Injured
Sime Vrsaljko
Martin Samuelsen
Beto Da Silva

Overview of our 4-4-2 formation V Wellington Phoenix

Captain: Vertonghen
Pens: Janssen
Corners: Fekir / Geis
Free Kicks: Geis

__________________Karius
Jedvaj______Stark_________Vertonghen__Augustinsson
Pulisic______Geis___________Dahoud_______Fischer
___________Fekir___________Janssen


Subs: Wellenreuther, Tete, Ajer, van de Beek, Nouri, Cerny, Bergwijn

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

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

Of our two central midfielders, Geis 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.

Geis is also our set-piece specialist, so watch out for his free kick and corner accuracy.

Alongside Geis we find Dahoud, a dynamic box to box midfielder and it’s 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 Geis’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.

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

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

When we are on the attack Jedvaj and Augustinsson our fleet footed and technically gifted full backs are instructed to put their impressive pace go use by creating overlaps, hence keeping the width down the flank in the final-third and look to supply crosses to the two strikers. Thus allowing Fischer and Pulisic, 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. Jedvaj and Augustinsson’s positioning in the wide areas should pull the opposition full-back out wide, thereby opening the channels for the likes of Pulisic, Fischer and Fekir to exploit.

When we are on the defence expect Jedvaj & Augustinsson 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.

Subs: Fresh legs on 75 mins, we’re clearly playing an attacking brand of football and I want to keep that intensity up to the final whistle.
Cerny on for Pulisic, Tete on Jedvaj

————————Donarrumma
———Christensen—Balanta—Hernandez
Henrichs——Kranevitter—Tielemans—————Ake
———Williams—————————Asensio
——————————Correa

Subs: Kepa, Nkunku, Charly, Gerson, Boga, Lozano, Cornet

Up against Tino and his fellow pensioners today, we all know Tino is envious me and my lots youth and the excitement we find and today we are going to use that to our advantage, playing with all the speed and movement we can muster to break down the Blyth bus. We move to the 3 at the back, allowing our wing backs to stretch the game out and pushing our CBs higher up the field to keep Blyths strikers away from our goal, in Ibra and Carroll they aren't exactly blessed with pace in the central areas. The high block should allow us to keep on the attack, we have the energy to not allow them to get out and if they do, we have learnt a thing or two from Tino's dirtbag ways and we will just bring them down, taking it in turns to trip them up before they cross the half way line.

Off the ball we will set up to win the ball back as soon as we lose it or as soon as Blyth have it, so right from the word go we will be onto their Cbs and hounding them, not allowing them to have easy possession to play out from the back or time to pick accurate balls into the target men. The front three deal with their CBs in a way that stops them passing between themselves and the DM, so two press the CBs and then one is slightly further back making sure they can't get the ball into the midfield, with the CMs going man v man on the opposition and the FBs likewise with the opposition widemen and the 3 CBs, two man marking and one sweeping, usually Christensen, this makes sure the middle of the field is totally locked down, and the advanced wide areas too, leaving the long ball as an option, where we will look to pick up any loose ball first. The opposition FBs will be the only players left without a man to man marker, however we want the ball to go to these areas as that lets us trick Tino and co into stretching the game for us, as soon as it goes to these plays we are on them in a flash, wing back and wide CF going and doubling up, winning the ball back and attacking the vacant space on the flank, here we also make things extra compact by shuffling our set up across to meet the Blyth advances, Correa and the midfield come across to close off the central route, making sure we have 6 men suffocating the attack, leaving our other inside forward and the wing back on the opposite flank as the out balls. Christensen will make sure he is ahead of the strikers as he can intercept any low balls towards them and then pick the pass to the flank, whilst Hernandez and Balanta man mark and make sure Carroll and Ibra have to go back deep where they aren't effective. Of course if we lose it high up but can't close down quick enough to stop them playing out, as already pointed out, we will cheat and commit tactical fouls. Kranevitter and Tielemans have key jobs in this high tempo press as they provide that extra bit of tactical know how to make sure gaps don't appear but to also make sure they get on top of the midfield battle, Tielemans with the more aggressive press whilst Kranevitter is more disciplined, he can see the game ahead and he knows where to position himself to step in and win the ball back, making sure it doesn't get to any AM if they go with one.

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 inside forwards dropping in to the midfield as narrow wide men, DMs covering the space behind so that Blyth can't play in the lines and WBs behind the inside forwards so we can't be doubled up on out wide. Defence drops deep and the WBs narrow to the CBs, keeping the defence narrow and sat deep on the edge of our box means that Blyth can't find gaps to get through us and we have enough men defending the box to make sure headers won't be easy for their lumps and that any attempt from Ibra to try and smash on in is blocked, this is Balantas job today, throw himself at Ibra whenever he has to. Force Blyth to keep going side to side and backwards, as soon as the ball is there to be won, stepping in and looking to release Correa who will drift out to the flanks where there is more space and stretch the defence out for Williams and Asensio to find gaps.

The hard part today is to break down a well organised, dirty Italian minded defence. We will look to go for a plan A which is to get in down the sides of the opposition. With our high pressing and extra energy we will be expecting to see more attacking phases than our opponents, whether this be from forcing mistakes and immediately looking for the killer ball behind them or by keeping the ball circling, in doing so looking to move it out to the flank where there is more space. We have selected two WBs who will look to provide the main width today, being supported by the forwards who are all equally adept at attacking from either flank and have all the tricks up their sleeves to leave either FB wishing he didn’t play. When we get the ball out to the left side of our attack this is when we look to free space for Williams, doing so by having Asensio come out and support Ake and Correa looking to keep the CBs on their toes with his movement, by moving out to the right we expect their defence to shuffle across, once we reach the final third we look to come infield quickly with our players movements, either Asensio cutting in and releasing the ball to Williams, or quick one touch passing, with Correa able to run to the flank to take out a CB out or running behind across the CBs, Tielemans then uses his excellent running from midfield to look to get into space where he can be the man available to release Williams with the killer ball, with Asensio also looking to then move infield after he’s moved the ball on it should mean the overload into the left channel sucks the RCB in, as is the instinct of a CB when the rest of the team moves across ,leaving Williams just enough room to get down the side, its going to be almost impossible to stop such a pacy player in this channel once he’s received the ball. This doesnt mean we can’t pick out the runs of Correa/Asensio or even Tielemans breaking into the box, but we see it as the most threatening way to get in and with the ability of Correa, Tielemans and Asensio to play the quick passing game we can see us being able to open up space a lot. When we go out to the left it is much the same thing, looking to draw the defenders across by doubling up out wide and then opening the space on the opposite flank. In these attacks the WBs can also be released with overlapping runs in behind, at this point we need Correa and the winger on the opposite side attacking the middle, with the opposite WB arriving at the back post. Failing this style of quick one touch attacking play looking to use our pace in the channels against the CBs we will play in a more narrow three pronged attack, with Williams and Asensio behind Correa but able to go beyond him, in this system we keep the ball moving, either going wide and stretching things out, with the opposite wide player always holding width, or playing infield and using rotation between Asensio, Correa, Williams to try and create confusion. The key is to keep them on the back foot, don’t let them quick the ball for long enough to settle in possession and we know that the more of the ball we see higher up the higher the chances of eventually breaking them down, or at least tiring them out for subs. Kranevitter and Tielemans again are crucial, they keep us in control, they keep the ball moving and Tielemans in particular looks to find openings with his passing.

