-------------------------- De Gea --------------------------
Sanchez ------ Bonucci ------ Laporte ------ A.Sandro
-------------- S.Khedira ------- Busquets ----------------
Mbappe ----------------- Fekir ------------------ Neymar
-------------------------- Aguero ---------------------------

Heaton, Lenglet, Tolisso, Rabiot, Sterling, Jesus, Poulsen

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

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

Bonucci and Laporte at CB, Laporte picks up th CF, Bonucci sits spare, keep the forward(s) away from the danger area, by getting onto them quickly and be strong, take the ball away from them and pay it away, quick counters from the back to our quick forwards
Sanchez and Sandro at fullback, we must keep the wingers quiet, stop them and we stop a lot of there attacks. Both are perfect for this, They will look to keep them away from shooting areas and stop them becoming dangerous in any position by standing tall against them and keeping them on there 'bad' foot. They will be up against quality wingers so look to force him away from goal and backwards. Sanchez is in at RB as all 3 are injured, yes he isn't a fullback, but most importantly he is a defender, he is quick and solid defender, may be up against Hazard so will look to get stuick into him and early, doesn't have to attack as much as Sandro so kinda allows Sandro more freedom, Sanchez can carry the ball to half way and look for a pass forward or inside, like said Sandro will have more freedom to run the flanks and support the attack, he drives forward allowing Neymar to cut inside leaving there fullback in no mans land hopefully as we make that extra man down the left. There attackers aren't so good at defending or tracking back so we can take advantage of this. When we defend we must stick close in a four and protect De Gea.

We have a very industrious pairing in the middle, a big game partnership, Busquets he Is there to stop the AM getting the ball from midfield to the striker, he must be right on top of him looking to close him down at the quickest opportunity, let him dictate play and there striker will get plenty chances, we must not let this happen. So quick and into him, fairly and stop this! Busquets himself will look to dictate from deep as he picks up from the defence and looks to drive us forward with precision passing. Khedira will go v the second most advanced midfielder or anyone else that is around that area. Even tho Busquets has the man marking role Khedira covers much of the pitch, hassling and harassing anyone who has the ball, he doesn't give any one time on the ball as he moves side to side and forwards and back, this style pressurizes the opposition to pass erractically. Our deep lying pair will look to pass and move always look for the return pass. When we have the ball Khedira in particular will get us moving forward from the centre as he pushes up to bring our forwards into the game. When they have then close down the CM, he will look to ping the ball about so get to him before that opportunity arises.

Our attackers behind Aguero will have a right go at them today, quick attacks set up from the back, Fekir will play an important role as he looks to pick up from the back and quickly pass to those around him, Pass and move get into spaces that will allow him to get the return ball and in on goal and to support Aguero. In Mbappe and Neymar we will look to push them back up the pitch by pressing them, even when they are in possession we will be right in there face, Marcelo especially is dangerous but if Mbappe can keep him in his own half then a threat is gone, attack wise with Sandro pushing wide this allows Neymar to cut inside and make that extra man for them to deal with, there full back will be vunerable so hopefully space will be created for Fekir and Neymar, Sandro to, to do a number on him, we must be quick when in possession, pass and move, looking for a return, look for movement to get beyond defenders and in on goal.

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

Captain - Bonucci
Penalties - Aguero/Neymar
Free Kicks - Fekir/Neymar
Corners - Fekir

Subs

Losing
70 Mins - got to a back 3, Poulsen and Jesus for Sandro and Fekir, 343 with Poulsen going central of Aguero and Jesus, Pogba for Khedira at the same time to ry and get the ball to the three up top

Winning -
70 Mins - Tolisso for Fekir and into a 3 man mid
80 Mins - Lenglet for Neymar, he goes to LB and Sandro to LM 451, Jesus for Aguero

Drawing -
70 Mins - Pogba for Fekir, Poulsen for Aguero , Sterling for Mbappe little style change as we try more high balls up to Poulsen

------------------------- Butland ------------------------
S.Aurier ----- Kompany ----- van Dijk ----- Kolarov
---------- Dembele -- Bakayoko -- Verratti ---------
Willian --------------- A.Morata -------------- L.Sane

Forster, Sidibe, Gueye, Coman, Hakan, Lukaku, Young


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

Aurier and Kolarov have freedom to attack, but only one at a time, one always staying back so we will have a back 3, they will bomb down the line supporting the wingers, which will allow the winger to cut inside and support Morata. They look to play one twos with the attacking midfield 3 which will get him beyond there fullback and whip in dangerous crosses. Both tough defenders and intelligent so know when to tackle and when just to try and shimmy out wide. When defending and on the cautious side and remain vigilant at all times in the line of four, keep it tight.. van Dijk the more mobile and quicker CB will mark the CF, use his strength and speed to keep the CF away from the danger area. Kompany alongside is the spare defender and helps out where needed, bot hstrong defenders, dominate in the air and good on the ball, so when in possession they can carry the ball out from defence and look to send our forwards away. Stay tight as a four and let nothing through. Kompany and van Dijk up for corners, fullbacks and Bakayoko stay back. When we are in possession the ball will come from the back, so these guys must look for movement ahead of them so they can pick there pass, both van Dijk and Kompany are comfortable with ball at feet and will take the ball out of defence to allow them to come on to us before he passes, this will create space as hew will force them to break away from the players they are marking..

Bakayoko's primary role is to win possession and then start an attacking phase. Within this he needs to cover spaces in between the midfield and defence where the opposition’s number 10 will likely to be operating whilst also being aware when the full-backs had pushed forward.

Dembele is our box-to-box midfielder and has responsibility throughout the pitch. He is expected to score goals and create chances for team mates, whilst also helping in the defensive third. One requirement of this role are high fitness levels due to the amount of running they are expected to do. The box-to-box midfielder is more likely to be found on the side of the pitch where the full-back that is less efficient in the attacking third plays to provide balance on both flanks. Verratti's main responsibility is to create chances for the three attackers in front of him. He will often find himself the furthest forward of the three midfielders and sometimes even in the number 10 role if the correct situation arises. The main requirement of Verratti is creativity; he needs to be able to play a pass that penetrates the opposition’s defense or dictates the direction of the attack These three should work well together and between them have everything a midfield needs.

Willian and Sane are going to cause problems out wide, with the support they will have, they will look to push the fullbacks back and get into the danger area. both sides will definitely pose a threat with quick one twos, using Verratti to play around them with the ball going in triangles quickly until the break is on. If fulbacks drives passed wingers they can cut inside looking to make a nuisance of himself centrally. Sane will use his tricks and flicks and pace to get him where he wants to be, again using Verratti to get into danger areas. Both wingers have a fantastic forward to aim for in Morata so if they get to the bye line then get the crosses in for him to attack.Morata will get plenty chances, however he must put away there side who will be solid at the back, however I want to target the slower of the two/three with the aid of Verratti and the wingers. 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 with hopefully a few crosses coming in he can get up and above defenders for. Can hold it up and look for runners, in particular Sane, Willian and Verratti will be making his runs also so be watchful of them just to lay it off to the side if he cant go for goal himself. But especially look for Verratti as he times his runs perfectly so a little touch back to him allows him to go for goal.

Captain - van Dijk
Penalties - Morata
Free kicks - Verratti
Corners - Wingers

Subs -

Losing
70 Mins - Lukaku for Dembele go 442 and Coman for Willian
80 Mins - 3412 with Kolarov off for Hakan who will go to No.10

Winning -
70 Mins - Gueye for Dembele, just take over his role
80 Mins - Sidibe for Sane, he goes to LB and Kolarov to LM, Willian will drop making it 451, Lukaku for Morata as well

Drawing -
70 Mins - Coman for Willian, Lukaku for Morata, Young for Kolarov to make those lung bursting runs

Injuries:- Antonio Valencia, Cedric Bakambu, José Callejon, Borja Valero.

5-4-1 (5-2-3)
--------------------------Buffon---------------------
--Montoya---Rugani--de Vrij--Boateng---Wendell--
----------------Vecino------------'Rodri'---------------
---Mboula---------------------------------Suarez---
-------------------------Mandzukic-------------------
Subs: Pickford, Toure, Costa, Can, Fabregas, James, Benzema.

This game see's us come up against Villa away from home. We've made a strong start and are proving a difficult side to beat and we will need all the defensive structure and work ethic to make sure we take get a positive result here. The opposition have announced their plans to attack, so our strategy is to soak it up, sit deep and look to hit on the break by channelling into wide areas and dragging their CB's well out of position and into wide areas.

Defensive:
As can be seen, we've opted for 5 defenders here. Our full backs can be wing backs, they do have the license to step out and go close their wide men down. If they win it back, they release their respective winger as quickly as possible. This game isn't about knocking it into wide areas for Mandzukic to hold up, but more to play balls for the wingers to run onto if the space is there or long balls into Mandzukic and then he can link it up. The wingers will stay forward, hence the 5-2-3 formation in brackets. It's a very demanding game for 'Rodri' and Vecino, but one they have already proven they can do. I'd expect Villa to keep one midfield player back, so essentially we have a 2v2 in the middle. If their forwards look to come inside/drop deep, one of our 3 CB's will track the forward and the full backs will track the wingers. Boateng and Rugani will man mark if they play with 2 strikers, if not, Boateng is the man marker. de Vrij is excellent at clearing up and intercepting balls through, so he can sweep up in behind this defence for any runners that aren't tracked or any balls in behind. Vecino and 'Rodri' have the role in protecting these and act as a shield in front of this defence. We pack the middle when defending, by having our 3 CB's and 2 holding midfielders. We make it tough for them to poke holes in our defence and we organise well. We don't look to play out of the back, because of their ambitions to throw bodies up the field, our first thought is no nonsense and it play it into either channel. If we do get time, which will be rare, we will look to find Mandzukic or the best possible pass to get us into an area where we can run at this defence, we know it's vulnerable, even with the quality it has. Although this team isn't the strongest we could field on paper, this team has excellent organisation, discipline in most areas and the ability to condense and stifle, which is the sole reason behind the selection.

