----------------------Perin--------------------
Fabinho--Chambers--S.Umtiti--Tierney
--------------Danilo-------Grujic------------
Success-----------Barkley---------Locadia
-------------------Batshuayi-----------------

Boscagli, Coric, Roberts, Fischer, Sandro

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.

Chambers 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.

Success and Locadia are very quick and can score spectacular goals, so we have given them freedom to attack the fullbacks, Success tends to cut inside whereas Locadia will go to the outside and cross in, Success 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, Coric for Barkley

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

Drawing then Roberts for Success, Sandro for Batshuayi

Winnng then Fabinho goes to RM and Boscagli comes on for Success

Wolves

.........................Oblak.......................
.............Iorfa...Rugani..Romagnoli........
..................Bakayoko..Cataldi.........
Berardi.................Lopes..............Bernardo
...................Calleri.....Milik........................

Subs: Burgoyne, Gray, Grealish, Hause, Januzaj, Leko,Gnabry


Trying something different week as we look to play an attack heavy side...this is a high pressing system set up to hold possession high up the field and peg the opposition defence as far back as possible.

The back in possession will spread high and wide as the RCB & LCB will effectively occupy the space that traditional full-backs would take - their main aim is for the diagonal cross field ball stretching the opposition defence and picking out our wingers in full flight.

Bakayoko and Cataldi will sit in deep and shuffle wide to help cover where our full backs would be when we don't have possession effectively giving us a bank of 5 across the back-line. when we have the ball they will both push on and hold the way line....this may encourage a long ball counter over the top but that's a risk we take today.

Berardi and Bernardo Silva will stay as far forward as they can - dropping deep enough purely to stay onside, another risk but my aim is to force their full-backs to sit back as they will be skinned in a leg race on the counter - we want to overwhelm their defence at all times, Calleri and Milik are big targets for them to hit so we want to shake up the defence early doors.

Lopes - will sacrifice his game for the good of the team - he'll sit in the pocket and pick his passes as best as he can - even though he'll be a passenger for long periods as we want proper wing play today from the team...His main job is to man-mark their deep lying play-maker and stop the easy ball, forcing them to go long which is bread and butter for our defenders.

Calleri seems to know where the back of the net is and will play as a typical #9 off the shoulder of the last man.
Milik will be more of a target man holding the ball up and letting our AM's play off him

Subs:
60 mins regardless

Grealish > Lopes
Januzaj > Berardi
Leko > Milik

over 21's
Oblak
Calleri
Milik

-----------------Gollini
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
-------Zouma--Christensen--Mammana
Donsah-----Tielemans--Ajer---------Grimaldo
---------Traore--------------Williams
------------------Dembele

Subs: Loftus-Cheek, Charly Musonda, Jota, B.Keita, Lukaku

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

Change of formation this week to try something a little different from usual, just to keep ideas fresh and everyone fighting for their positions in the squad!

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

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

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

Subs:

If Winning: Jota and Keita for Traore and Williams 70’. Loftus-Cheek and Charly for Tielemans and Ajer 75’. Lukaku for Dembele 80’.

If Drawing: Charly for Ajer 65’, faster on the ball. Lukaku for Dembele 70’. Keita for Traore 75’. Loftus-Cheek for Tielemans and Jota for Mammana 80’, 4-3-3 now with Jota playing in behind the front 3.

If Losing: Lukaku for Mammana 60’, attack minded 4-4-2. Loftus-Cheek for Ajer 65’. Keita for Traore 70’.

Attacking 3-4-3

----------------- S.Rico
----- M.Lemos – N.Elvedi – J.Mere
P.Pereira – Chalobah – Paredes – Kenedy
----- Oyarzabal – D.Origi – A.Correa

Subs. K.Diks, Amavi, A.Traore, Marlos Moreno, Mitrovic

We will look to defend high up the pitch, playing a high pressing game. If the opposition have possession in their own half, our formation will resemble a 3-4-3. Looking to get all bodies in the opposition half bar our 3 cbs. Put high pressure on the opposition. Don’t let them play.

In the middle third Mere/Lemos to pick up the wide forward when we have possession and when they are on that wing. They will be slightly narrower when the opposition have possession in a central position, ready to move quickly to one side or the other.
Wbs to pick up their wide midfidler, and wide forwards to pick up and close down their fbs.

On the other side (opposite from ball) Mere/Lemos come in narrow, and wb picks up the furthest forward wg on that side. If they switch play we simply move across quickly as a unit to setup in the same manner on the other side.

Essentially, we seek to negate the problem of space behind an attacking wb, by our wide cb being in a position to instinctively cover. Our high defence will consist of two lines narrowing to the side of play, our 3 forwards, wbs and two cms pushing forward to mark and close down the opposition. Chalobah holds a position in front of the defence.

