Arsenal away at Leicester
Injuries:
Hysaj, Lyanco, Lallana, Simeone, Hamsik(sus)
……………………………………Buffon…………………………
De Sciglio…………Marquinhos…..Rugani…….Shaw
…………………………………….Blind……………………………
………………………matuidi………..Pellegrini……………
Candreva………………………Auba………………….Gomez
Subs: Pickford, Howedes, Bruma, Neves, allan, Kownacki,Mandzukic
Our tough start showing no sign of letting up as we now travel to filbert street, trying to avoid losing 3 games on the bounce.
RoF has assembled a lovely squad and they’ll be there or thereabouts come the season end…anyway enough waffling.
Going against our usual all in style today, playing within ourselves and on the counter-attack.
Our defence although young is experienced at a high level and with Gigi the GOAT behind them, they’ll be well drilled and hard to break-down, bags of pace across the defence which is vital against Leicester’s fluid attack. In possession, De Sciglio and Shaw are given freedom to push right up-front, Blind will drop back to CB making a 3 man defence covering the spaces.
Blind has his detractors but his versatility is a massive asset to any team, tidy in possession will sit as the “quarter-back” keeping things ticking over nicely.
Matuidi is a pure engine in the middle of the park one of the last proper box to boxers and will look to run things through the middle for us today, Pellegrini comes in to replace the suspended Hamsik and he’ll be our muscle in the side, looks like the long term heir to De Rossi so we’ll see how he fares today.
Our front three is pure pace – pace enough to trouble even the strongest of defences, I want Cadreva and Papu to stay as far forward as is possible, if Rof’s full-backs venture forward then so be it they’ll be burnt on the counter. Auba is my pace abuser through the middle, will sit between the 2 Cb’s and look to turn them as often as possible
A boring smash and grab tactic, solid defence. Strong if unadventurous midfield and a rapid trident playing on the counter, boring yes but damn effective
subs 60 mins:
Mandy > Papu Gomez – mix it up a bit Auba goes LW and Mandy add his physicality through the middle
Neves > Pellegrini – like for like
-----------------------Lloris
Florenzi--Hummels--Koulibaly--Bertrand
--------------------Casemiro
--------------Pjanic----------Radja
Mane----------------------------------Coutinho
----------------------Suarez
Subs
Hart, Matip, Dier, Ozil, Salah, Firmino, Kane
Lloris is a commanding presence at the back, when he calls for a ball, the defence know he will take control of the situation, 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 possession to stop counter attacks, Both CB"s will communicate with each other so they are clear in where the attacking threats are. 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 3 will be to use their high energy, all action styles to get themselves around the middle of the pitch, working in collaboration with the front 3 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 respectively to drift 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 winger has the ball, the one 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 - Pjanic takes the corners, most of the time looking to have the ball at an attackable height around 8-10 yards out between 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, Coutinho and Mane flit around away from the main attacking group looking to pounce on mistimed touches and flicks around the area. Casemiro looks to limit the opposition keeper from moving too far off his line, looking to take a defender with him to create less space for the keeper and one less man in the main action area. Radja takes a position just outside the box to pick up weak clearances and go for the odd thundercunt, as well as 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 - Di Maria for Coutinho - 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 - Dier for Pjanic and Firmino for Mane - Actively time waste and really frustrate the opposition.



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



67 Mins - Dier, Kane and Ozil for Bertrand, Casemiro and Florenzi - switch to a 3-5-2 with emphasis on the wings backs acting as wingers and just pile forward in numbers.
Comment deleted by Site Moderator
----------------------------------Lafont-----------------------------------
---------------Bailly---------Verthonghen---------Ake--------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cuadrado--------Brozovic-------------Kessie-----------M Alonso
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------James--------------------------------------------
-------------------------Vardy----------Benteke--------------------------------
Subs - Batalla, Holgate, Sanson, Willian, Keita, Mario, Sandro Ramirez
CAPTAIN - VERT
CK'S - JAMES
FK'S - JAMES
PENALTIES - JAMES
Up against the defending champions Chelsea this week. When we don't have possession of the ball in our half I want the whole team except Benteke to get in our half and defend. Play a deep defensive line so that Chelsea can't use their pacy forwards to beat the offside trap. When we win possession of the ball I want the players to play the long ball to Benteke, so he can use his physical strength to hold the ball up for our players to get into attacking positions. When defending, Kessie will act like another CB and just slot in from time to time to make the defence even harder to penetrate. But his main role will be to stop the oppo AM, either Pogba or Alli.
Defence
I got a top class keeper in goal so he will be hard to beat. The defence is well balanced, with all 3 CB's playing in the top flight regularly irl. Bailly and Ake have the pace to play the 3atb formation with ease. Verthonghen will focus on the oppo striker and will look to stick close to him and to watch out for his attacking runs. Wingbacks 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. Watch out for oppo wingers and stop the cutting in onto their stringer foot.
Centre Mids
Brozovic + Kessie
Kessie main job is to act as a destroyer in the centre. When the oppo AM has the ball close him down asap. Brozovic will play a b2b role. Brozovic has the ability to pick out a pass while Kessie is an engine which can run all day long. They complement each other perfectly.
Wing backs
Cuadrado + Alonso
Cuadrado and Alonso will look to help both in attack and defence. When the oppo has the ball come back into the defence to make a rock solid back 5. Make forays forward when we have the ball in the oppos side of the pitch but track back when we don't. Get some low crosses into the box as Vardy and Benteke are very good at playing in between the lines.
Attack Mid
James Rodriguez
The architect, he will look to use his passing ability to create chances for our team. Shoot from range if you see an opening and make runs into the box from time to time.
Strikers
Vardy + Benteke
I want Vardy to use his pace to play off the oppo shoulders and beat the offside trap. He will look to close down the oppo asap when they have the ball and to be vary of through balls as he is very good at timing his runs. Benteke will be the "TANK" and will use his physical strength to hold the ball up.
Subs if LOSING BY 65MINS
Change formation to 343. Bring on Balde Keita for Alonso and Willian for Cuadrado. Sandro on for Brozovic aswell. Play a very high line and try and get a goal.
-------------------------------Lafont-----------------------------------
------------Bailly---------Verthonghen---------Ake--------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Willian------------Kessie--------James--------------------Keita
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------Vardy-------Benteke-------Sandro-----------------------
Subs if WINNING BY 65MINS
Take off James and put on Sanson in DM. Keita on for Vardy aswell to offer more freshness.
-------------------------------Lafont-----------------------------------
------------Bailly---------Verthonghen---------Ake--------------
---------------------------------Sanson-------------------------------------------
Cuadrado-------Brozovic---------Kessie------------Alonso
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------Keita--------------------------------------
------------------------------------Benteke------------------------------
Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Sandro Ramirez ON for Vardy
Mario ON for Brozovic
Sanson ON for James
Balanced 4-3-3
Key to our game plan today, is quick passing moves in the midfield and using our pace out wide. Our cm trio setting up the chances for the front 3.
After losing in the final and drawing in the last league game, we look to bounce back at home. Take advantage of the couple important players Arsenal are missing.
In Kante and Koke 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.
Kante is the holding player today, a calming influence in possession keeping it simple but more importantly powerful and intelligent defensively. Koke looking to pick the ball up from deep and link the defence and attack. Thiago the more advanced playmaker of the trio. Thiago and Koke 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.
-------------------- M.Neuer
Valencia - Otamendi - Musacchio - Marcelo
---------------------- Kante
------------- Thiago.A --- Koke
Vitolo -------------------------------- Hazard
------------------- C.Ronaldo
Subs. Schmeichel, Vrsaljko, Vallejo, Bakayoko, Mkhitaryan, 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 Arsenal 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. Koke moves to the left. Hazard sits on their deepest cm, take away the option.
In this tight rigid formation, ensuring there are no gaps in the formation. Kante will be key, reading the play in between the defence and midfield, reading any dangers to get across.
Narrowing the play to the side Arsenal 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.
Koke and Kante 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. Koke, Thiago,fbs 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: Ronaldo
Subs.
If winning after 65 mins bring on Douglas Costa for Vitolo. Fresh pace to get at them as Arsenal will be looking to attack.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Diego Costa for Ronaldo. Bully their tired defenders.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Mkhitaryan for Thiago. Brings work rate and pace.
If drawing after 65 mins bring on Douglas Costa and Mkhitaryan for Koke and Vitolo. Thiago deeper cm next to Kante, Mkhi am.
If drawing after 80 mins bring on Diego Costa for Hazard. Mkhi right, Douglas left, 4-4-2.
If losing after 55 mins bring on Diego Costa for Koke 4-2-3-1. Hazard behind Costa, Ronaldo left.
If losing after 60 mins bring on Douglas Costa for Vitolo.
If losing after 80 mins bring on Mkhitaryan for Valencia.
-----------------Cech
Soares---Benatia----Luiz--Bernat
---------Krychowiak---Kondogbia
Walcott-----------Payet---------Iwobi
------------------ Paco
Subs: Gunn, Holding, Reidewald, Ramsey, Gabbiadini, Cazorla, Falcao
Subs:
Falcao for Paco - 65 mins
Ramsey for Kondogbia - 70 Gabbiadini for Walcott - 80 mins
In today's game we are playing an attacking 4-2-3-1 formation. We want the win and we are gonna get it.
As team we will play super dooper quick. Daze the opposition. We need to be getting the ball to our pacey players. They will bring the players away from the positions thus allowing our other players to take advantage. This also means quick passing in order to keep the fast players in space.
Defensively we will play a high line and keep their forwards offside while trying to open up space for our faster players. This means our full backs will need to stick with our centre backs when we are off the ball. We will have a defensive midfielder who will stay just in front of our defence to protect them so we are not at a total weakness of being counter attacked.
Attacking wise we will get the ball into space and the fast players will take advantage. The full backs in an attacking sense will also help. We need to play quick passes, quick runs and quick changes of direction. We also need to allow a quick response to recover from mistakes.
If we are winning from the 70th minute I want us to start to keep the ball for longer periods and hold possession. Slow play right down and seriously time waste.
Positional Tactics
Our full backs defensively will stick in a high line with our centre backs. We need to trap our opposition offside making it hard for them to counter attack. However in times when it doesn't work they need to push the opposition back and reduce the space made available on this side of the pitch. They need to prevent the wingers from running in behind them and cutting inside of them. Offensively they will need to move forward with the ball and use up the space left by the opposition. When our wingers cut in, I want our full backs to take up the wide position and put the crosses in.
Our centre backs will be apart of this high line we are playing. Use their strength and pace to keep the opposition offisde and then clear the ball away. They must stay on guard for any potential runners and therefor close them off as soon as they get going. We need to limit the opportunity for them to find space by keeping goal side of them at all times. They need to use their height and strength to beat them off the ball. They also must be aware of any high balls into the box. Offensively only go up for corners.
We will play a defensive midfielder today who will protect the defence and hold up play. This means filling the gaps and creating a defensive wall to stop the opposition from breaking through. Kondogbia must keep with the playmaker by discouraging him from moving into space, limit the chances he's able to create and keeping goal side of him at all times. Limit the available players for them, and force them to pass the ball back. Offsensively I will not allow Kondogbia to go forward.
Krychowiak will control play more by creating and forming the attacks. He should look to move forward to be the new option. His passing must be quick, slick and clever. He with Payet will control our passing that allows the pacy players to take advantage of defensive frailties.
Our attacking midfielder will be Payet who will look to run into space and finding the opportunity to change and dictate the game. He must force the opposition to open up space and allow the attacking players to break through. I want him to move about all across the centre and depending on move towards the right or the left to the ball. Defensively he must prevent people running forward and creating more ability for runs. He must try and collect the ball and release it to our wingers to form attacks since.
Our wingers need to use plenty of their skill, strength, power, pace and physicality to open up the opposition. I want them to force the attacks straight at them, bring the defenders out and then allow our attackers to take advantage. They must cut inside, run in from behind and cross the ball in so that our attacks don't end up predictable. Try and use our full backs as much as possible when attacking the opposition so that having to handle more than one player forces a mistake. Defensively they should fall back and help the full backs to defending and prevent the wingers from creating opportunities. Walcott should stay further forward as most players will look to leave the ball for him in the next attack.
Our striker needs to use their brain to workout how the defence works. They need to run at them using their strength and skill to cause nerves in their defence and force mistakes. The striker needs to open up space and find space as he is good at getting On the end of crosses and opportunities created. He needs to use his height to open the scoring and also use his power to force his way into goal scoring opportunities. Defensively I want him to move back to the centre circle and wait for the midfield to supply the ball to him in the event of an attack, if after 70 mins and we are winning I want the striker to move further back to control and protect the nation. We just time waste as much as possible.
Pens: Payet
Long FK: Payet
Short FcK: Payet
Corners: Payet
----------------------------------------------------------------------
WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS v Brighton and Hove Albinos
Injuries: Trippier, Dendoncker, Drinkwater, Moura
----------------- Ter Stegen
Cancelo - Mustafi - Pepe - Hector
--------- A.Herrera - Strootman
- F Anderson - D Silva - Jese Rod
-------------------- Higuain
Subs: Rulli, Mathieu, Smalling, Jorginho, Son, Rooney, Immobile
-----------------
A very tough game today, but we can get at this Brighton side who are definitely vulnerable defensively, so I feel we can target them down the middle and create chances for Higuain to finish.
Playing a positive 4-2-3-1, Ter Stegen in goal, Cancelo, Pepe, Mustafi and Hector in defence, Herrera and Strootman in midfield, Anderson, Silva and Jese behind Higuain upfront.
This game is about controlling the tempo and giving us the best chance of getting three points today. Brighton 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 Strootman, with Silva ahead of them, we can control the possession and the flow of the game. Felipe at RW and Jese at LW both able to use their pace and get at the Brighton defence with Cancelo and Hector overlapping. Higuain 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 Higuain.
Pepe/Mustafi - Pepe to mark their striker, force him high up the pitch thus limiting his impact close to goal, and Mustafi 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 Strootman 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.
Cancelo/Hector - Both of you to force the Brighton 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 Felipe/Jese 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 Higuain and link with Herrera/Strootman/Silva. You will need to track back very quickly to ensure we don't get caught on the break.
Herrera/Strootman - Herrera playing the box to box role, assist Strootman in dealing with the Brighton attack when we don't have the ball, if they play an AM Strootman stay on him, but don't follow if he drifts wide. Be first to any loose balls, in possession Strootman 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.
Felipe Anderson/Jese Rodriguez - Both playing out wide and both have the pace and trickery to beat the Brighton 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 Higuain with chances and also provide yourselves with chances. Link up with Herrera/Strootman/Silva, and capitalise on the space Higuain's presence will create for you. Without the ball I expect you two to track back and assist your fullback.
David Silva - Silva to burst forward to join the front three as our AM, look to receive the ball and run at the Brighton defence, bring the ball to create space for others and look for the runs of Felipe/Jese/Higuain. Shoot if you get into position, also force the Brighton defenders to foul you when you're attacking as setpieces could be our best chance to score today. Link with Higuain regularly. Able to drop into midfield with Herrera/Strootman when under pressure and make a 4-5-1. Get behind Higuain on occasion.
Higuain - you will be expected to occupy the Brighton 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 Felipe/Jese/Silva on occasion.
------------------
Subs 70 mins:
If winning: Felipe and Jese off, Jorginho and Son on. Switch to a flat 4-5-1 with Jorginho alongside Herrera and Strootman in midfield. Son to RW and Silva to LW, look to punish Brighton on the break.
If drawing: Jese and Strootman off, Immobile and Son on. Change to a 4-1-3-2, Herrera holding the fort, Felipe - Silva - Son behind Higuain and Immobile. Look for the winner.
If losing: Pepe and Strootman off, Immobile and Son on. Change to a 3-1-4-2, back three of Cancelo - Mustafi - Hector, Herrera the playmaker, Son - Felipe - Silva - Jese behind a front two of Higuain and Immobile. Push for goals.
———————————Courtois
Azpilicueta—Christensen——Umtiti——Guerreiro
——————————Fabinho
—————Keita————————Milinkovic
——————————Dybala
————Williams———————Carrasco
Subs: Begovic, Conti, R.Pereira, Gagliardini, Tielemans, Philipp, Icardi
Captain: Cesar Azpilicueta
Free Kicks: Paulo Dybala/Fabinho
Penalties: Fabinho
Corners: Yannick Carrasco
A 4-4-2 diamond that focuses on vertical movement and adaptability of shape to distort a man-orientated opposition defensive system, whilst giving us flexibility in defensive situations.
