——————————Kepa
--------Hernandez---Christensen---Balanta
Vrsaljko---Kranevitter----Blin----Merino-----Shaw
——————Williams---------Correa

Subs: Svilar, Mammana, Henrichs, Charly, Asensio, Lozano, Cornet

Captain: Matias Kranevitter
Free Kicks: Angel Correa
Corners: Mikel Merino
Penalties: Iñaki Williams

Game of the season without a doubt but we’ve already beaten them once and we know we can do it again, all but winning us the title. We’ve made a slight change bringing Blin in as an extra midfielder, taking out a forward so we can block to the midfield as this is the area in which Juve’s best work happens. We are going to work as a team and focus on squeezing space rather than men this week and look to hit the front two and the WBs when we get forward.

We look to be solid first and foremost using our 3-5-2 formation to defend as a unit. As soon as Juve get into our half we will have Angel Correa on their deepest midfielders looking to get in their face, supported by Iñaki Williams who will look to shut out passing options back to the defenders so that we can rush Juventus into the crowded midfield area. Once we’ve rushed Juve into this area they’ll find the route to goal blocked by a 5 man midfield and 3 man defence that can easily become a 5-4-1 with WBs dropping back and Correa joining the midfield. The 5 man midfield will close up to each other and form a block, one putting pressure on the man on the ball and the other 4 holding their rigid shape so Juve can’t find gaps to penetrate us. Christensen will step slightly further up from his other two CBs, focusing on reading the play and positioning himself to stop any Juve players behind able to find space between midfield and defence, with the other two waiting in behind we can be really compact as a team so we can just surround Juve off the ball and make it a really slow game. We expect the FBs to be the ones charged with holding width and we fancy our WBs are capable of dealing with them and it will be up to them for the most part, however we must offer them protection in two scenarios. Firstly, if we get forced right back into our half we will look to hold a narrower back 5, WBs and CBs in a line close enough to touch each other, this will make it harder for Juves forwards to get down the sides of the defender, if they beat one they have another immediately in their way, but this will mean that Correa will have to drop right back when Juve double up down either flank and it will be his job to track the FB, when this happens Williams must also come across to make it easier for us to play him into space, the room the FB leaves vacant is perfect for him to attack and we will look for first time balls to exploit his pace in the wide areas. Secondly if Juve decide the midfield area is too packed and initially look to go out to the FBs in a bid to start attacks we will shuffle the team across to combat their attempt to introduce width in the early stages of attacks, the WB and Correa looking to go 2 v 2 with their wide players whilst the rest of the team forms a block around this area of the field, meaning the CMs block the route infield, the 3 defenders come across and form the final shield and the opposite wide men will then become an out ball along with Williams. If we surround them on the flanks they’ll struggle to get out.

Going forward we have to attack with the fewest number of passes possible, and this will usually mean using our WBs. We know we can suck in their FBs/WBs and then use the space behind them to high affect, we can also look to bypass any attempt to bypass us by using our pace in these areas. Williams and Correa will burst forward at every opportunity, whilst the WBs can also move forward depending on the side of the attack. In these positions we have Correa, Williams and Merino joining from deep plus the WB vs their remaining defenders, Correa and Williams are the men to get on the ball in the final third and make things happen, Williams looking to make runs with his pace down the sides of the defenders, the WB on the side of the attack motoring forward so we can use them to stretch the game, both excellent going forward and have great pace and stamina to get up and down the line all game. The other option is to go wide to the WBs initially rather than straight to the wingers and suck in their wide players(especially look to go to the side where the opposition FB is sucked forward), leaving Correa and Williams running behind the opposition FBs into loads of vacated space, in these positions they simply won’t be caught and can quickly get up against the back line. Once in the final third we have to use our flair, Juve have a sturdy defence but Merino, Correa and Williams are unpredictable, they all have what it takes to do something special and win games and this is what we need today. 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, 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. We can also use the first time ball over the top, get Williams running beyond the slow Italian Juve have at the back!

Subs:

If Winning: Henrichs for Merino 70’, fresh legs in the key area. Asensio and Cornet for Williams and Correa 80’.

If Drawing: Asensio and Cornet for Merino and Correa 70’, Asensio provides an extra spark and Cornet a bigger goal threat. Henrichs for Vrsaljiko 80’, fresh attacking threat from WB.

If Losing: Asensio for Merino 50’ onwards, we go with three in attack. Cornet and Charly for Correa and Balanta 75’, 4-3-3 look to get at them with our pace and flair.

One day I'll actually get my new tactics done

<u>Injured</u>
Loris Karius
Maarten Stekelenburg
Vincent Janssen
Tin Jedvaj
Niklas Stark

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

Captain: Geis
Pens: Huntelaar
Free Kicks: Geis

----------------------Wellenreuther
Tete------------Süle------------Riedewald-------Wendell
Brandt---------Geis-------------Dahoud-----------Meyer
-----------------Vietto-----------Huntelaar


Subs: van de Meulenhof, Klostermann, de Ligt, van der Beek, Goretzka, Pulisic, Schöpf

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 dead-ball specialist so watch out for his pin point accuracy from corners and free kicks.

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 - Whilst Brandt on the right will operate more as an orthodox winger, Meyer on the left will operate as an inverted winger.

Both Brandt and Meyer 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 Tete and Wendell are instructed to creating overlaps, hence keeping the width down the flank in the final-third and look to supply crosses to the two strikers.

Tete and Wendell’s positioning in the wide areas should pull the opposition full-back out wide, thereby opening the channels for Meyer and Brandt to exploit.

When we are on the defence Tete & Wendell are expected to use their stamina and tackling ability to equally good effect.

Of our two forwards, Vietto will run the channels and drop into pockets of space in between our opponent’s defenders and midfielders, while Huntelaar 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 Huntelaar already occupying the opposition central defenders, Vietto 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 on both sides of the pitch - we’re clearly playing an attacking brand of football and I want to keep that intensity up to the final whistle.
Schöpf on for Brandt and Pulisic on for Meyer

Wellington Phoenix tactics – Week 17 at home to Cambuur

-----------------Howard-------------------
Jung-----Bailly----Wimmer--Borthwick Jackson
------------------X.Alonso----------------
Deulofeu--------Diame--------D.Costa
----------------Fekir------Milik---------------

Subs: Martinez, Doria, Lascalles, Teixeira, Coquelin, Iwobi, Rashford
Captain – X.Alonso
Vice – Howard
Corners – Costa
FKs from deep – X.Alonso
FKs at goal - Costa
Pens - Milik

We're at home, in good form and against a side that like to play good football, so we will be looking to play our game and make it an exciting one. Despite Cambuur being away from home, we know they will still try to play and not just settle for stifling us, so we have decided to try and match (and better) this and exploit his attacking nature and fight fire with fire, rather than doing a Willy. We understand the risks but hopefully we will minimize them as much as possible with our tactics and the physicality of our defensive players. Essentially we will be looking to win the ball back high up the pitch and from there we have great ball playing defenders and the maestro Alonso, picking out passes. The plan is that playing outside of the conventional formation with give us the upper hand due to the shock factor and the extra player will mean that the Cambuur defence will always be occupied. While they'll probably have contingencies in place, hopefully by flooding the box with fluid attackers we can have their defenders falling each other and giving this side the big defeat they've been due all season. Obviously our midfield two will be put under more strain, but Alonso is such an intelligent reader of the game who has never relied on pace or an all action style and Diame is just an animal, who can cover a lot of ground, support the defenders and the attacks and has enough ability to move the ball on to the better players.

Our defence will play high, we realise this is a risk against a team with as young, skillful & powerful as Cambuur, but our defence is as fast and powerful as anyones and will be playing on the front foot. Although we will have to be more wary of midfield runners with this formation, I would bet that we will still have a free man along the back line, which really means our players can attack the ball with confidence, keeping Cambuur in their own box. As always, although we are playing a high line and pushing to keep the play in the opposition half, we will not play an offside trap unless it’s clear – this means the defenders can read the game and drop off half a yard in anticipation of a ball coming over the top to give them the edge on the striker. This, matched with their sheer pace, should be enough to mean that it will take something very special for LC to get in behind us. Insert diiiildo chair joke here!

IN SUMMARY – we’re looking to press Cambuur into either playing themselves into trouble and making mistakes at the back or resorting to clearing the ball, which our defence can deal with comfortably given their attributes and recycle position back to Alonso, to get us started again.

