Wolves vs Leicester

………………………….Oblak…………………………..
Iorfa……..Rugani……….Romagnoli………Galloway
………………Cataldi…………B.Fernandes……………
Bernardo……………..Grealish…………..Lopes
………………………….Berardi………………………….

Subs: Burgoyne (GK), Leko, Januzaj,Hause, Bakayoko
Over 21 but under 23 - Oblak

Disappointing defeat in the opener against a reasonable Liverpool team.
Home game this time out against Leicester and with the crowd behind us hopefully we can get our first points on the board.
Rof I think will go pretty strong so we’ve dropped in a few first teamers as well
The defence is pretty experienced for this level and fill hold their line on the edge of the box – although it lengthens the pitch it does make us less susceptible to a dink over the top or a clever through ball. Iorfa and Galloway love to get forward and this will be encouraged today as we look to get numbers deep inside their half.

Cataldi and Bruno will play as twin box to boxers as we look for a high energy pressing game today – win the ball back crisply and counter before Leicester can get bodies back into position.
The 3 Amigo’s are all given freedom to roam, all 3 can play anywhere across the front line so I’m looking for as much interchange as possible making it difficult for them to be man-marked – I want a nice fluid trident keeping a triangular shape as they shuffle so we always have a nice simple pass on…no need to do anything risky they’re all comfortable in possession so can play with their heads up
Berardi – will be the fox in the box play off the shoulder full of confidence knowing that they’ll be able to slim him in behind.

Subs 60 mins
Bakayoko > Cataldi
Leko > Grealish
Januzaj > Lopes

Overview of our 4-3-3 formation

Under 23 Players – Yannick Gerhardt & Mitchell Weiser



------------------------------Rajkovic
Klostermann------Stark---------------Süle ----------Gerhardt
----------------Christiansen-------------Dahoud
------------------------------Stendera
Öztunali----------------------Selke----------------------Werner

Subs: Semper, Weiser, Grillitsch, Brandt, Kurt

Corners: Öztunali /Werner (Brandt)
Pens: Selke
Free Kicks: Stendera
Captain: Stark


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 Christiansen and Dahoud will act as our anchor-men sitting in front of the centre-backs, freeing Stendera to push forward and support play through the middle.

In the forward positions, our wide forwards Öztunali and Werner will converge centrally from the flanks and look to attack the inside channels or affect the game in between the opposition defenders and midfielders.

Selke 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 Weiser on for Klostermann & Brandt on for Werner

------------------Pickford
Vrsaljko--Mustafi--Manolas--Gomez
----------------Hojberg
---------Zielinski-----Milinkovic
ODembele-----------------------Suarez
----------------Azmoun

Mendy, Paredes, Lemar, Halilovic, MDembele

Tactical Overview
For the first 15 minutes of each half we are going to try and blitz the opposition, pressing them all over the pitch and using the pace in attack to try and catch them cold, then then settling down into a 3 quarter press allowing the opposition CB's and Keeper to have the ball as much as they want whilst still pressing the other areas of the pitch.





Full Backs

Defensively the objective is to sit back and tuck in slightly, looking to stop balls being played between them and the centre backs, with the secondary advantage of discouraging the wide men from cutting inside, forcing them to cross, which gives us a better chance of getting the ball back quickly and launching an attack of our own.

 Their objective when attacking will be to keep making runs past the winger on both the inside and outside, giving the opposition full back that split second of indecision on who they go with. They will only occasionally put floated crosses in, preferring to either play shorter passes to the wingers or players who have come out from the middle of the pitch to keep possession and let the pressure build up in the final third or run to the byline and put in fast and low crosses relying on both the faster reactions and control of our attackers and the pressure of the situation on their centre backs to hastily clear the ball without being in full control of the situation.

Centre Backs

Manolas is the defensive leader and will be the one to control where the defensive line sets itself up on the pitch, if a team sets up to counter against us, we will always have at least 3 men back with either one of the full backs or the DM dropping in to make it a back 3, Manolas will compete with the striker for the aerial balls played into him, with Mustafi concentrating on winning the 2nd ball. When the ball is on the floor, Mustafi will be the defender who looks to meet the striker, looking to stifle his space and rush his decisions, with Manolas making the covering runs. When on the ball, if the opposition are giving them space to come out with the ball, then they should look to take it forward, if not, keep it simple and play it to a man in space and retain possession with the occasional long ball to the front 3 thrown in to use their pace and keep the opposition from setting up against one style of play.

Centre Mids


The midfield 3 will be utilising their high energy, all action styles to get themselves around the middle of the pitch, being key figures in the pressing game and always making themselves available for a pass. When we are in the final third to keep recycling the ball and shift the opposition defensive players that little bit more which could be the difference in getting a player behind them. They also all have an eye for a pass so will look to take advantage of the front 3 all flitting around and play them in with through balls and quick one touch play. When defending, they are looking to press the middle third of the pitch, pressing the opposition CMs/AMs as they are on the ball to rush their decisions and win the ball back.

Wingers


When they are off the ball, the emphasis for both wingers will be to drift around combining with the other attackers to get little areas of space before using their pace to make runs between the CB and FB and get in behind them. When they are on the ball the emphasis will be more on cutting inside with the occasional long shot to test the keeper, and only occasionally putting in crosses, getting involved in a fast intricate style of passing with the centre mids and Suarez, looking to create the passing triangles which will just take players out of the game. They should also look to run at players as they will be cautious not to give away a set piece due to the ability of our set piece takers. When the opposite winger has the ball, the winger without the ball should look to find space between the CB and FB to add an extra body in the box. When defending, they should be blocking the passing lines to the full backs as well as keeping track of them when they go forward.
















Striker


When attacking, he will look to constantly drift around the defenders looking to get himself a bit of space enough for him to get the ball and pass it along to another attacker or face up the defenders and take them on. When running onto a ball, He will also be looking to use his reactions to get ahead of the defender and then use his strength to cut in front of the defender, causing them to either stop their forward momentum completely, or make the foul.
When defending, he will be working with the wingers to cut off the passing lines for their CB's, forcing them or the keeper to launch it long.