Build up in a 2-3-2-3 that can open up lots of diagonal and vertical passing lanes and give the opposition too much ground to cover in their press. The two CBs split and the FBs push into the midfield line, with Fabinho looking to position between the first two lines of opposition defence, drawing the opposition forward to hunt the ball and creating passing angles between the defenders and himself that allow us to drag the opposition around. We overload passes with the first group of 5, allowing our CM shuttlers to pick their movements in order to split the opposition midfield, one pulling wide, and the other using vertical movement, dropping forward or running into the mdifield’s blindsides, focussing on either finding their own space to receive the ball higher up the field, or creating the space for Fabinho and the CBs to move forward and pass into by dragging the opposition CMs out of their preferred position, opening gaps in the opposition line. This then allows Dybala, Carrasco and Williams to move wide, into the half spaces, or in behind, working on a 3 way tangent to distort the opposition. If We cannot open up space using the diamond overload, we can build up in a 3-4-1-2/3-4-3, Fabinho dropping into the backline and allowing the FBs to push high up the field. Cbs split and Christensen and Umtiti step higher up, drawing the press but creating triangles to move the ball quickly, Fabinho then moves to one side and allows the CM on the other side to drop deeper to come and collect the ball, with Dybala dropping into an 8’s position, Carrasco occupying the half space. Essentially we create two new, deeper banks of four that have more diagonal shape to them, drawing the opposition forward, put making sure we have those diagonal passing lanes to use, with Carrasco looking to find space in the half spaces, and Williams then having acres of room to run behind the defence.
Further up we always look to vary our shape and keep the opposition moving about, never let them settle in their preferred defensive shape, the man marking that Fud applies is very vulnerable to constant vertical and diagonal movement, which the 4-4-2 diamond offers from its midfield dominant starting base. The FBs can be key to this, particularly Guerreiro who when we attack, looks to play really high up the field and keep their FB occupied, with Azpi more narrow to the defence giving us a back 3 against counters. Fabinho will keep his position as the regista, he is key to the build up, and keeps positioned behind our attack thereafter in order to be our second passer, we create passing overloads, he is the spare man in the midfield battle and can find the space to pick the lock from deeper, able to watch our teams movement ahead of him. The shuttlers movement is key, both are able to move wide, Keita in particular able to provide width on the right, with the pace to beat his man, draw Dembele across. Milinkovic-Savic the bigger target, making vertical runs behind the opposition midfield and being a target in the box. They can do the opposition too, Savic going wider and Keita running behind, or dropping deeper into more space, keep that opposition midfield moving out of their positions. Dybala plays between the lines, he can drop deeper to bring the DM forward and open the space behind the mdifield line for the shuttlers, or the CFs to drop into half spaces, he can go wide and double up or triple up with shuttler and FB, and he can run beyond the CFs. The CFs likewise, both are comfortable all across the attack, they can drop into the half spaces, they can occupy the CBs with their pace and directness, and they can beat the FBs. Narrow and stretch out as the game requires it, they need to keep the back line constantly guessing and as soon as the ball over the top happens, or between CB and FB, they need to be on to it in a flash.
We will defend with vertical compactness in a 4-3-3-0 with Carrasco and Williams dropping in alongside Dybala to shut off the space that deep lying playmakers want to use, or that CBs want to step forward into, and allowing Keita and Savic to cover off the half spaces, stopping forwards dropping deeper and wingers getting space infield, and making sure we have 6 in the central midfield areas to stop them dominating possession for long spells. When we lose the ball we must then press, with the man who loses it or another in that zone looking to force Spurs back so we can get into our shape. We then focus on defending the ball rather than men and player movement, so if the ball is in the centre, Dybala can step out initiate the press along with one of the dropped back forwatrds, looking to move the opposition build up towards the flank, leaving the FBs in enough space to be viable targets to build up play. Once the ball goes wide, Dybala drops back in and the forward on the side of play, along with the FB and the shuttler on that side, form a triangle to squeeze Spurs to the touchline. Building up through the FBs is limiting, it means you only have two vertical zones to use instead of all three that are available when building in the centre. Whilst the forward presses the FB, the shuttler and the FB close off the rest of that flank and the half space, meaning the opposition must try to come infield, which we block off with Dybala Fabinho and the opposite side shuttler and forward forming a block in the centre, cover passing lanes and keep Spurs pegged in to the touchline. If we can keep them wide with no where to go but backwards or longer, we eventually force them to play rushed, less accurate football, rather than allowing them to build through their deep lying playmakers. The two CBs then focus on being tight to Lukaku, if he shows for a ball to feet, get touch tight, test his weak control, force the ball to keep bouncing off him and allow others to mop up, if he runs behind, insure the high line that we play to keep vertical compactness, keeps him offside.
Subs:
If Winning: Gagliardini for Williams 65’, transition to a flat 4-4-2, gives us vertical compactness to keep pressing high up as well as covering the flanks. R.Pereira for Savic 75’, Pereira LB, Guerrerio LM. Conti for Carrasco 80’, RWB, shuffle into a 5 at the back.
If Drawing: Icardi for Williams 65’, looks to get into the box and take his chances. Tielemans for Savic 75’, more creativity from midfield. Philipp for Carrasco 80’, fresh legs.
If Losing: Icardi for Savic 60’, 3-4-3, Carrasco RWB where he plays for Belgium, pin Spurs back, Icardi up front, Dybala and Williams in the half spaces. Tielemans for Fabinho 70’, extra creativity, Keita does the running so Tielemans can dictate the game. Philipp for Guerreiro, Williams LWB, Philipp and Dybala in the half spaces.
Newcastle Utd v STOKE CITY
Line up:
Rico
Passlack Diop Gnagnon Jorge
Cyprien Kovacic Diawara Lemar
Rashford Martial
Substitutes: Dragowski; Bernardo; Elvedi; Lopez; Malcom; Soler; Gelson
Captain: Rico
Penalties: Martial
Free Kicks: Lemar
Corners: Lemar
Game Plan:
Some fantastic new additions, a tough start, and a particularly tough opponent have necessitated the need to move into a different formation, for this game at the least. We have chosen to go with the 4-4-2 formation, with one winger playing as an advanced playmaker, and the other as a wide midfielder, to give us a greater balance between defence and attack, with a view to hitting our opponents on the counter.
When Newcastle Utd get the ball in our half, we want to set up with two banks of 4, with the defence just in front of the edge of the area and the midfield midway along our half of the pitch. With Diawara playing a sweeping role between the two banks and Martial sitting on the halfway line to keep their centre backs pinned back, this will allow our other midfielders and Rashford to close down play in the centre of the pitch. We are confident that we will be able to congest the middle and negate the pace and flair of the Geordies.
Suarez' movement is one of the most dangerous aspects of Utd’s game and, if we give him the time to make space, our opponent will have a field day finding him every time. Therefore, we want to close down the space between our midfield land defensive lines when we are really under pressure. We do not want to play the offside trap in this instance, instead focusing on getting our defenders goal side and our midfield/Rashford harassing the ball carrier to prevent them from having the space and time to pick out key passes.
We want our two full backs to tuck in close to the centre backs in this formation to minimise the ability of Suarez to move around and stretch the play. With our wide midfielders tracking the runs of the Newcastle Utd wingers and doubling up on them when they make a move, we are confident that we will be able to track their runs down the flank and nullify their crossing ability, and any attempts to cut inside will simply run in to too much traffic.
In the middle of the pitch, we are playing Diawara, a solid holding midfielder with a high level of composure and a good passing range, and Kovacic, who has the ability to dictate tempo in the midfield, as well as getting stuck in defensively. These two will be expected to be lively in the centre, looking to press on any Utd players that attempt to carry the ball through the middle and disrupt play so that they can’t start any fluid attacks. They will also be the first line of our attack as they will be looking to regain possession in the middle of the park and immediately initiate the counter.
Man Utd may have some impressive attacking flair but their defence is somewhat on the slower side, particularly through the middle, which is where Rashford and Martial will be looking to get in behind. We know that we lack the height and physical presence in all but our defence to challenge in the air, and so we will be looking to play to feet or in behind and capitalise on any instances where they get caught napping with their defence too far forward. By playing a deep, counter attacking game (think in terms of Man Utd v Arsenal circa 2009) we will invite the Utd defence to come forward, which will leave a lot of space in behind and highlight major flaws in their back line.
As soon as we get hold of the ball, we will be looking to break forward quickly and in numbers. With Martial and Rashford up top, we have two players who are great at linking up play or playing off the shoulder of the last man. For this game, we want Rashford to drop off and run at the defence, allowing Martial, with his superior finishing, to play up top. Lemar will do what he does best, linking with Jorge down the left to get low crosses into the mix to cause problems, or to wind his way into the box and get a goal himself. Cyprien will be looking to dribble forward with the ball on his flank, and can join the attack on quick counters, but will be looking to keep positional discipline for the most part, with an eye on his defensive duties at all times. He will join Kovacic and Diawara, who will drop off to provide an outlet, and also to keep tabs on any potential Newcastle quick-breaks.
By going forward quickly in numbers we will be looking to, not only, overload Utd’s defence (especially if their offensive minded full backs have ventured forward) by stretching it out and causing their players to furiously back track, but it also gives us enough players in reserve to deal with any counter-counter attacks. This will be highlighted in a zig-zag formation, with Jorge, Diawara and Passlack as the first line and Diop and Gnagnon as the second. This serves the dual purpose of providing a bit of slack in our formation so that we can’t be undone by a long ball over the top and it also provides an outlet for our players so that Utd can’t just squeeze our attempted offensive in to one corner and stifle the attack.
I want to make it clear, also, that if we happen to lose possession in the counter, we absolutely must rush back to get in to our defensive positions and prepare for the next offensive.
Substitutions:
70 minutes: Gelson for Rashford - Equally fast and as dangerous on the dribble, Gelson provides the added benefit of being able to drift further out wide and cut inside, thus drawing Newcastle's defence across to allow room for Martial, and for Cyprien to add his talents to the centre of midfield.
75 minutes: Bernardo for Passlack - The young full back has been a revelation for Germany's newest star team, and he will be looking to make his mark in this game, in the battle for primacy at right back.
80 minutes: Soler for Kovacic - More of a like-for-like substitution. Soler will be looking to add fresh legs, a defensive tenacity and some great passing skill to the midfield battle.
------------------ Ederson
Bellerin -- Varane -- Laporte -- Ghoulam
------------ Javi.M ---- Vidal
O.Dembele --- De Bruyne ---- A.Sanchez
--------------- Lewandowski
Meret, Tah, Mendy, Gundogan, Eriksen, Mertens, Werner
Looking to have a right go today and put Hull's inexperienced backline to the test.
Plenty of pace in the side as we look to press higher up the pitch and have the lion’s share of possession, not allowing them to get out.
They usually only play one with forward so will struggle for outlets going forward, keep him deep and isolated. If they opt for two forwards then they will have to sacrifice defensively which leaves them more vulnerable to our attacks.
As well as scoring goals Lewandowski has a big role today, look to come deep often and link with others, hold up play and take the CB with you, opening up the game and space for our wingers and De Bruyne to run into beyond.
4-2-3-1, possession based.
Onus on playing with zip and circulating the ball around with pace, building from the back and moving the ball into mf zones, passing in triangles with plenty of quick movement off the ball.
As we progress we start to get it wider, looking to create holes and stretching the opposition, plenty of link up play between our front 4, creating a number of opportunities in the final third.
It starts from the back. Ederson is very able with his hands and feet and should look to find our players in space.
The CB duo are excellent on the ball, very good passing success rates and should look to move the ball into mf quickly. At times collecting short from Ederson and getting their heads up, looking for movement from the attackers and attempting diagonal or long balls into feet, using Lewandowski as a target man to bypass their mf.
Javi.M and Vidal, a midfield pair that will provide plenty of energy and will work their socks off for the side to allow others around them to express themselves. Today should look to stamp their authority with their work rate and power looking to take a grip on mf and shielding our defence, oppressing the opposition midfielders and covering every blade of grass out there.
When attacking, Javi.M sits just infront of the defence and makes himself available for a pass back. A passing outlet if we are being vigorously pressed whilst also allowing us to create space when working the ball around in triangles.
De Bruyne will look to play inbetween the lines, roaming in the oppositions half and and looking to act as the link between midfield and attack. Pick up pockets of space and use his awareness to dictate the play, never afraid to play a key pass in behind to unlock their defence.
Flanks will be key as we look to expose them in wide areas and create space in midfield.
Ousmane and Sanchez need to get involved as much as possible looking to influence the game, both excellent dribblers that more often than not will beat their man, need to get their heads down and accelerate with pace, linking with our fullbacks as they hug the touchline and open up the space ahead.
Interchanging, At times cutting inside and swapping positions so we have plenty of movement and options off the ball, for instance De Bruyne can come on the right allowing Ousmane to play more central, attacking the heart of their defence and making our attacks more unpredictable.
When in possession, our fullbacks take it in turns to burst forward. One sits back allowing the other to roam forward looking to provide the width, allowing the wingers space to drive into or an option on the outside.
When Hull are in possession we will initially look to press from the front and then drop off with men behind the ball if they bypass this. Don’t allow them to play out from the back and hurry their passes. Our attackers form a trio looking to cut avenues into midfield as one goes to press the ball, force them into tight spots with their backs to goal towards the touchline.
If they advance we then form a rigid structure behind the ball looking to press the space, only allowing them to play where we want them too, stifle the midfield and stop them from picking their passes into an attacker, Vidal man-man their AM, looking to harass him and using his physical prowess to really put him off his game, Martinez and De Bruyne cutting off mf lanes.
Fullbacks and wingers should interlink throughout, off the ball our wingers need to track back and help with defensive duties preventing overloads. Keep them wide and give them no space to work with
Essentially a 4-5-1, our three in mf working to minimise the space in midfield zones and preventing them from finding their attackers. Our wingers get back to help our FB’s.
Key is leaving no gaps or space to get in behind, working as a staunch unit so their quick attackers have to come deeper to get involved making their first point of contact with the ball much deeper than they anticipated and notably further away from our final third.
When we have them deep we have more to work with, we can plug at them and tactically foul in areas that will prevent them from playing with any flow, breaking up the game.
If we manage to win the ball we must immediately look to counter and hit the opposition hard. Ghoulam can come up to support the play and provide the width. The front 4 burst forward.
IN CASE OF RED CARD –
We drop off with 10 men behind the ball and look to counter with our pace going forward, pick them off when the chances arise. (4-4-1 formation)
Ederson – De Bruyne off, Meret on
CB’s – De Bruyne off, Tah on
RB – De Bruyne off, (3-5-1 formation), Martinez moves into CB with Varane and Laporte, De Bruyne off, Gundogan on
LB – De Bruyne off, Mendy on
CM – De Bruyne off, Gundogan on
Wingers – De Bruyne moves to the flanks
Lewandowski, De Bruyne off, Werner on
Subs:
IF WINNING: 70th minute – (4-2-3-1)
- Eriksen > De Bruyne
- Werner > Lewandowski
Eriksen look to work in a mf 3, dictating from deep. Werner run the channels and look to get in behind.
IF DRAW: 70th minute – (4-2-2-2)
- Werner > De bruyne
- Mendy > Ghoulam
Werner comes on to partner Lewandowski , working in a two. Mendy look to support Sanchez on the left.
IF LOSING: 75th minute – (4-4-2 - direct)
- Mertens > De Bruyne
- Eriksen > Vidal
Martinez sits in midfield allowing Eriksen to play further forward, Mertens partners Lewa.
Get the ball into the box and look for an equalizer.
C - Lewandowski
FK's - A.Sanchez
Corners – De Bruyne/Sanchez
Pens - Lewandowski
Weiser, Aouar, Schopf, Pjaca
---------------------------Horn
Toljan-----------Süle--------Kempf-------Plattenhardt
-------------------Biglia---------Dahoud
-Bernardeschi-----Ziyech----------Forsberg
---------------------------Milik
Subs: Hennessey, Klostermann, Stark, F. dear Jong, Geis, Bentancur, Isak
Our defensive unit consists of Niklas Süle and Marc-Oliver Kempf paired up at centre-back, Jeremy Toljan at right-back and Marvin Plattenhardt at left-back, with Lucas Biglia and Mahmoud Dahoud as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.
This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in Biglia and Dahoud we have a perfect pairing to initiate attacks by distributing the ball in an intelligent fashion, to be key players in circulation and to prevent dangerous opposition attacks, being disciplined in positioning and limiting space in between the lines.
