------------------------- De Gea --------------------------
Carvajal ----- Bonucci ------ Sanchez ----- A.Sandro
---------------- Khedira ------ Busquets ----------------
Callejon ------------ Griezmann -------------- Sterling
------------------------ S.Aguero -------------------------

Heaton, Danilo, Ceballos, Alli, Jesus, Poulsen, Pogba

We want to play high tempo football, quick short passing only going long if we really need to. Use the width of the pitch, playing quick one-twos, neat triangles to get beyond the opposition. if they play 541 then push there wingbacks back and reduce the numbers they have high up the pitch, if they play 451 then always get in amongst them when they have the ball. Its all about possession football, keeping it, playing the quick passing amongst each other waiting for the opportunity to strike, wether that be out wide or through the middle

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

Bonucci in beside Sanchez, on this occassion Sanchez will man mark the CF. He is a very cultured defender who is quick and skillfull for a CB, with great marking abilities, powerfully built so marking the CF should be no trouble as he has to man up to him, will keep him away from goal and be on to him quickly as he comes forward so he can intercept any though he has of going for goal. He must show commitment and not be fearful of the strikers skills. 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. If he has to help his defensive partner with the striker they simply double up on him. 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.

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

We have a very industrious pairing in the middle, a big game partnership, Busquets he Is there 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.

Griezmann at No.10 is fast and direct he will be looking to support Aguero as much as possible and will be driving the Everton players back which also stops them becoming a threat, like said he is quick and direct and tricky on the ball. Spread the play, he is in a free No.10 role so at times may even find himself switching with Callejon or Sterling to break their defence up. Will at times also switch with Aguero, again this is to confuse there defence and get them out of position.
He is also a very hard working fella so look to annoy there DM and make him hurry his passes or lose possession
Sterling and Callejon 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. Both will look to drive down the line and keep it to the outside making them come to them I want them playing like proper wingers spreading the play and essentially taking players out wide with them to leave gaps for our central two. Whip in dangerous crosses for others to attack, not always high balls as we don't really have a great deal of height in open play so llo to drive the ball in for the front two to nick in in front of slower defenders They both also loves to cut into have a pop at goal. When they have the ball look to stick close to fullbacks/wingbacks and stop them coming forward, track the fullbacks and use pace to get back and in around there faces to stop them becoming a threat. Always be looking for Griezmann inside as the four make an awesome quartet in behind Aguero and a scary proposition for there slowish back line both wingers are capable of moving centrally if Griezmann comes wide and support Aguero.

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

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

Subs

Losing -
70 Mins - Gabriel Jesus for Aguero go up top with Griezmann 442
80 Mins - Pogba for Khedira, Poulsen for Sandro, Carvajal makes up a 3 man defence in a 343, Poulsen is a target man as we go long looking for him to win some high balls

Winning -
70 Mins - Danilo for Aguero, Griezmann up top, Danilo go in along side Busquets
80 Mins - Jesus for Griezmann, run at everything

Drawing -
70 Mins - Jesus for Aguero
80 Mins - Pogba for Khedira, Poulsen for Callejon

Attacking 4-3-3

In good form, we look to play our usual game and take the game to Wolves, controlling possession with an energetic midfield trio. We aim to target Wolves centre-backs with a front 3 full of pace, on the ball and off it.

With our midfield fb offering an option out wide. On the ball the wingers have freedom to take on their man in the opposition half.

At the back, Musacchio gets the nod as we feel a sweeper type cb that reads the play well is trio, full of energy and two players fantastic at controlling possession, we want to dictate the tempo of the game. Thiago and Koke will look to attack and create. Get them on the ball and get pushing up the pitch, they are used to being on the offensive and playing in tight spaces, so we look to them to pick the passes. But if they play a high line they can pick the passes through or over the top to expose the space behind them.

The defence will be patient on the ball, as you'd expect they will be hugely important in keeping possession. But as soon as we get the ball to our midfield, we look to move the ball quickly, quick passing and moving. We have a lot of players with the ability to beat a man, play quick neat one twos and expose the Wolves defence. We let our attacking players have attacking freedom in the final third.

In attack we play with width to stretch the game and open up Wolves. One fb bombing forward at a time. In the final third the wingers have freedom to come inside, freedom to find space off the ball and to look for ball. Look to get away from their marker, central or wide wherever they can find space and get on the ball.

In midfield, Kante reading the play looking to win the ball back as the dm, Koke will offer another energetic presence next to him with Thiago also important defensively being in the right position to intercept Wolves's play.


------------------------ Neuer
Azpilicueta - Otamendi – Musacchio - Marcelo
------------------------ Kante
-------------- Thiago.A ------ Koke
Asensio ----------------------------------- Hazard
----------------------- Ronaldo

Subs. Schmeichel, Blind, Danilo.P, Xhaka, Douglas Costa, Correa, Diego Costa

Key to our attack is quick attacking play. Predominantly short passing on the deck, but varying our play when a counter is on.

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. Looking to stop any attacks before they begin.

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. Then get forward quickly.

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

As Wolves advance into higher areas of the park and into our half, our shape will resemble a 4-1-4-1. Our wingers will track any forward runs made by their fbs, and Kante presses the space in front of our cbs, look to stop their AM having any space and taking him out the game.

In this tight formation narrowing to the side of play, ensuring there are no gaps in the formation. Kante will be key, reading the play in between the defence and midfield, getting across to cut out any danger. Koke picks up the most advanced cm. The winger opposite play comes inside and sits on their deepest cm while Thiago presses the space next to and in front of Kante.

In this formation pushing them backwards and wide away from danger. Force them to take risks.

Our fb’s have fantastic pace up against their wide forwards, bide their time, not diving in.

Attack.
Get the ball to our midfield trio, get them linking up with quick passing, getting the ball to our wingers and get balls into Ronaldo. The trio's movement will be key in opening up the opposition defence.

The cm trio seeking to collect the ball from the defence, and seeking to start our attacks from the back. Spreading play, and setting the tempo of the game.

Thiago and Koke controlling the game in possession for us. Looking to find space between their defence and midfield.

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

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

Subs. If winning after 70 mins bring on Diego Costa for Ronaldo. Big man to come on and give their cb nightmares.
If winning after 74 mins bring on Xhaka for Koke. Bring fresh energy to cm and give the attackers more freedom.
If winning after 78 mins bring on Douglas Costa for Asensio. Fresh pace.

If drawing after 67 mins bring on Douglas Costa for Koke. DC goes right, Asensio to cm.
If drawing after 77 mins bring on Diego Costa for Hazard. Ronaldo left.
If drawing after 82 mins bring on Correa for Asensio, goes up top.

If losing after 60 mins bring on Douglas Costa for Koke. Asensio to cm.
If losing after 66 mins bring on Diego Costa for Asensio. Two up top.
If losing after 80 mins bring on Correa for Marcelo. 3-3-4.

Arsenal vs Everton
Injuries: Rugani, Matuidi, Deulofeu, Lallana + Berardi suspended

………………………………………Buffon………………………………
Vidal……………Marquinhos…………Romagnoli………….Rodriguez
…………………………Rodri……………….Neves………………………..
Mboula………………………….Hamsik……………………Lo Celso
…………………………………………Auba……………………………………

Subs: Pickford, De Sciglio, De Vrij, Benassi, Barella, Mandzukic, Simeone

A bit of green side by our usual standards, injuries have hit us and we’ve changed the system to accommodate the youngsters needing games. We’ve had a tough start to the season and we need to stop the rot and pick up some decent points to get back into the Europa League hunt.

Not sure how Jet’s likely to line-up or in what system so we’re going with a pro-active 4-2-31, play off the front four and try to take a foothold in the game.

Usually the 4-2-3-1 is a wide open system BUT with our two wingers I think it’ll be more of an “arrow-head” lay-out with Mboula and Lo Celso coming inside naturally I want them occupying the space between Evertons Centre and Full backs. This then allows Rodriguez and Vidal to play their natural cavalier football, should get us some nice numerical advantages – not to mention that freeing up some space for Hamsik to operate in.

Defensively my side pretty much picks itself Gigi Buffon is still up there with the top tier goalkeepers and he will command his box and organise his defence. Cool calm and collected.
Marquinhos and Romagnoli may both be young but both have over 100 top-flight games under their belts – IF Everton go one up top, then Marquinhos is the destroyer at the back who marks him allowing Roma to play like his idol (Nesta) good on the ball and an excellent reader of the game this has the makings of a solid partnership.
Vidal and Rodriguez complement each other beautifully both will go or both will stay I want symmetry in this side alla “Sarri” both are far better going forwards than defensively but both are quick enough to get back and put a shift in.