Set Pieces


Corners - Suarez takes the corners, most of the time looking to have the ball at an attackable height around 8-10 yards out inbetween the posts, the FB's stay back to prevent counters, the CB's and Azmoun work in a group to make little blocks and cross-runs to lose a marker so 1 or 2 can get a clearer run at the ball, Ousmane and Zielinski flit around away from the main attacking group looking to pounce on mistimed touches and flicks around the area. Hojberg looks to limit the opposition keeper from moving too far off his line, looking to take a defender with him creating less space for the keeper and one less man in the main action area. Milinkovic takes a position just outside the box to pick up weak clearances and occasionally providing the short option to try and draw 2 defenders out of the box.





Free Kicks - Suarez takes Direct FK's



For Indirect FK's, same instructions as Corners





Penalties - Azmoun is the designated taker.





Subs



If Winning


70 mins - Lemar for Ousmane - The wingers tuck back, but look to get out quickly and counter if the opposition over-commit for a route back into the game.




81,85 + 89 Mins - Moussa for Azmoun, Paredes for Zielinski, Mendy for Gomez - Fresh legs with the added element of running down the clock.



If Drawing
70 Mins - Paredes + Mendy for Hojberg + Gomez - Bring a bit more urgency into attacks, show the opposition we are going for the win.

If Losing



70 Mins - MDembele, Halilovic and Lemar for Vrsaljko, Hojberg and Milinkovic - switch to a 3-5-2 with emphasis on the wings backs acting as wingers and we go all out attacking for a way to get back into the game.

vs United U21

——————————---Scuffet
Christensen———Zouma——Mammana———Grimaldo
———————Blin—————Tielemans
—Charly—————————————————Ferriera-Carrasco
————————Williams——Cornet

Subs: Donsah, Loftus-Cheek, Bakkali, B.Keita, R.Lukaku

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

Today we look to control the game with a high energy performance, looking to press high up the field early on and get on top of United, forcing their forwards back which will limit them, especially CF. When United have spells of controlling possession we tuck back and attack the gaps they leave. They need to show what they can do in the first team set up this week.

Off the ball we will set up to defend in a compact, narrow 4-4-2, defending the field in three separate areas, the two flanks and the central third. Allowing us to use not only normal pairings(central/wide pairings) but also pairings of CB/FB and AM/CM, CB/CM, CF/CM to make sure that every inch of space is covered, suffocating our opponents and controlling the game even without possession. Defending starts with the strikers, closing down their CBs with the wide man on the side of the build up pushed up onto the FB and the opposite winger tucked in alongside the two CMs cutting off the route to midfielders, Defence pushed up too, designed to rush United into long balls which our CBs will mop up, or more likely, balls to the unmarked FB who we are happy to leave the ball with all his options marked. Once we have United in the wide areas we feel we can win the battles, in particularly stop them using their wide players.

When we defend the flanks it allows us to make things extra compact by shuffling our set up across to meet the United advances, the key pairing here being the FB and wide man who go man v man against their opposite numbers, whilst one striker and the CMs and winger on the opposite flank(he tucks in behind the CMs to cover a switch of play) come across the close off the central route, making sure we have 6 men suffocating the attack, with the opposite FB tucked in alongside the CB allowing us to have a back 3. This will leave United squeezed onto the touchline, any attempt to go in field is blocked by the sheer numbers and compactness of our side whilst we also leave one of our pacy forwards as an out ball with everyone in our team bar Zouma capable of finding him with a first time ball.

When we defend central we narrow to our central players, winger to CM, Cm to CM, CF to CF, FB to CB etc and make sure that we completely close off the central areas, our wingers who both have excellent work rate ready to get out to the FBs if United decide to go wide in the build up, be quick to it and slow the tempo down so we can reshuffle to defend the flank. It means theres never spaces in our defensive set ups so if one player steps in to win the ball he is covered, on all sides if he’s a central player so the middle is completely closed off, especially with the CFs dropping in to help the midfield press. The aim is to press in their half using our higher energy levels to get on top of them and break up attack after attack in order to attack the space they've left. Zouma attacks the first ball into the CF with Mammana there to cover and step in if a midfield runner escapes our midfields attention, with him also able to play accurate balls forward. If United force us deeper we defend our third with more focus on squeezing space rather than men, instead of stepping out we stay in position and make sure the passing routes are closed, waiting for a mistaken attempt to pass forward then hitting them on the break.

The build up play will be similarly structured as we look to attack their weak areas, we will do this by using the versatility of our midfield and attack today, so that if United are vulnerable in wide areas we attack with 3 forwards and if the Fbs are back in position we attack with 2 CFs. We attack where we win the ball as due to our defensive organisation it means we will have the most numbers in these areas to launch quick intricate attacks. So if we win it wide, we go for a 433(all three of our attacking options switching up with who starts wide and who stays central). The build up play must be quick, on the side of the ball we have usually 2 attackers(winger and AM which will be YFC or Charly drifting in depending on which flank we attack) and an overlapping FB, with Tielemans stepping a little bit further forward to act as a link man and the opposite winger hugging the touchline(Williams/Cornet). As soon as we reach the final third we introduce freedom to our players, looking to open up space to the byline to cross, or coming inside and looking for the outside to inside run behind the defence that YFC, Cornet and Williams excel at when they are in wide areas, particularly useful if their FB has been sucked across to deal with the extra men on the side of the build up, one striker always providing the target in the middle, drawing defenders out to him to open space behind. When we win it central we attack with a 4-4-2, again organised build up, everyone in position until the final third where we have freedom, one wide AM can come inside(Charly/YFC mix it up), leaving the FB to overlap and stretch the play or become a free player and the wide AM the freedom to find space and create things. Also gives the CBs the problem of two CFs, one comes short or moves wider, opens up a gap between the CBs for the other to exploit, partner running in behind when other comes short, whilst we can also use them on the break with one quick ball over the top to bypass a midfield battle, one striker pulls wide into the channel to receive the ball, allowing the other to run in behind. Tielemans can get involved, usually to keep our build up moving, always offering the option to the attackers, but sometimes providing powerful bursts from their deeper position, Blin is more disciplined, covers his forwards in case of any attempt to break.

Subs:

If Winning: Loftus-Cheek for Cornet 65', gives us a three man midfield to keep the pressure on United. Donsah and Keita for YFC and Charly 75', 3-5-2, Donsah RWB, Keita alongside Williams, fresh legs to stretch things.

If Drawing: Donsah for Blin 60', more forward thinking CM. Lukaku for Cornet 70', fresh legs. Keita and Bakkali for YFC and Charly 75', two exciting flair players to play out wide and show what they can do to create chances. RLC for Grimaldo 85', 3-3-4 for the last 5, RLC can play as a number 10, we look to put on high pressure.

