-------------------- Lafont -------------------
P.Lahm -- J.Stones -- Caldara -- L.Shaw
------------- Bender --- Kessie -------------
Gabigol ------------ Alli ----------- Gabriel
-------------------- Dybala -------------------

Dragowski, Malang, Fosu-Mensah, Diawara, Lincoln, A.Silva, Benteke

A very young team to take on Arsenal, but we are at home and feel its a good young team full of energy, power, skill and pace..

In goal Lafont, will dominate his area and keep his back four in check, off his line early to punch or catch balls in, will close down strikers early and reduce there shooting angles. release early for quick counters.

Stones and Caldara are both pushing Boateng and Bonucci so out to prove me something, Caldara will man mark the CF stick close to him, he is quick and strong so will force the striker back and away from goal. Stones is spare so helps out if needed, otherwise. he must position himself correctly to head clear any danger or pump the ball into the stands as it comes through, no messing. Both can carry the ball out of defence but nothing silly. Lahm is our experienced defender, he will keep Stones in line, he is still the best RB out there, maybe not the quickest but his experience is invaluable. Positions himself correctly even against quick players so he does not let them passed or become a danger, he wont attack that mush allowing Shaw at LB to do so, so he will just tuck in and make a back 3 when he does. Lahm when he has the ball will carry it to half way then look to pass forward or inside. Shaw like said can attack, with Lahm tucking in he has the freedom to do so, will support Gabriel by driving to his outside, allowing Gabriel to cut inside as Shaw hits the bye-line looking to cross in or indeed cut it back inside to Gabriel or Alli. Defence wise, stay tall and strong and stop the RW getting inside the box.

Lars bender is the DM he stops there AM becoming a threat, close him down early and this will stop them dictating play, do not allow him any time on the ball to pick his pass, will stay in front of the CBs to give that extra bit of protection. Kessie is our B2B player, very dynamic in his play, will drive forward and join Alli in attacks and make the late runs into the box to become a danger in front of goal, when defending he will sit in beside Bender and defend the lines, stopping them from coming onto us. Get stuck in, nothing silly but force them vback with an in yer face performance. Pass it about quickly using our quick attackers and look to thread balls through for them to attack.

Dele Alli finally gets his chance, given a No.10/Free role today as we look to break them down, he will play just off Dybala as he looks to become a menace, very skillfull and can at times make something out of nothing, can pick the ball up turn and drive into the area or look to spray it about to our two Brazilian wingers, once he has passed it look to make himself available at all times for the return pass. When defending stop there DM/3rd midfielder coming forward and get right onto him when he has the ball.

Gabigol and Gabriel Jesus have total freedom today, we are going out to attack Arsenal, Gabigol will be look to Alli and Dyyabal to pass and move into dangerous areas, whereas Gabriel has Shaw as that extra man coming form deep, so we have plenty palyers attacking at will but still have plenty cover in defence just in case, we will look to take them on with pace and skill, quick passing,one touch, quick triangles to get someone through on goal wether it be a winger, Alli or Dybala. Not sure they know what defending means but as long as they sit in front of Arsenal fullbacks to stop them coming forward then that will do.

Dybala is going to show why Tino wants him at Arsenal, a terrific striker, just unlucky he has Aguero in front of him. Great finisher and he will get plenty opportunities to fire one into the back of the net, will look to link quickly with Alli especially and the two Gabriels as we want to hurt Arsenal quickly, will drive into space looking to pick up the balls that our midfield send trhough to him, target the slower, weaker of the Cbs and always sit on the shoulder of the last man ready to pull away from him

Quick, free flowing, one touch football, always play with heads up, speak to one another and alwayts be there to fight for one another

Captain - Lahm
Penalties - Dybala
Set Pieces - Gabriel Jesus

Subs -

Losing -
60 Mins - A.Silva for Alli, sit jus off Dybala
70 Mins - Benteke for Dybala 442
80 Mins - Lincoln for Shaw, sit at No.10

Winning -
70 Mins - Diawara for Alli , sit in beside Bender, kessi into the middle not so far up as No.10
80 Mins - Benteke for Dybala,, Malang for Shaw..

Drawing -
70 Mins - Benteke for Dybala, Lincoln for Gabigol, Mensah for Kessie

--------------------------Weidenfeller
Kimmich-------Sven Bender--------Badstuber--------Alaba
----------------------Weigl--------------Sanches
------Passlack--------------Thiago---------------Pulisic
-------------------------------Müller

Subs: Starke, Durm, Rafinha, Xabi Alonso, Green, Ramos, Kießling


Our defensive unit consists of Sven Bender and Holger Badstuber paired up at centre-back, Joshua Kimmich at right-back and David Alaba at left-back, with Julian Weigl and Renato Sanches as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.