Attacking:
We know we won't see a great deal of the ball, but our forwards have the quality to cause real problems to this side on the break. We have the height advantage in the area and quick and skilful players on either side, so we have to use that to full effect here. As mentioned, we will keep our wingers high up the field alongside Mandzukic through the middle. Balls will be coming into the space out wide, so our wingers have to drag their central players out of position and to expose them in wide areas. Mandzukic has the height to be able to flick it on, our wingers must time their runs but try and get half a yard on the defenders to send them through. Mboula and Suarez have excellent skills on the ball and they can cause their defenders all sorts of problems and with the space they are likely to leave here, they have a lot of space to pick gaps as well as run at these defenders. We will look to put crosses in, we have the height advantage with Mandzukic and it's his aim to get in front of/above the defenders and get an attempt on goal. Composure is needed from our wide men if they can get through on goal and even though Mboula is young, he is full of confidence and ability and has shown at different levels that he can score goals, so I expect it to be the same here. Efficiency is important in this game, because possession and chances will be scarce, but we have to think that every attack will be our last to win the game and I do feel with the quality we have up top, we are more than capable of scoring at least one goal and taking a positive result here. With us having Mandzukic and 3 CB's, we have plenty of aerial threat, so set pieces may well be one route to getting us a goal. With Wendell being a competent set piece taker, I'd expect quality deliveries and somebody on the end of it.

Captain: Buffon
Set Pieces: Wendell
Penalties: Suarez

Subs:

If winning:-

Can > 'Rodri', 70 mins - Fresh legs in there to keep the engine going in the middle of the park.

Benzema > Suarez, 75 mins - Fresh legs up front, now knock balls for Mandzukic on the left now and Benzema linking up the play

If drawing:-

Can > 'Rodri', 70 mins
Benzema > Mandzukic, 75 mins
Costa > Wendell, 80 mins

All like for like changes, same system essentially just with the different individuals. Avoid knocking long balls for Benzema, keep firing them wide for Mboula/Suarez to hunt down.

If losing:-

Benzema > Suarez, 65 mins - Mandzukic LW again looking to hunt down at the far post for headers. Benzema linking through the middle.

James. R > de Vrij, 70 mins - Revert to a 4-1-4-1 attacking minded formation in order to get something from the game.

Fabregas > 'Rodri' - 70 mins - In that AM slot with James. R, looking to thread little passes through and for them both to link and run beyond Benzema where possible and look to get us into the game again.

-------------------Courtois
R.Pereira——Lindelof----Skriniar-----Toljan
——————Fabinho———Torreira
——————————Dybala
Carrasco——————Belotti———————Sisto

Subs: Pope, Vallejo, Zielinski, Milinkovic-Savic, Sabitzer, Philipp, Icardi

Captain: Thibaut Courtois
Free Kicks: Fabinho(right)/Dybala(left/centre)
Penalties: Fabinho
Corners: Pione Sisto/Fabinho

Our first aim is to be more direct when looking to take advantage of Portsmouth’s pressing frailty by building in a 3-3-1-3 as soon as we win the ball. Fabinho drops back between the CBs to allow them to stretch out, overloading Portsmouth’s two man press. FBs will push into the midfield line and stretch right to the flank, look to draw the opposition WBs towards them, Dybala will look to occupy Fernandinho and drop deeper towards an 8 position. Draw the attention of their block of five with the FBs and Dybala, allowing the CBs and Fabinho to build the ball and then use their longer passing to find our wingers before the opposition have time to drop off, usually use flatter longer passes to the ball side winger, but if this isn’t an option, longer diagonals can work too. Get our two wildcard wingers 1 v 1 against their stretched out CBs, isolating their back line in areas where our pace and trickery gives us the advantage. This will also get the opposition midfield turning and facing their own goal, which will give Dybala and the FBs a chance to unmark themselves and make blind side runs in support of the front three, leaving the two DMs, far side FB and CBs to create a 2-3 block around their front 2.

If the more direct approach isn’t on then we can be more patient with our build up in a 2-3-2-3, control the possession and use our fluid positional play to force holes in the opposition formation. Cbs again split wider to give Portsmouth a bigger area to press, Fabinho just in front of them and the FBs tucked in to the midfield line in the half spaces. Initial ball circulation is more patient, let Portsmouth drop back, particularly their WBs, so our wingers can then keep them pegged back and not allow them to aid the midfield without creating problems. As the initial 5 man build up progresses the ball forward we become more flexible in the midfield area, overloading their midfield 5 vs 3. From here we have a more direct option in Belotti. Diagonal passes from the FBs in the half spaces to find Belotti dropping off and able to use his strength to hold the ball up, break the lines and force the Portsmouth CMs to turn and focus on the ball rather than the players they are marking, freeing up Dybala for third man runs, a quick lay off from Belotti to Dybala will force one of the Portsmouth CBs to come out to him and will open a lane for him to pass into and a winger to run into, between CB and WB, or Dybala can use his top long range shooting.

Alternatively, we get the ball wider and start to double up 2 vs 1 using Torreira/Fabinho and a FB to move wider and draw a CM out from his position, using quick one-two’s, or getting both Fabinho and Torreira and the ball side FB to work in a triangle 3 v 2 of their CMs, with the aim of working the ball to our winger to get him running at their WB or moving in to the half space, or playing it diagonally across the field to Dybala who we can free up by overloading the opposite side, allow him to go 1 v 1 against his marker. If we go to the winger, the FB must support him, underlapping or overlapping depending on which way the winger goes, double up on their WB, with one CM remaining behind them to retain triangular positioning and the other CM dropping back towards the CBs. Eventually our overloads and positional rotation will start forcing Portsmouth’s defenders to aid their midfield and this is when our forwards must pounce into the space left for them.

If we want to control possession we must press Portsmouth better than they can press us, to do this we press in numbers with high energy. When high pressing, wingers go man to man on the wide CBs, don’t allow them to be an option, with Belotti dropping off the remaining CB, cutting out the vertical passing option to the DM. Our FBs push higher and wider just off their WBs, leaving them as an option but staying close enough to press as soon as the ball is played. Fabinho drops in with the CBs to give us 3 at the back against their front two and Dybala and Torreira marking the CM and AM, Torreira man marking KDB whenever we don’t have the ball. The high press should force them to go to the WB in build up without giving them too comfortable a way of doing so, when they do so FB is immediately on to their WB with the winger in support going 2 v 1, pressing and blocking the forward and backward lanes with the ball side CM coming across to close the route into midfield. Ball side CB pushes up to protect the space behind the FB, so if they do find someone in behind the press he is immediately pressed himself, with the FB then falling in to press from behind as well as the CM, always pressing in triangles to remain compact. If one wave of press is beaten we will happily resort to tactical fouling to stop their play, don’t allow them to get any rhythm or control.

If we are forced deeper we defend with a narrow back 4, 2 DMs in front of that, with Torreira man marking KDB, go wherever he goes use his energy and tenacity to keep him out of the game, with Dybala dropping back so that we aren’t out numbered in midfield. Front three stay forward and isolate the opposition back 3, unless under extreme pressure, in which case the wingers can drop back, defend with a deep and compact 4-5-1.
Subs:

If Winning: Milinkovic-Savic for Dybala 65’, fresh power into the midfield to break everything up. Vallejo for Sisto 75’, 3-5-1-1, extra defender into the back, Vallejo and Skriniar pick up the strikers, Lindelof the spare man in the middle. Sabitzer for Carrasco 80’, new energy and he goes where the gaps need plugging and gives us an outlet on the break.

If Drawing: Sabitzer and Philipp for Carrasco and Sisto 65’, different kind of threat on the wings, greater movement and much harder for a tiring defender to pick up. Icardi for Belotti 70’, much the same as the other two subs, his movement off the defender will be really hard to stop for tiring legs.

If Losing: Milinkovic-Savic for Torreira 60’, plays more advanced with Dybala as the two look to combine to overload the opposition. Icardi for Toljan 70’, Carrasco and Sisto will play as WBs with R.Pereira forming a back 3 with our CBs, but the two wide men must push really high. Icardi will partner Belotti with Dybala behind them, Savic box to box and Fabinho sitting and dictating. Philipp for Sisto 80’.

BRUM VS Hull

----------------------------------------Lafont-----------------------------------
---------------------TFM-----------Maguire-----------Ake----------------
-----------------------------Kampl---------------Mario---------------------------
Coleman-------------------------------------------------------------M Alonso
-------------------------------------Sigurdsson----------------------------
-----------------------------Alli--------------------Dembele----------------------

Subs - Bailly, Chalobah, Brozovic, B Silva, Calvert Lewin, Vardy, Volland

CAPTAIN - ALLI
CK'S - SIGURDSSON
FK'S - SIGURDSSON
PENALTIES - ALLI

Changing the formation a bit this week, going for a different variation of the 352 that I normally play. A bit more balanced in attack and defence, it should get us playing well. Playing some players I hardly play today against Hull give them a chance to earn a spot in the starting lineup for the next game.

When we don't have possession of the ball in our half I want the whole team except the strikers to get in our half and defend. Play a deep defensive line so that oppo can't use their pacy forwards to beat the offside trap. When we win possession of the ball I want the players to keep hold of possession and try and work some space. We have good ball players in Kampl and Mario in the centre and they will help keep us ticking.