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).

CBW & 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. Given our formation, they won’t really be getting forward too often, but they will have their chances. Mainly we want them getting the right side of their attacker and making us hard to beat, but when we’re with the ball I do want them to be hugging the opposite touchline, not too far up the pitch, just to give an option to switch the play and keep our width if the wide forward drifts inside to join the play. I don’t want them making overlapping runs all the time when the play is on their side though, just stretching the play with the switch option.

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. Usual thing really, but with more licence to attack the ball and they’ll probably be on the ball a bit more than usual, starting things up – so enjoy it and show what you can do!

X.Alonso – Playing a similar role to how he has operated at Bayern in the last year or so. He has a very talented, energetic side around him and he’s the cool head in the middle to bring it all together and make them tick. He’ll be protecting the defence as ever, with his reading of the game and picking up the ball from the defence and spraying passes around. This should be a fun challenge for him, something slightly different which I believe he will relish. The movement in front of him will make this aspect of his game relatively easy given his ability to pick a pass, but more importantly a lot of fun for him! Defensively he may get caught 2v1 now and again but he has the intelligence to know when to foul, when to hold people up and allow Diame to get back and when to call a defender out to help him.

Diame – bags of energy, good passing, good shot, good decision making. These attributes make this man the perfect box to box player for our formation today. He will play slightly ahead of Alonso, his main role will be to put the Cambuur DM under too much pressure to settle on the ball and play them out of trouble. He should thrive on getting on the ball in dangerous areas, rather than a more reserved role, with a lot of movement and pace around him causing problems for the opposition, giving him a little more space than usual as well. Defensively, I just want him to be very aware of the counter attack and when Alonso is being doubled up on bust a gut to get back and help him. But when we are pressing the opposition in a normal situation he will be up high on the DM.

Deulofeu & Costa – hungry, direct, pacey and unpredictable, which will make them a constant pain for Cambuur. I want them always looking to get forward, beat a man, taking the quickest route into the box, whether that be a direct run in or down the line and whip a ball in. I want them always wanting the ball too, always moving off the ball. Off the ball it’s simple, just drop in and get goalside of your FB as soon as you can. Not so much defensive responsibility today with our FBs playing as defenders, not wing backs, so they will look to get at the full backs in 1v1 battles, keep them pinned back and just try to beat them and get the ball in the box. If the opposition FBs do try and push on, let them – we will try and stop the attack very quickly and aggressively at the back and then when we get the ball back, the wingers will have space and we will outnumber the defence 4 to 3.

Costa is my star man, his two assists on his debut were sensational and I'm hoping his form continues today!

Milik – natural game for him today – playing as a proper CF, keeping the CBs occupied all game, challenging for anything in the air, holding up the play and bringing others into the game and generally springing to life when the ball is anywhere near the box.

Fekir – luxury role today as wherever he goes he will be a nuisance. He can play exactly as he likes, roaming around and playing off Milik. This means when he plays as a CF their defence will be stretched and tested, when he drops off the DM will be too occupied with Diame to deal with him and he will be able to run at the defence. For him it’s all about getting on the ball in the spaces he finds, wherever they may be and just enjoying himself and really giving Cambuur a torrid time.

Subs – If winning on 70 mins - Coq, Rashford & Iwobi for Milik, Fekir & Deulofeu. Moving to a conventional 4-3-3-:
-----------------Alonso---------------
----------Coq-------Diame-------
Costa---------Rashford--------Iwobi

If losing or drawing on 70 mins - Iwobi for Deulofeu, Rashford for Fekir and Coq for Diame. Like for like just to keep us going at them with intensity and fresh direct legs

-------------------Gordon------------------
Semedo--van Dijk--Jagielka--Denayer
-------------Sturaro--Khedira-------------
N.Redmond------Luan------J.Rodriguez
-------------------Locadia-------------------

Ward, Tierney, Linetty, Roberts, Diaz, 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.

van Dijk will mark the striker, and Jagielka 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, Semedo is especially good and supporting the winger so he will be up and down the pitch, Denayer 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.

Khedira is our defensive midfielder a big game for the youngster but has been proven on the big stage and Sturaro and Luan are our playmakers and attacking midfielders, Sturaro is the playmaker a good combination with the other two and once Khedira has the ball won, a little pass sideways/forwards to either of the two and we are away very quickly on the attack, Sturaro who will look to pass it forward to the attacking players, both can tackle so dont let their midfield near our defence! Luan is the one likes to support the striker so he will be making the late runs into the danger area. He has skills to take him passed players and his passing i svery good as he will look to get Locadia into a shooting opportunity. Will link well with Redmond and Rodriguez.

Redmond and Rodriguez are very quick and can score spectacular goals, so we have given them freedom to attack the fullbacks, Redmond tends to cut inside whereas Rodriguez will go to the outside and cross in, Redmond 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 4/5 are always difficult to penetrate.

Locadia is quick and good eye for goal, will look to link up quickly with Luan as he comes forward with Sturaro as they will be a big threat today hopefully. All about movement as they 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 Luan
Free Kicks Luan
Corners The wingers will take

Substitutes

If we are losing Nunez will come on for Luan and we go 4-4-2 on 70 Minutes

Still losing on 75 Minutes Roberts will come on for Semedo we go 3-4-3 and Redmond up front up front

Winning then Linetty on for Luan and Nunez for Locadia on 80 mins

Drawing Diaz on for Luan on 70 Min and Roberts for Redmond at the same time

Blyth
Injuries:
Andrea Barzagli
Munir El Haddadi
Umar Sadiq


…………………………………………Buffon…………………………….
Calabria………………..Rugani…………..Silva…………………De Sciglio
…………………………………………De Rossi……………………………………
Yedlin……………………………………………………………………….Aarons
……………………………..Lapadula…Ibra….Carroll………………………
Subs: Cragno, IOrfa, Zimmermann, Mauri, Motta, Zidane, Boateng

Well coming towards the end of a disappointing season so we’re gonna have some fun with a 4-3-3

Massive gaps through the middle today – mainly to draw Fan onto us, before we press them and try an win the ball back.
This is going be as direct as you can imagine – really won’t be pretty but with 3 central strikers we look to over-load Fans defence at all times which means one of his Midfielders will have to drop back, which in turn will then relieve the pressure on our selves through the middle.

The Defence
Slightly controversial here but De Sciglio and Calabria will step up so not really full backs but DMR and DML – they bookend De Rossi as a second defensive line (although it would really be a primary defensive line)
Yedlin and Aarons will be operating as wing-backs which means we will still have some defence width, whilst having the legs to get forward and aim at our 3 big men up-top.

The Midfield
De Rossi is the midfield general and will act as a quarter-back collecting from the defence before spraying diagonal balls really looking to stretch Forres – as we transition seamlessly from defence to attack.

The Trident
All about brute strength today – no need to try and pick the lock we’re gonna smash the fecking doors down – we want to stand them up and over-whelm their numbers. Our Wing-backs will kick on so their FB’s will be occupied…so there midfield will get deeper and deeper which suits us just fine

Ibra – will position himself directly in-front of both CB’s he’s the battering ram
Lapadula – will look to attack the space between LCB and LB
Carroll – will look to attack the space between RCB and RB

Subs:
65 mins
Motta > De Rossi – like for like


Love and Peace

------------------ Butland --------------------
P.Lahm - Williams - R.Varane - Chilwell
------------- E.Can ----- Kante --------------
Berardi --------- Neves ------------ Martial
------------------- Baston ---------------------

Dragowski, Holding, Grujic, Diawara, Lookman, Mayoral, G.Jesus

In goal Butland 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.

Williams in besdide Varane, on this occassion Varane will man mark the CF. Varane 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, 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.

Lahm and Chilwell at fullback, we must keep the wingers quiet, stop them and we stop a lot of there attacks. Lahm and Chilwell are perfect for this . They will look to keep them away from shooting areas where is dangerous in any position. This is a vital clash in this game. They will be up against quality wingers so look to force him away from goal and backwards, Chilwell with his attacking prowess, will push his back, Lahm 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 (Chilwell more often then Lahm) 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.