If Winning: Cornet and Nkunku for Asensio and Correa 70', the tricky flair players have obviously done their job, time to drop the defensive block deeper, to a more medium block, still allows us to control the game but means that as Blyth push men forward we hit them with the pace of Williams and Cornet. Nkunku goes into midfield, makes it a 3 man midfield. Lozano for Williams 85', fresh legs.

If Drawing: Nkunku for Tielemans 70', looks to drive forward more, whilst Tielemans is the pass master, Nkunku looks to run in behind more. Cornet for Correa 75', even more pace into the attack and a lethal finisher. Charly for Asensio 80', comes on to try and provide that magic and spark that can win us the game.

If Losing: Balanta for Cornet 60' or anytime after, back 4, front 4 with Asensio and Correa from wide, Williams and Cornet with the pace in the middle but can rotate so that Asensio and Correa attack from the middle and look to release the faster two from wider positions where they can run diagonally behind the defence. Charly for Tielemans 70', extra trickery and added flair, looks to find the FBs higher up and allow the strikers to play as a 4 in more central positions. Lozano for Henrichs 80', back 3 again this time with Lozano very high up the field holding width and stretching the game.

-------------------Gordon------------------
Semedo--van Dijk---Denayer--Tierney
Roberts-Wanyama-McGregor-Ghezzal
-------------------Locadia------------------
---------------------Vardy-------------------

Sviatchenko, Oxford, McLean, Defoe, Nunez

We have Craig Gordon in goal who is a big target to aim for, he oozes confidence and this will run through out the team. Will dominate his box and look to start quick counter attacks from the back.

Denayer will mark the striker, and van Dijk will be the ball player who will take it out of defence. Both comfortable on the ball and strong in the tackle. They will remain tight when we are under attack! The fullbacks can attack if they see fit, Tierney is especially good and supporting the winger so he will be up and down the pitch, Semedo will attack sporadically. When they do attack, get beyond the wingers and scream for the ball even if it is just a decoy for the wingers. Defend as a four, stay in a line and stay strong.

Wanyama is our defensive midfielder and McGregor is the playmaker a good combination once Wanyama has the ball won, a little pass sideways to McGregor who will look to pass it forward to the attacking players, both can tackle so dont let their midfield near our defence! Mcgregor likes to support the striker and AM so he will be making the late runs into the danger area.

Roberts and Ghezzal are very quick and can score spectacular goals, so we have given them freedom to attack the fullbacks, Roberts tends to cut inside whereas Ghezzal will go to the outside and cross in, Roberts can score from distance with accuracy so on they go.

We defend as a team, it isnt all about attack, so again a strong 4 in a line when we defend, two banks of 4 are always difficult to penetrate.

Locadia right in the centre is in a free role, he will support Vardy and get into dangerous positions, will link everything from midfield to attack and get Vardy into great spaces with his sublime passing. Will be a massive goal threat too. When we defend I want him to harrass the DM and not allow him any time on the ball.

Vardy is quick and good eye for goal, will look to link up quickly with Locadia as the two will be a big threat today hopefully. All about movement as the pair look to put away the chances to win this game. Always stays on the last man moving across the line.

Captain Virgil van Dijk
Penalties Jamie Vardy
Free Kicks Locadia
Corners The wingers will take

Substitutes

65 Minutes Kenny McLean will be on for Ghezzal and Locadia will go to the left wing

75 Minutes
Losing Defoe for McGregor 4-4-2 (Nunez for Vardy on 80)
Winning Oxford for McGregor
Drawing Defoe for Vardy

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

Subs: Stockdale, Bielik, Stearman, Hoffman, Morrison

Subs:

Morrsion for Odegaard - 65 mins
Hoffman for De Jong - 70 mins

In today's game we are playing an attacking 4-3-3 formation. We want the win and we are gonna get it.

As team we will play super dooper quick. Daze the opposition. We need to be getting the ball to our pacey players. They will bring the players away from the positions thus allowing our other players to take advantage. This also means quick passing in order to keep the fast players in space.

Defensively we will play a high line and keep their forwards offside while trying to open up space for our faster players. This means our full backs will need to stick with our centre backs when we are off the ball. We will have a defensive midfielder who will stay just in front of our defence to protect them so we are not at a total weakness of being counter attacked.

Attacking wise we will get the ball into space and the fast players will take advantage. The full backs in an attacking sense will also help. We need to play quick passes, quick runs and quick changes of direction. We also need to allow a quick response to recover from mistakes.

If we are winning from the 70th minute I want us to start to keep the ball for longer periods and hold possession. Slow play right down and seriously time waste.

Positional Tactics

Our full backs defensively will stick in a high line with our centre backs. We need to trap our opposition offside making it hard for them to counter attack. However in times when it doesn't work they need to push the opposition back and reduce the space made available on this side of the pitch. They need to prevent the wingers from running in behind them and cutting inside of them. Offensively they will need to move forward with the ball and use up the space left by the opposition. When our wingers cut in, I want our full backs to take up the wide position and put the crosses in.

Our centre backs will be apart of this high line we are playing. Use their strength and pace to keep the opposition offisde and then clear the ball away. They must stay on guard for any potential runners and therefor close them off as soon as they get going. We need to limit the opportunity for them to find space by keeping goal side of them at all times. They need to use their height and strength to beat them off the ball. They also must be aware of any high balls into the box. Offensively only go up for corners.

We will play a defensive midfielder today who will protect the defence and hold up play. This means filling the gaps and creating a defensive wall to stop the opposition from breaking through. De Jong must keep with the playmaker by discouraging him from moving into space, limit the chances he's able to create and keeping goal side of him at all times. Limit the available players for them, and force them to pass the ball back. Offsensively I will not allow De Jong to go forward.

Essien will control play more by creating and forming the attacks. He should look to move forward to be the new option. His passing must be quick, slick and clever. He with Odegaard will control our passing that allows the pacy players to take advantage of defensive frailties.

Our attacking midfielder 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 attacking players to break through. I want him to move about all across the centre and depending on move towards the right or the left to the ball. Defensively he must prevent people running forward and creating more ability for runs. He must try and collect the ball and release it to our wingers to form attacks since.

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

Our striker needs to use their brain to work out how the defence works. They need to run at them using their strength and skill to cause nerves in their defence and force mistakes. The striker needs to open up space and find space as he is good at getting On the end of crosses and opportunities created. He needs to use his height to open the scoring and also use his power to force his way into goal scoring opportunities. Defensively I want him to move back to the centre circle and wait for the midfield to supply the ball to him in the event of an attack, if after 70 mins and we are winning I want the striker to move further back to control and protect the nation. We just time waste as much as possible.

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

Wellington Phoenix tactics – Week 5 home to Fishguard

4-3-3
--------------------Howard--------------------
Jung-----Bailly------Wimmer----Grimaldo
-----------------Can-----Coquelin---------------
Deulofeu--------VDV------------Gray
---------------------Rashford------------

Subs: Foderingham, Doria, Gray, Besic, Pandev, Elneny

Captain: Howard
FKs, pens & corners VDV

Today we look to move the ball quickly and constantly attack. As we know Fishguard play in the right spirit we will look to match that spirit, knowing they wont try to park the bus we will look to express ourselves with quick, decisive football.