If Losing: Loftus-Cheek for Blin 60', Tielemans more disciplined, Ruben looks to carry the ball forward. Lukaku for Cornet 65'. Donsah for Mammana 70', Donsah RB as he offers more going forward, Christensen CB. Keita and Bakkali for Charly and YFC 75', like for like flair players.

Group A
Hull v Tottenham

As an exciting a 0-0 draw as you will probably see, end to end stuff, shots flying everywhere, some not on target but those that were found two goalkeepers in inspirational form, both Rajkovic and Hassan were unbeatable, some fantastic saves. Selke, Werner, Sandro and Roberts all going close but both GKs just werent to be beaten.

Hull 0 - 0 Spurs
MOTM - Shared - Rajkovic/Hassan

Wolves v Leicester

Now this game had goals, again a top game for the fans, not wanting to hold back both teams went for it, Berardi giving the home side the earl lead after nice work from there latest acquisition B.Silva. Moreno soon equalised tho after nimble feet by Correa saw him down the line and cross in for the striker.
Second half much alike Berardi again a nuisance for the Leicester defence was creating some good chances for himself and others and they took the lead agin after he stole a MArch on the CBs andf a nice ball from Grealish set him up nicely to round the keeper and give Wolves the lead again. Subs were made and it Renegade got one over Tino as Benassi, another new signing played a wonderful ball to Correa, he cut inside and unleashed a powerful; and unstoppable drive form just outside the area to equalise.

Wolves 2 - 2 Leicester
Berardi x 2 (B.Silva, Grealish)
Moreno(Correa), Correa(Benassi)
MOTM - Berardi

------------------Hassan-----------------
Fabinho---Oxford---Umtiti---Tierney
Roberts---Danilo----Grujic---Locadia
------------------Barkley-----------------
-------------------Sandro-----------------

Odegaard, Chambers, T.Martinez, Fischer, M.Edwards

We have Hassan 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.

Oxford will mark the striker, and Umtiti will be the ball player who will take it out of defence. Both comfortable on the ball and strong in the tackle. They will remain tight when we are under attack! The fullbacks can attack if they see fit, Tierney is especially good and supporting the winger so he will be up and down the pitch, Fabinho 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.

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

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

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

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

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

Captain - Samuel Umtiti

Substitutes
Half Time
Fischer for Locadia
Marcus Edwards for Roberts

65 Minutes
Toni Martinez for Sandro
Odegaard for Barkley
Chambers for Grujic

can I change please

Olivier Boscagli for Oxford
Ante Coric for Odegaard

Overview of our 4-3-3 formation

Under 23 Players – Yannick Gerhardt & Mitchell Weiser



------------------------------Rajkovic
Klostermann------Stark---------------Süle ----------Gerhardt
----------------Christiansen-------------Dahoud
------------------------------Stendera
Öztunali----------------------Selke----------------------Werner

Subs: Semper, Weiser, Grillitsch, Brandt, Kurt

Corners: Öztunali /Werner (Brandt)
Pens: Selke
Free Kicks: Stendera
Captain: Stark


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 Christiansen and Dahoud will act as our anchor-men sitting in front of the centre-backs, freeing Stendera to push forward and support play through the middle.

In the forward positions, our wide forwards Öztunali and Werner will converge centrally from the flanks and look to attack the inside channels or affect the game in between the opposition defenders and midfielders.

Selke 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 Weiser on for Klostermann & Brandt on for Werner

----------------Dragowski---------------
Holgate--Holding--Stones--Chilwell
----------Henrichs---Diawara----------
Embolo------Çalhanoğlu------Gabriel
-------------------Ganz-------------------

Mandragora, Bazoer, D.Alli, Kapustka, Kelechi

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

Holgate and Stones at the back, Holgate 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. Stones 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.

Holgate and Chilwell at fullback, we must keep the wingers quiet, stop them and we stop a lot of there attacks. Holgate 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, Holgate 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 (Chiwell more often then Holgate) 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.

Diawara the DM 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! Diawara himself will look to dictate from deep as he picks up from the defence and looks to drive us forward with precision passing he is always a step ahead of every one else as he knows where the pass is going before he recieves the ball. Henrichs comes in he is v the second most advanced midfielder much the same, but obvs when we have the ball he is allowed to move forward and push him back, Henrichs should have a bit of time to look around him for the pass. Use his upper body strength to get him away from the player. He is solid in the tackle and he and Diawara should prove a very difficult barrier for them to try and break through. Pass and move always look for the return pass. When they have then close down the CM, he will look to ping the ball about so get to him before that opportunity arises. We have put Hakan in a No.10 role or just slightly withdrawn No.10 against there DM he must be strong, Hakan 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 Ganz. All three are good all round midfielders, But Diawara i want to sit in the hole with the two either side when defending.

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

Simone Ganz 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. Ganz 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 Gabriel and Embolo running into support. Hakan will be making his runs also so be watchful of him just to lay it off to the side

Captain - Stones
Penalties - Ganz
Free kicks - Hakan
Corners - Wingers

Subs:-
HT
Bazoer for Henrichs, same role
Kapustka for Gabriel same role

70 Mins
Mandragora for Diawara
Kelechi for Ganz

Wolves vs Man Utd


………………………………………Oblak………………………………..
Iorfa…………………Hause…………Galloway………..…..Murru
………………………Bakayoko………Imbula…………………………..
………………………………..Fernandes……………………………….
R.Lopes………………………………………………………………B.Silva
…………………………………….Berardi………………………………………

Subs: Burgoyne, Hagi, Gray, Leko, Januzaj

Overs – Oblak, Imbula

Desperate for a win after a loss and a draw in our opening games – playing a nice free flowing 4-3-3 today
The back four are all relatively experienced Iorfa and Hause winning the Toulon Tournament with the England U21’s, Galloway played 15 games in the Premier league last season for Everton and Murru has 119 games under his belt (44 in Serie A)
Iorfa and Murru will be given the freedom to push forwards and create the overlaps for our wingers to cut inside. Galloway and Hause are both comfortably over 6ft so any aerial or physical battles they’ll feel comfortable dealing with, Will hold the line on the edge of the box forcing the play to stay in front of them.
Imbula is my tank in midfield will sit in deep blocking the play and keeping it simple allowing my front 4 to have some freedom of expression Bakayoko alongside him is my midfield destroyerand between the two we should have enough about to us to do the dirty work efficiently and shut the game down.