Centre-mid is an area of work that needs attention but we’ve taken a punt on the next-gen stepping up and I think we have a partnership that could work. Rodri comes in as the pure DM, will keep it simple put a foot in and recycle the ball, nothing flash but he doesn’t need to be. Neves is our deep-lying playmaker, have been impressed with him at Wolves, his range of passing and the sheer amount of touches is well documented but what impresses me more is his willingness to fly into tackles – no question of him going missing on a cold night.
Hamsik is back in his rightful place as our #10 – he’s another hard worker and he’ll help us press from the front, put Everton under pressure initially and stop the transitional play, with our wingers tucked in, there’s no simple out-ball from the back to the midfield which will force Everton to go long, just gifts us the ball and allows us to go again.

Subs 60 mins:
Mandzukic > Lo Celso, change of style adds a bit of brute force to proceedings


Benassi > Rodri, brings in another ball player, should link well as part of the Neves-Hamsik-Benassi Triumvirate

-----------------------Lloris
Clyne----Hummels----Godin----Rose
--------------------Casemiro
--------------Pjanic----------Radja
Salah---------------------------------Mane
----------------------Suarez
Subs
Hart, Koulibaly, Bertrand, Keita, Di Maria, Coutinho, 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 Coutinho 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 - Keita for Pjanic - The wingers tuck back, but look to get out quickly and counter if the opposition over-commit for a route back into the game.




82 + 86 Mins - Coutinho for Radja and Di Maria for Salah - Actively time waste and really frustrate the opposition.



If Drawing
70 Mins - Keita for Casemiro - 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 Rose, Casemiro and Clyne - switch to a 3-5-2 with emphasis on the wings backs acting as wingers and just pile forward in numbers.

---------------------Forster----------------------
Walker-----Rudiger-----van Dijk-----Kolarov
-----------Bakayoko------Verratti--------------
Mahrez-------------James---------------L.Sane
---------------------Lukaku-----------------------

Butland, Sidibe, Dembele, Can, Roberts, Morata, Moussa

In Forster, Rudiger and van Dijk, we have three players that 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. Rudiger 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 Bakayoko back. We have attacking fullbacks who will bomb up and down the pitch to support the forwards, both Kolarov and Walker 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. Stay as a tight line when we are defending, Birmingham have real quality up front but if we stick to our task and stay powerful and strong we can make it really difficult for them today. When we have the ball at the back and play it long, look to use the channels for the attackers to find space and play it into the empty spaces.

Bakayoko 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 relationship that will get us the goals throughout 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 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, James and Sane supplying for him I cant see him not scoring, he will also have to be clever against defenders, time his runs to perfection and get a yard on defenders to try and slip in and be through on goal. His hold up play when his back is to goal is very good and will bring othes into the game if he is over crowded or cant get his shot away.

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, Moussa Dembele the midfielder will come on for Mahrez on 75 minutes with james moving out to the right, Dembele will drop in to midfield and Sidibe will come on for Kolarov at the same time and on 80 minutes Morata will replace Lukaku

If we are losing then Morata will replace Mahrez with James again going right and we play 442, Dembele will come on for Bakayoko as well on 75 minutes on 80 minutes Dembele the striker will come on for Kolarov and we play 343

If we are drawing then Morata for Lukaku, Dembele for Bakayoko and Roberts for Mahrez 3 changes to freshen things up, no change in formation

-----------------Cech
Soares---Glik----Luiz--Bernat
---------Krychowiak---Kondogbia
Walcott-----------Payet---------Iwobi
------------------ Paco

Subs: Gunn, Holding, Reidewald, Ramsey, Gabbiadini, Ghezzal, Falcao

Subs:

Falcao for Paco - 65 mins
Ramsey for Payet - 70 mins
Gabbiadini for Ghezzal - 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

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

Weiser, Kempf, Schopf, Forsberg

---------------------------Horn
Toljan-----------Stark------------Süle---------Plattenhardt
------------------Biglia-----------Dahoud
-------Coman----------Ziyech-------------Pjaca
-----------------------Ibrahimovic

Subs: Pollersbeck, Augustinsson, Geis, de Jong, Suárez, Milik, Isak


Our defensive unit consists of Niklas Stark and Niklas Süle 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 Kingsley Coman, Hakim Ziyech and Marko Pjaca as our band of three attacking midfielders with Zlatan Ibrahimovic 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 Kingsley Coman and Marko Pjaca, 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 Pjaca, Coman or Ibrahimovic in via fast passing combinations.

Ibrahimovic is a formidable centre forward and he possesses 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
Milik on for Ibrahimovic and Geis on for Biglia

------------------- Ederson
Juanfran -- Varane --- Javi.M -- Laporte
------------ Rabiot ------ Gundogan
O.Dembele ------------------------ A.Sanchez
------ Lewandowski ----- Werner

Meret, Tah, Oxlade, Vidal, Eriksen, De Bruyne, Mertens

Possesion based with urgency, keep the ball on the deck and play with pace and width.

Gone in with a side full of ball players that are comfortable in possession, Brighton traditionally like to press high up the pitch and hold a high line so make them chase and exploit holes in their final third.

Werner comes into the side off the back of his excellent form, forms a great partnership with Lewa and will always look to link up and get in behind.

Look to use our pace on the counter often, sit deep and pick them off when they come forward, transitioning from defence to attack within seconds.

4-2-2-2, 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.

Rabiot and Gundogan, 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. They should look to sit deep and dictate the tempo of the game whilst oppressing the opposition midfielders and covering every blade of grass out there.

When attacking, Rabiot 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.

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 two footed, 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 Lewandowski can drop deep allowing Sanchez 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.

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 Werner to run into beyond.

When Brighton are in possession we will look to get 10 men the ball and look to press. Don’t allow them to play out from the back and hurry their passes. Our attackers form a duo (Lewa and Werner) 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, Rabiot man-man their AM, Gundogan 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 4-4-2, our two in mf working to minimise the space in midfield zones and preventing them from finding their attackers. Our wingers track 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. Gundogan can come up to support the play. The front 4 burst forward.

Subs:
IF WINNING: 70th minute – (4-2-3-1)
- Vidal > Gundogan
- De Bruyne > Werner
Vidal sits deep and look to work in a mf duo with Rabiot, De Bruyne use his creativity to get our attackers in behind.

IF DRAW: 70th minute – 4-3-3
- Eriksen > Werner
- Mertens > Lewandowski
Mertens onto lead the attack, clinical. We get a extra mf on in Eriksen, looking to win the ball back quickly if we lose it and playing with urgency.

IF LOSING: 75th minute – (4-1-4-1 - direct)
- De Bruyne > Gundogan
- Eriksen > Werner
Eriksen and De Bruyne on looking to attack.
Get the ball into the box and look for an equalizer.

C - Lewandowski
FK's - A.Sanchez
Corners - A.Sanchez
Pens - Lewandowski

Red card (4-4-1), sit deep with men behind the ball and look to play on the counter. Werner off in all cases.
- Ederson, (Werner off, Meret on)
- FB's, (Werner off, Ox on)
- CB's, (Werner off, Tah on)
- CM's (Werner off, Vidal on)
- Wingers (Werner off, De Bruyne on)
- ST - no change

BRUM VS Spurs

-------------------------------Lafont-----------------------------------
Hysaj------------Bailly---------Vertonghen------------Alonso
------------------------------Carvalho--------------------------------------------
----------------Sanson-------------------Brozovic------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Willian----------------------Llorente-----------------------Mbappe

Subs - Batalla, Kjaer, Bentaleb, Depay, Balde Keita, Benteke, Vardy

CAPTAIN - VERT
CK'S - BROZOVIC
FK'S - WILLIAN
PENALTIES - MBAPPE

Continuing with the 433 against Spurs this week. This formation is solid in defence with 1 DM and 2 CM'S but also very attacking with 2 wingers. The main strategy will be to use our pacy wingers to target the Spurs left back, the slow Kolarov. Keep swapping wings and confuse him and we'll get some joy from his side. I want us to play a deep defensive line while defending. Vertonghen and Bailly will look to stick close to Lukaku and both are not afraid to get physical to stop him.When we have the ball I want the team to play pass and move football. Don't stay static, try and get in behind the oppo defence as there is a lot of pace in our attacking players. When we don't have the ball I want the team to defend from the front line and pressure the oppo and try and win possession back. Do this in fits and bursts as it is a tiring tactic.

