly the movement of the ball as this is arguably the most important aspect of our game. Winning the ball back when your opposition is disorganized is the perfect moment. We will aim for rapid movement up the pitch, with progressive passing to exploit the space left by the opposition. Whether it is from our defensive third of the pitch or whether we have won the ball back in our attacking third of the pitch we will exploit the disorganization of the opposition. We expect most of our attacking play will be as a result of our aggressive high press so we will use the following triggers for pressing the opponent:

1. The ball is played to a player facing his own goal

2. The ball is played to a player against the sidelines (using the sideline as an extra man in our favour)

3. A difficult bouncing ball is played to a player facing his own goal.

When any of these triggers happen, the players closest to the ball will press quickly and another 2 or 3 players will hold off slightly adding depth to the press and closing down their easy option pass. Once we win possession of the ball, we break in numbers again exploiting the opposition with either the pace of our attack. We also understand that we won't always get it right when pressing the opposition so we will employ a 10-second rule on pressing from the front after which, if we did not win back possession, we will revert to our defensive block. If we don’t win the ball after our initial phase of pressing it's imperative that the players work their way back into our defensive zone of the pitch and close the space that the opposition will look to play in. Close the space quickly and look to frustrate the opposition with intelligent positioning and hard tackling before winning the ball back and breaking forward at rapid speed. We will compact the central zones and force the opposition wide which limits the chances of breaking through our midfield. Long diagonal balls and quick releases from deep are encouraged when the opportunity arises. Our forwards have the pace to run onto through-balls.

We go into our defensive block if we cannot win the ball through our pressing. As a team we will defend deep in our half and close the space in the middle of the pitch. When forcing the opposition closer to the touchlines, we will use the touch line as an extra-man and press them so that we can win possession and result in us outnumbering them. If the play is on the left of the field the team will move towards the left and squeeze the space and vice versa on the right. We will try to force our opponents to play hopeful crosses into our box where we have towering CBs who are great at dealing with crosses. If a cross is coming from their right our LB will also move into the box to help deal with crosses and vice versa if the cross is coming from the left. The midfielders will be around the box pressing the opponent should they try to play it central. Our wide forwards will help the midfield in closing the space in the centre and then proceed to help the fullback after we have moved the opponent towards the touchline. The wide-forwards are the real work horses in the team and I have 2 very good, hard-working wide-forwards. Our striker will also drop into our half to help the midfield press the opposition’s defence. Also the reasoning behind dropping the striker deep is to draw the opponent’s defence away from their goal creating ample space for us to counter attack.

Substitutions:

If winning after 80 mins bring on De Rossi for Silva. More physical presence in midfield, and gives greater defensive cover.

If drawing or losing after 65 mins bring on Mkhitaryan for Strootman. Fresh creativity and legs. Modric will drop back to DM to control the game while Silva and Mkhitaryan will push up into the 10 role from behind Ibrahimovic.

If drawing or losing after 75 mins bring on Benzema for David Silva. Mkhitaryan drops back into centre mid. Benzema with more goal threat, plays up front with Ibrahimovic.

Arsenal vs Pompey

Injuries:
Lyanco, Allan, Pellegrini, Gotze



……………………………………..Buffon…………………………
………………………De Vrij…Chiellini….Romagnoli……..
………………………………Wanyama…Marchisio……………
Walcott…………………………Hamsik………………….Mertens
…………………………….Higuain………Gabbiadini…………….

Subs: Butland, Barzagli, Bruma, Allan, Jorginho, El Shaarawy, Gotze


End of the season, dead rubber, guaranteed 6th and as such Europa League, Pompey themselves have nothing to play for – that said we go into the game wanting to win to sign off on a high note infront of a packed emirates.
No real pressure on the team today, so not gonna bore you to death with loads of rambling about heavy pressing, or high intensity or how great such and such is or how many goals this guy or that guy has scored this season. It’s all noncey bollox and we all know it.

My 3 Cb’s are all capable at erm defending, the RCB and LCB will as and when required “shuffle” wide to deal with Pay up Pompeys wingers – leaving King Kong to deal with Pompey’s central striker.
Marchisio likes to run around a lot so he can do that today, leaving big Vince to do all the hard work, like putting a foot in and that kinda thing.
Walcott is as fast as a whippet so he’s on the wing doing his best run forest run impression.
Mertens has to be fair being top notch this season, he’s not as quick as Theo – but he can have a good go on the left wing.
Hamsik has only one drawback and that’s the feckin ludicrous hair cut…good job I’m not Brian Clough, because other than being dead I wouldn’t be standing for it.