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

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

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

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

With Sanches running his socks off for the team, our high tempo will dictated by his partner in holding midfield, Julian Weigl.

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

The attacking unit consists of Felix Passlack, Thiago and Christian Pulisic as our band of three attacking midfielders and Thomas Müller as our lone central striker.

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

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

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

Kimmich and Alaba can surge up the wings in the knowledge that the Weigl and Sanches can drop into the space left behind if needed. As they come up the wings, both Passlack and Pulisic who are fast dribblers will cut inside or make runs into the box. Thiago our attacking central midfielder is a creative passer who will look to play them or Thomas Müller in via fast passing combinations.

No doubts that Thomas Müller is our luxury player. What Muller brings to the table is unique. Among the many technically brilliant, yet sometimes overly calculated and predictable attacking players, Muller offers an element of surprise. An edge in attack.
Some players have patterns of plays and runs that repeat themselves. Muller rarely makes the same run or move twice.

Some players suffer dips in form that visibly affect their performances, slumps that completely remove them from matches. Muller can have a quiet 89 minutes but come up with a moment of brilliance that will win our team the game.

Sub: 75 Mins: Green on for Passlack (Green at LW, Pulisic moves over to RW)

------------------ Casillas -------------------
Semedo - Luisao - Lindelof - Lisandro
------------ G.Medel - I.Gueye ------------
Gelson ---------- Jonas ---------- Mbappe
--------------------- Bony -------------------

J.Cesar, , Neves, BMI, T.Mendes, Carillo

Solid 4231 with plenty youth, experience, power and pace to hurt the opposition.

Lindelof and Luisao have the experienced Casillas behind them as they look to shut up shop, Lisandro man marks, Lindelof goes spare as the two look to shut him dowan asap. Be on to the striker very quickly not giving him an inch to move. Fullbacks defend first and when in no trouble they can attack one ata time. Support the wingers and go to the outsode the have there fullbacks asking questions, this should leave caps if there wingers dont track back.

Medel and Gueye are solid in the middle, tigerish and always nipping at the heals of the oppostion, not great going forward but that is left to others, they protect the back 4 and once they have won the ball they move it forward.

Wingers have freedom, both very quick look to take on the markers and use the players inside for quick one twos to get them to the bye line to firew in crosses for the big man up top. Help defend by tracking the fullbacks as they move forward.

Jonas is more of a link to Bony and will support him as much as possible, he takers playes away aloowing Bony to get more space for him to drive into as he picks uip the ball. Jonas is a great finisher too so wiull linbk up well with Bony

Bony is a very powerful boy, he shrugs players off like they are not there, great player to have on the counter and also a good all round player with skill and pace which if you include his power are all fantastic to have, he is so difficult to stop on his day. Look for the wingers firing in crosses and rise above the CBs.

Captain - Casillas
Penalties - Jonas
Free Kicks - Jonas
Corners - Wingers

Subs -
Neves for Gueye on 70
carillo for Gelson on 80

Tactics vs a German team

Balanced 4-3-3

Key to our game plan today, is quick passing moves in the midfield and using our pace out wide.

We have fantastic pace down the wings, with Benzema providing a target up top, and someone to play off going forward. The central midfield trio are full of energy and give us a solid midfield in front of the defence.

Javi is the holding player today, Vidal box to box and Brozo the more attacking of the trio. Going forward we vary our attacks. The majority of the time, we look for quick fluid passing movements but we will be direct now and then.

The midfield 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. Our wide attackers, and the attacking fb look to give us width and stretch the game.

In the middle of the park, the midfield trio look to keep the ball on the deck passing in triangles, triangles that are directed out wide as gaps appear in the opposition formation, we look to shift the ball wider as we advance into the opposition half. This will be key to our attacks, as we look to overload one side of the play.

Drag their players out of position, and getting Vidal and Brozo on the ball to create the chances. Using the pace of our wide men, and the link up play of Benzema to cut through A German team. After A German team attacks, we will also try the odd long ball, either direct to Benzema or over the top for the pace of our forwards to run on to.

We defend in a rigid defensive unit behind the ball, the two closest players pressing the balls, the others getting back and pressing the space so that they have no options to break.