Defence
Lafont to stay confident, stay vocal with defence when your coming to collect the ball. Quickly throw ball to Mbappe so we can counter. The defence is well balanced. Bailly and Vertonghen are an excellent partnership and bring experience at the back. Vertonghen brings that old school no nonsense defending. Stay strong and if the opposition play 1 up front than stay close to him and not let him turn. Bailly has the pace to cover the whole back line. Full backs will start of with a conservative mind set and not attack too much but as the game goes on I want them to make overlapping runs and get some crosses in to the box.

Defence Mid
William Carvalho
Carvalho Main role will be to cover for our full backs when they are attacking. When we have the ball Carvalho will just stick in the centre of the pitch acting as a shield to the CB's and to stop any potential counter attack from happening.

Centre Mids
Sanson + Brozovic
These 2 will play a b2b role. When Sanson attacks, Brozovic stays back to defend and vice versa. Close the oppo AM down and don't let the other team have any time on the ball in the centre of midfield. Brozovic has the ability to pick out a pass while Sanson is an engine which can run all day long. They complement each other perfectly.

Wingers
Willian + Mbappe
Willian is a pacy winger, he is a very good dribbler and is very good at keeping hold of the ball. Play quick passes and try and carve open the oppo defence with intricate play. Be ready for the counter attack as both are deadly on them. Willian will look to get to the byline and get some crosses in. Confuse the oppo left back by twisting and turning. I want you both to help track back and help the full backs when they are in our half of the pitch. Mbappe will be given a free role on the left wing today aka Cristiano Ronaldo irl. I want him firstly to test the Arsenal right back, take him on using your pace and dribbling ability. But I also want him to swap wings with Willian and target the slow Kolarov. Mix things up by going on the outside and cutting in. You will have less defensive duties than Willian as I want you to stay upfield where you are at your most dangerous. Carvalho will look to give some extra cover to Alonso to help balance this setup.

Strike
Fernando Llorente
I want you to use your strength to hold the ball up and bring your teammates into play. Be vary of crosses into the box as that is your forte, scoring headers. When you are holding play up, be aware of Mbappe drifting in and play him through if he makes an attacking run into the box.

Subs if LOSING BY 65MINS
Put on Vardy for Llorente. Also bring on Keita for Brozovic and Calvert Lewin for Hysaj. Play a very high line and try and get a goal with the below 3atb formation. Vardy to target tired legs of oppo.

------------------------------Lafont-----------------------------------
----------------Bailly-------Vertonghen------Alonso-------------
------------------------------Carvalho--------------------------------------------
Willian---------------------Sanson------------------------------------Lewin
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------Keita------Vardy-----Mbappe-----------------

Subs if WINNING BY 65MINS
Take off Llorente and put on Vardy, he offers better defensive abilities. Take off Willian and bring on another CB, Kjaer and play 5atb ultra defensive with everyone except Mbappe in our own half defending for their lives. Bentaleb on for Brozovic aswell. When we have the ball just hoof it forward for Mbappe to use his pace to get to.

------------------------------Lafont-----------------------------------
Hysaj--------Bailly----Kjaer-----Vertonghen------Alonso
------------Sanson--------Carvalho--------Bentaleb---------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------Vardy-----------Mbappe------------------------

Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Llorente off for Vardy
Brozovic off for Bentaleb
Willian off for Keita

ASTON VILLA

Oblak
Jones Alderweireld Boateng
Aurier Modric N’Zonzi Zielinski Davies
Benzema Cavani

SUBS: Chesney, Matic, Fabregas, Mkhitaryan, Robben, Bernardo, Reus

In defence we play Jones Alderweireld and Boateng today. Alderweireld will play on the centre and act as the playmaker in chief. He will position himself to receive from the keeper and defenders and is often the free-man. He will have more time on the ball to play vertically to the forwards. Jones and Boateng will position well during the build up and stretch as wide as possible to give opposition more horizontal ground to cover in their pressing. We expect the nullify Liverpools pressing on our back line this way. Aurier and Davies will run up and down the sides and play their natural games, displaying their great defensive and offensive abilities.

N’Zonzi will position himself deep in midfield to press the opposition and control the deeper areas in midfield. He will be supported by Modric and Zielinski on his sides. Modric provides the guile and will link with the final third, and play his natural game in controlling the tempo of the match. Zielinski will provide the legs dragging the team forwards when attacking and pulling the team backwards when defending.

In attack I will pair Benzema and Cavani together with Benzema the deeper player, playing his natural game to link midfield and striker together. Benzema's role is very crucial to how we play as we need his movements to disrupt the flow of Liverpools game plan, and most importantly his goal scoring instincts.

I expect Liverpool to be very compact, and therefore we will move the ball to try and move the opposition, to create any sort of disorganisation. The point of our build up at the back is to invite pressure. By moving the ball in deeper areas sideways with the centre backs as wide as possible, we should trigger Liverpool's press. We will use the ball as a 'carrot'. We will move the ball from right to left and back to the right after Liverpool collectively shifting to that side, allowing us to attack their un-loaded area.

Each player has their own important roles to play. N’Zonzi as the deep midfielder is important in the first build up phase either directly by moving the ball from the back or indirectly by occupying markers and opening up passing lanes for the centre halves. This should allow our back line to have time to move the ball into the forward areas. Boateng and Jones should have a lot of space to move forward to and provide good diagonal angles for Alderweireld to pass to. Modric and Zielinski won't contribute much in this phase, their aim is to create space and not receive the ball from the centre halves. They will spread out to the wide areas to occupy the flanks and half spaces leaving a lot of space centrally. This is so we can pull their defences into wider areas create space centrally for Benzema and Cavani to drop in the lines to receive.

Zielinski will need good off the ball movement today, whether running directly with the ball or indirectly he will need to open up spaces for his teammates and himself. Wing backs are normally bypassed in the buildup and will be high up the pitch to pin back their wingbacks to help create space in deeper areas for better circulation of the ball. Modric will be like a 'half-wing' and because he is press resistant he is very hard to dispossess. His starting position will be aggressive and mainly occupy the last third. We will use overloads and combinations in half spaces and on the flanks to maintain possession. It is crucial that the ball carrier has many angles and options for a pass in Liverpool's confined area.

The main way we defend is by controlling the centre of the pitch and pressing at the right moments. Pressing starts with the forwards with their aggressive movements and moving horizontally to press their centre halves. As the forwards press, the rest of the team moves up the pitch to restrict space to reduce time and space they have. A team with poor spacing and players who can't build up under pressure will be forced to play aimless long balls that my defenders will recover easily. Defending is all about controlling space and our players will move together in a compact block in pressing. We can switch to a 4-5-1 if Liverpool decide they want to attack down our sides during their spell of dominance

Jones Alderweireld Boateng Davies
Aurier Modric N’Zonzi Zielinski Cavani
Benzema

Or

Aurier jones Alderweireld Boateng
Cavani Modric N’Zonzi Zielinski Davies
Benzema

and immediately switch back to a 3-5-2 after possession is regained. By dropping into a back four at times allows us defensive stability defending the wide areas so we don't suffer from an overload. The ball-near wingback pushes high to press the ball while the far side wingback drops into the backline to make it a back four, allowing our midfield to maintain central positions and control the middle. Off the ball our defenders will be very man-orientated on Liverpool’s forwards. Alderweireld can press very high during Liverpool’s build up following their striker’s movements, for example.

We may also employ pressing traps depending on how Liverpool play, we will lure them into a gap on the sides as we pack the centre so that we can press them, forcing them to either circulate the ball back (which by that time one of our forwards would have sprinted to cut off his closest passing lane) or we regain possession.

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 Matic for Zielinski.

75 - Modric's legs may tire towards the end of the game so we bring on Fabregas in his place, and maybe pick out passes.

80 - Robben for Benzema, same reason as above.

Drawing/Losing
65 - Clearly we need to change it up a bit, therefore we take off Zielinski and bring on Mkhitaryan.

75 - If we're still not winning, we bring on Robben for Jones, go 4-4-2:

Aurier Alderweireld Boateng Davies
Robben N'Zonzi Modric Mkhitaryan
Benzema Cavani

85 - Reus for Benzema, Reus knows how to stick the ball in the net.