Higuain he maybe a fat, lazy big game choking but he’s our fat, lazy big game choking feed him and he will score (other than in the big games obviously) I think it’s the French in him that makes him a bottler. Gabbiadini he maybe a scrawny, lanky, big game choking but he’s our scrawny, lanky, big game choking


Subs 60 mins

El Egypt > Hamsik – Hair for hair substitution
Jorginho > Marchisio –
Bruma > De Vrij

-------------------Forster-------------------
Holgate---van Dijk---Kompany---Tierney
--------------Kante-----Ndidi--------------
Mahrez----------Barkley-----------Willian
------------------Lukaku--------------------

Pickford, Sakho, Fornals, Haddadi, Deulofeu, Moussa, Hernandez

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. Kante sits in with the fullabacks when they go forward.

Holgate and Tierney 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 Ndidi do this and will be sitting in with either making the occassional run forward, one of them must sit in at all times. Ndidi 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/Barkley . 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. Ndidi 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 Ndidi 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 Barkley 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 Holgate and Tierney

Barkley 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 with service pieces 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 Barkley 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 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 Moussa will come on for Barkley on 65 minutes and go up front and on 75 minutes Hernandez for Mahrez and 433

if we are drawing Haddadi for Barkley on 75 minutes, Deulofeu for Mahrez same time

Winning then Fornals for Barkley and sit in at DM and Hernandez for Lukaku on 75 minutes

--------------------Lloris
Clyne-----Pepe-----Godin-----Bertrand
----------Krychowiak-----Radja
Mane-------------Ozil------------Firmino
-------------------Suarez
Subs
Patricio, Matip, Wendell, Casemiro, Tolisso, Di Maria, 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. Krychowiak 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 - Tolisso 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 - Casemiro for Krych 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 - Matip, Kane and Tolisso for Bertrand, Krych and Clyne - switch to a 3-5-2 with emphasis on the wings backs acting as wingers.

Hull - Weiser, Elvedi, Gnabry, Friend

Penalties – most likely way for me to win Milik

Overview of our 5-4-1 formation


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

Subs: Karius, Augustinsson, Geis, Biglia, Amiri, Schöpf, 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 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
Biglia for Gorezka, Werner for Forsberg, Augustinsson for Toljan

-----------------------------------Cech-----------------------------------
Walker------------Bailly---------Verthonghen---------Davies
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------Moutinho----------Keita------------------------
Sane-----------------------------------------------------------Bernardeschi
--------------------------------James-----------------------------------------------
----------------------------------Jesus-----------------------------------

Subs - Zieler, Ake, Mario, Depay, Shaqiri, Sanabria, Vardy

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

The final game of the season and although we are not technically safe, I think we can get a point against a decent Liverpool team that will ensure our safety.

This 4231 formation is solid in defence with 2 DM's but also very attacking 2 wingers. I want us to play a deep defensive line and the midfield to become a flat back four when defending. Playing a deep line will nullify the pace merchant Aubameyang and stop a huge portion of Liverpools attack. 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
Moutinho + Keita
Moutinho and Keita will play a b2b role. When Keita attacks, Moutinho 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. Moutinho 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 Vardy for Keita. Also bring on Shaqiri 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 Vardy
Brozovic off for Depay
James off for Shaqiri

————————Courtois
——Azpilicueta——Luiz——Christensen
———————Gagliardini
Moses—————Rakitic——————Marcelo
———Carrasco—————Griezmann
——————-Aubameyang

Subs: Schmeichel, Koulibaly, Loftus-Cheek, Koke, Zivkovic, Pedro, B.Traore

Captain: David Luiz
Free Kicks: David Luiz/Ivan Rakitic/Antoine Griezmann
Corners: Ivan Rakitic
Penalties: Pierre Emerik Aubameyang

Big game that we must win, but that they also need something from to ensure their survival, we look to force them back, peg them in and put all the pressure on them today.