--------------- Handanovic
Danilo - S.Ramos – Otamendi - Kurzawa
----------- Javi.M – A.Vidal
---------------- Brozovic
L.Sane ------------------------ Hazard
--------------- Benzema

Subs. Schmeichel, Barzagli, Elvedi, Kroos, Torreira, Correa, Costa

Key to our attack is quick attacking play. Varying our play and how we get the ball to our wingers/Benzema quickly. Both full backs bomb forward in attack, with Javi sitting to cover.

Defending in numbers

We look to control the opposition by pressing the space with a narrow rigid defensive unit, only allowing them to play in areas we want them to. When we lose the ball the closest player presses the ball, the second closest presses the obvious passing channel. As they’re doing this everyone else bar Hazard and Benzema gets behind the ball into position. Stop them breaking.

In a deep, narrow, rigid formation, we will look to press the space, not allowing them options. Draw them in to positions where they can’t hurt us, and then try and win the ball back.

We always keep one fb back. We have a quick defence and energy and pace in midfield to stop quick breaks.

As A German team advance into higher areas of the park and into our half, our shape will resemble a 4-1-4-1. Our wingers will track any forward runs made by their fbs, and Javi is the midfielder who presses the space in front of our cbs, picking up their CAM.

In this tight rigid formation, ensuring there are no gaps in the formation. Javi will be key, reading the play in between the defence and midfield, reading any dangers to get across. Brozo presses their deep playmaker/cm, while Vidal presses the space in front of Javi.


The winger opposite to the play comes narrow, slightly ahead of the midfield, in a position to break, and stop them going back to their dm to switch the play. Narrowing the play to the side A German team are attacking, pushing them backwards and wide away from danger. When they switch play, we switch over.

Our fb’s have fantastic pace up against their wide forwards, they will drop off more and narrow the play so they can bide their time, waiting for the right time to make the tackle, not diving in. If he does manage to get past you coming inside Javi and a cb will be there to tidy up or down the line then there’s a chance to get back and stop the cross.

Attack.
Get the ball to our wingers, get them attacking their fbs, and get balls into Benzema. Or direct to Benzema.

In possession, the defence push up playing a reasonably high line as all are comfortable in possession and have great pace. The cm trio seeking to collect the ball from the defence, and seeking to start our attacks from the back. Spreading play, and setting the tempo of the game.

Javi and Vidal picking the passes to start the attacks. They take turns to look for space in between the defence and midfield. They both have the ability to link with our front three and be a threat in and around their box.

We want quick one twos in the opposition half. Vidal, Brozo and the wingers will always be looking for the killer ball. If it is not on, we are happy to keep possession, attacking down the wings.

Benzema has freedom to play his natural game and get the goals.

Captain: Ramos

Subs.

After 65 mins bring on Kroos for Brozovic.

After 70 mins bring on Correa and Costa for Hazard and Benzema. Fresh legs, and players that will press high up.

---------------------Reina
Maggio--Maksimovic--Albiol--Darmian
------------Sturaro------Saponara
Insigne------------Hulk-----------Callejon
------------------Gabbiadini
Subs
Neto, Tonellii, Mario Rui, Montolivo, Feghouli, Falque, Totti

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.



Keeper


When distributing the ball, he should look to keep it simple and play the percentage pass. At crosses and set pieces, should look to punch clear towards our wingers rather than having to flap at pressurised catches.



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, we want them to stop 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 wether to go with him. They won't put too many crosses in, preferring to either play shorter passes to the wingers or players who have come out from the middle of the pitch or run to the byline and cut back passes along the ground with pace.

Centre Backs

They will generally be looking to limit the space to get in behind them, shuffling across to make it a back 3 if one full back is caught up the pitch, Maksimovic will compete with the striker for the aerial balls played into him, with Albiol concentrating on winning the 2nd ball. When the ball is on the floor, Albiol will be the defender who looks to meet the striker, looking to stifle his space and rush his decisions, with Maksimovic 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 2 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 shift their 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 4 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.

Attacking Midfielder

Hulk should be looking to make himself available for a pass as much as possible, having a free role to drift around between their defence and midfield, when we have the ball in the middle of the pitch, he should be looking to drift around the space between the DM and full backs and make them have to make decisions on who goes to him. He should also look to get the ball and run at defenders forcing them into tackles they don't want to make either taking themselves out of the game or making a foul.
Defensively, he should be looking to work with the attackers as a collective so they dont give the full backs and centre mids time on the ball.