We only retreat into a back five as part of a deep block after the initial high block had been bypassed and the opposition are moving forward into our half.

As the opposition progress up the pitch, we will drop deeper to a 5-4-1. With 3 cbs the gaps between them are generally smaller, Mere lcb, Lemos rcb with Elvedi the cb sweeping to cover either.

The cms sit slightly deeper than Oyarzabal and Correa, ensuring we have cover to come across if they get forward down the wings.


Attack

We will be patient moving the ball our from defence, the cms and wingbacks however will look to be direct in the opposition half. Quick passing football, keeping the ball on the deck. Pass and move simple. We want the midfield to be quick on the ball, not taking too many touches, find our forwards quickly, then look to get forward and ahead of them.

Our midfielders will look to come deep, Paredes will be key to orchestrate the play, and entice the opposition out of position. Find gaps in their formation to get the ball to our attacking players in pace.

The midfield 4 should never be flat. Create as many lines as possible to increase the options we have in possession, and to create gaps in the opposition.

Wbs look to get at the opposition fbs, with two forwards and 1 cm bombing forward, we should overload the opposition defence making it extremely difficult to pick up our players in and around their box. Chalobah stays deep. Offering the opposition to go backwards, and allow him to offer a simple option to play back and pick a pass.

Our setup gives our strikers great freedom when we are attacking, they are able to find the space to get the ball in dangerous areas, and with a trio given freedom this will be far easier.

Subs. After 65 mins bring on M.Moreno for Oyarzabal. Inject pace.
After 70 mins bring on A.Traore and Mitrovic for Paredes and Origi.
After 75 mins bring on Amavi for Kenedy.

Newcastle vs Chelsea

Nice game this both sides playing fairly similar systems..Newcastles midfield having the better of the early exchanges with their heavy press...Chelsea having to fight hard to get a foot hold in the game, and it was no surprise when Azmoun broke the deadlock after a good run by Mane...After that Chelsea opened up more and drew level before HT with a lovely finish by Kelechi from a through ball by Alli.
Second half went much the same way with Chelsea under some heavy pressure - In the end it was the subs that won it for Newcastle with Zielinksi pushing on and picking out Suarez at the back stick for a nice tap-in

Newcastle 2-1 Chelsea
Azmoun (Mane)
Kelechi (Alli)
Suarez (Zielinksi)

MOTM - Mane

Spurs vs Hull

The one thing that really stood out for me in this game is the difference in what I perceived as top experience between the two sides - welshy has a lovely blend to his team but I feel Spurs' players just have that more experience to their game.
Both sides are out there in a 4-3-3/4-2-3-1 set-up and as Welshy had matched him 1-1 I just felt he fell short

Hull opened the scoring with a tidy finish from Selke, it was a proper sucker-punch..counter-attack from a corner, ball over the top and he used his pace to beat the recovering defenders.....Hull went 2 up shortly afterwards after a clumsy tackle by Chambers in the box gifted Selke a free hit from 12 yards.
second half started with much more urgency from Spurs and they were back in the game with just over half an hour to play after some lovely play by Fischer picking out Batshuayi in the box who powered home the header...Alas the come-back was never truly on and thats how it ended

Spurs 1-2 Hull
Selke (Dahoud)
Selke (PEN)
Batshuyai (Fischer)

MOTM - Tah

Man Utd vs Liverpool

Nice to see a team move away from the 4-2-3-1
the 3-4-2-1 is perfect I think for neutralising Fan's set up as for long spells Berahino was an isolated figure..That said for me Fan's players carried more experience and that was the difference make..LSTD right system and setup but wrong personnel

Utd 2-1 Liverpool

Berahino (Draxler)
Calleri (Hendrix)
Dembele (Williams)

MOTM - Draxler

----------------------Oblak--------------------
Fabinho--Chambers---S.Umtiti--Tierney
--------------Danilo--------Grujic------------
Roberts------------Barkley----------Fischer
----------------------Locadia------------------

Boscagli, Coric, Success, T.Martinez Sandro

We have Oblak 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.

Chambers 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 Fischer are very quick and can score spectacular goals, so we have given them freedom to attack the fullbacks, Roberts tends to cut inside and get a strike away towards goal, whereas Fischer 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 Locadia and get into dangerous positions, will link everything from midfield to attack and get Locadia 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.

Locadia 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
Coric for Barkley

70 Minutes
Losing, Boscagli and T.Martinez for Fabinho and Tierney, Boscagli goes into CB and Martinez up front 3412, Success will come for Fischer at the same time and a straight swap with Sandro and Locadia

Winning Sandro for Roberts, Martinez for Locadia

--------------------Butland--------------------
J.Stones---Wallace---Laporte---Chilwell
---------------L.Cook---Oxford---------------
Embolo--------------Alli--------------Gabriel
--------------------Rashford-------------------

Diawara, Mbappe, Henrichs, E.Ponce, Lookman

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.

