Tottenham vs Chelsea

—————————Fortser
———Van Dijk——Kompany——Rudiger
Aurier———Bakayoko——Verratti———Kolarov
——————————James
—————Lukaku——————Morata

Subs: Butland, Zagadou, Can, Willian, Sane, Coman, B.Traore

Captain: Vincent Kompany
Free Kicks: James Rodriguez/Aleksandar Kolorov
Penalties: Romelu Lukaku
Corners: James Rodriguez

Sitting deeper and counter attacking behind Chelsea.

Kompany is central to our defence, he can start attacks from the back and look to play some good balls forward, when we defend we will look to him to mark the main striker out of the game, focus solely on keeping him away from goal, if he drops into midfield to create this means that they want to get runners off our other defenders, so Kompany takes a step back and looks to read this play and come across to cover his team mates. With van Dijk and Rudiger either side this will form a tough barrier to try and break down especially with Bakayoko and Verratti ahead of them. They will help out the wingbacks and DMs by squeezing space. If the ball is being used wide the defence shuffles across, allowing the ball side CB to become a FB and double up with his WB to squeeze the space, focusing on anyone attempting to under or overlap the wide man and helping to make things very congested down the flank to allow the WB and CMs to win the ball back in a tight area. If the play is in the middle third, the wide CBs step up into the half spaces, leaving Kompany man to man with the striker, and focusing instead on stopping their wingers coming into space in field, with the help of the WBs narrowing to the midfield to really suffocate the play. All three can pick a pass, especially the longer diagonals into the forwards to bypass the Chelsea press, Rudiger especially loves this ball.

Aurier and Kolarov are very important today in our defence and attack, first of all when we defend they will constantly be in the thick of the action. When we are defending their flank they must be tight to the winger, focusing on going toe to the and making things hard for the winger, knowing their teammates will compact this zone so that even if you are beaten, the opposition will struggle to go anyway. When we are defending the middle, or the opposite flank to their own, they need to be narrow to our midfield, Chelsea are a very predictable team, their attacks focus on the middle and by narrowing our WBs we give them at least 9 players to play through. When we attack they will get down the line and look to get in crosses to the strikers quite early, olink up with James. Their aim is to really stretch the field and give Chelsea more ground to cover when they are defending, stopping them winning the ball back quickly enough to keep us under constant pressure.

Verratti and Bakayoko hold the midfield, one more powerful, one more technical but both possessing excellent energy to cover plenty of ground today. Their job is to take advantage of our teams organisation around them, allowing the others to focus on narrowing play to the area Chelsea attack, letting them create the triangles and boxes around them, and then going in to win the ball back when Chelsea are having to rush their passes. When its defending the flank one holds the middle and the other goes across to make the tackles and interceptions, when its down the middle one is more disciplined and the other is more in your face, taking advantage of the cover the wide CBs and WBs offer to play to their full strengths. On the ball Baka keeps it simple with his passing, but when the opportunity is there to run into space he does so, he’s much more imposing physically than the opposition today and can drive us forward. Verratti is more clever, look to get the WBs moving forward and find James in pockets of space.

James off the ball needs to help his team mates squeeze space, he is a hard worker so can cover plenty of ground, moving out to help each flank when they attack wide, helping the WB and CB to squeeze the space, James doing so from the back, and in the middle making it a three man midfield. When we get the ball, he has total freedom of the pitch. We want him dropping in to pick the ball up in pockets of space and then attacking the half spaces and the flanks, rather than sticking central where he can be marked by Busquets, force others to take the initiative and leave their position. James has the ability to draw players in to the half space and flanks and beat them, or quickly get the ball to a team mate running into space.

Lukaku and Morata up front, off the ball they look to drop in to our system and form a block around Busquets, don’t allow him to dictate play so easily, no need to press, just their presence either side of him, keeping close so that balls into him are risky. After that, when we get the ball they need to be playing in tandem with each other. This means that one can drop deeper to link play (usually Morata) and the other runs behind, forcing the opposition defence to break their line. Both are capable of moving wide and stretching the opposition back 4 to allow James and the WBs room infield. Morata will use these as decoy runs, but when Lukaku goes right we look to feed him quickly, he is excellent at cutting inside and bullying defenders. In and around the box when one comes towards play to keep a move flowing, the other looks to stretch to the back post and attack the balls in. Always be an option when we win the ball, either for quick inter play, or longer balls to hold the ball up. We mix it up with lots of balls into the box, Lukaku will always out jump his marker and Morata will always find an inch of space off his marker, test any frailties in the Chelsea back line.

Subs:

If Winning: Willian and Sane for James and Lukaku 70’, 3-4-2-1, Willian and Sane are both very hard working, can stretch wide to cover FBs defensively, and counter behind them, and can also use their trickery and burst of pace to break through midfield. Can for Verratti 75’, powerful midfield player to break play down.

If Drawing: Willian for James 65’, fresh legs in our key attacking position. Sane for Morata 75’, can give us more pace in attack and the fluidity to change between a 3-4-2-1 and a 3-4-1-2. Zagadou for Kolarov 80’, fresh legs.

If Losing: Kolarov off, Willian on 60’, 4-2-2-2, play a more aggressive form of in your face football. Sane for James 70’. Coman for Morata 80’.

Birmingham City v WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS

Injuries: Herrera, Musonda, Son, Rulli

------------------Ter Stegen
------------Mustafi - Pepe - Cahill
Cancelo - Strootman - R Sanches - Hector
--------------------D Silva
-------------Higuain - Immobile

Subs: Semper, Mathieu, Cuadrado, Kenedy, Jorginho, Lucas, Jese

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

A tough but winnable game today away to Birmingham, hopefully our back three will keep their attack at bay while causing problems of our own to their defence.

We are playing a 3-4-1-2 today, Ter Stegen in goal, Mustafi, Pepe and Cahill in the back three, Cancelo and Hector as wingbacks, Strootman and Renato Sanches anchoring the midfield, with David Silva in the #10 role behind Higuain and Immobile upfront.

This game is about controlling the tempo and giving us the best chance of getting three points today. Birmingham are 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 and Immobile.

Mustafi/Cahill/Pepe - Cahill and Mustafi to mark their strikers, force them high up the pitch thus limiting their impact close to goal, and Pepe to be the spare man, be first to the second ball and their AM making runs from midfield. When in possession bring the ball out of defence and use the midfielders ahead of you to help us play out from the back. Two of you go forward for setpieces.

Cancelo/Hector - Both of you to force the Birmingham 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 five with the CB's and leave no spaces in behind. When we have possession, push forward and support Silva as he 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/Immobile and link with Strootman/Sanches. You will need to track back very quickly to ensure we don't get caught on the break.

Sanches/Strootman - Sanches playing the box to box role, assist Strootman in dealing with the Birmingham 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, Sanches to burst forward to join the front three on occasion and bring the ball to create space for others.

Silva - Playing as our main AM, try and be between their midfield and defence, stick to their deepest midfielder to stop him dictating play. Look to supply Higuain/Immobile with chances and also look to create your own chances. Link up with Sanches/Strootman, and capitalise on the space Higuain and Immobile's presence will create for you.

Higuain/Immobile - you two will be expected to occupy the Birmingham centrebacks, hold up possession and look to turn the defender and shoot. Be strong in the air and look for your teammates and each other 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 on occasion.

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

Subs 70 mins;
If winning: Immobile, Silva and Sanches off, Cuadrado, Kenedy and Jorginho on. Switch to a 5-4-1, wingbacks drop to fullback, Jorginho joins Strootman in midfield, Cuadrado RM and Kenedy LM, with Higuain upfront. Absorb the Birmingham pressure and hit them on the break with the fresh pace out wide.

If drawing: Mustafi off, Lucas on. Change to 4-4-2, Cancelo - Pepe - Cahill - Hector at the back, Strootman and Sanches in midfield, Lucas RW, Silva LW, Higuain and Immobiile upfront. Push for the winner.