We go with a slight change to our midfield, Kante 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. E.Can 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, E.Can 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. 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 Neves in a No.10 role or just slightly withdrawn No.10 against there DM he must be strong, Neves is an all round fantastic midfielder,, however he will look to take the DM on one v one drag him about open up spaces for others to drive into, with the ball at feet look to play quick one twos with those around him so he makes the runs into the box looking for that return ball that will get him in on goal. If the ball is played to him with his back to goal hold it up, draw the foul from the DM, if it doesnt come then look to lay it off, look to play the slide pass into Baston. All three are good all round midfielders, But Kante i want to sit in the hole with the two either side when defending.

Berardi and Martial 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 Neves inside as the three make an awesome trio attack wise in behind Baston and a scary proposition for there back line.

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

Captain - Lahm
Penalties - Martial
Free kicks - Berardi
Corners - Wingers

Subs:-
65 Mins -
Losing - Gabriel Jesus for Neves 4-4-2 he plays just off Baston

75 Mins - Mayoral for Baston, he goes to RW and Berardi up front with Jesus

Winning -
75 Mins - Diawara for Neves, he sits in and Jesus for Baston to run at tiring players

——————————-—Donnarumma
—————Mammana——Christensen——Balanta
Aina————————Blin————Tielemans————Henrichs
—————Zivkovic———————————Asensio
—————————————Cornet

Subs: Kepa, Vrsaljko, Charly, Merino, Augustin, Williams, Correa


Champions. Congratulations boys. Today's game is a chance for you to enjoy your ovation, take in all the plaudits and most impossible give the away fans an amazing send off after the incredible support they've shown this season. Go out there and have some fun, express yourselves, especially those of you coming in for debuts.

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 and the WBs to press as soon as Tatung move the ball into our half, Zivkovic and Asensio narrowing along with the WBs pushing up and forcing the opposition wingers infield to find space, Cornet looking to rush to CMs getting in their face and making them move the ball faster than they want, making sure that the middle of the pitch is crowded out and the only viable option is to use their FBs as an outball or risk losing the ball to our greater numbers in central areas. Once we’ve rushed Tatung into wide areas they’ll find the route to goal blocked by a 3-2-5 press down the flanks, WBs and wide forwards doubling up against their counterparts and looking to win the battles from there, with Cornet as the out ball and the opposite wide forward and our CMs narrowing to the play to block Tatungs route in field, the three CBs coming across again allowing us to keep a compact defensive press, they give us that extra protection if Tatung work the ball out. Focusing on keeping Tatung limited to attacks in the wide areas should make them easier to defend against as the space is tighter and our extra energy in central areas should mean we can control that area if they ever try getting infield. 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, its key to us catching them out today, we have to be in their faces from the off and ready to win all the battles. If we have to revert to a 5-4-1 because they are putting on a lot of pressure we are capable of dropping deeper and with standing an onslaught, looking to use Cornets pace to still pose a threat.

Going forward we have to attack with the fewest number of passes possible, and this will usually mean using our wide players. We know we can suck in their FBs and then use the space behind them to high affect, we can also look to bypass any attempt to press us by using our pace in these areas. Zivkovic and Asensio will burst forward at every opportunity, whilst the WBs can also move forward depending on the side of the attack. In these positions we have Zivkovic, Asensio and Cornet plus the WB vs their remaining defenders, Asensio and Zivkovic are the men to get on the ball in the final third and make things happen, Cornet looking to make runs with his pace down the sides of the defenders, the WB on the side of the attack motoring forward so we can use them to stretch the game, both excellent going forward and have great pace and stamina to get up and down the line all game. The other option is to go wide to the WBs initially rather than straight to the wingers and suck in their wide players(especially look to go to the side where the opposition FB is sucked forward), leaving Asensio and Zivkovic running behind the opposition FBs into loads of vacated space, in these positions they simply won’t be caught and can quickly get up against the back line. Once in the final third we have to use our flair, Tatung have a sturdy defence but Zivkovic, Asensio and Cornet are unpredictable, they all have what it takes to do something special and win games and this is what we need today. 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. Tielemans can step slightly further forward into midfield and combine with the attackers, knowing he has Blin, one WB and the CBs behind as cover, but also making sure if the forwards 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. If we struggle in the wide areas the wide forwards can narrow to Cornet and we can look to go 3 forwards vs their CBs, looking to use our pace to get down the sides of the CBs.

Subs:

If Winning: Correa and Williams for Cornet and Asensio 70'. Vrsaljko for Henrichs 75'.

If Drawing: Charly for Zivkovic 65'. Williams for Cornet 70'. Correa for Christensen 75', 4-2-3-1 with Correa left, Charly right, Asensio central and Williams up top.

If Losing: Above 3 changes all on 65'

--------------------Gordon------------------
R.Oxford--van Dijk--Denayer--Tierney
--------------Sturaro--Khedira------------
N.Redmond-------Luan-----J.Rodriguez
-------------------Sturridge-----------------

Marquez, O'Connell, Samper, Roberts, Dembele, 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.

van Dijk will mark the striker, and Denayer 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! Both fullbacks out so Reece Oxford comes in at right back. 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, Oxford 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.

Khedira is our defensive midfielder a big game for the youngster but has been proven on the big stage and Sturaro and Luan are our playmakers and attacking midfielders, Sturaro is the playmaker a good combination with the other two and once Khedira has the ball won, a little pass sideways/forwards to either of the two and we are away very quickly on the attack, Sturaro who will look to pass it forward to the attacking players, both can tackle so dont let their midfield near our defence! Luan is the one likes to support the striker so he will be making the late runs into the danger area. He has skills to take him passed players and his passing i svery good as he will look to get Sturridge into a shooting opportunity. Will link well with Redmond and Rodriguez.

Redmond and Rodriguez are very quick and can score spectacular goals, so we have given them freedom to attack the fullbacks, Redmond tends to cut inside whereas Rodriguez will go to the outside and cross in, Redmond 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 4/5 are always difficult to penetrate.

Sturridge is quick and good eye for goal, will look to link up quickly with Luan as he comes forward with Sturaro as they will be a big threat today hopefully. All about movement as they 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 Luan
Free Kicks Luan
Corners The wingers will take

Substitutes

If we are losing Dembele will come on for Luan and we go 4-4-2 on 70 Minutes

Still losing on 80 minutes Tierney will go to LM playing 3 at the back, Jese will also go up front

If we are winning then Samper on for Luan on 70 minutes and play in midfield, Dembele on for Sturridge on 80 mins

And drawing all straight swaps, Roberts for Redmond, Dembele for Luan and swap with Sturridge who will play just behind Dembele

week 18 home vs Blyth

Injuries- Callegari, Lirola, Pjaca

-------------------------------Mirante--------------------------------

Hysaj----------De Vrij----------Chiellini(c)-----------Guerreiro

---------------------Kimmich----------Saul----------------------

Draxler--------------------Sanches-----------------------Emre Mor

-------------------------------Dybala----------------------------------

subs: DiMarco, Maksimovic, Lemina, Passlack, Andre Horta, Aduriz, Andre Silva

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 attacking threat so we need to negate that by keeping them away from the box, we've added the experience and leadership of Giorgio Chiellini who returns from injury this week who will help organise and guide our young players through the game, a real leader. Sanches will join Dybala in the first line to pressurise the Blyth defenders while Draxler and Emre 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 Raphael 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.

---------------------De Vrij-----------Chiellini-------------------

-------------------Kimmich

Hysaj---------------------------Saul-------------------Raphael
------------------Draxler-------------------Emre--------------
(opp FB)---------(opp MF)----------------(opp MF)---------(opp FB)

---------------Dybala-------------------Sanches-------------------
--------------(oppCB)--------------------(oppCB)---------------


In possession game plan: we are a side full of energy and pace, and will be looking to fully utilise this in our attacking game. In Kimmich, Saul and Sanches we have great central presence to move the ball in the opposition half. As the deepest of the midfield three, Kimmich has the most responsibility in moving the ball from the deep phases of build up, Saul next to him is very adept at carrying the ball and his passing both long and short is superb, Sanches, Emre and Draxler both 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. Dybala makes his return to the XI this week, and we all know how good he is, his movement, intelligence and shooting ability will be very much on show today, can go in behind or come short and try and create, a real all round fantastic forward who will create havoc for defences.

subs: Lemina for Saul on 80 minutes, fresh legs, Kimmich sits and plays as the distributor, will look to spread the ball wide quickly to Draxler and Emre

if losing after 65 minutes: switch Aduriz for Sanches, Aduriz to move up front alongside Dybala who will use his pace and movement to get in behind and stretch the defence of Blyth creating more space and pushing them back while Aduriz plays as more of a target man.

if winning after 85 minutes, Passlack comes on for Emre, switch to 4-5-1, Kimmich to hold in front of the defence, using his strength and power to marshall the Blyth attack while still retaining the ability to distribute and begin counter attacks, Passlack to play as a defensive right midfielder in front of Hysaj while Draxler switches sides and plays a more disciplined role on the left

Overview of our 4-3-3 formation


---------------------------Karius
Jedvaj------Stark---------------Sule-----------Wendell
----------------Geis---------------Goretzka
-------------------------Meyer
--------Vietto-----Huntelaar--------Brandt

Subs: Stekelenburg, Tete, Klostermann, Riedewald, Schöpf, Pulisic, Werner

Corners: Geis /Brandt
Pens: Huntelaar (Werner)
Free Kicks: Geis/Brandt
Captain: Meyer


Our system has four defenders; two centre-halves and two full-backs. The midfield will be deployed with two holding midfielders at the base of a central midfield triangle that includes one advanced central midfielder.