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 TFM 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.

Centre Mids
Kampl + Mario
Mario main job is to use his quickness and speed in the centre to outpace oppo players in the mifdle. When the oppo AM has the ball close him down asap but when we have the ball make runs forward. Kampl will play a b2b role. They both will be the engines that keep us ticking in the middle. When defending, one of you will press the oppo AM while the other will look to help our wingbacks in defensive duties by helping them double up on the oppo wingers.

Wing backs
Coleman + Alonso
Coleman 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 Alli and Dembele are very good at playing in between the lines.

Attack Mid
Sigurdsson
Siggy will look to create chances for our strikers. Play quick passes and shoot if you see an opportunity.

Strikers
Alli + Dembele
I want Dembele to use his pace and strength to give the oppo defence problems. Be ready for crosses into the box as our wingbacks will be getting some dangerous balls in. Alli will be given a free role, he will be allowed to drop deep and influence the game. He will mostly be a second striker, playing in between Dembele and Sigurdsson, and making late runs to the front/back post to smash the ball in.

Subs if LOSING BY 65MINS
Change formation to 343. Bring on Vardy for Kampl. Volland on for Sigurdsson aswell. Play a very high line and try and get a goal.


---------------------------------------Lafont-----------------------------------
---------------------TFM-----------Maguire-----------Ake----------------
-----------------------------------------Mario-----------------------------------
Coleman-------------------------------------------------------------M Alonso
-------------------------------------------Alli------------------------------------------
-----------------------Vardy-------Volland-----Dembele------------


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

---------------------------------------Lafont-----------------------------------
---------------------TFM-----------Maguire-----------Ake----------------
-----------------Kampl---------Chalobah-------------Mario---------------
Coleman-------------------------------------------------------------M Alonso
--------------------------------------------Alli------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------Vardy--------------------------------

Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Volland ON for Dembele
Chalobah ON for Kampl
Vardy ON for Alli
Like for like changes just fresh legs to help the team.

4-3-3 Total Football

A quick and direct game centred around numerical supremacy and the idea of overwhelming the Chelsea based on the speed of our transitions. Chelsea have a great attack, but they're not the best players for getting back so we feel we can get in between the lines against them and out number them when we get forward.

High tempo football played at pace. Seamless interchanging of positions in attack, and relentless pressing in our own half when defending. Attacking at pace down the wings.

Everyone attacks, everyone defends. Well everyone attacks bar the cbs and Kante. Pure pace in our front four, with Asensio advancing to play off the forwards in possession. Kante keeps it simple in possession, Thiago the deeper playmaker starting the attacks. Asensio and Thiago the creative force in midfield.

We look to play our usual game and take the game to the Chelsea, passing out from the back and with an energetic midfield trio. Find space in between the opposition lines. Knock the ball about the opposition, tiring them out, and allowing us to push players forward into attack. Isolate their attacking players.

Ronaldo loves a big game, and we have filthy pace in the front 3 to drag players out of position and create space. We have a fluid front 3. One fb bombs forward at a time, generally Marcelo, with Azpi more reserved. We give Hazard creative freedom in attack, let him find space, out left or he can go central, forming a front two with Ronaldo, Marcelo offering width on the left and Guedes on the right. Using this width to stretch the game.

As soon as we get the ball to our midfield, we look to move the ball quickly, quick passing and moving.

Kante the dm reading the play looking to win the ball back, Thiago offers another strong defensive player next to him with Asensio's energy also important for pressing.


------------------- Schmeichel
Azpilicueta - Stones - Otamendi - Marcelo
---------------- Kante - Thiago.A
--------------------- Asensio
- Guedes -------------------------- E.Hazard -
-------------------- C.Ronaldo

Subs. Pereira, Romagnoli, Ander.H, Koke, Vitolo, Correa, D.Costa

Defence

We have a quick defence and energy and pace in midfield to stop quick breaks.

We defend in a 4-4-1-1 formation. Asensio drops to LM. Guedes RM. Allow Hazard the freedom of staying further forward, he simply sits on Busquets. Take away a big part of their creativity. If no Busquets he sits on the deepest cm of the midfielders.

Control the opposition by pressing the space with a narrow, compact rigid defensive unit. When we lose the ball the closest player presses the ball, the second closest presses the obvious passing channel. Looking to stop any attacks before they begin.

Look to leave no space for them in between the lines, make it difficult for them to create. They're great dribblers and so if they beat a man, they'll run into another. The wide midfielders will track any forward runs made by their fbs/wbs, and Kante presses the space in front of our cbs, sweeping up danger in front of the defence when it gets through.

In this tight formation narrowing to the side of play, ensuring there are no gaps in the formation. Kante will be key, reading the play in between the defence and midfield, getting across to cut out any danger. The winger opposite play comes inside and picks up the other cm.

As we drop deeper we are really compact. No space in between the lines. Isolate their attackers and force them to take risks.

Attack
We will counter using our pace to break where possible, where it's not we build possession from the back. The defenders will be a bit more patient on the ball taking care with their passing. When the midfielders get the ball they look to move it quickly, playing quick one twos or spreading the play to our wingers/forwards.

Positional structure, in addition to our technical players will be key to our quick passing gameplan going forward. Our approach in build up is to play a flexible asymmetric shape, 3 defenders supported by double pivot that comes close to the first line to provide strong connection in order to transit the ball between the lines.

Azpi tends to be the third defender. Kante will always be in the double pivot. The second player in the double pivot will be Marcelo/Thiago. The other advances in line with Asensio, who will also have one of the wingers deeper next to him.

These players will look to find spaces in between the Chelsea lines. As we progress to this next line Kante stays in the dm position while the player next to him joins the next line. Looking to push more players further forward as we progress.

We let our attackers play their natural game in the final third. Create chances and score. Simple.

Subs. If winning after 66 mins bring on Ander for Asensio and Vitolo for Guedes. Fresh legs and pace in important areas. Both also put in a shift.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Diego Costa for Ronaldo. Fesh legs to drag us forward, bully their cbs.

If drawing after 70 mins bring on Diego Costa for Guedes and Ander for Asensio. Costa next to Ronaldo, Hazard in a free role.
If drawing after 80 mins bring on Koke for Thiago.

If losing after 60 mins bring on Ander for Kante.
If losing after 70 mins bring on Diego Costa for Guedes. Hazard free role, Ronaldo and Costa up top.
If losing after 80 mins bring on Koke for Marcelo. 3-3-2-2. Asensio and Hazard in free role.

-----------------------------Horn
Weiser-------Stark--------Vestergaard------Guerreiro
--------------Ascacíbar--------Dahoud
-------Mahrez---------Schöpf----------Forsberg
------------------------Ibrahimovic

Subs: Pollersbeck, Piszczek, Granqvist, Plattenhardt, Tousart, Aouar, Younes


Our defensive unit consists of Niklas Stark and Jannik Vestergaard paired up at centre-back, Mitchell Weiser at right-back and Raphaël Guerreiro at left-back, with Santiago Ascacíbar and Mahmoud Dahoud as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.

This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in Ascacíbar 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 Ascacíbar 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, Santiago Ascacíbar.

A holding midfielder through and through, Ascacíbar 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 Ascacíbar such a talent.

The attacking unit consists of Riyad Mahrez, Alessandro Schöpf 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 Ascacíbar or Dahoud, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.

Weiser and Guerreiro can surge up the wings in the knowledge that Ascacíbar 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. Alessandro Schöpf our attacking central midfielder’s low centre of gravity will enable him to navigate away from defenders at a frighteningly quick pace. Schöpf 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
Aouar on for Schöpf and Tousart on for Ascacíbar

----------------------- Ederson
Zappa ----- Alderw'ed --- Javi.M ------ Ghoulam
--------------- A.Vidal ----- Fernandinho
----- De Bruyne ----------------------- A.Sanchez
--------- Timo Werner ---- Lewandowski

Subs: Bellerin, Tah, Mendy, Partey, Eriksen, O.Dembele, Mertens

Slight change of formation this week as we go in with the 4-2-2-2, an inform Werner comes into the side as we look to get to tasks with this fairly inexperieced Liverpool defence missing two key cb's

Aim is to press high up with our forwards and allow the opposition little time on the ball, getting in their faces and working as a unit to prevent any sort of fluid build up. If they go long we have two combative midfielders ready and waiting to put themselves about and initiate phase 2.

Phase 2 involves dropping off deeper with men behind the ball, Werner often plays in a front 2 so has a tendency to pull out wide and work for the team. This allows De Bruyne to move centrally and support our midfield duo as we move to a more compact and rigid 4-3-3, allowing us to press the space & conserve energy.

Attacking wise we have plenty of options, possession orientated but not afraid to go long and use our outlets to bypass their midfield if need be. Timo playing off the shoulder looking to beat the offside trap with Lewa as the target man, linking play, spreading the ball to the flanks and making a dart for the box.

Zappa sit deeper at RB allowing Ghoulam to bomb on and support Sanchez, De Bruyne having a free role when we are on the ball looking to influence the game.

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 our attackers and attempting diagonal or long balls into feet.

Fernandinho 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, 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.

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

Sanchez needs to get involved as much as possible looking to influence the game, two footed & an excellent dribbler that more often than not will beat his man, needs to get his head down and accelerate with pace, linking with our fullback (Ghoulam) as he hugs the touchline and open up the space ahead.

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. Picking 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.

Both 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.

Lewa 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/Werner to run into beyond.

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

Don’t allow them to play out from the back and hurry their passes. Our attackers work as a unit 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, Vidal man-man their AM, looking to harass him and using his physical prowess to really put him off his game, Fernandinho 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 Fernandinho holding.

