ASTON VILLA

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

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

In defence we play Sokratis Alderweireld and Boateng today. Alderweireld will play in 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 to nullify Leicester 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 their striker.

In attack I will pair Robben and Cavani together with Robben 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 Leicester 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 Leicester'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 Leicester 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 Robben 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 Leicester'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 Leicester decide they want to attack down our sides during their spell of dominance

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

Or

Walker sokratis Alderweireld Boateng
Robben Modric N'Zonzi Dembele Luis
Cavani

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 Leicester's forwards. Alderweireld can press very high during Leicester's build up following their striker’s movements, for example.

We may also employ pressing traps depending on how Leicester 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 - Reus for Robben, 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 Reus for sokratis, go 4-4-2:

Walker Alderweireld Boateng Luis
Robben N'Zonzi Modric Reus
Mkhitaryan 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.

Red Card

Red Card:
In all cases Dembele subbed off, if Dembele red then no change
If goal keeper, chesney
If wing backs, Bernardo
If CB, jones
If centre mids, Fabregas
If dm, Matic
If striker, Reus

And still stick to a back three

BRUM VS Liverpool

------------------------------------Lafont-----------------------------------
---------------Bailly------------Maguire------------Ake------------------
-----------------------------------Goretzka----------------------------------------
Hysaj-------------Brozovic--------------Kessie-------------M Alonso
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------Llorente------------Keita--------------------------

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

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

A big match against Liverpool, who are only one place above us in the table. We hope to make home advantage count and try and get the win. I want Llorente & Vardy to target Lindelof, the weak link in the Pool defence. Llorente will use his strength to outmuscle him, Vardy will look to close him down as soon as he has the ball to pressure him into a mistake.

When we don't have possession of the ball in our half I want the whole team except Vardy to get in our half and defend. Play a deep defensive line so that Pool 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. Ake 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
Hysaj + Alonso
Hysaj and Alonso will look to help both in attack and defence. When the oppo has the ball come back into the defence to make a rock solid back 5. Make forays forward when we have the ball in the oppos side of the pitch but track back when we don't. Get some low crosses into the box as 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 Hysaj. Bellarabi on for Goretzka aswell. Play a very high line and try and get a goal.

-------------------------------Lafont-----------------------------------
------------Bailly---------------Maguire------------Ake--------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.

------------------------------------Lafont -----------------------------------
---------------Bailly-----------Maguire-----------Ake--------------
------------------------Goretzka-------Sanson---------------------------------
Hysaj-------------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.

Direct attacking 4-4-2 / 4-4-1-1

Attacking at pace and defending in a rigid unit. In a huge game for us, we need our big players to step up. Bored of constant draws, we go with an attacking side, but one full of hard workers. We left the majority of our players at home during the week so that they were fresh for today, take advantage of Villa's Europa hangover with an all-action energetic side.

First 15 mins defend higher up the pitch in a narrow unit. Don't let them settle. Hazard drops deeper for this period in front of the 2 cms. High tempo play, as we look to defend and attack quickly as a unit.

After 15 mins we look to conserve our energy defensively, defending deeper in a more rigid defensive unit. Make it difficult for them to find space close to our goal, let them have the ball in deeper areas, then pressing in our own half. When we win it, attack quickly. Tire their already tired bodies. High tempo defending high up the pitch in 15 mins after half time too.

Looking to play direct attacking football, using our strength on the wings to attack. Consistency at the back and Kante in front as the sitting dm. Koke comes in at cm next to him, full of energy we will look for Koke to press the ball, Kante pressing the space in front of the defence.

Key to our game plan today is attacking quickly,down the wings, stretch 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,the link up of the two will give us an added element to our attack.

A natural right footer on the right and a natural left footer on the left will add to the speed of our attacks, able to quickly play an early cross or through ball. Vitolo on the right gives us a hard working powerful option to break through.

We primarily look to attack down the left, use the quality of Marcelo going forward, and with only one fb bombing forward, allows Asensio to drift inside. As well as the left being our strength in attack, we feel Villa are weakest here and can exploit this.


------------------ M.Neuer
Valencia -- Ramos – Otamendi - Marcelo
-------------- Koke --- N.Kante --------------
- Vitolo --------------------------- M.Asensio -
------------- Ronaldo -- Hazard

Subs. Schmeichel, Stones, Blind, Ndidi, Guedes, D.Costa, Correa

Key to our attack is speed. Varying our play and how we get the ball to our wingers/Hazard/Ronaldo quickly. Kante offering cover in front of the defence.

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 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, Koke seeks to play diagonally ahead of Kante, pressing the ball, Kante always goal side of Koke. 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 Villa 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 Villa get higher up the park.

Attack.

We will be quite direct with our attacking play.

Attack down the wings,wingers and fbs 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 our strikers. 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, Kante keeps it simple and quick in possession, Koke more expansive, his long passing will allow us to switch quickly and put us on the front foot.

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

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

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 Ndidi for Koke. Fresh legs, and full of energy for the box to box role.
If winning after 78 minuntes bring on Guedes for Hazard. Correa moves to support Ronaldo in a 4-4-1-1 formation.

If drawing after 70 mins bring on Douglas Costa for Vitolo. Pace and skill to take on their tired legs.
If drawing after 75 mins bring on Correa for Asensio. High energy impact sub.
If drawing after 82 mins bring on

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

If a red card. We go 4-4-1. Hazard to lm.

Asensio subbed off for Schmeichel if gk, Stones if RB or cb, Blind if lb, Ndidi if Koke or Kante, Correa if Ronaldo.
If Hazard gets sent off, no change 4-4-1. If Vitolo, Asensio rm, Hazard lm, no subs.
Then make subs in line with winning/drawing/losing as far as possible. Ensure we use 3 subs, if we need fresh legs get Ndidi on for Koke at cm.

vs Birmingham(A)

——————————Courtois
—Fabinho—Christensen—Umtiti—Toljan
—————————Bentancur
————Tolisso—————————Dybala
Bernardeschi————Icardi——————Philipp

Subs: Begovic, Lindelof, R.Pereira, Tielemans, Milinkovic-Savic, Sisto, Belotti

Captain: Thibaut Courtois
Free Kicks: Paulo Dybala(shot)/Fabinho(cross)
Corners: Fabinho/Corentin Tolisso
Penalties: Mauro Icardi

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 build attacks in a 3-3-1-3, Fabinho and the CBs progressing the ball with Bentancur for support, Toljan pushing into midfield and Tolisso and Dybala looking to position in the half spaces, with Tolisso as a 6, and Dybala as a 10. Focus on aggressive ball-orientated overloads, staggering the team so that everyone is connected either to the ball or to someone who is connected to the ball, allowing for quick circulation of the ball.

