BM

------------------Rajkovic------------------
Almamy--Barzagli--Denayer--Jackson
--------------Neves----Kante--------------
---------------------Alli---------------------
---Asensio---------------------Gabriel---
-------------------Baston-------------------

Dragowski, Wallace, Cook, Mbappe, Muric, Coric, Mayoral


In goal Rajkovic 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.

Barzagli in beside Denayer on this occassion Denayer will man mark the CF. Denayer is quick and skillfull for a CB, with great marking abilities, powerfully built so marking the CF should be no trouble as he has to man up to him, will keep him away from goal and be on to him quickly as he comes forward so he can intercept any though he has of going for goal. When in possession he will carry the ball out and start attacks from the back. Captain Barzagli alongside is fantastic in the air, so will mark any other big players that come into our danger area, strong in the air and strong in the tackle and make sure he is strong enough to get the ball away from danger. Both go up for corners and are a huge threat.

Almamy and Jackson at fullback, we must keep the wingers quiet, stop them and we stop a lot of there attacks. Almamy and Jackson are perfect for this . Both quick and keeping up with the wingers is no problem. They will look to keep them away from shooting areas where is dangerous in any position. They will be up against quality wingers so look to force him away from goal and backwards, Almamy with his attacking prowess, will push his back. Jackson sits back a bit and allows him to attack but his marking abilities are sound, both have good positional sense and very quick, do not make rash desicions and will stay on their feet. Both FBs can attack. One goes the other stays (Almamy more than Jackson) as they look to make an extra man down the flank for our wingers to cut inside or play neat one twos to free the wingers up.

Our midfield is all action with Kante in 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! Kante himself will look to dictate from deep as he picks up from the defence and looks to drive us forward with precision passing he is always a step ahead of every one else as he knows where the pass is going before he recieves the ball. Neves is v the second most advanced midfielder much the same, but obvs when we have the ball he is allowed to move forward and push him back, Neves should have a bit of time to look around him for the pass. Use his upper body strength to get him away from the player. He is solid in the tackle and he and Kante should prove a very difficult barrier for them to try and break through. Pass and move always look for the return pass. When they have then close down the CM, he will look to ping the ball about so get to him before that opportunity arises. We have put Alli in a No.10 role or just slightly withdrawn No.10 against there DM he must be strong, Alli is an all round fantastic midfielder,, however he will look to take the DM on one v one drag him about open up spaces for others to drive into, with the ball at feet look to play quick one twos with those around him so he makes the runs into the box looking for that return ball that will get him in on goal. If the ball is played to him with his back to goal hold it up, draw the foul from the DM, if it doesnt come then look to lay it off, look to play the slide pass into Baston. All three are good all round midfielders, Kante i want to sit in the hole with the two either side when defending.

Asensio and Gabriel Jesus are known for their creativity, speed, and technical ability and are fearless, explosive attacking midfielders who can change the game with a turn of pace or a dribble. Both technically excellent in limited areas, fast explosive acceleration during the first ten yards. Which more often than not takes them passed defenders and allows them to get into dangerous areas. Always play with there heads up looking for the runs of others to get the ball into there feet. When they have the ball look to stick close to fullbacks and stop them coming forward. Asensio is such a tireless worker doing the tracking back, Gabriel isnt so good but if he stops the LB pushing forward then that will do. Always be looking for Alli inside as the three make an awesome trio attack wise in behind Baston and a scary proposition for the opposition back line.

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

Captain - Barzagli
Free Kicks - Dele Alli
Pens - Baston/CF
Corners - Wingers

Subs

Losing:-
70 Mins - Ante Coric for Neves and he pushes up beside Alli
75 Mins - Mayoral for Baston and Mbappe for Gabriel fresh legs to go at tiring defenders

Winning:-
70 Mins:- L.Cook for Alli, he will drop back in a bit beside Kante and Neves
80 Mins - Mayoral for Baston fresh legs
85 Mins - Mbappe for Gabriel

Drawing:-
70 Mins - Coric for Alli, Mayoral for BAston, mbappe for Gabriel, triple change to go at tiring defenders

-----------------------------Bizzarri--------------------------------

Fosu-Mensah-----Tah--------Maksimovic------------Masina

--------------Drinkwater----------Sanches-----------------------

Coman-----------------Boufal-----------------------Dembele

---------------------------Aduriz(c)----------------------------------

subs: Klostermann, Ayala, Mandragora, Pellegrini, Passlack, Leandrinho, Luis Henrique.

Out of possession game plan: We're setting up in a 4-2-3-1 shape in this match, we will look to press high up the pitch from the front and very centrally. Boufal will join Aduriz in the first line to pressurise the Forres defenders while Coman and Dembele move narrower to cut off the supply to midfield, this will only open up passing avenues for the opposition out wide, when the ball goes wide, it is the job of Masina and Fosu-Mensah to push quickly onto the fullback(whichever flank the ball is distributed to), forcing them either backwards,to launch the ball long or to hurry them into a mistake, the advantage of this is that should a mistake happen we have plenty of numbers forward to punish mistakes.

---------------------Tah-----------Maksimovic-------------------

-------------Drinkwater

TFM-----------------------------------Sanches-----------Masina
------------------Coman-------------------Dembele--------------
(opp FB)---------(opp MF)----------------(opp MF)---------(opp FB)

----------------Aduriz--------------------Boufal-------------------
--------------(oppCB)--------------------(oppCB)---------------


In possession game plan: we are a side full of energy and pace, and will be looking to fully utilise this in our attacking game. In Drinkwater, Sanches and Boufal we have great central presence to move the ball in the opposition half. As the deepest of the midfield three, Drinkwater has the most responsibility in moving the ball from the deep phases of build up, Sanches next to him is very adept at carrying the ball with his pace and strength, Boufal, Dembele and Coman all possess pace, trickery and the ability to score and provide goals, they will look to get on the ball as much as possible and interchange as all are equally comfortable across the attacking line. Aritz Aduriz while getting on in years now, is a player that just keeps getting better with age, he's a yard ahead of the defenders in his head and will use his movement and intelligence to create space in the box, with the 3 players behind him he won't find himself short of chances, he's proven he can score all manner of goals from tap ins, headers and even 30 yard volleys this year for Bilbao.

subs: Mandragora for Boufal if winning after 75 minutes, a more defensive midfielder, will look to keep possession and slow the tempo of the game down, switch from 4-2-3-1 to 4-3-3 with Mandragora deepest of the 3 MF's, Coman and Dembele to be less attacking and hold shape

-------------------Gordon--------------------
-----E.Sviatchenko--Virgil van Dijk-----
Semedo----------------------------Tierney
-----------Fernando--Wanyama-----------
Roberts----------------------------J.Hayes
--------------A.Silva--J.Vardy--------------

Ward, Simunovic, Evra, J.McGinn, J.Walker, R.Christie, J.Cummings

Craig Gordon I want to dominate his goal area, come out for corners and quickly off his line to stop any attacks.

Tierney and Semedo first and foremost defend and keep the back four as tight as possible, either one can attack but only when in no apparent danger. Support the wingers by going outside them to give the wingers more space and time.

The centre halves are both classy ball players who like to move out with the ball, but as I stated only when we are in no danger, we will be up against some good attacks this season so our back four must be strict and allow next to nothing through. Attack high balls and stop the strikers coming through, for this I want Sviatchenko to do the marking job, allowing van Dijk to mark any others coming through. van Dijk is tremendous in the air so he goes into the opposition box for corners.

Wanyama and fernandeo Lucas in the middle, both industrous players who give nothing away and also never give up on lost causes. Wanayma is the DM he always sits in allowing Fernando to do the running about chasing down the opposition players. Sit in as we have two up front and we must not allow ourselves to become exposed. When we have the ball spray it about and get it up to our front four or one of the attacking fullbacks.

Hayes and Roberts I want to attack the fullbacks, give them a torrid day. If first you dont succeed try try again, they know it wont always work out, but that once or twice it does can always lead to a goal especially with our front two. Whip in crosses, drive the ball in we have two different strikers who can do it all. If they are charging down the flank get beyond the fullback and if either Semedo or Tierney are up use them to cut inside and play one twos to get Hayes or Roberts into the danger area. Both hard working so get back when we lose possession.

Vary and Andre Silva up front are a good combination, they have everything, speed, power and a good eye for goal, so look to form a partnership quickly, playing two means one has to drop in when we lose the ball but one always stays on the last man. Vardy is very quick and strong so can go passed defenders easily and in on goal, Silva is tall so will be looking for the crosses coming in to head towards goal or to his strike partner.

Very confident, we will do it the Leicester way, industrious, hard working, never give up and play until the final whistle.

Our Captain for the season is Virgil van Dijk

On Penalties is Jamie Vardy
On Free Kicks is Jonny Hayes
And Corners the wingers will take

Substitutes

Ryan Christie will come on for Roberts on 60 minutes as a straight swap

Jason Cummings on for Andre Silva on 70 Minutes also as a straight swap

If we are losing on 80 minutes Simunovic will come on for Semedo, he will go into CB and Tierney to LM, Jonny Hayes will play just behind the strikers in a 3412 formation

If we are winning on 80 Minutes Jonny Hayes will be replaced by John McGinn and he will go into CM

And Drawing Jamie Walker on for Hayes on 80 Minutes

Cambuur Tactics :
Captain : Alisson
Vice Captain : Süle

Team:
----------------Alisson
Mayke----Süle----Reyes ---Geferson
-----------------Danilo
---------Paredes---Arrascaeta
Pereiro------------------------------Jota
----------------Janssen

SUBS : Ederson, Roco, Soares, Camarasa, Edmilson Jr, Moreno, Bonatini


Goalkeeper: Alisson is a big mobile keeper and very agile. A great shot stopper, he will communicate with the back 4 and be commanding with the high ball. He will not take any risks. He is a great distributor with both hand and foot and we will look to this as a way to launch quick attacks.

