---------------------Mannone
Rangel—Gabriel---Terry---Stearman---Enrique
----------------Hoffmann—De Jong
Campbell-----------Odegaard-------Welbeck

Subs: Stockdale, Bielek, 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 Rangel 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 Rangel, 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 Rangel to take up the wide position and put the crosses in.

Our centre backs will be a part 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 out wide. 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 Rangelg 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

--------------------Bentley-------------------
Holding---Barzagli---Wallace---Jackson
--------------Grujic-----Kante---------------
----------------------Alli-----------------------
---Asensio------------------------Gabriel---
-----------------Ibrahimovic------------------

Dragowski, Holgate, Cook, Coric, Muric, Mbappe, Mayoral

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.

Jackson and Holding at fullback, we must keep the wingers quiet, stop them and we stop a lot of there attacks. Jackson 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, Jackson 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 (Jackson 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. Grujic 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, Grujic 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 - Coric for Alli, Mbappe for Gabriel straight swaps, fresh legs
80 Mins - Mayoral for Jackson, up front 3412

Winning
70 Mins - Cook for Alli sit in to the left of Kante, secure the midfield

Drawing
70 Mins - Muric for Asensio, Mbappe for Gabriel
80 Mins - Mayoral for Zlatan

Week 3:

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

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

SUBS: Ederson, Roco, Paulista, 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: 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. 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 – Roco for Reyes, Paulista 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 3 vs Wellington

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

Klostermann-----Tah--------Ayala------------Fosu-Mensah

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

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

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

subs: Adrian Marin, Caleta-Car, Mandragora, Sensi, Passlack, Leandrinho, Peñaranda.

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 Pheonix 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 Mensah 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---------------------------Sanches-----------TFM
------------------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: Stefano Sensi for Boufal on 70 minutes if leading, switch to 4-5-1 with Drinkwater as DM and Sensi/Sanches as box to box players, Dembele and Coman to be more disciplined

if losing after 70 minutes- Peñaranda for Boufal, switch to 4-4-2, Peñaranda to have a free role behind Aduriz, will use pace and strength to reap havoc(hopefully)

--------------------Gordon------------------
Semedo---van Dijk---Denayer---P.Evra
-----------McGregor---Wanyama---------
Roberts----------------------------Ghezzal
----------------Defoe---Vardy--------------

Ward, Sviatchenko, Oxford, K.McLean, R.Christie, J.Walker, A.Silva

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

Semedo and Evra at fullback, 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 Denayer 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. Wanyama 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.

Ghezzal 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 and Evra are up use them to cut inside and play one twos to get Ghezzal 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 McGregor
And Corners the wingers will take

Substitutes

On 60 Minutes, Jamie Walker will come on for Ghezzal
On 70 Minutes Andre Silva will come on for Defoe
Losing - 80 Minutes Kenny Mclean will come on for McGregor and drive forward in a sort of diamond formation
Winning - Oxford for Vardy and sit behind the CM
Drawing - Christie for Roberts

-------------------------Pau
Henrichs-----Christensen---Hernandez-----Ake
--------------Kranevitter-----Tielemans
-----------------------Charly
Williams---------------Correa-------------Cornet

Subs: Kepa, Balanta, Nkunku, Blin, Boga, Gerson, Lozano

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

A brilliant start so far, two for two, out on our own at the top of the league, confidence high but this is our biggest challenge yet and we must be fully focused. We will look to be more solid in this game, first and foremost looking to get the clean sheet with a deep, tight defensive unit allowing Fishguard possession where they can't hurt us but not giving their technical players time and space further up. Once the clean sheet is secured and Fishguard are over committing we will use the ridiculous pace we have in the side to snatch a win.

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 Fishguard midfielders, don't allow them to settle in possession, force rushed passes. Charly acts as the spare man, his job is to help us outnumber the Fishguard midfield, void of man to man marking duties it allows him to shut the ball down and make sure the ball doesn't get to Dahoud or Weigl. Designed to rush Fishguard into long balls which our CBs will mop up, or more likely, balls to the unmarked RB, once we have Fisghuard in the wide areas, on their right at least, we feel we can win the battles, in particularly slowing them down and make sure their possession can't be built up on, keeping them moving backwards and side ways until they lose concentration and the ball. When we defend the flanks it allows us to make things extra compact by shuffling our set up across to meet the Fishguard 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 Fishguard 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 the strikers will be intercepted by our CBs who will always be on their toes, ready to win the ball and set up attacks with their good distribution.