Up top, we have two wide forwards and a centre-forward who leads the attack through the middle.
When our team has the ball, the two full-backs will be detailed to push into the opponents’ half to supply width in attacks.

In midfield Geis and Goretzka will act as our anchor-men sitting in front of the centre-backs, freeing Meyer to push forward and support play through the middle.

In the forward positions, our wide forwards Pulisic and Brandt will converge centrally from the flanks and look to attack the inside channels or a effect the game in between the opposition defenders and midfielders.

Huntelaar our centre forward in this system will work as the furthest striker, playing off the shoulder of the last opposition central defender, from where he can feed on the service from the full-backs and through-balls from midfielders.

When defending, we’ll conform to a 4-5-1 formation with the two wide forwards dropping into midfield to track back with the opposition full-backs.

Our central midfielders will have the collective duty of stopping the opposition’s central midfielders from creating chances and taking shots in front of the defence, while the back-four acts as the last line of defence in front of the keeper.

Most teams play with only one or two strikers up top so three strikers will form a potent front-line with our centre forward stretching the opponents’ defensive line as the furthest striker while our wide forwards exploit the space that is created from the movement of the target man.

I would expect our wide forwards to pose the biggest threat to our opposition with their movement because they can run the channels, drop into pockets of space in between the lines or run in behind the opponent’s full-backs.

It will take a lot of co-ordination and defensive discipline from our opposition’s central defenders, full-backs and central midfielders to contain these mobile wide forwards.

Subs: 75th Min – Keep the opposition defence more than busy with the introduction of Pulisic on for Brandt & Werner on for Huntelaar

Sorry made a typo go with these

Overview of our 4-3-3 formation


---------------------------Karius
Jedvaj------Stark---------------Sule-----------Wendell
----------------Geis---------------Goretzka
-------------------------Meyer
--------Vietto-----Huntelaar--------Brandt

Subs: Stekelenburg, Tete, Klostermann, Riedewald, Schöpf, Pulisic, Werner

Corners: Geis /Brandt
Pens: Huntelaar (Werner)
Free Kicks: Geis/Brandt
Captain: Meyer


Our system has four defenders; two centre-halves and two full-backs. The midfield will be deployed with two holding midfielders at the base of a central midfield triangle that includes one advanced central midfielder.

Up top, we have two wide forwards and a centre-forward who leads the attack through the middle.
When our team has the ball, the two full-backs will be detailed to push into the opponents’ half to supply width in attacks.

In midfield Geis and Goretzka will act as our anchor-men sitting in front of the centre-backs, freeing Meyer to push forward and support play through the middle.

In the forward positions, our wide forwards Vietto and Brandt will converge centrally from the flanks and look to attack the inside channels or a effect the game in between the opposition defenders and midfielders.

Huntelaar our centre forward in this system will work as the furthest striker, playing off the shoulder of the last opposition central defender, from where he can feed on the service from the full-backs and through-balls from midfielders.

When defending, we’ll conform to a 4-5-1 formation with the two wide forwards dropping into midfield to track back with the opposition full-backs.

Our central midfielders will have the collective duty of stopping the opposition’s central midfielders from creating chances and taking shots in front of the defence, while the back-four acts as the last line of defence in front of the keeper.

Most teams play with only one or two strikers up top so three strikers will form a potent front-line with our centre forward stretching the opponents’ defensive line as the furthest striker while our wide forwards exploit the space that is created from the movement of the target man.

I would expect our wide forwards to pose the biggest threat to our opposition with their movement because they can run the channels, drop into pockets of space in between the lines or run in behind the opponent’s full-backs.

It will take a lot of co-ordination and defensive discipline from our opposition’s central defenders, full-backs and central midfielders to contain these mobile wide forwards.

Subs: 75th Min – Keep the opposition defence more than busy with the introduction of Pulisic on for Brandt & Werner on for Huntelaar

Wellington Phoenix tactics – Week 18 away at Edinburgh

-----------------Howard-------------------
Jung-----Bailly----Wimmer--Grimaldo
------------------X.Alonso----------------
D.Costa--------Diame--------Rashford
----------------Fekir------Milik---------------

Subs: Martinez, Doria, Lascalles, Teixeira, Arbeloa, Iwobi, Reine-Adelaide

Captain – X.Alonso
Vice – Howard
Corners – Costa
FKs from deep – X.Alonso
FKs at goal - Costa
Pens - Milik

We're away from home, but we're in good form and we're going to stick with playing the way that has worked in the last few weeks and try and push on for a top half finish and carry our momentum into the cup. As the home side, we know Edinburgh will try to play and not just settle for stifling us, so we have decided to try and match (and better) this and exploit his attacking nature and fight fire with fire, rather than doing a Willy. We understand the risks but hopefully we will minimize them as much as possible with our tactics and the physicality of our defensive players. Essentially we will be looking to win the ball back high up the pitch and from there we have great ball playing defenders and the maestro Alonso, picking out passes. The plan is that playing outside of the conventional formation with give us the upper hand due to the shock factor and the extra player will mean that the Edinburgh defence will always be occupied. While they'll probably have contingencies in place, hopefully by flooding the box with fluid attackers we can have their defenders falling each other and giving this side the big defeat they've been due all season. Obviously our midfield two will be put under more strain, but Alonso is such an intelligent reader of the game who has never relied on pace or an all action style and Diame is just an animal, who can cover a lot of ground, support the defenders and the attacks and has enough ability to move the ball on to the better players.

Our defence will play high, we realise this is a risk against a team with as young, skillful & powerful as Edinburgh, but our defence is as fast and powerful as anyones and will be playing on the front foot. Although we will have to be more wary of midfield runners with this formation, I would bet that we will still have a free man along the back line, which really means our players can attack the ball with confidence, keeping Edinburgh in their own box. As always, although we are playing a high line and pushing to keep the play in the opposition half, we will not play an offside trap unless it’s clear – this means the defenders can read the game and drop off half a yard in anticipation of a ball coming over the top to give them the edge on the striker. This, matched with their sheer pace, should be enough to mean that it will take something very special for Edinburgh to get in behind us. No rude jokes this week!

IN SUMMARY – we’re looking to press Edinburgh into either playing themselves into trouble and making mistakes at the back or resorting to clearing the ball, which our defence can deal with comfortably given their attributes and recycle position back to Alonso, to get us started again.

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. Given our formation, they won’t really be getting forward too often, but they will have their chances. Mainly we want them getting the right side of their attacker and making us hard to beat, but when we’re with the ball I do want them to be hugging the opposite touchline, not too far up the pitch, just to give an option to switch the play and keep our width if the wide forward drifts inside to join the play. I don’t want them making overlapping runs all the time when the play is on their side though, just stretching the play with the switch option.

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. Usual thing really, but with more licence to attack the ball and they’ll probably be on the ball a bit more than usual, starting things up – so enjoy it and show what you can do!

X.Alonso – Playing a similar role to how he has operated at Bayern in the last year or so. He has a very talented, energetic side around him and he’s the cool head in the middle to bring it all together and make them tick. He’ll be protecting the defence as ever, with his reading of the game and picking up the ball from the defence and spraying passes around. This should be a fun challenge for him, something slightly different which I believe he will relish. The movement in front of him will make this aspect of his game relatively easy given his ability to pick a pass, but more importantly a lot of fun for him! Defensively he may get caught 2v1 now and again but he has the intelligence to know when to foul, when to hold people up and allow Diame to get back and when to call a defender out to help him.