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

----------------------Pollersbeck
Weiser--------Süle-----------Kempf------Guerreiro
------------------Biglia----------Dahoud
--------Mahrez-------Ziyech-------------Pjaca
-----------------------Ibrahimovic

Subs: Hennessey, Stark, Plattenhardt, Suárez, Schopf, Forsberg, Milik


Our defensive unit consists of Niklas Süle and Marc-Oliver Kempf paired up at centre-back, Mitchell Weiser at right-back and Raphaël Guerreiro 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 Riyad Mahrez, 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.

Weiser and Guerreiro 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 Riyad Mahrez 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, Mahrez 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

Attacking 4-3-3

At home and in good form, we look to play our usual game and take the game to Brighton, controlling possession with an energetic midfield trio. Control possession and find space in between the lines against this Brighton side. Get Thiago and Koke on the ball and looking to play killer balls to open up the opposition using the pace of our attacking trio. Working the ball wide out wide in the final third, attack their full backs.

Key to our attack is quick passing play, not looking to force the play but moving the ball quickly. Pass and move. Tire the opposition out with our possession play. Predominantly short passing on the deck, but varying our play when a counter is on.

At the back, Otamendi gets the nod next to Ramos, Otamendi the man marker, Ramos free. In midfield, Ndidi 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 Brighton's play.

Getting Koke and Thiago 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. Quick one twos between the two and the attacking trio and Marcelo,Azpi. Always looking to provide an option for your teamates.

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.

In attack we play with width to stretch the game and open up Brighton. One fb bombing forward at a time (usually Marcelo obv). The other fb advances ahead of the cbs but is more reserved and offers the option to switch going back the way. In the final third the wingers have freedom on the ball. Look to get away from their marker, central or wide wherever they can find space and get on the ball then get at their full back.


-------------------- Neuer
Valencia - S.Ramos - Otamendi - Marcelo
--------------------- Ndidi
----------- Thiago.A ----- Koke
Asensio ----------------------------- Hazard
-------------------- Ronaldo

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


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 Brighton 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 Ndidi 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. Ndidi 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 Ndidi.

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. Otamendi marks Morata. Ramos to sweep up, or man mark if they go two up.

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, committing defenders from there and playing killer balls to our attacking trio.

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 already tired cb nightmares.
If winning after 74 mins bring on Danilo for Koke. Bring fresh energy to cm and give the attackers more freedom. More power and pace to keep us on top in the centre as they likely push for an equaliser.
If winning after 78 mins bring on Douglas Costa for Asensio. Fresh pace.

If drawing after 70 mins bring on Douglas Costa for Koke. Asensio to cm. More attacking.
If drawing after 77 mins bring on Diego Costa for Hazard. Ronaldo left. Get the goal.
If drawing after 82 mins bring on Correa for Asensio. Correa left, Ronaldo up top. 4-4-2.

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. Super sub

------------------------- Ederson
---------- Varane ------ Javi.M ----- Laporte
Bellerin --- Rabiot -- De Bruyne --- Vidal ------ Mendy
-------------- Lewandowski -- Mertens

Subs:
Juanfran, Tah, Fernandinho, A.Sanchez, O.Dembele, Perisic, Werner

In top form, away to an Arsenal side that are struggling this season. Keep it simple, organised at the back and clinical in forward areas

Possession with purpose and urgency. plenty of link up play, width and movement, dragging their mfs and defenders out of position and penetrating in the final third.

Midfield will be key. Strong block of 5 in the middle of the park looking to take advantage of the fact they are missing their key enforcer - Matuidi, ensure we are in control of possesion and allows our wing-backs to burst forward and stretch the game down the flanks when we are on the ball.

Drop slightly deeper when Arsenal are on the ball looking to nullify the threat they pose with their pace. De Bruyne sitting deep with our duo in midfield to press the space, using him as an outlet when we retrieve the ball so he can transition from defence-attack within seconds with his defence splitting passes.

Two strong goalscoring outlets that will have a right go at their defence, in fine form and allow us to mix up the way we play and go more direct.

3-5-2: Possession based:
It starts from the back. Ederson is very able with his hands and feet and should look to find our players in space. No risks.

The CB trio 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 and Mertens as target men to bypass their mf.

Varane and Laporte should shift slightly wider when on the offense allowing our wing-backs to push up in a bank of 5 in mf.

Rabiot and Vidal, a midfield pair that will provide plenty of energy and will work their socks off for the side to allow others around them to express themselves. They should look to stamp their authority with their work rate and power looking to take a grip on mf and shielding our defence, oppressing the opposition midfielders and covering every blade of grass out there.

When attacking, 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, also prevent counter attacks.

Our AM De Bruyne will look to play inbetween the lines, roaming in the oppositions half and and looking to act as the link between midfield and attack. Pick up pockets of space and use his awareness to dictate the play, never afraid to play a key pass in behind to unlock their defence to find a player in space.

Defensively sitting deeper and working alongside our mf duo in a 3, squeeze and don't allow any space or time in central areas, forcing them back and in tight spots.

Flanks will be key as we look to expose them in wide areas and create space in midfield.

Two quick and mazy WG-backs in Bellerin and Mendy, need to hug the touchline and provide the width allowing us to stretch the opposition. Always on the move so we can can get them in behind and use them as outlets going forward when picking a pass.

Very possession orientated, comfortable playing quick 1-2's and accelerating into space, overlapping often and getting early deliveries into the box for our strikers to attack.

As well as scoring goals Lewandowski and Mertens have a big role today, one often look to come deep and link with others, hold up play and take the CB with you, spinning beyond and opening up the space for our wing-backs and De Bruyne to run into.

When Arsenal are in possession we will initially look to press from front with our two strikers and then drop off deeper with men behind the ball if they bypass with a strong block of 5.

Don’t allow them to play out from the back and hurry their passes. Our attackers form a duo 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.

The reason we want our front two to press is to force Arsenal to play long and concede possession, we feel they lack any sort of aerial presence in the side so are less likely to win contested duels.

If they advance we then form a rigid structure looking to press the space and dropping off with men behind the ball, 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, looking to harass him and using his physical prowess to really put him off his game, Vidal and De Bruyne cutting off passing lanes.

Our wingbacks and wide CB's should interlink throughout, off the ball our wing-backs need to track back and help with defensive duties preventing overloads. Keep them wide and give them no space to work with.

Essentially, 5 in mf working to minimise the space in midfield zones and preventing them from finding their attackers. Our wing-backs then drop off to mark the oppositions wingers and help our CB's to prevent any space being left in behind.

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. Bellerin & Mendy can come up to support the play and provide the width. The front 3 burst forward.

Subs:
IF WINNING: 70th minute – (3-5-2)
- Werner > Mertens
- Fernandinho > Rabiot
Compact 3-5-2. Fernandinho sits and holds, Werner look to get in behind with his pace.

IF DRAW: 70th minute – (3-4-3 - wide)
- Ousmane > Vidal
- Sanchez > Mertens
- Werner > Lewandowski (78th minute)
Get Sanchez and Ousmane on to stretch the game and attack tired legs/fb's. 78th", Werner lead the line - fresh pace.

IF LOSING: 75th minute – (4-4-2 - direct)
- Ousmane > Laporte
- Sanchez > Vidal
- Werner > Mertens
4-4-2, direct. long balls into the box and constantly looking for the two strikers.
Flood forward and look for an equalizer/winner.

C - Lewandowski
FK's - De Bruyne
Corners – De Bruyne
Pens - Lewandowski

Red card, Mertens off in all cases and play with one forward.
CB's - Tah on, Mertens off
FB's - Juanfran (RWB), Perisic (LWB), Mertens off
CM's - Fernandinho on, Mertens off
ST - No change

ASTON VILLA

Oblak
Sokratis Alderweireld Boateng
Walker Modric N'Zonzi Dembele Luis
Benzema Cavani

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

In defence we play Sokratis 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. Sokratis 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 Newcastle's pressing on our back line this way. Walker and Luis 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 Dembele 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. Dembele will provide the legs dragging the team forwards when attacking and pulling the team backwards when defending, and more importantly to deny any space to Suarez.

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 Newcastle's game plan, and most importantly his goal scoring instincts.

I expect Newcasrle 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 Newcastle'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 Newcastle 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 Sokratis should have a lot of space to move forward to and provide good diagonal angles for Alderweireld to pass to. Modric and Dembele 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.