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 Fishguard'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 - the FB may be exposed as Deulofeu bombs on, in these instances Coq can cover out wide as we will have Can & VDV 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 Deulofeu or Rashford 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.

Can – 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.

Deulofeu & Iwobi – hungry, direct, pacey and unpredictable, which will make them a constant pain for Willy. 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. They 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.

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 – 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 as hes such a dangerous finisher

Subs if winning on 65 mins - Besic for Can, Elneny for VDV & Gray for Deulofeu. All like for like changes but with more defensive minded players who are more naturally inclined to track back.

If losing on 65 mins - Elneny for Coq sit deep alongside Can but also play more b2b, just to give us more fluidity and less predictability to our play.

Gray for Iwobi and Pandev for VDV, like for like, but Pandev and Gray are more direct and more inclined to get in the box and shoot

Week 7, not 5

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

-------------------Alisson
Mayke---Mina---Reyes---Geferson
-----------Danilo--------Pérez
-----------------Paredes
Pereiro----------------------Arrascaeta
-----------------González

SUBS: López, Lemos, Paulista, M Pereira, Moreno, Angulo, 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 (Pérez). In front of them Paredes 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’, Pérez will also be allowed the freedom (when the time arises) to link with Paredes 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 (Pérez). 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 Paredes 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’, Pérez will also be allowed the freedom (when the time arises) to link with Paredes 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 Arrascaeta 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 Paredes, Pérez 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 Pérez may sit a bit deeper allowing Paredes 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: Paredes, Arrascaeta or Pereiro with Mina, Reyes, Danilo, and González to offer an aerial threat. Paredes and Arrascaeta (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 – Lemos for Reyes, Paulista for Danilo and Roger Martinez for González.

If losing (70 mins) then switch to a 4-1-3-2 and replace Pérez 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------- Paredes----- Arrascaeta
---Roger Martinez ---------González

-----------------Dragowski----------------
Almamy--Barzagli--Lindelof--D.Sidibe
--------------Neves----Kante--------------
Embolo----------D.Alli----------G.Jesus
---------------------Jonas---------------------

Grujic, Coric, Mayoral, Ponce, Ounas

In goal Dragowski 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 Lindelöf at the back so on this occassion Wallace 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. 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.

Sidibe and Almamy at fullback, we must keep the wingers quiet, stop them and we stop a lot of there attacks. Sidibe 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, Sidibe 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 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 back 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 Jonas. All three are good all round midfielders, Kante i want to sit in the hole with the two either side when defending.

Embolo 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. Always be looking for Alli inside as the three make an awesome trio attack wise in behind Jonas and a scary proposition for the opposition back line.

Jonas 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 Jonas 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 Embolo 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 - Alli
Pens - Jesus
Corners - Wingers

Subs
Ponce for Embolo

Losing
70 Mins - Mayoral for Alli 442

Winning
Mayoral for Jonas and Grujic for Alli (he sits in)

Drawing
Coric for Alli and Mariano Mayoral for Jonas

Injured
Thomas Meunier
Jari Schuurman
Nabil Fekir

Overview of our 4-4-2 formation V Dyskobolia Grodzisk Wielkopolski

Captain: Vertonghen
Pens: Janssen
Corners: Fischer / Geis
Free Kicks: Geis

___________________Karius
Tete_______Engels_________Vertonghen__Augustinsson
Cerny_______Geis____________Dahoud_______Pulisic
__________Janssen___________Fischer

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

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

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

Of our two central midfielders, Geis 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.

Geis is also our set-piece specialist, so watch out for his free kick and corner accuracy.

Alongside Geis we find Dahoud, a dynamic box to box midfielder and it’s 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 Geis’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.

Geis 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 Cerny on the right and Pulisic on the left will operate as unorthodox or inverted wingers.

When we are on the attack Tete and Augustinsson our fleet footed and technically gifted full backs are instructed to put their impressive pace go use by creating overlaps, hence keeping the width down the flank in the final-third and look to supply crosses to the two strikers. Thus allowing Cerny and Pulisic, 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 Augustinsson’s positioning in the wide areas should pull the opposition full-back out wide, thereby opening the channels for the likes of Pulisic, Cerny and Fischer to exploit.

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

Of our two forwards, Fischer 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, Fischer 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.

Subs: Fresh legs on 75 mins, we’re clearly playing an attacking brand of football and I want to keep that intensity up to the final whistle.
Riedewald on for Augustinsson and Höjbjerg on for Dahoud

------------------C.Gordon-------------------
Semedo---van Dijk---Denayer---Tierney
Roberts----Tolisso---Linetty----Locadia
-------------------Halilovic-------------------
-------------------Sanabria-------------------

Ward, Marquez, Oxford, Ghezzal, Nunes, Hayes, Ponce

We have Craig Gordon in goal who is a big target to aim for, he oozes confidence and this will run through out the team. Will dominate his box and look to start quick counter attacks from the back.

Denayer will mark the striker, and van Dijk will be the ball player who will take it out of defence. Both comfortable on the ball and strong in the tackle. They will remain tight when we are under attack! The fullbacks can attack if they see fit, Tierney is especially good and supporting the winger so he will be up and down the pitch, Semedo will attack sporadically. When they do attack, get beyond the wingers and scream for the ball even if it is just a decoy for the wingers. Defend as a four, stay in a line and stay strong.

Tolisso is our defensive midfielder and Linetty is the playmaker a good combination once Tolisso has the ball won, a little pass sideways to Linetty who will look to pass it forward to the attacking players, both can tackle so dont let their midfield near our defence! Linetty likes to support the striker and AM so he will be making the late runs into the danger area.

Roberts and Locadia are very quick and can score spectacular goals, so we have given them freedom to attack the fullbacks, Roberts tends to cut inside whereas Locadia will go to the outside and cross in, Roberts can score from distance with accuracy so on they go.

We defend as a team, it isnt all about attack, so again a strong 4 in a line when we defend, two banks of 4 are always difficult to penetrate.

Halilovic right in the centre is in a free role, he will support Sanabria and get into dangerous positions, will link everything from midfield to attack and get Sanabria into great spaces with his sublime passing. Will be a massive goal threat too. When we defend I want him to harrass the DM and not allow him any time on the ball.

Sanabria is quick and good eye for goal, will look to link up quickly with Halilovic as the two will be a big threat today hopefully. All about movement as the pair look to put away the chances to win this game. Always stays on the last man moving across the line.