My 3 Portu-Geezers
All 3 are fluid technically gifted players and I’m not going to give them a physical position on the pitch – they line up for the benefit of a formation as RW/AM/LW but I want freedom of movement in a triangle so they will drift together giving the impression of a Dutch inspired “Total Football” system where there is always a simple pass on – I expect Fan to press us hard and this is the perfect way to bypass those tactics

Berardi is the lone striker today – very fast and a great eye for goal, today is all about timing his run but with our 3 AM’s playing in close proximity today I expect him to get a fair few chances come his way.

Subs 70 mins

Januzaj > Bernardo – will play as a proper RW
Gray > Rony Lopes – out ad out LW
Hagi > Bruno – traditional #10

------------------Lafont-------------------
Mensah--Rudiger--Gumbau--Jackson
------------Hughes--Prowse-------------
Santiago-------L.Jovic-------Emre Mor
-----------------Berahino-----------------

B.Silva, Redmond, Larsson, D.Mitchell, A.Fletcher

A very young Utd team, but a few that have come through the ranks together which will help.

The back four will stay tight and the fullbacks will only attack when in no danger, and one at a time we cant be left exposed if we lose possession. Stay tight to your man, Gumbau will man mark the striker very closely and Rudiger will be the spare defender and help out if need be. Gumbau can play midfield as well and is comfortable on the ball so he will be allowed to take the ball out of defence and start attacks from deep.

Prowse and Will Hughes in front will help out defensively when called upon, Prowse restricting the AM to as little as possible and Hughes hassling the other AM, when in possession pass it about and always be available for the ball back to start again if need be. Confident in there abilities but nothing silly. Just pass and move.

The wingers can switch about at will and use speed and good technique to get passed there markers, do this to confuse there defence and run them ragged, all three good in attack, quickl and skillful, look to support Berahino and make themselves available to him for pass backs or knock downs. Drive at there defence, show no fear, there will be teams with more experience in this competition, but, if we go at them, playing quick passing game, with plenty of movement especially in the final third we have a chance. Jovic I want just off Berahino, support him as much as possible, Berahino is lightening quick so look to pick him out with precise passing into the gaps for Berahino to latch on to.


Berahino is a good outlet up top, good movement, quick and strong look to hold off his man and go for goal, plenty movement behind him so look to brig others into play, try to make holes in there defence for them to move into, but if you get a sniff go for goal.

Captain:- Gumbau
Penalties:- Luka Jovic
Free Kicks - Luka Jovic
Corners - Wingers

Subs:-
HT
Redmond for Santiago
J.Larsson for Emre Mor

70 Mins
A.Fletcher for Berahino

Attacking 4-5-1. We have an experienced under 21 team, looking to get on top of the game and take the game to the opposition. A team full of internationals for Brazil, Spain, Argentina etc bar the full backs and Mere. We have gone with strength in defence, Walace and the fbs offering great power at the back. Going forward we have pace on the wings and up top, with Asensio and Perez looking to be the two playmakers in midfield.

---------------- S.Rico
A.Toure - J.Mere - Elvedi - Amavi
----------- S.Perez – Walace
M.Oyarzabal - Asensio - Correa
------------- Mitrovic

Subs. Lemos, D.Zakaria, Joao Mario, M.Benassi, M.Moreno

We lineup in the same manner as the first team but with the two wide forwards deeper in attacking midfield roles, and Asensio pushed forward to a cam role. Making it easier for them to link midfield and attack.

In defence we line-up with a flat back four. Walace the defensive midfielder in front, with Perez offering all action energy next to him. With great pace at the back we play a reasonably high line, push us up and make it hard for the opposition to get up the pitch.

Defence starts in the final third, Correa and Oyarzabal using their great work ethics to press the opposition high up the pitch. Asensio closing down the central options, as Perez behind looks to press up on their cms. Walace behind sweeps behind the pressing midfielders.

One full backs pushes up the pitch pressing their winger on the side of play. But as the opposition push higher up the park, the team drops into a 4-1-4-1 formation. Walace sweeping in between the lines as the attacking mids drop deep next to Perez in a midfield four.

Defensively the side narrows to the side of play, always looking to put pressure on the opposition. Make it difficult for them. Closing any space.

Attack

Going forward we look to get the ball to the attacking trio as quick as possible. Perez and Walace seeking to collect the ball from defence and drag the team forward. The duo both possess great power going forward, and as the two most experienced players they will be key in attack and defence.

We always look to keep the width on one side of the play. The winger on the side of the play stays on the side line looking to stretch the opposition. Using their pace to get in behind the back four. One full back attacks at a time.

The attacking mid trio will be very fluid going forward. The winger opposite play looks to support Mitrovic as much as possible.

Subs.
After 60 mins bring on Joao Mario for Perez
After 70 mins bring on Moreno for Mitrovic. Pace

-----------------------Scuffet
Christensen----Zouma------Mammana----Gaya
----------------Donsah----Tielemans
-------------------Loftus-Cheek
Williams--------------Lukaku----------Carrasco

Subs: A.Blin, C.Musonda, B.Keita, B.Traore, M.Cornet

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

Hardest game of the tournament so far, we are going to have to sit with a medium block, keep things nice and tight in our half, don't allow them simple possession once they cross half way, put them under pressure and then use our pace going forward.

Off the ball we will set up to defend in a compact, narrow 4-3-3, defending the field in three separate areas, the two flanks and the central third, make sure that every inch of space is covered, suffocating our opponents and controlling the game even without possession. Defending starts from halfway with Lukaku and YFC(or Williams if the ball is on the right), closing down their CMs with the free winger pushed up onto his FB and the two CMs closing the route into the final third, these two must work tirelessly to disrupt the two forward thinking Leicester midfielders, don't allow them to settle in possession, force rushed passes. Donsah acts as the spare man, his job is to sweep up in midfield, if he sees a pass on, he's the one getting there to close down and win the ball and put us back on the attack, playing on the front foot even in his deeper midfield role in order to force the AM back away from the front line. Designed to rush Leicester out to the unmarked FB, once we have Leicester in the wide areas we feel we can win the battles, in particularly slowing them down and make sure their possession can't be built up on, keeping them moving backwards and side ways until they lose concentration and the ball. When we defend the flanks it allows us to make things extra compact by shuffling our set up across to meet the Leicester advances, the key pairing here being the FB and wide man who go man v man against their opposite numbers, whilst the striker and midfield come across the close off the central route, making sure we have 6 men suffocating the attack, leaving our other wide man as the outball and the FB on that side tucked in alongside the CB allowing us to have a back 3. This will leave Leicester squeezed onto the touchline where they are at their least threatening, up against two FBs who are strong in one on ones and two hard working wingers, limit them to crosses which we can deal with, any attempt to go in field is blocked by the sheer numbers and compactness of our side, any attempt to find the strikers will be intercepted by our CBs who will always be on their toes, ready to win the ball and set up attacks with their good distribution.