If they get deep into our half we will begin focusing on controlling space rather than pressing their men, drop off and make sure their are no gaps to play through. 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 Fishguard 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 Fishguard 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 Fishguard 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 Charly 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.

The aim is to be lethal on the break today, we expect Fishguard as the home team to have more possession but we also know Welshy is an attack minded manager and we feel we have the players to take advantage of that today. Attacks we will start with the important role that our CBs and DMs will play, all 4 read the game superbly so they are likely to break up quite a few attacks today, once they have the ball all 4 possess great awareness and great ability to spread the play and it is their job to launch counter attacks, in particular Tielemans, he has literally every pass in his locker, but not only that, he can also beat a man and has the energy to burst through, he is the man to break Fishguards high pressing, either with a first time ball to the flanks to bypass their midfield, or using his own running to break through the first wave of defenders. Further ahead we have Charly Musonda who will have a free role to show the world just how good he is today, he offers a great outlet for when we win the ball, hard to stop once he starts running at you, his job is to take advantage of being that extra man to get past Weigl and Dahoud and really open the game up, once he's free of the CMs he has 3 players ahead of him in support. His link up play will also be crucial, in this free role he is able to move out to the flanks and make overlaps, under laps or even play quick one twos to allow us to double up against the FBs, or even triple up down the right with Henrichs, whilst he can also look to get in and play between the lines, particularly in link up situations with Correa, having the two in these positions will draw Fishguards CBs out into areas they don't want to be, and open up a lot of room for Cornet and Williams to run in behind, which will be a key part of our game today. The front three are versatile, fast and have a lot of technical ability between them, in the initial build up we want the two wide men to stretch the play, holding some width, but in the final third they have freedom to move infield, use their excellent off the ball movement in particular to get in behind. Williams can also use his pace to play on the shoulder if we are using longer balls out of defence, Correa runs wide when we move the ball as a dummy run, Williams taking up the vacant space in the middle, if Tielemans and co can find him he won't be caught. Correa like Charly has free reign today to impact the game, using his movement and dazzling skill on the ball to reek havoc up against the CBs, in the channels, on the flanks, or between the lines. When we do attack we will normally go to a back 3 with Ake tucking in at CB, allowing Henrichs to play on the front foot where he is at his best, sometimes down the flank, sometimes adding an extra number in midfield when we already have enough numbers out wide for the build up, we don't want a situation of too many cooks out wide but if we can have 3-4 in central midfield areas we have important numbers advantage, in either attacks down the flank or through the middle his job is to use his bursting runs to break down the Fishguard defensive lines.

Subs:

If Winning: Blin for Cornet 70', Charly out wide, Blin as the deepest midfielder, whereas Charly had the free role on the front foot, Blin will be opposite with a free role behind the CMs, free of marking duties which allows him to see the game unfolding and position himself to make sure the back 4 are always shielded. Nkunku for Charly 75', fresh energy, he will play more narrow and make sure we are always outnumbering Fishguard. Boga for Correa 85'.

If Drawing: Gerson for Charly 70', straight swap, fresh legs. Lozano and Boga for Cornet and Correa 80' fresh legs and two plays who love to run at defenders.

If Losing: Move to a 3-5-2 with Henrichs pushing up to RM and Williams to CF, start to press from the front, we have the numbers advantage in the middle of the field so make sure when we lose the ball we are quick to become compact and win it back, stay on the front foot. Gerson and Lozano for Tielemans and Cornet 70', fresh legs and a more attack minded midfielder. Boga for Henrichs 80'.

Overview of our 4-4-2 formation V Pumas de UNAM

Captain: Weigl
Pens: Janssen
Corners: Pulisic (Cerny) / Forsberg
Free Kicks: Fekir

------------------------------Karius
----Tete ---------Jedvaj----------Riedewald---------Hector
----Pulisic--------Weigl------------Dahoud---------Forsberg
---------------------Fekir------------Janssen

Subs: Semper, ter Avest, Stark, van de Beek, Schöpf, Cerny, Finnbogason

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 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 Pulisic 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 Pulisic, 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 Janssen 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 Janssen 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. Pumas de UNAM’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), Cerny on for Pulisic, and Finnbogason on for Janssen

TATUNG 4-3-3

—————————— Reina
Simpson — Gomez — Dante — Duarte
——————————— Alonso
———————— Thomas — Oztunali
Coke ————————————————— Mahrez
——————————— Origi

SUBS: , Vallejo, Vezo, Leiva, Kovalenko, Dabney, 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 Coke, Mahrez 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 push up and play just behind Origi.