The strength of our double pivot is that Dahoud can press the ball without leaving lots of space, as Biglia can maintain a good position to react if the initial press is bypassed. Our double pivot will offer huge defensive stability and will ensure that a structured shape is maintained.
Having two defensive midfielders centrally prevents others being dragged out of position to press.
Helping the defenders maintain solid positioning is a key part of Dahoud’s role, he will press almost anywhere in his own half to allow defenders to stay in the defensive line.
With Dahoud running his socks off for the team, our high tempo will dictated by his partner in holding midfield, Lucas Biglia.
A holding midfielder through and through, Biglia is not just your “win the ball and pass it on to the closest player” – there is a real creative mind in his locker, but it’s his ability to be the shield of the back four and then be creative once he gets the ball that makes Biglia such a talent.
The attacking unit consists of Federico Bernardeschi, Hakim Ziyech and Emil Forsberg as our band of three attacking midfielders with Arkadiusz Milik as our lone central striker.
Our 4-2-3-1 is set up to have that wonderful ‘springy' quality - it absorbs pressure without breaking and then snaps back with surprising force.
In defence our 4-2-3-1 covers space very effectively, with the band of three attacking midfielders and centre forward able to press the opposition high up the pitch while the two defensive midfielders ensure that there is no space left in front of the defence. Then the back four can either play a high line, compressing the space even further, or drop deeper as preferred.
Once we have won the ball back, often by Biglia or Dahoud, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.
Toljan and Plattenhardt can surge up the wings in the knowledge that Biglia and Dahoud can drop into the space left behind if needed. As they come up the wings, both Federico Bernardeschi and Emil Forsberg, who are fast speed merchants, excellent in tight spaces and fantastic dribblers will cut inside or make runs into the box. Hakim Ziyech our attacking central midfielder’s low centre of gravity will enable him to navigate away from defenders at a frighteningly quick pace. Ziyech is blessed with an instant first touch and can dribble with the ball at such a close proximity to his feet that it makes him almost impossible to tackle this creative passer who will look to play Forsberg, Bernardeschi or Milik in via fast passing combinations.
Milik is predominantly an old-style centre forward, however he does possess the technical qualities and versatility to shine in this game. He’ll be physically imposing and not only will he be a threat in the air, but he can also score via great volleys. We’ll look towards his wonderful finishing and passing ability and he’ll also display good positioning and teamwork, and won’t be afraid to help his team defend.
Subs on 80 mins
Isak for Milik and Frenkie de Jong on for Ziyech
My sub should be de Jong not dear Jong!!!
-------------------Forster--------------------
Walker---M.Keane----van Dijk----D.Rose
--------------------Ndidi----------------------
-----------Dembele----Verratti-------------
Mahrez--------------------------------L.Sane
-------------------Lukaku---------------------
Butland, Tolisso, Sokratis, Klaassen, Gylfi, Shaawary, Belotti
In Forster, Keane and van Dijk, few have a very strong central core to our defence like we have done in the past obvs Keane in for Kompany but you have to keep it strong in the middle, these three experienced players give us a solid foundation to the team. Forster remains vigilant at all times, with his huge frame he is a tough obstacle to get through, quick on his feet for a big man and a very good shot stopper. van Dijk being the more mobile of my two centre backs will man mark the centre forward, A calm uncompromising defender, Van Dijk’s a man of considerable size & strength, Virgil commands aerial duels. One of his biggest strengths is his ability to win aerial duels defensively & provides an aerial threat going forwards too, his marking abilities are top notch also. When he has the ball he is very comfortable bringing the ball out to start from the back. Keane beside him is robust and no nonsense, he will take care of any other business, powerful in the air and an outstanding reader of the game. Also a huge threat at set pieces so both he and VVD go up for corners leaving our fullbacks and Ndidi back. We have attacking fullbacks who will bomb up and down the pitch to support the forwards, both Walker and Rose are quick and skilful for defenders so are a huge plus for us going forward, however we will be under the cosh at times so they must be robust and keep the wingers at bay and think about the runs they are making.
Ndidi offers the defence protection, he has a simple role, he will look to boss the deep midfield area and stop the attacking midfielders or indeed a No.10 or second striker. He will look to patrol that area from side to side, doesn't have to exert himself, just be clever and look to fill th spaces the opposition player will look to accommodate. Dembele and Verratti will be just ahead of him either side, I feel this is a powerful midfield with plenty of energy to move around the pitch. I am looking for these two to drive us forward into opposition areas of danger, Verratti is the pass master whilst Dembele is the powerhouse who will push forward, both good defensively so will create, with Ndidi a very tight knit midfield. They will look to supply Lukaku with as many balls as they can, with Dembele pushing forward to support him. Also, with quick wingers making themselves available we will hope to push them backwards, instead of them coming at us.
Mahrez and Sane are dangerous and will be a threat, Sané provides fast and direct wing play. His ability to use his physical strength and superb technique when running with the ball at pace allows him to swiftly stretch the opposition defence, often with devastating results. So along with Lukaku these two will look to form a fantastic relationship as we will need them on the best form for the majority of the season. Mahrez is also very direct but he likes to come inside and support more centrally, he is a dynamic winger who loves to go for goal so I expect him to be a huge goal threat not just today but for the season. I expect both wingers to create a lot of problems especially when Rose and Walker are up supporting them. I want Sane and Mahrez to shuffle back into a midfield five when we don't have possession.
Lukaku is powerful, strong, brilliant in the air and immensely talented. He scores goals; lots of them, and in all sorts of ways. Having the likes of Verratti and Sane supplying for him I cant see him not scoring, he can beat defenders for pace, he can bully them, he will also have to be clever against defenders as he makes his runs trying to lose them. Mahrez will be one he looks out for running in from the right to support him.
Captain is van Dijk
Penalty taker is Lukaku
Free Kicks taken by Verratti
Corners by the wingers
Substitutes
If we are losing on 70 minutes Belotti will come on for Dembele and we will go 442, with Shaawary coming on for Mahrez at the same time
If we are drawing, Gylfi will come on for Dembele and he will play as a No.10 and Belotti for Lukaku on 65 minutes, Shaawary for Mahrez on 75 minutes
If we are winning, Tolisso for Dembele, Belotti for Lukaku on 80 minutes
Comment deleted by Article Creator
ASTON VILLA
—————————— Oblak
Aurier — Alderweireld — Boateng — Davies
————————— Matic
—————— Modric — Zielinski
Robben————————————————— Reus
——————————— Benzema
SUBS: Chesney, Sokratis, Pedro, Fabregas, Cavani, Mata, Marchisio
Captain: Marco Reus
Corners: Luka Modric
Crossing free-kicks: Luka Modric
Shooting free-kicks: Luka Modric
Penalties: Marco Reus
I bet my left nut that SKA will play a similar game plan to how he played against Newcastle, which is on the counter, because I'm a big team now. This means that I will still be showing him the full respect that he deserves and it will show with the line up that I've put out, in a 433. It is up to us to dominate the ball and create the amount of chances needed to win the game by playing on the front foot. I reckon if I can gain control of the middle of the pitch with my three in midfield I have a chance of blowing them off the park, especially as he's not allowed to play kovacic against me. One point I'd like to make is the importance of Zielinski in my line up today. His role today is b2b which will be important in driving the team forwards quickly to add extra dynamism and particularly to break their lines. I expect that when he gets the ball he drives it towards stoke, and back first to help Matic with the defending. His defenders individually are pretty inexperienced to say the least, therefore the with the movement of my front three I hope to invite them into making rash decisions. Fabregas I'll look to bring off the bench this time because I'll need him to unlock their defence at a later time when stoke are tired, he's one of the best in the world at picking out passes just outside the box. All my front three players have goals in them. We need the win today to give us the momentum needed to help power us into the champions league places in the early stage of the season.
Defending
In terms of defending, it is important that we are aware of the threats posed by my team having the lions share of possession. SKA will want his team to play on the counter, and while I believe that my team will pin them back for most of the match there are still going to be windows of opportunity of them when they have a spell of possession and on the counter. His attack can be pace merchants on the counter which can present an immense danger if not careful. In our case it is important that we are always aware of the possibility of that counter. I consider strikers and wingers the biggest threats, so when we are attacking in their third Matic will sit close to our centre halves making sure we are not too exposed. Especially if he plays pace merchant Rashford and pace merchant Martial up front again. We will also have our full backs closely watch wide players, making sure not to get sucked into the middle and let the midfielders deal with anyone cutting inside. His wide players will likely be back defending anyway but their pace will carry them forwards very quickly. Once they show signs of counter attacking our full backs will fly back to stop them.
To win the ball back, we will sit off them mostly and only press them around our box. Giving them lots of time on the ball. I will expect everyone in the back six to be involved in that. Robben and reus will get up and down the pitch all match if they need to. If we happen to get pressured back into our own third we will stop the pressuring but go very compact instead, and only squeeze spaced out wide to prevent crosses being thrown in. We wait it out and attack again.
The block of four of Boateng Alderweireld Matic and Zielinski will form a four man block around their striker(s) when out of possession. Zielinski and Matic will help cut the passing lanes to their forward line while Alderweireld will mark their striker tightly with Boateng sweeping behind if he does get through. Modric will come back in the defending phase to help win the ball back with the two midfielders or receive the ball to launch a quick attack when they lose the ball. His trademark through balls from inside his own half will become useful here.
Set piece defending is man to man, his centre halves will need to be watched carefully by our centre halves.
Attacking
I expect that Stoke will be sat back and steaming forwards when we're out of possession, which generally means that we'll need some knife through butter kind of passes to slice them open. Alderweireld is made for that role so we naturally recycle the ball to him if an attack breaks down, doing so is also a safety measure to not concede stupid possession in midfield when harried by their midfield Duracell bunnies. Alderweireld has the ability to pick passes and spray balls out onto the wings with ease.
Before we have to go back to use Alderweireld however, we have Modric in the middle to control the tempo of the match with his vision and precision of passes. We will have all kinds of movement around him from the likes of Robben Reus Benzema and full backs to help keep possession. We will have Reus and Robben directly attacking their back three while Benzema will be enough of a handful for his defenders to deal with with his exceptional movement in and out of space. The idea is that Benzema will try and pull their back three out of shape and for Reus and Robben to drift into the gaps with Modric picking them out. The three forwards will also drag their players out of position so that Modric and Zielinski can be at their most effective. One full back may come forwards and overload on one side if the ball is on his side. Zielinski will also try and arrive late in the box.
Benzema will be key for our attack, he'll create a lot of space, play with his back to goal and lay it off for the others, also allowing us to spread the threat of our team as he will bring everyone into play. His style will help create crucial gaps between Stoke's defence and midfield for our other attackers to exploit since Benzema will confuse their defensive line, dropping in and out of the lines.
Subs
Winning
75 - We will need to lock the game down and close it off while giving the midfield some energy. We will bring on Marchisio for Zielinski and have him in midfield in a 4-3-3. This is so that Marchisio can drop into midfield to provide a more solid base for us and Zielinski would be tired by then.
75 - Robben's legs may tire towards the end of the game so we bring on Mata in his place to help chase down balls.
80 - Pedro for Reus, same reason as above.
Drawing/Losing
65 - Clearly we need to change it up a bit, therefore we take off Zielinski and bring on Mata and go 4-1-4-1 to provide a bigger threat on their goal.
75 - If we're still not winning, we bring on Marchisio for Matic so that our midfield can provide more ammunition for our forwards.
85 - Go all out, bringing Cavani on for Modric there's more chance of chances getting finished with Cavani going up front with Benzema in a 442.
If we get into a winning position after any of the drawing/losing subs, we go 4-4-2 to make sure that we have two banks of four to effectively defend the lead, while playing on the counter attack.
---------------------- De Gea ----------------------
Danilo ----- Manolas ----- Bonucci ----- Sandro
---------- S.Khedira -------- Busquets -----------
----------------------- Pogba -----------------------
----- Griezer ----------------------- Neymar -----
--------------------- S.Aguero ---------------------
Gudino, Henrichs, Ceballos, Samper, Sterling, G.Jesus, Poulsen
In goal is De Gea as good a goalkeeper you will get in the league, a good 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.
Today we aim to tire Arsenal out, pass and move quickly, we have exceptional players to work with, always looking for space to run into to to make themselves available, even our centrebacks look for the ball as both are good ball players. Use the width as we are extremely quick down both flanks.
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 wether he is quick or big and powerful 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.
Danilo comes in for Carvajal and Sandro at fullback, we must keep the wingers quiet and away from our danger area, They will look to keep them away from shooting areas where they will become dangerous. This is a vital clash in this game if we can keep to our plan we will keep them out of the game. They will be up against quality wingers so look to force him away from goal and backwards.Their marking abilities are sound, both have good positional sense and very quick, do not make rash decisions and will stay on their feet. 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. . 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. Always looking to force there fullback into a challenge in which we will hopefully ride and get into their danger area.
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. Khedira will go v the second most advanced midfielder or anyone else that is around that area. Even tho Busquets has the man marking role Khedira covers much of the pitch, hassling and harassing anyone who has the ball, he doesn't give any one time on the ball as he moves side to side and forwards and back, this style pressurizes the opposition to pass erractically. Our deep lying pair will look to pass and move always look for the return pass. When we have the ball Khedira in particular will get us moving forward from the centre as he pushes up to bring our forwards into the game. 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 Pogba in a slightly withdrawn No.10 role this is where we feel he will be at his best 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, Pogba 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 Griezmann 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. Griezmann will 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. Neymar will get a free run at them, you really cant coach a very special talent as long as he is focussed and does what he does best. However, he must be a team player and bring others into the game when he can. When they have the ball look to stick close to fullbacks/wingbacks and stop them coming forward, Just track them and use pace to get back and in around there faces to stop them becoming a threat. Always be looking for Pogba inside as the four make an awesome quartet in behind Aguero and a scary proposition for there slowish back line. If they play 3 at the back look to support Aguero and drag the wide CBs out wide
Aguero will get plenty chances, however he must put away there side who will be solid at the back, however I want to target the slower of the two/three with the aid of Pogba. Get into positions that he can go for goal or at very least drag players away for other players to drive into the space. Again, 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 Griezmann, Pogba will be making his runs also so be watchful of him just to lay it off to the side. But especially look for Pogba 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 - Sterling for Pogba, Griezmann goes to a higher No.10, Sterling to RW
75 Mins - G.Jesus for Sandro, Danilo will go into a back 3 am sure with his pace and marking abilities he will cope, Jesus up front with Auero 3412
85 Mins - Poulsen for Aguero we go with high balls as he wins a good majority of balls
Winning -
75 Mins - Samper for Pogba he sits in on the left of Busquets to shore up the midfield
80 Mins - Sterling for Neymar, will look to track back and help out
85 Mins - Poulsen for Aguero, again can hold the ball up well when we are in the final 3rd
Drawing -
70 Mins - Sterling for Pogba go to RW, Griezmann No.10
80 Mins - G.Jeus for Aguero and ceballos for Khedira who will look to unlock a tiring defence
Balanced 4-2-3-1
Key to our game plan today, is quick passing moves in the midfield and using our pace out wide. With a high tempo midfield, we want plenty of movement from the midfielders to get us on top, and to let us take the game to Everton.
Vallejo comes in at right back, comfortable on the ball and having played here before he offers a solid rb option defensively if unspectacular going forward. This gives Marcelo more freedom to get forward.
In midfied, we go with Thiago in a cm role next to Kante the dm. Thiago looking to be our deep playmaker. In front we go with high tempo and workrate of Mkhi, with Vitolo offering the same on the right.
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.
Kante is the holding player today, a calming influence in possession keeping it simple but more importantly powerful and intelligent defensively. Thiago looking to pick the ball up from deep and link the defence and attack. Mkhi the more advanced playmaker.
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
Vallejo - Ramos - Musacchio - Marcelo
--------- Thiago.A - Kante
Vitolo ------ Mkhitaryan ------ Hazard
-------------- C.Ronaldo
Subs. Schmeichel, Otamendi, Bakayoko, Asensio, Douglas Costa, Diego Costa
Key to our attack is quick attacking play. Varying our play and how we get the ball to our front three in space.
Defending in numbers
We look to control the opposition by pressing the space with a narrow rigid defensive unit, only allowing them to play in areas we want them to. When we lose the ball the closest player presses the ball, the second closest presses the obvious passing channel. As they’re doing this everyone else bar 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 Everton advance into higher areas of the park and into our half, our shape will resemble a 4-5-1, narrowing to the side of play.
In this tight rigid formation, ensuring there are no gaps in the formation. Kante will be key, reading the play in between the defence and midfield, reading any dangers to get across.