Wingers


When they are off the ball, the emphasis for the 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 other attackers, they should also look to run at players as they will be cautious not to give away a free kick or penalty. 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 face the defenders and take them on. When running onto a ball, He will also be looking to use his strength to get in front of the centre backs to hold them off and draw a foul if they choose not to let him go.
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 - Saponara takes the corners, the CB's go into the box, the FB's stay back to prevent counters, the CB's and Gabbiadini work in a group to make little blocks and cross-runs to lose a marker so 1 or 2 can get a freer run at the ball, Insigne and Callejon flit around away from the main attacking group looking to pounce on mistimed touches and bobbles around the area. Sturaro looks to limit the opposition keeper from moving around the 6 yard box, looking to take a defender with him meaning more blocking for the keeper and one less man in the action area. Hulk 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 - Suarez is the designated taker.





Subs



If Winning


70 mins - Montolivo for Hulk - 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 Mins - Falque for Callejon and Feghouli for Insigne - Fresh legs with the added element of running down the clock.



If Drawing
70 Mins - Montolivo + Totti for Hulk + Saponara - Bring a bit more urgency into attacks.

If Losing



70 Mins - Totti, Tonelli and Montolivo for Darmian, Maggio and Sturaro - 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.

FioInter Milan
4-5-1 Counter

First and foremost we want to be difficult to beat. We have gone with a majority of Italian players, bring it back to Catenaccio. Miranda is the free cb, sweeping. As the other 3 defenders man mark the likely 3 Newcastle attackers (striker and wingers). Motta using his intelligence to sit, and sweep in between the defence and midfield.

Pastore and Bonaventura’s dribbling ability will be important in beating Newcastle higher up the pitch. In defence, not allowing them to counter, and allowing us to get back in to position.

When the opposition have the ball. We defend deep, everyone behind the ball bar Dzeko. N’Zonzi sweeps in front of the defence, with Loca and Ramires going man for man with their more attacking cms. The winger opposite play looks to come narrow, sit in front of their dm. Stopping a pass, and in a position to break on the side of play or to get back and help the defence if needed.

We defend in this unit. Man for man with three players spare covering the central zones. Dzeko remains free up top.

------------ Donnarumma
Abate -– Subotic –- Miranda -- Santon
----- Ramires – N’Zonzi – Locatelli
Pastore ------------------ Bonaventura
--------------- E.Dzeko

Subs. Sportiello, B.Peres, T.Motta, Schweinsteiger, Tello, Gervinho

Looking to defend as a unit and attack on the break. Dzeko offers someone who we can go long to, while we’ll also look for diagonals/long balls to the wide players. Locatelli and Motta will be the players looking to come deep, collect the ball, and set us on the attack.

Down the wings we have pace and great energy, and in the central midfield trio we have a mix of everything. Locatelli and Ramires offer the ability to pick passes going forward, while Ramires’s drive and energy will be important going forward and in defence. N’Zonzi will be the most defensive of the trio, using his intelligence and positioning to sit in front of the defence. Locatelli has freedom to join the attack and create.

When we attack we look to attack narrow, Pastore and Bonaventura come inside, looking for space in between the midfield and defence. We want them to support and play off Dzeko as much as possible. Look to overload them in this area with Ramires and Locatelli supporting. Locatelli and Bonaventura offering the Italian flair going forward. Pastore offering an Argie no.10 in the mix too.

Set pieces will also be important, likes of N’Zonzi, Subotic and Miranda joining Dzeko in the box for all corners and free kicks. Bonaventura on set pieces.

Viva Italia!

If winning after 65 mins bring on Lapadula for Pastore. More Italians. Great work ethic and pace.
If winning after 70 mins bring on Tello for Bonaventura and Schweinsteiger on for Locatelli.

If drawing after 65 mins bring on Lapadula for Ramires. Bonaventura to cm. More pace in attack.
If drawing after 80 mins bring on Tello for Pastore. More pace.

If losing after 60 mins bring on Peres and Lapadula for Pastore and Loactelli. 4-4-2. Peres RM, Lapadula up top with Dzkeo.
If losing after 75 mins bring on Gervinho for Abate. 3-4-3. Aim for his forehead.

ASTON VILLA 4-2-3-1

———————————— 1. Oblak
5. Zabaleta — 3. Bailly — 4. Benatia — 6. Sandro
—————— 29. Xhaka —— 18. Kovavic
10. Robben ————— 42. Yaya Toure ————— 11. Reus
————————————— 9. Higuain

SUBS: 31. Begovic, 12. Smalling, 38. Barry, 25. Strootman, 23. Eriksen, 49. Niang, 21. Gameiro

Captain: Marco Reus
Corners: Marco Reus
Crossing free-kicks: Marco Reus
Shooting free-kicks: Marco Reus
Penalties: Marco Reus

We stick to a 4-2-3-1 counter attack and again a near full strength side with Yaya coming into the side bringing his physicality with him, helping to dominate the middle of the park with against a strong midfield as we can drop into a 433 with Yaya who can also provide a goal threat. Up against a strong opposition team today in what is a crucial game for Aston Villa’s chances at getting a trophy we need a win and so we are very motivated, we expect the opposition to be looking to dominate, we usually play this way too, however with our greater experience and the pace on the break of our front 4 we're going to play more on the counter attack leaving very little space between the lines of midfield and defence when defending.