Wellington Phoenix tactics – Week 3 (away to Juve)

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

Subs: Martinez, Arbeloa, Besic, Rabiot, Gnabry, Gray, Teixeira

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 Juve 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 Juve 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 & Deulofeu – picked for their youth as theyre fearless and have bags of ability!. They’re hungry, direct, pacey and unpredictable, which will make them a constant pain for Juve. 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 - Rabiot for Coq and Gray for VDV. Rabiot to play as a more forward thinking MF player than Coq while Iwobi takes CAM and we really throw our tricky, pacey players at them

If winning on 65 mins Rabiot for VDV. Drop to a 451 formation, with Gray coming in for Deulofeu. Then bring Besic on for Elneny around 80 mins to bring more fresh legs and run the clock down

---------------------Mannone
Bellerin—Gabriel---Terry---Vermaelen---Enrique
----------------Hoffmann—De Jong
Morrison-----------Odegaard-------Welbeck

Subs: Stockdale, Bielek, Stearman, Cole, 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 Bellerin to take up the wide position and put the crosses in.

Our centre backs will be a part 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 out wide. 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 Bellerin 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: Morrison
Long FK: Odegaard
Short FcK: Morrison
Corners: Odegaard

Blyth

Injuries:
Dominic Iorfa
Kevin Prince Boateng
Mattia De Sciglio


………………………………………Buffon…………………………………….
Calabria…………..T.Silva………..Rugani………….Yedlin
……………………………………Motta……………………………….
……………………….De Rossi…………Cataldi…………………..
Munir………………………………Carroll……………………..Aarons

Subs: Cragno, Hause, Mauri, Zidane, Lapadula, Caldara, Sadiq


Bottom of the table clash as Blyth need to bounce back from back to back defeats……4-3-3 today as we look to stretch their defence in wider areas, control the middle of the pitch and play nice possession football.

Buffon – The man the myth the legend – leads the team from the back, still one of the very best in the business

The defence –
Right back to business, keep it simple, not overly fancy no nonsense Italian style defending. Calabria and Yedlin are modern style defenders, much better going forwards than staying back so will look to kick on and create the over-lap as we look to over-run Willy’s defence.
Thiago Silva is still one of the very best Centre-backs in the world and will be the dominant partner in the middle talking the young protégé Rugani through the game…Thiago is the first knock defender with Rugani sweeping.

The midfield –
Could well be Italy’s midfield in the Euro’s with injuries to Marchisio and Verratti……Motta is the muscle, will sit infront of the defence and keep things nice and tidy with his very best Gandalf “Thou shall not pass” impression.
De Rossi is the engine of the midfield – the emperor will reprise his box-to-box role leading his team on through a sheer force of will.
Cataldi will be my midfield playmaker

The Trident –

Munir and Aarons will play as wide as they can today using their blistering pace to force Willy’s defence deeper and thus lengthening the pitch, both have a decent delivery and with Carroll as the target man, they have a nice target to aim at on the run…Carroll will be the stereotypical powerhouse forward, will look to batter his way through the defence – he owes us a performance after blanks in his previous outings.

Subs:
65 mins the gamechanger
Lapadula > Cataldi – We go to a traditional 4-4-2 with Motta and De Rossi being the two…Lapadula is a very energetic striker who will chase every ball – very Vardy-like in that sense so will be a very good partner for Carroll I think

Mauri > Motta – like for like just fresh legs

75 mins

Sadiq > Carroll – another like for like as my 6ft6 prodigy will come on to run at a tiring defence – his presence makes us go more direct with Lapadula feeding off the knock downs and flick ons

-------------------Ward--------------------
---van Dijk--Sviatchenko--Denayer---
Semedo---------------------------Tierney
----------Bakayoko--Wanyama----------
Roberts---------------------------Locadia
--------------------Vardy-------------------

Evra, McGregor, McGinn, Ghezzal, J.Hayes, K.McLean, Nunez

Still looking for our first win, we have changed things round a little bit and play with 3 at the back.