Defence: Our 2 full backs are there firstly to defend and make sure they stay on the right side of their opponents whether they be out wide or cutting inside. When we are on the attack they will be allowed to use their power and pace to provide the overlap on the flanks. They both have the power and the lungs to work the touchline for 90 minutes. They will make the pitch wide and always offer themselves as an option in attack. Our 2 centre halves are big 6 feet plus ball playing defenders. Both good in the air and equally as good with the ball at their feet. They will be asked to do the simple things well. Be aggressive but controlled in the tackle and never lose your man when defending dead ball situations. They will be able to bring the ball out of defence but if in doubt take absolutely no chances and clear it. Both big men will be a real aerial threat at set pieces.

Midfield: Danilo will be the midfield general. A physical pacey midfielder he will be there to boss this area for us. Breaking up play and filling in as an extra defender if one of our back 4 has ventured forward. He will be there to protect the defence and do a lot of the unseen dirty work in the centre of the park. He is essential to our gameplan and while sitting deep will still offer a lot with his great passing ability. He also has a thunderbolt right foot. Paredes and Arrascaeta will play just in front of Danilo. Paredes will be a more box to box type. He will be involved all over and will offer as much in defence as in attack. Arrascaeta will be the midfield magician. Clever, elusive and tricky we will look to him for creating the midfield openings with his eye for a pass. We will look at their enthusiasm and relentless pressing of the opposition as a way to hopefully get a bit of a grip on the midfield and at the very least not make it plain sailing for the opposition.

Wingers/Centre Forward: When in possession both Pereiro and Jota will be expected to go for the direct approach and use their power and speed to take on the opposition defence and beat them and bring Arrascaeta, Paredes and Janssen in to play. They can vary their attacks as they see fit. Both players can play all across the middle so don’t be surprised to see them swapping wings. At times Paredes may sit a bit deeper allowing Arrascaeta to slot in between both wingers, just behind the CF. As well as an attacking force both wingers will also have to put a defensive shift when called upon and act as back up for their respective full backs.

Janssen starts as the CF. He won’t be short of support or ammunition with the attacking talent behind him. Great playing off the shoulder of the last man he is deadly in and around the box. A bag of energy and very strong we will also look for him to hold up and bring others in to play if it doesn’t seem to be on for him. We will look to get bodies in the box when attacking so he should always have an outlet. He is also great in the air and will provide an option from set pieces. When the shot is on he will take it but we also want to put himself about in the box and think that his lightning pace will be a real handful for defences. He will also be alert to any scraps in and around the goal. He has the ability to produce something sublime and create a chance out of nothing.

Free Kicks/Corners: Arrascaeta, Jota or Pereiro with Reyes , Süle, Danilo and Janssen to offer an aerial threat. Arrascaeta and Jota (with his thunderbolt left foot) may try their luck with several free kicks from distance.

Substitutions: (if losing on 70 minutes) Bonatini for Paredes, Moreno for Pereiro. Shift to a 4-1-3-2 attack. Moreno offering fresh legs and blistering speed and Bonatini a more direct ohysical presence

-----------------------------Danilo
Moreno---------------- Arrascaeta--------------Jota
---------------------Bonatini---Janssen

(if winning) Bonatini for Janssen, Moreno for Pereiro and Camarasa for Paredes, 3 like for like substitutions.

Overview of our 4-4-2 formation V SC Cambuur

Captain: Weigl
Pens: Finnbogason
Corners: Pulisic (Cerny) / Fischer
Free Kicks: Fekir

--------------------------------Karius
----Tete-----------Jedvaj-----------Riedewald---------Hector
----Pulisic--------Weigl-------------Dahoud-----------Fischer
----------------------Fekir----------Finnbogason

Subs: Wellenreuther, Stark, Ajer, van de Beek, Höjbjerg, Bergwijn, Cerny

We are playing an attacking formation designed to outscore our opponent by including two strikers plus midfielders chipping with goals as well. Our formation includes four defenders; two centre-backs and two full-backs. In midfield, we have two central midfielders and two wide midfielders.

Using the right players for this formation, our team will expect to enjoy more possession than our opponent. Our centre-backs will hold a high defensive line while our full-backs push into the attacking half to link up with our wide midfielders.

Of our two central midfielders, Weigl with his excellent ability on the ball, impressive vision (especially for runners in behind) and his ability to distribute the ball to all areas of the pitch, will be combined with his equally impressive ability to tackle and intercept without conceding too many fouls. While his defensive stats are impressive on their own; his positional sense and discipline add to his traits, especially if one or both of our full backs are moving up this pitch.

Alongside Weigl we find Dahoud and its on the ball is where he’s really going to excel in this match. A terrific passer of the ball, he pretty much has every pass imaginable in his locker. His short passing game nicely complements Weigl’s ability to pick-out a long pass. Dahoud will weigh his passes to perfection, whether in our own half, under pressure, or on the edge of our opponent’s box.

Weigl and Dahoud’s security on the ball will be compounded by their strong decision-making. In a side that attacks at speed such as ours, they will rarely fail to make the right decision when it comes to releasing the ball – expect their timing and pass selection to be flawless.

In the wide areas the two footed Pulisic on the right and Fischer on the left will operate as unorthodox or inverted wingers.

When we are on the attack Tete and Hector our fleet footed and technically gifted full backs will use their very impressive pace to create overlaps, hence keeping the width down the flank in the final-third and look to supply crosses to the two strikers. Thus allowing Pulisic and Fischer, at pace, and unpredictable playability, to drift inside from the flank and roam in between the lines where they can link up play and create chances by intricate play through the middle. Tete and Hector’s positioning in the wide areas should pull the opposition full-back out wide, thereby opening the channels for the likes of Pulisic, Fischer and Fekir to exploit.

When we are on the defence expect Tete & Hector to use their pace, stamina and tackling ability to equally good effect.

Of our two forwards, Fekir will run the channels and drop into pockets of space in between our opponent’s defenders and midfielders, while Finnbogason works off the shoulder of their last defender, providing a target for the service from the flanks.

The opposition defenders will have to keep a straight defensive line when defending with no significant gaps in between them, so they cannot wander around chasing players into midfield. Their midfielders cannot get too close to the defensive line because they would be conceding a lot of ground in midfield, so we can expect a gap between their defenders and midfielders.

With Finnbogason already occupying the opposition central defenders, Fekir will aim to exploit the awkward spaces that defenders and midfielders cannot get into, without sacrificing the integrity of their defensive shape.

This is where the advantage of having two strikers comes from because the two strikers usually get good chances if they are efficient with their movement off the ball.

On 75 Mins I’m looking for a fresh injection of pace. Cambuur’s defenders I assume will likely play the 90 minutes – so let’s keep them on their toes for every one of those minutes.
Subs: 75 Mins Stark on for Tete (with Jedvaj moving to RB and Stark playing RCB) and Cerny on for Pulisic

Wellington Phoenix tactics – Week 1 (away to Pumas de UNAM)

-------------------Howard------------------
Jung--------Bailly—Wimmer-----Grimaldo
------------Elneny----Coquelin-----------
Gray----------van der Vaart--------Iwobi
-------------------Rashford---------------

Subs: Martinez, Arbeloa, Lascelles, Dier, Gnabry, Pandev, Dembele

Captain: Howard
FKs, pens & corners: VDV

Gameplan today is to get in the faces of the opposition and get at them with pace. We’re happy to have the ball, but we’re not too worried about possession – when we have it we will be trying to get it forward quickly to constantly get at the Pumas defence, not giving them opportunities to rest or get their positions back. Hopefully we can run them ragged in patches and overwhelm them, putting us into a good position. We will try to press high without playing a dangerous offside trap – pushing high so we can press, but with the defence having licence to drop off just as they anticipate a dangerous pass could be coming their way. Obviously it’s a bit of a risk, but I think the defenders we have are clever enough players, but failing that, they are fantastic athletes with the ability to recover.

We will have to manage the game well though, as I’m aware we can’t keep up that intensity all game long, so I have accounted for that. Generally we will look to really get at Pumas when they’re at their most vulnerable – after each kick off, after any goal, when we can smell a weakness we will pounce on it and continue to bombard them. In between these periods we will need to be very well drilled and make ourselves hard to get through. We won’t give them any cheap goals – if they want to score they will have to really earn it.

Howard – he will play as you want a keeper to play – alert all game and full of confidence. He’ll command his box and inspire confidence throughout the rest of the team – especially with a young defence ahead of him. Otherwise, usual stuff (off his line quickly when needed, big at one on ones, great shot stopper and collect crosses).

Grimaldo & Jung – both players with incredible engines, pace to burn and ability on the ball. It’s important to keep them grounded and remind them they’re defenders first – but these qualities listed above will make them very hard to beat in any 1v1 situation. They are allowed licence to get forward when we attack as both have pace to help us on the counter or a good delivery so can support their winger and really stretch the opposition. But only one can go at a time, so we never get caught short at the back.

Wimmer & Bailly – Bailly to attack the ball more, while Wimmer drops off a little and covers the rest of the defence if they get beaten. Wimmer to also try and spot trouble early and cut it out accordingly, if this means dropping off and getting caught one on one, he will stand tall and shimmy the man – making himself hard to beat and allowing the rest of the very pacey defence to get back behind him quickly and giving the forward player a lot of work to do.