Captain Virgil van Dijk
Penalties Sanabria
Free Kicks Halilovic
Corners The wingers will take

Substitutes

65 Minutes Ghezzal will come on for Locadia, this gives us a boost of energy down the left wing

75 Minutes
If we are losing R.Nenez will come on for Halilovic and we will play 442 and Hayes for Roberts

If we are drawing then J.Hayes for Roberts and Nunez for Sanabria

If we are winning then Oxford on for Halilovic and he sits between defence and midfield and Nunez for Sanabria

week 8- home to Pumas

Injuries- Penaranda, Andre Silva, Emre Mor

-------------------------------Bürki--------------------------------

Hysaj-------------Tah-------------Tonelli------------Masina

---------------------Saul----------Sanches----------------------

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

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

subs: Carvalho, Fosu-Mensah, Drinkwater, Lemina, Sensi, Kapustka, Passlack

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 PUMAS defenders while Coman and Dembele move narrower to cut off the supply to midfield, this will only open up passing avenues for the opposition out wide, when the ball goes wide, it is the job of Masina and Hysaj 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-----------Tonelli-------------------

-------------------Saul

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

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


In possession game plan: we are a side full of energy and pace, and will be looking to fully utilise this in our attacking game. In Saul, Sanches and Boufal we have great central presence to move the ball in the opposition half. As the deepest of the midfield three, Saul 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 and his passing both long and short is superb, 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: Drinkwater for Sanches on 80 minutes, fresh legs, will switch roles with Saul who will now have more freedom to push forward while Drinkwater sits and becomes the distributor, will look to spread the ball wide quickly to Dembele and Coman.

if losing after 65 minutes: switch Kapustka for Boufal, Coman to move up front alongside Aduriz, will use his pace and movement to get in behind and stretch the defence of PUMAS creating more space and pushing them back.

if winning after 75 minutes, Mario Lemina to come on for Boufal, switch to 4-5-1, Lemina to hold in front of the defence, using his pace and power to marshall the PUMAS attack while still retaining the ability to distribute and begin counter attacks, the wide players to be a little less attacking and more disciplined.

————————Donnarumma
———Jedvaj——-Christensen——Hernandez
Henrichs——Kranevitter——Tielemans———Ake
—————Williams——————Asensio
——————————Ganz

Subs: Kepa, Blin, Charly Musonda, Gerson, Nkunku, Correa, Cornet

Captain: Andreas Christensen
Free Kicks: Youri Tielemans/Marco Asensio
Penalties: Youri Tielemans
Corners: Marco Asensio

Our biggest game of the season thus far, we have done incredibly to get in to this position and we will be looking to strengthen on it this week by proving we are the team to stop! We know Juventus want to get on the ball and we are going to allow this as we feel they are there to be got at when they commit numbers forward, therefore we will be looking to press them with our front three, looking to force them to rush things in our half in an attempt to force mistakes near our forward thinking players. Behind them the defence and CM’s focus on squeezing space rather than men, keeping compact and making sure Juve’s tricky forward dont have the room to manoeuvre. Once we win the ball we get it forward in the minimal amounts of passes, using our pace to break.

We look to be solid first and foremost using our 3-4-3 formation to defend in phases, with the initial phase using the 3 forwards to press as soon as Juve move the ball into our half, Williams and Asensio getting in the face of the opposition CM’s, Ganz in behind closing off the ball back to the CBs so that they are forced to rush it into the forward players who will be met with a compact block, whilst our WBs will also press in this phase, sticking to the opposition wingers so that there is no possibility of going wide and getting in down the flanks to stretch us, force their wide players to move infield to look to get involved, this will leave their FBs isolated with our WBs which stops them stretching things, but also forces them into pushing their FBs forward and away from their defensive areas. Once we’ve rushed Juventus into the middle third they’ll find the route to goal blocked by a 5-4-1, WBs will be compact to the CBs so there can be no gaps in the channels and the AMs will drop in so they can form a block of 4 with the CMs, we can keep Juventus moving around with square balls at this stage, defending narrow as all their attacking players want to occupy central spaces or make runs between FB and CB which simply isn’t there with the three CBs. Focusing on squeezing space rather than men in this manner is the simplest form of defence but it does require extreme concentration for 90 minutes, we must make sure to never get sucked in towards the ball, this way there can never be a gap for an off the ball run or a gap for a forward pass into space. Eventually Juve are going to give us a sniff to win the ball back, either a loose pass, or a ball to a man thats crowded out, we must win the battle every time they give us the chance to do so, its key to us catching them out today, we are confident that we can allow them possession for 90 minutes and not conceded, but if we want to win we have to be on the ball and ready to win it off them whenever we can.

In terms of each mans job its very simple, work as a unit, make sure when the opposition has the ball you are close to your team mates, not letting gaps appear and making sure you’re there straight away if the man next to you is beaten, getting a tackle in. The WBs and AMs will be the only players who need to move from their positions today. We expect the opposition FBs to want to get forward, we won’t let this stretch us, as soon as they go wide to the FB in our third, or even their attacking players if they move wide, we will have our WB step out to meet them, with the entire defence and midfield also pushing across so there can be no gaps, this means the AM on the side we are under attack also comes out towards the FB in order to make sure we can’t be doubled up on out wide, whilst our other AM makes sure he’s in position to cut out a quick switch of play, this way they can keep passing from flank to flank but it won’t change our defensive shape, we move as a team. Kranevitter and Tielemans will be key, for their age they are two very mature players, they lead this team, commanding the midfield, keeping our defensive shape, not being sucked into the ball. Behind them we have a back 3 to make sure they can’t use the movement of their front 4 to get behind or down our sides, doing so A by playing a deep defensive line and B by having the CBs working as a unit, Christensen on the front foot against Aduriz, using his reading of the game and extra speed to keep the striker from linking things up or finding space in the box, with Jedvaj and Hernandez in position to stop any runs into the channels. Ganz doesnt need to come back and defend, he’ll drop slightly deeper than usual for a CF but will always make sure he is free of their CMs so he can be available in space, if he can receive the ball between CMs and CBs it ives him time to turn and run into the space but also time for Williams and Asensio to catch up and make a run for him. As for Donnarumma, he just has to be a goalkeeper today, its the simple.

Going forward we have to attack with the fewest number of passes possible, this means either going down the middle or down the sides. We know we can suck in their FBs and their CMs which will make the longer ball a major weapon today, rather than getting in some fight for possession or a fight to see who’s midfield press is more effective we simply bypass them with a ball down the middle to Ganz, waiting beyond the CMs, he must always be on his toes, he can see the game and can therefore position himself in the areas easiest for his team mates to pick him out with one ball forward. As soon as the ball goes forward, Williams and Asensio will burst forward in support, whilst the WBs can also move forward depending on the side of the attack. In these positions we have Ganz, Asensio and Williams vs their remaining defenders, Asensio is the man to get on the ball in the final third and make things happen, Ganz and Williams looking to make runs, Williams with his pace down the sides of the defenders and Ganz into space to poach chances, the WB on the side of the attack motoring forward so we can use them to stretch the game, Henrichs especially is excellent going forward and has great pace and stamina to get up and down the line all game. The other option is to go wide to the WBs(especially look to go to the side where the opposition FB is sucked forward) who when they receive the ball will have Asensio and Williams running behind the opposition FBs into loads of vacated space, in these positions they simply won’t be caught and can quick get up behind the back line much the same as when we go forward down the middle. At times we will swap Ganz and Williams, the pace of Williams a real threat if Juventus push their back line up to limit the space we have between their midfield and attack, even if they do this we are convinced we can cause problems, using the excellent passing ranges of Tielemans, Christensen and co to play the first time ball down the side of the CB or over the top them for Williams to chase, free of defensive duties it allows him to focus his total energy on making those runs, if we can release him, Juventus won’t catch him. Once in the final third, we again look to be simple, pick the pass that opens them up, no faffing about with loads of passing and possession, we want to be clinical. As we get into the final third we move our team up with the attack so we can keep compact and not leave space between defence and attack, we are capable of holding a medium block with the speed we have in defence, this means that one WB can get right up the field and the other can look to provide the option to switch ball, whilst Tielemans can step slightly further forward into midfield and combine with Asensio as our two main creative threats, with the movement of Ganz and Williams and one WB ahead of them, knowing they have Kranevitter, one FB and the CBs behind as cover, but also making sure if they do lose the ball they are quick to press in these areas and try and force sloppy balls forward so we can regroup into our defensive shape.