Subs:
IF WINNING: 65th minute – (4-2-3-1)
- O.Dembele > Werner
- Partey > Vidal
Compact 4-2-3-1, Dembele on the right looking to use his pace to get us forward, De Bruyne moves to AM. Partey replaces Vidals energy and workrate.

IF DRAW: 70th minute – (3-4-3 - wide)
- O.Dembele > Werner
- Tah > Vidal
- Eriksen > De Bruyne (80th minute)
3-4-3, wide. Looking to stretch the play and create holes in their tiring defence, Zappa and Ghoulam move to WG-back, Dembele and Sanchez wingers.

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

C - Lewandowski
FK's - De Bruyne
Corners - De Bruyne/Sanchez
Pens - Lewandowski

NEWCASTLE

-----------------------Lloris
-----Hummels-----Sule-----Marquinhos
Florenzi-----Pjanic------Nainggolan-------Rose
-------Mane-------Suarez---------Reus
Subs
Chesney, Ozil, Casemiro, N'Zonzi, Bertrand, Salah, Kane


Hummels 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 Ozil for Reus - Actively time waste and Mourinho the opposition.



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

If Losing



67 Mins - Ozil and Salah for Radja and Rose - The wings backs act as wingers and just pile forward in numbers.

WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS v Tottenham

Injuries: Immobile, Cancelo, Hector, Mustafi

-------------------- Ter Stegen
------------- Ginter - Pepe - Cahill
Trippier - Strootman - Jorginho - Digne
--------------- D Silva - R Sanches
------------------- Aubameyang

Subs: Rulli, Cuadrado, Kenedy, Xhaka, Son, Lucas, D Costa

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

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

We are playing a 3-4-2-1 today, Ter Stegen in goal, Ginter, Pepe and Cahill in the back three, Trippier and Digne as wingbacks, Jorginho and Strootman anchoring the midfield, with David Silva and Renato Sanches in attacking midfield roles off of Aubameyang upfront.

This game is about controlling the tempo and giving us the best chance of getting the win today. Spurs 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.

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

Trippier/Digne - Both of you to force the Spurs 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 and Sanches 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 Aubameyang and link with Jorginho/Strootman. You will need to track back very quickly to ensure we don't get caught on the break.

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

Silva/Sanches - Playing at AM, both with the trickery to beat the Spurs fullback and get crosses in, you will also have our fullback overlapping giving you the chance to cut inside and get shots in. Look to supply Aubameyang with chances and also provide yourself with chances. Link up with Jorginho/Strootman, and capitalise on the space Aubameyang's presence will create for you.

Aubameyang - you will be expected to occupy the Spurs centrebacks, hold up possession and look to turn the defender and shoot. Be strong in the air and look for your teammates trying to pick you out from deep. Shoot on sight. Stay on the last defender's shoulder for any passes in behind. Look to interchange with Silva and Sanches on occasion. Try and link with those two to create opportunities.

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

Subs 70 mins;
If winning: Sanches off, Xhaka on. 5-3-1-1, wingbacks to fullback, Xhaka in midfield alongside Strootman and Jorginho, Silva behind Aubameyang.

If drawing: Ginter and Sanches off, Lucas Moura and Douglas Costa on. Change to 4-2-3-1, Trippier - Pepe - Cahill - Digne, Strootman and Jorginho in midfield, Lucas - D Silva - D Costa behind Aubameyang upfront.

If losing: Strootman, Ginter and Cahill off, Callum Wilson, Lucas Moura and Douglas Costa on. 3-1-4-2, Trippier - Pepe - Digne, Jorginho the playmaker, Lucas - D Silva - R Sanches - D Costa behind Aubameyang and Wilson upfront. Push for goals.

Stoke City v BRIGHTON AND HOVE ALBION

Injuries: Riedewald, Matic, Richarlison, Cech

---------------------------- Trapp
Zabaleta - Musacchio - Sokratis - Bernat
------- Lallana - Krychowiak - Matuidi
Berardi --------------- Falcao -------------- Payet

Subs: Gunn, Holding, Robertson, Schneiderlin, Fellaini, Redmond, Gabbiadini

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

A very tough game today, but we can get at this Stoke 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, Zabaleta, Musacchio, Sokratis and Bernat across the back, Lallana, Krychowiak and Matuidi in midfield, Berardi and Payet either side of Falcao upfront.

This game is about controlling the tempo and giving us the best chance of getting the win today. Stoke 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 Lallana, Krychowiak and Matuidi, we can control the possession and the flow of the game. Berardi at RW and Payet at LW both able to use their creativity and get at the Stoke defence with Zabaleta 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.

Musacchio/Sokratis - Sokratis to mark their striker, force him high up the pitch thus limiting his impact close to goal, and Musacchio 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 Krychowiak 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.

Zabaleta/Bernat - Both of you to force the Stoke 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/Payet 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 Lallana/Krychowiak/Matuidi. You will need to track back very quickly to ensure we don't get caught on the break.

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

Berardi/Payet - Both playing out wide and both have the creativity and trickery to beat the Stoke 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 Lallana/Krychowiak/Matuidi, 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 Stoke 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 on occasion.

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

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

If losing: Krychowiak and Musacchio off, Fellaini and Redmond on. Change to a 3-1-4-2, back three of Zabaleta - Sokratis - Bernat, Matuidi the playmaker, Berardi - Lallana - Payet - Redmond behind a front two of Fellaini and Falcao. Push for goals.

Stoke City:
Anthony Martial
Carlos Soler
Jorge
Pablo Fornals
---------------------- Rico ---------------------
Bernardo --- Gagnon ---- I.Diop --- Chilwell
------ Kovacic --- Diawara --- Hughes -----
Gelson ---------- Rashford --------- Lemar

Dragowski, Passlack, Cyprien, M.Lopez, Malcom,
Oneyruku, Boschilia

Captain: Rico
Penalties: Lemar
Corners: Kovacic
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, Hughes 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, Diawara is integral to the team's passing ability in the middle and final thirds of the pitch. This, emboldened by the advancement of the full backs into wide midfield positions gives us strength in numbers to play the ball around the opposition's formation. The opposition is then left with two choices: they can either press and leave themselves open to quick movement and passes that dissect their midfield and defence, or they can sit back and refuse to press the line, allowing our centre backs to carry the ball further forward and for us to dictate play and look for openings at our own leisure.

The ball control and passing ability of our midfield is matched only by their intensity and work rate. Hughes, 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 Kovacic to dictate the tempo. Hughes' runs on the left hand side will also free Lemar to get in behind the defence - accompanied by Jorge’s passing ability on the left flank - and will also facilitate in the oppostion shifting to our right, which will give Gelson 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 - Malcom for Hughes, Malcom up front 442 with attacking fullbacks

Winning - Passlack for Hughes, go 541

Drawing - Oneyruku for Rashford, Malcom for Gelson

------------------------- De Gea -------------------------
Carvajal ----- Sanchez ----- Laporte ----- A.Sandro
---------- Rakitic ---- Busquets ---- Pogba -----------
-- Mbappe ------------- Jesus ------------- Neymar --

Heaton, Henrichs, Lenglet, Paredes, Brandt, Fekir, Poulsen

We want to play high tempo football with plenty of possession, no point in long balls with the lack of height up front so lets start from the back and play through them, quick one touch, triangles to get beyond the lines of defence

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

Sanchez and Laporte at CB, Laporte picks up th CF, Sanchez sits spare, keep the forward(s) away from the danger area, by getting onto them quickly and be strong, take the ball away from them and play it away, look to move it simply to Busquets or our fullabacks as we look to start our attacks from deep.

Carvajal and Sandro at fullback, we must keep the wingers quiet, stop them and we stop a lot of there attacks. Both are perfect for this, They will look to keep them away from shooting areas and stop them becoming dangerous in any position by standing tall against them and keeping them on there 'bad' foot. A lot of focus today is getting the ball wide, so both can attack, hence the three in midfield, they drive down the line in support of the wingers, Sandro gets outside Neymar to allow him to cut inside whereas Carvajal will support Mbappe by either pushing out wide or going inside to allow the winger to drive passed his man, but the two always make themselves available to the wingers.

Our midfield 3 are essential to our style of play, Busquets central sits a little deeper as he looks to pick up the ball from CBs or GK, a quick turn and head up he will look to get us moving with a ball either out wide to Carvajal/Sandro or a little further up to the wingers, if he is getting hounded down then he is physical enough to brush these players off him, having Pogba and Rakitic alongside allows him the time as they shield him, they don't allow anyone to get on top of Busquets which gives him that extra second to get the ball moving. We can move very quickly from defence to attack, so if Birmingham are up field and lose it then we can counter very quickly,
like said Pogba and Rakitic are vital in both defensive and attacking mode, they with Busquets shield our back 4 but when we are in control they will push just up ahead of Busquets to support the attack, they will at times receive the ball from the fullbacks so a quick pass back or ahead to the wingers, playing the ball in triangles to get round the opposition quickly will get them away from the Brum fullbacks/midfielders. I want them to be a dominating midfield 3 in both defence and attack and work as a unit. Pogba will be the one furthest up field to support Jesus, looking to get him in on goal or indeed have a go himself.