Sviatchenko right in the middle, I want him to come out and meet there attacking midfielders, leaving van Dijk and Denayer to watch the CF, it may be odd to see a CB mark the Am but Sviat is a ball player and a very good tackler as are the other two, they are also very quick, when they attack there AM will be right up on the CF so Sviat just takes a step forward when they do and he must do this quickly to stop the ball coming thrpugh to the CF so in many ways he is acting like a DM but just coming up from deep, playing 3 at the back allows the two fullbacks to bomb forward at will supporting the wingers and allowing them to cut inside, when we attack it will be 343. van Dijk and Denyaer will sit in although both are comfortable with the ball at feet, when in possession either can bring the ball out as long as Sviat moves back, essentially changing positions. Fullbacks look to get down the flanks playing in tandem with there respective wingers looking to get round there fullbacks and get the ball in where we should have 3/4 waiting in the area to attack.

All five will defend the lines with the two CMs and we will make this as hard as possible for the opposition to break through.

Wanyama and Bakayoko are two tough guys to break down, they will be onto the opposition very quickly looking to stop them playing the ball about and stop there attacks before they gather any pace. Sit in the middle of the park, spray the ball about to the wider areas or through to Vardy. Nothing silly just look to control the game.

Vardy and the wingers can hurt them with real pace and skill, both wingers like to cut in so drive at the fullbacks with our fullbacks in support, allow Semedo and Tierney to drive passed and either play them down the line or cut inside and into the danger area where Vardy is there to either accept a pass and go for goal or pass it back into space for the wingers to push into the box and go for goal themselves.

We defend as a team so the wingers get back as well, really when defending its 541 which will be very difficult to break down.

Vardy is a goal scorer, fast, tough and has great vision, can beat his man easily so gets into space for the others around him can find him, only needs a small glimpse of goall and he goes for it, however if he cant and has his back to goal look to get Locadia and Roberts into a good shooting opportunity.

Captain is van Dijk
Penalties will be Vardy and free kicks will be Vardy too
Corners to be taken by the wingers

Substitutes
60 Minutes - Ghezzal for Locadia. same instructions, new pace and trickery for them to contend with

70 Minutes - McGregor for Bakayoko, into CM but has a bit more creativity about him

80 Minutes
Losing Nunez for Sviatchenko 442
Winning J.Hayes for Roberts, he tracks back alot
Drawing Nunez for Vardy

Cambuur Week 4

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

------------------Alisson
Mayke---Salcedo---Reyes---Geferson
-----------Danilo--------Paredes
-----------------Arrascaeta
Moreno-------------------------------Jota
-------------------Angulo

SUBS: Ederson, Roco, Soares, Paulista, Edmílson Jr, Pineda, 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: 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. 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 Moreno 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 Angulo 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.
Angulo 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 Moreno with Salcedo, Reyes, Danilo, and Angulo 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 – Roco for Reyes, Paulista for Danilo and Roger Martinez for Angulo.

If losing (70 mins) then switch to a 4-1-3-2 and replace Paredes with Roger Martinez and Moreno with Pineda. 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
Pineda------- Arrascaeta----- Jota
---Roger Martinez ---------Angulo

-------------------Bentley-----------------
Almamy--Lindelof--Chidozi--Jackson
-------------Neves------Kante------------
---------------------Alli---------------------
---Asensio---------------------Gabriel---
----------------Ibrahimovic----------------

Draqgowski, Holding, Diarra, Coric, Muric, Mayoral, E.Ponce

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.

Both starters out so a great opportunity for Lindelof and Chidozie, on this occassion Lindelof will man mark the CF. Lindelof 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. Chidozie 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.

Jackson and Almamy at fullback, we must keep the wingers quiet, stop them and we stop a lot of there attacks. Jackson and Almamy 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, Jackson will push his back. 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 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 - Zlatan
Free Kicks - Dele Alli
Pens - Zlatan
Corners - Wingers

Subs
Losing
70 Mins - Ezequeil Ponce for Alli, he will buzz around Zlatan looking for any loose ball
80 Mins Holding and Mayoral for Almamy and Jackson, Holding into a 3 man defence, Mayoral up top 343

Drawing
70 Mins - Coric for Alli
80 Mins - Ponce for Zlatan

Winning
70 Mins - Diarra for Neves, more solid and will sit in beside Kante
80 Mins - Holding for Aseniso, he goes to RB and Almamy to RM more defence minded

***************Cambuur Week 5 Tactics******************

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

-------------------Alisson
Pereira---Salcedo---Reyes---Geferson
-----------Danilo--------Paredes
-----------------Arrascaeta
Pereiro-------------------------------Jota
-------------------González