Subs:

If Winning: Correa for Ganz 70’, fresh legs, more movement and ability to get the ball into the final third at pace to see if we can extend our lead, but also someone who does his job defensively. Blin for Asensio 75’, Blin alongside Kranveitter and Tielemans to make it a 3-5-2, every inch of space covered. Nkunku for Williams 80’, really crowd the middle out, fresh legs in their to keep up the good work.

If Drawing: Cornet for Ganz 70’, brings a lot of pace to the game, as they look for a winner, we look for one by taking advantage of the space behind their midfield. Correa for Asensio 75’, like for like, a new creative player with fresh ideas. Charly for Williams 80’, fresh legs and another speedster who can open a game up with his dribbling, give them something new to worry about.

If Losing: Correa for Hernandez 65’, 4-3-3 with Asensio pulling the strings from midfield, Correa and Williams looking to make out to in runs and the team looking to get on the front foot and press high, get back into the game. Cornet for Ganz 70’, didn’t kind of CF for them to face, more mobile, more tricky to pick up, rotates with the wingers and gives us unpredictability. Charly for Tielemans 75’, adds to the unpredictability in the team, he can open up a defence with a mazy dribble or a precise through ball.

Wellington Phoenix tactics – Week 8 away to Cambuur

4-3-3
--------------------Howard--------------------
Jung-----Bailly------Lascalles----Grimaldo
-----------------Can-----Coquelin---------------
Deulofeu--------VDV------------Gray
---------------------Rashford------------

Subs: Foderingham, Doria, Gray, Besic, Dembele, Elneny

Captain: Howard
FKs, pens & corners VDV

Today we look to move the ball quickly and constantly attack. As we know Cambuur also play in the right spirit we will look to match that spirit, knowing they wont try to park the bus we will look to express ourselves with quick, decisive football.

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 Cambuur'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 - the FB may be exposed as Deulofeu bombs on, in these instances Coq can cover out wide as we will have Can & VDV 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 Deulofeu or Rashford 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.

Can – 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.

Deulofeu & Iwobi – hungry, direct, pacey and unpredictable, which will make them a constant pain for Willy. 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. They 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.

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 – 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 as hes such a dangerous finisher

Subs if winning on 65 mins - Besic for Can, Elneny for VDV & Gray for Deulofeu. All like for like changes but with more defensive minded players who are more naturally inclined to track back.

If losing on 65 mins - Elneny for Coq sit deep alongside Can but also play more b2b, just to give us more fluidity and less predictability to our play.

Gray for Iwobi and Dembele for VDV, like for like Gray, but Dembele to line up alongside Rashford. Gray is more direct and more inclined to get in the box and shoot

Blyth vs Forrest
Injuries
Gianluca Lapadula
Umar Sadiq
Zlatan Ibrahimovic


……………………………………Buffon…………………………..
……………………….Iorfa…..Silva….Rugani…………………
Yedlin………………………..Motta………………………De Sciglio
…………………….De Rossi…………Cataldi………………………..
………………………………….Munir…………………………………….
…………………………………..Carroll………………………………..

Subs: Cragno, Calabria, Hause,Mauri,Boateng,Aarons, Enzo

Well injuries have forced a re-shuffle today as we lose 2 strikers

Fan always comes to party – and we have something a little different for him today with a flat back 3 and a midfield diamond, this is all about a heavy press in the centre of the pitch to win the ball back quickly, and having runners from midfield and our wing-backs.
Iorfa and Rugani will shuffle wide today covering Fans wingers if he goes with a 4-3-3/4-2-3-1, Silva will man mark the main striker.
Yedlin and de Sciglio are given freedom to attack at will as this formation really needs some width to make it work.
The midfield diamond is the key today – Motta will screen defence and sit alongside their AM if he goes 4-2-3-1, close down his space and stop the forward passes, De Rossi is my midfield general and will act as a deep-lying playmaker making our team tick, Cataldi is legs and will go box to box.
Munir at the tip of the diamond will be our #10 in the traditional tense as in given a freedom to roam about the pitch linking the play.
Carroll speed isn’t his strong suit but he’s perfect as the lone striker – we have some lovely skilful players off him so his big duty is his hold up play to act as a Launchpad for our attacks

Subs 65 mins:
Enzo > Munir
Mauri > Motta

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

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

SUBS: López, Lemos, Ascacíbar, Jota, Moreno, Angulo,

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 (Pérez). In front of them Paredes 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’, Pérez will also be allowed the freedom (when the time arises) to link with Paredes 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 (Pérez). 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 Paredes 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’, Pérez will also be allowed the freedom (when the time arises) to link with Paredes 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 Arrascaeta 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 Paredes, Pérez 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 Pérez may sit a bit deeper allowing Paredes 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: Paredes, Arrascaeta or Pereiro with Salcedo , Reyes, Danilo, and González to offer an aerial threat. Paredes and Arrascaeta (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 – Lemos for Reyes, Ascacíbar for Danilo and José Angulo for González.

If losing (70 mins) then switch to a 4-1-3-2 and replace Pérez with José Angulo 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------- Paredes----- Arrascaeta
---José Angulo ---------González

-----------------Dragowski-----------------
Almamy--Barzagli--Wallace--D.Sidibe
--------------Neves----Kante--------------
Embolo------------Alli------------Mbappe
-----------------Batshuayi------------------

Bentley, Lindelof, Grujic, Diawara, Mayoral, Ponce, Ounas

In goal Dragowski 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 at the 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.

Sidibe and Almamy at fullback, we must keep the wingers quiet, stop them and we stop a lot of there attacks. Sidibe 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, Sidibe 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 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 back 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 Batshuayi. All three are good all round midfielders, Kante i want to sit in the hole with the two either side when defending.

Embolo and Mbappe are known for their creativity, speed, and technical ability and are fearless, explosive attacking midfielders who can change the game with a turn of pace or a dribble. Both technically excellent in limited areas, fast explosive acceleration during the first ten yards. Which more often than not takes them passed defenders and allows them to get into dangerous areas. Always play with there heads up looking for the runs of others to get the ball into there feet. When they have the ball look to stick close to fullbacks and stop them coming forward. Always be looking for Alli inside as the three make an awesome trio attack wise in behind Batshuayi and a scary proposition for the opposition back line.