Narrowing the play to the side Everton are attacking, pushing them backwards and wide away from danger. When they switch play, we switch over.
Attack.
Get the ball to our attacking midfield trio.
Thiago and Kante picking the passes to start the attacks. The attacking trio in front will always be looking for space in between their midfield and attack. Marcelo as well will always be making himself available advanced down on the left. This gives Hazard more freedom to find space in central positions.
Marcelo and Vitolo will be the two players we look to to provide the width.
We want quick one twos in the opposition half. Mkhi, Thiago,Marcelo 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 Bakayoko for Mkhi. Fresh pace and power in midfield.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Douglas Costa and Asensio for Thiago and Vitolo. Asensio AM and DC right.
If drawing after 65 mins bring on Douglas Costa and Diego Costa for Mkhi and Vitolo. Ronaldo left, Diego up top and Hazard central with Douglas right.
If drawing after 80 mins bring on Asensio for Hazard.
If losing after 55 mins bring on Diego Costa for Mkhi 4-2-2-2. Up top with Ronaldo.
If losing after 60 mins bring on Douglas Costa for Vitolo.
If losing after 80 mins bring on Asensio for Marcelo.3-2-3-2
Arsenal vs Chelsea 3-5-2
Injuries: Buffon, Shaw, Bruma, Lookman, Romagnoli
…………………………………Pickford………………….
…………….Marquinhos…..De Vrij……Rugani………..
Candreva………….Matuidi…….Blind………..Rodriguez
…………………………………..Hamsik……………………………..
……………………Aubameyang………Mandzukic……………..
Subs: Scuffet, Mere, De Sciglio, Pellegrini, Lallana, Gomez, Benassi
Captain: Matuidi
Corners: Hamsik/Rodriguez
Free Kicks: Hamsik/Rodriguez
Pens: Hamsik
Tough start to the season doesn’t get any easier with the reigning champions up next, a return to basics with our 3-5-2, sacrificing a defender to gain an extra striker and matching them up in the middle of the park, man for man they’re the better team so we have to work together close down the passing lanes and make them try to force a gap.
Pickford comes in for his debut today replacing the injured Buffon, Huge potential in this kid and we have every faith in him going forwards, pretty agile and a great shot stopper, may not marshal the defence like Gigi but it’ll come.
De Vrij is the leader at the back today and he’ll go man for man with Chelsea’s striker, act like a second skin and get those niggly tackles in nice and early – chels only go one up top so Marquinhos and Rugani are free to shuffle wide and double up with our wingbacks on Chelsea’s wingers – one to jockey the player the other to come in and smash em, rinse and repeat let greasemonkey and Neymar know they’re in for a battle. In possession Rugs and Marq will look for the diagonal balls out-wide for our wingbacks to push forward and stretch the play – it works for Juve and Italy it’ll work for us.
Candreva and Ricardo are certainly better going forwards than defending and the attacking tendencies they have will be actively encouraged by us playing 2 defensive minded Cm’s allowing them to push up quickly on the counter.
Matuidi and Blind are in the engine room today keeping it simple and ticking over, neither really push too far forward but neither shy away from putting a foot in – it’s key to our system today – they’ll hold the line in front of the defence, no easy ball through to Aguero who’ll get smashed from two directions on “his touch” De Vrij from behind and one of these two as he drops deeper to collect the ball. It may not be pretty but I reckon it’s the best way to slow down the Chelsea juggernaut.
Hamsik is our #10 scores and assists in huge numbers in Naples and will look to thread the play nicely here, has a lovely range of passing and that uncanny knack of arriving late into the box for his share of pot-shots.
Auba and Mandy I think will pose fan all kinds of problems, pure pace of Auba will keep Chelsea’s defence pegged back and the physical nature and work ethic of Mandzukic knocking those high diagonals down for Auba to run onto should be enough to trouble even Bonucci.
Subs:
60 mins
Pellegrini > Blind
70 mins
Lallana > Hamsik
80 mins
Papu Gomez > Mandy
-----------------------Lloris
Clyne---Hummels---Godin---Wendell
--------------------Casemiro
--------------Pjanic----------Radja
Salah---------------------------------Di Maria
----------------------Suarez
Subs
Hart, Hummels, Florenzi, Henderson, Coutinho, Firmino, Kane
Lloris is a commanding presence at the back, when he calls for a ball, the defence know he will take control of the situation, 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 possession to stop counter attacks, Both CB"s will communicate with each other so they are clear in where the attacking threats are. 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 3 will be to use their high energy, all action styles to get themselves around the middle of the pitch, working in collaboration with the front 3 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 respectively to drift 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 winger has the ball, the one 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 - Pjanic takes the corners, most of the time looking to have the ball at an attackable height around 8-10 yards out between 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, Salah and Di Maria flit around away from the main attacking group looking to pounce on mistimed touches and flicks around the area. Casemiro looks to limit the opposition keeper from moving too far off his line, looking to take a defender with him to create less space for the keeper and one less man in the main action area. Radja takes a position just outside the box to pick up weak clearances and go for the odd thundercunt, as well as 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 - Firmino for Di Maria - 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 - Henderson for Pjanic and Kane for Suarez - Actively time waste and really frustrate the opposition.



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



67 Mins - Hummels, Kane and Coutinho for Wendell, Casemiro and Clyne - switch to a 3-5-2 with emphasis on the wings backs acting as wingers and just pile forward in numbers.
forgot the red card directives
If winning and we get the red card we will take off Pjanic and play a 4-4-1
if we are losing, we will bring on Kane as well as the covering substitution and go to a 4-3-2
Hart will cover the keeper
Florenzi the full backs
Hummels the CB's
Hendo the DM
Coutinho the CM's
Firmino the Wingers
Kane the Striker
---------------------Forster---------------------
Sidibe----Kompany----van Dijk----Tierney
-------------W.Ndidi----Verratti--------------
Mahrez------------James--------------L.Sane
--------------------Lukaku----------------------
Butland, Keane, Morgan, Roberts, Dembele(CF), Gylfi, Tolisso
In Forster, Keane and van Dijk, few have a very strong central core to our defence like we have done in the past, these three experienced players give us a solid foundation to the team. Forster remains vigilant at all times, with his huge frame he is a tough obstacle to get through, quick on his feet for a big man and a very good shot stopper. van Dijk being the more mobile of my two centre backs will man mark the centre forward, A calm uncompromising defender, Van Dijk’s a man of considerable size & strength, Virgil commands aerial duels. One of his biggest strengths is his ability to win aerial duels defensively & provides an aerial threat going forwards too, his marking abilities are top notch also. When he has the ball he is very comfortable bringing the ball out to start from the back. Kompany beside him is robust and no nonsense, he will take care of any other business, powerful in the air and an outstanding reader of the game. Also a huge threat at set pieces so both he and VVD go up for corners leaving our fullbacks and Ndidi back. We have attacking fullbacks who will bomb up and down the pitch to support the forwards, both Sidibe and Tierney are quick and skilful for defenders so are a huge plus for us going forward, however we will be under the cosh at times so they must be robust and keep the wingers at bay and think about the runs they are making. Attack when they can,both are excellent at this and have the power and pace to get back if needed.
Ndidi offers the defence protection, he has a simple role, he will look to boss the deep midfield area and stop the attacking midfielders or indeed a No.10 or second striker. He will look to patrol that area from side to side, doesn't have to exert himself, just be clever and look to fill th spaces the opposition player will look to accommodate. He also gives Verratti time and space to control the game.
Verratti is our deep lying playmaker he can use space and time on the ball to dictate the tempo of their team's play and orchestrate the moves of the whole team, not just attacks on goal. He has great vision, technique and passing. he also has the ability to switch the play or provide long passes that pick out players making attacking runs, as well as their striking ability from distance. He has good defensive skills, passing, technique, vision and ball-winning ability, which imo make him a great all round central midfielder. James Rodriguez ahead in a No.10 role, he will operate in a free, as he can operate both in central, attacking midfield positions, as well as in wider positions on the wings.He will sit in a free role between the midfield and the Lukaku, either in the centre of the pitch or on either flank. He will often make incisive passes to the wingers or forwards, seeing them through on goal or to deliver killer crosses, as well as scoring goals themselves. He is quick, agile, and a highly technical player with good vision, shooting, passing, crossing and dribbling ability. In Verratti and James we have two players who can either combine to set Lukaku or others up or they can turn the game themselves with one monment of magic.
Mahrez and Sane are dangerous and will be a threat, Sané provides fast and direct wing play. His ability to use his physical strength and superb technique when running with the ball at pace allows him to swiftly stretch the opposition defence, often with devastating results. So along with Lukaku these two will look to form a fantastic relationship as we will need them on the best form for the majority of the season. Mahrez is also very direct but he likes to come inside and support more centrally, he is a dynamic winger who loves to go for goal so I expect him to be a huge goal threat not just today but for the season. I expect both wingers to create a lot of problems especially when Sidibe and Tierney are up supporting them. I want Sane and Mahrez to shuffle back into a midfield five when we don't have possession.
Lukaku is powerful, strong, brilliant in the air and immensely talented. He scores goals; lots of them, and in all sorts of ways. Having the likes of Verratti, James and Sane supplying for him I cant see him not scoring, he can beat defenders for pace, he can bully them, he will also have to be clever against defenders as he makes his runs trying to lose them. Mahrez will be one he looks out for running in from the right to support him.
Captain is van Dijk
Penalty taker is Lukaku
Free Kicks taken by Verratti from deep and James if going for goal
Corners by the wingers
Substitutes
If we are winning, Morgan will come on for Mahrez, James will shift out wide and Morgan into a DM role on 75 minutes, Dembele will come on for Lukaku for the final 10 mins
Tolisso for Verratti on 85 minutes
If we are losing Dembele on for Mahrez and go 442 with James wide right and Tolisso for Ndidi on 75 minutes
Drawing will see Gylfi on for Mahrez and James wide right on 70 minutes and Dembele for Lukaku on 80 minutes
due to an error ludes spotted, disregard the previous tactics
-----------------------Lloris
Clyne---Hummels---Godin---Wendell
--------------------Casemiro
--------------Pjanic----------Radja
Salah---------------------------------Di Maria
----------------------Suarez
Subs
Hart, Koulibaly, Florenzi, Henderson, Coutinho, Firmino, Kane
Lloris is a commanding presence at the back, when he calls for a ball, the defence know he will take control of the situation, 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 possession to stop counter attacks, Both CB"s will communicate with each other so they are clear in where the attacking threats are. 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 3 will be to use their high energy, all action styles to get themselves around the middle of the pitch, working in collaboration with the front 3 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 respectively to drift 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 winger has the ball, the one 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 - Pjanic takes the corners, most of the time looking to have the ball at an attackable height around 8-10 yards out between 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, Salah and Di Maria flit around away from the main attacking group looking to pounce on mistimed touches and flicks around the area. Casemiro looks to limit the opposition keeper from moving too far off his line, looking to take a defender with him to create less space for the keeper and one less man in the main action area. Radja takes a position just outside the box to pick up weak clearances and go for the odd thundercunt, as well as 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 - Firmino for Di Maria - 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 - Henderson for Pjanic and Kane for Suarez - Actively time waste and really frustrate the opposition.



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



67 Mins - Koulibaly, Kane and Coutinho for Wendell, Casemiro and Clyne - switch to a 3-5-2 with emphasis on the wings backs acting as wingers and just pile forward in numbers.
Reply | Add Comment | Complain
comment by Tranquil Chaos #FreeVanDijk #ButNotCoutinho (U14085)
posted 2 hours, 19 minutes ago
forgot the red card directives
If winning and we get the red card we will take off Pjanic and play a 4-4-1
if we are losing, we will bring on Kane as well as the covering substitution and go to a 4-3-2
Hart will cover the keeper
Florenzi the full backs
Koulibaly the CB's
Hendo the DM
Coutinho the CM's
Firmino the Wingers
Kane the Striker
STOKE CITY v Aston Villa
Line up:
Rico
Passlack Diop Gnagnon Chilwell
Cyprien Lopez Diawara Lemar
Rashford Martial
Substitutes: Dragowski; Bernardo; Fornals; Lopes; Malcom; Soler; Gelson
Captain: Rico
Penalties: Martial
Free Kicks: Lemar
Corners: Lemar
Game Plan:
We have chosen to go with the 4-4-2 formation, with one winger playing as an advanced playmaker, and the other as a wide midfielder, to give us a greater balance between defence and attack, with a view to hitting our opponents on the counter.
When Villa get the ball in our half, we want to set up with two banks of 4, with the defence just in front of the edge of the area and the midfield midway along our half of the pitch. With Diawara playing a sweeping role between the two banks and Martial sitting on the halfway line to keep their centre backs pinned back, this will allow our other midfielders and Rashford to close down play in the centre of the pitch. We are confident that we will be able to congest the middle and negate the pace and flair of the Brummies.
We want to close down the space between our midfield land defensive lines when we are really under pressure. We do not want to play the offside trap in this instance, instead focusing on getting our defenders goal side and our midfield/Rashford harassing the ball carrier to prevent them from having the space and time to pick out key passes.
We want our two full backs to tuck in close to the centre backs in this formation to minimise the ability of their striker to move around and stretch the play. With our wide midfielders tracking the runs of the Villa wingers and doubling up on them when they make a move, we are confident that we will be able to track their runs down the flank and nullify their crossing ability, and any attempts to cut inside will simply run in to too much traffic.
In the middle of the pitch, we are playing Diawara, a solid holding midfielder with a high level of composure and a good passing range, and Lopez, who has the ability to dictate tempo in the midfield, as well as getting stuck in defensively. These two will be expected to be lively in the centre, looking to press on any Villa players that attempt to carry the ball through the middle and disrupt play so that they can’t start any fluid attacks. They will also be the first line of our attack as they will be looking to regain possession in the middle of the park and immediately initiate the counter.
Villa may have some impressive attacking flair but their defence is somewhat on the slower side, particularly through the middle, which is where Rashford and Martial will be looking to get in behind. We know that we lack the height and physical presence in all but our defence to challenge in the air, and so we will be looking to play to feet or in behind and capitalise on any instances where they get caught napping with their defence too far forward. By playing a deep, counter attacking game (think in terms of Man Utd v Arsenal circa 2009) we will invite the Villa defence to come forward, which will leave a lot of space in behind and highlight major flaws in their back line.
As soon as we get hold of the ball, we will be looking to break forward quickly and in numbers. With Martial and Rashford up top, we have two players who are great at linking up play or playing off the shoulder of the last man. For this game, we want Rashford to drop off and run at the defence, allowing Martial, with his superior finishing, to play up top. Lemar will do what he does best, linking with Chilwell down the left to get low crosses into the mix to cause problems, or to wind his way into the box and get a goal himself. Cyprien will be looking to dribble forward with the ball on his flank, and can join the attack on quick counters, but will be looking to keep positional discipline for the most part, with an eye on his defensive duties at all times. He will join Lopez and Diawara, who will drop off to provide an outlet, and also to keep tabs on any potential Aston Villa quick-breaks.
By going forward quickly in numbers we will be looking to, not only, overload Villa’s defence (especially if their offensive minded full backs have ventured forward) by stretching it out and causing their players to furiously back track, but it also gives us enough players in reserve to deal with any counter-counter attacks. This will be highlighted in a zig-zag formation, with Chilwell, Diawara and Passlack as the first line and Diop and Gnagnon as the second. This serves the dual purpose of providing a bit of slack in our formation so that we can’t be undone by a long ball over the top and it also provides an outlet for our players so that Villa can’t just squeeze our attempted offensive in to one corner and stifle the attack.
I want to make it clear, also, that if we happen to lose possession in the counter, we absolutely must rush back to get in to our defensive positions and prepare for the next offensive.
Substitutions:
70 minutes: Malcom for Rashford, Fornals for Lopez - From here on in, we will play a 4-3-3 formation with Fornals and Cyprien tucking in on either side of Diawara. Lemar will continue to play as a winger with Martial up top, and Malcom will be an inside forward looking to play balls in behind for Martial to finish.
80 minutes: Bernardo for Passlack - Like for like really, but Bernardo is probably the better going forward, which we may need to grab a goal late on.
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Tactics
Page 47 of 65
48 | 49 | 50 | 51 | 52
posted on 18/8/17
Arsenal away at Leicester
Injuries:
Hysaj, Lyanco, Lallana, Simeone, Hamsik(sus)
……………………………………Buffon…………………………
De Sciglio…………Marquinhos…..Rugani…….Shaw
…………………………………….Blind……………………………
………………………matuidi………..Pellegrini……………
Candreva………………………Auba………………….Gomez
Subs: Pickford, Howedes, Bruma, Neves, allan, Kownacki,Mandzukic
Our tough start showing no sign of letting up as we now travel to filbert street, trying to avoid losing 3 games on the bounce.