SUBS: López, Roco, Soares, Paulista, 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: 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. 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 – Roco for Reyes, Paulista 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

Injured
Vincent Janssen
Jairo Riedewald
Steven Bergwijn


Overview of our 4-4-2 formation V Blyth Spartans

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

------------------------------Karius
----Tete ----------Stark-------------Jedvaj---------Hector
----Pulisic--------Weigl------------Dahoud-------Brandt
---------------------Fekir----------Finnbogason

Subs: Wellenreuther, ter Avest, Ajer, van de Beek, Cerny, Nouri, Forsberg

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 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 Brandt 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 Brandt, at pace and with 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 Pulisic, Brandt 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. Blyth’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 Cerny on for Pulisic, and Forsberg on for Brandt

week 4- Away vs Dyskksfjbhsbdbshedbebbesjnweolwia

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

Klostermann----Tah------Maksimovic--------Fosu-Mensah

---------------Drinkwater----------Sensi-------------------

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

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

subs: Adrian Marin, Caleta-Car, Mandragora, Pellegrini, Passlack, Leandrinho, Peñaranda.

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 Dysko 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 Mensah 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---------------------------Sensi-----------TFM
------------------Coman-------------------Dembele--------------
(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 Sensi 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, Sensi next to him is very adept at carrying the ball and his passing both long and short is superb, Sanches, 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 Sensi on 75 minutes, straight swap, just for fresh legs

if losing after 70 minutes- Peñaranda for Sanches, switch to 4-4-2, Peñaranda to have a free role behind Aduriz, will use pace and strength to reap havoc(hopefully)

Blyth Spartans

.................buffon.............
Yedlin....silva....iorfa....De sciglio
..............De Rossi. ..motta.......
Enzo .............................aarons
.............lapadula. ..munir……..
Subs: Cragno, Calabria, Cataldi, Sadiq, Mauri, Schumacher, Zimmermann


After a win last week – we need to try and build some momentum it won’t be easy but it is a home game and we need to make advantage of the home advantage.

Injuries have deprived us of Andy Carroll, Daniele Rugani and K.P Boateng so it’s a shuffle of the pack this week.
Nice fast paced aggressive football today when we have the ball and 2 solid banks of four when Fishy have it, Welshy always builds lovely pleasing on the eye sides and this vintage is no exception, they will try to pull us out of position but we can’t allow it – thankfully the core of our side are experienced old heads and know what needs doing.
When we have the ball first port of call is to get it out wide quickly spread the play and it Fishguard hard and fast before they get men back into organised positions. Turn the defence and we have a chance as our front four have some serious pace

Buffon – The captain of the side – will lead by example..marshalls the defence as good as anyone and still a superb shot-stopper, The defence will be full of confidence knowing he’s behind them and has their back.

Yedlin/De Sciglio – standard stuff for them now I’m afraid – both love the freedom of pushing on and both are blessed with enough pace to cover any inadequacies in their positional awareness. Defensively will show the man the line and force the cross, if beaten by theur man take one for the team and take him out.
Iorfa – 6ft4 a superb athlete usually plays at RB but has shown this season and last he can also do a stellar job in the middle – current England U21 international comes in to replace the injured Rugani – will man mark Finnbogason, where he goes Iorfa will follow, stay tight don’t let him roll you, clean him out if needs be
Thiago – Mr reliable – will be the old head at the back today it’s his job to stop their main fekir from taking the game away from us

De Rossi & Motta – This is where the game is won – we have a vastly experienced but still more than capable midfield duo who will be matched up one vs one with weigl and dahoud…IF we can close this out then we’re on the way – control the midfield and that will then starve Fekir of the ball, the deeper he comes for it the least damage he can do us.

Enzo & Aarons – Enzo is generally more of an inside forward so he’s going to be cutting in from the right flank and looking for Yedlin to make the over-lap for him….Aarons is more a straighjt up winger allowing De Sciglio the cut inside onto his stronger right foot – these four men will work in tandem as we look to peg Welshy’s full-backs back and leaving his wingers and strikers isolated.