Diame – bags of energy, good passing, good shot, good decision making. These attributes make this man the perfect box to box player for our formation today. He will play slightly ahead of Alonso, his main role will be to put the Edinburgh DM under too much pressure to settle on the ball and play them out of trouble. He should thrive on getting on the ball in dangerous areas, rather than a more reserved role, with a lot of movement and pace around him causing problems for the opposition, giving him a little more space than usual as well. Defensively, I just want him to be very aware of the counter attack and when Alonso is being doubled up on bust a gut to get back and help him. But when we are pressing the opposition in a normal situation he will be up high on the DM.

Rashford & Costa – hungry, direct, pacey and unpredictable, which will make them a constant pain for Edinburgh. I want them always looking to get forward, beat a man, taking the quickest route into the box, whether that be a direct run in or down the line and whip a ball in. I want them always wanting the ball too, always moving off the ball. Off the ball it’s simple, just drop in and get goalside of your FB as soon as you can. Not so much defensive responsibility today with our FBs playing as defenders, not wing backs, so they will look to get at the full backs in 1v1 battles, keep them pinned back and just try to beat them and get the ball in the box. If the opposition FBs do try and push on, let them – we will try and stop the attack very quickly and aggressively at the back and then when we get the ball back, the wingers will have space and we will outnumber the defence 4 to 3.

Costa is my star man, his two assists on his debut were sensational and I'm hoping his form continues today!

Milik – natural game for him today – playing as a proper CF, keeping the CBs occupied all game, challenging for anything in the air, holding up the play and bringing others into the game and generally springing to life when the ball is anywhere near the box.

Fekir – luxury role today as wherever he goes he will be a nuisance. He can play exactly as he likes, roaming around and playing off Milik. This means when he plays as a CF their defence will be stretched and tested, when he drops off the DM will be too occupied with Diame to deal with him and he will be able to run at the defence. For him it’s all about getting on the ball in the spaces he finds, wherever they may be and just enjoying himself and really giving Edinburgh a torrid time.

Subs – Injuries have stretched us this week, so whatever the score Arbeloa on for Grimaldo and Iwobi on for Rashford. Both straight swaps around the 65 minute mark

---------------------------Reina
Sidibé-------Benatia-------------Diop--------Duarte
---------------Partey------------Höjbjerg
Mahrez---------------------------------------Kovalenko
-------------Iheanacho---------------Origi

Subs: Nahuel Leiva, Oyarzabal, Grillitsch, Bertrand Traore, Gomez

Captain: Benatia
Crossing free-kicks: Höjbjerg
Shooting free-kicks: Mahrez
Penalties: Mahrez
Corners: Höjbjerg

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. 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. Höjbjerg 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. Partey will be the main defensive enegiser bunny running around putting tackles everywhere. Kovalenko will act as a 3 midfielder assisting with build up and helping out on keeping the midfield solid.

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. Kovalenko 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 Kovalenko 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.

Subs:
60min - Grillitsch for Höjbjerg (fresh legs in midfield)
75min - Nahuel Leiva for Singraven (Get some fresh legs outwide to run at the opposition. Origi to stay central and overload the CBs)

Cambuur Cup Tactics: Week 1

Cambuur Tactics:

Captain : Walace
Vice Captain : Lemos

Team:

----------------Batalla
Arias----Lemos----Dória----Santos
----------------Walace
-------Bentancur---Paredes
Rolán-------------------------Malcom
-----------------Alario

SUBS : Ederson, Zeca, Montes, Danilo, Morero, Correa, Zaldívar

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

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

Midfield: Walace 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 game plan and while sitting deep will still offer a lot with his great passing ability. He also has a thunderbolt right foot. Bentancur and Paredes will play just in front of Walace. Bentancur will be a more box to box type. He will be involved all over and will offer as much in defence as in attack. Paredes will be the midfield magician. Clever, elusive and tricky we will look to him for creating the midfield openings with his eye for a pass. We will look at their enthusiasm and relentless pressing of the opposition as a way to hopefully get a bit of a grip on the midfield and at the very least not make it plain sailing for the opposition.

Wingers/Centre Forward: When in possession both Rolán and Malcom 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, Bentancur and Alario in to play. They can vary their attacks by going wide or cutting inside as they see fit. Both players can play all across the middle so don’t be surprised to see them swapping wings. At times Bentancur 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.

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

Free Kicks/Corners: Paredes, Malcom or Rolán with Lemos, Dória, Walace and Alario to offer an aerial threat. Paredes and Malcom (with his thunderbolt left foot) may try their luck with several free kicks from distance.

Substitutions: (if winning) Morero for Rolán, Zaldívar for Alario and Danilo for Bentancur, 3 like for like substitutions.


(if losing on 70 minutes) Zaldívar for Bentancur, Morero for Rolán. Shift to a 4-1-3-2 attack. Zaldívar
and Morero offering fresh legs, pace and a bit of the unknown in attack.

---------------------Walace
Morero---------- Paredes--------------Malcom
-----------Alario --------Zaldívar

---------------- Mandanda ----------------
P.Lahm -- Zouma -- Varane -- L.Digne
------------ Rabiot --- Kante -------------
Berardi ------- T.Lemar ------- Gabriel
------------------ Martial ------------------

Onana, Mensah, Neves, Mbappe, S.Mina, Grealish, A.Fletcher

In goal Mandanda 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.

Zouma in beside Varane, on this occassion Varane will man mark the CF. Varane 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. Zouma 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.

Lahm and Digne at fullback, we must keep the wingers quiet, stop them and we stop a lot of there attacks. Lahm and Digne are perfect for this . They will look to keep them away from shooting areas where is dangerous in any position. This is a vital clash in this game. They will be up against quality wingers so look to force him away from goal and backwards, Digne with his attacking prowess, will push his back, Lahm 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 (Digne more often then Lahm) 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.

We go with a slight change to our midfield, Kante 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. Rabiot 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, Rabiot 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. 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 Lemar in a No.10 role or just slightly withdrawn No.10 against there DM he must be strong, Lemar 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 Martial. All three are good all round midfielders, But Kante i want to sit in the hole with the two either side when defending.

Berardi 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 Lemar inside as the three make an awesome trio attack wise in behind Martial and a scary proposition for there back line.

Martial will get plenty chances, he must put away there side who will be solid at the back, however I want to target the slower of the two. Get into positions that he can go for goal or at very least drag players away for other players to drive into the space. Target the slower of the cbs, split them apart to create space, we are quick, so our forwards must hit them with pace to drag them all over the place. Martial 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 Berardi and Gabriel running into support. Lemar will be making his runs also so be watchful of him just to lay it off to the side

Captain - Lahm
Penalties - Martial
Free kicks - Lemar
Corners - Wingers

Losing -
70 Mins - Santi Mina for Lemar, we go 442 and Berardi up top with Martial
80 Mins - Mbappe for Gabriel for fresh injectio of pace down that side

Winning -
70 Mins - Neves for Lemar and sit in a 3 man mid
80 Mins - Mensah for Berardi and Grealish for Gabriel and sit in a 5 man mid. Can push up iof need be

Drawing
70 Mins - S.Mina for Berardi and Mbappe for Gabriel

Wellington Phoenix tactics – Week one in the cup vs Di!

-----------------Howard-------------------
Jung-----Bailly----Wimmer--Grimaldo
------------------X.Alonso----------------
D.Costa--------Diame--------Deulofeu
--------------Fekir---Milik---------------

Subs: Martinez, Arbeloa, Lascalles, Coquelin, Elneny, Iwobi, Rashford

Captain – X.Alonso
Vice – Howard
Corners – Costa
FKs from deep – X.Alonso
FKs at goal - Costa
Pens - Milik

We've got ourselves into a good position for the cup, we have a little momentum, a system that works and is hard to play against and we have the players to pull it off. We also have an attacking style that will suit cup football, as our style will get us goals and we can match anyone on our day. We will press high, as usual. We understand the risks (especially against a team with Bolasie and Welbeck) but hopefully we will minimize them as much as possible with our tactics and the physicality of our defensive players. Essentially we will be looking to win the ball back high up the pitch and from there we have great ball playing defenders and the maestro Alonso, picking out passes. The plan is that playing outside of the conventional formation with give us the upper hand due to the shock factor and the extra player will mean that the opposition defence will always be occupied. While they'll probably have contingencies in place, hopefully by flooding the box with fluid attackers we can have their defenders falling each other and giving this side the big defeat they've been due all season. Obviously our midfield two will be put under more strain, but Alonso is such an intelligent reader of the game who has never relied on pace or an all action style and Diame is just an animal, who can cover a lot of ground, support the defenders and the attacks and has enough ability to move the ball on to the better players.