In Mbappe and Neymar we will look to push them back up the pitch by pressing them, as everyone keeps reminding me these two aren't the best tacklers or at tracking back all I want them to do is get into the face of the fullbacks, stop them breaking up the pitch and getting up to support their own forwards. When attacking they will have the support from Carvajal/Sandro as we look to have a real go down the flanks, Mbappe is more of a 'winger' than Neymar so he will drive down the line with pace, beating his man along the way, can use Rakitic and Carvajal as the three look to eventually get the ball into Jesus or Neymar driving in from the left. Neymar himself does all the fancy stuff, but it does tend to come off, so we allow him to be free today, with Sandro in support and Pogba there making himself available like the right our left will be very dangerous

We want a high tempo game from our midfield 5 if you want to call it that, passing and moving, getting it out wide to where we see our strengths, push them back wards even when they have the ball, they may well have possession but if its in there own half they wont cause us many problems.

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

Captain - Busquets
Penalties - Jesus/Neymar
Free Kicks - Neymar/Pogba
Corners - Wingers

Subs -
Winning -
70 Mins - Paredes for Pogba strengthens our midfield defensively
80 Mins - Poulsen for Jesus, more power up top, can hold the ball up well

85 Mins - Lenglet for Mbappe, he goes to to LCB in a 5311 formation, Neymar will run the line up top from left to right

Losing -
70 Mins - Fekir for Rakitic go 4231/442 as he looks to play second striker beside Jesus
80 Mins - Poulsen for Jesus, we try the high ball to Poulsen, he wins a good majority of balls
83 Mins - Brandt for Sandro, he goes to LM and Neymar up top 343

Drawing -
70 Mins - Poulsen for Jesus, Fekir for Pogba, 4231 Poulsen again up top as we go high, Fekir will look for his knock downs
80 Mins - Brandt for Mbappe, quick new energy for final 10

Everton

----------------------- Rui Patricio -----------------------
---------- Chiellini - Vertonghen – Kolasincic ---------
D.Alves ------- Carvalho -–- Fabregas ------- Kurzawa
------ F.Anderson -------------------- R.Sterling ------
------------------------- Benzema ------------------------

Subs:
Strakosha, Matip, Moses, Joao Mario, Pastore, Lamela, Andre Silva

Captain: Chiellini
Free Kicks: Fabregas/Dani Alves (alternate)
Penalties: Benzema
Corners: Fabregas

Dawn of a new era against a strong Villa team and we go with a balanced side, strong at the back with Chiellini RCB, Vertonghen CB, Kolasinac LCB whilst Dani Alves and Kurzawa occupy the wingback roles in a back 5. Carvalho at DM whilst Fabregas dictates the play in the CM role. The pacey Felipe Anderson and Sterling occupy the wide forward roles whilst Benzema plays CF linking up the front 3.

Goalkeeper - Rui Patricio – Solid reliable keeper, distribute from the back with a plethora of options. He can go short to the ball playing Centre halves of Vertonghen and Kolasinac, distribute to the flying full backs or play it to the CM Fabregas who will then dictate the play. Come for the ball and be commanding on set pieces.

Centre Backs – We go with a back three today today. Chiellini and Kolasinac in particular are two very physical players and will pick up the strikers with Vertonghen cleaning up behind and using his great positional sense to sniff out any danger. If the opposition play with one up top then Chiellini will be tasked with picking up the striker from set pieces, he is dominant in the air and will counter any aerial strengths that the visitors may pose. If only one up top then Vertonghen will primarily pick up the striker with Chiellini and Kolasinac offering cover. With two extremely comfortable ball players in Vertonghen and Kolasinac we are not afraid to bring the ball out from the back. Draw the opposition on to us and exploit the space left in behind with Alves and Kurzawa pushing forward.

Full Backs – Dani Alves and Kurzawa - One of the best tandem full back pairings in the business as evidenced by their exquisite form in real life. The opposition have fantastic wingers so the primary focus will be to drop back when not in possession, create a rigid back 5, the centre halves play close together leaving no space in or around our box. We force the wingers out wide, make them play down the line and do not allow them to come inside. If the opposition play with inverted wingers this will severely negate their ability to come inside and shoot as they will be forced to go down the line and cross with their weaker foot. Our commanding centre halves will deal with any balls into the box. When in possession the full backs have license to push forward and offer width, although only one will push forward at a time with the other offering cover in defence. They will be tasked with whipping balls into the box to the frontman and operate a shoot on sight policy when entering the oppositions danger area, both offer a severe goal threat which will we utilise as another string to our bow and further strengthens our attacking arsenal.

Central Midfield – In midfield we have Beauty and the Beast. In Carvalho (the beast) we have a destroyer, if the opposition operate with an AM Carvalho will sit on him, not allowing any space to link up with the frontman and offering a shield in front of the defence. He will not be pushing forward and will be tasked with breaking up the oppositions play. A destructive force who’s task is to win the ball back from the opposition and lay the ball off to our creative CM or distribute to the full backs. Alongside him we have the beauty or more fittingly ‘the architect’ Cesc Fabregas. With a back 5 in defence and a solid ball winner alongside him he has the freedom to push forward, he will link up the midfield and attack and use his exceptional distribution to pick out the runs made ahead of him. Our front 3 are all clever thinking attackers, the wide men will be making runs from the outside to in with Benzema occasionally dropping deep creating space in behind. This will enable Cesc to delicately caress the ball into these areas, picking apart the oppositions defence in the process.

Forwards – We play with a central striker and two pacey wide forwards. Benzema is one of the best in the business at his link up play, this coupled with the distrubtion of Cesc will prove a deadly combination. F.Anderson and Sterling will make continuous runs in behind the defence, when our wingbacks push forward they will attack the box, one at the near post, one at the back with Benzema in the middle. They will force the oppositions full backs to track them into the box which will open up the space for D.Alves and Kurzawa to attack. Benzema’s all round game tailors perfectly with the attacking instincts of the two wingers while the Frenchman will put be expected to put away any chances that fall his way.

When the opposition are in possession – we drop into a 5-4-1 formation, the wingbacks drop in defence whilst Sterling and F.Anderson drop back in midfield. Benzema becomes the target man and will be the outlet, holding the ball up when we make a swift counter attack.

When we are in possession – the full backs have licence to push on, Carvalho sits and drops in as a fourth defender to cover the space whilst Kolasinac or Chiellini fill the space vacated by the full backs. Sterling and F.Anderson push forward to create a front 3.

Subs 65 mins;
If winning: Fabregas off, Joao Mario on. 5-4-1, Wingbacks to fullback, wide forwards drop back into midfield with Mario offering extra legs in the middle of the park as we see the game out.
80 mins: Kurzawa off, Matip on. Kolasinac moves to LB with Matip coming on at CB to bring additional defensive cover in a solid back 5.

If drawing: Anderson off, Lamela on, offer a different kind of threat with someone capable of unpicking the defence, wingbacks push on slightly into a 3-4-3.
80 mins: Kolasinac off, Andre Silva on, we go 4-2-2-2 with Lamela and Sterling on the flanks and Andre Silva playing up top with Benzema.

If losing: Kosinac and Anderson off, Andre Silva and Pastore on. We go to an attacking 4-3-3. Full backs push on to join the attacks. Cavalho is the anchor in midfield with Pastore and Fabregas playing as AM’s. Andre Silva, Benzema, Sterling play as a front 3.

Everton vs VILLA

injuries:
Roberto Gagliardini
Elseid Hysaj
David Luiz
Franck Kessie



…………………………………Oblak……………………….
Candreva…………...Godin…………Manolas………..F.Luis
………………….Hamsik….Modric…Marchisio……………..
………………………………Griezmann……………….
…………………………..Cavani……….Higuain……………..

Subs: Leno, Mere, Coquelin, Pellegrini, Di Maria, Jones, Robben.

Couple of key injuries for us today, plus a re-invigorated Everton under the new leadership of TAB makes this anything but a straight-forward game. Hedging our bets, a little bit today by setting up pretty narrow, we do this to control the centre of the park and dictate the tempo of the game.

We have enough pace and power up front to allow us to move the ball around nicely, drawing Everton’s defence out, before going through the gears and stepping it up.

As I say we want to control the ball so this switch in formation gives us plenty of nice simple passing triangles, if TAB organises his side to sit back then fine we’ll keep working the ball the team moving forward in tandem always keeping a simple pass on – if it’s sidewards or backwards that’s ok, if we have the ball they can’t score…If TAB allows his side to press, then because our side is so compact a couple of quick one-two’s and a ball round the corner put on our way.

Oblak marshals the defence, one of the best of the younger keepers, a fantastic shot stopper and part of a frugal Atleti defence, of which we have their CB and LB as well.

Candreva and Luis are tasked with getting forwards and providing our side with some much needed width, run the line and bang the crosses in, defensively it’s relatively simple, show the man the line and try and force the cross, don’t dive in, stay on your feet and jockey him until support gets over.

Godin and Manolas are a pretty formidable if slow combination, so we hold our defensive line a tad deeper today, minimising the space between them and Oblak – much less room for a clever through ball or a dink over the top, If TAB goes two uptop then they take a man each, Godin is the captain, so he makes the call on his man. If it’s just the one upfront then Godin marks him using all his experience and dogged determination to stifle him, Manolas sweeps/covers the runs from midfield.

The midfield three is lacking a pure DM, but in this instance is doesn’t really matter as I want a nice fluid trio, they move forwards and backwards together, keep the passing lines open for us to use, without the ball one man presses the ball, the other 2 shuffle, not to cover the recipient but to block off the obvious passing lines, they don’t need to be too tight meaning they’re not caught out of position easily – this has the bonus of if we pinch the ball our midfielders are already in space and our FB’s are on their bikes so we have good numbers going forwards…It worked for Conte’s Italy in the euros, no reason why we can’t implement it.
All three of them have great technique so I trust them to collect the ball in a tight spot but keep possession, and not give it away cheaply. If the opportunity arises then Hamsik and Marchisio will burst forwards to arrive late in the box/edge of the box adding further numbers to our attack. Modric will sit slightly deeper in case the ball breaks, he has great longer range passing so should have 7 of ours ahead of him to pick out.