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. To do this we invert our FBs, using them as CMs as we progress into the opponents half, designed to draw Birmingham’s CMs towards our line of 3 midfielders, giving more freedom to Tolisso and Dybala to play between the lines and find space within the opponents formation, essentially we have a 5 man midfield to control the game. The FBs must be in a close link to Bentancur to form a solid midfield, with Tolisso and Dybala forming links to them. The key to breaking the opposition down will be our fluid 2-3-2-3, the ball side FB has a license to overlap or underlap when the AM/winger is in possession, particularly on the right side, Fabinho will look to underlap and break the opposition defensive line, but when he does so Tolisso must stay back and form part of the midfield, making sure we always have 5 and 5. Underlapping will be especially useful, moving forward in the half space and creating indecision between DM and wide CB, allowing Dybala and the forwards to run into the space it creates. Likewise if the AM overlaps the winger the winger must drop in. The forward 3 are there to occupy the defence, wingers pushed right onto the WBs so that they are forced into their defensive positions for much of the game and kept right out by the touchline, don’t allow them to defend the midfield areas, force this job onto the DM and wide CBs so we can create gaps. Like the FBs overlapping/Underlapping, the forwards also have a license to make runs, in behind, diagonal between defenders, or into the half space.

The two AMs are crucial to creating and finding space, using their freedom to move around and find gaps, out wide, behind the opposition CMs and either side of the DM. Usually we use Tolisso as a deeper creator and Dybala as a free number 10, but they can interchange. Using right side build up as an example, Tolisso drops deeper to come and connect with Fabinho and we use these two alongside Bernardeschi to work the ball in a triangle, free to move as they wish, drawing Birmingham towards them. From here we should draw out their DM to help the CM and WB with the overload, which will free the left for Dybala, if we can play a quick diagonal ball (Fabinho and Tolisso both very capable) we can switch play and allow Dybala the time and space to combine with Philipp and Icardi to devastating effect. If the route is blocked, we circulate the ball across with our 3 CMs and we restart the attack. If the opposition CMs block the centre then our FBs stretch wider and our AMs come across to combine with them, giving us overloads vs 1 CM at a time and giving Birmingham’s midfield more space to cover (WBs can’t push up due to our wingers positioning), eventually we can open gaps centrally.

When we lose it we counterpress, which will be aided by the staggering of our team and aggressive ball orientated support, giving us numbers around the ball, but a strong triangle structure. We will have two blocks when we press, the 5 defensive organisers, and the 5 hunters. The hunters press immediately, don’t allow the opponents time to decide how they will transition. With build up usually down the flanks we expect to have to press mostly in these areas too. The CF will look to press the wide CB, using his cover shadow to stop the ball going to the middle CB, whilst the winger also comes across to press the wide CB when he gets the ball, or the WB if he has it. Behind them Dybala pushes onto the DM, with the ball side FB/CM (depending who is furthest forward) also helping to press the WB, essentially this creates a diamond around the ball allowing us to really squeeze the opponents ball carrier and win it back quickly. It also leaves a midfield 3 and two CBs to form the organisers block, maintaining our control of the midfield. Far side winger on the far side CB to keep them pegged in. We do this when we lose it and when Birmingham build from goal kicks. The aim is to win it quickly or hurry them long.

The organisers will be pushed close to our offensive line in order to retain strong vertical compactness to add to the opponents difficulty in playing through us. The 5 create a staggered 2-3 bowl shape, allowing us to form a block around their forwards. This should create a 5 vs 2 in our favour meaning that even if a forward gets hold of the ball, we have the numbers around him to win it back quickly, be it from knock downs or a striker looking to use his pace. Focus firstly on blocking passing lanes behind the press, and then squeezing opponents if they get it forward.

When they have sustained possession defend in a 4-5-1 with vertical and horizontal compactness, deeper lines looking to force them to play in tight spaces

Subs:
If Winning: Milinkovic-Savic for Philipp 70’, Dybala LW, gain more control over the midfield. Lindelof for Bernardeschi 75’, 3-5-2, maintain control over midfield and use a block of 5 against their forwards. R.Pereira for Tolisso 80’, Fabinho to DM, Bentancur to CM.

If Drawing: Sisto for Bernardeschi 65’, a more direct winger to come and run at a tiring WB. Milinkovic-Savic for Tolisso and Belotti for Icardi 75’, more physical players who can attract the opponents towards them and hold the ball up, creating space to the side and behind them for Dybala and Philipp.

If Losing: Belotti and R.Periera for Bentancur and Icardi 60’, 4-2-4, Dybala join Belotti through the middle, look to really put pressure in the wide areas with overlapping runs from Pereira and Toljan, Fabinho and Tolisso staying deeper to control the game and provide defensive cover. Sisto for Toljan 75’, comes on to play right up the field.