Dembele 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 Newcastle'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 Newcastle decide they want to attack down our sides during their spell of dominance

Sokratis Alderweireld Boateng Luis
Walker Modric N'Zonzi Dembele Cavani
Benzema

Or

Walker sokratis Alderweireld Boateng
Cavani Modric N'Zonzi Dembele Luis
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 Newcastle's forwards. Alderweireld can press very high during Newcastle's build up following their striker’s movements, for example.

We may also employ pressing traps depending on how Newcastle 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 Dembele.

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 Dembele and bring on Mkhitaryan.

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

Walker Alderweireld Boateng Luis
Robben N'Zonzi Modric Mkhitaryan
Benzema Cavani

85 - Fabregas for Modric, Fabregas knows how to pick a pass and can finish.

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

Stoke
---------------------- Rico ---------------------
Bernardo --- Elvedi --- I.Diop --- Chilwell
------ Cyprien --- Diawara --- C.Soler -----
Gelson ---------- Rashford --------- Martial

Dragowski, Gnagno, Jorge, Fornals, M.Lopez, Malcom, Maximin


Captain: Rico
Penalties: Martial
Corners: Soler
Free Kicks: Malcom

Game Plan:

The key to our defensive structure will be the organised press, designed to suffocate the opposition's build up play and starve service to the forward line. We will try to recover possession immediately by applying pressure to the opponent in question high up the pitch. This pressure is ball-oriented, meaning our players shift their position relative to the location of the ball. This entails pressuring the ball-player, as well as cutting off his immediate passing options and any other potential passing lanes. Rather than focusing on the movement of individual players, we concentrate on the ball-player and his options.

If they are in a more established stage of the offensive phase, however, we will take up a slightly less assertive stance. The wingers fan out so the defensive shape is more of a 4-5-1, and individual players then take it in turns to join Rashford in pressuring the opposition. If the ball is on the left inside channel, Soler will step out of the midfield line to apply pressure. This is most often used against sides with strong build-up play. However, even here, the focus continues to remain on the collective defensive positioning while using the ball as a trigger for any changes in shape.

The defence must move to where the ball is, not the position of the opponents. Balance is also fundamental, as if one full-back goes on the attack, the other one has to stay close to the centre-backs.

In order to avoid space opening up between the lines, this ball-oriented movement is something that must be carried out by the entire team, rather than just the attackers and midfielders. In this vein, we will play with a high defensive line which is integral to them in supporting this particular aspect of the team’s play.

When the opposition have the ball on one wing, the ball-near full-back will move up, while the other one will form a fairly compact three-man, one-line cover with the centre-backs. This move is done to scrutinise the opponent’s ball-player while maintaining good zonal coverage for passes or movements infield.

Our back four hold a high defensive line, often on or around the halfway line, depending on who has the ball and where the ball is within the opposition’s half. The primary reason for this positioning is to support the team’s high pressing scheme. Were the defensive line to play slightly deeper, this would leave a sizeable gap to the midfield line. This vertically in compact setup would then offer space between the lines for the opposition to exploit.

In holding a high line, the defence is able to support the high press of the attacking players, ensuring more comprehensive coverage. Should the opponent look to bypass the initial press with a ball over the top into midfield, our defensive line is in position to recover the loose ball or compress space for the opposition ball receiver, making the opponent’s possession less stable. Diop, in particular, will play an important role in this set up by being the physical centre back tasked with fighting the opposition centre forward, allowing Elvedi room to sweep in behind, with the fullbacks and the keeper in cover.

Early build-up play is integral to our possession game. Instead of giving the ball to the deep-lying midfielder to then progress it immediately forward, the ball often circulates, with play often moving back to the central defensive and fullbacks. This circulation is done deliberately in an attempt to destabilise the opposition by undercutting their defensive shape and creating opportunities to move the ball into more dangerous areas or situations by drawing the opposition out of their defence.

Triangles are prominent within the team. Every player on the pitch is comfortable on the ball, this allows us to adopt a quick passing sequence that often results in a chance being created. As soon as the ball crosses over into the opposition's half, the movement of the midfield three and the attacking trio changes as the striker and the left winger will often come short to link up with the midfielders.

The intent here is to create an overload scenario when we move forwards with the ball. Rather than dropping into the defence like many DMs do in this formation, Diawara is integral to the team's passing ability in the middle and final thirds of the pitch. This, emboldened by the advancement of the full backs into wide midfield positions gives us strength in numbers to play the ball around the opposition's formation. The opposition is then left with two choices: they can either press and leave themselves open to quick movement and passes that dissect their midfield and defence, or they can sit back and refuse to press the line, allowing our centre backs to carry the ball further forward and for us to dictate play and look for openings at our own leisure.

The ball control and passing ability of our midfield is matched only by their intensity and work rate. Cyprien, in particular, will be key to our attacking build up as his dribbling skills and propensity to drive forward with the ball will create space for Soler and Diawara to dictate the tempo. Cyprien's runs on the right hand side will also free Gelson to get in behind the defence - accompanied by Bernardo’s passing ability on the right flank - and will also facilitate in the oppostion shifting to our right, which will give Martial space to get into creative positions and unlock their defence.

Our MO during the game is to move constantly. More importantly, we will, also, often operate in the space between the lines. This set-up will allow us to take advantage of the blindside of our opponent’s players. The opponents will always face our player’s movements and have to make decisions on whether to defend/chase/tackle a player or not at a frequency more than they used to. The end result is that the opponent often loses the defensive shape they prefer.


Substitutions:

65 Mins - Malcom for Gelson straight switch fresh legs and Fornals for Soler

75 Mins -
Losing - Maximin for Cyprien, go wide left, Martial up front 442 with attacking fullbacks

Winning - Gnagnon for Cyprien, go 541

Drawing - M.Lopez for Cyprien

Comment deleted by Article Creator

----------------------- Butland ------------------------
S.Aurier ---- M.Keane ---- Kompany ---- D.Sidibe
-------------- Bakayoko --- Marchisio ---------------
-- Willian ---------------------------------- L.Sane --
-----------------Lukaku ---- Morata ------------------

Forster, Zagadou, Merino, Hakan, James, Sabitzer, B.Traore

Today we go against the unpredictable Tino, we don't know how he willset up so we go for a traditional 4-4-2 set up with a Flat back 4 across the back in a straight line. As a unit the back four will work as a unit in terms of holding players in front of them accountable for their defensive obligations as well as covering for one another as the situation changes.
At centre back no one ball should beat the both of them so one steps this being Keane whilst one provides cover at all times this being Kompany, they have these instructions but at times they will switch roles
Kompany will lead the back four and indeed the whole team from the back vocally and will do the organizing of the team on the pitch.
Our full backs both have the ability to patrol the flank defensively and join in the attack as well (priority to defend first and attack when they can, only one at a time tho and they will support our midfield by getting beyond the wingers or creating a 3rd midfielder.

As a unit the midfield two should control the rhythm of the game and be the most creative line in the formation they must look to link with their teammates in front and behind them in establishing the flow of the game They must be able to attack and defend plain and simple, play on both sides of the ball, Bakayoko will do more defending duties than Marchisio who is the more creative, we keep the ball and create offensive chances but at the same time hold the middle of the park, a teams formation is at it's highest risk when penetrated down the middle of it so when out of possession, the central midfielders need to be able to get behind the ball and screen the defensive unit. They need the ability to identify danger, make recovery runs and offer support and balance, If Marchisio advances forward and does not recover, we will only have Bakayoko holding which may leave gaps, therefore it is imperative that when out of possession, if CMs are not pressing the ball, they recover to get in behind the ball and close gaps.