The advantage of the 4-2-3-1 formation in terms of counter attacking is it is very easy to change quickly from defence to attack and create superior number situations in the opposition half of the pitch with the 4 rows of players on the pitch, what is a 4-5-1 in defensive situations can very quickly become a 4-3-3 in attack.

The block of four of Benatia Bailly Xhaka and Kovacic will form a four man block around their striker when out of possession. Xhaka and Kovacic will help cut the passing lanes to their forward line while Bailly will mark their striker tightly with Benatia sweeping behind if he does get through. Yaya will come back in the defending phase to help win the ball back with the two midfielders.

Oblak will play in goal, his talents are obvious to anyone, fantastic shot stopper and very good coming off his line so he can sweep up any balls in behind and someone capable of wonder saves.

The first line of our formation is the defence, the full backs Zabaleta and Sandro are extremely fit and very strong in defence and tactically aware of their roles in this system which is crucial, they are to make the job of the wide attackers of the opposition as difficult as possible not allowing them to make runs in between themselves and the centre halves, keeping them as wide as possible and as far from goal as possible, good communication from the centre halves is crucial.

The two midfielders Xhaka and Kovacic are our second line of defence and attack, by playing two deeper lying players they can rotate, one of them will always be available for the ball when we're in possession and both are able to launch attacks quickly due to their passing ability, defensively they are to watch runs from the opposition midfield who will be dangerous, both are very tactically educated and comfortable playing this way. Kovacic will be tasked with pushing the team forwards in the attacking phase and arriving late in the box.

Our attacking midfield trio are absolutely crucial to the way we want to attack, Yaya is somewhat free of defensive responsibility unless under pressure as both Robben and Reus are very hard working and able to get up and down the pitch for 90 minutes, in defence it will become a 4-4-1-1 while the offensive ability and styles of Robben and Reus means the formation automatically becomes a 4-3-3 when in possession. Their pace and intelligence in making runs will cause havoc for the the opposition defence and their records speak for themselves when creating and taking chances.

Higuain will play as the centre forward, his pace and energy will be crucial in pressurising the defensive midfielder of the opposition and he never stops running. When we obtain possession his first job is to get on the shoulder of the centre halves and make runs in behind and stretch the defence, this is crucial in creating gaps between the midfield and defence of the opposition for Reus, Robben and Yaya to create and take chances.

SUBS:

If winning after 75 mins bring on Strootman for Yaya. More physical presence in midfield, and gives greater cover in a 433.

If drawing or losing after 65 mins bring on Eriksen for Yaya. Fresh creativity and legs. Pace will also cause problems. Xhaka will drop back to DM to control the game while Kovacic and Eriksen will dominate from behind Higuain as well as adding an extra goal threat in a 4-1-4-1. Robben on right and Reus goes to the left.

If drawing or losing after 75 mins bring on Gameiro for Kovacic. Attacking 4-4-2 with Xhaka and Eriksen in the middle and Robben on the right Reus on the left. Gameiro and Higgers up front.

Newcastle

-----------------------Buffon
---------Manolas----Godin----Pepe
Bernadeschi--Radja---Pjanic--Bertrand
------------------------Ozil
--------------Firmino-----Suarez

Subs
Lloris, Bartra, Wendell, Krychowiak, Mane, Sturridge, Kane

Tactics

Overview
We have set up with a 3-4-1-2 formation today, with the aim to getting extra attacking presences further up the pitch without losing strength in midfield or attack. We are going to play an attacking style of football, being aggressive in the way we defend by pressing quickly and high up the pitch.

Goalkeeper
Come for set pieces, punch rather than try the catch, when passing the ball look to play the percentage pass to the wing backs/outside centre backs and keep possession.

Centre Backs
Godin will sit at the base of the 3 organising the back line and is tasked with stopping any attacks coming through the centre of the pitch, and have him go against the striker when balls are played into him.