Stoke
---------------------- Rico ---------------------
Bernardo --- I.Diop --- Gagnon --- Jorge
------ Cyprien --- Kovacic --- C.Soler -----
Gelson ---------- Rashford --------- Lemar

Bursik(GK), Elvedi, Chilwell, Fornals, M.Lopez, Malcom,
Martial

Captain: Rico
Penalties: Lemar
Corners: Soler
Free Kicks: Kovacic

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 Gagnon 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, Kovacic 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 Kovacic 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 Lemar 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 - Martial for Cyprien, Martial up front 442 with attacking fullbacks

Winning - Elvedi for Soler, go 541

Drawing - M.Lopez for Cyprien

WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS v Hull City

Injuries: Lucas, Pepe, Jorginho, Ter Stegen

---------------------Rulli
-----------Ginter - Mustafi - Cahill
Cancelo - R Sanches - Strootman - Hector
--------------------D Silva
-------------Higuain - Immobile

Subs: Semper, A Herrera, Milner, Cuadrado, Kenedy, Son, Jese

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

A tough but winnable game today at home to Hull, 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, Mustafi and Cahill in the back three, Cancelo and Hector as wingbacks, Renato Sanches 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. Hull 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/Mustafi - Cahill and Ginter to mark their strikers, force them high up the pitch thus limiting their impact close to goal, and Mustafi 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 Hull 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 Hull 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 Hull 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 off, Ander Herrera on. Change to a 5-3-1-1, Herrera alongside Sanches and Strootman in midfield. Absorb the Hull pressure and hit them on the break.

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

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

--------------------- Ederson
Juanfran ---- Varane -- Javi.M ----- Ghoulam
-------------------- A.Rabiot
--------- De Bruyne ------- Vidal
O.Dembele ------ D.Mertens ------- A.Sanchez

Subs: Meret, Laporte, Mendy, Fernandinho, Eriksen, Perisic, Werner

In good form, playing a Stoke side who are really struggling this season and sit bottom. Look to get at their inexperience, quick on our toes and forcing mistakes

A slight change in formation, 4-3-3. Go in with the extra midfielder and look to play with plenty of width, making the pitch bigger and creating holes in their backline.

Mertens in for the injured Lewa, in good form this season and the attacking trio should link well today, plenty of pace and goals in them and should give that inexperienced Stoke defence a right grilling.

Plenty of options on and off the ball for the man in possession, quick movement and 1-2's. Look to beat the high press and get in behind on a constant basis.

4-3-3 - 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 duo are excellent on the ball, very good passing success rates and should look to move the ball into mf quickly. At times collecting short from Ederson and getting their heads up, looking for movement from the attackers and attempting diagonal or long balls into feet, using Mertens/Sanchez/Dembele as target men to bypass their 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.

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.

Defensively will look to work in a 3, looking to work in tandem with Rabiot and Vidal to close down quickly and cutting out passing lanes. At times sitting deeper and dictating the tempo allowing Vidal to make his trademark burst forwards to mix it up.

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

Ousmane and Sanchez need to get involved as much as possible looking to influence the game, both two footed & excellent dribblers that more often than not will beat their man, need to get their heads down and accelerate with pace, linking with our fullbacks as they hug the touchline and open up the space ahead.

Always on the move and being unpredictable, never stay idle and easy to mark. Making off the ball runs and taking defenders with you, keeping them in two minds whether to stay or go.

When in possession, our fullbacks take it in turns to burst forward. One sits slightly back allowing the other to roam forward looking to provide the width, allowing the wingers space to drive into or an option on the outside.

Mertens has a big role today, very prolific and great killer instinct but one of those strikers that influences the play even without the ball at his feet. He should look to come deep often and link with others, hold up play and take the CB with you, opening up the game and space for our wingers and KDB to run into beyond.

When Stoke are in possession we will initially look to press from front with our attacking trio and then drop off deeper with men behind the ball if they bypass with a strong block of 3 in midfield.

Don’t allow them to play out from the back and hurry their passes. Our attackers form a trio looking to cut avenues into midfield as one goes to press the ball, force them into tight spots with their backs to goal towards the touchline.

The reason we want our attackers to press is to force Stoke 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 with our 3 and stop them from picking their passes into an attacker, Vidal man-man their AM, looking to harass him and using his physical prowess to really put him off his game, Rabiot and De Bruyne cutting off passing lanes either side.

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. FB’s can come up to support the play and provide the width. The front 4 burst forward, Vidal and Rabiot holding.

Subs:
IF WINNING: 70th minute – (4-3-3)
- Fernandinho > Rabiot
- Perisic > A.Sanchez
- Werner > Mertens (80th minute)
Compact 4-3-3, Fernandinho sits and holds, Perisic look to work with his FB down the flanks. Werner, fresh pace

IF DRAW: 70th minute – (4-2-2-2 - wide)
- Werner > KDB
- Perisic > A.Sanchez
- Eriksen > Vidal (80th minute)
Werner partners Mertens in attack and we go more direct, two out and out wingers looking to get service into the box.

IF LOSING: 75th minute – (4-4-2 - direct)
- Werner > Rabiot
- Fernandinho > 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 - Vidal
FK's - De Bruyne/ shoot - Mertens
Corners - De Bruyne
Pens - A.Sanchez

BRIGHTON AND HOVE ALBION v Arsenal

Injuries: Ramsey, Luiz, Brekalo, Gunn
Suspended: Cech

Trapp
Cedric - Glik - Zouma - Bernat
Gagliardini - Can
Berardi - Payet - Richarlison
Falcao

Subs: Corchia, Holding, Gerhardt, Schneiderlin, Krychowiak, Nasri, Walcott

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

A very tough game today, but we can get at this Arsenal side who are definitely vulnerable defensively, so I feel we can target them down the middle and create chances for Falcao to finish.

Playing a positive 4-2-3-1, Trapp in goal, Cedric, Glik, Zouma and Bernat across the back, Gagliardini and Emre Can in midfield, Berardi and Richarlison either side of Payet, behind Falcao upfront.

This game is about controlling the tempo and giving us the best chance of getting three points today. Arsenal have some world class players in their side although we have some class players of our own to hurt them and cause them real problems. Our front four with assistance from the fullbacks should create plenty of chances, and in midfield we have a duo who can dictate the game in Gagliardini and Can, with Payet ahead of them, we can control the possession and the flow of the game. Berardi at RW and Richarlison at LW both able to use their pace and get at the Arsenal defence with Cedric and Bernat overlapping. Falcao upfront to give us a physical presence and somebody who is able to hold up possession as well as create chances for himself and his teammates.

Trapp - 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 Falcao.