Our defence will play high, we realise this is a risk against a team with as young, skillful & powerful as Dysko, but our defence is as fast and powerful as anyones and will be playing on the front foot. Although we will have to be more wary of midfield runners with this formation, I would bet that we will still have a free man along the back line, which really means our players can attack the ball with confidence, keeping Dysko in their own box. As always, although we are playing a high line and pushing to keep the play in the opposition half, we will not play an offside trap unless it’s clear – this means the defenders can read the game and drop off half a yard in anticipation of a ball coming over the top to give them the edge on the striker. This, matched with their sheer pace, should be enough to mean that it will take something very special for Dysko to get in behind us and even when they do, they have a strike force with no end product so they will have to create a lot to really punish us!

IN SUMMARY – we’re looking to press Dysko into either playing themselves into trouble and making mistakes at the back or resorting to clearing the ball, which our defence can deal with comfortably given their attributes and recycle position back to Alonso, to get us started again.

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. Given our formation, they won’t really be getting forward too often, but they will have their chances. Mainly we want them getting the right side of their attacker and making us hard to beat, but when we’re with the ball I do want them to be hugging the opposite touchline, not too far up the pitch, just to give an option to switch the play and keep our width if the wide forward drifts inside to join the play. I don’t want them making overlapping runs all the time when the play is on their side though, just stretching the play with the switch option.

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. Usual thing really, but with more licence to attack the ball and they’ll probably be on the ball a bit more than usual, starting things up – so enjoy it and show what you can do!

X.Alonso – Playing a similar role to how he has operated at Bayern in the last year or so. He has a very talented, energetic side around him and he’s the cool head in the middle to bring it all together and make them tick. He’ll be protecting the defence as ever, with his reading of the game and picking up the ball from the defence and spraying passes around. This should be a fun challenge for him, something slightly different which I believe he will relish. The movement in front of him will make this aspect of his game relatively easy given his ability to pick a pass, but more importantly a lot of fun for him! Defensively he may get caught 2v1 now and again but he has the intelligence to know when to foul, when to hold people up and allow Diame to get back and when to call a defender out to help him.

Diame – bags of energy, good passing, good shot, good decision making. These attributes make this man the perfect box to box player for our formation today. He will play slightly ahead of Alonso, his main role will be to put the Dysko DM under too much pressure to settle on the ball and play them out of trouble. He should thrive on getting on the ball in dangerous areas, rather than a more reserved role, with a lot of movement and pace around him causing problems for the opposition, giving him a little more space than usual as well. Defensively, I just want him to be very aware of the counter attack and when Alonso is being doubled up on bust a gut to get back and help him. But when we are pressing the opposition in a normal situation he will be up high on the DM.

Deulofeu & Costa – hungry, direct, pacey and unpredictable, which will make them a constant pain for Dysko. Deulofeu gets the nod over Rashford as I want players in their best positions today to keep the balance. I want them always looking to get forward, beat a man, taking the quickest route into the box, whether that be a direct run in or down the line and whip a ball in. I want them always wanting the ball too, always moving off the ball. Off the ball it’s simple, just drop in and get goalside of your FB as soon as you can. Not so much defensive responsibility today with our FBs playing as defenders, not wing backs, so they will look to get at the full backs in 1v1 battles, keep them pinned back and just try to beat them and get the ball in the box. If the opposition FBs do try and push on, let them – we will try and stop the attack very quickly and aggressively at the back and then when we get the ball back, the wingers will have space and we will outnumber the defence 4 to 3.

Costa is my star man, he's changed the feel of the club and the momentum - he'll be eager to show what an impact he can have by leading us to cup glory.

Milik – natural game for him today – playing as a proper CF, keeping the CBs occupied all game, challenging for anything in the air, holding up the play and bringing others into the game and generally springing to life when the ball is anywhere near the box. Was a close pick between him and Rashford, but he seems to have forged a good bond with Fekir and his scoring record in the league was outrageous.

Fekir – luxury role today as wherever he goes he will be a nuisance. He can play exactly as he likes, roaming around and playing off Milik. This means when he plays as a CF their defence will be stretched and tested, when he drops off the DM will be too occupied with Diame to deal with him and he will be able to run at the defence. For him it’s all about getting on the ball in the spaces he finds, wherever they may be and just enjoying himself and really giving Dysko a torrid time.

Subs:

If losing/drawing at 65 mins - Elneny, Iwobi & Rashford on for Diame, Deulofeu & Milik.

Same formation, with fresh legs. And I expect to see Rashford & Iwobi really getting at the Dysko defence with no fear and a style that really compliments each other. Rashford starting centrally and drifting wide while Iwobi does the opposite - I nearly started them for their complimentary playing styles but decided to save them for the bench.

If winning - Coquelin, Elneny & Rashford on for Diame, Fekir & Milik. Move to 4-3-3

----------Coq-----Alonso---------
---------------Elneny------------
Costa------Rashford----Deulofeu

Take a little sting out of the game with more men in the middle and more control of the game, we can move the ball around a little more to tire Dysko out and run them down, rather than constantly going at them. That said we will still have a really pacey, direct front three so we can choose to mix it up and try and pick them off a little more meticulously (as opposed to our relentless style early on) as we tire them out.

-----------------C.Gordon------------------
Semedo--van Dijk--Jagielka--Denayer
-----------Diawara---Dembele-----------
Robben----------Boufal----------Lingard
-----------------Lacazette-----------------

Ward, Tierney, Samper, Roberts, Burke, M.Dembele, 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.

Jagielka 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, Semedo is especially good and supporting the winger so he will be up and down the pitch, Denayer 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.

Diawarais our defensive midfielder a big game for the youngster but has been proven on the big stage and Dembele and Boufal are our playmakers and attacking midfielders, Dembele is the playmaker a good combination with the other two and once Diawara has the ball won, a little pass sideways/forwards to either of the two and we are away very quickly on the attack, Dembele who will look to pass it forward to the attacking players, both can tackle so dont let their midfield near our defence! Boufal is the one likes to support the striker so he will be making the late runs into the danger area. He has skills to take him passed players and his passing i svery good as he will look to get Lacazette into a shooting opportunity. Will link well with Robben and Lingard.

Robben and Lingard are very quick and can score spectacular goals, so we have given them freedom to attack the fullbacks, Robben tends to cut inside whereas Lingard will go to the outside and cross in, Robben 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 4/5 are always difficult to penetrate.

Lacazette is quick and good eye for goal, will look to link up quickly with Boufal as he comes forward with Dembele as they will be a big threat today hopefully. All about movement as they 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 Lacazette
Free Kicks Robben
Corners The wingers will take

Substitutes

If we are losing Young Dembele will come on for Boufal and go 442 on 65 minutes and Roberts for Lingard on 75 minutes, Tierney for Denayer on 80

If we are winning Samper on for Boufal and sit in on 70 minutes, Tierney for Lingard on 80 to hold on

Drawing then Young Dembele for Boufal and Roberts for Lingard on 70

---------------------------Hassen
Sidibé-------Gomez---------------N'Doram--------Duarte
-----------------Kessié------------Grillitsch
Ojo--------------------Kovalenko--------------------Woodburn
----------------------------Ünal

Subs: Diop; Traore; Oyarzabal; Ejaria; Sinkgraven

Captain: Hassen
Crossing free-kicks: Ünal/Kovalenko
Shooting free-kicks: Ünal/Kovalenko
Penalties: Kessié
Corners: Kovalenko

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 Ojo, Ünal & Woodburn. 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. 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. Grillitsch 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. Kessié will be the main defensive enegiser bunny running around putting tackles everywhere. Kovalenko will be the free roaming attacking midfield using his movement to create space and passing & creativity to create chances in the final third. He will be disciplined off the ball to help keep the team compact and defend in front of the deep midfield 2.

Ojo & Woodburn to cut inside from the wide positions and run straight at the centre of the defence. This will open space on the outside for the fullbacks to overlap and stretch the opposition's defence and create space in the centre for our wide forwards. When defending they should drop back and help their respective fullbacks creating a 4411 formation as we look to keep it tight.