If they get deep into our half we will begin focusing on controlling space rather than pressing their men, drop off and make sure their are no gaps to play through. At this stage we will look to make things narrow in midfield with the wide players tucking in, DMs(Tielemans drops in beside Donsah) covering the space behind so that Wolves can't play in the lines. Defence drops deep and the FBs narrow to the CBs, keeping the defence narrow and sat deep on the edge of our box means that Leicester can't use their pace to get through us, they will be forced into wide areas and we are strong aerially and can cope with crosses and sideways movement. Force Leicester to keep going side to side and backwards, as soon as the ball is there to be won, stepping in and looking to release Williams/YFC down the wings or Lukaku over the top or down the sides of the CB, our pace upfront is a huge asset on the break. Zouma will man mark the CF today with his power, Mammana will use his reading of the game to sweep.

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

Subs:

If Winning: Blin for Loftus-Cheek 70', comes in and plays behind Donsah and Tielemans, covers the space between the lines. Keita and Cornet for Williams and YFC 75' fresh pace in the wide areas. Traore for Lukaku 80.

If Drawing: Traore for Loftus-Cheek 70', gets closer in support of Lukaku and makes things happen. Keita and Cornet for Williams and YFC 75', like for like but new pace to get at the opposition. Charly for Tielemans 80', faster and trickier to stop, he can get forward on the break.

If Losing: Cornet for Gaya 65', 3-5-2, goes up alongside Lukaku. Traore and Charly for RLC and Tielemans 75', look to be more positive in midfield. Keita for Williams 80', will look to take his man on and get balls into the strikers.

Newcastle 0 v 2 Hull City (Selke(Pen), Werner(Stendara)
MOTM - Werner

Leciester v Liverpool

End to end stuff, two exciting teams on show and neither 'on top' Lukaku got the better of the homes sides Cbs as he powered passed to put Liverpool ahead but Leicester soon equlised after Correa danced his way into the box and setting up Mitrovic for the easiest of chances as he slotted home into an open net. Both teams played very well and in the second half a moment of brilliance from Inaki Williams sealed the tie, a wonderful solo effort as he drove passed Amavi, cut inside and thrashed it under the oncoming Rico, a game played in good spirits and 100 miles an hour, shame there had to be a loser on this ocassion

Leicester 1 - 2 Liverpool
Mitrovic(Correa) - Lukaku(Tielemans), Williams

MOTM - Williams

Attacking 4-5-1. We have an experienced under 21 team, looking to get on top of the game and take the game to the opposition. A team full of internationals for Brazil, Spain, Argentina etc bar the full backs and Lemos. We have gone with strength in defence, Walace and the fbs offering great power at the back. Going forward we have pace on the wings and up top, with Asensio and Mario looking to be the two playmakers in midfield.

---------------- S.Rico
A.Toure – M.Lemos - Elvedi - Amavi
---- J.Mario – Walace – M.Asensio
M.Oyarzabal ------------- Correa
------------- A.Mitrovic

Subs. J.Mere, Chalobah, lo Celso, Niang, Moreno

We lineup in the same manner as the first team. Mario the box to box midfielder, Walace the dm and Asensio the playmaker.

In defence we line-up with a flat back four. Walace the defensive midfielder in front, with Mario offering all action energy next to him. With great pace at the back we play a reasonably high line, push us up and make it hard for the opposition to get up the pitch.

Defence starts in the final third, Correa and Oyarzabal using their great work ethics to press the opposition high up the pitch. Asensio closing down the central options, as Mario behind looks to press up on their cms. Walace behind sweeps behind the pressing midfielders.

One full backs pushes up the pitch pressing their winger on the side of play. But as the opposition push higher up the park, the team drops into a 4-1-4-1 formation. Walace sweeping in between the lines as the wide players drop deep next to Mario and Asesnio in a midfield four.

Defensively the side narrows to the side of play, always looking to put pressure on the opposition. Make it difficult for them. Closing any space.

Attack

Going forward we look to get the ball to the attacking trio as quick as possible. The cm trio seeking to collect the ball from defence and drag the team forward. The duo both possess great power going forward, and as the two most experienced players they will be key in attack and defence.

We always look to keep the width on one side of the play. The winger on the side of the play stays on the side line looking to stretch the opposition. Using their pace to get in behind the back four. One full back attacks at a time.

The front four will be very fluid going forward. The winger opposite play looks to support Moreno as much as possible.

Subs.

After 60 mins bring on Moreno for Mitrovic. Pace up top.
After 70 mins bring on Chalobah for Mario. Give Asensio and attacking players more freedom.
After 75 mins bring on Niang for Oyarzabal.
After 80 mins bring on Lo Celso for Asensio.

Overview of our 4-3-3 formation

Under 23 Players – Yannick Gerhardt & Mitchell Weiser



------------------------------Rajkovic
Klostermann------Stark---------------Tah-----------Gerhardt
----------------Christiansen-------------Dahoud
------------------------------Stendera
--------Mor------------------Selke---------------Werner

Subs: Semper, Weiser, Grillitsch, Öztunali, Kurt

Corners: Mor (Öztunali) /Werner
Pens: Selke
Free Kicks: Stendera
Captain: Stark


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 Christiansen and Dahoud will act as our anchor-men sitting in front of the centre-backs, freeing Stendera to push forward and support play through the middle.

In the forward positions, our wide forwards Mor and Werner will converge centrally from the flanks and look to attack the inside channels or affect the game in between the opposition defenders and midfielders.

Selke 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 Weiser on for Klostermann & Öztunali on for Mor

-------------------Butland--------------------
Holding---Wallace---Laporte---Chilwell
------------Eric Dier--Goretzka------------
B.Embolo----------Alli-----------Kapustka
-------------------Kelechi--------------------

Stones, Bazoer, Rabiot, Gabriel, Rashford

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.