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

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

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

Berardi/Richarlison - Both playing out wide and both have the pace and trickery to beat the Arsenal fullbacks and get crosses in, but both of you will also have our fullback overlapping giving you the chance to cut inside and get shots in. Look to supply Falcao with chances and also provide yourselves with chances. Link up with Gagliardini/Can/Payet, and capitalise on the space Falcao's presence will create for you. Without the ball I expect you two to track back and assist your fullback.

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

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

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

Subs 70 mins:
If winning: Payet off, Krychowiak on. Switch to a flat 4-5-1 with Krychowiak alongside Gagliardini and Can in midfield. Berardi to RW and Richarlison to LW, look to punish Arsenal on the break.

If losing: Gagliardini and Zouma off, Nasri and Walcott on. Change to a 3-1-4-2, back three of Cedric - Glik - Bernat, Can the playmaker, Walcott - Nasri - Payet - Richarlison behind a front two of Berardi and Falcao. Push for goals.

----------------------------Horn
Weiser--------Süle-----------Kempf------Guerreiro
------------------Biglia----------Dahoud
--------Pjaca----------Ziyech-----------Forsberg
-----------------------Ibrahimovic

Subs: Pollersbeck, Stark, Plattenhardt, Geis, Suárez, Schopf, 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 Marko Pjaca, Hakim Ziyech and Emil Forsberg 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 Marko Pjaca and Emil Forsberg, who are fast speed merchants, excellent in tight spaces and fantastic dribblers will cut inside or make runs into the box. Hakim Ziyech our attacking central midfielder’s low centre of gravity will enable him to navigate away from defenders at a frighteningly quick pace. Ziyech is blessed with an instant first touch and can dribble with the ball at such a close proximity to his feet that it makes him almost impossible to tackle this creative passer who will look to play Pjaca, Forsberg 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

Comment deleted by Article Creator

Comment deleted by Article Creator

-----------------------Lloris
-----Hummels-----Godin-----Koulibaly
Florenzi-----Pjanic------Radja-------Rose
-------Salah-------Suarez---------Mane
Subs
Hart, Matip, Bertrand, Casemiro, Ozil, Coutinho, Kane


Lloris is a commanding presence at the back, when he calls for a ball, the defence know he will take control of the situation, he and the defence have complete confidence in each other and stops those little split second doubts which could lead to a chance being conceded When he has the ball he will look to offload quickly in the direction of the front 5 to get those quick counters started.


Godin is the defensive leader and will be the one to set the defensive line on the pitch, 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 Coutinho 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 - Ozil and Coutinho for Radja and Rose - The wings backs act as wingers and just pile forward in numbers.

comment by Fan Gillhaus 1903 (U3339)
posted 1 day, 21 hours ago
----------------------- Heaton -----------------------
Henrichs ---- Caldara ---- Lenglet ---- Kurzawa
-------------- C.Tolisso ---- S.Samper -------------
Ferran.T -------------- Alli --------------- Mbappe
----------------------- Poulsen ----------------------

Johnstone, Danilo, Davies, Bastoni, V.Cerny, F.Arp, Jesus

cup game so heaps of changes to give our young uns a shot, they are desperate for a game to show there capabilities

Strong back 4 led by Caldara, Lenglet picks up the cf not allowing him any space to get his shot away, always on his back, an when we are attacking he always has a close eye on him, he and Caldara will look to block out all attacks with the fullbacks, they will form a solid back line event tho the fullbacks are attacking they must be patient and attack when possible. Play a high (ish) line as we are quick enough to chase balls over the top if that's the road they go down. Fullbacks get up and support the wingers when they can, get round them to take away the opposition fullbacks and free up space for our wide players.

We have a very industrious pairing in the middle, Samper 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! Samper himself will look to dictate from deep as he picks up from the defence and looks to drive us forward with precision passing.. Tolisso will go v the second most advanced midfielder or anyone else that is around that area. Even tho Samper has the man marking role Tolisso will look to cover much of the pitch with 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 erratically. Our deep lying pair will look to pass and move always look for the return pass. When we have the ball Tolisso in particular will get us moving forward from the centre once he has picked the ball up from deep or from Samper, his close control and ability to carry the ball into the attacking third once he has the ball is pretty good 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 Alli 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 Poulsen, he must support Poulsen as best he can and the two must link up very well, very quickly, he must however not 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.

Having Poulsen up front gives us the opportunity to play high balls for a change from the back or midfield, he will win a fair few as the AM get into support him

Ferran Torres 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. 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 Alli and Poulsen. Ferran 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. Mbappe will get a free run at them, 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 Alli inside as the four make an awesome quartet in behind Poulsen. If they play 3 at the back look to support Poulsen and drag the wide CBs out wide

When our wingers have the ball Poulsen is a great target man so don't hesitate to ping in a cross if he is in space

Poulsen is different to what we usually have, he is a big powerful guy so will so we want him to give himself a few yards so he can attack the crosses coming in, ;leaping early to beat the defenders in the air, if not going for goal look to knock it down for the on rushing Dele Alli, , Alli will at time sbe right up with him so the two will look to combine very early, with Alli running beyond him looking for Poulsens flicks and stuff.

Captain - Caldara
Pens - Ferran Torres
Free Kicks - Alli
Corners - Wingers

Subs
65 Mins - Jesus for Poulsen, back to the way we play with quick feet and passes

Losing
75 Mins - F.Arp for Alli 442, Cerny for Ferran

Winning -
75 Mins - Davies for Alli and sit in midfield
80 Mins - Danilo for Samper

Drawing -
75 Mins - Cerny for Ferran
80 Mins - F,Arp for Alli, Jesus just play off his shoulder

----------------------------------------------------------------------
Swap Caldara for Manolas please

-----------------------Lloris
-----Hummels-----Godin-----Koulibaly
Florenzi-----Pjanic------Radja-------Rose
-------Salah-------Suarez---------Mane
Subs
Hart, Matip, Bertrand, Casemiro, Ozil, Coutinho, Kane


Lloris is a commanding presence at the back, when he calls for a ball, the defence know he will take control of the situation, he and the defence have complete confidence in each other and stops those little split second doubts which could lead to a chance being conceded When he has the ball he will look to offload quickly in the direction of the front 5 to get those quick counters started.