Batshuayi 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 Batshuayi 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 Embolo and Mbappe 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 - Alli
Pens - Batshuayi
Corners - Wingers

Subs:-

60 Mins - E.Ponce for Mbappe regardless

75 Mins
Losing - Mayoral for Alli, 442 more long balls to the front two, Ounas for Embolo

Winning - A.Diawara for Alli he sits in behind Neves and Kante to shore it up

Drawing - Mayoral for Embolo

week 9- away to Blyth

Injuries- Fosu-Mensah, Nagy, Lemina

-------------------------------Bürki--------------------------------

Hysaj-------------Elvedi-------------Chiellini------------Masina

---------------------Saul----------Sanches----------------------

Sane--------------------Boufal-------------------------Coman

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

subs: Carvalho, Sensi, Cubas, Kapustka, Penaranda, Belotti, Emre Mor

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, we know of Blyth's aerial threat so we need to negate that by keeping them away from the box, we've added the experience and leadership of Giorgio Chiellini this week who will help organise and guide our young players through the game, a real leader. Boufal will join Aduriz in the first line to pressurise the Blyth defenders while Coman and Sane move narrower to cut off the supply to midfield, this will only open up passing avenues for the opposition out wide, when the ball goes wide, it is the job of Masina and Hysaj 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.

---------------------Elvedi-----------Chiellini-------------------

-------------------Saul

Hysaj---------------------------Sanches--------------Masina
--------------------Sane---------------------Coman--------------
(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 Saul, Sanches and Boufal we have great central presence to move the ball in the opposition half. As the deepest of the midfield three, Saul 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 and his passing both long and short is superb, Boufal, Sane 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: Sensi for Sanches on 80 minutes, fresh legs, will switch roles with Saul who will now have more freedom to push forward while Sensi sits and becomes the distributor, will look to spread the ball wide quickly to Sane and Coman.

if losing after 65 minutes: switch Emre Mor for Boufal, Sane to move up front alongside Aduriz, will use his pace and movement to get in behind and stretch the defence of Blyth creating more space and pushing them back.

if winning after 75 minutes, Andres Cubas to come on for Boufal, switch to 4-5-1, Cubas to hold in front of the defence, using his pace and power to marshall the Blyth attack while still retaining the ability to distribute and begin counter attacks, the wide players to be a little less attacking and more disciplined.

Can I swap in Lindelof for Barzagli as I am selling Barzagli, my opposition tactics arent in

TATUNG 4222

------------------------Reina
Gomez-------Vezo----------Dante------Duarte
-------------Thomas------------Alonso
Mahrez------------------------------------Oztunali
------------Iheanacho---------Origi

Subs: Nahuel Leiva, Oyarzabal, Kovalenko, Traore, Vallejo

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

New management, new day, new system, new everything
Guys...i understand the previous manager had some faith in you guys, looking at the last set of tactics. A bit too much if you ask me. I mean dominate possession...Guy thinks he's playing a football manager game smh.
Ok so we've all agreed bar like 6 players the playing squad is pretty chit. So I've challenged them to prove me wrong on the pitch. Im not expecting much though. A loss by 2 goals or less will be seen as improvement and it will be something for us to build on.

The gameplan is to defend with a mid to low block, using intense pressing and then to hit the opposition on the break with the pace & dribbling ability of our forwards and quick passing of the team. Namely Mahrez, Origi & Iheanacho. By drawing the opposition onto us, we want to create a space behind their defence for us to run into.

Defence: Defend just outside the box and do not allow penetration beyond that. Track runners and put in all types of tackles and clearences. Try not to get caught out of position (Im looking at you Dante). Fullbacks to come close to the centre backs and defend the goal, forcing the opposition out wide where the play will be restricted and more difficult for them to create chances.

Double pivot to sit in front of the defence and assist with pressing in midfield ensuring not much gets passed and through to the defence. The last thing we want to do is to rely on Dante to be in a position to put in a tackle. We can expect miracles here guys. Alonso will use his outstanding passing range to move the ball forward as quickly as possible and into space for our forwards to run into. Allow the opposition to build to an extent where they're on top of us and then win the ball back and break at lightening speed. Thomas will be the main defensive enegiser bunny running around putting tackles everywhere. Oztunali will act as a 3 midfielder assisting with build up and helping out Alonso's old immobile ass.

Mahrez starting position will be a few yards further upfield waiting in a wide position for the ball to be played to him and then use his dribbling ability to move us forward. Actually this team is built around this man right here. The most naturally gifted footballer in the team with his quick feet, its hard to stop this guy once he's on the ball. The rest of the team needs to get the ball to him as much as possible and then make runs off him and exploit the space he will create by drawing defenders to him. Make the run and he'll find you. He's not afraid to do some dirty stuff as well, so will help the midfield with pressing. Oztunali can make late runs into box to finish off chances when the opportunity arises.

Strikers: Our strikers are well equipped to aid our pressing system. They will press the opposition should they decide to feck around and pass it around at the back and destroy football as we know it. Press rigorously and break at speed using their dribbling ability, pace and quick passing moving the ball forward as quickly as possible. Because Oztunali will be acting as a 3rd midfielder, Origi will balance the attack by making diagonal movements to the left side of the field, should he not find joy through the centre. Stretch the play and them move infield using his pace & dribbling ability to create chances for himself & the team. Iheanacho should try to occupy the CBs at all time. Move around to make rund beyond them or on the side, in the channel between fullback & centre back.

Basic tactics for a basic team. I've used the reverse envelope method because we're in quite a unique position here. So if you received an envelope with your name in it, you most likely will be here if i remain manager. If you didnt receive it...hard luck, try McDeez.

No subs.

Blyth vs Forza Juve
Injuries and Suspensions
Davide Calabria
Gianluca Lapadula
Umar Sadiq
DeAndre Yedlin



………………………………………….Buffon…………………………..
………………………T.Silva………Barzagli…..Rugani…………….
Iorfa…………………..de Rossi……..Motta…………………. de Sciglio
………………………………………..Zidane………………………………..
…………………………….Munir……………Ibrahimovic……………..

Subs: Cragno, Hause, Mauri, Cataldi, Boateng, Aarons, Carroll

Mex is a lovely lad and what I call a progressive manager – he sends his sides out to play footy on the deck and to defend high up the pitch in a heavy press – A risky tactic if it fails as it leaves gaps at the back BUT rewarding when it comes off as he has the ball 30 yards out so inherits the play in an already dangerous position.
My Blyth side is set-up today for a nice bit of Tik-Italia – slick one touch passing when we have the ball but we don’t have it for having it sake, we get it down and we spread it wide as fast as is possible because we want to hit them fast before they get numbers back.

All three of our centre backs are comfortable on the ball so will look to spread out and push forward, the system allows this as there should in theory with two sitting midfielders be a body over against their heavy press to keep a simple ball on – Ibra provides the insurance policy of the long ball – This is not our #1 tactic we’re not a long ball side BUT should Juve press too hard and too high up the pitch – which we can encourage by dropping off, Our defenders can happily by-pass the midfield and go long to Ibra. It’s then his job to bring it down and hold it up for Munir to make the run off him or hold it longer to get support from Zidane and our wing-backs.
Mexy-babes will go with a flat 4 – This whilst advantageous to him in that he gets an extra body in the midfield, is also an advantage to me – De Sciglio and Iorfa will push as far and as high as is possible at all time so we match their defence up 1vs1 right across the back line. Enzo is in at #10 so will occupy one of his holding midfielders, whilst defensively Barzagli marks Juves main striker allowing Silva and Rugani to “shuffle” wide and deal with their wingers.
Motta and De Rossi will play between the lines as much as possible, plugging the gaps and forcing Juves playmakers deeper and further away from goal than what they’d like.
Football al about the small details and we think this is our best bet to smother the best team in the league, draw them on to us and punish them on the break.