Stones and Chilwell 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, Chilwell with his attacking prowess, will push his back, Stones 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.

Oxford 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! Oxford 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. Cook 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, Cook 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 Oxford 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 Rashford. All three are good all round midfielders, But Oxford i want to sit in the hole with the two either side when defending.

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

Rashford 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. Rashford 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. Alli will be making his runs also so be watchful of him just to lay it off to the side

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

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

65 Mins
E.Ponce for Rashford

75 Mins
Losing - Lookman for Chilwell 3412
Winning - Henrichs for Alli sit in a bit and Mbappe for Gabriel
Drawing - Lookman for Embolo, Mabappe for Gabriel

--------------------Lafont---------------------
Mensah------Ginter--N.Sule------Jackson
-------------Lemina-----Benassi-------------
Redmond---------Draxler---------Berahino
--------------------Sanabria-------------------

Prowse, Hughes, Brandt, 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, Ginter 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. Jackson 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

Lemina and Benassi in front will help out defensively when called upon, Lemina 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 Sanabria 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 Sanabria more of a SS than an AM, support him as much as possible, Sanabria is lightening quick so look to pick him out with precise passing into the gaps for Sanabria 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 heavily involved from start to finish to see what he can do.

Sanabria 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:- Ginter
Penalties:- Berahino
Free Kicks - Draxler
Corners - Wingers

Subs
HT - Prowse for Benassi, Brandt for Redmond, Babacar for Sanabria

losing after 65 mins Berahino up front with Babacar, Draxler LW

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

Wolves

Overs - Perrin, Icardi

..............................Perrin.............................
Murru...........Rugani.....Romagnoli.......Galloway
......................Cataldi.....Fernandes......................
Berardi.....................................................Bernardo
........................Kelechi.......Icardi........................

Subs: Burgoyne, Iorfa, Lopes, Bakayoko, Grealish, Talisca, Januzaj

Pretty strong line-up for us today as we still go in search of our first win in this competition.

Traditional 4-4-2 today as we look to bring back some fast paced wing-play. get the ball down play it to feet or into space - with the pace and trickery of our wide men I'd like us to utilise the diagonal ball across the opposition full-back so our wingers can take it on the run.

Perrin is a superb shot-stopper and should hopefully slot into Oblak's shoes/gloves seamlessly - very athletic and will look to sweep behind the back 4

Murru and Galloway are defence first defenders and that's good by us, they will both look to push on when safe to do so, if one goes they both go as this creates simple passes, better to go backwards then give it away carelessly.

Rugani and Romagnoli are Italy's U21's pairing so that in itself speaks volumes, right foot left combo at that back and both clear 6ft, should comfortably be able to deal with whatever Leicester throw at us, nice bit of zonal marking at the back today.

Cataldi will be my holding midfielder today allowing Bruno the freedom to get forward and dictate the play through the middle

Berardi and Bernardo will stay nice and high up the pitch pegging back the oppo full-backs, safe in the knowledge that they have the beating of them if they isolate them.

Kelechi may be the baby oft he team but he showed last season he has goals in him - may only be 19 but already 6ft and a real handful for defenders will look to use his size and pace to create space for Icardi to be the goal hanging snidey we all know and love/hate

Subs 70 mins fresh legs

Januzaj > Berardi
Lopes > Bernardo
Talisca > Kelechi - and drop to AM so we finish in a 4-2-3-1

Attacking 3-4-3

----------------- S.Rico
----- M.Lemos – N.Elvedi – J.Mere
J.Cancelo – A.Traore – Gerson – Kurzawa
----- Oyarzabal – D.Origi – A.Correa

Subs. K.Diks, Kenedy, Chalobah, Marlos Moreno, Mitrovic

We will look to defend high up the pitch, playing a high pressing game. If the opposition have possession in their own half, our formation will resemble a 3-4-3. Looking to get all bodies in the opposition half bar our 3 cbs. Put high pressure on the opposition. Don’t let them play.

Two powerful box to box players in cm and up front, with pace down the wings.

In the middle third Mere/Lemos to pick up the wide forward when we have possession and when they are on that wing. They will be slightly narrower when the opposition have possession in a central position, ready to move quickly to one side or the other.
Wbs to pick up their wide midfidler, and wide forwards to pick up and close down their fbs.

On the other side (opposite from ball) Mere/Lemos come in narrow, and wb picks up the furthest forward wg on that side. If they switch play we simply move across quickly as a unit to setup in the same manner on the other side.

Essentially, we seek to negate the problem of space behind an attacking wb, by our wide cb being in a position to instinctively cover. Our high defence will consist of two lines narrowing to the side of play, our 3 forwards, wbs and two cms pushing forward to mark and close down the opposition. One of the cms holds back slightly.