Godin is the defensive leader and will be the one to set the defensive line on the pitch, 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 Coutinho 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 - Ozil and Coutinho for Radja and Rose - The wings backs act as wingers and just pile forward in numbers.

vs Portsmouth(N)

———————Courtois
Conti—Christensen—Umtiti—Grimaldo
——————Fabinho——Bentancur
—Sabitzer————————————Savic
———————Dybala
——————————Belotti
Subs: Svilar, Vallejo, Loftus-Cheek, A.Maier, Sisto, Bernardeschi, T.Abraham

Captain: Thibaut Courtois
Free Kicks: Paulo Dybala(left and centre)/Fabinho(right)
Corners: Marcel Sabitzer
Penalties: Fabinho

Drawing Portsmouth forward with a mid defensive block in order to negate their keeper from the build up phase and then initiating a strong press to stop them enjoying easy ball possession, focusing on forcing errors when there is space behind in which to counter. We do this by having Belotti press the ball carrying CB, using his cover shadow to stop him switching play to the free CB, whilst Dybala man marks the DM off the ball. The two CMs start by going zonal man to man, not allowing the opposition CMs to be easy passing options, if one drops deeper in build up, his marker goes with him and the CB on that side will step up higher to cover the space that leaves, thus blocking the middle and forcing the opposition to the FB. When the CB shows us he will make a wide pass we must press immediately with the ball side winger and Dybala(keeping his cover shadow blocking the DM), ball side CM keeping tight to the opposition ball side CM and the opposite CM narrowing to play, in a freer role but maintaining our compactness, keeping a balanced position so that he is ready to break up the play if Portsmouth beat our press. The far side winger will drop back into midfield and take over marking duties of the ball far CM.

If they beat the press we must drop deeper and defend zonally. We look to keep as narrow and compact as possible, leaving no central spaces so that once again they have to use the wings. Once they do this we are able to shuffle the unit across and stagger the team so that we create a diamond that allows us to both press the wide players and the block the route to the middle. Dybala drops deeper towards the ball and the far side CM steps up in line with our ball side winger, leaving the ball side CM at the base of the diamond, opposite winger tucks in too. Any attempt to pass through this space to the free side of the pitch should be easy to defend as we can quickly close up the diamond and congest the space for the ball carrier. Whenever someone receives the ball with their back to play we initiate a harder press, Dybala and winger going 2 v 1, whether its the FB, winger or CM that receives the ball, and Belotti drops back on to the DM. The CMs drop back and are joined by the far side winger in making a midfield 3 to cover for this harder press. The CBs remain behind this line of 3, giving us a block of 5 centrally at all times, and the two FBs slightly wider of this block so that we have full control of our penalty box, the half spaces and the flanks.

In build up our CMs are able to drop deeper to receive the ball from the defence, allowing the ball side FB to push higher up the field to draw their winger back, and our other FB tucked in narrower so we can switch play to the other side faster when needed. Gives us a block of 5 through which to build play. When the opposition CM’s come to press our ball carrying CM, Dybala drops into the space he leaves and we use a triangular circulation to get the ball to him in open space behind the first line of press. When we do this our ball side winger pushes really high up the field so that the FB can’t come in and cover the central space. Opposite side winger comes infield and takes up the half space, either drawing the attention of the DM or getting himself free space. If we can’t find any space ball side, we shuffle it back through the Cbs and CMs, patiently drawing Portsmouth on to us and waiting for the gap to appear, either to play the ball forward for the FBs, Dybala or the half space winger, or failing that we also have the options of bypassing the opposition midfield with a longer diagonal ball into Savic/Belotti, both able to get up against the opposition DM/FBs and over power them physically to allow us to pass directly into the attacking third. Once in that final third we look to get the ball into the wide areas, usually with Sabitzer when build up is smooth, and Savic when the build up is more direct. Sabitzer can really run at the opposition FB and force the opposition defence backwards, getting us closer to goal, whilst Savic brings the ball down for runners, his interplay and strength to draw the opposition defence towards him before laying the ball off will be crucial. Once we have them penned back, the ball side FB can make an overlapping/underlapping run to overload the opposition FB, with the aim to get the ball back centrally, either through crosses from the byline or coming back through the half space, where the ball carrier will have Dybala/Belotti coming towards him to link up and the other running behind the defence so we can stretch their CBs both ways, as well as the spare winger in the half space and the CMs free to circulate possession. Use quick movement and one touch football to open the gaps, and if they don’t happen instantly use the likes of Savic and Dybala that can slow play down, suck men in and play the ball into unloaded spaces.

Subs:

If Winning: Loftus-Cheek for Sabitzer 70’, gives us another physical midfield player to allow us to break up play quickly and comfortably. Arne Maier for Dybala 75’, Bentancur takes up the job of man marking the DM and gives us the ability to drive past challenges and open up the game on the counter, whilst Maier takes a more disciplined role as a DM. Vallejo for Conti 80’, Christensen to RB and Vallejo CB.

If Drawing: Bernardeschi for Sabitzer 70’, fresh legs out wide against a tiring FB. Abraham for Belotti 75’, use movement off the ball is harder to mark than Belotti’s, gives the opponent something new to face. Sisto for Savic 80’, fresh legs on the counter, his dribbling ability should give Semedo all sorts of trouble.

If Losing: Sisto for Bentancur 60’, Savic into CM, looks to play with more flair when we attack, two really tricky wingers. Abraham and Vallejo for Conti and Grimaldo 70’, 3-2-3-2 that becomes a 2-3-2-3 on the ball, using 3 CMs to give us stability in possession and allow Dybala and Sisto to find spaces between the lines and use their magic.

Off the ball: Courtois; Vallejo, Christensen, Umtiti; Fabinho, Savic; Sabitzer, Dybala, Sisto; Abraham, Belotti.
On the ball: Courtois; Vallejo, Umtiti; Fabinho, Christensen, Savic; Dybala, Sabitzer; Sisto, Abraham, Belotti.