If we get into a winning position after any of the drawing/losing subs, we stick with 4-4-2 to make sure that we have two banks of four to effectively defend the lead, while playing on the counter attack.

Comment deleted by Site Moderator

——————————Courtois
Conti———Christensen——Umtiti———R.Pereira
————————-——Gagliardini
——————Tolisso——————Guerreiro
Bernardeschi—————Belotti—————Dybala

Subs: Begovic, Lindelof, Thomas, Tielemans, Milinkovic-Savic, Philipp, Icardi

Captain: Thibaut Courtois
Free Kicks: Paulo Dybala
Corners: Corentin Tolisso/Federico Bernardeschi
Penalties: Paulo Dybala

We look to play with vertical and horizontal compactness today in order to facilitate quick transitions between defence and attack, keeping a 4-4-2 shape off the ball and keeping our 3 lines of defence closely knit in order to allow us to squeeze and win possession back efficiently whenever the ball is lost. If we lose it in the final third, we congest with a high lines, if we lose it in the middle third we have a medium block etc. The aim of our press is to limit Villa’s ability to play vertically, force them to build up in wider areas where we can defend 2 v 2 rather than being outnumbered, as well as allowing for easier overloads of these areas, both in deep defensive phases, and counter attacks. To force them wide, the CFs (Dybala and Belotti) must initiate a fake press, there job is to form a block around Nzonzi so that Villa can’t use him in possession, whilst the ball near CF can also look to press the half spaces so that the CBs can’t carry forward, that then allows our 2nd line (Bernadeschi and Guerreiro narrow to Tolisso and Gagliarfini, to cover off the CMs, Tolisso and Gagliardini going zonal in the centre, getting tight to them and the wider two making the central zone congested, whilst also dealing witht he wider zones when they need to, whilst the back four also keep narrow covering off the central area. We allow Villa’s CBs easy possession, we dont need to engage with them other than in the half spaces, even if they split wide, let them have the ball wide, they aren’t going to hurt us from there, instead focus on blocking the route to the middle.

The combination of the 1st line fake press and the 2nd and 3rd line zonal congestion means that when players receive possession in the middle, they will have to do so on the run and instead of with time to make progressive vertical passes, they will be rushed, with the wide men and CFs there to win the second balls from any loose play by the CMs. There will be moderate levels of pressing and marking in the middle, dont break our own shape, focus instead on zonal compactness, keeping enough pressure on just to force them to rush riskier, longer passes into the final third, witht he CBs stopping the forwards and the FBs there, narrow, to pick up the 2nd balls. When we force them wide then we can really engage with high pressure, the wide midfielder will come out to initiate the pressure, going man to man with the FB, with our FB also pushing up to shut down the space for vertical passing, and the ball near CF and CM narrowing to play to stop the horizontal passes into midfield(opposite side winger tucks in to give us 3 CMs in these phases), force them against the touchline and win the ball back. This system works no matter where we lose it on the field, even in deeper areas we continue with the zonal moderate press, squeeze space instead of the man on the ball.

The most effecient way for us to attack today is the counter attack, springing from our 4-4-2 into a 4-3-3, with the bonus that we already have two CFs in offensive positions off the ball as they are either side of the DM, and can be found quickly with more direct balls down the sides of Nzonzi, with Guerreiro and Bernardeschi able to join the attacks quickly. Likewise if we win it out wide we have space to run into, with the CF on that side already there ready to exploit behind the opposition FB, with his fellow CF and the wide man thats been tucked into the centre there also free to run into space on the non congested side of the field, with the wide man on the side of attack able to burst forward too, this way we always counter with 3-4 players against their back line.

At times we have to build up more patiently, instead of looking to do this in the central areas, we do so down the flanks, mainly the left, and the half spaces. We get the ball out to Pereira and from there Umtiti drops deeper, behind Pereira as the low risk option(he can go longer into Belotti if we can’t beat the press), and Guerreiro running in behind the man pressing Pereira on the flank, looking to drag one of the CMs away to cover this pass, which allows Dybala to drop into the left half space. Tolisso, Gagliardini and Christensen can then form a triangle, with Christensen at the base and the other two slightly advanced operating as registers, it is there job to keep the passes circulating, receiving the ball from Pereira when the press is dragged wider, and looking to link as a three to open up a diagonal passing lane into Dybala, or a ball over the top for Guerreiro behind the FB. Conti and Berardeschi will push higher up on the right, giving us a switch of play if needed. Once the ball is in the half space we look to overload the left with Dybala and Guerreiro overlapping and underlapping each other, Pereira staying back so theres no option of a counter, instead pushing the RB and RW right up the field so we can overload the less compacted flank, with Conti stretching the back line and Bernadeschi coming to play in the half space, essentially we become a 3-4-3 looking to overload the half spaces and the flanks then get the ball into Bellotti. Christensen and Pereira can step forward from CB, closer to and sometimes overlapping Tolisso and Gagliardini to give us lots of overloads in the wider areas of midfield.





Subs:

If Winning: Thomas and Savic for Bernardeschi and Guerreiro 70’, add extra energy to our 2nd line of defence as well as more power. Lindeloff for Dybala 80’, 5-4-1.

If Drawing: Savic for Pereira 50’, Guerreiro to LB and Savic into the midfield, we can start to press higher up the field for a 15 minute spell, when their CBs split, press them in the wide areas with the midfifielders and push the FBs forward into the midfield line, really force them onto the back foot in build up phases with a 2-4-4. Thomas for Tolisso 65’, back to a 4-4-2 press, Thomas for the extra energy, wait for Villa to over commit and then punish them with our pace on the break. Icardi for Bernardeschi 75’, Icardi up front with Dybala when defending, Belotti on the right, when we attack 4-3-1-2.

If Losing: Lindelof and Icardi for Conti and Pereira 50’, 3-4-1-2 with Bernardschi and Guerreiro as WBs to really push Villa back. Savic for Gagliardini 65’, more offensive minded midfielder.

STOKE CITY VS Chelsea

Line Up:

Rico
Passlack Elvedi Hoedt Jorge
Cyprien Kovacic Fornals Lemar
Rashford Martial

Substitutes: Dragowski; Bernardo; Diop; Soler; Gelson; Malcom; Lopez

Captain: Rico
Penalties: Martial
Set pieces: Lemar


Game Plan:

We will look to triple mark whomever has the ball in any area of the pitch – with one player closing down the ball, one player cutting off space and the last player marking the closest man. By triple-marking at all times, we not only increase the effectiveness with which we can apply pressure to the opposition but we also reduce the amount each individual player has to run, thus allowing them to keep the high tempo game running for longer than if we were single man pressing.

By pressing high and in numbers we can minimise the space in which Chelsea can play. When Chelsea play from the back, Kovacic will look to intercept the space in between the two centre backs and cut off the option of a cross-field ball while Rashford will close down the man with the ball. If the right-sided centre back has the ball then our left winger will close down the right back while our midfielders will press closer as well, and vice versa with the other side of the pitch. The aim here is to limit the playing space our opponents have, which forces them to move the ball back to the keeper, move the ball long or move it in to the centre where our CMs, our wingers and our forwards can close down the space quickly and force them in to hasty decisions. If they manage to move the ball out wide, then our full backs will look to push up (depending on which side of the pitch the ball is on) to close down the space while our winger on that side challenges for the ball and the closest centre mid closes down the passing lanes.

The battle for the centre of the pitch will be pivotal today and it is where our fluid formation comes in to play. If Chelsea manage to win possession in the centre of the pitch then we have three tenacious midfielders in Cyprien, Fornals and Kovacic ready to come in with the challenge. As always, one will go in for the challenge and one will cover passing lanes through the middle. Rashford will drop deep to harass the ball carrier from behind, forcing them to stay back and also acting as an outlet for a quick breakaway. Our wingers will come deeper and slightly narrower while our full backs will attempt to press forwards as well and give as little space for the Chelsea players to play in to. With fast centre backs in Hoedt and Elbrus present, we needn’t worry about long balls over the top as these two have the athletic ability to cover.

Perhaps the most important aspect of playing a high pressing game is that, when we win back possession, we mustn’t give it away cheaply. Too many times do you see a side play the defensive aspect of the game perfectly, only to ruin it by playing sloppily, getting caught and conceding on the counter. That is why we have lined up with a technically gifted side as well as one with high stamina and determination. Each player in this team is capable of playing a possession based game and, when we have the ball, this is what we will do.