The other 2 centre backs will play wider, having more freedom to move around and help the wing backs with wide threats or stopping runs from attacking midfielders and press higher up the pitch, they are also both good on the ball so when in possession if there is space to run into, they are given the freedom to move into it and advance the play.

Wing Backs
Both guys have the energy levels to get up and down the pitch all match long, they will be tasked with keeping the width across the pitch forcing the opposition to keep their full backs from constricting the centre of the pitch. They won't put many crosses in, rather playing shorter passes to players who have come from the middle of the pitch.

Defensively, they have the wider centre backs to help them if they are outnumbered, but we want them to stop the wide men from cutting inside, forcing them to cross, which gives us a better chance of getting the ball back quickly and starting an attack.

Centre Mids


Radja and Pjanic will be utilising their high energy styles to get themselves around 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 shift their defensive players that little bit more which could be the difference in getting a player behind them. When defending, both players are looking to press in the middle third of the pitch, pressing the opposition CMs as they are on the ball to rush their decisions and win the ball back.

Attacking Midfielder

Ozil should be looking to make himself available for a pass as much as possible, having a free role to drift around between their defence and midfield, when we have the ball in the middle of the pitch, he should be looking to drift around the space between the DM and full backs and make them have to make decisions on who goes to him. He should also look to get the ball and run at defenders forcing them into tackles they don't want to make either taking themselves out of the game or making a foul.

Defensively, he should be looking to work with the strikers as a collective so they dont give the full backs and centre mids time on the ball.



Strikers


When attacking, Both players will look to play a high energy game in partnership with Ozil by being willing runners down the channels and constantly drifting around the defenders looking to get themselves a bit of space enough for them to either face the defenders and take them on or have given themselves the chance to run onto a pass beyond the back line. When defending, they will be the first line of defence, letting the CBs have the ball as much as they want, focusing instead of cutting off the passing lines to the full backs, the aim is to get their CB's/Keeper to kick it long with us having a better chance to win the ball back.


Set Pieces


Corners - Pjanic takes the corners, the CB's go into the box, the WB's stay back to prevent counters, the CB's, Suarez and Firmino work in a group to make little blocks and cross-runs to lose a marker to get a free run at the ball, Ozil looks to limit the opposition keeper from moving outside the 6 yard box and use his quick reactions to deflect shots going near him. Radja takes a position 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 - Suarez is the designated taker.

Subs

If Winning


68 mins - Krycowiak for Pjanic - Gets more stuck in with defensive work.

75 mins - Wendell + Bartra for Bertrand + Bernadeschi - Fresh defensive legs, Wing backs tuck back in more.

If Losing

65 mins - Mane for Bertrand - Wing backs act more as wingers, and we go all out to win the tie.

Athletic Sevillareal

———————————Asenjo
Gaspar———Carrico—————Ruiz———Nagatomo
——————Bruno——————Benat
Vitolo————————R.Garcia——————Cherschev
———————————Aduriz

Subs: Iraizoz, Mariano, Tremoulinas, Mikel San Jose, Susaeta, Vazquez, Bukambu

We will look to be a solid counter attack team today looking to get at Germany down the sides and with longer balls into our two big target men.

First and foremost we must defend as a group from half way, pressing them with our three behind the striker who will close up and put pressure on the ball, with the 6 behind that organised focusing on watching space rather than men, so we look to rush them forward into a tight compact area. Once the first ball is played the three that press will drop in with the rest of the side and we will look to press the space from then on lining up where Germany look to attack, so they look to go wide, the AM trio move in tandem to close off the wing with the FB joining in to make a 4 man block whilst the CMs sit in and make sure Germany can’t get in field. If they start in field and look to go through the middle the 3 man pressing team narrow to the CMs and make sure there is no way through a crowded midfield. The back 4 all know their jobs, FBs tight to the CBs when defending the middle of the field, make sure there is no space to play in the channels, when they have to move wide to defend the flank the opposite FB tucks inside so we have a back 3.

When we go forward we look to hit Aduriz early, he will position himself behind the CMs and in front of the CBs so he always has space to get the ball down and lay it off, looking to get it out to the wingers who will charge forward using their pace, with the FBs in support of them. When we get into the final third both wingers like to come inside, when they do this the FB will overlap and the CFs(R.Garcia and Aduriz at this point) will work in tandem so when one moves towards the ball, the other moves back into a position to attack crosses, this means that one can come forward play a quick one two to get the winger down the channel and he will have the other waiting for the ball in. Alternatively we can use long diagonals either in to Garcia who will look to make a nuisance of himself up against the FBs, with the winger looking to run off him in behind, or go direct to the winger, particularly Cherschyev who is excellent at finding gaps to run into between FB and CB.