----------------------------Horn
Plattenhardt---Stark-----------Kempf------Guerreiro
------------------Biglia----------Dahoud
-------Mahrez----------Ziyech-----------Forsberg
-----------------------Ibrahimovic

Subs: Pollersbeck, Augustinsson, Geis, Suárez, Schopf, Pjaca, Milik


Our defensive unit consists of Niklas Stark and Marc-Oliver Kempf paired up at centre-back, Marvin Plattenhardt 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 Emil Forsberg 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.

Plattenhardt 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 Emil Forsberg, who are fast speed merchants, excellent in tight spaces and fantastic dribblers will cut inside or make runs into the box. Hakim Ziyech our attacking central midfielder’s low centre of gravity will enable him to navigate away from defenders at a frighteningly quick pace. Ziyech is blessed with an instant first touch and can dribble with the ball at such a close proximity to his feet that it makes him almost impossible to tackle this creative passer who will look to play Mahrez, Forsberg 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 Pjaca on for Forsberg

ASTON VILLA

———————————— Oblak
Walker — Alderwiereld — Boateng — Luis
————— Modric —— N'Zonzi
Bernardo ————— Fabregas ————— Reus
———————————— Cavani

SUBS: Chesney, Sokratis, Partey, Dembele, Winks, Mkhitaryan, Zielinski

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


European games needs to be approached differently. He'll probably set up in his usual shape. We have to dominate the middle. We will have a lot of creativity on the ball today in midfield today with Modric 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. Modric 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. Modric 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 Italy 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. Italy 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. Only when they have all of our players pressed back in our third as they inevitably will do at some stage. Giving them lots of time on the ball. I will expect everyone in the back six to be involved in that. Bernardo and reus will get up and down the pitch all match if they need to. If we happen to get pressured back into our own third we will stop the pressuring but go very compact instead, and only squeeze spaced out wide to prevent crosses being thrown in. We wait it out and attack again.

The block of four of Boateng Alderweireld N'Zonzi and Modric will form a four man block around their striker(s) when out of possession. Modric and N'Zonzi will help cut the passing lanes to their forward line while Alderweireld will mark their striker tightly with Boateng sweeping behind if he does get through. 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 Italy 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 Modric 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 Bernardo Reus Cavani and full backs to help keep possession. We will have Reus and Bernardo 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 Bernardo 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 Italy'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 - Bernardo's legs may tire towards the end of the game so we bring on Mkhitaryan in his place to help chase down balls.

80 - Zielinski for Reus, same reason as above.

Drawing/Losing
65 - Clearly we need to change it up a bit, therefore we take off Modric and bring on Mkhitaryan 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 Zielinksi on for Fabregas and go 442 with Mkhi moving to the left, two strikers up front (Reus Cavani) and Partey Zielinski 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.

WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS v Arsenal

Injuries: Pepe, Lucas, Hector, Cahill

----------------------Ter Stegen
----------Smalling - Mustafi - Ginter
Cancelo - R Sanches - Strootman - Digne
-------------------------D Silva
-----------Aubameyang - Immobile

Subs: Rulli, Trippier, Milner, A Herrera, Jorginho, Son, Jese

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

A tough but winnable game today against Arsenal 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, Smalling, Mustafi and Ginter in the back three, Cancelo and Digne as wingbacks, Renato Sanches and Strootman anchoring the midfield, with David Silva in the #10 role behind Aubameyang and Immobile upfront.

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

Ginter/Smalling/Mustafi - Smalling and Ginter to mark their strikers, force them high up the pitch thus limiting their impact close to goal, and Mustafi 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/Digne - Both of you to force the Arsenal 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 Aubameyang/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 Arsenal 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 Aubameyang/Immobile with chances and also look to create your own chances. Link up with Sanches/Strootman, and capitalise on the space Aubameyang and Immobile's presence will create for you.

Aubameyang/Immobile - you two will be expected to occupy the Arsenal 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 off, Ander Herrera on. Change to a 5-3-1-1, Herrera alongside Sanches and Strootman in midfield. Absorb the Arsenal pressure and hit them on the break.

If drawing: Smalling off, Son on. Change to 4-2-2-2, Cancelo - Mustafi - Ginter - Digne at the back, Strootman and Sanches in midfield, Son RAM, Silva LAM, Aubameyang and Immobile upfront. Push for the winner.

If losing: Ginter, Smalling and Strootman off, Son, Jese and Jorginho on. Change to a 3-1-4-2, Cancelo - Mustafi - Digne, Jorginho the playmaker, Son - D Silva - Sanches - Jese behind Aubameyang - Immobile upfront. Push for goals.

BRIGHTON AND HOVE ALBION v Leicester City

Injuries: Jovic, Nasri, Gabbiadini, Richarlison

-----------------Trapp
Cedric - Glik - Luiz - Bernat
- Fellaini - Gagliardini - Can
Berardi --- Falcao --- Lallana

Subs: Cech, Holding, Gerhardt, Krychowiak, Payet, Walcott, Redmond

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

A very tough game today, but we can get at this Leicester side, I feel we can target them down the middle and create chances for Falcao to finish.

Playing a 4-3-3/4-5-1, Trapp in goal, Cedric, Glik, Luiz and Bernat across the back, Fellaini, Gagliardini and Emre Can in midfield, Berardi and Lallana either side of Falcao upfront.

This game is about controlling the tempo and giving us the best chance of getting the win today. Leicester have some world class players in their side although we have some class players of our own to hurt them and cause them real problems. Our front three with assistance from the fullbacks should create plenty of chances, and in midfield we have a trio who can dictate the game in Fellaini, Gagliardini and Can, we can control the possession and the flow of the game. Berardi at RW and Lallana at LW both able to use their creativity and get at the Leicester defence with Cedric and Bernat overlapping. Falcao upfront to give us a physical presence and somebody who is able to hold up possession as well as create chances for himself and his teammates.

Trapp - 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 Falcao.