We must press high up the pitch, using our from three as a block to stop them getting into midfield, all very narrow and positioned to cut the passing lanes to the CMs. As soon as the ball is played to a defender facing his own goal, a FB tight to the touchline, or a defender that receives a bouncing ball this front three must be quick to press, usually we use the high work rates of Griezmann and Carrasco to press the ball, so if they close the CBs, they are pressing the ball, the WBs are pushed up onto the FBs to cut the passing lanes, and Aubameyang drops deeper to cut the passing lane centrally, with the CMs and back 3 blanketing the rest of the team. Aubemayang deeper in the press also gives him freedom to see the game ahead and make a run if we win it back. When the ball goes to the FB the same thing happens, Griezmann and Carrasco in the FBs face, Rakitic and the WB on that side pushed up to cut passing lanes, with Auba cutting the passing lane to the other defenders, blocking the switch of play, and the opposite WB tucked in to help Gagliardini and the back 3 close the space deeper, meaning theres no space for longer inaccurate balls. Aim to squeeze them, win the ball back quickly and counter with players high up the field. If they force us deeper then we transition to a 5-4-1 with Carrasco and Griezmann either side of the CMs, focus on the passing lanes, squeeze their space and wait until a poor pass is played so we can step in, two to three players surrounding the man receiving that poor pass and taking possession back. We expect to be on the front foot for most of this game so we need Gagliardini in the DM role, using his physicality to dominate their AM, control that middle section of the field and we stop Birmingham. The Wide CBs will be pushed slightly wider if there are wide players to deal with, or tucked more narrow if they don’t and go with central attackers. Luiz will man mark the main CF with his pace and power.

Attacks start where we win the ball so we will already have numbers in position to quickly transition the ball forward and this should be done looking to attack the wide areas, either with quick balls out to our wide men, or into the forwards, one moving wide into the vacant space on the side of the opposition’s failed attack, dragging out a CB to help him and isolating the remaining CB(s) with two forwards, or dragging out the DM and opening up room for Rakitic to take hold of the game. We keep a back 3 when we attack for two reasons. Firstly we want the WBs to have a free license, holding plenty of width look to get behind the FBs or into crossing positions, either from deep or the byline, with the SS’s able to drop deeper into midfield with the game stretched and give Birmingham’s DMs a much harder time, probably dragging a CB with them. Secondly, 3 at the back makes us harder to press as we push more players forward and keep our 3 remaining defenders stretched out, Azpi and Christensen pushed up and wider, Luiz deeper at the base of a triangle that works at getting the ball quickly to the wide attackers or back to Luiz who can play more direct balls to the forwards. Gagliardini will position himself behind the attack, he is selected for his excellent power and height as well as his in your face style that will help us press and keep things ticking, his ability to drag players wide and beat them in these areas will allow for faster build up players, draw markers on to him and turn away from them opening the game up. Rakitic has a lot of freedom, roam wherever he can get overloads, either with the WBs or with the forwards, use his excellent engine and passing to find the spaces. Carrasco 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 Carrasco occupying defenders with his trickery and pace, as well as using his excellent out to in runs to get in behind the Birmingham defenders. We introduce the two SS’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 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: Koke for Carrasco 70’, become more of a 3-5-2 in shape, dominate the middle of the park. Koulibaly for Moses 75’, Azpilicueta to RWB, Koulibaly in at CB, more solid. Loftus-Cheek for Aubameyang 80’, big and powerful, closes down well from the front but can also drop in a make it a midfield 4 if needed.

If Drawing: Koke for Gagliardini 60’, 3-4-3, two CMs who can take hold of the game and have a great range of passing. Pedro for Moses 70’, can’t afford to not win this game so attacking change to hit them hard. Traore for Carrasco 75’, bit of unpredictability that can conjure something up from nothing, but also a lethal poacher.

If Losing: Pedro for Gagliardini 60’, 4-4-2, Moses and Marcelo to play as advanced FBs, Pedro and Carrasco ahead of them, looking to double up on FBs who aren’t the best defensively, Luiz goes to CM, alongside Rakitic that bit of extra energy and in your face pressing style that is so useful in midfield, especially with his ability to pick passes. Azpi and Christensen at CB. Koke for Christensen 75’, Luiz back to CB but still looking to play on the front foot, at this point we simply have to get a goal, Azpi is trusted to play a little deeper and act as cover. Traore for Moses 80’, he’s played as FB before, we need him in the team now to go and get us a goal, he pushes on as often as he can, 2-4-4 in attack, 4-4-2 in defence.

Courtois
Azpi Luiz
Traore Koke Rakitic Marcelo
Pedro Aubameyang Griezmann Carrasco

Balanced4-3-3

Key to our game plan today, is quick passing moves in the midfield and using our pace out wide. In Verratti and Khedira we have two high tempo players that will give us great energy in midfield, Thiago in front is brilliant at intercepting the play and together give us a solid defensive base to the side. Importantly though, they're all excellent at controlling games.

Vitolo on the right wing brings 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.

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.

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
A.Vidal- S.Ramos – Otamendi - Kurzawa
--------- Verratti – Khedira
--------------- Thiago.A
Vitolo ---------------------- Hazard
-------------- C.Ronaldo

Subs. Zieler, Umtiti, Danilo, Cesc, 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.

As City 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 City are attacking, pushing them backwards and wide away from danger. When they switch play, we switch over.

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

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.

Ronaldo 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 City 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 Cesc for Thiago.