Subs 60 mins
Carroll > Enzo – Munir will move to the #10…Carroll will go up-top with Ibra as we look to batter the doors down with an aerial bombardment.

The end

------------------C.Gordon-------------------
Semedo---van Dijk---Denayer---Tierney
Roberts----Tolisso---Linetty----Locadia
-------------------Halilovic-------------------
--------------------J.Vardy--------------------

Ward, Marquez, Oxford, Ghezzal, Nunes, Hayes, Sanabria

We have Craig Gordon in goal who is a big target to aim for, he oozes confidence and this will run through out the team. Will dominate his box and look to start quick counter attacks from the back.

Denayer will mark the striker, and van Dijk will be the ball player who will take it out of defence. Both comfortable on the ball and strong in the tackle. They will remain tight when we are under attack! The fullbacks can attack if they see fit, Tierney is especially good and supporting the winger so he will be up and down the pitch, Semedo will attack sporadically. When they do attack, get beyond the wingers and scream for the ball even if it is just a decoy for the wingers. Defend as a four, stay in a line and stay strong.

Tolisso is our defensive midfielder and Linetty is the playmaker a good combination once Tolisso has the ball won, a little pass sideways to Linetty who will look to pass it forward to the attacking players, both can tackle so dont let their midfield near our defence! Linetty likes to support the striker and AM so he will be making the late runs into the danger area.

Roberts and Locadia are very quick and can score spectacular goals, so we have given them freedom to attack the fullbacks, Roberts tends to cut inside whereas Locadia will go to the outside and cross in, Roberts can score from distance with accuracy so on they go.

We defend as a team, it isnt all about attack, so again a strong 4 in a line when we defend, two banks of 4 are always difficult to penetrate.

Halilovic right in the centre is in a free role, he will support Vardy and get into dangerous positions, will link everything from midfield to attack and get Vardy into great spaces with his sublime passing. Will be a massive goal threat too. When we defend I want him to harrass the DM and not allow him any time on the ball.

Vardy is quick and good eye for goal, will look to link up quickly with Halilovic as the two will be a big threat today hopefully. All about movement as the pair look to put away the chances to win this game. Always stays on the last man moving across the line.

Captain Virgil van Dijk
Penalties Vardy
Free Kicks Halilovic
Corners The wingers will take

Substitutes

65 Minutes Ghezzal will come on for Locadia, this gives us a boost of energy down the left wing

75 Minutes
If we are losing Sanabria will come on for Halilovic and we will play 442 and Hayes for Roberts

If we are drawing then J.Hayes for Roberts and Sanabria for Vardy

If we are winning then Oxford on for Halilovic and he sits between defence and midfield and Sanabria for Vardy

————————-Donnarumma
——Hernandez——Christensen——Balanta
Vrsalijko———Kranevitter—Tielemans———Henrichs
————Williams—————————Asensio
———————————Correa

Subs: Kepa, A.Blin, M.Merino, C.Musonda, O.Dembele, H.Lozano, S.Ganz

Back on top after two excellent results so we stick with the same formation but this time look to press with high energy for 90 minutes, much like Italy did against Spain, doing most of this pressing in the middle of the pitch and getting on the front foot. When we attack we look to get on top in midfield and the round the sides of them, lots of movement from the front 3 to drag the opposition about and create openings.

We look to be solid first and foremost using our 3-4-3 formation to defend in phases, with the initial phase using the 3 forwards to press as soon as Tatung get on the ball, Williams and Correa getting in the face of the opposition CBs, Asensio in behind closing off the ball to the CMs so that they are forced to rush it into the forward players who will be met with a compact block, midfield and defence pushed higher up so we can play as a compact unit and leave no time and space for the opposition in the middle of the pitch, whilst our WBs will also press high in this phase, sticking to the opposition wingers so that there is no possibility of going wide and getting in down the flanks to stretch us, force their wide players to move backwards to look to get involved, this leaves their FBs free but no one for them to pick out, keep them blocked in. If Tatung do break out, we drop deeper and defend in a 5-4-1, WBs will be compact to the CBs so there can be no gaps in the channels and the AMs will drop in so they can form a block of 4 with the CMs, we can keep Tatung moving around with square balls at this stage, defending narrow as all their attacking players want to occupy central spaces or make runs between FB and CB which simply isn’t there with the three CBs. Focusing on squeezing space rather than men in this manner is the simplest form of defence, we must make sure to never get sucked in towards the ball, this way there can never be a gap for an off the ball run or a gap for a forward pass into space. Eventually Tatung are going to give us a sniff to win the ball back, either a loose pass, or a ball to a man thats crowded out, we must win the battle every time they give us the chance to do so as this allows us to then attack them on the counter which makes us even more dangerous than when we are pressing higher up.

In terms of each mans job its very simple, work as a unit, make sure when the opposition has the ball you are close to your team mates, not letting gaps appear and making sure you’re there straight away if the man next to you is beaten, getting a tackle in. Despite the high press, we are well structured so that the WBs and AMs will be the only players who need to move from their positions today. We expect the opposition FBs to want to get forward as we will leave them that space when we press high, we won’t let this stretch us though, as soon as they go wide to the FB in our third, or even their attacking players if they move wide, we will have our WB step out to meet them, with the entire defence and midfield also pushing across so there can be no gaps, this means the AM on the side we are under attack also comes out towards the FB in order to make sure we can’t be doubled up on out wide, whilst our other AM makes sure he’s in position to cut out a quick switch of play, this way they can keep passing from flank to flank but it won’t change our defensive shape, we move as a team. Kranevitter and Tielemans will be key, for their age they are two very mature players, they lead this team, commanding the midfield, keeping our structure and allowing those around them to be on the front foot. Behind them we have a back 3 to make sure they can’t use the movement of their front 4 to get behind or down our sides when they win it, Christensen on the front foot against the striker, using his reading of the game and extra speed to keep the striker from linking things up or finding space in the box, with Balanta and Hernandez in position to stop any runs into the channels. Correa doesnt need to come back and defend when we drop, he’ll drop slightly deeper than usual for a CF but will always make sure he is free of their CMs so he can be available in space, if he can receive the ball between CMs and CBs it ives him time to turn and run into the space but also time for Williams and Asensio to catch up and make a run for him. As for Donnarumma, he just has to be better than Joe Hart today, its that simple.