Wallace and Laporte at the back, Laporte 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. Wallace 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.

Holding and Chilwell at fullback, we must keep the wingers quiet, stop them and we stop a lot of there attacks. Holding 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, Holding sits back a bit and allows him to attack but his marking abilities are sound, both have good positional sense and very quick, do not make rash desicions and will stay on their feet. Both FBs can attack. One goes the other stays (Chilwell more often then Holding) as they look to make an extra man down the flank for our wingers to cut inside or play neat one twos to free the wingers up.

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

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

Kelechi 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. Kelechi 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 Kapustka and Embolo running into support. Alli will be making his runs also so be watchful of him just to lay it off to the side

Captain - Laporte
Penalties - Embolo
Free kicks - Alli
Corners - Wingers

Subs:-
HT - Bazoer for Dier, same role

60 Mins - Gabriel for Kapustka

70 Mins -
Losing - Rashford for Alli 442
Winning - Rabiot for Alli sit in a bit, Rashford for Kelechi
Drawing - Rabiot for Goretzka, Rashford for Kelechi

80 Mins
Losing Chilwell into LM and Gabrile up top 343

-------------------Lafont------------------
Ginter----Rudiger---N.Sule---Mensah
-------------Prowse--Hughes------------
J.Calleri--------Draxler------Redmond
------------------Berahino----------------

S.Mina, Gumbua, Jovic, Solanke, Kenedy
.

The back four will stay tight and the fullbacks will only attack when in no danger, and one at a time we cant be left exposed if we lose possession. Stay tight to your man, Rudiger will man mark the striker very closely and Sule will be the spare defender and help out if need be.Both comfortable on the ball so they will be allowed to take the ball out of defence and start attacks from deep. Ginter will cover and make a back three when Mensah attacks as he will be allowed to do at will.

Prowse and Will Hughes in front will help out defensively when called upon, Prowse restricting the AM to as little as possible and Hughes hassling the other AM, when in possession pass it about and always be available for the ball back to start again if need be. Confident in there abilities but nothing silly. Just pass and move.

The wingers can switch about at will and use speed and good technique to get passed there markers, do this to confuse there defence and run them ragged, all three good in attack, quickl and skillful, look to support Berahino and make themselves available to him for pass backs or knock downs. Drive at there defence, show no fear, there will be teams with more experience in this competition, but, if we go at them, playing quick passing game, with plenty of movement especially in the final third we have a chance. Draxler I want just off Berahino, support him as much as possible, Berahino is lightening quick so look to pick him out with precise passing into the gaps for Berahino to latch on to. Also look to get into open spaces and always look to get his foot on the ball, I want Draxler to be heaviuly involved from start to finish.

Berahino is a good outlet up top, good movement, quick and strong look to hold off his man and go for goal, plenty movement behind him so look to brig others into play, try to make holes in there defence for them to move into, but if you get a sniff go for goal.

Captain:- Rudiger
Penalties:- Berahino
Free Kicks - Draxler
Corners - Wingers

Subs
Half Time Kenedy for Hughes, he will attack more down the left and Mensah into midfield as a DM to cover this

65 Mins - S.Mina for Calleri

75 Mins -
Losing - Solanke for Redmond, Draxler to LW, Solanke up top 442
Winning - Gumbau for Redmond into DM and Draxler to LW
Drawing - Jovic for Redmond to AM and Draxler to LW

-------------------Perrin-------------------
Fabinho--Boscagli--S.Umtiti--Tierney
Roberts---Danilo-----Grujic---Locadia
------------------Barkley------------------
-----------------Batshuayi------------------

Odegaard, Chambers, Sandro, Fischer, Success

We have Perin 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.

Boscagli will mark the striker, and Umtiti will be the ball player who will take it out of defence. Both comfortable on the ball and strong in the tackle. They will remain tight when we are under attack! The fullbacks can attack if they see fit, Tierney is especially good and supporting the winger so he will be up and down the pitch, Fabinho 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.

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

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

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

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

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

Captain - Samuel Umtiti

Substitutes
Half Time
Fischer on for Locadia

70 Minutes if we are losing then Sandro Ramirez on for Barkley and we go 4-4-2

If we are winning then Chambers for Barkley and he sits in the hole just in front of the defenders

Drawing then Success for Roberts

---------------Woodman
Tete----Mustafi----Gomez----Vrsaljko
----------Hojberg---Milinkovic
Mane--------Dembele-----------Suarez
----------------Azmoun

Mendy, Zielinski, Lemar, Halilovic, Ojo

Tactical Overview
For the first 15 minutes of each half we are going to try and blitz the opposition, pressing them all over the pitch and using the pace in attack to try and catch them cold, then then settling down into a 3 quarter press allowing the opposition CB's and Keeper to have the ball as much as they want whilst still pressing the other areas of the pitch.





Full Backs

Defensively the objective is to sit back and tuck in slightly, looking to stop balls being played between them and the centre backs, with the secondary advantage of discouraging the wide men from cutting inside, forcing them to cross, which gives us a better chance of getting the ball back quickly and launching an attack of our own.

 Their objective when attacking will be to keep making runs past the winger on both the inside and outside, giving the opposition full back that split second of indecision on who they go with. They will only occasionally put floated crosses in, preferring to either play shorter passes to the wingers or players who have come out from the middle of the pitch to keep possession and let the pressure build up in the final third or run to the byline and put in fast and low crosses relying on both the faster reactions and control of our attackers and the pressure of the situation on their centre backs to hastily clear the ball without being in full control of the situation.

Centre Backs

Manolas is the defensive leader and will be the one to control where the defensive line sets itself up on the pitch, if a team sets up to counter against us, we will always have at least 3 men back with either one of the full backs or the DM dropping in to make it a back 3, Manolas will compete with the striker for the aerial balls played into him, with Mustafi concentrating on winning the 2nd ball. When the ball is on the floor, Mustafi will be the defender who looks to meet the striker, looking to stifle his space and rush his decisions, with Manolas making the covering runs. When on the ball, if the opposition are giving them space to come out with the ball, then they should look to take it forward, if not, keep it simple and play it to a man in space and retain possession with the occasional long ball to the front 3 thrown in to use their pace and keep the opposition from setting up against one style of play.