We only retreat into a back five as part of a deep block after the initial high block had been bypassed and the opposition are moving forward into our half.

As the opposition progress up the pitch, we will drop deeper to a 5-4-1. With 3 cbs the gaps between them are generally smaller, Mere lcb, Lemos rcb with Elvedi the cb sweeping to cover either. The wide forwards drop back into midfield.

The cms sit slightly deeper than Oyarzabal and Correa, ensuring we have cover to come across if they get forward down the wings.


Attack

We will be patient moving the ball our from defence, the cms and wingbacks however will look to be direct in the opposition half. Quick passing football, keeping the ball on the deck. Pass and move simple. We want the midfield to be quick on the ball, not taking too many touches, find our forwards quickly, then look to get forward and ahead of them.

Our midfielders will look to come deep, to collect the ball, drive forward and orchestrate the play. Entice the opposition out of position. Find gaps in their formation to get the ball to our attacking players in pace.

The midfield 4 should never be flat. Create as many lines as possible to increase the options we have in possession, and to create gaps in the opposition.

Wbs look to get at the opposition fbs, with two forwards and 1 cm bombing forward, we should overload the opposition defence making it extremely difficult to pick up our players in and around their box. One cm stays deeper. Offering the opposition to go backwards, and allow him to offer a simple option to play back and pick a pass.

Our setup gives our strikers great freedom when we are attacking, they are able to find the space to get the ball in dangerous areas, and with a trio given freedom this will be far easier.

Subs. After 65 mins bring on M.Moreno for Oyarzabal. Inject pace.
After 70 mins bring on Chalobah and Mitrovic for Gerson and Origi.
After 75 mins bring on Kenedy for Kurzawa

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

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

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

Deciding game of the tournament, must win! 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. Zivkovic 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. Zivkovic 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. Zivkovic for Williams 80', will look to take his man on and get balls into the strikers.

Group A

Hull City 2-0 Newcastle
Dahoud 13, Mor(Selke) 69
MOTM: Dahoud

Chelsea 0-0 Spurs
MOTM: Umtiti

--------------------Butland--------------------
J.Stones---Wallace---Laporte---Chilwell
---------------Rabiot---E.Dier---------------
Embolo--------------Alli--------------Gabriel
--------------------Rashford-------------------

Diawara, Mbappe, Henrichs, E.Ponce, Lookman

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.

Stones and Chilwell 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, Chilwell with his attacking prowess, will push his back, Stones 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.

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

Rashford 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. Rashford 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. Alli will be making his runs also so be watchful of him just to lay it off to the side

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

Subs:-

65 Mins
E.Ponce for Rashford

75 Mins
Losing - Lookman for Chilwell 3412, Mbappé for Gabriel

Winning - Diawara for Alli sit in a bit and Henrichs for Gabriel

Drawing - Lookman for Embolo, Mbappe for Gabriel

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

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

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

A big semi! 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 Chelsea 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 Chelsea 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 Chelsea 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 Chelsea 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 Chelsea 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 Chelsea 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 Chelsea 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 Chelsea 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. Zivkovic 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. Zivkovic 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. Zivkovic for Williams 80', will look to take his man on and get balls into the strikers.

Darn did I miss tactics?

No worries if these are too late to count

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

Don't worry think it's fine as long as they're in this weekend

cheers bro

comment by Fan Gillhaus 1903 (U3339)
posted 2 weeks, 2 days ago
--------------------Lafont---------------------
Mensah------Ginter--N.Sule------Jackson
-------------Lemina-----Benassi-------------
Redmond---------Draxler---------Berahino
--------------------Sanabria-------------------

Prowse, Hughes, Brandt, 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, Ginter 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. Jackson 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

Lemina and Benassi in front will help out defensively when called upon, Lemina 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 Sanabria 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 Sanabria more of a SS than an AM, support him as much as possible, Sanabria is lightening quick so look to pick him out with precise passing into the gaps for Sanabria 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 heavily involved from start to finish to see what he can do.

Sanabria 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:- Ginter
Penalties:- Berahino
Free Kicks - Draxler
Corners - Wingers

Subs
HT - Prowse for Benassi, Brandt for Redmond, Babacar for Sanabria

losing after 65 mins Berahino up front with Babacar, Draxler LW
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Don't even know if I'm still in! Just in case...

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

Semi Final 1
Hull vs Man Utd

A packed Anfield we're willing Hull on today as they took on the resident Scousers bête noire (sorry for the use of French)
tough game to call this as I really like Welshy's set-up but I think this was one game too far and United got the job done in extra time

Goals:
Selke (stendera)
Tah (werner corner)
Berahino (Benassi)
Sanabria (Redmond)
Draxler (solo effort)

MOTM - Draxler - playing in the hole, everything went through him