RoF has assembled a lovely squad and they’ll be there or thereabouts come the season end…anyway enough waffling.
Going against our usual all in style today, playing within ourselves and on the counter-attack.
Our defence although young is experienced at a high level and with Gigi the GOAT behind them, they’ll be well drilled and hard to break-down, bags of pace across the defence which is vital against Leicester’s fluid attack. In possession, De Sciglio and Shaw are given freedom to push right up-front, Blind will drop back to CB making a 3 man defence covering the spaces.
Blind has his detractors but his versatility is a massive asset to any team, tidy in possession will sit as the “quarter-back” keeping things ticking over nicely.
Matuidi is a pure engine in the middle of the park one of the last proper box to boxers and will look to run things through the middle for us today, Pellegrini comes in to replace the suspended Hamsik and he’ll be our muscle in the side, looks like the long term heir to De Rossi so we’ll see how he fares today.
Our front three is pure pace – pace enough to trouble even the strongest of defences, I want Cadreva and Papu to stay as far forward as is possible, if Rof’s full-backs venture forward then so be it they’ll be burnt on the counter. Auba is my pace abuser through the middle, will sit between the 2 Cb’s and look to turn them as often as possible
A boring smash and grab tactic, solid defence. Strong if unadventurous midfield and a rapid trident playing on the counter, boring yes but damn effective
subs 60 mins:
Mandy > Papu Gomez – mix it up a bit Auba goes LW and Mandy add his physicality through the middle
Neves > Pellegrini – like for like
posted on 19/8/17
-----------------------Lloris
Florenzi--Hummels--Koulibaly--Bertrand
--------------------Casemiro
--------------Pjanic----------Radja
Mane----------------------------------Coutinho
----------------------Suarez
Subs
Hart, Matip, Dier, Ozil, Salah, Firmino, Kane
Lloris is a commanding presence at the back, when he calls for a ball, the defence know he will take control of the situation, 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 possession to stop counter attacks, Both CB"s will communicate with each other so they are clear in where the attacking threats are. 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 3 will be to use their high energy, all action styles to get themselves around the middle of the pitch, working in collaboration with the front 3 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 respectively to drift 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 winger has the ball, the one 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 - Pjanic takes the corners, most of the time looking to have the ball at an attackable height around 8-10 yards out between 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, Coutinho and Mane flit around away from the main attacking group looking to pounce on mistimed touches and flicks around the area. Casemiro looks to limit the opposition keeper from moving too far off his line, looking to take a defender with him to create less space for the keeper and one less man in the main action area. Radja takes a position just outside the box to pick up weak clearances and go for the odd thundercunt, as well as 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 - Di Maria for Coutinho - 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 - Dier for Pjanic and Firmino for Mane - Actively time waste and really frustrate the opposition.



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



67 Mins - Dier, Kane and Ozil for Bertrand, Casemiro and Florenzi - switch to a 3-5-2 with emphasis on the wings backs acting as wingers and just pile forward in numbers.
posted on 19/8/17
Comment deleted by Site Moderator
posted on 19/8/17
----------------------------------Lafont-----------------------------------
---------------Bailly---------Verthonghen---------Ake--------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cuadrado--------Brozovic-------------Kessie-----------M Alonso
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------James--------------------------------------------
-------------------------Vardy----------Benteke--------------------------------
Subs - Batalla, Holgate, Sanson, Willian, Keita, Mario, Sandro Ramirez
CAPTAIN - VERT
CK'S - JAMES
FK'S - JAMES
PENALTIES - JAMES
Up against the defending champions Chelsea this week. When we don't have possession of the ball in our half I want the whole team except Benteke to get in our half and defend. Play a deep defensive line so that Chelsea can't use their pacy forwards to beat the offside trap. When we win possession of the ball I want the players to play the long ball to Benteke, so he can use his physical strength to hold the ball up for our players to get into attacking positions. When defending, Kessie will act like another CB and just slot in from time to time to make the defence even harder to penetrate. But his main role will be to stop the oppo AM, either Pogba or Alli.
Defence
I got a top class keeper in goal so he will be hard to beat. The defence is well balanced, with all 3 CB's playing in the top flight regularly irl. Bailly and Ake have the pace to play the 3atb formation with ease. Verthonghen will focus on the oppo striker and will look to stick close to him and to watch out for his attacking runs. Wingbacks 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. Watch out for oppo wingers and stop the cutting in onto their stringer foot.
Centre Mids
Brozovic + Kessie
Kessie main job is to act as a destroyer in the centre. When the oppo AM has the ball close him down asap. Brozovic will play a b2b role. Brozovic has the ability to pick out a pass while Kessie is an engine which can run all day long. They complement each other perfectly.
Wing backs
Cuadrado + Alonso
Cuadrado and Alonso will look to help both in attack and defence. When the oppo has the ball come back into the defence to make a rock solid back 5. Make forays forward when we have the ball in the oppos side of the pitch but track back when we don't. Get some low crosses into the box as Vardy and Benteke are very good at playing in between the lines.
Attack Mid
James Rodriguez
The architect, he will look to use his passing ability to create chances for our team. Shoot from range if you see an opening and make runs into the box from time to time.
Strikers
Vardy + Benteke
I want Vardy to use his pace to play off the oppo shoulders and beat the offside trap. He will look to close down the oppo asap when they have the ball and to be vary of through balls as he is very good at timing his runs. Benteke will be the "TANK" and will use his physical strength to hold the ball up.
Subs if LOSING BY 65MINS
Change formation to 343. Bring on Balde Keita for Alonso and Willian for Cuadrado. Sandro on for Brozovic aswell. Play a very high line and try and get a goal.
-------------------------------Lafont-----------------------------------
------------Bailly---------Verthonghen---------Ake--------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Willian------------Kessie--------James--------------------Keita
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------Vardy-------Benteke-------Sandro-----------------------
Subs if WINNING BY 65MINS
Take off James and put on Sanson in DM. Keita on for Vardy aswell to offer more freshness.
-------------------------------Lafont-----------------------------------
------------Bailly---------Verthonghen---------Ake--------------
---------------------------------Sanson-------------------------------------------
Cuadrado-------Brozovic---------Kessie------------Alonso
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------Keita--------------------------------------
------------------------------------Benteke------------------------------
Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Sandro Ramirez ON for Vardy
Mario ON for Brozovic
Sanson ON for James
posted on 19/8/17
Balanced 4-3-3
Key to our game plan today, is quick passing moves in the midfield and using our pace out wide. Our cm trio setting up the chances for the front 3.
After losing in the final and drawing in the last league game, we look to bounce back at home. Take advantage of the couple important players Arsenal are missing.
In Kante and Koke 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.
Kante is the holding player today, a calming influence in possession keeping it simple but more importantly powerful and intelligent defensively. Koke looking to pick the ball up from deep and link the defence and attack. Thiago the more advanced playmaker of the trio. Thiago and Koke 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.
-------------------- M.Neuer
Valencia - Otamendi - Musacchio - Marcelo
---------------------- Kante
------------- Thiago.A --- Koke
Vitolo -------------------------------- Hazard
------------------- C.Ronaldo
Subs. Schmeichel, Vrsaljko, Vallejo, Bakayoko, Mkhitaryan, 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 Arsenal 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. Koke moves to the left. Hazard sits on their deepest cm, take away the option.
In this tight rigid formation, ensuring there are no gaps in the formation. Kante will be key, reading the play in between the defence and midfield, reading any dangers to get across.
Narrowing the play to the side Arsenal 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.
Koke and Kante 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. Koke, Thiago,fbs 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: Ronaldo
Subs.
If winning after 65 mins bring on Douglas Costa for Vitolo. Fresh pace to get at them as Arsenal will be looking to attack.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Diego Costa for Ronaldo. Bully their tired defenders.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Mkhitaryan for Thiago. Brings work rate and pace.
If drawing after 65 mins bring on Douglas Costa and Mkhitaryan for Koke and Vitolo. Thiago deeper cm next to Kante, Mkhi am.
If drawing after 80 mins bring on Diego Costa for Hazard. Mkhi right, Douglas left, 4-4-2.
If losing after 55 mins bring on Diego Costa for Koke 4-2-3-1. Hazard behind Costa, Ronaldo left.
If losing after 60 mins bring on Douglas Costa for Vitolo.
If losing after 80 mins bring on Mkhitaryan for Valencia.
posted on 19/8/17
-----------------Cech
Soares---Benatia----Luiz--Bernat
---------Krychowiak---Kondogbia
Walcott-----------Payet---------Iwobi
------------------ Paco
Subs: Gunn, Holding, Reidewald, Ramsey, Gabbiadini, Cazorla, Falcao
Subs:
Falcao for Paco - 65 mins
Ramsey for Kondogbia - 70 Gabbiadini for Walcott - 80 mins
In today's game we are playing an attacking 4-2-3-1 formation. We want the win and we are gonna get it.
As team we will play super dooper quick. Daze the opposition. We need to be getting the ball to our pacey players. They will bring the players away from the positions thus allowing our other players to take advantage. This also means quick passing in order to keep the fast players in space.
Defensively we will play a high line and keep their forwards offside while trying to open up space for our faster players. This means our full backs will need to stick with our centre backs when we are off the ball. We will have a defensive midfielder who will stay just in front of our defence to protect them so we are not at a total weakness of being counter attacked.
Attacking wise we will get the ball into space and the fast players will take advantage. The full backs in an attacking sense will also help. We need to play quick passes, quick runs and quick changes of direction. We also need to allow a quick response to recover from mistakes.
If we are winning from the 70th minute I want us to start to keep the ball for longer periods and hold possession. Slow play right down and seriously time waste.
Positional Tactics
Our full backs defensively will stick in a high line with our centre backs. We need to trap our opposition offside making it hard for them to counter attack. However in times when it doesn't work they need to push the opposition back and reduce the space made available on this side of the pitch. They need to prevent the wingers from running in behind them and cutting inside of them. Offensively they will need to move forward with the ball and use up the space left by the opposition. When our wingers cut in, I want our full backs to take up the wide position and put the crosses in.
Our centre backs will be apart of this high line we are playing. Use their strength and pace to keep the opposition offisde and then clear the ball away. They must stay on guard for any potential runners and therefor close them off as soon as they get going. We need to limit the opportunity for them to find space by keeping goal side of them at all times. They need to use their height and strength to beat them off the ball. They also must be aware of any high balls into the box. Offensively only go up for corners.
We will play a defensive midfielder today who will protect the defence and hold up play. This means filling the gaps and creating a defensive wall to stop the opposition from breaking through. Kondogbia must keep with the playmaker by discouraging him from moving into space, limit the chances he's able to create and keeping goal side of him at all times. Limit the available players for them, and force them to pass the ball back. Offsensively I will not allow Kondogbia to go forward.
Krychowiak will control play more by creating and forming the attacks. He should look to move forward to be the new option. His passing must be quick, slick and clever. He with Payet will control our passing that allows the pacy players to take advantage of defensive frailties.
Our attacking midfielder will be Payet who will look to run into space and finding the opportunity to change and dictate the game. He must force the opposition to open up space and allow the attacking players to break through. I want him to move about all across the centre and depending on move towards the right or the left to the ball. Defensively he must prevent people running forward and creating more ability for runs. He must try and collect the ball and release it to our wingers to form attacks since.
Our wingers need to use plenty of their skill, strength, power, pace and physicality to open up the opposition. I want them to force the attacks straight at them, bring the defenders out and then allow our attackers to take advantage. They must cut inside, run in from behind and cross the ball in so that our attacks don't end up predictable. Try and use our full backs as much as possible when attacking the opposition so that having to handle more than one player forces a mistake. Defensively they should fall back and help the full backs to defending and prevent the wingers from creating opportunities. Walcott should stay further forward as most players will look to leave the ball for him in the next attack.
Our striker needs to use their brain to workout how the defence works. They need to run at them using their strength and skill to cause nerves in their defence and force mistakes. The striker needs to open up space and find space as he is good at getting On the end of crosses and opportunities created. He needs to use his height to open the scoring and also use his power to force his way into goal scoring opportunities. Defensively I want him to move back to the centre circle and wait for the midfield to supply the ball to him in the event of an attack, if after 70 mins and we are winning I want the striker to move further back to control and protect the nation. We just time waste as much as possible.
Pens: Payet
Long FK: Payet
Short FcK: Payet
Corners: Payet
----------------------------------------------------------------------
posted on 19/8/17
WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS v Brighton and Hove Albinos
Injuries: Trippier, Dendoncker, Drinkwater, Moura
----------------- Ter Stegen
Cancelo - Mustafi - Pepe - Hector
--------- A.Herrera - Strootman
- F Anderson - D Silva - Jese Rod
-------------------- Higuain
Subs: Rulli, Mathieu, Smalling, Jorginho, Son, Rooney, Immobile
-----------------
A very tough game today, but we can get at this Brighton side who are definitely vulnerable defensively, so I feel we can target them down the middle and create chances for Higuain to finish.
Playing a positive 4-2-3-1, Ter Stegen in goal, Cancelo, Pepe, Mustafi and Hector in defence, Herrera and Strootman in midfield, Anderson, Silva and Jese behind Higuain upfront.
This game is about controlling the tempo and giving us the best chance of getting three points today. Brighton 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 Strootman, with Silva ahead of them, we can control the possession and the flow of the game. Felipe at RW and Jese at LW both able to use their pace and get at the Brighton defence with Cancelo and Hector overlapping. Higuain 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 Higuain.
Pepe/Mustafi - Pepe to mark their striker, force him high up the pitch thus limiting his impact close to goal, and Mustafi 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 Strootman 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.
Cancelo/Hector - Both of you to force the Brighton 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 Felipe/Jese 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 Higuain and link with Herrera/Strootman/Silva. You will need to track back very quickly to ensure we don't get caught on the break.
Herrera/Strootman - Herrera playing the box to box role, assist Strootman in dealing with the Brighton attack when we don't have the ball, if they play an AM Strootman stay on him, but don't follow if he drifts wide. Be first to any loose balls, in possession Strootman 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.
Felipe Anderson/Jese Rodriguez - Both playing out wide and both have the pace and trickery to beat the Brighton 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 Higuain with chances and also provide yourselves with chances. Link up with Herrera/Strootman/Silva, and capitalise on the space Higuain's presence will create for you. Without the ball I expect you two to track back and assist your fullback.
David Silva - Silva to burst forward to join the front three as our AM, look to receive the ball and run at the Brighton defence, bring the ball to create space for others and look for the runs of Felipe/Jese/Higuain. Shoot if you get into position, also force the Brighton defenders to foul you when you're attacking as setpieces could be our best chance to score today. Link with Higuain regularly. Able to drop into midfield with Herrera/Strootman when under pressure and make a 4-5-1. Get behind Higuain on occasion.
Higuain - you will be expected to occupy the Brighton 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 Felipe/Jese/Silva on occasion.
------------------
Subs 70 mins:
If winning: Felipe and Jese off, Jorginho and Son on. Switch to a flat 4-5-1 with Jorginho alongside Herrera and Strootman in midfield. Son to RW and Silva to LW, look to punish Brighton on the break.
If drawing: Jese and Strootman off, Immobile and Son on. Change to a 4-1-3-2, Herrera holding the fort, Felipe - Silva - Son behind Higuain and Immobile. Look for the winner.
If losing: Pepe and Strootman off, Immobile and Son on. Change to a 3-1-4-2, back three of Cancelo - Mustafi - Hector, Herrera the playmaker, Son - Felipe - Silva - Jese behind a front two of Higuain and Immobile. Push for goals.
posted on 19/8/17
———————————Courtois
Azpilicueta—Christensen——Umtiti——Guerreiro
——————————Fabinho
—————Keita————————Milinkovic
——————————Dybala
————Williams———————Carrasco
Subs: Begovic, Conti, R.Pereira, Gagliardini, Tielemans, Philipp, Icardi
Captain: Cesar Azpilicueta
Free Kicks: Paulo Dybala/Fabinho
Penalties: Fabinho
Corners: Yannick Carrasco
A 4-4-2 diamond that focuses on vertical movement and adaptability of shape to distort a man-orientated opposition defensive system, whilst giving us flexibility in defensive situations.