We want to stretch the Chelsea line as much as possible. We anticipate that they will get numbers behind the ball when they’re not in possession so we will have to make holes in their line. Behind Rashford, we have some very technically gifted forwards in Martial and Lemar. Each of these players can play along the line and they will be given that freedom to swap positions, come deep and make runs in behind as they look to pull the Chelsea players out of position. Rashford, himself, is adept at making clever runs and he will be constantly playing off the shoulders of the defenders, never staying still so that they can’t be complacent about where he is.

Behind these forwards we have Cyprien, Fornals and Kovacic, who are both terrific going forward and have a great passing range in them. These three will be pivotal for us as they look to spread the ball around the pitch, retain possession when there is no forward option, and get forward themselves. Both will be given the freedom to push forward whenever there is an opening.

The role our full backs play will be to provide wide support for our forwards on the overlap, stretching the play and forcing Chelsea's defence to play wide as well. This will create more holes in their defence for our forwards to exploit. In the centre, Hoedt and Elvedi will push up the pitch – not quite to the halfway line but close – where they will be able to recycle possession and switch play if our attack hits a dead end. Our players will be reminded just before kick-off to probe for an opening and not to force something that isn’t there. Wearing down our opposition is more effective than being caught on the break. However, and not quite contradictory to our game plan, if we are to win the ball back due to our pressing game high up the pitch, then we will attack quickly and in numbers as we will catch them on the back foot. In these instances, the technical brilliance and quick interplay of our forwards will punish the Chelsea defence.

Substitutions:

70 minutes: Gelson Martins for Cyprien

75 minutes: Maxime Lopez for Fornals

80 minutes: Malcom for Rashford

WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS v Leicester City

Injuries: Trippier, Baines, Milner, Kenedy

(4-3-2-1)
Ter Stegen
Cancelo - Mustafi - Pepe - Hector
A Herrera - Strootman - R Sanches
D Silva - HM Son
Higuain

Subs: Rulli, Smalling, Mathieu, Cuadrado, Lucas, Jese, Immobile

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

A very tough game today, but we can get at this Leicester side if we are very strict and stick to our gameplan, so I feel we can target them on the flanks and create chances for Higuain to finish.

Christmas comes early as we are playing a 4-3-2-1 today, Ter Stegen in goal, Cancelo, Mustafi, Pepe and Hector across the back four, Herrera, Strootman and Sanches marshal the midfield, with David Silva and Son the main support for Higuain upfront.

This game is about controlling the tempo and giving us the best chance of getting three points today. Leicester are obviously strong and our best hope is to be strong, disciplined and keep our concentration levels at maximum.

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 Mustafi to pick up the second striket 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 Leicester wingers out wide, do not allow them to come inside as this will cause more problems for our midfield. They will want to cut inside so force them outside and block their crosses at source. They will try to create problems infield so its vital you only show them down the wing. If they play a diamond with no wingers you will need to form a narrow back four with the CB's and leave no spaces in behind. When we have possession, push forward and support Silva/Son 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/Sanches. You will need to track back very quickly to ensure we don't get caught on the break.

Herrera/Strootman/Sanches - Herrera playing the box to box role, assist Strootman in dealing with the Leicester 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. Sanches will be the most attacking of the three, link the midfield to Silva, Son and Higuain, marauding forward when required but also able to drop back alongside Herrera and Strootman when we don't have the ball.

Silva/Son - Both playing as wide AM's, and both have the trickery to beat the Leicester fullbacks and get crosses in, but both of you will also have our fullback overlapping giving you the chance to cut inside and get shots in. Look to supply Higuain with chances and also provide yourselves with chances. Link up with Herrera/Sanches, 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.

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

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

Subs 70 mins;
If winning: Silva off, Cuadrado on. Switch to a more conventional 4-5-1, Cuadrado to RM, Son drops back to LM. Look to absorb pressure and hit Leicester on the break.

If drawing: Strootman off, Lucas on. Change to 4-2-3-1, Herrera and Sanches in midfield, Lucas - Silva - Son behind Higuain upfront. Push for the winner.

If losing: Mustafi and Strootman off, Lucas and Immobile on. Change to a 3-1-4-2, Cancelo - Pepe - Hector, Herrera the playmaker, Lucas - D Silva - Sanches - Son behind Higuain - Immobile upfront. Push for goals.

----------------------- De Gea ------------------------
Carvajal ---- Bonucci ---- Manolas ---- A.Sandro
--------------- Khedira ---- Busquets ---------------
Callejon ---------- Griezmann ------------ Neymar
----------------------- Aguero -------------------------

Gudino, Danilo, Sanchez, Pogba, Sterling, Jesus, Poulsen

We want to play high tempo football, quick short passing only going long if we really need to. Use the width of the pitch, playing quick one-twos, neat triangles to get beyond the opposition. if they play 541 then push there wingbacks back and reduce the numbers they have high up the pitch, if they play 451 then always get in amongst them when they have the ball. Its all about possession football, keeping it, playing the quick passing amongst each other waiting for the opportunity to strike, wether that be out wide or through the middle

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

Bonucci in beside Manolas, on this occassion Sanchez will man mark the CF. He is a very cultured defender who is quick and skillfull for a CB, with great marking abilities, powerfully built so marking the CF should be no trouble as he has to man up to him, will keep him away from goal and be on to him quickly as he comes forward so he can intercept any though he has of going for goal. He must show commitment and not be fearful of the strikers skills. 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. If he has to help his defensive partner with the striker they simply double up on him. 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.

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

When defending this must be a strong line of four to keep there danger men at bay, leave no holes for them to exploit!

We have a very industrious pairing in the middle, a big game partnership, Busquets he Is there 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.

Griezmann at No.10 is fast and direct he will be looking to support Aguero as much as possible and will be driving the Everton players back which also stops them becoming a threat, like said he is quick and direct and tricky on the ball. Spread the play, he is in a free No.10 role so at times may even find himself switching with Callejon or Neymar to break their defence up. Will at times also switch with Aguero, again this is to confuse there defence and get them out of position. He is also a very hard working fella and will look to drop to help the midfield 2 and look to annoy there DM and make him hurry his passes or lose possession

Neymar and Callejon 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. Both will look to drive down the line and keep it to the outside making them come to them I want them playing like proper wingers spreading the play and essentially taking players out wide with them to leave gaps for our central two. Whip in dangerous crosses for others to attack, not always high balls as we don't really have a great deal of height in open play so llo to drive the ball in for the front two to nick in in front of slower defenders They both also loves to cut into have a pop at goal. When they have the ball look to stick close to fullbacks/wingbacks and stop them coming forward, track the fullbacks and use pace to get back and in around there faces to stop them becoming a threat. Always be looking for Griezmann inside as the four make an awesome quartet in behind Aguero and a scary proposition for there slowish back line both wingers are capable of moving centrally if Griezmann comes wide and support Aguero.

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

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

Subs

Losing -
70 Mins - Sterling for Callejon and Jesus for Aguero, Griezmann right up top 4-4-2
80 Mins - Sanchez for Sandro, go to a 3 man defence, Carvajal to RM, Sterling to LM and Neymar up top in a 3-4-3

Sanchez Bonucci Manolas
Carvajal Khedira Busquets Sterling
G.Jesus Griezmann Neymar

and have a right good go

Winning -
70 Mins - Pogba for Aguero, he goes to the left of Busquets and Griezmann up top

80 Mins - Danilo for Callejon, Jesus for Neymar, Jesus up front and Griezmann to the LM in a 451 as he works hared to track back

Drawing -
70 Mins - Poulsen for Callejon, Jesus for Aguero
go high to Poulsen cross balls to the right and look for him to win many headers to knock into the middle

80 Mins - Pogba for Khedira look to try an unlock there defence

Attacking 4-3-3

At home and in good form, we play our usual game and take the game to Liverpool, looking to control possession with our energetic midfield trio, getting Thiago and Koke on the ball. Frustrate Liverpool by keeping possession.

We start with a high tempo, take control of the game early. The players know their roles well and we look to take advantage of the lack of the experience and tactical inconsistency of the opposition. Don't let them settle.

Tire the opposition out, let the ball do the work for us and have them chase us. We'll be patient. Possession starts at the back, cbs keeping it simple, but Ramos can go long if they push up. We play a high line, squeeze them in.