Coquelin – out and out DM. Sit in front of the defence, make sure no-one gets a free run on them, the only time there is an exception to this is when a FB has gone forward, he is allowed to go out wide and cover . We all know how well he reads the game, tackles tenaciously and generally helps the defence. On the ball, he will move it on quickly to the attacking players. Main job is to stop a young defence from getting overrun and overawed.

Elneny – bags of energy, good passing, good shot, great decision making. These attributes make this man the perfect box to box player for our formation today. He will ultimately sit alongside Coquelin getting in amongst the opposition, getting on the ball and spreading it around, but he is so good at picking a good forward pass quickly that it makes him the ideal man for our midfield. He will let us continually hit our pacey frontmen, wearing the opposition down, but in other moments he can get forward himself and join in the attacks, he can slow the game down a little and control the ball when we need to get our breath back and he can get stuck in and make us a very solid defensive unit. A hugely important player for us today and essentially I am trusting his decision making.

Iwobi & Gray – picked for their youth. They’re hungry, direct, pacey and unpredictable, which will make them a constant pain for Pumas. I want them always looking to get forward, beat a man, taking the quickest route into the box, whether that be a direct run in or down the line and whip a ball in. I want them always wanting the ball too, always moving off the ball. Off the ball it’s simple, just drop in and get goalside of your FB as soon as you can.

VDV – an experienced head to bring some calm to our manic attack. He will thrive on the constant movement and energy of the players around him giving him options, scraps to feed on. I’ve picked him today for his calm head amongst it all, in the midst of a dangerous counter he will know the correct pass to pick to keep the attack dangerous, what positions to take up to give his fellow players room and when to attack the box. I’ve given him a role he’ll enjoy, in the hope that this will get the best out of him and get him thriving.

Rashford – same as he’s done all season – be a nuisance, drop deep, run the channels, link the play, harass the defence and the chances will come and we know how deadly he is in front of goal. Most of all, when he gets a whiff of a chance – he must get in the box ready for anything to drop his way.

Subs – if losing or drawing on 65 mins – Pandev for VDV, Gnabry for Gray, Dier for Coq.

Go to a 4-1-4-1 with Pandev sitting in the VDV role and Elneny pushing up alongside him to really go for it. Dier as the lone anchorman.

If winning at 65 mins – Dier for VDV, Pandev for Rashford, Gnabry for Gray. 4-3-3 formation, try to get hold of the ball more, but without it get as many men behind the ball and into the midfield as possible to try and stifle the opposition.

Blyth Spartans



…………………………………………Buffon………………………………………….
……………………..Iorfa……………T.Silva…….Rugani…………………………………..
Yedlin…………………………………Motta……………………………………..De Sciglio
………………………………Cadaldi……….De Rossi…………………………………………..
…………………………………..Carroll………Lapadula……………………………………….

Subs: Cragno(GK), Caldara, Hause, Mauri, Aarons, Sadiq, Calabria


Opening game of the season is always a step into the unknown…Ludy always builds a good side but we are the Spartans and have 3 league titles to our name so will look to lay down a marker from the offset…not sure how he’ll line up but with a trident of Mahrez,Origi and Iheanacho he has bags of pace and power in the final third….. I’d bet on my midfield three holding their own against anyone and today especially that’ll be key as we close down Tatungs midfield and starve the attack of any service other than hopeful punts downfield.
As the home team we will look to get our foot on the ball and dominate the possession pulling his team out of position and creating spaces for ourselves…

Time to meet the boys:

Buffon – Gigi needs no explanation surely – the man the myth legend

Iorfa – troubled season with Wolves but that’s more the team than the individual….6ft4” and has been in and around the England U21 squad as well as being called up by Woy to train with the senior team – very fast still a little green but as a FB/CB can shuffle across to support Yedders

Silva – Still one of the very best Centre-backs in world football..cool calm and collected will talk his young team mates through the game, whilst taking on the central striker

Rugani – Tough first season at Juve but has all the potential in the world, like Iorfa will shuffle to help cover his full-back.

Yedlin – pure unadulterated pace, given licence to kick forward and provide some width

De Sciglio – Often plays on the other side but more than capable on the left allowing him to cut in on his right foot.

Motta – A divisive personality and a man who I personally don’t like…but a very good midfield stopper, will sit infront of the defence and keep the play ticking over.
De Rossi – another legend…may not be prime anymore but still good enough for where we’re at now….will deploy him opposite Xabi Alonso, close him down fast and stop Tatung playing

Cataldi – Super prospect from Lazio only 21 but has a bright future ahead of him

Carroll – The big Geordie Edge look-alike – found some good form for West Ham of late and will be our target-man bullying their defence

Lapadula – A bit of a wildcard this but the 26 year old hitman has 24 goals and 10 assists to his name in 37 Serie B appearances this season – equating to a goal scored every 137 minutes – surely a move to the top flight is on the cards (or even the Premiership) outside bet for the Euro’s but I doubt it

TATUNG 4-3-3

—————————— Alisson
Simpson — Gomez — Vallejo — Duarte
——————————— Alonso
———————— A. Fernandez — Thomas
Mahrez ————————————————— Iheanacho
——————————— Origi

SUBS: Hassen, Diop, Vezo, Leiva, Kovalenko, Oztunali, Traore

Captain: Xabi Alonso
Crossing free-kicks: Xabi Alonso
Shooting free-kicks: Riyad Mahrez
Penalties: Xabi Alonso
Corners: Xabi Alonso

Game Plan: One of the most important games of the season so far, in need of the points to ensure we go high in the league, so we're ready and raring to go after a good result last time out, so we need to put pressure on the opposition. we'll set up in our usual away 4-3-3 system, we'll look to dominate possession from the off, every man from 1-11 is very comfortable in possession. By keeping as much possession as possible we'll look to be patient and create space by moving the ball from side to side with a quick tempo, it should give us plenty of opportunity to dominate the midfield and then take advantage in the wide areas with the pace and movement of our front 3.

Defensively we will look to push high up the pitch, all of our defenders are quick, intelligent and comfortable in this system of defending so are able to do this without fear of the opposition being able to spring us on the counter attack. The reason for the high line is to condense the space while out of possession, denying them the space to get on the ball and turn at our defence will be crucial in winning this game. The gap between the defence and the forwards should be very tight, we don't necessarily need to go chasing the ball from their CB's but when the full backs and midfielders of the opposition receive the ball, the nearest player (whether that be a midfielder, striker or defender) should be sprinting out to him to put him under pressure, when a player leaves his position, the next man must always be aware to cover the space he leaves, it's a very fluid system that requires a lot of hard work and concentration but we're good enough to do it, we want to force the opposition to either have to pass backwards or force a mistake from the man in possession.

As spoken of previously in the tactics, we will look to be in possession a damn site more than we are out of it, we will move the ball with tempo and pace between the midfielders and forwards, however we must not be afraid to play the ball backwards in order to keep the ball if a forward pass is not on, the idea behind keeping possession for so long is to draw defenders out of position and exploit the gaps that they leave, it's very difficult to concentrate as a defender of you're under pressure for a long time, mistakes will happen.

Our 3 forwards Mahrez, Iheanacho and Origi again are all comfortable receiving the ball to feet and linking play effectively, their movement and pace will be key in dragging defenders out of position and then exploiting that space in order to create chances, this front 3 will always create chances with the quality of our midfield supplying them, they just have to take them, and they have all proven capable of that in their careers.

SUBS:

If winning after 80 mins bring on Kovalenko for Thomas. More physical presence in midfield, and gives greater cover.

--------------------------Pau
Henrichs------Christensen---Hernandez-----Ake
------------------------Kranevitter
---------------Tielemans---------Gerson
Williams-----------------A.Correa-----------Cornet

Subs: Kepa, Aguirre, Balanta, Blin, Charly, Ojo, Ganz

Captain: Youri Tielamans
Free Kicks: Youri Tielemans
Corners: Youri Tielemans
Penalties: Iñaki Williams

First day of the season and we want to go and play with a high energy performance and get off to a good start. We will start with a mid block, inviting the opposition into our half and then looking to press hard, win the ball and expose the space between their midfield and defence.

Off the ball we will set up to defend in a compact, narrow 4-3-3, defending the field in three separate areas, the two flanks and the central third, make sure that every inch of space is covered, suffocating our opponents and controlling the game even without possession. Defending starts from half way with Cornet and Correa, closing down their CBs with Williams pushed up onto the FB and the two CMs closing the route into midfield, these two must work tirelessly to disrupt the two deepest midfielders, don't allow them to settle in possession, force rushed passes. Kranevitter waits in behind with his ability to sweep across and cover, along with help from the FBs who will be pushed up. Designed to rush Wellington into long balls which our CBs will mop up, or more likely, balls to the unmarked RB, once we have Wellington in the wide areas, on their right at least, we feel we can win the battles, in particularly stop them using their forwards in the channels. When we defend the flanks it allows us to make things extra compact by shuffling our set up across to meet the Wellington advances, the key pairing here being the FB and wide man who go man v man against their opposite numbers, whilst the striker and midfield come across the close off the central route, making sure we have 6 men suffocating the attack, leaving our other wide man to close off the switch to his flank(also wait as the out ball) and the FB on that side tucked in alongside the CB allowing us to have a back 3. This will leave Wellington squeezed onto the touchline where they are at their least threatening, up against two FBs who are strong in one on ones and two hard working wingers, limit them to crosses which we can deal with, any attempt to go in field is blocked by the sheer numbers and compactness of our side, any attempt to find Rashford will be intercepted by Christensen who will always be on his toes, ready to win the ball and set up attacks, whilst Hernandez acts as the final shield.