Lapadula – The Peruvian hit-man is coming off an amazing season, full of energy and high intensity will cover every blade of grass sacrificing himself for the team, before timing his runs late into the box

Munir – decent season for the youngster, will get his chance through the middle today as a kind of support striker – will look to pull wide or drop off deep to collect the ball and link the play through the middle as well as a quick switch ball from one flank to the other – with him dropping off either Fishy drop a CM deeper or push a CB out to track him – either way this creates vital space to be exploited


Subs

65 mins fresh legs

Sadiq > Lapadula (like for like)
Cataldi > Motta (Like for like)


The end

------------------------Donnarumma
Henrichs--------Christensen-------Balanta-------Ake
-------------------------Kranevitter
-----------------Gerson------------Tielemans
Williams-------------------Ganz----------------Correa

Subs: Kepa, B.Smith, Blin, Nkunku, Boga, Ojo, Lozano

An unlucky defeat last time out, the team is developing nicely though and we will look to put in another energetic display back in front of the home faithful this week, tweaking our tactics in order to play the game on the front foot, pressing high up to not allow the opposition into the game, getting on top of them and creating chances quickly.

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 the front with Ganz and Correa, closing down their CBs with Williams pushed up onto the LB and the two CMs closing the route into midfield, these two must work tirelessly to disrupt the two deepest Cambuur midfielders, don't allow them to settle in possession, force rushed passes. Kranevitter acts as the spare man, his job is to sweep up in midfield, if he sees a pass on, he's the one getting there to close down and win the ball and put us back on the attack, playing on the front foot even in his deeper midfield role in order to force the AM back away from the front line. Designed to rush Cambuur into long balls which our CBs will mop up, or more likely, balls to the unmarked RB, once we have Cambuur in the wide areas, on their right at least, we feel we can win the battles, in particularly slowing them down and make sure their possession can't be built up on, keeping them moving backwards and side ways until they lose concentration and the ball. When we defend the flanks it allows us to make things extra compact by shuffling our set up across to meet the Cambuur 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 Cambuur 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 the strikers will be intercepted by our CBs who will always be on their toes, ready to win the ball and set up attacks with their good distribution.

If they get deep into our half we will begin focusing on controlling space rather than pressing their men, drop off and make sure their are no gaps to play through. At this stage we will look to make things narrow in midfield with the wide players tucking in, DMs(Tielemans drops in beside Kranevitter) covering the space behind so that Cambuur 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 Cambuur 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 crosses and sideways movement. Force Cambuur 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 Ganz 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. Balanta will man mark the CF today with his power, Christensen will use his reading of the game to sweep.

Going forward we look to introduce a certain amount of freedom into the side today, particularly with the introduction of Gerson in a free role. Attacks should start where we win the ball, this way it allows us to attack in numbers due to our high pressing system being compact, quick link up play, initially by getting wide before looking to come infield in the final third, either with a cross or cutting in and showing our creativity with one twos and little slide rule balls into the channels. This means that when we attack, we go down the side where we won the ball, if we win it central we look to get Correa on the ball, so with the ball out wide we have the winger and FB able to link up quickly to get us into the final third, both FBs very good at running beyond their wide man. Gerson in the middle looks to go out to the side of the build up and act as a creative force, linking the attack, picking the right pass and using his quick movement to make him hard to pick up, dragging players away from the middle which in turn allows for Tielemans to have a little more attacking freedom in a box to box role, finding space infield for a pass in the final third, once found he will pick the final ball 9 times out of 10 as well as having a lethal shot and can also arrive late in the box in a Lampard style. On the opposite side of the build up the winger will hog the touch line, keeping things stretched, we already have Tielemans and Gerson to play centrally, we don't need another. With the defence stretched it keeps space open in the final third and also means we can quickly come infield and as soon as the ball comes infield, either with a pass to Tielemans in space or Gerson and Correa between the lines, the winger not involved with the build up must be on his toes and looking to run in behind, with his marker either being sucked in due to the play being on the other side, or just two slow in a foot race to get to the through ball against Williams/Correa, this can be a great weapon for us. Ganz comes into the side today to give us a real focal point, grab the attention of the CBs and keep them occupied so others can sneak in behind, playing quick one twos with him. Not only that but he is a lethal finisher, when the ball comes infield look to run the sides of the CB and crosses will generally be aimed his way. Further back the likes of Kranevitter and Christensen(the rest of the back 4 too) push higher up so they don't become detached and vulnerable to the counter, by making it compact it's harder for Cambuur to break through the numbers and in the two mentioned here we have players who can put us right back on the attack. Plan B if the high pressing doesn't work and we are forced deep sees us looking to use the passing ranges of Christensen, Tielemans and co to release Williams into space, if that fails we go 4-4-2, with Williams joining Ganz upfront and Gerson playing RAM, this way we can look to go longer and avoid a midfield battle, hitting Ganz and having Williams running off him, getting a front four at their remaining defenders in one quick ball.