Strikers: Ünal is a complete forward in the making. Freedom to roam all over the attacking and find space as he sees fit. Making runs beyond or on the side of the defence. Equally adept at playing in others as well creating chances for himself or getting on the end of team moves. He will be handful for almost any defence.

Subs:
60min - Sinkgraven for Grillitsch
75min - Ejaria for Kovalenko
80min - Oyarzabal for Ojo

--------------------Steklenberg-------------------

Bellerin------Gabriel-----Terry------Targett

-------------------Wanyama-----De Jong---------

Welbeck------------------Gueye-----------Bolasie

------------------------------Torres---------------------

Subs: Mannone, Vermalen, Stermann, Essein, Oregaard, Morrison, Cole

Tactics:
As we're not looking to win this cup we'll just look to make it hard to beat. With Wanyama an de Jong protecting the back four throughout the game. The three behind Torres have pace to help turn defence into attack having shots on goal if Torres isn't free. We expect our opponents to have more of the ball, but when we have it i hope we make good use of it by moving the ball from defence to attack quickly. We understand that we might get a good beating but we hope to stick as a unit defensively by staying tight at the back.

No substitutes

Captain: Terry
Pens: Torres
Corners/freekicks: Bolasie

Cup home vs Blyth

-------------------------------Mirante--------------------------------

Hysaj----------De Vrij----------Chiellini(c)-----------Guerreiro

---------------------Kimmich----------Saul----------------------

Draxler--------------------Sanches-----------------------Pjaca

-------------------------------Dybala----------------------------------

subs: DiMarco, Emre Mor, Lemina, Passlack, Andre Horta, Aduriz, Andre Silva

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 attacking threat so we need to negate that by keeping them away from the box, we've added the experience and leadership of Giorgio Chiellini who returns from injury this week who will help organise and guide our young players through the game, a real leader. Sanches will join Dybala in the first line to pressurise the Blyth defenders while Draxler and Emre 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 Raphael 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.

---------------------De Vrij-----------Chiellini-------------------

-------------------Kimmich

Hysaj---------------------------Saul-------------------Raphael
------------------Draxler-------------------Pjaca--------------
(opp FB)---------(opp MF)----------------(opp MF)---------(opp FB)

---------------Dybala-------------------Sanches-------------------
--------------(oppCB)--------------------(oppCB)---------------


In possession game plan: we are a side full of energy and pace, and will be looking to fully utilise this in our attacking game. In Kimmich, Saul and Sanches we have great central presence to move the ball in the opposition half. As the deepest of the midfield three, Kimmich has the most responsibility in moving the ball from the deep phases of build up, Saul next to him is very adept at carrying the ball and his passing both long and short is superb, Sanches, Emre and Draxler both 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. Dybala makes his return to the XI this week, and we all know how good he is, his movement, intelligence and shooting ability will be very much on show today, can go in behind or come short and try and create, a real all round fantastic forward who will create havoc for defences.

subs: Lemina for Saul on 80 minutes, fresh legs, Kimmich sits and plays as the distributor, will look to spread the ball wide quickly to Draxler and Emre

if losing after 65 minutes: switch Aduriz for Sanches, Aduriz to move up front alongside Dybala who will use his pace and movement to get in behind and stretch the defence of Blyth creating more space and pushing them back while Aduriz plays as more of a target man.

if winning after 85 minutes, Passlack comes on for Pjaca, switch to 4-5-1, Kimmich to hold in front of the defence, using his strength and power to marshall the Blyth attack while still retaining the ability to distribute and begin counter attacks, Passlack to play as a defensive right midfielder in front of Hysaj while Draxler switches sides and plays a more disciplined role on the left

Captain: Niklas Süle
Penalties: Werner (Pohjanpalo)
Free Kicks: Geis

------------------------Karius
Weiser-------Tah------------Süle-------Henrichs
-----------------Geis----------Goretzka
-----Pulisic-----------Meyer--------------Brandt
-----------------------Werner

Subs: Wellenreuther, Jedvaj, Weigl, Dahoud, Schöpf, Forsberg, Pohjanpalo


Our defensive unit consists of Jonathan Tah and Niklas Süle paired up at centre-back, Mitchell Weiser at right-back and Benjamin Henrichs at left-back, with Johannes Geis and Leon Goretzkaas our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.

This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in Geis and Goretzka we have a perfect pairing to initiate attacks by distributing the ball in an intelligent fashion, to be key players in circulation and to prevent dangerous opposition attacks, being disciplined in positioning and limiting space in between the lines.

The strength of our double pivot is that Leon Goretzka can press the ball without leaving lots of space, as Johannes Geis can maintain a good position to react if the initial press is bypassed. Our double pivot will offer huge defensive stability and will ensure that a structured shape is maintained.

Having two defensive midfielders centrally prevents others being dragged out of position to press.

Helping the defenders maintain solid positioning is a key part of Goretzka’s role, he will press almost anywhere in his own half to allow defenders to stay in the defensive line.

With Goretzka running his socks off for the team, our high tempo will dictated by his partner in holding midfield, Johannes Geis.

A holding midfielder through and through, Geis is not just your “win the ball and pass it on to the closest player” – there is a real creative mind in his locker, but it’s his ability to be the shield of the back four and then be creative once he gets the ball that makes Geis such a talent.

Geis is also our deadball specialist and do watch out for his pin-point accuracy.

The attacking unit consists of Christian Pulisic, Max Meyer and Julian Brandt as our band of three attacking midfielders with Timo Werner as our lone central striker.

Our 4-2-3-1 is set up to have that wonderful ‘springy' quality - it absorbs pressure without breaking and then snaps back with surprising force.

In defence our 4-2-3-1 covers space very effectively, with the band of three attacking midfielders and centre forward able to press the opposition high up the pitch while the two defensive midfielders ensure that there is no space left in front of the defence. Then the back four can either play a high line, compressing the space even further, or drop deeper as preferred.

Once we have won the ball back, often by Geis or Goretzka, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.

Weiser and Henrichs can surge up the wings in the knowledge that Geis and Goretzka can drop into the space left behind if needed. As they come up the wings, both Christian Pulisic and Julian Brandt who are fast two-footed speed merchants, excellent in tight spaces and fantastic dribblers will cut inside or make runs into the box. Max Meyer our attacking central midfielder’s diminutive physique and low centre of gravity will enable him to navigate away from defenders at a frighteningly quick pace. Meyer is blessed with an instant first touch and can dribble with the ball at such a close proximity to his feet that it makes him almost impossible to tackle this creative passer who will look to play Pulisic, Brandt or Werner in via fast passing combinations.

Very much like his comrades (Pulisic, Brandt & Meyer), Timo Werner is blessed with incredible pace on and off the ball, and quick dribbling to get past defenders, and a real killer instinct in front of the goal. Werner will also be a good team player with the vision to set up his teammates.

Sub: 75 Mins: Jedvaj on for Weiser, Forsberg on for Brandt and Pohjanpalo on for Werner

Blyth

……………………………Buffon………………..
……………Barzagli…Silva…Rugani……….
Yedlin………..De Rossi…Motta……..De Sciglio
…………………………….Insigne………………………
…………………..Zlatan……………Munir……………….

Subs: Cragno, Hause, Iorfa, Cataldi, Mauri, Sadiq, Enzo

Well after a feckin disgraceful season the boys owe it to themselves and mainly to me to go out and perform well in the cup.

This is gonna be fast paced wide play I know our midfield is a little pedestrian with De Rossi and Motta but they’re in the team to hold the centre, they don’t need “legs” for that – can’t put a price on experience.

Our Back 3 are all comfortable on the ball and very good no nonsense defenders – will take a high line today as we look to bombard our opponents with raking diagonal balls to really stretch their defence. In possession they’ll spread wide making it a wide back 3 as we look to maintain an easy out ball.

Yedlin and De Sciglio have great engines on them and they will be expected to cover the ground and really give us some attacking width, both men are quick so getting back in time will be no bother.

De Rossi and Motta will screen the defence as we look to get a good grip of the midfield area, defensively as our Wing-backs recover, Motta will hold the DM position whilst De Rossi will slot in at CB covering either our LCB or RCB as they shuffle wide.

Insigne – the #10 given free licence to roam about, a fantastic lil player with very quick feet will link the midfield and attack – everything good about our play goes through him.