Subs:

If Winning: Bukambu for Aduriz 70’, fresh legs and a little extra pace. Mikel San Jose for Cherschyev 80, Benat goes AM, Garcia goes wide.

If Drawing: Vazquez and Susaeta for Vitolo and Cherschyev 75’, fresh legs to attack the wide areas.

If Losing: Bukambu for Raul Garcia 65', two big men upfront. Vazquez for Cheryschev 75’, fresh creativity.

———————————Courtois
———Azpilicueta——Alderweireld——Koulibaly
Arnold—————Rakitic———Koke————Marcelo
——————Carrasco—————Griezmann
——————————Aubameyang

Subs: Scuffet, Aina, Matip, Tielemans, C.Musonda, B.Woodburn, B.Traore

Captain: Cesar Azpilicueta
Free Kicks: Ivan Rakitic
Penalties: Pierre Emerick Aubameyang
Corners: Ivan Rakitic


3 points guarantees progression, in front of the Kop we need to go into the game and give it everything we have, we have great energy, we can put a lot of pressure on them and we can use our attackers to great effect higher up the field. We also give a debut to Liverpool’s own Trent Alexandar Arnold, we want him playing high up the field, using his pace and skill on the ball to really stretch the game.

Today we defend as an 11 in that we will always be compact no matter where the play is, so if we are in their half the defence is pushed up and if we are in our half the forwards are back helping out in that they’ll be between the opposition CMs and CBs so that off the ball they help us defend by pressing them from behind, Carrasco with more responsibility so Griezmann can focus on getting close to Aubameyang. With the 3 CBs and line of 4 that are solid defensively it means that other than this pressing, the forwards can focus on getting forward and hurting the remaining Italy defenders, looking to transition quickly to 3 v 3’s(Italy will push a FB forward in attacks). As previously stated we stay as a group to make it compact, with Koke and Rakitic looking to use this to their advantage, it allows them to work in tandem to slow Italy’s attacks down, squeezing the space the man on the ball wants to use, which will allow the energetic WBs and the two wide CBs, as well as Carrasco to do the pressing, these four working constantly, the WBs narrowing in to our compact unit to get a foot in and one forward dropping slightly deeper than the other two, with Azpilicueta/Koulibaly able to step out of the back line and use their excellent aggressive form of defending to break down attacks before they can get into our third, knowing that we will always have Alderweireld’s power and pace behind them to cover as well as two WBs who can drop in if needed, using their pace to get back quickly if we make a mistake. This leaves Alderweireld as a sweeper to deal with the central striker’s movement in behind, looking to bully him out of the game, always putting his body in the way. With this system of defending in mind when Italy have the ball deeper we will look to press them into going wide as we can use our wing backs and SS’s to good effect when we win the ball back, stretch the game and opening up room for the forwards.

If Italy do get into wide areas we narrow to that side of the field with the WB and the CB on that side able to come out and defend against FB and winger, leaving two CBs to deal with the striker and the WB on the opposite side to tuck in so we always have that spare defender, although he will be focused on the winger looking to make inside runs. In these positions we can simply make things too compact to break through, Rakitic and Koke closed right in blocking the route out whilst the forward on that side comes back to press and then act as the link man to the two high forwards who are free of defensive duties, close to the play but in positions where they are focusing on making runs when we win it back rather than trying to get a foot in, unless of course the ball goes back towards where they are. If Italy force us right back into our third then we stop the pressing and we squeeze space only, this means a back 5 will be erected, Carrasco and Griezmann will drop in closer to the CMs and we will simply shut up shop and wait for the ball back.