Build up in a 2-3-2-3 that can open up lots of diagonal and vertical passing lanes and give the opposition too much ground to cover in their press. The two CBs split and the FBs push into the midfield line, with Fabinho looking to position between the first two lines of opposition defence, drawing the opposition forward to hunt the ball and creating passing angles between the defenders and himself that allow us to drag the opposition around. We overload passes with the first group of 5, allowing our CM shuttlers to pick their movements in order to split the opposition midfield, one pulling wide, and the other using vertical movement, dropping forward or running into the mdifield’s blindsides, focussing on either finding their own space to receive the ball higher up the field, or creating the space for Fabinho and the CBs to move forward and pass into by dragging the opposition CMs out of their preferred position, opening gaps in the opposition line. This then allows Dybala, Carrasco and Williams to move wide, into the half spaces, or in behind, working on a 3 way tangent to distort the opposition. If We cannot open up space using the diamond overload, we can build up in a 3-4-1-2/3-4-3, Fabinho dropping into the backline and allowing the FBs to push high up the field. Cbs split and Christensen and Umtiti step higher up, drawing the press but creating triangles to move the ball quickly, Fabinho then moves to one side and allows the CM on the other side to drop deeper to come and collect the ball, with Dybala dropping into an 8’s position, Carrasco occupying the half space. Essentially we create two new, deeper banks of four that have more diagonal shape to them, drawing the opposition forward, put making sure we have those diagonal passing lanes to use, with Carrasco looking to find space in the half spaces, and Williams then having acres of room to run behind the defence.
Further up we always look to vary our shape and keep the opposition moving about, never let them settle in their preferred defensive shape, the man marking that Fud applies is very vulnerable to constant vertical and diagonal movement, which the 4-4-2 diamond offers from its midfield dominant starting base. The FBs can be key to this, particularly Guerreiro who when we attack, looks to play really high up the field and keep their FB occupied, with Azpi more narrow to the defence giving us a back 3 against counters. Fabinho will keep his position as the regista, he is key to the build up, and keeps positioned behind our attack thereafter in order to be our second passer, we create passing overloads, he is the spare man in the midfield battle and can find the space to pick the lock from deeper, able to watch our teams movement ahead of him. The shuttlers movement is key, both are able to move wide, Keita in particular able to provide width on the right, with the pace to beat his man, draw Dembele across. Milinkovic-Savic the bigger target, making vertical runs behind the opposition midfield and being a target in the box. They can do the opposition too, Savic going wider and Keita running behind, or dropping deeper into more space, keep that opposition midfield moving out of their positions. Dybala plays between the lines, he can drop deeper to bring the DM forward and open the space behind the mdifield line for the shuttlers, or the CFs to drop into half spaces, he can go wide and double up or triple up with shuttler and FB, and he can run beyond the CFs. The CFs likewise, both are comfortable all across the attack, they can drop into the half spaces, they can occupy the CBs with their pace and directness, and they can beat the FBs. Narrow and stretch out as the game requires it, they need to keep the back line constantly guessing and as soon as the ball over the top happens, or between CB and FB, they need to be on to it in a flash.
We will defend with vertical compactness in a 4-3-3-0 with Carrasco and Williams dropping in alongside Dybala to shut off the space that deep lying playmakers want to use, or that CBs want to step forward into, and allowing Keita and Savic to cover off the half spaces, stopping forwards dropping deeper and wingers getting space infield, and making sure we have 6 in the central midfield areas to stop them dominating possession for long spells. When we lose the ball we must then press, with the man who loses it or another in that zone looking to force Spurs back so we can get into our shape. We then focus on defending the ball rather than men and player movement, so if the ball is in the centre, Dybala can step out initiate the press along with one of the dropped back forwatrds, looking to move the opposition build up towards the flank, leaving the FBs in enough space to be viable targets to build up play. Once the ball goes wide, Dybala drops back in and the forward on the side of play, along with the FB and the shuttler on that side, form a triangle to squeeze Spurs to the touchline. Building up through the FBs is limiting, it means you only have two vertical zones to use instead of all three that are available when building in the centre. Whilst the forward presses the FB, the shuttler and the FB close off the rest of that flank and the half space, meaning the opposition must try to come infield, which we block off with Dybala Fabinho and the opposite side shuttler and forward forming a block in the centre, cover passing lanes and keep Spurs pegged in to the touchline. If we can keep them wide with no where to go but backwards or longer, we eventually force them to play rushed, less accurate football, rather than allowing them to build through their deep lying playmakers. The two CBs then focus on being tight to Lukaku, if he shows for a ball to feet, get touch tight, test his weak control, force the ball to keep bouncing off him and allow others to mop up, if he runs behind, insure the high line that we play to keep vertical compactness, keeps him offside.
Subs:
If Winning: Gagliardini for Williams 65’, transition to a flat 4-4-2, gives us vertical compactness to keep pressing high up as well as covering the flanks. R.Pereira for Savic 75’, Pereira LB, Guerrerio LM. Conti for Carrasco 80’, RWB, shuffle into a 5 at the back.
If Drawing: Icardi for Williams 65’, looks to get into the box and take his chances. Tielemans for Savic 75’, more creativity from midfield. Philipp for Carrasco 80’, fresh legs.
If Losing: Icardi for Savic 60’, 3-4-3, Carrasco RWB where he plays for Belgium, pin Spurs back, Icardi up front, Dybala and Williams in the half spaces. Tielemans for Fabinho 70’, extra creativity, Keita does the running so Tielemans can dictate the game. Philipp for Guerreiro, Williams LWB, Philipp and Dybala in the half spaces.
posted on 19/8/17
Newcastle Utd v STOKE CITY
Line up:
Rico
Passlack Diop Gnagnon Jorge
Cyprien Kovacic Diawara Lemar
Rashford Martial
Substitutes: Dragowski; Bernardo; Elvedi; Lopez; Malcom; Soler; Gelson
Captain: Rico
Penalties: Martial
Free Kicks: Lemar
Corners: Lemar
Game Plan:
Some fantastic new additions, a tough start, and a particularly tough opponent have necessitated the need to move into a different formation, for this game at the least. We have chosen to go with the 4-4-2 formation, with one winger playing as an advanced playmaker, and the other as a wide midfielder, to give us a greater balance between defence and attack, with a view to hitting our opponents on the counter.
When Newcastle Utd get the ball in our half, we want to set up with two banks of 4, with the defence just in front of the edge of the area and the midfield midway along our half of the pitch. With Diawara playing a sweeping role between the two banks and Martial sitting on the halfway line to keep their centre backs pinned back, this will allow our other midfielders and Rashford to close down play in the centre of the pitch. We are confident that we will be able to congest the middle and negate the pace and flair of the Geordies.
Suarez' movement is one of the most dangerous aspects of Utd’s game and, if we give him the time to make space, our opponent will have a field day finding him every time. Therefore, we want to close down the space between our midfield land defensive lines when we are really under pressure. We do not want to play the offside trap in this instance, instead focusing on getting our defenders goal side and our midfield/Rashford harassing the ball carrier to prevent them from having the space and time to pick out key passes.
We want our two full backs to tuck in close to the centre backs in this formation to minimise the ability of Suarez to move around and stretch the play. With our wide midfielders tracking the runs of the Newcastle Utd wingers and doubling up on them when they make a move, we are confident that we will be able to track their runs down the flank and nullify their crossing ability, and any attempts to cut inside will simply run in to too much traffic.
In the middle of the pitch, we are playing Diawara, a solid holding midfielder with a high level of composure and a good passing range, and Kovacic, who has the ability to dictate tempo in the midfield, as well as getting stuck in defensively. These two will be expected to be lively in the centre, looking to press on any Utd players that attempt to carry the ball through the middle and disrupt play so that they can’t start any fluid attacks. They will also be the first line of our attack as they will be looking to regain possession in the middle of the park and immediately initiate the counter.
Man Utd may have some impressive attacking flair but their defence is somewhat on the slower side, particularly through the middle, which is where Rashford and Martial will be looking to get in behind. We know that we lack the height and physical presence in all but our defence to challenge in the air, and so we will be looking to play to feet or in behind and capitalise on any instances where they get caught napping with their defence too far forward. By playing a deep, counter attacking game (think in terms of Man Utd v Arsenal circa 2009) we will invite the Utd defence to come forward, which will leave a lot of space in behind and highlight major flaws in their back line.
As soon as we get hold of the ball, we will be looking to break forward quickly and in numbers. With Martial and Rashford up top, we have two players who are great at linking up play or playing off the shoulder of the last man. For this game, we want Rashford to drop off and run at the defence, allowing Martial, with his superior finishing, to play up top. Lemar will do what he does best, linking with Jorge down the left to get low crosses into the mix to cause problems, or to wind his way into the box and get a goal himself. Cyprien will be looking to dribble forward with the ball on his flank, and can join the attack on quick counters, but will be looking to keep positional discipline for the most part, with an eye on his defensive duties at all times. He will join Kovacic and Diawara, who will drop off to provide an outlet, and also to keep tabs on any potential Newcastle quick-breaks.
By going forward quickly in numbers we will be looking to, not only, overload Utd’s defence (especially if their offensive minded full backs have ventured forward) by stretching it out and causing their players to furiously back track, but it also gives us enough players in reserve to deal with any counter-counter attacks. This will be highlighted in a zig-zag formation, with Jorge, Diawara and Passlack as the first line and Diop and Gnagnon as the second. This serves the dual purpose of providing a bit of slack in our formation so that we can’t be undone by a long ball over the top and it also provides an outlet for our players so that Utd can’t just squeeze our attempted offensive in to one corner and stifle the attack.
I want to make it clear, also, that if we happen to lose possession in the counter, we absolutely must rush back to get in to our defensive positions and prepare for the next offensive.
Substitutions:
70 minutes: Gelson for Rashford - Equally fast and as dangerous on the dribble, Gelson provides the added benefit of being able to drift further out wide and cut inside, thus drawing Newcastle's defence across to allow room for Martial, and for Cyprien to add his talents to the centre of midfield.
75 minutes: Bernardo for Passlack - The young full back has been a revelation for Germany's newest star team, and he will be looking to make his mark in this game, in the battle for primacy at right back.
80 minutes: Soler for Kovacic - More of a like-for-like substitution. Soler will be looking to add fresh legs, a defensive tenacity and some great passing skill to the midfield battle.
posted on 19/8/17
------------------ Ederson
Bellerin -- Varane -- Laporte -- Ghoulam
------------ Javi.M ---- Vidal
O.Dembele --- De Bruyne ---- A.Sanchez
--------------- Lewandowski
Meret, Tah, Mendy, Gundogan, Eriksen, Mertens, Werner
Looking to have a right go today and put Hull's inexperienced backline to the test.
Plenty of pace in the side as we look to press higher up the pitch and have the lion’s share of possession, not allowing them to get out.
They usually only play one with forward so will struggle for outlets going forward, keep him deep and isolated. If they opt for two forwards then they will have to sacrifice defensively which leaves them more vulnerable to our attacks.
As well as scoring goals Lewandowski has a big role today, look to come deep often and link with others, hold up play and take the CB with you, opening up the game and space for our wingers and De Bruyne to run into beyond.
4-2-3-1, possession based.
Onus on playing with zip and circulating the ball around with pace, building from the back and moving the ball into mf zones, passing in triangles with plenty of quick movement off the ball.
As we progress we start to get it wider, looking to create holes and stretching the opposition, plenty of link up play between our front 4, creating a number of opportunities in the final third.
It starts from the back. Ederson is very able with his hands and feet and should look to find our players in space.
The CB duo are excellent on the ball, very good passing success rates and should look to move the ball into mf quickly. At times collecting short from Ederson and getting their heads up, looking for movement from the attackers and attempting diagonal or long balls into feet, using Lewandowski as a target man to bypass their mf.
Javi.M and Vidal, a midfield pair that will provide plenty of energy and will work their socks off for the side to allow others around them to express themselves. Today should look to stamp their authority with their work rate and power looking to take a grip on mf and shielding our defence, oppressing the opposition midfielders and covering every blade of grass out there.
When attacking, Javi.M sits just infront of the defence and makes himself available for a pass back. A passing outlet if we are being vigorously pressed whilst also allowing us to create space when working the ball around in triangles.
De Bruyne will look to play inbetween the lines, roaming in the oppositions half and and looking to act as the link between midfield and attack. Pick up pockets of space and use his awareness to dictate the play, never afraid to play a key pass in behind to unlock their defence.
Flanks will be key as we look to expose them in wide areas and create space in midfield.
Ousmane and Sanchez need to get involved as much as possible looking to influence the game, both excellent dribblers that more often than not will beat their man, need to get their heads down and accelerate with pace, linking with our fullbacks as they hug the touchline and open up the space ahead.
Interchanging, At times cutting inside and swapping positions so we have plenty of movement and options off the ball, for instance De Bruyne can come on the right allowing Ousmane to play more central, attacking the heart of their defence and making our attacks more unpredictable.
When in possession, our fullbacks take it in turns to burst forward. One sits back allowing the other to roam forward looking to provide the width, allowing the wingers space to drive into or an option on the outside.
When Hull are in possession we will initially look to press from the front and then drop off with men behind the ball if they bypass this. Don’t allow them to play out from the back and hurry their passes. Our attackers form a trio looking to cut avenues into midfield as one goes to press the ball, force them into tight spots with their backs to goal towards the touchline.
If they advance we then form a rigid structure behind the ball looking to press the space, only allowing them to play where we want them too, stifle the midfield and stop them from picking their passes into an attacker, Vidal man-man their AM, looking to harass him and using his physical prowess to really put him off his game, Martinez and De Bruyne cutting off mf lanes.
Fullbacks and wingers should interlink throughout, off the ball our wingers need to track back and help with defensive duties preventing overloads. Keep them wide and give them no space to work with
Essentially a 4-5-1, our three in mf working to minimise the space in midfield zones and preventing them from finding their attackers. Our wingers get back to help our FB’s.
Key is leaving no gaps or space to get in behind, working as a staunch unit so their quick attackers have to come deeper to get involved making their first point of contact with the ball much deeper than they anticipated and notably further away from our final third.
When we have them deep we have more to work with, we can plug at them and tactically foul in areas that will prevent them from playing with any flow, breaking up the game.
If we manage to win the ball we must immediately look to counter and hit the opposition hard. Ghoulam can come up to support the play and provide the width. The front 4 burst forward.
IN CASE OF RED CARD –
We drop off with 10 men behind the ball and look to counter with our pace going forward, pick them off when the chances arise. (4-4-1 formation)
Ederson – De Bruyne off, Meret on
CB’s – De Bruyne off, Tah on
RB – De Bruyne off, (3-5-1 formation), Martinez moves into CB with Varane and Laporte, De Bruyne off, Gundogan on
LB – De Bruyne off, Mendy on
CM – De Bruyne off, Gundogan on
Wingers – De Bruyne moves to the flanks
Lewandowski, De Bruyne off, Werner on
Subs:
IF WINNING: 70th minute – (4-2-3-1)
- Eriksen > De Bruyne
- Werner > Lewandowski
Eriksen look to work in a mf 3, dictating from deep. Werner run the channels and look to get in behind.
IF DRAW: 70th minute – (4-2-2-2)
- Werner > De bruyne
- Mendy > Ghoulam
Werner comes on to partner Lewandowski , working in a two. Mendy look to support Sanchez on the left.
IF LOSING: 75th minute – (4-4-2 - direct)
- Mertens > De Bruyne
- Eriksen > Vidal
Martinez sits in midfield allowing Eriksen to play further forward, Mertens partners Lewa.
Get the ball into the box and look for an equalizer.
C - Lewandowski
FK's - A.Sanchez
Corners – De Bruyne/Sanchez
Pens - Lewandowski
posted on 19/8/17
Weiser, Aouar, Schopf, Pjaca
---------------------------Horn
Toljan-----------Süle--------Kempf-------Plattenhardt
-------------------Biglia---------Dahoud
-Bernardeschi-----Ziyech----------Forsberg
---------------------------Milik
Subs: Hennessey, Klostermann, Stark, F. dear Jong, Geis, Bentancur, Isak
Our defensive unit consists of Niklas Süle and Marc-Oliver Kempf paired up at centre-back, Jeremy Toljan at right-back and Marvin Plattenhardt at left-back, with Lucas Biglia and Mahmoud Dahoud as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.
This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in Biglia and Dahoud we have a perfect pairing to initiate attacks by distributing the ball in an intelligent fashion, to be key players in circulation and to prevent dangerous opposition attacks, being disciplined in positioning and limiting space in between the lines.