The cm trio are key, full of energy and two players fantastic at controlling possession, we want to dictate the tempo of the game. Thiago and Koke will look to attack and create. Get them on the ball and get pushing up the pitch, they are used to being on the offensive and playing in tight spaces, so we look to them to pick the passes. But if they play a high line they can pick the passes through or over the top to expose the space behind them.

At the back, Musacchio gets the nod as we feel a sweeper type cb that reads the play well is what we need next to Ramos so he doesn't have to worry and focus on what's behind him. Missing two big players, but with Azpi at lb we are stronger defensively at the back, giving more freedom to Hazard in attack, who he is ued to linking up with. While Hazard will also benefit from finding space off of and behind Costa who he is also used to linking up with.

The defence will be patient on the ball, as you'd expect they will be hugely important in keeping possession. But as soon as we get the ball to our midfield, we look to move the ball quickly, quick passing and moving. We have a lot of players with the ability to beat a man, play quick neat one twos and expose the Liverpool defence. We let our attacking players have attacking freedom in the final third.

In attack we play with width to stretch the game and open up Liverpool. One fb bombing forward at a time. In the final third the wingers have freedom to come inside, freedom to find space off the ball and to look for ball. Look to get away from their marker, central or wide wherever they can find space and get on the ball.

In midfield, Kante reading the play looking to win the ball back as the dm, Koke will offer another energetic presence next to him with Thiago also important defensively being in the right position to intercept Liverpool's play, he made more interceptions than anyone in Europe last season.

------------------- Neuer
Valencia- S.Ramos – Musacchio - Azpilicueta
------------------- Kante
------------ Thiago ----- Koke
Asensio ------------------------------- Hazard
------------------ D.Costa

Subs. Schmeichel, Otamendi, Blind, Danilo.P, Ndidi, Douglas Costa, Correa

Key to our attack is quick attacking play. Predominantly short passing on the deck, but varying our play when a counter is on.

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. Stop any attacks before they begin.

In a deep, narrow, rigid formation, we 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. Then get forward quickly.

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

As Liverpool advance into higher areas of the park and into our half, our shape will resemble a 4-1-4-1. Our wingers will track any forward runs made by their fbs, and Kante presses the space in front of our cbs, look to stop their AM having any space and taking him out the game.

In this tight formation narrowing to the side of play, ensuring there are no gaps in the formation. Kante will be key, reading the play in between the defence and midfield, getting across to cut out any danger. Koke picks up the most advanced cm. The winger opposite play comes inside and sits on their deepest cm while Thiago presses the space next to and in front of Kante.

In this formation push them backwards and wide away from danger. Force them to take risks.

Our fb’s have fantastic pace up against their wide forwards, bide their time, not diving in.

Attack.
Get the ball to our midfield trio, get them linking up with quick passing, getting the ball to our wingers and get balls into Costa. The trio's movement will be key in opening up the opposition defence.

The cm trio seeking to collect the ball from the defence, and start our attacks. Spreading play, and setting the tempo of the game.

Thiago and Koke controlling the game in possession for us. Looking to find space between their defence and midfield.

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

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

Subs.If no red.
If winning after 70 mins bring on Correa for Diego Costa. Super sub on giving fresh pace and energy up top.
If winning after 74 mins bring on Xhaka for Ndidi.Bring fresh energy and power to cm, give the attacking trio more freedom.
If winning after 78 mins bring on Douglas Costa for Asensio. Fresh pace.

If drawing after 67 mins bring on Douglas Costa for Koke. DC goes right, Asensio to cm.
If drawing after 82 mins bring on Correa for Asensio, goes up top. 4-2-2-2

If losing after 60 mins bring on Douglas Costa for Koke. Asensio to cm.
If losing after 66 mins bring on Correa for Asensio. Two up top.
If losing after 80 mins bring on Ndidi for Valencia. 3-5-2.

If a red, we go 4-3-1-1.
If Neuer or defender we bring on Schmeichel, Otamendi if a cb, Blind if lb or rb (Azpi to other side) for Thiago. Asensio to cm. Pace will be important with a man less.
If Kante, bring on Danilo for Thiago. If Thiago or Koke, Asensio to cm.
If a winger, no change. Other winger behind Costa.
If Costa. Play 4-3-2. Asensio and Hazard up top.

After red card, if we have subs left. We look to make like for like changes in midfield and attack for fresh energy 15 mins or so into the second half or later. Bringing on Ndidi for Thiago/Koke in cm, and Correa for the winger behind Costa or Hazard if two up top.

Arsenal vs Stoke

Injuries: maffeo, mandragora, benassi, Bertrand Traore

……………………………………….Buffon………………………………
Vidal……………Marquinhos……Romagnoli…..Rodriguez
……………………………………Rodrii…………………….
…………………………Matuidi……………….Hamsik…………
Mboula………………………….Auba……………………Berardi

Subs: Pickford, De Sciglio, Rugani, Neves, Lo Celso, Mandzukic

Cluster feck of a season so far, have to put things right at home against a transitional Stoke side.

They have some very talented youngsters but we have to bank on the experience throughout our spine to see this game home, we have the tools now have to put it into practice.

We’re playing a fast paced one touch expansive game today, not tailoring ourselves to counter Stoke in anyway – we have to take the initiative and play off the front foot.

Our full-backs are properly attack minded and will be tasked with pushing as far forward as possible, risky tactic I know but we have to capitalise on any opportunities and “without risk, there can be no victory”
Marquinhos and Romagnoli will hold the line, we’re re-introducing man to man marking, none of this zonal nonsense where no-one takes responsibility as they’re all watching space.

Rodri is our midfield anchor today, looks to have a bright future, just need to keep things simple, don’t dive in, step in win the ball cleanly and recycle – needs discipline in my side as our full-backs will leave a lot of gaps.
Matuidi has a real energy about him and he’s the engine today, will look to drive the team on, and break the line of defence
Hamsik is given a free role in our midfield 3m genuinely world class, scores and creates in huge numbers – thrives behind Napoli’s flexi front three, no reason why he can’t behind ours.

Mboula gets another of his contractual starts – still not seen a lot of him but his “green-ness” may not be so obvious against a youthful stoke side, seems to have pace to burn and lots of skill so we have to accept his flashiness may lose to possession turnovers but we’ll nurture the kid.

Berardi comes in on the left-flank – I know he plays on the right for Sassuolo but he’s a left-pegger and I want him there stretching the pitch and forcing gaps for Matuidi and Hamsik to exploit

Auba – is our prime pace abuser, I want him splitting the 2 Cb’s ready to roll them and burn them for pace, pretty basic but damn effective

Subs:
60 mins
Mandzukic > Mboula, and then switch flanks with Berardi
Neves > Rodri, like for like

------------------------ Butland -----------------------
Walker ----- Kompany ----- Van Dijk ----- M.Rojo
------------- M.Verratti ----- Bakayoko -------------
Mahrez --------------- James --------------- L.Sane
------------------------ Lukaku ------------------------

Forster, Rudiger, Sidibe, Merino, Gylfi, Burke, Morata

At home, in good form against Brighton who are struggling, we look to take the game to them with fast free flowing football, looking to control the midfield and get our forwards plenty of opportunities.

In goal Butland, a super confident keeper, excellent shot stopper, who will close down strikers and reduce there shooting angels, look to spread the play from the back and release our wide men early.

The back four, well Walker will have free reign to attack at will, with Rojo staying back we will always have a back 3, Walker himself will bomb down the line supporting Mahrez, which will allow the winger to cut inside and support Lukaku. Walker looks to play one twos with Mahrez/james which will get him beyond there fullback and whip in dangerous crosses. Rojo on the other side will be more cautious in his approach, knowing that Walker will be up field Rojo will stay back and keep our defence solid. When he does push forward, he will get to the half way line and look for Sane's movement and look to play him in. When we defend both fullbacks stay back and keep our back four in a line. vanDijk the more mobile and quicker CB will mark the CF, use his strength and speed to keep the CF away from the danger area. Kompany alongside is the spare defender and helps out where needed, bot hstrong defenders, dominate in the air and good on the ball, so when in possession they can carry the ball out from defence and look to send our forwards away. Stay tight as a four nd let nothing through. Kompany and van Dijk up for corners, fullbacks and Bakayoko stay back.