Griezmann is our #10 will look to link the midfield and attack, him Modric and Hamsik should have some lovely passages of play as they look to use some slick triangles to open up the gaps in Everton’s defence before a perfectly timed through ball puts HIguain or Cavani through. Griez as we all know can hit one form distance with minimal back-lift, this is a facet of his play linked with Higuain and Cav gambling and banking of the rebound/keeper spilling it that we should try to capitalise on.
Defensively Griez will sit on the DM (figuratively not literally) that coupled with Cav and Higgy taking a CB each means the ball has to go to a full-back or go long – we have 3 cm’s that can harry the longer ball. Ball in Everton’s half with the FB’s we don’t press – the strikers sit on the CB’s and Griez stays on the DM, let the FB bring the ball, him crossing half-way triggers the trap, Cav pulls wide, Higgy stays central, Griez drops in pressuring from behind and our 3 CM’s step-up if we can pinch the ball in this phase we have the numbers overload and atleast one of their defenders out of position.

Cav and Higuain are deadly infront of goal we’re fortunate to be able to line up with both, Higuain will always be central as a pure #9, with Cavani doing more of the leg dropping deep or drifting wide taking a defender or two with him, creating a bit of space for our flair players, when we rob the ball in midfield Cav runs wide with Griez going the other-way, opening up our formation into a front-three

Cav………..Higuain…….Griez

Subs 65 mins

Pellegrini > Marchisio – like for like substitution just fresh legs
Di Maria > Cavani and go a straight 4-3-3

Di Maria……..Higuain………..Griezmann

----------------------- Butland -------------------------
Sidibe ------- Rudiger ----- van Dijk ------- Kolarov
---------------------- Bakayoko ------------------------
Willian ------ Verratti ----- Dembele ------- L.Sane
------------------------ Morata --------------------------

Forster, Kompany, Dier, Young, Coman, Hakan, Kelechi


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

Sidibe and Kolarov have freedom to attack, but only one at a time, one always staying back so we will have a back 3, they will bomb down the line supporting the wingers, which will allow the winger to cut inside and support Morata. They look to play one twos with the attacking midfield 3 which will get him beyond there fullback and whip in dangerous crosses. Both tough defenders and intelligent so know when to tackle and when just to try and shimmy out wide. When defending and on the cautious side and remain vigilant at all times in the line of four, keep it tight.. van Dijk the more mobile and quicker CB will mark the CF, use his strength and speed to keep the CF away from the danger area. Rudiger alongside is the spare defender and helps out where needed, bot hstrong defenders, dominate in the air and good on the ball, so when in possession they can carry the ball out from defence and look to send our forwards away. Stay tight as a four and let nothing through. Rudiger and van Dijk up for corners, fullbacks and Bakayoko stay back. When we are in possession the ball will come from the back, so these guys must look for movement ahead of them so they can pick there pass, both van Dijk and Rudiger are comfortable with ball at feet and will take the ball out of defence to allow them to come on to us before he passes, this will create space as hew will force them to break away from the players they are marking..

Bakayoko's primary role is to win possession and then start an attacking phase. Within this he needs to cover spaces in between the midfield and defence where the opposition’s number 10 will likely to be operating whilst also being aware when the full-backs had pushed forward.Take care of Dybala is also a main focus, stick to him like glue and stop him becoming a threat

Dembele is our box-to-box midfielder and has responsibility throughout the pitch. He is expected to score goals and create chances for team mates, whilst also helping in the defensive third. One requirement of this role are high fitness levels due to the amount of running they are expected to do. The box-to-box midfielder is more likely to be found on the side of the pitch where the full-back that is less efficient in the attacking third plays to provide balance on both flanks. Verratti's main responsibility is to create chances for the three attackers in front of him. He will often find himself the furthest forward of the three midfielders and sometimes even in the number 10 role if the correct situation arises. The main requirement of Verratti is creativity; he needs to be able to play a pass that penetrates the opposition’s defense or dictates the direction of the attack These three should work well together and between them have everything a midfield needs.

Willian and Sane are going to cause problems out wide, with the support they will have, they will look to push the fullbacks back and get into the danger area. both sides will definitely pose a threat with quick one twos, using Verratti to play around them with the ball going in triangles quickly until the break is on. If fulbacks drives passed wingers they can cut inside looking to make a nuisance of himself centrally. Sane will use his tricks and flicks and pace to get him where he wants to be, again using Verratti to get into danger areas. Both wingers have a fantastic forward to aim for in Morata so if they get to the bye line then get the crosses in for him to attack.Morata will get plenty chances, however he must put away there side who will be solid at the back, however I want to target the slower of the two/three with the aid of Verratti and the wingers. 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 with hopefully a few crosses coming in he can get up and above defenders for. Can hold it up and look for runners, in particular Sane, Willian and Verratti will be making his runs also so be watchful of them just to lay it off to the side if he cant go for goal himself. But especially look for Verratti as he times his runs perfectly so a little touch back to him allows him to go for goal.

Captain - van Dijk
Penalties - Morata
Free kicks - Verratti
Corners - Wingers

Subs -
Losing
70 Mins Lukaku for Bakayoko 442 Dembele becomes man marker, Coman for Willian at the same time
80 Mins - Young for Kolarov to support Sane

Winning -
70 Mins - Dier for Dembele to help defensively, Lukaku for Morata
80 Mins - Young for Sane he and Willian drop back a little

Drawing
70 Mins -
Young for Sane, Lukaku for Morata, Hakan for Bakayoko into No.10, Dembele man marker

Red card
GK - Forster for Dembele 441
FB - Young for Dembele
CB - Kompany for Dembele
CM leave as
WG - Young for Dembele
CF - Lukaku for Dembele

laways go 441

Comment deleted by Site Moderator

4-3-3 Total Football

A quick game centred around numerical supremacy and the idea of overwhelming Arsenal based on the speed of our transitions. Get Koke and Thiago controlling possession, stretching the game with width to make space for our front three in the final third.

High tempo football played at pace. Seamless interchanging of positions in attack, and relentless pressing in our own half when defending. Attacking at pace down the wings.

Everyone attacks, everyone defends. Well everyone attacks bar the cbs and Kante. Great pace in our front three, with Thiago advancing to play off the forwards in possession. Kante keeps it simple in possession, Koke the deeper playmaker starting the attacks. Koke and Thiago the creative force in midfield.

We look to play our usual game and take the game to the Arsenal, passing out from the back and with an energetic midfield trio. Find space in between the opposition lines. Knock the ball about the opposition, tiring them out, and allowing us to push players forward into attack. Isolate their attacking players.

We have a fluid front 3. One fb bombs forward at a time, generally Odriozola, with Azpi more reserved. We give Hazard creative freedom in attack, let him find space, out left or he can go central, forming a front two with Ronaldo.

As soon as we get the ball to our midfield, we look to move the ball quickly, quick passing and moving.

Kante the dm reading the play looking to win the ball back, Koke offers another strong defensive player next to him with Thiago's energy also important for pressing.


-------------------- Neuer
Odriozola - Ramos - Otamendi - Azpilicueta
---------------- Kante - Koke
-------------------- Thiago
- Asensio -------------------------- E.Hazard -
------------------ C.Ronaldo

Subs. Schmeichel, Romagnoli, Ander.H, Alena, Vitolo, Oyarzabal, D.Costa

Defence

We have a quick defence and energy and pace in midfield to stop quick breaks.

We defend from the front in a 4-4-1-1 formation. Thiago drops to LM. Asensio RM. Allow Hazard the freedom of staying further forward, he simply sits on their deepest midfielder. Take away a big part of their creativity.

Control the opposition by pressing the space with a narrow, compact rigid defensive unit. When we lose the ball the closest player presses the ball, the second closest presses the obvious passing channel. Looking to stop any attacks before they begin.

Look to leave no space for them in between the lines, make it difficult for them to create. The wide midfielders will track any forward runs made by their fbs/wbs, and Kante presses the space in front of our cbs, sweeping up danger in front of the defence when it gets through.

In this tight formation narrowing to the side of play, ensuring there are no gaps in the formation. Kante will be key, reading the play in between the defence and midfield, getting across to cut out any danger. The winger opposite play comes inside and picks up the other cm.

As we drop deeper we are really compact. No space in between the lines. Isolate their attackers and force them to take risks.

Attack

We will counter using our pace to break where possible, where it's not we build possession from the back. The defenders will be a bit more patient on the ball taking care with their passing. When the midfielders get the ball they look to move it quickly, playing quick one twos or spreading the play to our wingers/forwards.

Positional structure, in addition to our technical players will be key to our quick passing gameplan going forward. Our approach in build up is to play a flexible asymmetric shape, 3 defenders supported by double pivot that comes close to the first line to provide strong connection in order to transit the ball between the lines.

Azpi tends to be the third defender. Kante will always be in the double pivot. The second player in the double pivot will be Odriozola/Thiago. The other advances in line with Asensio, who will also have one of the wingers deeper next to him.

These players will look to find spaces in between the Arsenal lines. As we progress to this next line Kante stays in the dm position while the player next to him joins the next line. Looking to push more players further forward as we progress.

We let our attackers play their natural game in the final third. Create chances and score. Simple.

Subs. If winning after 66 mins bring on Ander for Koke and Vitolo. Fresh legs and pace in important areas. Both also put in a shift.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Diego Costa for Ronaldo. Fesh legs to drag us forward, bully their cbs.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Alena for Asensio.

If drawing after 70 mins bring on Diego Costa for Asensio. Costa next to Ronaldo, Hazard in a free role.
If drawing after 80 mins bring on Ander for Kante.
If drawing after 85 mins bring on Vitolo for Odriozola.