The strength of our double pivot is that Dahoud can press the ball without leaving lots of space, as Biglia can maintain a good position to react if the initial press is bypassed. Our double pivot will offer huge defensive stability and will ensure that a structured shape is maintained.
Having two defensive midfielders centrally prevents others being dragged out of position to press.
Helping the defenders maintain solid positioning is a key part of Dahoud’s role, he will press almost anywhere in his own half to allow defenders to stay in the defensive line.
With Dahoud running his socks off for the team, our high tempo will dictated by his partner in holding midfield, Lucas Biglia.
A holding midfielder through and through, Biglia is not just your “win the ball and pass it on to the closest player” – there is a real creative mind in his locker, but it’s his ability to be the shield of the back four and then be creative once he gets the ball that makes Biglia such a talent.
The attacking unit consists of Federico Bernardeschi, Hakim Ziyech and Emil Forsberg as our band of three attacking midfielders with Arkadiusz Milik as our lone central striker.
Our 4-2-3-1 is set up to have that wonderful ‘springy' quality - it absorbs pressure without breaking and then snaps back with surprising force.
In defence our 4-2-3-1 covers space very effectively, with the band of three attacking midfielders and centre forward able to press the opposition high up the pitch while the two defensive midfielders ensure that there is no space left in front of the defence. Then the back four can either play a high line, compressing the space even further, or drop deeper as preferred.
Once we have won the ball back, often by Biglia or Dahoud, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.
Toljan and Plattenhardt can surge up the wings in the knowledge that Biglia and Dahoud can drop into the space left behind if needed. As they come up the wings, both Federico Bernardeschi and Emil Forsberg, who are fast speed merchants, excellent in tight spaces and fantastic dribblers will cut inside or make runs into the box. Hakim Ziyech our attacking central midfielder’s low centre of gravity will enable him to navigate away from defenders at a frighteningly quick pace. Ziyech is blessed with an instant first touch and can dribble with the ball at such a close proximity to his feet that it makes him almost impossible to tackle this creative passer who will look to play Forsberg, Bernardeschi or Milik in via fast passing combinations.
Milik is predominantly an old-style centre forward, however he does possess the technical qualities and versatility to shine in this game. He’ll be physically imposing and not only will he be a threat in the air, but he can also score via great volleys. We’ll look towards his wonderful finishing and passing ability and he’ll also display good positioning and teamwork, and won’t be afraid to help his team defend.
Subs on 80 mins
Isak for Milik and Frenkie de Jong on for Ziyech
posted on 19/8/17
My sub should be de Jong not dear Jong!!!
posted on 19/8/17
-------------------Forster--------------------
Walker---M.Keane----van Dijk----D.Rose
--------------------Ndidi----------------------
-----------Dembele----Verratti-------------
Mahrez--------------------------------L.Sane
-------------------Lukaku---------------------
Butland, Tolisso, Sokratis, Klaassen, Gylfi, Shaawary, Belotti
In Forster, Keane and van Dijk, few have a very strong central core to our defence like we have done in the past obvs Keane in for Kompany but you have to keep it strong in the middle, these three experienced players give us a solid foundation to the team. Forster remains vigilant at all times, with his huge frame he is a tough obstacle to get through, quick on his feet for a big man and a very good shot stopper. van Dijk being the more mobile of my two centre backs will man mark the centre forward, A calm uncompromising defender, Van Dijk’s a man of considerable size & strength, Virgil commands aerial duels. One of his biggest strengths is his ability to win aerial duels defensively & provides an aerial threat going forwards too, his marking abilities are top notch also. When he has the ball he is very comfortable bringing the ball out to start from the back. Keane beside him is robust and no nonsense, he will take care of any other business, powerful in the air and an outstanding reader of the game. Also a huge threat at set pieces so both he and VVD go up for corners leaving our fullbacks and Ndidi back. We have attacking fullbacks who will bomb up and down the pitch to support the forwards, both Walker and Rose are quick and skilful for defenders so are a huge plus for us going forward, however we will be under the cosh at times so they must be robust and keep the wingers at bay and think about the runs they are making.
Ndidi offers the defence protection, he has a simple role, he will look to boss the deep midfield area and stop the attacking midfielders or indeed a No.10 or second striker. He will look to patrol that area from side to side, doesn't have to exert himself, just be clever and look to fill th spaces the opposition player will look to accommodate. Dembele and Verratti will be just ahead of him either side, I feel this is a powerful midfield with plenty of energy to move around the pitch. I am looking for these two to drive us forward into opposition areas of danger, Verratti is the pass master whilst Dembele is the powerhouse who will push forward, both good defensively so will create, with Ndidi a very tight knit midfield. They will look to supply Lukaku with as many balls as they can, with Dembele pushing forward to support him. Also, with quick wingers making themselves available we will hope to push them backwards, instead of them coming at us.
Mahrez and Sane are dangerous and will be a threat, Sané provides fast and direct wing play. His ability to use his physical strength and superb technique when running with the ball at pace allows him to swiftly stretch the opposition defence, often with devastating results. So along with Lukaku these two will look to form a fantastic relationship as we will need them on the best form for the majority of the season. Mahrez is also very direct but he likes to come inside and support more centrally, he is a dynamic winger who loves to go for goal so I expect him to be a huge goal threat not just today but for the season. I expect both wingers to create a lot of problems especially when Rose and Walker are up supporting them. I want Sane and Mahrez to shuffle back into a midfield five when we don't have possession.
Lukaku is powerful, strong, brilliant in the air and immensely talented. He scores goals; lots of them, and in all sorts of ways. Having the likes of Verratti and Sane supplying for him I cant see him not scoring, he can beat defenders for pace, he can bully them, he will also have to be clever against defenders as he makes his runs trying to lose them. Mahrez will be one he looks out for running in from the right to support him.
Captain is van Dijk
Penalty taker is Lukaku
Free Kicks taken by Verratti
Corners by the wingers
Substitutes
If we are losing on 70 minutes Belotti will come on for Dembele and we will go 442, with Shaawary coming on for Mahrez at the same time
If we are drawing, Gylfi will come on for Dembele and he will play as a No.10 and Belotti for Lukaku on 65 minutes, Shaawary for Mahrez on 75 minutes
If we are winning, Tolisso for Dembele, Belotti for Lukaku on 80 minutes
posted on 23/8/17
Week 4
posted on 24/8/17
Comment deleted by Article Creator
posted on 24/8/17
ASTON VILLA
—————————— Oblak
Aurier — Alderweireld — Boateng — Davies
————————— Matic
—————— Modric — Zielinski
Robben————————————————— Reus
——————————— Benzema
SUBS: Chesney, Sokratis, Pedro, Fabregas, Cavani, Mata, Marchisio
Captain: Marco Reus
Corners: Luka Modric
Crossing free-kicks: Luka Modric
Shooting free-kicks: Luka Modric
Penalties: Marco Reus
I bet my left nut that SKA will play a similar game plan to how he played against Newcastle, which is on the counter, because I'm a big team now. This means that I will still be showing him the full respect that he deserves and it will show with the line up that I've put out, in a 433. It is up to us to dominate the ball and create the amount of chances needed to win the game by playing on the front foot. I reckon if I can gain control of the middle of the pitch with my three in midfield I have a chance of blowing them off the park, especially as he's not allowed to play kovacic against me. One point I'd like to make is the importance of Zielinski in my line up today. His role today is b2b which will be important in driving the team forwards quickly to add extra dynamism and particularly to break their lines. I expect that when he gets the ball he drives it towards stoke, and back first to help Matic with the defending. His defenders individually are pretty inexperienced to say the least, therefore the with the movement of my front three I hope to invite them into making rash decisions. Fabregas I'll look to bring off the bench this time because I'll need him to unlock their defence at a later time when stoke are tired, he's one of the best in the world at picking out passes just outside the box. All my front three players have goals in them. We need the win today to give us the momentum needed to help power us into the champions league places in the early stage of the season.
Defending
In terms of defending, it is important that we are aware of the threats posed by my team having the lions share of possession. SKA will want his team to play on the counter, and while I believe that my team will pin them back for most of the match there are still going to be windows of opportunity of them when they have a spell of possession and on the counter. His attack can be pace merchants on the counter which can present an immense danger if not careful. In our case it is important that we are always aware of the possibility of that counter. I consider strikers and wingers the biggest threats, so when we are attacking in their third Matic will sit close to our centre halves making sure we are not too exposed. Especially if he plays pace merchant Rashford and pace merchant Martial up front again. We will also have our full backs closely watch wide players, making sure not to get sucked into the middle and let the midfielders deal with anyone cutting inside. His wide players will likely be back defending anyway but their pace will carry them forwards very quickly. Once they show signs of counter attacking our full backs will fly back to stop them.
To win the ball back, we will sit off them mostly and only press them around our box. Giving them lots of time on the ball. I will expect everyone in the back six to be involved in that. Robben and reus will get up and down the pitch all match if they need to. If we happen to get pressured back into our own third we will stop the pressuring but go very compact instead, and only squeeze spaced out wide to prevent crosses being thrown in. We wait it out and attack again.
The block of four of Boateng Alderweireld Matic and Zielinski will form a four man block around their striker(s) when out of possession. Zielinski and Matic will help cut the passing lanes to their forward line while Alderweireld will mark their striker tightly with Boateng sweeping behind if he does get through. Modric will come back in the defending phase to help win the ball back with the two midfielders or receive the ball to launch a quick attack when they lose the ball. His trademark through balls from inside his own half will become useful here.
Set piece defending is man to man, his centre halves will need to be watched carefully by our centre halves.
Attacking
I expect that Stoke will be sat back and steaming forwards when we're out of possession, which generally means that we'll need some knife through butter kind of passes to slice them open. Alderweireld is made for that role so we naturally recycle the ball to him if an attack breaks down, doing so is also a safety measure to not concede stupid possession in midfield when harried by their midfield Duracell bunnies. Alderweireld has the ability to pick passes and spray balls out onto the wings with ease.
Before we have to go back to use Alderweireld however, we have Modric in the middle to control the tempo of the match with his vision and precision of passes. We will have all kinds of movement around him from the likes of Robben Reus Benzema and full backs to help keep possession. We will have Reus and Robben directly attacking their back three while Benzema will be enough of a handful for his defenders to deal with with his exceptional movement in and out of space. The idea is that Benzema will try and pull their back three out of shape and for Reus and Robben to drift into the gaps with Modric picking them out. The three forwards will also drag their players out of position so that Modric and Zielinski can be at their most effective. One full back may come forwards and overload on one side if the ball is on his side. Zielinski will also try and arrive late in the box.
Benzema will be key for our attack, he'll create a lot of space, play with his back to goal and lay it off for the others, also allowing us to spread the threat of our team as he will bring everyone into play. His style will help create crucial gaps between Stoke's defence and midfield for our other attackers to exploit since Benzema will confuse their defensive line, dropping in and out of the lines.
Subs
Winning
75 - We will need to lock the game down and close it off while giving the midfield some energy. We will bring on Marchisio for Zielinski and have him in midfield in a 4-3-3. This is so that Marchisio can drop into midfield to provide a more solid base for us and Zielinski would be tired by then.
75 - Robben's legs may tire towards the end of the game so we bring on Mata in his place to help chase down balls.
80 - Pedro for Reus, same reason as above.
Drawing/Losing
65 - Clearly we need to change it up a bit, therefore we take off Zielinski and bring on Mata and go 4-1-4-1 to provide a bigger threat on their goal.
75 - If we're still not winning, we bring on Marchisio for Matic so that our midfield can provide more ammunition for our forwards.
85 - Go all out, bringing Cavani on for Modric there's more chance of chances getting finished with Cavani going up front with Benzema in a 442.
If we get into a winning position after any of the drawing/losing subs, we go 4-4-2 to make sure that we have two banks of four to effectively defend the lead, while playing on the counter attack.
posted on 24/8/17
---------------------- De Gea ----------------------
Danilo ----- Manolas ----- Bonucci ----- Sandro
---------- S.Khedira -------- Busquets -----------
----------------------- Pogba -----------------------
----- Griezer ----------------------- Neymar -----
--------------------- S.Aguero ---------------------
Gudino, Henrichs, Ceballos, Samper, Sterling, G.Jesus, Poulsen
In goal is De Gea as good a goalkeeper you will get in the league, a good 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.
Today we aim to tire Arsenal out, pass and move quickly, we have exceptional players to work with, always looking for space to run into to to make themselves available, even our centrebacks look for the ball as both are good ball players. Use the width as we are extremely quick down both flanks.
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 wether he is quick or big and powerful 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.
Danilo comes in for Carvajal and Sandro at fullback, we must keep the wingers quiet and away from our danger area, They will look to keep them away from shooting areas where they will become dangerous. This is a vital clash in this game if we can keep to our plan we will keep them out of the game. They will be up against quality wingers so look to force him away from goal and backwards.Their marking abilities are sound, both have good positional sense and very quick, do not make rash decisions and will stay on their feet. 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. . 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. Always looking to force there fullback into a challenge in which we will hopefully ride and get into their danger area.
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. Khedira will go v the second most advanced midfielder or anyone else that is around that area. Even tho Busquets has the man marking role Khedira covers much of the pitch, hassling and harassing anyone who has the ball, he doesn't give any one time on the ball as he moves side to side and forwards and back, this style pressurizes the opposition to pass erractically. Our deep lying pair will look to pass and move always look for the return pass. When we have the ball Khedira in particular will get us moving forward from the centre as he pushes up to bring our forwards into the game. 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 Pogba in a slightly withdrawn No.10 role this is where we feel he will be at his best 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, Pogba 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 Griezmann 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. Griezmann will 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. Neymar will get a free run at them, you really cant coach a very special talent as long as he is focussed and does what he does best. However, he must be a team player and bring others into the game when he can. When they have the ball look to stick close to fullbacks/wingbacks and stop them coming forward, Just track them and use pace to get back and in around there faces to stop them becoming a threat. Always be looking for Pogba inside as the four make an awesome quartet in behind Aguero and a scary proposition for there slowish back line. If they play 3 at the back look to support Aguero and drag the wide CBs out wide
Aguero will get plenty chances, however he must put away there side who will be solid at the back, however I want to target the slower of the two/three with the aid of Pogba. Get into positions that he can go for goal or at very least drag players away for other players to drive into the space. Again, 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 Griezmann, Pogba will be making his runs also so be watchful of him just to lay it off to the side. But especially look for Pogba 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 - Sterling for Pogba, Griezmann goes to a higher No.10, Sterling to RW
75 Mins - G.Jesus for Sandro, Danilo will go into a back 3 am sure with his pace and marking abilities he will cope, Jesus up front with Auero 3412
85 Mins - Poulsen for Aguero we go with high balls as he wins a good majority of balls
Winning -
75 Mins - Samper for Pogba he sits in on the left of Busquets to shore up the midfield
80 Mins - Sterling for Neymar, will look to track back and help out
85 Mins - Poulsen for Aguero, again can hold the ball up well when we are in the final 3rd
Drawing -
70 Mins - Sterling for Pogba go to RW, Griezmann No.10
80 Mins - G.Jeus for Aguero and ceballos for Khedira who will look to unlock a tiring defence
posted on 24/8/17
had to change a sub
posted on 24/8/17
Balanced 4-2-3-1
Key to our game plan today, is quick passing moves in the midfield and using our pace out wide. With a high tempo midfield, we want plenty of movement from the midfielders to get us on top, and to let us take the game to Everton.
Vallejo comes in at right back, comfortable on the ball and having played here before he offers a solid rb option defensively if unspectacular going forward. This gives Marcelo more freedom to get forward.
In midfied, we go with Thiago in a cm role next to Kante the dm. Thiago looking to be our deep playmaker. In front we go with high tempo and workrate of Mkhi, with Vitolo offering the same on the right.
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.
Kante is the holding player today, a calming influence in possession keeping it simple but more importantly powerful and intelligent defensively. Thiago looking to pick the ball up from deep and link the defence and attack. Mkhi the more advanced playmaker.
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
Vallejo - Ramos - Musacchio - Marcelo
--------- Thiago.A - Kante
Vitolo ------ Mkhitaryan ------ Hazard
-------------- C.Ronaldo
Subs. Schmeichel, Otamendi, Bakayoko, Asensio, Douglas Costa, Diego Costa
Key to our attack is quick attacking play. Varying our play and how we get the ball to our front three in space.
Defending in numbers
We look to control the opposition by pressing the space with a narrow rigid defensive unit, only allowing them to play in areas we want them to. When we lose the ball the closest player presses the ball, the second closest presses the obvious passing channel. As they’re doing this everyone else bar 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 Everton advance into higher areas of the park and into our half, our shape will resemble a 4-5-1, narrowing to the side of play.