Zlatan & Munir – traditional big man/little man partnership here Zlatan will be my big powerhouse striker and will draw men to him, Munir will play off the shoulder using his pace and acceleration to time his runs to perfection.

Subs:
60 mins
Cataldi > Motta
Mauri > De Rossi

----------------- Aréola ------------------
Fabinho - Zouma - Varane - L.Digne
------------ Rabiot - Kante -------------
Berardi ------ T.Lemar ------ Gabriel
----------------- Martial -----------------

Onana, Mensah, Holding, Neves, S.Mina, Mbappe, Balotelli

In goal Areola 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.

Zouma in beside Varane, on this occassion Varane will man mark the CF. Varane 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. Zouma 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.

Fabinho and Digne at fullback, we must keep the wingers quiet, stop them and we stop a lot of there attacks. Fabinho and Digne are perfect for this . They will look to keep them away from shooting areas where is dangerous in any position. This is a vital clash in this game. They will be up against quality wingers so look to force him away from goal and backwards, Digne with his attacking prowess, will push his back, Fabinho sits back and tucks in to become a 3 at the back a bit and allows Digne 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 (Digne more often then Fabinho) 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.

We go with a slight change to our midfield, Kante 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. Rabiot 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, Rabiot 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. 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 Lemar in a No.10 role or just slightly withdrawn No.10 against there DM he must be strong, Lemar 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 Martial. All three are good all round midfielders, But Kante i want to sit in the hole with the two either side when defending.

Berardi 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 Lemar inside as the three make an awesome trio attack wise in behind Martial and a scary proposition for there back line.

Martial will get plenty chances, he must put away there side who will be solid at the back, however I want to target the slower of the two. Get into positions that he can go for goal or at very least drag players away for other players to drive into the space. Target the slower of the cbs, split them apart to create space, we are quick, so our forwards must hit them with pace to drag them all over the place. Martial 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 Berardi and Gabriel running into support. Lemar will be making his runs also so be watchful of him just to lay it off to the side

Captain - Varane
Penalties - Martial
Free kicks - Lemar
Corners - Wingers

Losing -
70 Mins - Santi Mina for Lemar, we go 442 and Berardi up top with Martial
80 Mins - Mbappe for Gabriel for fresh injection of pace down that side and Balotelli for Berardi

Winning -
70 Mins - Neves for Lemar and sit in a 3 man mid
80 Mins - Mensah for Berardi and drop in

Drawing
70 Mins - S.Mina for Berardi and Balotelli for Gabriel (Balotelli switch with Martial)

Cambuur Cup Tactics: Week 2

Cambuur Tactics:

Captain : Danilo
Vice Captain : Lemos

Team:
-----------------Ederson
Arias----Lemos----Bernardo---Santos
------------------Danilo
---------Bentancur---Paredes
Morero--------------------------Almirón
------------------Calero

SUBS: Batalla, Zeca, Montes, Walace, Arrascaeta, Correa, Zaldívar

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

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

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

Wingers/Centre Forward: When in possession both Morero and Almirón 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, Bentancur and Calero in to play. They can vary their attacks by going wide or cutting inside as they see fit. Both players can play all across the middle so don’t be surprised to see them swapping wings. At times Bentancur 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.

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

Free Kicks/Corners: Paredes, Almirón or Morero with Lemos, Bernardo, Danilo and Calero to offer an aerial threat. Paredes and Almirón (with his thunderbolt left foot) may try their luck with several free kicks from distance.

Substitutions: (if winning) Arrascaeta for Morero, Zaldívar for Calero and Walace for Bentancur, 3 like for like substitutions.


(if losing on 70 minutes) Zaldívar for Bentancur, Arrascaeta for Morero. Shift to a 4-1-3-2 attack. Zaldívar
and Arrascaeta offering fresh legs, pace and a bit of the unknown in attack.

--------------------------Danilo
Arrascaeta---------- Paredes--------------Almirón
-----------------Calero --------Zaldívar

-------------------Donarrumma
------Gimenez----L.Hernandez----T.Hernandez
Vrsaljko-----Christensen----Tielemans-------Shaw
---------O.Dembele----------------M.Asensio
----------------------T.Abraham

Subs: Kepa, Kranevitter, Merino, C.Musonda, Lozano, I.Williams, A.Correa

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

First game of the cup after a nice little break, we look to keep our amazing run going and also introduce three new players into the system and the first team squad, Theo Hernandez, Lucas’ little brother and Tammy Abraham both set to be promoted from the academy and Jose Gimenez our big summer signing. Tactically we set up the same as we did in our victorious league campaign.

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 and the WBs to press as soon as Wellington move the ball into our half, Dembele and Asensio narrowing along with the WBs pushing up and forcing the opposition wingers infield to find space, Tammy looking to rush the CMs getting in their face and making them move the ball faster than they want, making sure that the middle of the pitch is crowded out and the only viable option is to use their FBs as an outball or risk losing the ball to our greater numbers in central areas. Once we’ve rushed Wellington into wide areas they’ll find the route to goal blocked by a 3-2-5 press down the flanks, WBs and wide forwards doubling up against their counterparts and looking to win the battles from there, with Tammy as the out ball and the opposite wide forward and our CMs narrowing to the play to block Wellingtons route in field, the three CBs coming across, again allowing us to keep a compact defensive press, they give us that extra protection if Wellington work the ball out. Focusing on keeping Wellington limited to attacks in the wide areas should make them easier to defend against as the space is tighter and our extra energy in central areas should mean we can control that area if they ever try getting infield. Eventually Wellington 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 have to be in their faces from the off and ready to win all the battles. If we have to revert to a 5-4-1 because they are putting on a lot of pressure we are capable of dropping deeper and withstanding an onslaught, looking to use Tammy and Ousmane’s pace to still pose a threat.

Going forward we have to attack with the fewest number of passes possible, and this will usually mean using our wide players. We know we can suck in their FBs and then use the space behind them to high affect, we can also look to bypass any attempt to press us by using our pace in these areas. Dembele and Asensio will burst forward at every opportunity, whilst the WBs can also move forward depending on the side of the attack. In these positions we have Dembele, Asensio and Abraham plus the WB vs their remaining defenders, Asensio and Dembele are the men to get on the ball in the final third and make things happen, Abraham looking to make runs with his pace down the sides of the defenders, the WB on the side of the attack motoring forward so we can use them to stretch the game, both excellent going forward and have great pace and stamina to get up and down the line all game. The other option is to go wide to the WBs initially rather than straight to the wingers and suck in their wide players(especially look to go to the side where the opposition FB is sucked forward), leaving Asensio and Dembele running behind the opposition FBs into loads of vacated space, in these positions they simply won’t be caught and can quickly get up against the back line. Once in the final third we have to use our flair, Wellington have a sturdy defence but Dembele, Asensio and Abraham are unpredictable, they all have what it takes to do something special and win games and this is what we need today. 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. Tielemans can step slightly further forward into midfield and combine with the attackers, knowing he has Christensen(who steps up further forward today as we want him to have experience of playing on the front foot, intercepting balls towards the attackers and using his great range of passing to move us forward), one WB and the CBs behind as cover, but also making sure if the forwards 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. If we struggle in the wide areas the wide forwards can narrow to Tammy and we can look to go 3 forwards vs their CBs, looking to use our pace to get down the sides of the CBs. Abraham looks to make his mark on the tournament tonight, he has great speed, skill and power, he can run the sides of the CBs he can back into them and hold play up, he’s lethal in the air and he’s that knack of finding space unmarked in the box, we need him getting us the goals.

Subs:

If Winning: Matias Kranevitter and Mikel Merino for Christensen and Tielemans 70’, fresh legs in the middle of the park. Charly for Ousmane 80’, fresh legs and a new spark to the front line, got a great chemistry with Tammy.

If Drawing: Williams for Theo Hernandez 70’, 4-2-3-1 with Williams LW, look to double up down the flanks where we can really hurt them. Charly and Correa for Asensio and Dembele 75’, Charly get closer to Tammy, use their experience playing together to full effect with Williams and Correa looking to run at the defenders.

If Losing: Williams and Merino for the Hernandez brothers 60’, 4-4-2 with Christensen alongside Gimenez, Williams alongside Tammy, we can double up out wide and give the CBs two forwards to deal with, making it easier for the wide men to run beyond them. Correa for Abraham 75’.