If losing after 60 mins bring on Ander for Kante.
If losing after 70 mins bring on Diego Costa for Asensio. Hazard free role, Ronaldo and Costa up top.
If losing after 80 mins bring on Vitolo for Odriozola. 3-3-2-2.

NEWCASTLE

-----------------------Lloris
-----Marquinhos-----Sule-----Koulibaly
Florenzi-----Pjanic------Nainggolan-------Rose
-------Salah-------Suarez---------Mane
Subs
Chesney, Ozil, Keita, N'Zonzi, Danilo (city), Reus, Kane


Koulibaly 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.





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 - Danilo 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 - Keita for Radja and Ozil for Mane - Actively time waste and Mourinho the opposition.



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

If Losing



67 Mins - Ozil and Reus for Radja and Rose - The wings backs act as wingers and just pile forward in numbers.

—————————Courtois
Conti-------Christensen--Umtiti------Gaya
-------------Fabinho-----Zielinski
----Sabitzer------------------------Sisto
----------------Dybala
---------------------Icardi

Subs: Pope, Lindelof, R.Pereira, Ceballos, Milinkovic-Slavic, Carrasco, Mariano

Captain: Thibaut Courtois
Free Kicks: Fabinho(right)/Paula Dybala(left/centre)
Corners: Fabinho
Penalties: Mauro Icardi

In build up we must look for continuous ball circulation through the backline to draw forward Spurs' press and create more space between the lines. Fan's teams tend to be very rigid in their set up which means we need a lot of rotation in our attack to distort the oppositions shape, this starts from the back with Fabinho dropping between the CBs to allow them to split and over load the opposition press, whilst allowing the FBs to both push up and provide width, gives our wingers the chance to move infield and overload them centrally, CBs bring it forward and draw the midfielders out before picking their passes, both capable of breaking the lines. Other times we can use the FBs infield and have the CBs spread right out, again allows us to move the ball into midfield comfortably and draw the opposition midfield on to the FBs, freeing Zielinski and the attack, with Fabinho staying as the anchor between the CBs. Rotation in the back line will force the opposition to have to keep picking up a new man, test their decision making and ability to adapt to different threats.

From there we have a front 5 to attack, always on the move looking to force the opposition into split decisions about whether to stay and pick up a new man, or follow their original man, hopefully leading to some slow decisions or confusion, any gaps that appear we must attack immediately. Sometimes our two strikers will split high and wide(splitting the CBs), on the move, ready to run out to in and attack the space thats opened up, whilst they make these runs, the wingers take up the space infield, the winger on the side of build up coming deeper to drag the FB away from the wing to open up the ball to the CF, and the opposite winger coming into the half spaces to attract the DM, opening space for runs from midfielders. Othertimes Dybala can drop to receive the ball into an 8 position and Icardi runs behind looking to drag the defensive lines apart and open the space for the wingers to come infield and play between the lines, usually a defence will follow the player that is the biggest threat to the goal which will open space for Dybala deeper to pick the right passes. Zielinski will be the orchestrator when attacks move forward, find space to receive from the build up and supply the attack. FBs like during build up will vary their movement, inverting or stretching right out, staying back or pushing right forward, working from their team mates movement so if a winger comes deep, FB pushes on, if wingers come wide, FBs stretch out etc. We have players that can break them down with individual skill, Dybala, Sisto with their dribbling, Sabitzer with his passing, Zielinski with his powerful bursts etc.

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

When pushed deeper Dybala drops back into midfield and Icardi will stick to the DM, it allows us to go 3 v 2 against their CMs, with wingers supporting the FBs. We want the back line to be narrow so their wingers can't cut inside into space, whilst we also have a spare midfield to go and make it 3 v 2 in wide areas. Umtiti marks Morata, force him wide where he'll take too long trying to cut back inside.

Subs:

If Winning: Milinkovic-Savic for Sisto 70', extra power, means off the ball we can heave a three man midfield. R.Pereira for Gaya 75', more defensive minded. Lindelof for Sabitzer 80', 3-5-1-1, shut up shop.

If Drawing: Ceballos for Zielinski 70', can find the eye of the needle passes to unlock the defence. Carrasco and Savic for Sabitzer and Sisto 75', fresh legs in attack and a bit more physicality in Savic to change things up.

If Losing: Carrasco for Gaya 60', 3-2-3-2 with Carrasco wide right, Sisto left and Sabitzer behind the strikers. Mariano and Savic for Conti and Sabitzer 70', Fabinho as the middle CB, Savic and Zielinski to drive us from midfield with Dybala in behind the strikers and two flying wingers.

If Red:

Courtois = Pope comes on for Sisto, Dybala drops to LM, 4-4-1
FB = R.Pereira for Sisto, Dybala LM, 4-4-1-
CB = Lindelof for Sisto etc
Fabinho = Lindelof for Dybala, Christensen DM, 4-4-1
Zielinski = Savic for Dybala, 4-4-1
Sabitzer/Sisto = Drop Dybala back, 4-4-1
Icardi/Dybala = change to a 4-4-1

Injuries:- Aaron Ramsey, Gianluigi Buffon, Matthew Targett, Rodrigo Hernandez.
4-3-3
----------------------------Pickford------------------------
---Valencia-----Boateng---------Koscielny-----Wendell---
------------------------------Matic--------------------------
-------------------Khedira----------Can-------------------
----Berardi----------------------------------Manduzkic----
------------------------------Belotti------------------------
Subs: Scuffet, de Vrij, Montoya, Vecino, James, Perrotti, Volland.

An arduous task against one of the title favourites, Leicester away from home is always going to be a difficult game. But we line up with a strong spine and a combative XI in the hopes we can stay in the game as long as possible and try and get a goal on the break or from a set piece. We will look to focus on defending, keeping a solid unit at the back and keeping it tight. The main focus on not giving much space away between the lines and keeping a shape that will make us difficult to break down.

Our set piece taker from all attacking scenario's will be Wendell. We will look to aim for the far post and we will put Boateng, Koscielny, Matic and Mandzukic at the back post. Plenty of height and power to aim for. With the delivery, the primary target of them 4 is to put something back into the danger zone, looking to head down around the penalty spot area. The players I would like waiting in that area/the near post to run onto are Belotti and Berardi. Anticipation of the ball dropping will be key in this tactic.

When we don't have the ball, we want our full backs to tuck in and our midfield 3 to become 3 flat defensive midfielders. We will sit deep and keep little space between the midfield and attack. Berardi, Belotti and Mandzukic will press the full backs and midfielders, but we don't want our wingers tracking, we will gamble and leave them up there on the break. Belotti will also pressurise the deepest midfielder player in the hope that he can win the ball and we can break higher up the pitch than expected. But our centre backs must be old fashioned, anything that comes into the box gets headed or cleared high, wide and long as it can possibly go. Boateng keeping a close eye on the centre forward and tracking any movement whilst Koscielny drops slightly deeper and covers in behind. Valencia and Wendell tuck in tight so that passing channels are cut off through our defence and we look to funnel their attacks out wide. If this is the case, then 1 of our midfielders steps up and supports the full back to double up on the winger and track full back runs. Down Valencia's side it will be Khedira and the left will be Can. The other tucks into DM alongside Matic to stop midfield runners and passing channels into the strikers feet. We do nothing silly and clearances are aimed out wide and over their defence so we can squeeze up, but if it's possible to play and keep hold of the ball, we will do to take the sting out of the game, take the pressure off and frustrate.

We are a side who will look to hit on the break at every opportunity at this game and our forward players will have to be very competent at dealing with scraps and anticipating where this ball might bounce. Our focal point in this game will be Mandzukic, long balls aiming for him as we target our left hand side as we will more than likely have the height advantage. We will look to have Belotti and Can around the ball with Wendell coming up to support when necessary as well. We will keep Berardi out on the right flank where more space is as we condense our play down the left and then we will look to open up down the right. If the time is right, Valencia can also come up and support Berardi and we will look to be direct down the right side in much more space if possible. We will stretch it and look to work half a yard for a cross down the right. The principle being the same as with set pieces, we will aim for Mandzukic at the far post who can head towards goal if in the right position of head back across and down for Belotti to look to poach a chance.

Substitutions:

If losing:

James > Can, 70 mins
Perrotti > Mandzukic, 70 mins
Volland > Berardi, 75 mins

Switch to a 4-3-3 attack with 3 forward and James in the hole and look for a route back into the game with some higher tempo football.
If drawing/losing:

Vecino > Can, 75 mins
James > Khedira, 75 mins
Volland > Belotti, 80 mins

Switch to a 4-2-3-1 with the same style and mentality and look to play on the break and use James' quality on the ball to create something for us.

------------------- Cech
Cedric - Musacchio - Sokratis - Robertson
------- --- - Wanyama - Fellaini
--------------------Payet
Callejon ------------Falcao -------------- Richarlison

Subs: Trapp, Glik, Zabaleta, Krychowiak, Lallana, Lingard, Gabbiadini

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

Stepped in this week so we can stop Marky playing with himself, once we've done that we have to focus on stopping Wolves, then hitting them quickly with our pace behind their WBs.

Back 4 will be narrow to each other when defending with Fellaini and Wanyama plugging the gaps, using their physical presence and essentially just taking up as much room as possible to limit the space for the opposition. When defending centrally we can keep narrow, have our back 4 together and DMs in front, with Payet nipping around the middle to put pressure on the ball. Our front three stay up, wingers stretch wide and keep free for counters. When the opposition stretch the play triangulate with ball side DM, FB and Payet, block the route central, rest of the defence shuffling across, staying as a group.