Going forward plan A is to be on the front foot, attack them in their half, forcing them to play on the back foot as much as possible. We will look to go for a plan A which is to get in down the sides of the opposition. With our high pressing and extra energy we will be expecting to see more attacking phases than our opponents, whether this be from forcing mistakes and immediately looking for the killer ball behind them or by keeping the ball circling, in doing so looking to move it out to the flank where there is more space. We have selected two WBs who will look to provide the main width today, being supported by the forwards who are all equally adept at attacking from either flank and have all the tricks up their sleeves to leave either FB wishing he didn’t play, which judging by their results, they will already by starting this game with that feeling. When we get the ball out to the left side of our attack this is when we look to free space for Williams, doing so by having Asensio come out and support Henrichs and Correa looking to keep the CBs on their toes with his movement, by moving out to the right we expect their defence to shuffle across, once we reach the final third we look to come infield quickly with our players movements, either Asensio cutting in and releasing the ball to Williams, or quick one touch passing, with Correa able to run to the flank to take out a CB out or running behind across the CBs, Tielemans then uses his excellent running from midfield to look to get into space where he can be the man available to release Williams with the killer ball, with Asensio also looking to then move infield after he’s moved the ball on it should mean the overload into the left channel sucks the RCB in, as is the instinct of a CB when the rest of the team moves across, leaving Williams just enough room to get down the side, its going to be almost impossible to stop such a pacy player in this channel once he’s received the ball. This doesnt mean we can’t pick out the runs of Correa/Asensio or even Tielemans breaking into the box, but we see it as the most threatening way to get in and with the ability of Correa, Tielemans and Asensio to play the quick passing game we can see us being able to open up space a lot. When we go out to the left it is much the same thing, looking to draw the defenders across by doubling up out wide and then opening the space on the opposite flank. In these attacks the WBs can also be released with overlapping runs in behind, at this point we need Correa and the winger on the opposite side attacking the middle, with the opposite WB arriving at the back post. Failing this style of quick one touch attacking play looking to use our pace in the channels against the CBs we will play in a more narrow three pronged attack, with Williams and Asensio behind Correa but able to go beyond him, in this system we keep the ball moving, either going wide and stretching things out, with the opposite wide player always holding width, or playing infield and using rotation between Asensio, Correa, Williams to try and create confusion. The key is to keep them on the back foot, don’t let them quick the ball for long enough to settle in possession and we know that the more of the ball we see higher up the higher the chances of eventually breaking them down, or at least tiring them out for subs. Kranevitter and Tielemans again are crucial, they keep us in control, they keep the ball moving and Tielemans in particular looks to find openings with his passing.

Subs:

If Winning: Merino and Dembele for Correa and Asensio with Williams going CF, 70'. This change is just designed to keep fresh legs pressing high up and using Dembele against tiring defenders. Blin for Tielemans 80', fresh legs in midfield, more defensive minded.

If Drawing: Dembele for Asensio 65', look to run at them. Charly for Kranevitter 70', offensive change, Tielemans takes a more controlled role, Charly looking to use his pace and creativity to break from the midfield position, adding an extra body in attack. Ganz for Balanta 80', go 4-4-2 for the final 10 and look to get that winner.

If Losing: Dembele and Ganz for the WBs, Dembele and Correa become WFs 60', Williams and Ganz CFs and Asensio behind them. Charly for Kranevitter 65', like above he looks to break from the midfield.

Injured
Marc-Oliver Kempf
Johannes Geis
Nabil Fekir
Tin Jedvaj

Overview of our 4-4-2 formation V Forres Mechanics

Captain: Stark
Pens: Janssen
Corners: Pjaca (Schöpf) / Pulisic
Free Kicks: Dahoud

---------------------------Karius
Meunier------Stark--------------Engels------Augustinsson
Pjaca---------Dahoud----------Riedewald------------Pulisic
----------------Janssen-----------Fischer


Subs: Zoet, Tete, Ajer, van de Beek, Schöpf, Cerny, Bergwijn

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

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

Of our two central midfielders, Riedewald 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 Riedewald we find Dahoud, a dynamic box to box midfielder and it’s 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 Riedewald’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.

Riedewald 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 - Whilst Pjaca on the right will operate more as an orthodox winger, the two footed Pulisic on the left has the option to operate as either an orthodox or inverted winger.

Both Pjaca and Pulisic are able to create a chance out of seemingly nothing at times and their direct running is a defender’s nightmare. Their dribbling speed is excellently-timed in tough situations and both are definitely not shy to contribute defensively out of possession too.

When we are on the attack Meunier and Augustinsson our fleet footed and technically gifted full backs are instructed to put their impressive pace go use by creating overlaps, hence keeping the width down the flank in the final-third and look to supply crosses to the two strikers.

Meunier and Augustinsson’s positioning in the wide areas should pull the opposition full-back out wide, thereby opening the channels for Pulisic and Pjaca to exploit.

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

Of our two forwards, Fischer 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, Fischer 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.

Subs: Fresh legs on 75 mins, we’re clearly playing an attacking brand of football and I want to keep that intensity up to the final whistle.

Tete on for Meunier and Schöpf on for Pjaca

Wellington Phoenix tactics – Week 9 at home to Edinburgh

4-3-3
-------------Foderingham--------------------
Jung-----Bailly------Wimmer----Grimaldo
------------Can-----Coquelin---------------
Deulofeu--------VDV------------Iwobi
----------------Rashford------------

Subs: Pandev, Doria, Gray, Besic, Dembele, Elneny

Captain: Howard
FKs, pens & corners VDV

Today we look to move the ball quickly and constantly attack. TACTICS ARE IN ON TIME, so we are really going for it today, we’re at home too against a side that I predict will be conservative in their approach against us but we want to make them pay for this, really get at them and pummel them. We are pumped and want this game to be the turning point for our season. I’m already adding the 2m to our budget we want it that much. Essentially this week is my usual tactics, but a bit more attacking and on steroids, with a load of motivation thrown in too.

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 Edinburgh's and get the ball back.

Foderingham – 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 - the FB may be exposed as Deulofeu bombs on, in these instances Coq can cover out wide as we will have Can & VDV 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 Deulofeu or Rashford 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.

Can – 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.

Deulofeu & Iwobi – hungry, direct, pacey and unpredictable, which will make them a constant pain for Willy. 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. They 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.

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 – 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 as hes such a dangerous finisher

Subs if winning on 65 mins - Besic for Can, Elneny for VDV & Gray for Deulofeu. All like for like changes but with more defensive minded players who are more naturally inclined to track back.

If losing on 65 mins - Elneny for Coq sit deep alongside Can but also play more b2b, just to give us more fluidity and less predictability to our play.

Gray for Gray and Dembele for VDV, like for like Gray, but Dembele to line up alongside Rashford. Gray is more direct and more inclined to get in the box and shoot

------------------Dragowski------------------
M.Ginter--Williams--Lindelof--S.Umtiti
--------------N.Kante--Diawara------------
Embolo--------------Alli------------Gabriel
-------------------Batshuayi------------------

Holding, Chilwell, Grujic, Ounas, Gumbau, Mayoral, E.Ponce

In goal Dragowski 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.

Ashley Williams and Lindelof at the back so on this occassion Lindelof will man mark the CF. He 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. Williams alongside is fantastic in the air and a big powerful guy, 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.

Ginter and Umtiti at fullback, we must keep the wingers quiet, stop them and we stop a lot of there attacks. 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. Both have good marking abilities and are sound defensively, 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 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. Diawara takes over from the suspended Neves and 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, Diawara 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 back 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 Batshuayi. All three are good all round midfielders, Kante i want to sit in the hole with the two either side when defending.

Embolo and Gabriel 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. Always be looking for Alli inside as the three make an awesome trio attack wise in behind Batshuayi and a scary proposition for the opposition back line.

Batshuayi 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 Batshuayi 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 Embolo 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 - Williams
Free Kicks - Alli
Pens - Batshuayi
Corners - Wingers

Subs:-

60 Mins Mayoral for Embolo

75 Mins
Losing E.Ponce for Lindelof, go 3 at the back 3412
Winning Grujic for Alli he sits in a 3 man CM
Drawing - E.Ponce for Alli sits just on Batshuayi's shoulder