Centre Mids


The midfield 3 will be utilising their high energy, all action styles to get themselves around the middle of the pitch, being key figures in the pressing game and always making themselves available for a pass. When we are in the final third to keep recycling the ball and shift the opposition defensive players that little bit more which could be the difference in getting a player behind them. They also all have an eye for a pass so will look to take advantage of the front 3 all flitting around and play them in with through balls and quick one touch play. When defending, they are looking to press the middle third of the pitch, pressing the opposition CMs/AMs as they are on the ball to rush their decisions and win the ball back.

Wingers


When they are off the ball, the emphasis for both wingers will be to drift around combining with the other attackers to get little areas of space before using their pace to make runs between the CB and FB and get in behind them. When they are on the ball the emphasis will be more on cutting inside with the occasional long shot to test the keeper, and only occasionally putting in crosses, getting involved in a fast intricate style of passing with the centre mids and Suarez, looking to create the passing triangles which will just take players out of the game. They should also look to run at players as they will be cautious not to give away a set piece due to the ability of our set piece takers. When the opposite winger has the ball, the winger without the ball should look to find space between the CB and FB to add an extra body in the box. When defending, they should be blocking the passing lines to the full backs as well as keeping track of them when they go forward.
















Striker


When attacking, he will look to constantly drift around the defenders looking to get himself a bit of space enough for him to get the ball and pass it along to another attacker or face up the defenders and take them on. When running onto a ball, He will also be looking to use his reactions to get ahead of the defender and then use his strength to cut in front of the defender, causing them to either stop their forward momentum completely, or make the foul.
When defending, he will be working with the wingers to cut off the passing lines for their CB's, forcing them or the keeper to launch it long.

Set Pieces


Corners - Suarez takes the corners, most of the time looking to have the ball at an attackable height around 8-10 yards out inbetween the posts, the FB's stay back to prevent counters, the CB's and Azmoun work in a group to make little blocks and cross-runs to lose a marker so 1 or 2 can get a clearer run at the ball, Ousmane and Zielinski flit around away from the main attacking group looking to pounce on mistimed touches and flicks around the area. Hojberg looks to limit the opposition keeper from moving too far off his line, looking to take a defender with him creating less space for the keeper and one less man in the main action area. Milinkovic takes a position just outside the box to pick up weak clearances and occasionally providing the short option to try and draw 2 defenders out of the box.





Free Kicks - Suarez takes Direct FK's



For Indirect FK's, same instructions as Corners





Penalties - Azmoun is the designated taker.





Subs



If Winning


70 mins - Halilovic for Ousmane - The wingers tuck back, but look to get out quickly and counter if the opposition over-commit for a route back into the game.




81,85 + 89 Mins - Lemar for Azmoun, Zielinski for Hpojbergi, Mendy for Tete - Fresh legs with the added element of running down the clock.



If Drawing
70 Mins - Zielinski + Mendy for Hojberg + Tete - Bring a bit more urgency into attacks, show the opposition we are going for the win.

If Losing



70 Mins - Mendy, Halilovic and Lemar for Vrsaljko, Hojberg and Milinkovic - switch to a 3-5-2 (Mane up front, Mendy LCB) with emphasis on the wings backs acting as wingers and we go all out attacking for a way to get back into the game.

————————————Scuffet
Christensen——Mammana———Garcia——Baba
————————————-A.Blin
——————Loftus-Cheek————Tielemans
Zivkovic————————B.Traore—————Lozano

Subs: Adarabioyo, Donsah, C.Musonda, Bakkali, M.Dembele

Captain: Youri Tielemans
Free Kicks: Youri Tielemans
Penalties: Youri Tielemans
Corners: Youri Tielemans
Lord Commander of the Nights Watch: Youri Tielemans


Another game against Tino’s lot, after an excellent start to the group stage we have decided to give a chance to a few different faces, all have played minutes so far but now the likes of Garcia, Blin, Zivkovic, Traore and Lozano get their first chance to impress from the off. We go with the high press, these kids are full of energy and playing on the front foot have a chance to show what they can do, especially in terms of being able to fit into the first team.

Off the ball we will set up to defend in a compact, narrow 4-3-3, defending the field in three separate areas, the two flanks and the central third, make sure that every inch of space is covered, suffocating our opponents and controlling the game even without possession. Defending starts from the front with Traore and Lozano(or Zivkovic if the ball is on the right), closing down their CBs with the free winger pushed up onto his FB and the two CMs closing the route into midfield, these two must work tirelessly to disrupt the two deepest Wolves midfielders, don't allow them to settle in possession, force rushed passes. Blin acts as the spare man, his job is to sweep up in midfield, if he sees a pass on, he's the one getting there to close down and win the ball and put us back on the attack, he's also great at covering the flanks, which will allow Baba are more attacking role. Designed to rush Wolves into long balls which our CBs will mop up, or more likely, balls to the unmarked FB, once we have Wolves in the wide areas we feel we can win the battles, in particularly slowing them down and make sure their possession can't be built up on, keeping them moving backwards and side ways until they lose concentration and the ball. When we defend the flanks it allows us to make things extra compact by shuffling our set up across to meet the Wolves advances, the key pairing here being the FB and wide man who go man v man against their opposite numbers, whilst the striker and midfield come across the close off the central route, making sure we have 6 men suffocating the attack, leaving our other wide man as the outball and the FB on that side tucked in alongside the CB allowing us to have a back 3. This will leave Wolves squeezed onto the touchline where they are at their least threatening, up against two FBs who are strong in one on ones and two hard working wingers, limit them to crosses which we can deal with, any attempt to go in field is blocked by the sheer numbers and compactness of our side, any attempt to find the strikers will be intercepted by our CBs who will always be on their toes, ready to win the ball and set up attacks with their good distribution.

If they get deep into our half we will begin focusing on controlling space rather than pressing their men, drop off and make sure their are no gaps to play through. At this stage we will look to make things narrow in midfield with the wide players tucking in, DMs(Tielemans drops in beside Blin) covering the space behind so that Wolves can't play in the lines. Defence drops deep and the FBs narrow to the CBs, keeping the defence narrow and sat deep on the edge of our box means that Wolves can't use their pace to get through us, they will be forced into wide areas and we are strong aerially and can cope with crosses and sideways movement. Force Wolves to keep going side to side and backwards, as soon as the ball is there to be won, stepping in and looking to release Lozano/Zivkovic down the wings or Traore over the top or down the sides of the CB, our pace upfront is a huge asset on the break. Garcia will man mark the CF today with his power, Mammana will use his reading of the game to sweep.