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

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

Fellaini/Gagliardini/Can - Fellaini and Can playing the box to box roles, assist Gagliardini dealing with the Leicester attack when we don't have the ball, if they play an AM Gagliardini stay on him, but don't follow if he drifts wide. Be first to any loose balls, in possession Gagliardini to look for the attackers and pass rather than bring the ball out, Can to burst forward to join the front four on occasion and bring the ball to create space for others. Fellaini to get forward and provide a physical threat alongside Falcao whenever crosses come into the area.

Berardi/Lallana - Both playing out wide and both have the creativity and trickery to beat the Leicester fullbacks and get crosses in, but both of you will also have our fullback overlapping giving you the chance to cut inside and get shots in. Look to supply Falcao with chances and also provide yourselves with chances. Link up with Gagliardini/Can/Fellaini, and capitalise on the space Falcao's presence will create for you. Without the ball I expect you two to track back and assist your fullback.

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

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

Subs 70 mins:
If winning: Fellaini off, Krychowiak on. Switch to a flat 4-5-1 with Krychowiak alongside Gagliardini and Can in midfield. Berardi to RM and Lallana to LM, look to absorb pressure and hold out for the win.

If losing: Gagliardini and Glik off, Payet and Redmond on. Change to a 3-1-4-2, back three of Cedric - Luiz - Bernat, Can the playmaker, Berardi - Lallana - Payet - Redmond behind a front two of Fellaini and Falcao. Push for goals.

--------------------- A.Meret
Bellerin ------- J.Tah -- Laporte ----- Ghoulam
------------------- Fernandinho
-------------- Eriksen ---- Gundogan
O.Dembele ------ D.Mertens ------------ Perisic

Subs: Ederson, Juanfran, Mendy, Rabiot, Lingard, Ounas, Schick

Keep the side fresh, competition for places strong so give some of those on the fringes an opportunity to nail down a spot in the side without compromising on quality.

4-3-3 - Possession based:
It starts from the back. Meret is very mature for his age and has excellent reflexes, very quick on his feet and should generally look to keep it simple.

The CB duo are excellent on the ball, very good passing success rates and should look to move the ball into mf quickly. At times collecting short from Meret and getting their heads up, looking for movement from the attackers and attempting diagonal or long balls into feet, using Mertens/Dembele/Perisic as target men to bypass their mf.

Fernandinho & Gundogan, a midfield pair that will provide plenty of energy and will work their socks off for the side to allow others around them to express themselves. They should look to 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.

Eriksen 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.

Defensively will look to work in a 3, looking to work in tandem with Fernandinho & Gundogan to close down quickly and cutting out passing lanes. At times sitting deeper and dictating the tempo allowing Gundogan to go on beyond and link with our forwards to mix it up.

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

Ousmane and Perisic need to get involved as much as possible looking to influence the game, both two footed & excellent dribblers that more often than not will beat their man, need to get their heads down and accelerate with pace, linking with our fullbacks as they hug the touchline and open up the space ahead.

Always on the move and being unpredictable, never stay idle and easy to mark. Making off the ball runs and taking defenders with you, keeping them in two minds whether to stay or go and opening up space in central areas.

When in possession, our fullbacks take it in turns to burst forward. One sits slightly back allowing the other to roam forward looking to provide the width, allowing the wingers space to drive into or an option on the outside.

Mertens has a big role today, very prolific and great killer instinct but one of those strikers that influences the play even without the ball at his feet. He should look to come deep often and link with others, hold up play and take the CB with you, opening up the game and space for our wingers and Eriksen to run into beyond.

When Liverpool are in possession we will initially look to press from front with our attacking trio and then drop off deeper with men behind the ball if they bypass with a strong block of 3 in midfield.

Don’t allow them to play out from the back and hurry their passes. Our attackers form a trio looking to cut avenues into midfield as one goes to press the ball, force them into tight spots with their backs to goal towards the touchline.

The reason we want our attackers to press is to force Liverpool 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 with our 3 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, Gundogan and Eriksen cutting off passing lanes either side.

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. FB’s can come up to support the play and provide the width. The front 4 burst forward, Fernandinho and Gundogan holding.

Subs:
IF WINNING: 70th minute – (4-3-3)
- Rabiot > Gundogan
- Ounas > O.Dembele
Compact 4-3-3, Rabiot sits and holds alongside Fernandinho in mf. Ounas has real pace and should look to get at his tiring FB.

IF DRAW: 75th minute – (4-2-2-2 - wide)
- Schick > Eriksen
- Rabiot > Gundogan
- Lingard > O.Dembele (80th minute)
Strong in defence but look to bring on another outlet going forward, link with Mertens and get constant delivery in from wide areas.

IF LOSING: 75th minute – (4-4-2 - direct)
- Schick > Gundogan
- Ounas > O.Dembele
- 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 - Ghoulam
FK's - Eriksen/ shoot - Mertens
Corners - Eriksen/Ghoulam
Pens - O.Dembele

Comment deleted by Article Creator

Comment deleted by Article Creator

------------------------ De Gea ------------------------
Danilo ------ Sanchez ------ Bonucci ------ Sandro
---------- Khedira -- Busquets -- Tolisso -----------
-- Mbappe ----------- Aguero ----------- Neymar --

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

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

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

We have a very industrious trio in the middle for this game, the aim is to close down there midfield and make it conjested as to not allow them any space ot time to make their passes count and keep them away from dangerous areas. Busquets in the middle is there to stop the AM getting the ball from midfield to the striker, he must be right on top of him looking to close him down at the quickest opportunity, let him dictate play and there striker will get plenty chances, we must not let this happen. So quick and into him, fairly and stop this! Busquets himself will look to dictate from deep as he picks up from the defence and looks to drive us forward with precision passing. He is a very calming influence on the team and does everything very simply allowing others to do the running for him. Khedira and Tolisso are my runners they will go against the other midfielders or anyone else that is around that area. Even tho Busquets has the man marking role Khedira and Tolisso will look to cover much of the pitch with his energy and exuberance, hassling and harassing anyone who has the ball, he doesn't give any one time on the ball as they move side to side and forwards and back, this style pressurizes the opposition to pass erractically. Our midfield trio will look to pass and move always look for the return pass. When we have the ball Khedira and Tolisso in particular will get us moving forward from the centre once he has picked the ball up from deep or from Busquets who will always patrol the area just in front of our defenders, there close control and ability to carry the ball into the attacking third once they has the ball is exceptional as they push up to bring our forwards into the game. When they have then close down the CMs, they will look to ping the ball about so get to him before that opportunity arises. We want to control this game so short quick passes, use tactical nous to get others into the game, Our front three will be moving around so look to play triangles to get them into shooting opportunities, we must keep possession however so nothing silly, at times the build has to be slow and methodical and we certainly have the players and experience to know when to do this.