Our wingers have to support thefullbacks on the defensive side by getting back and track Arsenals WBS/FBs and stop them becoming a threat in our half. When attacking give the team width and have the ability to create from a wide position chances for our two up front, getting forward, beating players and delivering crosses. Their aim is to dominate the opposition full-back, beat players with skill and deliver crosses consistently. They may also contribute towards goals, when Willian is in possession we expect the Sane to drift across and expose the weak areas or make an attacking run at the back post area to score and vice versa when Sane is attacking, Willian will drift into the danger area

When attacking I want Lukaku and Morata close to one another to combine giving defenses headaches. Having two up front allows for free flowing attacking and you don't give up too much at the back. Lukaku is the pure number nine as he is a fantastic box player and poachers, this allows Morata to drift wide or deep to help get the ball into Lukaku with flicks or through balls. When Arsenal have the ball I want Morata to get onto the DM quickly as to not allow him any time with the ball tto dictate where it is going and to stop the attacks from deep. When we attack both players are excellent in the box in the air and on the ground so if as expected the crosses come in they will look to beat the centre backs in the aire and get the ball goal bound.

captain - Kompany
Penalties - Morata
free Kicks - Marchisio
Corners - Wingers

Subs -

60 Mins - Traore for Willian for fresh legs

70 Mins -
Losing - Zagadou for Sane, he drops to a 3 man defence with Aurier and Sidibe into a 4 man midfield, Traore will go up front in a 343
80 Mins - Sabitzer for Aurier to focus more on attacking

70 Mins - Winning - Merino for Lukaku and into midfield 4141 with Bakayoko holding

70 Mins - Drawing - Merino for Marchisio same role
80 Mins - James for Lukaku to try and open up the defence he plays at No.10

------------------------- De Gea -------------------------
Carvajal ----- Bonucci ----- Manolas ----- A.Sandro
---------------- Khedira ----- Paredes -----------------
Mbappe ------------ Griezmann ------------- Neymar
------------------------- Aguero -------------------------

Heaton, Lenglet, Samper, Pogba, Jesus, Callejon, Poulsen

Today we are up against a very out of sorts Brighton , we expect them to come out the traps as they look to get away from the bottom of the table, but we can soak up the pressure and make our experience count, pass and move quickly, we have exceptional players to work with, always looking for space to run into to to make themselves available, even our centrebacks look for the ball as both are good ball players. Use the width as we are extremely quick down both flanks

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

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

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

We stay as a tight knit unit at the back, when defending stay in a line and make this as hard as possible for Brighton to break through.

We have a very industrious pairing in the middle, Paredes 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! Paredes himself will look to dictate from deep as he picks up from the defence and looks to drive us forward with precision passing. He is a very calming influence on the team and does everything very simply allowing others to do the running for him. Khedira will go v the second most advanced midfielder or anyone else that is around that area. Even tho Paredes has the man marking role Khedira will look to cover much of the pitchwith his energy and exuberance, 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 once he has picked the ball up from deep or from Paredes, his close control and ability to carry the ball into the attacking third once he has the ball is exceptional as he pushes up to bring our forwards into the game. When they have then close down the CM, he will look to ping the ball about so get to him before that opportunity arises. We have put Griezmann in a No.10 role this is where we feel he will be at his best against there DM he must be strong, he is an all round fantastic attacker, however he will look to take the DM on one v one drag him about open up spaces for others to drive into, with the ball at feet look to play quick one twos with those around him so he makes the runs into the box looking for that return ball that will get him in on goal. If the ball is played to him with his back to goal hold it up, draw the foul from the DM, if it doesnt come then look to lay it off, look to play the slide pass into Aguero, he must support Aguero as best he can and the two must link up very well, very quickly, Griezmann himself is fantastic in front of goal, I think his record speaks for itself.

Neymar and Mbappe 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 especially Griezmann and Aguero. Mbappe will look to drive down the line and keep it to the outside making them come to him, which will leave holes in the centre of the pitch hopefully he will get the ball into. Neymar will get a free run at them, you really cant coach a very special talent as long as he is focussed and does what he does best. However, he must be a team player and bring others into the game when he can. When they have the ball look to stick close to fullbacks/wingbacks and stop them coming forward, Just track them and use pace to get back and in around there faces to stop them becoming a threat. Always be looking for Griezmann inside as the four make an awesome quartet in behind Aguero and a scary proposition for there slowish back line. If they play 3 at the back look to support Aguero and drag the wide CBs out wide

Aguero will get plenty chances, however he must put away there side who will be solid at the back, however I want to target the slower of the two/three with the aid of Griezmann. Get into positions that he can go for goal or at very least drag players away for other players to drive into the space. Again, target the slower of the cbs, split them apart to create space, we are quick, so our forwards must hit them with pace to drag them all over the place. He can score from various angles/ranges..All of our front four will be a threat today we must go for it and keep pace with Leicester. Can hold it up and look for runners, in particular Neymar and Mbappe and 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 -
65 Mins - Jesus for Aguero straight swap fresh legs
75 Mins - Lenglet for Carvajal, he goes into a back 3, Sandro to LM and Neymar up top 3412
80 Mins - Callejon for Sandro, Neymar to LW, Callejon to RW and we go 343 all out

Winning -
70 Mins - Samper for Aguero, Griezmann up top, Samper into the hole behind Khedira and Paredes
80 Mins - Jesus for Griezmann, Callejon for Mbappe

Drawing -
70 Mins - Callejon for Mbappe, Jesus for Aguero two straight swaps
80 Mins - Lenglet for Carvajal, 3 at the back, Sandro to LM 3412

-----------------------Lloris
-----Hummels-----Godin-----Koulibaly
Florenzi-----Casemiro--Keita-------Rose
---------------------Pjanic
--------------Kane---------Suarez
Subs
Hart, Clyne, Bertrand, Coutinho, Ozil, Radja, Firmino


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, the centre backs will always stay back to stop counter attacks, The 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 or the wing backs thrown in to keep the opposition from setting up against one style of play.




For the wing backs today the objective is to provide the width for the team and keep the oppositon stretched as much as possible, both still have a defensive mindset so will be getting back into a back 5 if we lose the ball. They will only occasionally put floated crosses in, preferring to either play shorter passes to the 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 2 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 2 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.




The front 2 today will look to constantly drift around the defenders looking to get themselves a bit of space enough for them 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, they will also be looking to use his reactions to get ahead of the defender and then use them strength to cut in front of the defender, causing them to either stop their forward momentum completely, or make the foul.
When defending, they will be working with the wingbacks to cut off the passing lines for their CB's, forcing them or the keeper to launch it long, then using their 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 WB's stay back to prevent counters, the CB's and strikers 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. 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. Keita 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 - Pjanic takes Direct FK's



For Indirect FK's, same instructions as Corners





Penalties - Suarez is the designated taker.

Subs



If Winning


70 mins - Clyne for Florenzi - The wing backs stay back, but look to get out quickly and counter if the opposition over-commit for a route back into the game.




82 + 86 Mins - Firmino for Kane and Coutinho for Pjanic - Actively time waste and Mourinho the opposition.



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

If Losing



67 Mins - Radja, Coutinho and Firmino for Casemiro, Keita and Rose - The wings backs act as wingers and just pile forward in numbers.

Liverpool v WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS

Injuries: Lucas, Sanches, Milner, Ter Stegen

---------------------Rulli
-------------Ginter - Pepe - Cahill
Cancelo - A Herrera - Strootman - Hector
--------------------D Silva
-------------Higuain - Immobile

Subs: Semper, Mustafi, Jorginho, Cuadrado, Kenedy, Son, Jese

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

A tough but winnable game today away to Liverpool, hopefully our back three will keep their attack at bay while causing problems of our own to their defence.

We are playing a 3-4-1-2 today, Rulli in goal, Ginter, Pepe and Cahill in the back three, Cancelo and Hector as wingbacks, Ander Herrera and Strootman anchoring the midfield, with David Silva in the #10 role behind Higuain and Immobile upfront.

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

Rulli - 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 and Immobile.

Ginter/Cahill/Pepe - Cahill and Ginter to mark their strikers, force them high up the pitch thus limiting their impact close to goal, and Pepe to be the spare man, be first to the second ball and their AM making runs from midfield. When in possession bring the ball out of defence and use the midfielders ahead of you to help us play out from the back. Two of you go forward for setpieces.