Subs:

If Winning: Blin for Gerson 70', plays deeper, he covers space so quickly, allows us to keep I really the front foot and not be worried about getting caught, settled in possession, if we need to slow the game down we can. Nkunku and Lozano for Tielemans and Ganz 80', Correa goes upfront, two fresh pairs of legs.

If Drawing: Boga for Gerson 70', like for like, fresh legs to try make an impact with his direct running at tiring opponents. Ojo for Ganz 75', Correa CF, Ojo will stretch the defenders and use his pace to get at them. Nkunku for Tielemans 80', fresh energy in the box to box role.

If Losing: Boga for Gerson 65', 3-5-2 with Henrichs pushing up, Williams joining Ganz upfront and Boga playing in behind the strikers. Ojo for Henrichs 75', more attacking threat. Lozano for Ganz 80', Correa upfront, Lozano wide, use his fresh legs to stretch defenders out with his running, lots of movement from a very quick front 5.

TATUNG 4-3-3

—————————— Reina
Simpson — Vezo — Dante — Duarte
——————————— Alonso
———————— Thomas — Fernandez
Coke ————————————————— Mahrez
——————————— Origi

SUBS: , Vallejo, Vezo, Iheanacho, Oztunali, Oyarzabal, 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 Coke, Mahrez 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 Oztunali for Thomas. More physical presence in midfield, and gives greater cover.

If drawing or losing after 70 mins bring on Iheanacho for Thomas. Fresh creativity and legs. Will play push up and play alongside Origi.

Wellington Phoenix tactics – Week 4 - home to Tatung

4-4-2
---------------Howard------------------
Jung------Bailly—--Wimmer-----Grimaldo
Gray------Elneny----Coquelin---Rabiot
------------Pandev----Iwobi-----

Subs: Martinez, Arbeloa, van der Vaart, Dembele, Doria, Teixeira, Galloway

Captain: Howard
FKs, pens & corners: Pandev

Today, as we're at home we're playing a little more attacking than we usually would and trying to have more of a hold on the game than usual. We are playing a 4-4-2, but this is a fluid 4-4-2, which allows us to get two banks of 4 behind the ball when we defend, but also allows us to switch into a 4-3-3 when we attack, with Coq, Rabiot & Elneny making up the MF three, Gray bombarding the right wing and Iwobi allowed to drift out to the left like he does naturally.

Essentially we're looking to sit in a 4-4-2 for most of the game, as this will make us a tough robust unit to beat, it will allow us to have more of the ball in the midfield and make it tough for Tatung to get at us, but it really gives Gray licence to use his directness and pace as a real assett, but without us being exposed for it. We will still sit in 442 in the periods of the game where we are slowing the tempo, trying to draw the opposition out, but when we want to we have the dynamic players and the quick accurate passers to really cut through the opposition with our front 3, supported by Rabiot and Elneny. Our defence will play high, we realise this is a risk against a team with a young, skillful front three, but our defence is as fast and powerful as anyones and will have a lot of protection from a packed midfield, hopefully cutting off supply which will leave them resorting to long balls, which we have the pace, anticipation and ariel ability to deal with. It's worth saying that although we're pushing high, we're not playing a risky offside trap - we will push high as a unit when we can, which should be easier with our MF 4 controlling the game more, but when we spot danger coming, we will drop deep quickly and together to stop the opposition getting in behind and again, our MF can then get on top of Tatung's and get the ball back.

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. IMPORTANT POINT - when we go to 433 the FB may be exposed as Gray bombs on, in these instances Coq can cover out wide as we will have Elneny & Rabiot holding the middle. The only instances where issues might arise is where the play is switched that quickly, but hopefully Coq can hold up the play enough to let Gray or Iwobi to get back in time to plug the gaps. Although, we do realise this is a slight risk, we think it's worth taking and have taken all reasonable steps to prevent any weaknesses happening here.

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.

Rabiot - He'll line up on the left side of MF today, giving protection to our LB and giving us more numbers across the middle, but this won't mean he'll see any less of the ball, which is important as we want to be on the front foot today. All he needs to do is play his natural game, from a little wider. He can happily drift inside when we're on the ball and get as involved as he likes, all I ask is that when we lose it he protects Grimaldo.