Our midfield 3 have a bit of everything,Bakayoko the destroyer, Verratti the playmaker and James the link between midfield and attack. Bakayoko sits in a lot of the time just patrolling in fornt of the defence to allow Verratti more freedom on the ball, he snarls at the AM/SS of Brighton and gives him no time whatso ever to dictate the play of Brighton. Having him breaking up play and giving the ball to Verratti or James will allow us to break quickly. Vearrtti can certainly pick a pass, so with his head up he will be looking for runners ahead of him looking for the pass from behind that will get them in on goal., When in defence mode he will sit in beside Bakayoko and stop any other AM coming through. Close, quick passing or if he sees a runner in the distance maiking a run, a cheeky wee dink over the top., When James has the ball he must look to drive forward with the ball or get it wide to the wingers, he will pass and move into positions where he can make himself available for the return pass, he can even push out wide anr run beyond Mahrez and Sane, which will give there fullbacks a dilemma of who to go with, thus hopefully freeing up space. More so when we push the ball right with Walker creating another dilemma for there fullback., Always looking for Lukaku, not always getting the ball to him but look for him to open up gaps with his movement and be prepared to pass to others as they sprint into the hole.

Mahrez and Sane are going to cause problems out wide, with the support they will have, especially Mahrez they will look to push the fullbacks back and get into the danger area. Mahrez and Walker will definitely pose a threat with quick one twos, using James and Verrati to play around them with the ball going in triangles quickly until the break is on. If Walker drives passed Mahrez he can cut inside looking to make a nuisance of himself centrally. Sane will use his tricks and flicks and pace to get him where he wants to be, again using Verratti and James to get into danger areas. Both wingers have a fantastic forward to aim for in Lukaku so if they get to the bye line then get the crosses in for him to attack.

When we defend however 2 lines of 4 with James just ahead, Mahrez and Sane just tuck in a wee bit forcing them wide

Lukaku is in real form atm, a powerful, quick striker when given an opportunity he will score most times, very much a penalty box striker, but this is perfect as the opportunities for him will hopefully come thick and fast, can out jumo defenders, can out muscle defenders, turning them quickly and smacking a shot away, good with both feet and tremendous in the air, always look to leap early when crosses come in for him to attack.

Captain - van Dijk
Pens - Lukaku/Morata
Free Kicks - Verratti
Corners - Verratti

Subs -

Losing
70 Mins - Morata for Mahrez, James to the right 442, a lot more focus on wing play and getting crosses in for the big two up front
80 Mins - Gylfi for Walker, goes to No.10, Burke for James a young winger looking to take on a tiring LB

Winning -
70 Mins - Merino for Mahrez, James to the right, Merino to the left of Bakayoko to shore up the midfield
80 Mins - Sidibe for Sane, he plays LB in a 5 man defence, James will play just ahead of the 3 man midfield 5311, Morata for Lukaku

Drawing
70 Mins - Gylfi for Mahrez, James to the right, Morata for Lukaku, straight swaps
80 Mins - Burke for James

-----------------------Lloris
Florenzi----Hummels----Godin----Rose
--------------------Casemiro
--------------Pjanic----------Radja
Mane---------------------------------Firmino
----------------------Suarez
Subs
Hart, Koulibaly, Bertrand, Keita, Ozil, Coutinho, 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 Coutinho 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 - Keita for Pjanic - The wingers tuck back, but look to get out quickly and counter if the opposition over-commit for a route back into the game.




82 + 86 Mins - Coutinho for Radja and Bertrand for Firmino - Actively time waste and really frustrate the opposition.



If Drawing
70 Mins - Keita for Casemiro - 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 Rose, Casemiro and Florenzi - switch to a 3-5-2 with emphasis on the wings backs acting as wingers and just pile forward in numbers.

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BRUM VS Everton

----------------------------------Batalla-----------------------------------
-------------Bailly-------------Maguire---------Verthonghen-------------
-----------------------------------Carvalho----------------------------------------
Hysaj-----------Brozovic----------------Kessie--------------M Alonso
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------Vardy----------Mbappe--------------------------

Subs - Coleman, Ake, Sanson, Willian, Keita, Mario, Benteke

CAPTAIN - VERT
CK'S - BROZOVIC
FK'S - ALONSO
PENALTIES - MBAPPE

Up against a depleted Everton side who will be without key players Goretzka, Lacazette and Patricio. We will be going back to the 352 as that gets the best out of our wingbacks and we will look to use our superior strength in the centre to dominate Everton. We know Everton still have some dangerous players but if we defend as a team and play to our attacking players strengths, we should be able to trouble the oppo.

When we don't have possession of the ball in our half I want the whole team except Mbappe to get in our half and defend. Play a deep defensive line so that Everton 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 Vardy/Mbappe, so they can use their pace to play off the oppo's shoulders and beat the offside trap. When defending, I want Carvalho to help our wingbacks against the Everton wingers. Whenever they are 1 vs 1 with our wingbacks I want Carvalho to double up on them. Kessie and Brozovic will look to keep things ticking over in the middle and will look to play quick passes forward and to look for through balls for Mbappe and Vardy to run to. With no Goretzka in the middle for Everton, our CM's will have more opportunities to play the ball forward to our strikers.

Defence
I got a top class keeper in goal so he will be hard to beat. Comnand your area. The defence is well balanced, with all 3 CB's playing in the top flight regularly irl. Verthonghen and Bailly have the pace to play the 3atb formation with ease. Maguire 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 them cutting in onto their stronger foot.

Defence Mid
William Carvalho
Carvalho will be on 100% defensive mode. No attacking whatsoever. When the oppo wingers have the ball he will help our wingbacks against them and double up against them. He's a strong lad and as soon as he wins the ball back he will pass it to the more technical players.

Centre Mids
Brozovic + Kessie
Kessie main job is to use his strength and physical ability in the centre. When the oppo AM has the ball close him down asap but when we have the ball make runs forward. 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. Both have a deadly shot from long range so they won't be afraid to shoot given the opportunity. When defending, one of you will press the oppo CM to try and get the ball off them and regain possession, preferably Kessie as he has more strength and can use his huge body to shrug away the challenges.

Wing backs
Hysaj + Alonso
Hysaj 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 Mbappe and Vardy are very good at playing in between the lines.

Strikers
Mbappe + Vardy
I want Mbappe and Vardy to use their pace to play off the oppo shoulders and beat the offside trap. They will look to close down the oppo asap when they have the ball but only 1 player will press at a time. Mbappe will be given freedom to drift over to the left wing and use his pace to target the Everton RB from time to time.

Subs if LOSING BY 65MINS
Change formation to 343. Bring on Balde Keita for Alonso and Willian for Hysaj. Benteke on for Carvalho aswell. Play a very high line and try and get a goal.

-------------------------------Batalla-----------------------------------
------------Bailly------------Maguire---------Verthonghen--------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Willian------------Kessie--------Brozovic --------------------Keita
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------Vardy-------Benteke-------Mbappe-----------------------


Subs if WINNING BY 65MINS
Take off Vardy and put on Sanson in CM. Change formation to 361 ultra defensive with the defensive line getting even deeper.

-------------------------------Batalla-----------------------------------
---------------Bailly-------Maguire---------Verthonghen--------------
------------------------------Carvalho----------------------------------------
Hysaj-------Brozovic----Sanson-----Kessie---------Alonso
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------Mbappe------------------------------

Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Benteke ON for Mbappe
Sanson ON for Brozovic
Willian ON for Hysaj
Like for like changes just fresh legs to help the team.

---------------------------Horn
Toljan-----------Stark------------Süle---------Augustinsson
------------------Biglia-----------Dahoud
-------Coman----------Ziyech-------------Pjaca
-----------------------Ibrahimovic

Subs: Pollersbeck, Geis, de Jong, Suárez, Forsberg, Milik, Isak


Our defensive unit consists of Niklas Stark and Niklas Süle paired up at centre-back, Jeremy Toljan at right-back and Ludwig Augustinsson 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 Kingsley Coman, Hakim Ziyech and Marko Pjaca as our band of three attacking midfielders with Zlatan Ibrahimovic 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 Augustinsson 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 Kingsley Coman and Marko Pjaca, 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 Pjaca, Coman or Ibrahimovic in via fast passing combinations.