If they get beyond this forward thinking pressing we must regroup and defend deeper, focusing on controlling space rather than pressing their men drop off, Tielemans sits in alongside Kranevitter as more of a DM. At this stage we will look to make things narrow in midfield with the wide players tucking in, DMs covering the space behind so that Wellington can't play in the lines. Defence drops deep and the FBs narrow to the CBs, keeping the defence narrow and sat deep on the edge of our box means that Wellington can't use their pace to get through us, they will be forced into wide areas and we are strong aerially and can cope with sideways movement. Force Wellington to keep going side to side and backwards, as soon as the ball is there to be won, stepping in and looking to release Williams down the left, Correa and Cornet with pace to support along with Gerson will mean that Williams can draw a CB out of position, where he loves to have them one v one down the left, looking to either come inside or release a team mate into vacant space.

Our midfield and attack today allow us to attack where Wellington leave gaps, attacking where we win the ball as due to our defensive organisation it means we will have the most numbers in these areas to launch quick intricate attacks. So if we win it wide, we go for a 433. The build up play must be quick, on the side of the ball we have usually 2 attackers(winger, CM) and an overlapping FB, with the other CM stepping a little bit further forward to act as a link man, Kranevitter in position to dictate the attack from deeper and allow the more powerful forward plays freedom and the opposite winger hugging the touchline to stretch the game. As soon as we reach the final third we introduce freedom to our players, looking to open up space to the byline to cross, or coming inside and looking for the outside to inside run behind the defence that Cornet/Williams excel at when they are in wide areas, particularly useful if their FB has been sucked across to deal with the extra men on the side of the build up, Correa using his movement to draw defenders out, receive the ball to feet and get turned and in behind the defender quickly or play a quick touch that releases a wide man into the space vacated through the middle. When we win it central we attack with a 4-4-2, Williams joining Correa and Gerson moving wide, leaving the Henrichs to overlap and stretch the play or become a free player and the winger the freedom to find space and create things. Also gives the CBs the problem of two CFs, one comes short or moves wider, opens up a gap between the CBs for the other to exploit, partner running in behind when other comes short. Gerson and Tielemans must be on the move, both excellent ball players, we want quick one touch stuff when the space is opened, looking to create chances with the minimal amount of passes, Tielemans will dominate the midfield area whilst Gerson can get closer in support of the front three, either going wide to triple up or playing around Correa so the two can link up quickly to drag the CBs out. When we attack Ake will often sit back so we always have a 3 man defence whilst Henrichs moves forward, he loves to be on the front foot and can stretch the game but can also make inside runs into gaps between defenders when Williams stretches play.

Subs:

If Winning: Charly for Cornet 70', defend in a Simeone like 4-4-2, still pressing from half way but the strikers(Correa and Williams) will drop and deal with the CMs which allows our midfielders to drop a little deeper themselves and crowd out the Wellington attack. Blin for Gerson 75', Blin goes CM, Tielemans will play LM tucked inside. Balanta for Henrichs 80', Christensen out to RB, Balanta CB, more solid back 4, Christensen and Ake narrow to their CBs, make sure the game is shut out.

If Drawing: Ganz for Cornet 70', Correa out to LW, Ganz down the middle gives us a more natural CF, a target in the box. Charly for Gerson 75', fresh legs in the creative position, we want Charly to run at players, open the game up and use his excellent passing to create chances. Aguirre for Henrichs 80'.

If Losing: Ganz for Cornet 60', move into a 3-5-2 with Henrichs pushing forward, Ganz and Williams up front, Correa LW. Charly and Ojo for Henrichs and Gerson 75':

Pau
Christensen Hernandez Ake
Kranevitter Tielemans
Charly Correa Ojo
Williams Ganz

---------------------Mannone
Bellerin—Gabriel---Terry---Vermaelen---Enrique
----------------Essien—De Jong
Campbell-----------Odegaard-------Welbeck

Subs: Stockdale, Stearman, Targett, Morrison, Akpom

Subs:

65’ Akpom for Gabriel – Move Akpom to ST – Play 4-2-3-1

In today's game we will be parking the bus. Everyone will stay back and will not attempt to play clean, pretty football. This is going to be an ugly spectacle to the point the fans who come purely for entertainment will ask for their money back. I want all three centre backs to stay back and also Enrique. Only Bellerin will be allowed to roam forward during our counter attacks.

Our two defensive mids will act like centre backs when we are off the ball. It will make the opposition frustrated that they cant break our brick wall. Plenty of physical football is requested. Give them a kick or two. Wind them up completely so they make the mistakes. Hold them back by sliding into them, pushing them out the way, tugging at their shirts. Block their runs. Trip their playmakers and obstruct their strikers.

On the ball only Bellerin, our wingers and Odegaard will be allowed forward to attack. Everyone else covers their defensive duties. I want these players to hit the opposition with pace. Attack them when they least suspect it. Make sure they get plenty of free kicks and penalties even if it means winding up the opposition or diving to the ground quicker than Tom Daley dives into the pool.

Overall I want my team to be well organised off the ball. Limit the time on the ball for the opposition. On the ball hit them with power and pace and smash the ball in. I want dirty and efficient football.We want the win and we are gonna get it.

Positional Tactics

Our full backs defensively will stick in a deep line with our centre backs. We need to trap our opposition into the brick wall to force them off the pitch, fouling them, winding them up and tricking them. However in times when it doesn't work they need to push the opposition back and reduce the space made available on this side of the pitch. They need to prevent the wingers from running in behind them and cutting inside of them. Offensively they will need to move forward with the ball and use up the space left by the opposition. When our wingers cut in, I want bellering to take up the wide position and put the crosses in.

Our centre backs will be apart of this deep line we are playing. Use their strength and pace to keep the opposition away and then clear the ball away. They must stay on guard for any potential runners and therefore close them off as soon as they get going. We need to limit the opportunity for them to find space by keeping goal side of them at all times. They need to use their height and strength to beat them off the ball. They also must be aware of any high balls into the box. I want Terry to stick with the striker during their attacks. Kicked him when the referee isn’t looking. Make sure the attacker gets a horrid time. All defenders must smack the ball forward just to get the ball away.

We will play two defensive midfielders today who will protect the defence and hold up play. This means filling the gaps and creating a defensive wall to stop the opposition from breaking through. Both Midfielders will act as the 4th and 5th centre backs to limit the space for the playmakers to run into and to push them outwide. De Jong will stick with their main playmaker and will do anything he can to stop him creating anything. This may include pushing him, punching him or kicking him. Move in front of them when they are running and then clear the loose ball.

Our False 9 striker will be Odegaard who will look to run into space and finding the opportunity to change and dictate the game. He must force the opposition to open up space and allow the wingers to break through. I want him to move about all across the centre and depending on move towards the right or the left to the ball. Defensively he must prevent people running forward and creating more ability for runs. He must try and collect the ball and release it to our wingers to form attacks since.

Our wingers need to use plenty of their skill, strength, power, pace and physicality to open up the opposition. I want them to force the attacks straight at them, bring the defenders out and then allow our attackers to take advantage. They must cut inside, run in from behind and cross the ball in so that our attacks don't end up predictable. Try and use Bellering as much as possible when attacking the opposition so that having to handle more than one player forces a mistake. Defensively they should fall back and help the full backs to defending and prevent the wingers from creating opportunities. Welbeck should stay further forward as most players will look to leave the ball for him in the next attack.

Pens: Campbell
Long FK: Odegaard
Short FcK: Campbell
Corners: Odegaard

Overview of our 4-4-2 formation V Edinburgh City

Captain: Weigl
Pens: Finnbogason
Corners: Cerny / Forsberg (Bergwijn)
Free Kicks: Fekir

------------------------------Karius
----Tete ---------Jedvaj----------Riedewald---------Hector
----Cerny--------Weigl------------Dahoud---------Forsberg
--------------------Fekir----------Finnbogason

Subs: Wellenreuther, Stark, Augustinsson, Ajer, van de Beek, Samuelsen, Bergwijn

We are playing an attacking formation designed to outscore our opponent by including two strikers plus midfielders chipping with goals as well. Our formation includes four defenders; two centre-backs and two full-backs. In midfield, we have two central midfielders and two wide midfielders.

Using the right players for this formation, our team will expect to enjoy more possession than our opponent. Our centre-backs will hold a high defensive line while our full-backs push into the attacking half to link up with our wide midfielders.

Of our two central midfielders, Weigl with his excellent ability on the ball, impressive vision (especially for runners in behind) and his ability to distribute the ball to all areas of the pitch, will be combined with his equally impressive ability to tackle and intercept without conceding too many fouls. While his defensive stats are impressive on their own; his positional sense and discipline add to his traits, especially if one or both of our full backs are moving up this pitch.

Alongside Weigl we find Dahoud and its on the ball is where he’s really going to excel in this match. A terrific passer of the ball, he pretty much has every pass imaginable in his locker. His short passing game nicely complements Weigl’s ability to pick-out a long pass. Dahoud will weigh his passes to perfection, whether in our own half, under pressure, or on the edge of our opponent’s box.

Weigl and Dahoud’s security on the ball will be compounded by their strong decision-making. In a side that attacks at speed such as ours, they will rarely fail to make the right decision when it comes to releasing the ball – expect their timing and pass selection to be flawless.