Cancelo/Hector - Both of you to force the Liverpool wingers out wide, do not allow them to come inside as this will cause more problems for our midfield. They will want to cut inside so force them outside and block their crosses at source. They will try to create problems infield so its vital you only show them down the wing. If they play a diamond with no wingers you will need to form a narrow back five with the CB's and leave no spaces in behind. When we have possession, push forward and support Silva as he 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/Immobile and link with Strootman/Herrera. You will need to track back very quickly to ensure we don't get caught on the break.

Herrera/Strootman - Herrera playing the box to box role, assist Strootman in dealing with the Liverpool 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 three on occasion and bring the ball to create space for others.

Silva - Playing as our main AM, try and be between their midfield and defence, stick to their deepest midfielder to stop him dictating play. Look to supply Higuain/Immobile with chances and also look to create your own chances. Link up with Herrera/Strootman, and capitalise on the space Higuain and Immobile's presence will create for you.

Higuain/Immobile - you two will be expected to occupy the Liverpool centrebacks, hold up possession and look to turn the defender and shoot. Be strong in the air and look for your teammates and each other 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 on occasion.

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

Subs 70 mins;
If winning: Immobile and Silva off, Cuadrado and Kenedy on. Switch to a 5-4-1, wingbacks drop to fullback, Cuadrado RM and Kenedy LM, with Higuain upfront. Absorb the Liverpool pressure and hit them on the break with the fresh pace out wide.

If drawing: Ginter off, Son on. Change to 4-2-2-2, Cancelo - Pepe - Cahill - Hector at the back, Strootman and Herrera in midfield, Son RAM, Silva LAM, Higuain and Immobiile upfront. Push for the winner.

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

BRUM VS villa

---------------------------------Batalla-----------------------------------
------------Bailly-----------Maguire---------Verthonghen-------------
--------------------------------Goretzka----------------------------------------
J Mario----------Brozovic---------------Kessie-------------M Alonso
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------Llorente------------Keita--------------------------

Subs - Holgate, Ake, Sanson, Bellarabi, Sterling, Vardy, M Dembele

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

When we don't have possession of the ball in our half I want the whole team except Keita to get in our half and defend. Play a deep defensive line so that Villa 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 Llorente/Keita, Llorente so he can use his physical strength to hold the ball up and a lofted long ball for Keita so he can use his pace to play off the oppo's shoulders and beat the offside trap. 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 Keita to run to.

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
Leon Goretzka
Goretzka will be covering for our Wingbacks when they are attacking. When the oppo wingers have the ball he will help our wingbacks against them and double up against them. He is very good on the ball aswell and can pick a pass out. Look for a quick pass out or dribble out of danger if you win the ball back.

Centre Mids
Brozovic + Kessie
Kessie main job is to use his strength and physical ability in the centre to outmuscle oppo players. 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.

Wing backs
Mario + Alonso
Mario 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 Llorente and Keita are very good at playing in between the lines.

Strikers
Llorente + Keita
I want Llorente to be the 'target man' and use his top hold up play to bring others into the game. Be ready for crosses into the box as heading is your strongest point. Use your height advantage over the oppo CB's to win the headers. Keita will look to use his pace to play off the oppo shoulders and beat the offside trap. He will be given freedom to drift over to the left wing and use his pace to target the Villa RB from time to time.

Subs if LOSING BY 65MINS
Change formation to 343. Bring on Sterling for Alonso and Calvert Lewin for Mario. Bellarabi on for Goretzka aswell. Play a very high line and try and get a goal.

-------------------------------Batalla-----------------------------------
------------Bailly------------Maguire---------Verthonghen--------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lewin-------------Kessie-----------Brozovic--------------------Sterling
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------Keita-------Llorente---------Bellarabi-----------------------


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

-------------------------------Batalla -----------------------------------
---------------Bailly-------Maguire---------Verthonghen--------------
------------------------Goretzka-------Sanson---------------------------------
Mario-------------Brozovic------------Kessie--------------Alonso
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------Llorente------------------------------

Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Sterling ON for Keita
Sanson ON for Brozovic
Vardy ON for Llorente
Like for like changes just fresh legs to help the team.

Overview of our 5-4-1 formation


-----------------------------Horn
-------------Stark----------Süle--------- Kempf
Weiser------------------------------------------------Guerreiro
----------------------Geis-------------Biglia
-------Ziyech-----------------------------------Forsberg
---------------------------Ibrahimovic

Subs: Pollersbeck, Klostermann, Plattenhardt, Ascacíbar, Suárez, Isak, Milik


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

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

How it works

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

Klostermann on for Weiser, Ascacíbar on for Geis

—————————Courtois
———Lindelof——Christensen—Umtiti
————Fabinho——Bentacur———Toljan
———————————Tolisso
Bernardeschi—————Icardi———————Dybala

Subs: A.Begovic, A.Conti, Y.Tielemans, S.Milinkovic-Savic, A.Zivkovic, P.Sisto, A.Belotti

Captain: Thibaut Courtois
Free Kicks: Fabinho(delivery)/Paulo Dybala(shot)
Penalties: 1st. Mauro Icardi 2nd Fabinho 3rd Andrea Belotti
Corners: Fabinho(left side)/Corentin Tolisso(right side)

Dominate possession today, moving the ball to manipulate the opponent. We put heavy emphases on strong positional play, creating positional superiority over the opposition. We don’t have a set formation in possession today, instead we stagger our players in order to create spaces and passing lanes within our opponents formation, with focus on getting between the oppositions vertical and horizontal defensive lines, in particular the midfield 4 must all look to do this, as getting between their lines to receive the ball will drag more than one player towards you, opening up space for others. From building from the back all the way to entering the final third we will focus on aggressive overloads in relation to the ball, that means the player in possession will always have two players with direct passing lanes open, and the rest of the team staggered around this, positioning themselves in relation to their team mates, so that they have a lane open to someone with a lane open to the ball. This type of overload, keeping players close to the ball, allows for combinations to become quicker and tighter, with the midfielders drawing several players towards them and using this aggressive overloading to break through the lines of defence.

Strong positional play also means not leaving gaps behind or to the side of our attack, as well as having the movement needed to break down an opponent. The midfield four and forwards can make any movement they like, from overlaps/underlaps, to diagonal runs across lines, however they must do this with strong organisation. Working in triangles in relation to the ball and your teammates, for example Tolisso, Bernardeschi and Fabinho so that if Bernardeschi is up against the WB, one player overlaps/underlaps to create a lane or draw a defender away, and the third man stays deeper, with Bernardeschi able to drop deep if Tolisso and Fabinho take the lead. Or in central build up if things become congested, one WB stretches back out to create space out wide, but the wide CB steps up into midfield, this creates a triangle to the WB but also retains our midfield dominance. The opposite side WB always stays central to defend counters in midfield.

The aim in possession today is to use the ball to manipulate the opposition, use these quick combinations and sudden bursts from the midfield or forward line to draw Wolves in, by working in triangles we move Wolves across to defend our overloads, or move them forward to stop us having clean build ups, and by doing this we leave the opposite side of the field free. These underloaded areas are where we want to attack today, therefore we create aggressive overloading, either down our right flank, looking to use Icardi and Tolisso as well as the two right sided players, to drag Wolves across and leave Dybala, free man in the left halfspace. We can then use diagonal passing from the right to get him the ball. Likewise we look to create overloads in the middle with the FBs tucking in and creating a midfield 3, allowing Tolisso the freedom to move about and link the play, forwards drop deeper but the wingers stay wide, draw them forward on to us but keep their back 5 stretched so that theres space to play balls in behind and down the sides of their midfield, find through balls to get forwards away. Using these strategies to open up a route to underloaded areas will eventually force the opposition to detach their lines of defence, leaving much more space for our playmakers.