Ibrahimovic is a formidable centre forward and he possesses 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
Milik on for Ibrahimovic and Forsberg on for Pjaca

reposting, realised that on the old version my laptop had changed Cms to CBs pushing up onto the opposition Cms, definitely not what i was after Corrected the mistake now

comment by LSTD. Member of the Raul Garcia supporters group (U2708)
posted 2 hours, 4 minutes ago
————————Courtois
——Fabinho—Lindelof—Umtiti—R.Pereira
——————Tolisso—Gagliardini
——Bernardeschi——————Carrasco
———————Dybala
—————————Belotti

Subs: Begovic, Christensen, Conti, Partey, Milinkovic-Savic, Bruma, Philipp


Captain: Thibaut Courtois
Free Kicks: Paulo Dybala
Penalties: Fabinho
Corners: Corentin Tolisso

In build up we must look for continuous ball circulation through the backline to draw forward Leicester’s press and create more space between the lines. The FBs will be the key to this. We want no more than 2 players in any one vertical zone of the field to be in alignment, instead we will look to create diagonal passing lanes that are harder to press. The FBs move central in build up, aligning with the CBs, with Gagliardini dropping into the middle of the 4 in order to create triangles to circulate the ball. With this block of 5 all central it creates an overload in build up, both in deeper areas around the CBs and then in the midfield line with the FBs and the CMs taking up central positions to give us a 4 vs 3. To rectify the midfield mismatch the opposition will have to either tuck their wingers in(which then congests the field when they try and counter and opens up the wide areas for 1 v 1’s) or bring the first line of midfield forward to meet our FBs(which leaves way more space and more men for Kante to have to face). With the ball circulating, Gagliardini is the orchestrator of the attacks, he can use the back 4 for quick one two’s to open up the space, usually just between the CBs where he can play longer passes into Belotti if the Leicester press is too strong. Or he can move to the half spaces on either side of boxed defence and find laser passes into midfield if the first opposition line has left space between themselves and Kante, or out to the wingers if the opposition wingers tuck in, meaning we can use one ball to push right up the field. If the wingers do tuck in and it becomes too congested, the CBs and FBs can spread further out to the half spaces and even the touchline, always in alignment, creating a much larger area to press and distorting the opposition.

From there we have a front 5 to attack, always on the move looking to force the opposition into split decisions about whether to stay and pick up a new man, or follow their original man, hopefully leading to some slow decisions or confusion, any gaps that appear we must attack immediately. Sometimes our two strikers will split high and wide(splitting the CBs), on the move, ready to run out to in and attack the space thats opened up, whilst they make these runs, the wingers take up the space infield, the winger on the side of build up coming deeper to drag the FB away from the wing to open up the ball to the CF, and the opposite winger coming into the half spaces to attract Kante. Othertimes Dybala can drop to receive the ball into an 8 position and the other CF runs behind looking to drag the defensive lines apart and open the space for the wingers to come infield and play between the lines. Tolisso will be the orchestra when attacks move forward, find space to receive from the build up and supply the attack. If the opposition press keeps us penned in, route one to Belotti who either drops onto Kante or goes into the channels then get runners off him is a great way to bypass the opposition press and create more room between their lines and force the first lines of defence to have to retreat too, eventually opening up space for more precise build up.

When we lose the ball our defensive unit reacts depending on where it is lost. So if we lost it in build up or first forward pass we are well covered as the FBs infield provide a layer of protection that can quickly snuff out the attacks, especially if the wingers are drawn in towards the FBs, we can make it very congested and either force them backwards to build up, or win the ball quickly if they try risky passes into the congested area, using the FBs and Gagliardini to triangulate around the man on the ball. If Leicester build from deeper we push up, FBs dropping in alongside the CBs to form a narrow line of 4 which compacts to the press. The 3 lines ahead form a ball orientated hexagon press, strikers covering the route into the DM, wingers tucked infield and covering the CBs vertical passing lanes, Cms pushed up onto the opposition CMs, outnumbering to direct their build up oiurveselves. Allow circulation between the CBs until they threaten to split too wide, at this stage, one CF will make a curved run to shut off the CBs pass back to his team mate, instead forcing them towards the FB, as soon as the CB shows us that he is going to play the ball, or dribble wide, we start our full press, the moving CF will continue his run round to cover the pass/run back central, whilst the winger on the side when the CB shows us what he will do, runs to press the ball, creating a 2 v 1 with touchline also there to help out, the two pressers blocking the horizontal and vertical lanes. We mainly look to direct them left. The block behind the two pressing then squeezes in, the opposite side winger tucking infield just behind Kante and the two Cms stepping up to stop balls into the opposition Cms, the FB tight to the winger too. We leave only a diagonal pass into the DM free, once they use it we have 3 players all hounding Kante, exploiting the weaker side of his game. Once the ball is won, we counter with the 4-5 players that were pressing.

Eventually, if we are forced too, we can defend deep with two banks of four, very narrow and compact, CFs stopping the DM from being an option.

Subs:

If Winning: 60’, Savic for Carrasco, plays a bit further in field and helps to break up play quickly. Partey for Tolisso 65’, the same kind of change, Partey very similar to Kante at the other end, he stops the man on the ball quickly. Christensen for Dybala 70’, 5-4-1.

If Drawing: Bruma and Philipp for Carrasco and Bernardeschi 65’, fresh legs out wide, but with much more pace and trickery to really get at them. Partey for Tolisso 75’, fresh legs in midfield.

If Losing: Savic for Gagliardini 60’, more offensive minded midfielder. Bruma and Christensen for Fabinho and R.Pereira 3-4-2-1 with Bernardeschi and Carrasco as the WBs looking to really force the opposition backwards.

If red card - in all instances we will put on less pressure, drop our defensive line and look to be really compact around our own box

GK = Begovic and Christensen for Bernardeschi and Carrasco, 3-4-1-1
Fabinho = Christensen for Carrasco, 3-4-1-1
R.Pereira = Christensen for Bernardeschi, 3-4-1-1
CB = Christensen for Dybala 4-4-1
CM = Conti and Christensen Bernardeschi and Carrasco, 3-4-1-1 with Fabinho in CM
Winger = Christensen on for the other winger, 3-4-1-1
Dybala/Belotti = 4-4-1

ASTON VILLA

———————————— Oblak
Aurier — Alderwiereld — Boateng — Luis
————— Modric —— N'Zonzi
Robben ————— Fabregas ————— Reus
———————————— Cavani

SUBS: Mkhitaryan, Sokratis, Bernardo, Zielinski, Matic, Mata, Marchisio

Captain: Marco Reus
Corners: Cesc Fabregas
Crossing free-kicks: Cesc Fabregas
Shooting free-kicks: Cesc Fabregas
Penalties: Marco Reus


Hull always set up very well and Welshy is a tactical genius. He'll probably set up in his usual shape. Down his right he is weak today so I hope Reus can exploit that area of the pitch. We will have a lot of penetration from midfield today with Fabregas playing a key role in a 4231. 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 with our players playing their natural game. Fabregas' passing will be key today. I expect that when he gets the ball he picks his head up and finds a first time ball to our wide forwards. With the movement of my front three I hope to invite their defenders into making rash decisions. Mkhitaryan I'll look to bring off the bench this time because I'll need him to unlock their defence at a later time when Hull are tired. 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. Hull will get chances 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 N'Zonzi will sit close to our centre halves making sure we are not too exposed. Special mention to Ibrahimovic, he'll take some handling, and we hope that Alderweireld and Boateng can take turns in handling him. 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 N'Zonzi and Modric will form a four man block around their striker(s) when out of possession. Modric and N'Zonzi 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 Hull 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. 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 and Fabregas in the middle to control the tempo of the match with vision and precision of passes. We will have all kinds of movement around him from the likes of Robben Reus Cavani and full backs to help keep possession. We will have Reus and Robben directly attacking their back three while Cavani 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 Cavani will try and pull their back three out of shape and for Reus and Robben to drift into the gaps with midfielders picking them out. The three forwards will also drag their players out of position so that Modric and Fabregas can be at their most effective. One full back may come forwards and overload on one side if the ball is on his side.

Cavani 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 Hull's defence and midfield for our other attackers to exploit since Cavani 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 Matic for Fabregas and have him in midfield in a 4-3-3. This is so that Matif can drop into midfield to provide a more solid base for us and Fabregas 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 - Bernardo for Reus, same reason as above.

Drawing/Losing
65 - Clearly we need to change it up a bit, therefore we take off Modric and bring on Mkhitaryan and go 4-1-4-1 to provide more penetration

75 - If we're still not winning, we bring on Zielinski for Fabregas, we'll probably need runners beyond the forwards to break their lines.

85 - We will bring on Bernardo on for Reus to create more chances for others to put in.

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.