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

Subs:

If Winning: Donsah for Loftus-Cheek 65'. Charly and Bakkali for Zivkovic and Lozano 70', fresh legs in forward positions, Charly more pace than Zivkovic. Dembele for Traore 75', 15 minutes to show he should be the 4th striker in the squad next season. Adarabioyo for Christensen 85', run out for the youngster.

If Drawing: Bakkali for Lozano 65', fresh legs in the same role. Charly for Loftus-Cheek 70', a more elusive attacking player. Donsah and Dembele for Blin and Traore 75', Donsah can drive us forward more.

If Losing: Dembele for Blin 60', 4-4-2, use the press in the 4-4-2, doesn't give us the spare man in deep midfield but Mammana can step forward into this role when we are attacking. Bakkali and Charly for Baba and Lozano 70', 3-5-2 with Charly in behind the strikers. Donsah for Loftus-Cheek 80', adds some fresh legs into midfield late on.

Group A:

Chelsea 1-0 Hull City
Kelechi(Alli) 61
MOTM: Dele Alli

A tightly contested affair, Chelsea shading the attacking play but for the most part Hull looking comfortable defensively, at the other end Chelsea also looked comfortable against the Hull counters. It looked like it was going to be a draw until Iheanacho latched on to an Alli pass to give Chelsea their first win.

Group B:

Man Utd 1-2 Leicester City
Draxler(Redmond) 43; Mitrovic(Correa) 18, Mitrovic(PK)
MOTM: Mitrovic

A good performance and win for Leicester all but makes the group a battle for top spot now. United looked good going forward but they struggled to contain Leicester, especially in midfield where they were over run and Mitrovic was a constant problem for the CBs who were battered and bruised by the end of this game. It was that man Mitrovic who headed in from a Correa cross and was pushed over by Mitrovic in the box, with the striker converting the spot kick.

-------------------Butland-------------------
Eric Dier--Wallace--Laporte--Henrichs
-----------Goretzka---R.Bazoer-----------
B.Embolo----------Alli----------Kaputska
--------------------Kelechi------------------

Mandragora, Diawara, Mbappe, Eggestein, Rashford

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.

Wallace and Laporte at the back, Laporte 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. Wallace 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.

Henrichs and Dier at fullback, we must keep the wingers quiet, stop them and we stop a lot of there attacks.. 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, Henrichs with his attacking prowess, will push his back, Dier sits back a bit and allows him to attack but his marking abilities are sound, both have good positional sense and very quick, do not make rash desicions and will stay on their feet. Both FBs can attack. One goes the other stays as they look to make an extra man down the flank for our wingers to cut inside or play neat one twos to free the wingers up.

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

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

Kelechi 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. Kelechi 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 Kapustka and Embolo running into support. Alli will be making his runs also so be watchful of him just to lay it off to the side

Captain - Laporte
Penalties - Embolo
Free kicks - Alli
Corners - Wingers

Subs:-
HT Diawara for Bazoer takes over the same role

65 Mins
Rashford for Kelechi

75 Mins
Losing Eggestein for Alli, go 442
Winning Mandragora for Alli, sit in alongside the two CMs
Drawing Gabriel for Kaputska

85 Mins Losing
Henrichs to RM and Embolo up top 343

--------------------Lafont---------------------
M.Ginter---Rudiger--Gumbua---Mensah
--------------Hendrix--Benassi-------------
Calleri-----------Sanabria----------Draxler
-------------------Berahino-------------------

S.Mina, Kessie, Sule, Prowse, Babacar

The back four will stay tight and the fullbacks will only attack when in no danger, and one at a time we cant be left exposed if we lose possession. Stay tight to your man, Rudiger will man mark the striker very closely and Gumbua will be the spare defender and help out if need be.Both comfortable on the ball so they will be allowed to take the ball out of defence and start attacks from deep. Ginter will cover and make a back three when Mensah attacks as he will be allowed to do at will. But stay tight as a four and stya focussed

Hendrix and Benassi in front will help out defensively when called upon, Hendrix restricting the AM to as little as possible and Benassi hassling the other AM, when in possession pass it about and always be available for the ball back to start again if need be. Confident in there abilities but nothing silly. Just pass and move.

The wingers can switch about at will and use speed and good technique to get passed there markers, do this to confuse there defence and run them ragged, all three good in attack, quickl and skillful, look to support Berahino and make themselves available to him for pass backs or knock downs. Drive at there defence, show no fear, there will be teams with more experience in this competition, but, if we go at them, playing quick passing game, with plenty of movement especially in the final third we have a chance. Sanabria I want just off Berahino more of a SS than an AM, support him as much as possible, Berahino is lightening quick so look to pick him out with precise passing into the gaps for Berahino to latch on to. Also look to get into open spaces and always look to get his foot on the ball, I want Sanabria to be heavily involved from start to finish to see what he can do.

Berahino is a good outlet up top, good movement, quick and strong look to hold off his man and go for goal, plenty movement behind him so look to brig others into play, try to make holes in there defence for them to move into, but if you get a sniff go for goal.

Captain:- Rudiger
Penalties:- Berahino
Free Kicks - Draxler
Corners - Wingers

Subs
HT Franck Kessie takes over from Hendrix

65 Mins - Santi Mina for Calleri

75 Mins
Losing Babacar for Mensah as we go 343 with Babacar central up front
Berahino - Babacar - Sanabria

winning Prowse for Berahino and into midfield, sanabria up top

Drawing Babacar on for Berahino

Overview of our 4-3-3 formation

Under 23 Players – Yannick Gerhardt & Mitchell Weiser



------------------------------Rajkovic
Klostermann------Stark---------------Tah-----------Gerhardt
----------------Christiansen-------------Dahoud
------------------------------Stendera
--------Mor------------------Selke---------------Werner

Subs: Semper, Weiser, Grillitsch, Öztunali, Kurt

Corners: Mor (Öztunali) /Werner
Pens: Selke
Free Kicks: Stendera
Captain: Stark


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 Christiansen and Dahoud will act as our anchor-men sitting in front of the centre-backs, freeing Stendera to push forward and support play through the middle.

In the forward positions, our wide forwards Mor and Werner will converge centrally from the flanks and look to attack the inside channels or affect the game in between the opposition defenders and midfielders.

Selke 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 Weiser on for Klostermann & Öztunali on for Mor