In the wide areas Cerny on the right and Forsberg on the left will operate as unorthodox or inverted wingers.

When we are on the attack Tete and Hector our fleet footed and technically gifted full backs will use their very impressive pace to create overlaps, hence keeping the width down the flank in the final-third and look to supply crosses to the two strikers. Thus allowing Cerny and Forsberg, at pace and elegance to drift inside from the flank and roam in between the lines where they can link up play and create chances by intricate play through the middle. Tete and Hector’s positioning in the wide areas should pull the opposition full-back out wide, thereby opening the channels for the likes of Cerny, Forsberg and Fekir to exploit.

When we are on the defence expect Tete & Hector to use their pace, stamina and tackling ability to equally good effect.

Of our two forwards, Fekir will run the channels and drop into pockets of space in between our opponent’s defenders and midfielders, while Finnbogason works off the shoulder of their last defender, providing a target for the service from the flanks.

The opposition defenders will have to keep a straight defensive line when defending with no significant gaps in between them, so they cannot wander around chasing players into midfield. Their midfielders cannot get too close to the defensive line because they would be conceding a lot of ground in midfield, so we can expect a gap between their defenders and midfielders.

With Finnbogason already occupying the opposition central defenders, Fekir will aim to exploit the awkward spaces that defenders and midfielders cannot get into, without sacrificing the integrity of their defensive shape.

This is where the advantage of having two strikers comes from because the two strikers usually get good chances if they are efficient with their movement off the ball.

On 75 Mins I’m looking for a fresh injection of pace. Edinburgh’s defenders I assume will likely play the 90 minutes – so let’s keep them on their toes for every one of those minutes.
Subs: 75 Mins Stark on for Tete (with Jedvaj moving to RB and Stark playing RCB) and Bergwijn on for Forsberg

--------------------Bentley--------------------
Almamy---Barzagli---Wallace---Holding
---------------Neves-----Kante--------------
-----------------------Alli----------------------
----Asensio----------------------Gabriel----
------------------Ibrahimovic----------------

Dragowski, Holgate, Grujic, Coric, Mbappe, Mayoral, M.Diaz

A massive boost for us this week as Zlatan Ibrahimovic comes into the starting line up, will give our team so much confidence having him up front...

In goal Daniel Bentley 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.

Barzagli in beside Wallace, on this occassion Wallace will man mark the CF. Wallace is quick and skillfull for a CB, with great marking abilities, powerfully built so marking the CF should be no trouble as he has to man up to him, will keep him away from goal and be on to him quickly as he comes forward so he can intercept any though he has of going for goal. When in possession he will carry the ball out and start attacks from the back. Captain Barzagli alongside is fantastic in the air, so will mark any other big players that come into our danger area, strong in the air and strong in the tackle and make sure he is strong enough to get the ball away from danger. Both go up for corners and are a huge threat.

Almamy and Holding at fullback, we must keep the wingers quiet, stop them and we stop a lot of there attacks. Almamy and Holding are perfect for this . Both quick and keeping up with the wingers is no problem. They will look to keep them away from shooting areas where is dangerous in any position. They will be up against quality wingers so look to force him away from goal and backwards, Almamy with his attacking prowess, will push his back. Holding sits back a bit and allows him to attack but his marking abilities are sound, both have good positional sense and very quick, do not make rash desicions and will stay on their feet. Both FBs can attack. One goes the other stays (Almamy more than Holding) as they look to make an extra man down the flank for our wingers to cut inside or play neat one twos to free the wingers up.

Our midfield is all action with Kante in 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! Kante himself will look to dictate from deep as he picks up from the defence and looks to drive us forward with precision passing he is always a step ahead of every one else as he knows where the pass is going before he recieves the ball. Neves is v the second most advanced midfielder much the same, but obvs when we have the ball he is allowed to move forward and push him back, Neves should have a bit of time to look around him for the pass. Use his upper body strength to get him away from the player. He is solid in the tackle and he and Kante should prove a very difficult barrier for them to try and break through. Pass and move always look for the return pass. When they have then close down the CM, he will look to ping the ball about so get to him before that opportunity arises. We have put Alli in a No.10 role or just slightly withdrawn No.10 against there DM he must be strong, Alli is an all round fantastic midfielder,, however he will look to take the DM on one v one drag him about open up spaces for others to drive into, with the ball at feet look to play quick one twos with those around him so he makes the runs into the box looking for that return ball that will get him in on goal. If the ball is played to him with his back to goal hold it up, draw the foul from the DM, if it doesnt come then look to lay it off, look to play the slide pass into Zlatan. All three are good all round midfielders, Kante i want to sit in the hole with the two either side when defending.

Asensio and Gabriel Jesus are known for their creativity, speed, and technical ability and are fearless, explosive attacking midfielders who can change the game with a turn of pace or a dribble. Both technically excellent in limited areas, fast explosive acceleration during the first ten yards. Which more often than not takes them passed defenders and allows them to get into dangerous areas. Always play with there heads up looking for the runs of others to get the ball into there feet. When they have the ball look to stick close to fullbacks and stop them coming forward. Asensio is such a tireless worker doing the tracking back, Gabriel isnt so good but if he stops the LB pushing forward then that will do. Always be looking for Alli inside as the three make an awesome trio attack wise in behind Zlatan and a scary proposition for the opposition back line.

Well what can we say about Zlatan that isnt already known. He 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 behind him, so our forwards must hit them with pace to drag them all over the place and look for Zlatan who will get himself into a goalscoring position, he is good in the air and two good feet, can score from various angles/ranges..All of our front four/five will be a threat today we must go for it and keep pace with the league leaders. Can hold it up and look for runners, in particular Asensio and Gabriel running into support. Alli will be making his runs also so be watchful of him just to lay it off to the side

Captain - Barzagli
Free Kicks - Dele Alli
Pens - Zlatan
Corners - Wingers

Subs
Losing:-
70 Mins - Mbappe for Gabriel, fresh legs, quick look to hurt a tiring RB
80 Mins - Mayoral for Alli and go up top with Zlatan to his his pace around the striker
85 Mins - Mariano Diaz for Almamy go 343 and launch it

Winning:-
70 Mins - Mbappe again for Gabriel
80 Mins - Grujic for Alli and sit in beside Neves and Kante
85 Mins - Mayoral for Zlatan, quick player who wii run down everything

Drawing:-
70 Mins - Coric for Alli straight swap and Mbappe for Gabriel, both on to try and change thing around a bit
80 Mins - Mayoral for Asensio

Comment deleted by Article Creator

LC - didn't you sell Sule?

Please use these Cambuur tactics

SC Cambuur Tactics (4-3-3)
Captain: Reyes
Vice Captain: Ederson

------------------Ederson
Mayke--- Salcedo--- Reyes -- -Geferson
-----------Danilo--------Paredes
-----------------Arrascaeta
Pereiro-------------------------------Jota
-------------------González

SUBS: Lafont, Salcedo, Mina, Palhinha, Edmílson Jr, Moreno, Roger Martinez


SUMMARY: This week we go with a 4-3-3 set up and operate with one holding/defensive midfielder (Danilo) who will be complimented with a deep sitting box to box midfielder (Paredes). In front of them Arrascaeta will operate as the link between midfield and attack. This I feel will give us a better balanced midfield and while being absolutely defensively sound with 2 ‘sitting’, Paredes will also be allowed the freedom (when the time arises) to link with Arrascaeta and attack. I think this set-up lets us link up quickly with our attack while at the same time that little bit of extra cautiousness (slipping back to a 4-5-1) means it will be easy for us to close the door in midfield with all 3 players as comfortable sitting and breaking up attacks if necessary.
We will focus on our own gameplan and perfecting that. We want to play a nice tidy and crisp passing game. Our aim is to move the ball forward as quickly, efficiently and as effectively as possible. We want to continue where we left off last season and search for that perfect balance between defence and attack. Use our pace and power and build our attacks up from the back. If there is nothing on, then we will be patient and ball retention is important. When we have the ball we will use it wisely and when we don’t have the ball then we will press our opponents all over the park with high urgency to win it back. We want to keep the ball on the deck and attack as a team and equally as important defend as a team. This team is bursting with pace. We will utilise that to our advantage and make the pitch wide and use our flying wingers to cause all sorts of mayhem. It will also be a tool that we use to hit opponents on the counter where we know we can out pace any team. Ideally we want to play attractive free flowing football. Sometimes that’s not possible so getting the opponent on the counter and doing a ‘smash and grab’ job today would suit us fine.

Goalkeeper: Ederson is a big mobile keeper and very agile. A great shot stopper, he will communicate with the back 4 and be commanding with the high ball. He will not take any risks. He is a great distributor with both hand and foot and we will look to this as a way to launch quick attacks.

Defence: Our 2 full backs are there firstly to defend and make sure they stay on the right side of their opponents whether they be out wide or cutting inside. When we are on the attack they will be allowed to use their power and pace to provide the overlap on the flanks. They both have the power and the lungs to work the touchline for 90 minutes. They will make the pitch wide and always offer themselves as an option in attack. One goes forward and one stays back. Our 2 centre halves are big 6 feet plus ball playing defenders. Both good in the air and equally as good with the ball at their feet. They will be asked to do the simple things well. Be aggressive but controlled in the tackle and never lose your man when defending dead ball situations. They will be able to bring the ball out of defence but if in doubt take absolutely no chances and clear it into the stands. Both big men will be a real aerial threat at set pieces.