When we lose it we counterpress, which will be aided by the staggering of our team and aggressive ball orientated support. Offensive stability of our positional play also creates defensive stability, in that it allows us to defend quickly and in numbers. It also means that the opponent will have committed more men back to defend, leaving less to attack, in this case, we suspect Wolves will have 7 defending and only 3 attacking, whilst our overloading means that Wolves will also have to overload the area they are defending, stopping them from stretching us when they do win the ball. Essentially we will have two blocks when we press, the 5 defensive organisers, and the 5 hunters. The hunters are those involved in the attack, so when we are wide, it is Tolisso, the forwards and the FB, when we are central it will be the forwards, Tolisso and Bentacur. The two WBs staying deeper and tucked in, allowing Bentacur to really go and dominate the midfield battle, winning the ball back and using his passing or driving runs to start counters. The hunters press immediately, don’t allow the opponents time to decide how they will transition. Creating triangles within our shape, and always having one deeper than the other two, creates perfect coverage of the field in relation to the ball, and allows these triangles to quickly cover the ball carrier, with the two closest pressing, and the other cutting off the easiest passing lane, and the 2 remaining players, usually Icardi and Dybala, quickly coming towards the ball to provide an extra layer. Don’t allow them to play out from the back, really pressure their wide CBs.

The 5 organisers will create a narrow bowl shape around the forwards, usually they only have 3, so we create an overload here too, with us also having at least one spare CB in relation to their CF(s), meaning he can cover behind, and the other 4 focus on really squeezing the space, then if the Wolves build up succeeds in finding the forwards, they still have numbers to beat. If Wolves go longer, we make sure everything is so tight they can’t bring the ball down and string an attack together.

If we are forced to defend sustained possession, we do so in a 5-4-1, vertical and horizontal compactness, don’t give them room to play.


Subs:

If Winning: Milinkovic-Savic for Tolisso 70’, more physical, can break attacks down very quickly and draw players towards him, using his power to overwhelm the opposition. Sisto for Bernardeschi 75’, keep the opposition WB pegged back. Belotti for Icardi 80’.

If Drawing: Milinkovic-Savic and Conti for Bentacur and Lindelof 65’, 4-3-3 with Fabinho back in DM, ball side FB look to provide the width to stretch the game, allowing the wingers to come inside and play in the half spaces, attract the wide CBs out of their positions with the wingers dropping deeper and allowing Savic/Tolisso to run behind them, or even an out to in from a FB, the runners support the striker. Belotti for Icardi 75’, we want Belotti to sit on Pepe, keep him occupied so that when the wide CB moves to follow our inside forwards the opposition midfield are forced to track our midfielders right back into their own box.

If Losing: Same tactics as if we were drawing but Tielemans and Savic come on for Bentacur and Lindelof 60’, which gives us Tielemans and Tolisso to really dictate the game. Belotti for Fabinho 70’, Bernardeschi will play RB but he’ll be doing so high up the field, Belotti as the CF and Icardi and Dybala using their movement to draw defenders.

------------------------- Ederson
---------- Varane ------ Javi.M ----- Laporte
Oxlade -------- Vidal -------- Fernandinho ------ Ghoulam
--------------- De Bruyne ---- A.Sanchez
---------------------- Lewandowski

Subs: Meret, Tah, Mendy, Rabiot, Eriksen, Mertens, Werner

At home and unbeaten, look to take the game to the opposition, playing with confidence and zip and allowing our attackers to play with freedom.

Possession with purpose and urgency. plenty of link up play, width and movement, dragging their mfs and defenders out of position and penetrating in the final third.

Powerful block of 4 in midfield, very physical.
Energy and high tempo throughout, quick on our feet and looking to win the ball back as quickly as possible.

We drop slightly deeper when Everton are on the ball looking to nullify the threat they pose with their pace. De Bruyne forming a trio in mf in a 3-5-2 with Sanchez alongside Lewa up top, pressing from the front.

Clinical in forward areas and unpredictable, mixing it up with long balls, runs from deep and overloads on the counter, get numbers in the box and give their defenders a right grilling.

3-4-1-2 - Possession based:

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 trio 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.

Varane and Laporte should shift slightly wider when on the offense allowing our wing-backs to push up in a bank of 4 in mf.

Vidal and Fernandinho, 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 stamp their authority with their work rate and power looking to take a grip on mf and shielding our defence, oppressing the opposition midfielders and covering every blade of grass out there.

When attacking, Fernandinho 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, also prevent counter attacks.

De Bruyne and Sanchez have free roles in attack, at times going wider to support the WG-backs. Sanchez partnering Lewa up top with De Bruyne in behind, or them sitting and dictating/driving from deep to open up the game ahead.

Gernally they will look to play inbetween the lines, roaming in the oppositions half and and looking to act as the link between midfield and attack. Picking up pockets of space and using their awareness to dictate the play, never afraid to play a key pass in behind to unlock their defence to find a player in space or drive from deep.

Defensively, KDB coming deeper and working alongside our mf duo in a 3, squeeze and don't allow any space or time in central areas for the opposition, forcing them back and in tight spots. Sanchez pressing with Lewa as a duo in attack.

Flanks will be key as we look to expose them in wide areas and create space in midfield.

Two powerful WG-backs in Oxlade and Ghoulam, need to hug the touchline and provide the width allowing us to stretch the opposition. Always on the move so we can can get them in behind and use them as outlets going forward when picking a pass.

Very possession orientated, comfortable playing quick 1-2's and accelerating into space, overlapping often and getting early deliveries into the box for our striker/s to attack.

As well as scoring goals Lewandowski has a big role today, should often look to come deep and link with others, hold up play and take the CB with him, spinning beyond and opening up the space for our WG-backs and De Bruyne/Sanchez to run into.

When Everton are in possession we will initially look to press from front with our two strikers (Lew & Sanchez) and then drop off deeper with men behind the ball if they bypass with a strong block of 5.

Don’t allow them to play out from the back and hurry their passes. Our attackers form a duo 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.

The reason we want our front two to press is to force Everton to play long and concede possession, we feel they lack any sort of aerial presence in the side so are less likely to win contested duels.

If they advance we then form a rigid structure looking to press the space and dropping off with men behind the ball, only allowing them to play where we want them too, stifle the midfield and stop them from picking their passes into an attacker, Fernandinho man-man their AM, looking to harass him and using his physical prowess to really put him off his game, Vidal and De Bruyne cutting off passing lanes.

Our wingbacks and wide CB's should interlink throughout, off the ball our wing-backs need to track back and help with defensive duties preventing overloads. Keep them wide and give them no space to work with.

Essentially a 3-5-2, 5 in mf working to minimise the space in midfield zones and preventing them from finding their attackers. Our wing-backs then drop off to mark the oppositions wingers and help our CB's to prevent any space being left in behind.

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. Ox & Ghoulam can come up to support the play and provide the width. The front 3 burst forward.

Subs:
IF WINNING: 65th minute – (3-4-1-2)
- Rabiot > Vidal
- Mertens > A.Sanchez
Compact 3-4-1-2, Rabiot look to use his fresh energy to get about, Mertens look to pick up pockets of space and drive at tired legs.

IF DRAW: 70th minute – (3-5-2 - wide)
- Werner > Sanchez
- Eriksen > KDB
- Rabiot > Fernandinho (75th minute)
Werner partners Lewa in attack. Eriksen and Rabiot in midfield, looking to dictate and win the ball back as quickly as possible to start attacks.

IF LOSING: 75th minute – (4-4-2 - direct)
- Werner > Laporte
- Eriksen > Vidal
- Mendy > Ghoulam
4-4-2, direct. long balls into the box and constantly looking for the two strikers.
Flood forward and look for an equalizer/winner.

C - Lewandowski
FK's - De Bruyne
Corners – De Bruyne/Ghoulam
Pens - Lewandowski

ASTON VILLA

———————————— Oblak
Walker — Alderwiereld — Boateng — Luis
————— Dembele —— N'Zonzi
Robben ————— Fabregas ————— Reus
———————————— Cavani

SUBS: Mkhitaryan, Sokratis, Partey, Zielinski, Winks, Benzema, Bernardo

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


Brum always set up very well and Nadz is formidable. He'll probably set up in his usual shape. We have to dominate the middle. We will have a lot of energy for ball recovery today in midfield today with Dembele playing a key role beside N'Zonzi 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. Dembele is very good at carrying the ball breaking the lines in the process. I reckon if I can gain control of the middle of the pitch with my players in midfield I have a chance of blowing them off the park with our players playing their natural game. Dembele's energy 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 after driving forwards. With the movement of my front four 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 Brum 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. Brum 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 dangerous 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 their striker, he'll take some handling, and we know 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 Dembele will form a four man block around their striker(s) when out of possession. Dembele 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. Fabregas 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 Brum 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 Fabregas and Dembele 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 Fabregas can be at his 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 Brum'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 Partey for Fabregas and have him in midfield in a 4-3-3.