Cech - Distribute quickly, looking for the wingers when they are free, if not out to the FBs.

Musacchio/Sokratis - Sokratis to mark their striker, don't get too tight, give just enough room to judge the strikers move so he can't run in behind or roll you for pace. Musacchio 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 Wanyama to deal with the AM. When in possession look first to go direct into the wingers, and second to split the lines and find Payet. Both of you go forward for setpieces.

Cedric/Robertson - Narrow to the CBs today, make sure there's no space between for their half space players to run into. When you go out to face their WBs show them on to their weaker foot, but stand up to them, never dive in, force them to have to take you on to find space. Robertson can go forward when we have the ball, looking to allow Richarlison more freedom infield. Cedric stays back.

Payet/Wanyama/Fellaini - Two absolute bruisers in the midfield today to stop the opposition half space players having their freedom, bully them out of the game, always in their way. Payet using his energy to nip away at the ball carrier. When we counter Wanyama and Fellaini keep their discipline. Payet will look to make himself free between the lines and then supply a spark and the forwards. When we keep sustained possession Fellaini can get in the box and make a nuisance of himself.

Callejon/Richarlison - Both playing out wide and both have the pace and trickery to beat the Wolves WBs and get crosses in. However main aim today is to make themselves available on the counter when the WB is out of position, isolate the wide CBs and beat them in 1 v 1s, with the opposite side winger able to attack the box.

Falcao - He's a predator and that's what we need today, constant movement, whilst the wingers draw the Wolves defence, Falcao will look to find space in the box and take his chances.

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

Subs 70 mins:
If winning: Payet off, Krychowiak on. Switch to a flat 4-5-1 with Fellaini alongside Krychowiak and Wanyama in midfield.

If losing: Fellaini and Robertson off, Lallana and Lingard on. Change to a 3-1-4-2, back three of Cedric - Sokratis - Musacchio, Wanyama the holder, Callejon - Lallana - Payet - Lingard behind a front two of Richarlison and Falcao. Push for goals.

-------------------------- Ederson
------- Alderwer'd ----- Varane ----- Javi.M
Oxlade ---- Fernandinho ----- A.Vidal ------- Ghoulam
---------------- De Bruyne ----- A.Sanchez
----------------------- Lewandowski

Subs: Meret, Mendy, Partey, Eriksen, O.Dembele, Martial, Werner

Playing Hull at home we have to take the initiative. High tempo attacking play, playing out from the back with zip, pass and move with continuous off the ball movement.

No passing for passing’s sake, we need to be penetrative and get the ball into our influential forwards. Take the game to this inexperienced Hull backline, once we have one we can dictate the game to our pace and plenty of gaps will appear as they chase.

The potent Lewandowski playing more of a poachers role today, staying in and around the box with the two in behind, providing the service and running the show.

WG-backs stay very wide, creating space in mf zones. Fernandinho holds allowing Vidal to burst forward and link the play. Javi.M & Varane up for set-pieces in their box.

Defensively, we revert to a compact 3-5-2. De Bruyne moves into AM looking to form a midfield trio. Sanchez plays alongside Lewa pressing intensively from the front.

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

Alder & Javi.M should shift slightly wider when on the offense allowing our wing-backs to push up in a bank of 4 in mf.

Fernandinho 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, Fernandinho sits just infront of the defence and makes himself available for a pass back. A passing outlet if we are being vigorously pressed whilst also allowing us to create space when working the ball around in triangles, also prevent counter attacks.

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

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

Defensively, KDB coming deeper and working alongside our mf duo in a 3, squeeze and don't allow any space or time in central areas for the opposition, marking their AM & forcing them back and in tight spots.

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

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

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

Lewandowski should do what he does best – scoring goals. I want him leading the line and in and around the box at all times. He should be the first to react to any loose ball and look to pressurize their young cb’s, influencing the game as much off the ball as on it.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Key is leaving no gaps or space to get in behind, working as a staunch unit so their quick attackers have to come deeper to get involved making their first point of contact with the ball much deeper than they anticipated and notably further away from our final third.

When we have them deep we have more to work with, we can plug at them and tactically foul in areas that will prevent them from playing with any flow, breaking up the game.

If we manage to win the ball we must immediately look to counter and hit the opposition hard. Ox & Ghoulam can come up to support the play and provide the width. The front 3 burst forward.

Subs:
IF WINNING: 67th minute – (3-4-3 - wide)
- O.Dembele > De Bruyne
- Martial > A.Sanchez
- Partey > Vidal (75th min)
Compact 3-4-3, Dembele and Martial on as their tiring defence leaves more gaps and vulnerable to counter. Partey replaces Vidals energy and workrate.

IF DRAW: 70th minute – (3-5-2)
- Werner > A.Sanchez
- Eriksen > De Bruyne
- Partey > Vidal (78th min)
Werner on to support Lewa and use his pace in behind, Eriksen on to dictate and feed our forwards in mf. Partey replaces Vidal.

IF LOSING: 75th minute – (4-4-2 - direct)
- Werner > Javi.M
- O.Dembele > KDB
- Martial > A.Sanchez
4-4-2, direct. long balls into the box and constantly looking for the two strikers.
Flood forward and look for an equalizer/winner.

C - Lewandowski
FK's - De Bruyne
Corners - De Bruyne/A.Sanchez
Pens – Lewandowski

Had to swap Matuidi forgot he was injured.

---------------------------------------Lafont-----------------------------------
----------------Bailly-----------Howedes-----------Rugani----------------
-------------------------------------Gueye--------------------------------------
Bellerin--------------Alli---------------------Allan--------------M Alonso
--------------------------------------Perisic--------------------------------------
---------------------------------------Vardy--------------------------------------

Subs - Ake, Iborra, Brozovic, Bellarabi, Calvert Lewin, Gomez, Rodrigo

CAPTAIN - ALLI
CK'S - PERISIC
FK'S - PERISIC
PENALTIES - ALLI

Going back to the 361 but playing an extra AM instead of a CM . A bit more balanced in attack and defence, it should get us playing well. Chelsea have some dangerous players but if we defend as a unit and use our defensive strength, we can hit them on the counter.

When we don't have possession of the ball in our half I want the whole team except Vardy to defend. Play a deep defensive line so that oppo can't use their pacy forwards to beat the offside trap. When we win possession of the ball I want the players to keep hold of possession and try and work some space. We have good ball players in Allan and Alli in the centre and they will help keep us ticking.

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. Bailly and Rugani have the pace to play the 3atb formation with ease. Howedes 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
Gueye
Matuidi will be fully focused on defending. Cover for our wingbacks when they are attacking and help double up the oppo wingers when they are in our half. Play the ball quickly out to the attack.

Centre Mids
Alli + Allan
Alli main job is to use his toughness and strength in the centre to win the ball back from the oppo. Harass the oppo players and don't be afraid to get dirty to stop them. Make runs forward and help support Vardy in strike. Allan will play a b2b role. They both will be the engines that keep us ticking in the middle. When defending, one of you will press the oppo AM and the other will sit deep.

Wing backs
Bellerin + Alonso
Bellerin and Alonso will look to help both in attack and defence. When the oppo has the ball come back into the defence to make a rock solid back 5. Make forays forward when we have the ball in the oppos side of the pitch but track back when we don't. Get some low crosses into the box as Vardy is very good very good at playing in between the lines.

Attack Mid
Perisic
Peeisic will look to create chances for our strikers. Play quick passes and shoot if you see an opportunity.

Strikers
Vardy
I want Vardy to use his pace to play off the oppo centre back shoulders and try and beat the offside trap. Be ready for crosses into the box as our wingbacks will be getting some dangerous balls in.

Subs if LOSING BY 65MINS
Change formation to 343. Bring on Rodrigo for Allan. Gomez on for Gueye aswell. Play a very high line and try and get a goal.

--------------------------------------Lafont-----------------------------------
----------------Bailly-----------Howedes-----------Rugani----------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bellerin----------------Alli-------------Perisic--------------M Alonso
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------Rodrigo--------Vardy-------Gomez-----------------------

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

--------------------------------------Lafont-----------------------------------
----------------Bailly-----------Howedes-----------Rugani----------------
----------------Gueye------------Allan-------Brozovic--------------------
Bellerin-------------------------------------------------------------M Alonso
-------------------------------------------Alli--------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------Gomez-------------------------------------

Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Gomez ON for Vardy
Brozovic ON for Allan
Winks ON for Alli
Like for like changes just fresh legs to help the team.

-----------------------------Horn
Weiser-------Lemos----------Kempf-----Guerreiro
--------------Ascacíbar--------Dahoud
-------Mahrez---------Schöpf----------Forsberg
------------------------Ibrahimovic

Subs: Pollersbeck, Vestergaard, Plattenhardt, Tousart, de Jong, Aouar, Younes


Our defensive unit consists of Mauricio Lemos and Marc-Oliver Kempf paired up at centre-back, Mitchell Weiser at right-back and Raphaël Guerreiro at left-back, with Santiago Ascacíbar and Mahmoud Dahoud as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.

This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in Ascacíbar 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 Ascacíbar 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, Santiago Ascacíbar.

A holding midfielder through and through, Ascacíbar 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 Ascacíbar such a talent.

The attacking unit consists of Riyad Mahrez, Alessandro Schöpf 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 Ascacíbar or Dahoud, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.

Weiser and Guerreiro can surge up the wings in the knowledge that Ascacíbar 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. Alessandro Schöpf our attacking central midfielder’s low centre of gravity will enable him to navigate away from defenders at a frighteningly quick pace. Schöpf 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
Aouar on for Schöpf and Tousart on for Ascacíbar