Midfield: We will operate with one holding/defensive midfielder (Danilo). He will be the midfield general. A physical pacey midfielder he will be there to boss this area for us. Breaking up play and filling in as an extra defender if one of our back 4 has ventured forward. He will be there to protect the defence and do a lot of the unseen dirty work in the centre of the park. He is essential to our gameplan and while sitting deep will still offer a lot with his great passing ability. He also has a thunderbolt right foot. He will be complimented with a deep sitting box to box midfielder (Paredes). He has a more conservative role this week and while being a little more constrained than normal he will still have the opportunity to bomb forward when the time is right. They will both have to put a defensive shift in and both are very strong in the tackle. We will look at their enthusiasm and relentless pressing of the opposition as a way to hopefully get a bit of a grip on the midfield and at the very least not make it plain sailing for the opposition. In front of them Arrascaeta will operate as the link between midfield and attack. This I feel will give us a better balanced midfield and while being absolutely defensively sound with 2 ‘sitting’, Paredes will also be allowed the freedom (when the time arises) to link with Arrascaeta and attack. I think this set-up lets us link up quickly with our attack while at the same time that little bit of extra cautiousness means it will be easy for us to close the door in midfield with all 3 players as comfortable sitting and breaking up attacks if necessary.

Wingers/Centre Forward: When in possession both Pereiro and Jota will be expected to go for the direct approach and use their power and speed to take on the opposition defence and beat them and bring Arrascaeta, Paredes and González in to play. They can vary their attacks as they see fit. Both players can play all across the middle so don’t be surprised to see them swapping wings. At times Paredes may sit a bit deeper allowing Arrascaeta to slot in between both wingers, just behind the CF.
As well as an attacking force both wingers will also have to put a defensive shift when called upon and act as back up for their respective full backs.
González starts as the CF. He won’t be short of support or ammunition with the attacking talent behind him. Great playing off the shoulder of the last man he is deadly in and around the box. A bag of energy and very strong we will also look for him to hold up and bring others in to play if it doesn’t seem to be on for him. We will look to get bodies in the box when attacking so he should always have an outlet. He is also great in the air and will provide an option from set pieces. When the shot is on he will take it but we also want to put himself about in the box and think that his size and strength will be a real handful for defences. He will also be alert to any scraps in and around the goal. He has the ability to produce something sublime and create a chance out of nothing.

Free Kicks/Corners: Arrascaeta, Jota or Pereiro with Salcedo, Reyes, Danilo, and González to offer an aerial threat. Arrascaeta and Jota (with his thunderbolt left foot) may try their luck with several free kicks from distance.

Substitutions: (80 mins) If winning (and comfortable) then 3 like for like subs – Mina for Reyes, Paulinha for Danilo and Roger Martinez for González.

If losing (70 mins) then switch to a 4-1-3-2 and replace Paredes with Roger Martinez and Pereiro with Moreno. Fresh legs and 2 dangerous attackers that carry a goal threat about them. We will look to their pace and freshness to offer us something different.

-------------------Danilo
Moreno------- Arrascaeta----- Jota
---Roger Martinez ---------González

week 2 vs Tatung

-----------------------------Bizzarri--------------------------------

Klostermann-----Tah--------Maksimovic------------Masina

------------Drinkwater----------Fosu-Mensah-------------------

Coman-----------------Sanches-----------------------Dembele

---------------------------Aduriz(c)----------------------------------

subs: Adrian Marin, Ayala, Adams, Pellegrini, Passlack, Leandrinho, Luis Henrique.

Out of possession game plan: We're setting up in a 4-2-3-1 shape in this match, we will look to press high up the pitch from the front and very centrally. Sanches will join Aduriz in the first line to pressurise the Tatung defenders while Coman and Boufal move narrower to cut off the supply to midfield, this will only open up passing avenues for the opposition out wide, when the ball goes wide, it is the job of Masina and Klostermann to push quickly onto the fullback(whichever flank the ball is distributed to), forcing them either backwards,to launch the ball long or to hurry them into a mistake, the advantage of this is that should a mistake happen we have plenty of numbers forward to punish mistakes.

---------------------Tah-----------Maksimovic-------------------

-------------Drinkwater

Klostermann------------------------------TFM-----------Masina
------------------Coman-------------------Boufal--------------
(opp FB)---------(opp MF)----------------(opp MF)---------(opp FB)

----------------Aduriz-------------------Sanches-------------------
--------------(oppCB)--------------------(oppCB)---------------


In possession game plan: we are a side full of energy and pace, and will be looking to fully utilise this in our attacking game. In Drinkwater, Sanches and TFM we have great central presence to move the ball in the opposition half. As the deepest of the midfield three, Drinkwater has the most responsibility in moving the ball from the deep phases of build up, Fosu-Mensah next to him is very adept at carrying the ball with his pace and strength, Boufal, Sanches and Coman all possess pace, trickery and the ability to score and provide goals, they will look to get on the ball as much as possible and interchange as all are equally comfortable across the attacking line. Aritz Aduriz while getting on in years now, is a player that just keeps getting better with age, he's a yard ahead of the defenders in his head and will use his movement and intelligence to create space in the box, with the 3 players behind him he won't find himself short of chances, he's proven he can score all manner of goals from tap ins, headers and even 30 yard volleys this year for Bilbao.

subs: Felix Passlack onto the left wing for TFM on 70 minutes, Sanches drops in alongside Drinky in CM and Boufal moves to the no10 position, same formation

——————————Pau
———Hernandez——————Balanta
————————Christensen
Ojo————Kranevitter—Tielemans———Charly
——————————Boga
—————Williams—————A.Correa

Subs: Kepa, Ake, Blin, Gerson, Lozano, Merino, Ganz

Captain: Youri Tielemans
Free Kicks: Youri Tielemans
Corners: Youri Tielemans
Penalties: Youri Tielemans

Opening day win, now time to go and show just how good technically we are against a team that like to sit back and defend. We have greater pace and movement on the ball, to the extent that we can drag their CBs all over the park and this is what we want to do, using runners from midfield to get behind.

High up we will set up to defend in a compact organised system. Defending starts with the front 3, closing down their CBs with both WBs pushed up onto the FBs and the two CMs cutting off the route to their CMs, Christiansen waiting behind his CMs to cover any gaps with Hernandez and Balanta acting as a shield. This should mean we have all gaps covered, likely only leaving the longer ball into the front 3 as the safest option, which with our 3 at the back allows one of Hernandez/Balanta to move out and attack that ball which they should win with ease, Christiensen tucking back. If they send it long we mop up and get back on the ball. If they try go central we use our diamond midfield to give us that extra man, WBs dropping deeper to cover the ball to the wingers, forwards stretching out slightly to cover the opposition FBs, look to make it a compact midfield battle which we will win, once again Hernandez/Balanta there just to mop up. The 4 midfielders are the players to do the high energy press, with the WBs and forwards the players their to cover the balls to the flanks so that we can keep the Poles pegged in to an area they can't come out on top.

When we defend the flanks it allows us to make things extra compact by shuffling our set up across to meet the Polish advances, the key pairing here being the WB and forward who in high positions will come out to help win the ball back in these areas, whilst the midfielders come across the close off the central route, making sure we have 6 men suffocating the attack, leaving our other striker and WB as outballs. This will leave the opposition squeezed onto the touchline, unable to come inside, and vulnerable to being stretched with a quick switch.

When we are forced deep by the Polish we must reorganise into our more familiar 4-4-2, Balanta to LB, Ojo dropping back as a makeshift RB and Boga and Charly as wide AMs, allowing us to narrow to which ever area of the field they attack us, but this will only due used when we are under extreme pressure in our own third, at this point we press space rather than players, make sure we are compact, no gaps for them to play into.

Going forward we look to introduce a certain amount of freedom into the side today, particularly with the introduction of Jeremie Boga in his favoured free role. Attacks should start through our midfield, using the diamond to get on top of the opposition and control possession, Christensen at the base, acting as the third CB/DM, able to step out with the ball and use his excellent passing range to get us on the front foot. Ahead of him Tielemans and Kranevitter with plenty of energy and creativity to buzz around the central areas, linking up together, find their team mates in space and both very capable of make late bursts into the box. The WBs have lots of energy and will be looking to get up and down the flanks, making sure we always have width on both sides of the field to move the ball out and drag the Poles across to open more space up central, both capable of beating their man and whipping in some excellent crosses, both also capable of tucking inside and making late runs when the attack is building on the opposite flank. That then leaves the three pronged attack, all capable of drifting from space to space with quick one touch football, Boga buzzing around the field, dropping deeper to link in a diamond, going wide to double up on their Fbs or making runs as a false 9. Correa and Williams ahead create space for Charly/Ojo by use their in to out running to occupy the CBs and take the wider, before using their movement to make runs back inside behind their marker and in on goal, especially Williams who won't be caught, Correa more often dropping deeper to get involved in creating. Go at them with wave after wave, making sure there is always a run, never being static, if we can always be on our toes their CBs will be stretched, their FBs don't offer them the best protection so the movement of these forwards can open space between CB and FB time and time again especially with support of the WBs, Tielemans, Christensen and Kranevitter will always release their man.

Subs:

If Winning: Ake for Ojo 70’, 4-4-2, Christensen RB, Ake LB. Lozano for Ojo 75’. Merino for Boga 80’.

If Drawing: Gerson for Boga 70’. Lozano for Ojo 75’. Ganz for Correa 80’.

If Losing: Gerson for Tielemans 65’. Ganz for Ojo 70, Williams out on the right. Lozano for Charly 75’.