75 - Robben's legs may tire towards the end of the game so we bring on Mkhitaryan 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 Dembele and bring on Mkhitaryan to provide more penetration in attacking mid

75 - If we're still not winning, we bring on Partey for N'Zonzi, he'll sit at the base of midfield providing more driving force while being solid and holding the midfield together.

85 - We will bring on Benzema on for Reus and go 442 with Mkhi moving to the left, two strikers up front and Partey Fabregas in the middle.

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.

Brighton

Cech
Cedric - K.Glik - Luiz - Bernat
Krychowiak - Kondogbia
Walcott - Payet - Diakhaby
Gamero

Gunn, Holding, Ramsey, Nasri, Redmond, Gabbiadini, Paco


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. Krychowiak 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 Krychowiak to go forward.

Kondogbia 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

Subs
Losing -
70 Mins - Gabbiadini for Diakhaby 442 with Payet to LM, Paco for Gameiro

Winning -
70 Mins - Ramsey for Iwobi, go into midfield and Payet to the left
80 Mins - Redmond for Walcott

Drawing
70 Mins - Ramsey for Kondogbia, Redmond for Diakhaby, Gabbiadini for Gameiro

Attacking 4-4-2 / 4-4-1-1

Attacking at pace and defending in a rigid unit. In a huge game for us at home, we look for our big players to step up.

Missing two key cms so we turn away from possession football to direct attacking football, using our strength on the wings to attack. We stick with the back four, keeping consistency here with our strongest four and Kante in front. We have also added a second defensive midfielder here, Ndidi who will be the sitting dm, allowing Kante to do the running of two men and be the pressing dm.

Key to our game plan today is attacking quickly, playing with width, stretching the game. Two hardworking pacey wide players add to the energy and pace in the midfield 4, which will be key in attack and defence.

Up top we have two players full of pace who will take the game to them. With Hazard as second striker/no.10, looking to get the best out of him by allowing him to find space, getting involved as much as possible. Linking the play with the midfield 4 to create attacks and supporting Ronaldo.

This will allow us to get the best out of Ronaldo, have him focused on getting in the right positions in the box, getting in behind the cbs. Hazard will add a distraction as he will also look to get beyond the opposition back line finding gaps to run through, and the link up of the two will give us an added element to our attack.

Having a natural right footer on the right and a natural left footer on the left in midfield will add to the speed of our attacks, as they will be able to quickly play an early cross or through ball. Vitolo on the right gives us a hard working powerful option to break through. More grunt on the right, and more finesse on the left in Asensio's magic left foot.

We will primarily look to attack down the left, use the quality of Marcelo going forward, and with only one fb bombing forward this leaves the stronger defensive fb at the back.


------------------- M.Neuer
Azpilicueta - Ramos – Otamendi - Marcelo
--------------- Ndidi --- N.Kante --------------
- Vitolo --------------------------- M.Asensio -
-------------- Ronaldo -- Hazard

Subs. Pereira, Valencia, Danilo.P, Guedes, Correa, D.Costa, D.Costa

Key to our attack is quick attacking play. Varying our play and how we get the ball to our wingers/Hazard/Ronaldo quickly. Ndidi offering cover in front of the defence and someone who can play out, with Kante sweeping up in the midfield.

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.

We will be wary of the counter when we lose the ball. We drop into two lines of four, Ronaldo or Hazard look to close down the ball as soon as we lose it allowing the other players to get into shape. Hazard then drops to sit on their dm.

In this 4-4-1-1 formation, when the opposition go wide, the winger opposite to play comes narrow, giving us 3 central players and one wide player. Hazard a fourth central player simply sits on their dm, take the option away and be in a position to help us break quickly in between our midfield and Ronaldo.

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.

Of the 2 cms, Kante seeks to play diagonally ahead of Ndidi, pressing the ball, Ndidi always goal side of Kante. Slightly deeper pressing the space in a position to sweep in and clean up if they get past the first press. The free wide man can then come inside to help close the ball. This will make it difficult for Newcastle to find space, force them to try and play in tight areas.

We don't leave much space between the lines. Two compact lines of four. Always looking to have 9 players behind the ball. Happy to defend from deep when Newcastle get higher up the park.

Attack.

We will be quite direct with our attacking play.

Get the ball to our wingers, and fbs get them doubling up on their fbs. Get Ronaldo in the box and get balls in the box for him.

By playing with width, we hope to create space for Hazard and Ronaldo. Stretch the opposition, so Hazard can find space in between the lines and so both Hazard and Ronaldo can find space to get through on goal.

In possession, the defence push up playing a reasonably high line as all are comfortable in possession and have great pace. The cms seeking to give them an option, but the cms keep it simple and quick in possession. Aim to get the ball out wide.

We are happy for our defenders and Neuer to switch play up and go long at times.

We want quick one twos in the opposition half going down the lines. We have great pace up top, so we want to get them in behind if we can. If not we are happy for our players to take them on, and force the opposition back.

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

Captain: Ramos

Subs.

If winning after 65 mins bring on Correa for Asensio. Super sub on, very high workrate and great pace. Keep the energy high in midfield. Keep things consistent at the back.
If winning after 72 mins bring on Diego Costa for Ronaldo. Give the opposition defence something totally different to deal with.
If winning after 78 minuntes bring on Guedes for Hazard. Fresh pace and high workrate. Again keep energy up, giving us a great outball to get at a team that will be pushing for a goal.


If drawing after 70 mins bring on Diego Costa for Asensio. Hazard to left mid.
If drawing after 78 mins bring on Correa for Vitolo. High energy super sub.
If drawing after 82 mins bring on Asensio for Thiago. Attack attack attack.

If losing after 55 mins bring on Diego Costa for Vitolo. Asensio rm, Hazard lm.
If losing after 65 mins bring on A.Correa for ASensio. High energy impact player.
If losing after 80 mins bring on Guedes for Marcelo. 3-2-3-2 attack.

-----------------------Lloris
-----Hummels-----Godin-----Koulibaly
Florenzi-----Pjanic------Radja-------Rose
-------Salah-------Suarez---------Mane
Subs
Hart, Matip, Bertrand, Casemiro, Ozil, Di Maria, Sturridge


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, the centre backs will always stay back to stop counter attacks, The 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 or the wing backs thrown in to keep the opposition from setting up against one style of play.




For the wing backs today the objective is to provide the width for the team and keep the oppositon stretched as much as possible, both still have a defensive mindset so will be getting back into a back 5 if we lose the ball. They will only occasionally put floated crosses in, preferring to either play shorter passes to the players who have come out from the middle of the pitch to keep possession and let the pressure build up in the final third, or run to the byline and put in fast and low crosses relying on both the faster reactions and control of our attackers and the pressure of the situation on their centre backs to hastily clear the ball without being in full control of the situation.


The focus of the midfield 2 will be to use their high energy, all action styles to get themselves around the middle of the pitch, working 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 WB's stay back to prevent counters, 2 of 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 Mane flit around away from the main attacking group looking to pounce on mistimed touches and flicks around the area. A CB 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 - Pjanic takes Direct FK's



For Indirect FK's, same instructions as Corners





Penalties - Suarez is the designated taker.

Subs



If Winning


70 mins - Bertrand for Rose - The wing backs stay back, but look to get out quickly and counter if the opposition over-commit for a route back into the game.




82 + 86 Mins - Casemiro for Radja and Di Maria for Mane - Actively time waste and Mourinho the opposition.