If drawing after 65 mins bring on Diego Costa and Douglas Costa for Ronaldo and Vitolo. Fresh attack.
If drawing after 80 mins bring on Cesc for Verratti.

If losing after 55 mins bring on Diego Costa for Verratti. 4-2-3-1. Hazard behind Costa, Ronaldo left.
If losing after 60 mins bring on Douglas Costa for Vitolo.

Survival Sunday
WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS v Manchester United

Injuries: Bernardo, Gustavo, Nasri, Rooney

-----------------------Ter Stegen
Valencia - Howedes - Cahill - Nagatomo
---------------A.Herrera - Kondogbia
Lucas --------------- Mata --------------- Draxler
-----------------------Lacazette

Subs: Begovic, Savic, Baines, Cazorla, Lallana, Welbeck, Gameiro

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

A very tough game today, a positive result today will be the difference between relegation and survival so we need to give absolutely everything, playing a positive 4-2-3-1 against a good Man U 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 Man U 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 Man U are a good side and we want to make sure we get as many points as we can. Ter Stegen in goal, Valencia, Howedes, Cahill and Nagatomo 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. Man U 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 Man U defence with Valencia and Nagatomo 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.

Howedes/Cahill - Cahill to mark their striker, force him high up the pitch thus limiting his impact close to goal, and Howedes 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/Nagatomo - Both of you to force the Man U 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 Man U 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 Man U 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 Man U 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 Man U 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 Man U 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, Cazorla and Gameiro on. Switch to a flat 4-5-1 with Cazorla 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: Nagatomo, Herrera and Kondogbia off, Lallana, Welbeck and Gameiro on. Change to a 3-5-2, back three of Valencia - Howedes - Cahill, Lucas - Lallana - Mata - Draxler - Welbeck behind a front two of Gameiro and Lacazette. Push for goals.

In case of red card change to 4-4-1;
Ter Stegen - Mata off, Begovic on
Valencia - Mata off, Savic on (Howedes to RB, Savic to CB)
Howedes/Cahill - Mata off, Savic on
Nagatomo - Mata off, Baines on
Herrera/Kondogbia - Mata off, Cazorla on
Lucas/Draxler - Mata move into their wide position
Mata - no change
Lacazette - Mata off, Gameiro on

---------------------- Navas
Carvajal ----- Varane --- Martinez -- Guerreiro
------------- A.Rabiot ----- Matuidi
--------------------- De Bruyne --------------
O.Dembele ----- Lewandowski ----- Mandzukic

Handanovic, Laporte, Ghoulam, Fernandinho, Gundogan, Martial, Coman

C - Lewandowski
FK's - De Bruyne/ close - Lewandowski
Corners - De Bruyne/Dembele
Pens - Lewandowski

4-3-3, possesion based. A few tweaks made looking to bring a fresh energy to the side, on our toes and looking to dominate the game throughout.

On the ball we should continuously look to penetrate, playing out from the back and getting our foot on the ball, as we advance our play gets quicker and we look for neat passing moves with gaps opening up in the oppositions final third, pass and move. Our FB's come up one at a time and we look for overloads downs the flanks looking to stretch them whilst getting numbers in the box.

Off the ball we transition to a 4-1-4-1, two banks of four behind the ball. Our CM's are high on energy and work-rate and will cover every blade of grass, Mandzukic comes into the side, extremely responsible and great defensive cover, always on his toes and contesting aerial duels.

Numbers (10 players) behind the ball in a rigid structure narrowing passing lanes and man-marking creative influences, working as a unit.

It starts with Navas 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.

Rabiot sits deep and acts as the enforcer playing just ahead of our back 4, looking to pick the ball up from the back and spray it about with zip. The general link from defence to midfield, in terms of defensive responsiblity he should man-mark their AM at all times, not give him an inch to influence the game.

Our front 4 largely have free reign in attack, our CM's and a FB sit in allowing us sufficient cover to prevent a swift counter attack. Dembele hugging the touchline and looking to attack his FB as much as possible, outlet we look for for a fast transition from defense to attack.

De Bruyne starts in his favoured central role, looking to control the tempo of the game and always on the move looking for a pass to feet. When we are attacking in dangerous areas at look to swap roles with Mandzukic, allowing him to join Lewandowski in the box whilst he whips the ball in on this left hand side.

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

Subs:
If winning, 70th minute -
Fernandinho > Rabiot
Coman > Mandzukic

If drawing, 70th minute -
Gundogan > Matuidi
Martial > Mandzukic

If losing, 70th minute - (4-2-2-2 wide)
Gundogan > Matuidi
Martial > KdB
Ghoulam > Guerreiro