Gray – hungry, direct, pacey and unpredictable, which will make him a constant pain for Juve. I want him 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. He will also have to think about defensive duties today though, when we lose the ball he needs to be alongside the rest of the MF, not in front of them. It's a small change and one I know he has the discipline and desire to make, but it will make us a more cohesive defensive unit.

Pandev – 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.

Iwobi – natural game for him today – be a nuisance, drop deep, run the channels, link the play, harass the defence and the chances will come. 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 - VDV on for Pandev, Galloway on for Grimaldo.
75 mins - Dembele for Iwobi

These are all straight swaps (roles stay the same) and regardless of the scoreline - our system is so adaptable and fluid that we can stay a deep 4-4-2 is winning or a high pressured high tempo'd 4-3-3 with minimum of fuss.

Where Gray is a pain for Juve, please read Tatung instead

-------------------Ward--------------------
------Jagielka--van Dijk--Denayer------
Semedo---------------------------Tierney
----------McGregor-Wanyama----------
Ghezzal---------------------------Locadia
--------------------Vardy-------------------

Evra, McGregor, McGinn, J.Hayes, K.McLean, Nunez, Defie



Van Dijk right in the middle, I want him to come out and meet there attacking midfielders, leaving Jagielka and Denayer to watch the CF, it may be odd to see a CB mark the Am but van Dijk is a ball player and a very good tackler as are the other two, they are also very quick, when they attack there AM will be right up on the CF so van Dijk just takes a step forward when they do and he must do this quickly to stop the ball coming thrpugh to the CF so in many ways he is acting like a DM but just coming up from deep, playing 3 at the back allows the two fullbacks to bomb forward at will supporting the wingers and allowing them to cut inside, when we attack it will be 343. Jagielka and Denyaer will sit in although both are comfortable with the ball at feet, when in possession either can bring the ball out as long as van Dijk moves back, essentially changing positions. Fullbacks look to get down the flanks playing in tandem with there respective wingers looking to get round there fullbacks and get the ball in where we should have 3/4 waiting in the area to attack.

All five will defend the lines with the two CMs and we will make this as hard as possible for the opposition to break through.

Wanyama and McGregor are two tough guys to break down, they will be onto the opposition very quickly looking to stop them playing the ball about and stop there attacks before they gather any pace. Sit in the middle of the park, spray the ball about to the wider areas or through to Vardy. Nothing silly just look to control the game.

Vardy and the wingers can hurt them with real pace and skill, both wingers like to cut in so drive at the fullbacks with our fullbacks in support, allow Semedo and Tierney to drive passed and either play them down the line or cut inside and into the danger area where Vardy is there to either accept a pass and go for goal or pass it back into space for the wingers to push into the box and go for goal themselves.

We defend as a team so the wingers get back as well, really when defending its 541 which will be very difficult to break down.

Vardy is a goal scorer, fast, tough and has great vision, can beat his man easily so gets into space for the others around him can find him, only needs a small glimpse of goall and he goes for it, however if he cant and has his back to goal look to get Locadia and Roberts into a good shooting opportunity.

Captain is van Dijk
Penalties will be Vardy and free kicks will be Vardy too
Corners to be taken by the wingers

Substitutes
60 Minutes - J.Hayes for Locadia. same instructions, new pace and trickery for them to contend with


80 Minutes
Losing Defoe for Jagielka 442
Winning Defoe for Vardy

Sorry made a mistake Ghezzal should be named near the end not Roberts

-------------------Bentley-----------------
Almamy--Barzagli--Wallace--D.Sidibe
-------------Neves------Kante------------
---------------------Alli---------------------
---Asensio---------------------Gabriel---
----------------Ibrahimovic----------------

Dragowski, Holding, Diarra, Coric, Muric, Mayoral, M.Diaz

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 and Wallace back so 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. 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.

Sidibé and Almamy at fullback, we must keep the wingers quiet, stop them and we stop a lot of there attacks. Sidibé and Almamy 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, Sidibé will push his back. 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 Sidibé 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 - Mayoral for Alli, he will buzz around Zlatan looking for any loose ball

Drawing
70 Mins - Coric for Alli
80 Mins - Mayoral for Asensio

Winning
70 Mins - Diarra for Neves, more solid and will sit in beside Kante
80 Mins - Holding for Aseniso, he goes to RB and Almamy to RM more defence minded

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