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 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. If they play a back 3 when we attack I want our front three to move about and and not allow particular players to pick them up, as we have fairly attacking fullbacks supporting them then we have options to push inside, there defence will not be focussed and get confused as to who and where to go and mark and hopefully this opens up space for our attackers

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, I am sure whoever is looking to do results will focus on there shiete defending, but just track them and use pace to get back and in around there faces to stop them becoming a threat. We defend as a team from the front so even if they can look to stop the threat of the defenders then that's two players out the picture.

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. 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 three will be a threat today we must go for it and keep pace with Villa. Can hold it up and look for runners, in particular Neymar and Mbappe will be making his runs also so be watchful of him just to lay it off to the side.


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

Subs

Losing -
70 Mins - Jesus for Khedira 424
80 Mins - Poulsen for Aguero and look for the high ball for him to knock down to Jesus
85 Mins - Callejon for Sandro, he goes RW, Mbappe central for Sandro go 325

Winning -
70 Mins - Callejon for Mbappe
80 Mins - Jesus for Aguero
85 Mins - Lenglet for Neymar - he goes to LCB and look to see it out, Callejon as a floating No.10 (5311)

Drawing -
70 Mins - Callejon for Khedira and Mbappe to No.10, Jesus for Aguero at the same time to freshen it up

80 Mins - Pogba for Mbappe

---------------------- Butland ----------------------
S.Aurier --- Kompany --- W.Hoedt --- D.Sidibe
Willian ---- Bakayoko --- Marchisio ---- L.Sane
--------------- Lukaku ------ Morata --------------


Forster, Zagadou, Kondogbia, Coman, Hakan, Kelechi, Merino

Today we go against a 433 of stoke, we 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. We may be a midfielder down but we have enough in there to control the game and force them back

At centre back no one ball should beat the both of them so one steps this being Hoedt 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.

Butland will have to be dominate, come out to the forwards/ball and close down shooting angles, be vocal and let the defenders know there place or if they are slacking. Punch clear what he cant catch and get the ball away for quick counters.

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 Stokes 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 Stoke 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 -

Winning -
70 Mins - Merino for Lukaku, go in beside Marchisio and Bakayoko drop into the hole between defence and midfield
80 Mins - Zagadou for Sidibe a more defence minded LB

Losing -
70 Mins - Merino for Willian, Sane to the left of Morata, 433
80 Mins - Kelchi for Sane, pump it long


Drawing -
70 Mins - Hakan for Lukaku, try and open it up for Morata and Coman for Willian - 4231
80 Mins - Merino for Marchisio

Aston Vanilla

Injuries
Harry Winks
Bernardo Silva
Nemanja Matic
Moussa Dembele


.................................Oblak.......................
Walker............Boateng......Manolas........Davies
........................N'Zonzi......Modric.............
Robben..................................................Griezmann
........................Cavani.......Higuain............

Subs: Chesney, Sokratis, Luis, Zielinski, Cesc, Reus, James.


Tough game today away at Chelsea, they have a great side going forwards but we’re gonna ask questions of them defensively today and see if they have the answers. Fast paced counter-attacking football, Hitting the Chels hard on the break.

Oblak is a great shot-stopper and will command his box using his impressive frame, quick off his line to narrow down the angles for any one on ones.

Boateng and Manolas will double up on Aguero, hit him hard on his touch, and stop him by fair means of foul, little niggles on him off the ball are to be actively encouraged. Any opportunity to leave a boot in is all good. Nullify him and we have a chance.

Walker and Davies have bags of pace and they’ll need that against chelsea’s fantastic wingers. Don’t dive in and show them the line don’t allow the cut-back, if you do dive in make sure you play the man (and ball) but just the man will do it. Offensively both will push forward as we look to over-run Fan’s pedestrian midfield.

Modric and N’Zonzi are both gonna sit today in this system, N’Zonzi is the muscle in the centre breaking up the play and recycling possession. Modric has a fantastic range of passing. Hes capable of putting a foot in, but today its all about his longer range of passes. I want him pinging balls out-wide to our runners, bypassing Chelsea’s slow midfield and sending our boys on their way.

As good as fans wingers are they don’t track back, hence our decision to go 4-2-4 Fan’s FB’s will be isolated 1v1 against Robben and Griezmann..there can only be one outcome here and it’s a resounding advantage to us. He can’t shuffle a CB across as we have 2 up-front so he has to pull his CM’s deeper. They however will be tracking our marauding full-backs so even though they have a numerical advantage in midfield it doesn’t really amount to much. And because Modric does his damage in this system from 50 yards out he’s not caught out of position on the counter.

Eventually Fan will have to pull his wingers back to help out and this further isolates Aguerro.

Cavani and Higuain give me everything I need from a strike-force…The hustle and bustle of Cavani will give Chelsea’s defence nightmares, he’ll drift around the box creating space for Higuain who is ice cold in the box, they can’t afford to drop off in concentration because Higgy or Cav will punish you. When you add Robben and Griez coming inside and attacking the gaps between FB and CB allowing Walker and Davies room to run the line – when they whip a ball in we’ll have 4 bodies in their box to pick off.
All this is achieved whilst keeping 4 men in our own half (plus Oblak) to sniff out any counter-attack. Add in the pace of our FB’s to get back I think we can play this heavy press attackin system whilst maintaining a solid defensive core.

Subs 65 mins:
Reus >Cavani….Reus goes LW and Griez goes as the #10 behind Higuain..makes us a 4-2-3-1