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

If Losing



67 Mins - Coutinho and Di Maria for Radja and Rose - The wings backs act as wingers and just pile forward in numbers.

Comment deleted by Article Creator

------------------- Butland -------------------
S.Aurier -- Rudiger -- van Dijk -- D.Sidibe
---------- M.Verratti -- Bakayoko ----------
Willian ------------------------------- Coman
-------------- Lukaku -- Morata -------------

Forster, Zagadou, Kondogbia, S.Mina, James, Kelechi, Hakan

We go again for a traditional 4-4-2 set up with a Flat back 4 across the back in a straight line. As a unit the back four will work as a unit in terms of holding players in front of them accountable for their defensive obligations as well as covering for one another as the situation changes.
At centre back no one ball should beat the both of them so one steps this being van Dijk whilst one provides cover at all times this being Rudiger, they have these instructions but at times they will switch roles
van Dijkwill lead the back four and indeed the whole team from the back vocally and will do the organizing of the team on the pitch.
Our full backs both have the ability to patrol the flank defensively and join in the attack as well (priority to defend first and attack when they can, only one at a time tho and they will support our midfield by getting beyond the wingers or creating a 3rd midfielder.

As a unit the midfield two should control the rhythm of the game and be the most creative line in the formation they must look to link with their teammates in front and behind them in establishing the flow of the game They must be able to attack and defend plain and simple, play on both sides of the ball, Bakayoko will do more defending duties than Verratti who is the more creative, we keep the ball and create offensive chances but at the same time hold the middle of the park, a teams formation is at it's highest risk when penetrated down the middle of it so when out of possession, the central midfielders need to be able to get behind the ball and screen the defensive unit. They need the ability to identify danger, make recovery runs and offer support and balance, If Verratti advances forward and does not recover, we will only have Bakayoko holding which may leave gaps, therefore it is imperative that when out of possession, if CMs are not pressing the ball, they recover to get in behind the ball and close gaps.

Our wingers have to support thefullbacks on the defensive side by getting back and track Everton's WBS/FBs and stop them becoming a threat in our half. When attacking give the team width and have the ability to create from a wide position chances for our two up front, getting forward, beating players and delivering crosses. Their aim is to dominate the opposition full-back, beat players with skill and deliver crosses consistently. They may also contribute towards goals, when Willian is in possession we expect the Coman to drift across and expose the weak areas or make an attacking run at the back post area to score and vice versa when Coman is attacking, Willian will drift into the danger area

When attacking I want Lukaku and Morata close to one another to combine giving defenses headaches. Having two up front allows for free flowing attacking and you don't give up too much at the back. Lukaku is the pure number nine as he is a fantastic box player and poachers, this allows Morata to drift wide or deep to help get the ball into Lukaku with flicks or through balls. When Everton have the ball I want Morata to get onto the DM quickly as to not allow him any time with the ball tto dictate where it is going and to stop the attacks from deep. When we attack both players are excellent in the box in the air and on the ground so if as expected the crosses come in they will look to beat the centre backs in the aire and get the ball goal bound.

captain - van Dijk
Penalties - Morata
free Kicks - Verratti
Corners - Wingers

Subs -
60 Mins - S.Mina for Coman, straight switch, fresh energy down the left

70 Mins
Losing - Hakan for Willian again fresh legs
Winning - Kondogbia for Lukaku and into a midfield 5
Drawing - James for Lukaku and into No.10

80 Mins -
Losing - James for Sidibe, Aureir to RCB and James to No.10 3412
Winning - Merino for Verratti fresh legs
Drawing - Hakan for Willian

------------------------ De Gea ----------------------
Carvajal ----- Bonucci ----- Lenglet ----- Danilo
-------------- Busquets ------ Khedira -------------
Mbappe --------------- Pogba ------------- Neymar
------------------------- Aguero ----------------------

Johnstone, Sanchez, Paredes, Alli, Poulsen, Jesus, Callejon

Today we are up against a top quality side , we expect them to come out the traps quickly, but we can soak up the pressure and make our experience count, pass and move quickly, we have exceptional players to work with, always looking for space to run into to to make themselves available, even our centrebacks look for the ball as both are good ball players. Use the width as we are extremely quick down both flanks

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

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

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

We need to have a tight defence this week so when they attack we sit in a solid 4 man wall with those ahead of them it will be difficult for them to penetrate
.
We have a very industrious pairing in the middle, Busquets to stop the AM getting the ball from midfield to the striker, he must be right on top of him looking to close him down at the quickest opportunity, let him dictate play and there striker will get plenty chances, we must not let this happen. So quick and into him, fairly and stop this! Busquets himself will look to dictate from deep as he picks up from the defence and looks to drive us forward with precision passing. He is a very calming influence on the team and does everything very simply allowing others to do the running for him. 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 will look to cover much of the pitchwith his energy and exuberance, 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 once he has picked the ball up from deep or from Busquets, his close control and ability to carry the ball into the attacking third once he has the ball is exceptional as he pushes up to bring our forwards into the game. When they have then close down the CM, he will look to ping the ball about so get to him before that opportunity arises. We have put Pogba in a No.10 role this is where we feel he will be at his best against there DM he must be strong, he is an all round midfielder, however he will look to take the DM on one v one drag him about open up spaces for others to drive into, with the ball at feet look to play quick one twos with those around him so he makes the runs into the box looking for that return ball that will get him in on goal. If the ball is played to him with his back to goal hold it up, draw the foul from the DM, if it doesnt come then look to lay it off, look to play the slide pass into Aguero, he must support Aguero as best he can and the two must link up very well, very quickly, he must however no soley focus on attacking, he must get back and help protect our defensive line, sit back and focus on there 3rd midfielder, get onto him quickly and do not allow him to dictate from deep positions.

Neymar and Mbappe 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 especially Pogba and Aguero. Mbappe will look to drive down the line and keep it to the outside making them come to him, which will leave holes in the centre of the pitch hopefully he will get the ball into. Neymar will get a free run at them, you really cant coach a very special talent as long as he is focussed and does what he does best. However, he must be a team player and bring others into the game when he can. When they have the ball look to stick close to fullbacks/wingbacks and stop them coming forward, Just track them and use pace to get back and in around there faces to stop them becoming a threat. Always be looking for Pogba inside as the four make an awesome quartet in behind Aguero and a scary proposition for there slowish back line. If they play 3 at the back look to support Aguero and drag the wide CBs out wide

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

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

Subs -
Losing -
70 Mins - Callejon for Mbappe, Jesus for Pogba and we go 442
80 Mins - Poulsen for Carvajal, Danilo goes to the right of Bonucci in a 3 man defence, Poulsen to the right of a 3 man attack as we launch balls up for hi to win in an attacking 343 formation

Winning -
70 Mins - Jesus for Aguero, CAllejon for Mbappe
80 Mins - Paredes for Pogba sit in

Drawing -
70 Mins - Alli for Pogba, Callejon for Mbappe and Jesus for Aguero

-----------------------Lloris
-----Hummels-----Godin-----Koulibaly
Florenzi-----Pjanic------Radja-------Rose
-------Salah-------Suarez---------Mane
Subs
Hart, Matip, Bertrand, Casemiro, Ozil, Di Maria, Sturridge


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, the centre backs will always stay back to stop counter attacks, The 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 or the wing backs thrown in to keep the opposition from setting up against one style of play.




For the wing backs today the objective is to provide the width for the team and keep the oppositon stretched as much as possible, both still have a defensive mindset so will be getting back into a back 5 if we lose the ball. They will only occasionally put floated crosses in, preferring to either play shorter passes to the players who have come out from the middle of the pitch to keep possession and let the pressure build up in the final third, or run to the byline and put in fast and low crosses relying on both the faster reactions and control of our attackers and the pressure of the situation on their centre backs to hastily clear the ball without being in full control of the situation.


The focus of the midfield 2 will be to use their high energy, all action styles to get themselves around the middle of the pitch, working 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 WB's stay back to prevent counters, 2 of 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 Mane flit around away from the main attacking group looking to pounce on mistimed touches and flicks around the area. A CB 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 - Pjanic takes Direct FK's



For Indirect FK's, same instructions as Corners





Penalties - Suarez is the designated taker.

Subs



If Winning


70 mins - Bertrand for Rose - The wing backs stay back, but look to get out quickly and counter if the opposition over-commit for a route back into the game.




82 + 86 Mins - Casemiro for Radja and Di Maria for Mane - Actively time waste and Mourinho the opposition.



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

If Losing



67 Mins - Coutinho and Di Maria for Radja and Rose - The wings backs act as wingers and just pile forward in numbers.