In this tight rigid formation, ensuring there are no gaps in the formation. Kante will be key, reading the play in between the defence and midfield, reading any dangers to get across.
Narrowing the play to the side Everton are attacking, pushing them backwards and wide away from danger. When they switch play, we switch over.
Attack.
Get the ball to our attacking midfield trio.
Thiago and Kante picking the passes to start the attacks. The attacking trio in front will always be looking for space in between their midfield and attack. Marcelo as well will always be making himself available advanced down on the left. This gives Hazard more freedom to find space in central positions.
Marcelo and Vitolo will be the two players we look to to provide the width.
We want quick one twos in the opposition half. Mkhi, Thiago,Marcelo 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 Bakayoko for Mkhi. Fresh pace and power in midfield.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Douglas Costa and Asensio for Thiago and Vitolo. Asensio AM and DC right.
If drawing after 65 mins bring on Douglas Costa and Diego Costa for Mkhi and Vitolo. Ronaldo left, Diego up top and Hazard central with Douglas right.
If drawing after 80 mins bring on Asensio for Hazard.
If losing after 55 mins bring on Diego Costa for Mkhi 4-2-2-2. Up top with Ronaldo.
If losing after 60 mins bring on Douglas Costa for Vitolo.
If losing after 80 mins bring on Asensio for Marcelo.3-2-3-2
posted on 25/8/17
Arsenal vs Chelsea 3-5-2
Injuries: Buffon, Shaw, Bruma, Lookman, Romagnoli
…………………………………Pickford………………….
…………….Marquinhos…..De Vrij……Rugani………..
Candreva………….Matuidi…….Blind………..Rodriguez
…………………………………..Hamsik……………………………..
……………………Aubameyang………Mandzukic……………..
Subs: Scuffet, Mere, De Sciglio, Pellegrini, Lallana, Gomez, Benassi
Captain: Matuidi
Corners: Hamsik/Rodriguez
Free Kicks: Hamsik/Rodriguez
Pens: Hamsik
Tough start to the season doesn’t get any easier with the reigning champions up next, a return to basics with our 3-5-2, sacrificing a defender to gain an extra striker and matching them up in the middle of the park, man for man they’re the better team so we have to work together close down the passing lanes and make them try to force a gap.
Pickford comes in for his debut today replacing the injured Buffon, Huge potential in this kid and we have every faith in him going forwards, pretty agile and a great shot stopper, may not marshal the defence like Gigi but it’ll come.
De Vrij is the leader at the back today and he’ll go man for man with Chelsea’s striker, act like a second skin and get those niggly tackles in nice and early – chels only go one up top so Marquinhos and Rugani are free to shuffle wide and double up with our wingbacks on Chelsea’s wingers – one to jockey the player the other to come in and smash em, rinse and repeat let greasemonkey and Neymar know they’re in for a battle. In possession Rugs and Marq will look for the diagonal balls out-wide for our wingbacks to push forward and stretch the play – it works for Juve and Italy it’ll work for us.
Candreva and Ricardo are certainly better going forwards than defending and the attacking tendencies they have will be actively encouraged by us playing 2 defensive minded Cm’s allowing them to push up quickly on the counter.
Matuidi and Blind are in the engine room today keeping it simple and ticking over, neither really push too far forward but neither shy away from putting a foot in – it’s key to our system today – they’ll hold the line in front of the defence, no easy ball through to Aguero who’ll get smashed from two directions on “his touch” De Vrij from behind and one of these two as he drops deeper to collect the ball. It may not be pretty but I reckon it’s the best way to slow down the Chelsea juggernaut.
Hamsik is our #10 scores and assists in huge numbers in Naples and will look to thread the play nicely here, has a lovely range of passing and that uncanny knack of arriving late into the box for his share of pot-shots.
Auba and Mandy I think will pose fan all kinds of problems, pure pace of Auba will keep Chelsea’s defence pegged back and the physical nature and work ethic of Mandzukic knocking those high diagonals down for Auba to run onto should be enough to trouble even Bonucci.
Subs:
60 mins
Pellegrini > Blind
70 mins
Lallana > Hamsik
80 mins
Papu Gomez > Mandy
posted on 25/8/17
-----------------------Lloris
Clyne---Hummels---Godin---Wendell
--------------------Casemiro
--------------Pjanic----------Radja
Salah---------------------------------Di Maria
----------------------Suarez
Subs
Hart, Hummels, Florenzi, Henderson, Coutinho, Firmino, Kane
Lloris is a commanding presence at the back, when he calls for a ball, the defence know he will take control of the situation, 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 possession to stop counter attacks, Both CB"s will communicate with each other so they are clear in where the attacking threats are. 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 3 will be to use their high energy, all action styles to get themselves around the middle of the pitch, working in collaboration with the front 3 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 respectively to drift 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 winger has the ball, the one 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 - Pjanic takes the corners, most of the time looking to have the ball at an attackable height around 8-10 yards out between 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, Salah and Di Maria flit around away from the main attacking group looking to pounce on mistimed touches and flicks around the area. Casemiro looks to limit the opposition keeper from moving too far off his line, looking to take a defender with him to create less space for the keeper and one less man in the main action area. Radja takes a position just outside the box to pick up weak clearances and go for the odd thundercunt, as well as 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 - Firmino for Di Maria - 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 - Henderson for Pjanic and Kane for Suarez - Actively time waste and really frustrate the opposition.



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



67 Mins - Hummels, Kane and Coutinho for Wendell, Casemiro and Clyne - switch to a 3-5-2 with emphasis on the wings backs acting as wingers and just pile forward in numbers.
posted on 25/8/17
forgot the red card directives
If winning and we get the red card we will take off Pjanic and play a 4-4-1
if we are losing, we will bring on Kane as well as the covering substitution and go to a 4-3-2
Hart will cover the keeper
Florenzi the full backs
Hummels the CB's
Hendo the DM
Coutinho the CM's
Firmino the Wingers
Kane the Striker
posted on 25/8/17
---------------------Forster---------------------
Sidibe----Kompany----van Dijk----Tierney
-------------W.Ndidi----Verratti--------------
Mahrez------------James--------------L.Sane
--------------------Lukaku----------------------
Butland, Keane, Morgan, Roberts, Dembele(CF), Gylfi, Tolisso
In Forster, Keane and van Dijk, few have a very strong central core to our defence like we have done in the past, these three experienced players give us a solid foundation to the team. Forster remains vigilant at all times, with his huge frame he is a tough obstacle to get through, quick on his feet for a big man and a very good shot stopper. van Dijk being the more mobile of my two centre backs will man mark the centre forward, A calm uncompromising defender, Van Dijk’s a man of considerable size & strength, Virgil commands aerial duels. One of his biggest strengths is his ability to win aerial duels defensively & provides an aerial threat going forwards too, his marking abilities are top notch also. When he has the ball he is very comfortable bringing the ball out to start from the back. Kompany beside him is robust and no nonsense, he will take care of any other business, powerful in the air and an outstanding reader of the game. Also a huge threat at set pieces so both he and VVD go up for corners leaving our fullbacks and Ndidi back. We have attacking fullbacks who will bomb up and down the pitch to support the forwards, both Sidibe and Tierney are quick and skilful for defenders so are a huge plus for us going forward, however we will be under the cosh at times so they must be robust and keep the wingers at bay and think about the runs they are making. Attack when they can,both are excellent at this and have the power and pace to get back if needed.
Ndidi offers the defence protection, he has a simple role, he will look to boss the deep midfield area and stop the attacking midfielders or indeed a No.10 or second striker. He will look to patrol that area from side to side, doesn't have to exert himself, just be clever and look to fill th spaces the opposition player will look to accommodate. He also gives Verratti time and space to control the game.
Verratti is our deep lying playmaker he can use space and time on the ball to dictate the tempo of their team's play and orchestrate the moves of the whole team, not just attacks on goal. He has great vision, technique and passing. he also has the ability to switch the play or provide long passes that pick out players making attacking runs, as well as their striking ability from distance. He has good defensive skills, passing, technique, vision and ball-winning ability, which imo make him a great all round central midfielder. James Rodriguez ahead in a No.10 role, he will operate in a free, as he can operate both in central, attacking midfield positions, as well as in wider positions on the wings.He will sit in a free role between the midfield and the Lukaku, either in the centre of the pitch or on either flank. He will often make incisive passes to the wingers or forwards, seeing them through on goal or to deliver killer crosses, as well as scoring goals themselves. He is quick, agile, and a highly technical player with good vision, shooting, passing, crossing and dribbling ability. In Verratti and James we have two players who can either combine to set Lukaku or others up or they can turn the game themselves with one monment of magic.
Mahrez and Sane are dangerous and will be a threat, Sané provides fast and direct wing play. His ability to use his physical strength and superb technique when running with the ball at pace allows him to swiftly stretch the opposition defence, often with devastating results. So along with Lukaku these two will look to form a fantastic relationship as we will need them on the best form for the majority of the season. Mahrez is also very direct but he likes to come inside and support more centrally, he is a dynamic winger who loves to go for goal so I expect him to be a huge goal threat not just today but for the season. I expect both wingers to create a lot of problems especially when Sidibe and Tierney are up supporting them. I want Sane and Mahrez to shuffle back into a midfield five when we don't have possession.
Lukaku is powerful, strong, brilliant in the air and immensely talented. He scores goals; lots of them, and in all sorts of ways. Having the likes of Verratti, James and Sane supplying for him I cant see him not scoring, he can beat defenders for pace, he can bully them, he will also have to be clever against defenders as he makes his runs trying to lose them. Mahrez will be one he looks out for running in from the right to support him.
Captain is van Dijk
Penalty taker is Lukaku
Free Kicks taken by Verratti from deep and James if going for goal
Corners by the wingers
Substitutes
If we are winning, Morgan will come on for Mahrez, James will shift out wide and Morgan into a DM role on 75 minutes, Dembele will come on for Lukaku for the final 10 mins
Tolisso for Verratti on 85 minutes
If we are losing Dembele on for Mahrez and go 442 with James wide right and Tolisso for Ndidi on 75 minutes
Drawing will see Gylfi on for Mahrez and James wide right on 70 minutes and Dembele for Lukaku on 80 minutes
posted on 25/8/17
due to an error ludes spotted, disregard the previous tactics
-----------------------Lloris
Clyne---Hummels---Godin---Wendell
--------------------Casemiro
--------------Pjanic----------Radja
Salah---------------------------------Di Maria
----------------------Suarez
Subs
Hart, Koulibaly, Florenzi, Henderson, Coutinho, Firmino, Kane
Lloris is a commanding presence at the back, when he calls for a ball, the defence know he will take control of the situation, 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 possession to stop counter attacks, Both CB"s will communicate with each other so they are clear in where the attacking threats are. 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 3 will be to use their high energy, all action styles to get themselves around the middle of the pitch, working in collaboration with the front 3 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 respectively to drift 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 winger has the ball, the one 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 - Pjanic takes the corners, most of the time looking to have the ball at an attackable height around 8-10 yards out between 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, Salah and Di Maria flit around away from the main attacking group looking to pounce on mistimed touches and flicks around the area. Casemiro looks to limit the opposition keeper from moving too far off his line, looking to take a defender with him to create less space for the keeper and one less man in the main action area. Radja takes a position just outside the box to pick up weak clearances and go for the odd thundercunt, as well as 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 - Firmino for Di Maria - 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 - Henderson for Pjanic and Kane for Suarez - Actively time waste and really frustrate the opposition.



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



67 Mins - Koulibaly, Kane and Coutinho for Wendell, Casemiro and Clyne - switch to a 3-5-2 with emphasis on the wings backs acting as wingers and just pile forward in numbers.
Reply | Add Comment | Complain
comment by Tranquil Chaos #FreeVanDijk #ButNotCoutinho (U14085)
posted 2 hours, 19 minutes ago
forgot the red card directives
If winning and we get the red card we will take off Pjanic and play a 4-4-1
if we are losing, we will bring on Kane as well as the covering substitution and go to a 4-3-2
Hart will cover the keeper
Florenzi the full backs
Koulibaly the CB's
Hendo the DM
Coutinho the CM's
Firmino the Wingers
Kane the Striker
posted on 26/8/17
STOKE CITY v Aston Villa
Line up:
Rico
Passlack Diop Gnagnon Chilwell
Cyprien Lopez Diawara Lemar
Rashford Martial
Substitutes: Dragowski; Bernardo; Fornals; Lopes; Malcom; Soler; Gelson
Captain: Rico
Penalties: Martial
Free Kicks: Lemar
Corners: Lemar
Game Plan:
We have chosen to go with the 4-4-2 formation, with one winger playing as an advanced playmaker, and the other as a wide midfielder, to give us a greater balance between defence and attack, with a view to hitting our opponents on the counter.
When Villa get the ball in our half, we want to set up with two banks of 4, with the defence just in front of the edge of the area and the midfield midway along our half of the pitch. With Diawara playing a sweeping role between the two banks and Martial sitting on the halfway line to keep their centre backs pinned back, this will allow our other midfielders and Rashford to close down play in the centre of the pitch. We are confident that we will be able to congest the middle and negate the pace and flair of the Brummies.
We want to close down the space between our midfield land defensive lines when we are really under pressure. We do not want to play the offside trap in this instance, instead focusing on getting our defenders goal side and our midfield/Rashford harassing the ball carrier to prevent them from having the space and time to pick out key passes.
We want our two full backs to tuck in close to the centre backs in this formation to minimise the ability of their striker to move around and stretch the play. With our wide midfielders tracking the runs of the Villa wingers and doubling up on them when they make a move, we are confident that we will be able to track their runs down the flank and nullify their crossing ability, and any attempts to cut inside will simply run in to too much traffic.
In the middle of the pitch, we are playing Diawara, a solid holding midfielder with a high level of composure and a good passing range, and Lopez, who has the ability to dictate tempo in the midfield, as well as getting stuck in defensively. These two will be expected to be lively in the centre, looking to press on any Villa players that attempt to carry the ball through the middle and disrupt play so that they can’t start any fluid attacks. They will also be the first line of our attack as they will be looking to regain possession in the middle of the park and immediately initiate the counter.
Villa may have some impressive attacking flair but their defence is somewhat on the slower side, particularly through the middle, which is where Rashford and Martial will be looking to get in behind. We know that we lack the height and physical presence in all but our defence to challenge in the air, and so we will be looking to play to feet or in behind and capitalise on any instances where they get caught napping with their defence too far forward. By playing a deep, counter attacking game (think in terms of Man Utd v Arsenal circa 2009) we will invite the Villa defence to come forward, which will leave a lot of space in behind and highlight major flaws in their back line.
As soon as we get hold of the ball, we will be looking to break forward quickly and in numbers. With Martial and Rashford up top, we have two players who are great at linking up play or playing off the shoulder of the last man. For this game, we want Rashford to drop off and run at the defence, allowing Martial, with his superior finishing, to play up top. Lemar will do what he does best, linking with Chilwell down the left to get low crosses into the mix to cause problems, or to wind his way into the box and get a goal himself. Cyprien will be looking to dribble forward with the ball on his flank, and can join the attack on quick counters, but will be looking to keep positional discipline for the most part, with an eye on his defensive duties at all times. He will join Lopez and Diawara, who will drop off to provide an outlet, and also to keep tabs on any potential Aston Villa quick-breaks.
By going forward quickly in numbers we will be looking to, not only, overload Villa’s defence (especially if their offensive minded full backs have ventured forward) by stretching it out and causing their players to furiously back track, but it also gives us enough players in reserve to deal with any counter-counter attacks. This will be highlighted in a zig-zag formation, with Chilwell, Diawara and Passlack as the first line and Diop and Gnagnon as the second. This serves the dual purpose of providing a bit of slack in our formation so that we can’t be undone by a long ball over the top and it also provides an outlet for our players so that Villa can’t just squeeze our attempted offensive in to one corner and stifle the attack.
I want to make it clear, also, that if we happen to lose possession in the counter, we absolutely must rush back to get in to our defensive positions and prepare for the next offensive.
Substitutions:
70 minutes: Malcom for Rashford, Fornals for Lopez - From here on in, we will play a 4-3-3 formation with Fornals and Cyprien tucking in on either side of Diawara. Lemar will continue to play as a winger with Martial up top, and Malcom will be an inside forward looking to play balls in behind for Martial to finish.
80 minutes: Bernardo for Passlack - Like for like really, but Bernardo is probably the better going forward, which we may need to grab a goal late on.
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