Wellington Phoenix tactics – Week 2 (home to Blyth)

-------------------Howard------------------
Jung--------Bailly—Wimmer-----Grimaldo
------------Elneny----Coquelin-----------
Gray----------van der Vaart--------Gnarby
-------------------Rashford---------------

Subs: Martinez, Arbeloa, Lascelles, Teixeira, Pandev, Dembele, youth player #1

Captain: Howard
FKs, pens & corners: VDV

Gameplan today is to get in the faces of the opposition and get at them with pace. We’re happy to have the ball, but we’re not too worried about possession – when we have it we will be trying to get it forward quickly to constantly get at the Blyth defence, not giving them opportunities to rest or get their positions back. Hopefully we can run them ragged in patches and overwhelm them, putting us into a good position. We will try to press high without playing a dangerous offside trap – pushing high so we can press, but with the defence having licence to drop off just as they anticipate a dangerous pass could be coming their way. Obviously it’s a bit of a risk, but I think the defenders we have are clever enough players, but failing that, they are fantastic athletes with the ability to recover.

We will have to manage the game well though, as I’m aware we can’t keep up that intensity all game long, so I have accounted for that. Generally we will look to really get at Blyth when they’re at their most vulnerable – after each kick off, after any goal, when we can smell a weakness we will pounce on it and continue to bombard them. In between these periods we will need to be very well drilled and make ourselves hard to get through. We won’t give them any cheap goals – if they want to score they will have to really earn it.

Basically, we want to play a similar style to last week, but we know Blyth will sit deeper and let us have more of the ball, so we'll just have to use it and push slowly up the pitch more often.

Howard – he will play as you want a keeper to play – alert all game and full of confidence. He’ll command his box and inspire confidence throughout the rest of the team – especially with a young defence ahead of him. Otherwise, usual stuff (off his line quickly when needed, big at one on ones, great shot stopper and collect crosses).

Grimaldo & Jung – both players with incredible engines, pace to burn and ability on the ball. It’s important to keep them grounded and remind them they’re defenders first – but these qualities listed above will make them very hard to beat in any 1v1 situation. They are allowed licence to get forward when we attack as both have pace to help us on the counter or a good delivery so can support their winger and really stretch the opposition. But only one can go at a time, so we never get caught short at the back.

Wimmer & Bailly – Bailly to attack the ball more, while Wimmer drops off a little and covers the rest of the defence if they get beaten. Wimmer to also try and spot trouble early and cut it out accordingly, if this means dropping off and getting caught one on one, he will stand tall and shimmy the man – making himself hard to beat and allowing the rest of the very pacey defence to get back behind him quickly and giving the forward player a lot of work to do.

Coquelin – out and out DM. Sit in front of the defence, make sure no-one gets a free run on them, the only time there is an exception to this is when a FB has gone forward, he is allowed to go out wide and cover . We all know how well he reads the game, tackles tenaciously and generally helps the defence. On the ball, he will move it on quickly to the attacking players. Main job is to stop a young defence from getting overrun and overawed.

Elneny – bags of energy, good passing, good shot, great decision making. These attributes make this man the perfect box to box player for our formation today. He will ultimately sit alongside Coquelin getting in amongst the opposition, getting on the ball and spreading it around, but he is so good at picking a good forward pass quickly that it makes him the ideal man for our midfield. He will let us continually hit our pacey frontmen, wearing the opposition down, but in other moments he can get forward himself and join in the attacks, he can slow the game down a little and control the ball when we need to get our breath back and he can get stuck in and make us a very solid defensive unit. A hugely important player for us today and essentially I am trusting his decision making.

Gnabry & Gray – picked for their youth. They’re hungry, direct, pacey and unpredictable, which will make them a constant pain for Blyth. I want them always looking to get forward, beat a man, taking the quickest route into the box, whether that be a direct run in or down the line and whip a ball in. I want them always wanting the ball too, always moving off the ball. Off the ball it’s simple, just drop in and get goalside of your FB as soon as you can.

VDV – an experienced head to bring some calm to our manic attack. He will thrive on the constant movement and energy of the players around him giving him options, scraps to feed on. I’ve picked him today for his calm head amongst it all, in the midst of a dangerous counter he will know the correct pass to pick to keep the attack dangerous, what positions to take up to give his fellow players room and when to attack the box. I’ve given him a role he’ll enjoy, in the hope that this will get the best out of him and get him thriving.

Rashford – same as he’s done all season – be a nuisance, drop deep, run the channels, link the play, harass the defence and the chances will come and we know how deadly he is in front of goal. Most of all, when he gets a whiff of a chance – he must get in the box ready for anything to drop his way.

Subs – 65 mins - Pandev, Arbeloa & Dembele on for VDV, Grimaldo & Rashford. Like for like to keep us fresh and aggresive.

-------------------Gordon-------------------
-----E.Sviatchenko--Virgil van Dijk-----
McGinn-----------------------------Tierney
----------McGregor---Wanyama----------
Roberts----------------------------J.Hayes
--------------Defoe-----Vardy---------------

Ward, Evra, McLean, Christie, Walker, A.Silva, Cummings

Craig Gordon I want to dominate his goal area, come out for corners and quickly off his line to stop any attacks.

Tierney and McGinn at fullback, with Semedo out I had a choice of a gritty defensive midfielder or a tall CB for RB, I have gone for the gritty DM as he can use his midfield energy and intelligence to fit in in defence, first and foremost defend and keep the back four as tight as possible, either one can attack but only when in no apparent danger. Support the wingers by going outside them to give the wingers more space and time.

The centre halves are both classy ball players who like to move out with the ball, but as I stated only when we are in no danger, we will be up against some good attacks this season so our back four must be strict and allow next to nothing through. Attack high balls and stop the strikers coming through, for this I want Sviatchenko to do the marking job, allowing van Dijk to mark any others coming through. van Dijk is tremendous in the air so he goes into the opposition box for corners.

Wanyama and McGregor in the middle, both industrous players who give nothing away and also never give up on lost causes. Wanayma is the DM he always sits in allowing McGregor to do the running about chasing down the opposition players. Sit in as we have two up front and we must not allow ourselves to become exposed. When we have the ball spray it about and get it up to our front four or one of the attacking fullbacks.

Hayes and Roberts I want to attack the fullbacks, give them a torrid day. If first you dont succeed try try again, they know it wont always work out, but that once or twice it does can always lead to a goal especially with our front two. Whip in crosses, drive the ball in we have two different strikers who can do it all. If they are charging down the flank get beyond the fullback and if either McGinn or Tierney are up use them to cut inside and play one twos to get Hayes or Roberts into the danger area. Both hard working so get back when we lose possession. Both can cut inside and go for goal when given half a chance.

Vary and Defoe up front are a good combination, they have everything, speed, power and a good eye for goal, so look to form a partnership quickly, playing two means one has to drop in when we lose the ball but one always stays on the last man. Vardy is very quick and strong so can go passed defenders easily and in on goal, Defoe is also very quick and a fox in the box, give him a sniff and he will get a goal, will look to link well together, such enthusiasm and determination these two have and I want them to work hard at chasing players down to help when we defend.

Very confident, we will do it the Leicester way, industrious, hard working, never give up and play until the final whistle.

Our Captain for the season is Virgil van Dijk

On Penalties is Jamie Vardy
On Free Kicks is Jonny Hayes
And Corners the wingers will take

Substitutes

On 60 Minutes, Jamie Walker will come on for Jonny Hayes in a straight swap to give pace and energy down the left.

On 70 Minutes the same with Christie and Roberts straight swap again.

80 Minutes
Losing(drawing) - Andre Silva for Defoe, can use him as a vocal point and use his height

Winning - Kenny McLean for Defoe and he sits in just ahead of the two CMs to give more protection

Blyth vs Wellington Boots

Injuries:
Alessio Cragno
Andy Carroll
Thiago Motta


……………………………………..Buffon………………………………..
Yedlin………………T.Silva……………Rugani…………….De Sciglio
………………………………………De Rossi………………………………….
……………………….Cataldi…………………..K.P.Boateng……………
Munir………………………………………………………………………Aarons
…………………………………….Lapadula……………………………………………….

Subs: Cragno, Calabria, Iorfa, Mauri, Zidane, Sadiq, Schumacher

Right then…after last week’s abomination, where we were defeated on our own patch against Ludy’s gallactico’s that even played a ringer in goal we’re gonna have to make amends for it today, with our ridiculously long aerse journey to New Zealand.

Gonna play am up and at them fast paced counter-attacking style of football today, they’re the home team so will look to dominate the possession, we’ll soak it all up and then smash them on the counter.

Gigi Buffon – Still one of the best in the business, cool calm and collected will marshall his defence, a fantastic shot stopper, this man can do it all…..either short little passes/throws to a defender to move forward with or a longer smack downfield we’re all good with him between the sticks.

Yedlin/De Sciglio – Baggy always plays with width and has fast tricky wingers at his disposal…De Scig is no slouch and with his right foot being his stronger means playing on the left defensively means he can stop the “cut in” from the right winger as he’ll be running across him…it also means offensively that he can cut inside on his stronger foot….Yedders is rapid and Gnarby will have his work cut out for him to get the better off him in a leg race….BOTH men will BOTH push as we over-load Baggy’s defence.

Silva/Rugani – Arguably the world’s premier centre-back and young man with all the potential to be his heir…..If Baggy goes “2-up-top” then it’s man to man marking..IF it’s “1-up-top” then Thiago will be the man marker using his vast top level experience to keep him quiet, whilst Rugani will be the free man, dealing with the “second” ball and any runners from deep, both are comfortable on the ball and can carry it out from defence when safe to do so.

De Rossi – Will anchor the midfield..not much gets passed him…good range of passing and solid in the air, is a genuine threat from set-pieces. He’s much more than your traditional anchor man though, as I want my central-three to push forward and drop off as a unit –

Cataldi – Young Danilo may only be 21 but has a fantastic range of passing, will be our midfield play-maker, likes to have a crack from distance and this will be encouraged…already being labelled the “next Marchisio” time will tell….Blyth don’t do passengers however, so even as the playmaker he will be expected to track back and support the team.

Boateng – Will play as a second play-maker for us today, I want him pushing on and playing just off the shoulder of Lapadula, forcing one of Baggy’s midfielders to drop deeper and cover him – this then gives us more space in the middle allowing us a foothold in the game.

Aarons – Young Rolando has had a tough time this season with Newcastle – but he is blessed with explosive pace and that remains the toughest thing to defend against, will look to stay as wide and as far forward as possible, pegging back Baggy’s RB and allowing us to spread their defence wider and wider, this also means Baggy’s RW is more isolated and forced to beat De Scig 1v1

Munir – Gradually forcing himself into Barca’s plans…Where as Aarons is a pure hog the line winger, Munir on the other side will look to cut inside and link the play with Cataldi and K.P.B, this can leave us unbalanced but with the marauding Yedlin plugging the gap we can overwhelm the centre of Wellingtons defence.

Lapadula – May only be 5ft10 but will lead the line effectively, good touch, decent in the air and a real goal-scorers touch..heavily linked to Juve/Napoli/Leicester, 24 goals in 38 games this season, will look to play off the shoulder of the last man, with my midfield and wingers cracking on there’s no need for him to drop off looking for the ball….I don’t give to fecks about a hard working striker, I want my striker in the box banging them in and my Peruvian-Italian hit-man does just that.

Subs – 65 mins regardless

Enzo Zidane > Danilo Cataldi – Pretty much like for like, The son of Zizou will slot right into the heart of midfield and continue our progressive fast counter hitting, by spreading the ball sharp and fast

Jose Mauri > K.P Boateng – A more defensive sub in line with the above change…Mauri adds a much more dynamic presence to the midfield, allowing Enzo to play as the #10, with him and De Rossi doing the dirty work

Umar Sadiq > Gianluca Lapadula – Roma starlet he’s 19 years old and 6ft6” – will be the perfect battering ram for the final 25 mins as we look to batter Baggy’s tiring defence


The end, love and peace

just realised in my line up i didn't swap Dembele(injured) for Boufal even though i did in the tactics, so Boufal starts in place of Dembele for Juventus

NEED TO REPLACE INJURED MERINO ON MY BENCH SO HERE IS THE NEW SET

——————————Pau
———Hernandez——————Balanta
————————Christensen
Ojo————Kranevitter—Tielemans———Charly
——————————Boga
—————Williams—————A.Correa

Subs: Kepa, Ake, Blin, Gerson, Lozano, Samper, Ganz

Captain: Youri Tielemans
Free Kicks: Youri Tielemans
Corners: Youri Tielemans
Penalties: Youri Tielemans

Opening day win, now time to go and show just how good technically we are against a team that like to sit back and defend. We have greater pace and movement on the ball, to the extent that we can drag their CBs all over the park and this is what we want to do, using runners from midfield to get behind.

High up we will set up to defend in a compact organised system. Defending starts with the front 3, closing down their CBs with both WBs pushed up onto the FBs and the two CMs cutting off the route to their CMs, Christiansen waiting behind his CMs to cover any gaps with Hernandez and Balanta acting as a shield. This should mean we have all gaps covered, likely only leaving the longer ball into the front 3 as the safest option, which with our 3 at the back allows one of Hernandez/Balanta to move out and attack that ball which they should win with ease, Christiensen tucking back. If they send it long we mop up and get back on the ball. If they try go central we use our diamond midfield to give us that extra man, WBs dropping deeper to cover the ball to the wingers, forwards stretching out slightly to cover the opposition FBs, look to make it a compact midfield battle which we will win, once again Hernandez/Balanta there just to mop up. The 4 midfielders are the players to do the high energy press, with the WBs and forwards the players their to cover the balls to the flanks so that we can keep the Poles pegged in to an area they can't come out on top.

When we defend the flanks it allows us to make things extra compact by shuffling our set up across to meet the Polish advances, the key pairing here being the WB and forward who in high positions will come out to help win the ball back in these areas, whilst the midfielders come across the close off the central route, making sure we have 6 men suffocating the attack, leaving our other striker and WB as outballs. This will leave the opposition squeezed onto the touchline, unable to come inside, and vulnerable to being stretched with a quick switch.

When we are forced deep by the Polish we must reorganise into our more familiar 4-4-2, Balanta to LB, Ojo dropping back as a makeshift RB and Boga and Charly as wide AMs, allowing us to narrow to which ever area of the field they attack us, but this will only due used when we are under extreme pressure in our own third, at this point we press space rather than players, make sure we are compact, no gaps for them to play into.

Going forward we look to introduce a certain amount of freedom into the side today, particularly with the introduction of Jeremie Boga in his favoured free role. Attacks should start through our midfield, using the diamond to get on top of the opposition and control possession, Christensen at the base, acting as the third CB/DM, able to step out with the ball and use his excellent passing range to get us on the front foot. Ahead of him Tielemans and Kranevitter with plenty of energy and creativity to buzz around the central areas, linking up together, find their team mates in space and both very capable of make late bursts into the box. The WBs have lots of energy and will be looking to get up and down the flanks, making sure we always have width on both sides of the field to move the ball out and drag the Poles across to open more space up central, both capable of beating their man and whipping in some excellent crosses, both also capable of tucking inside and making late runs when the attack is building on the opposite flank. That then leaves the three pronged attack, all capable of drifting from space to space with quick one touch football, Boga buzzing around the field, dropping deeper to link in a diamond, going wide to double up on their Fbs or making runs as a false 9. Correa and Williams ahead create space for Charly/Ojo by use their in to out running to occupy the CBs and take the wider, before using their movement to make runs back inside behind their marker and in on goal, especially Williams who won't be caught, Correa more often dropping deeper to get involved in creating. Go at them with wave after wave, making sure there is always a run, never being static, if we can always be on our toes their CBs will be stretched, their FBs don't offer them the best protection so the movement of these forwards can open space between CB and FB time and time again especially with support of the WBs, Tielemans, Christensen and Kranevitter will always release their man.

Subs:

If Winning: Ake for Ojo 70’, 4-4-2, Christensen RB, Ake LB. Lozano for Ojo 75’. Samper for Boga 80’.

If Drawing: Gerson for Boga 70’. Lozano for Ojo 75’. Ganz for Correa 80’.

If Losing: Gerson for Tielemans 65’. Ganz for Ojo 70, Williams out on the right. Lozano for Charly 75’.

TATUNG 4-3-3

—————————— Reina
Coke — Gomez — Dante — Duarte
——————————— Alonso
———————— A. Fernandez — Oztunali
Iheanacho ————————————————— Dabney
——————————— Origi

SUBS: Hassen, Vallejo, Vezo, Leiva, Kovalenko, , Traore

Captain: Xabi Alonso
Crossing free-kicks: Xabi Alonso
Shooting free-kicks: Xabi Alonso
Penalties: Xabi Alonso
Corners: Xabi Alonso

Game Plan: One of the most important games of the season so far, in need of the points to ensure we go high in the league, so we're ready and raring to go after a good result last time out, so we need to put pressure on the opposition. we'll set up in our usual away 4-3-3 system, we'll look to dominate possession from the off, every man from 1-11 is very comfortable in possession. By keeping as much possession as possible we'll look to be patient and create space by moving the ball from side to side with a quick tempo, it should give us plenty of opportunity to dominate the midfield and then take advantage in the wide areas with the pace and movement of our front 3.

Defensively we will look to push high up the pitch, all of our defenders are quick, intelligent and comfortable in this system of defending so are able to do this without fear of the opposition being able to spring us on the counter attack. The reason for the high line is to condense the space while out of possession, denying them the space to get on the ball and turn at our defence will be crucial in winning this game. The gap between the defence and the forwards should be very tight, we don't necessarily need to go chasing the ball from their CB's but when the full backs and midfielders of the opposition receive the ball, the nearest player (whether that be a midfielder, striker or defender) should be sprinting out to him to put him under pressure, when a player leaves his position, the next man must always be aware to cover the space he leaves, it's a very fluid system that requires a lot of hard work and concentration but we're good enough to do it, we want to force the opposition to either have to pass backwards or force a mistake from the man in possession.

As spoken of previously in the tactics, we will look to be in possession a damn site more than we are out of it, we will move the ball with tempo and pace between the midfielders and forwards, however we must not be afraid to play the ball backwards in order to keep the ball if a forward pass is not on, the idea behind keeping possession for so long is to draw defenders out of position and exploit the gaps that they leave, it's very difficult to concentrate as a defender of you're under pressure for a long time, mistakes will happen.

Our 3 forwards Dabney, Iheanacho and Origi again are all comfortable receiving the ball to feet and linking play effectively, their movement and pace will be key in dragging defenders out of position and then exploiting that space in order to create chances, this front 3 will always create chances with the quality of our midfield supplying them, they just have to take them, and they have all proven capable of that in their careers.

SUBS:

If winning after 80 mins bring on Kovalenko for Oztunali. More physical presence in midfield, and gives greater cover.

If drawing or losing after 70 mins bring on Traore for Oztunali. Fresh creativity and legs. Will play right wing and send Iheanacho up front alongside Origi.