Like previously said the teams moves up the field as a unit so when we attack the CBs push up too, so we can make it hard for them to break. Azpilicueta and Koulibaly will stretch out slightly so that there are no big gaps left by the WBs pushing up, with Rakitic and Koke also there behind our attacks covering our attackers, this should mean that we can break counters up quickly and get back on the attack quickly, especially by getting the ball out to the wide CBs who can play the WBs in or play the forwards into the channels. Koke and Rakitic keep the game ticking looking to use their creativity to transition the ball quickly, with one at a time having licence to join the front 3 and make it a 4. The WBs will look to get forward whenever we win the ball, as soon as it goes to the three forwards they are overlapping and stretching the defence out, Arnold looking to get to the byline or into the channel, using Carrasco to run off, sipping in crosses for the forwards. Marcelo can get the ball wide and then look to come infield with his trickery or by playing quick passes with the CMs or the attackers, his penetrating runs provide us with something different and we know their wide men won’t track our WBs. That then leaves the front three, with Carrasco excellent at driving forward and squaring up defenders this means he’s the one that picks the ball up and crosses into the attacking third, looking to move around and link up with the WBs and link midfield to attack, also capable of penetrating the box, leaving Griezmann and Aubameyang the freedom to hurt Italy’s back line using their speed and trickery to beat a man and make runs in behind, particularly when one drops deeper towards the ball it drags a CB out and leaves space between the FB(who will have to cover the WBs forward movement and the other CB, if either Griezmann or Aubameyan receives the ball in this gap they are away. All 3 of the forwards are comfortable out wide, they’re all comfortable in field or dropping deep to create things and they are all good at making runs in behind, so we have the movement to make holes in their defence. If they press the midfield we look to get the ball to the WBs high up the pitch with one quick ball forward and look to stretch the game out quickly, distorting their attempts to press us.

Subs:

If Winning: Matip for Koke 70’, more disciplined off the ball. C.Musonda and B.Woodburn for Carrasco and Griezmann 80’, two of the most highly rated young talents belonging to PL teams, go out link up, cause havoc.

If Drawing: Aina and Tielemans for Arnold and Koke 65’, like for like attempting to impact the game with fresh legs. B.Traore for Carrasco 75’, looks to take tiring defenders on with his wand of a right left foot.

If Losing: Arnold off, Tielemans on 60’, 4-3-3 with Tielemans at the base of the midfield. B.Traore for Carrasco 75’. B.Woodburn for Koke 80’, 4-2-4, look to play around Aubameyang and sniff a goal out.

Main MonchenShalke


……………………………….Fahrmann………………………….
Korb…………………Naldo………Mertesacker………….Kolasinac
……………………………Cabaye……Sahin……………………………
Jakub…………………………..Meyer…………………………Chadli
………………………………………Huntelaar……………………………

Subs – Sommer, Vestergaard, Veltman, Sahin, Kramer, Doumbia, Stindl

We’ve built a side with a nice strong spine in the typical German style, no-one is bigger than the team, but together everyone achieves more.
No tippy tappy bull shat in this blitzkrieg team, fast paced in your face, heavy pressing football – circa Man Utd in the mid to late 90’s, get the ball down quickly spread it to the wings and bang it into the box for the big man to deal with.

Fahrmann – 6ft5” shot stopper…expect him to command his area in a proper no-nonsence style, none of this sweeper keeper bollax I want him to do the basics – stop the opposition from scoring and move the ball on quickly when he has it…try and catch crosses rather than this foreign malaise of punching everything.
Korb – seems to be pretty pacey and will use that to get up and down the flanks giving us some decent attacking width as he runs the over-lap for Jakub to cut inside.
Kolasinac – like Korb has a decent turn of pace and will look to mirror his RB – when one goes one sits
Naldo – One of half of potentially the tallest CB pairing in the competition standing at an impressive 6ft6 will be the first knock CB anything in the air he’ll deal with and will also be a threat in the other box from set-pieces.
Mertesacker – 2 metre Peter will be the “spare” man at the back – may not be the quickest but vastly experienced will sit just off Naldo sweeping up any loose balls – another to go up for any set-pieces using his 6ft7” frame to the best of his ability

Cabaye – will be our deep lying playmaker – collecting the ball from the defence and spreading it wide, sharp crisp passing as we look to transition quickly from defence to attack…has a very good delivery from set-pieces so will look to pick out Naldo/Mertesacker as often as possible

Fellaini – Has his detractors but he’s in the side today as our box-to-box man.. strong in the tackle and good in the air adds some real muscle to the side, another one who’s a real threat from set-pieces

Meyer – Young Maximilian comes in as the #10, will look to stay close to Huntelaar and pick up any knock-downs, can also play wide left or right so will have the freedom to move about allowing Jakub and Chadli to cut inside.
Jakub and Chadli – neither are really out and out wingers, but they will start their, both are given freedom to roam (also switch with Meyer) this very fluid trident should make it pretty hard for them to be man-marked as they’ll be pulling their man out of position, both have attacking full-backs pushing on so we should have good attacking numbers and with a proper target man in the side, we should have some fun.

Huntelaar – still banging the goals in, will lead the line in the way he always has, big physical presence, good with his back to goal as he holds it up for others to come into play, will lay it off and spin looking for the return ball and a nice one on one finish.

Subs 65 mins
Doumbia > Huntelaar
Kramer > Fellaini
Sahin > Cabaye

Cabaye not in that squad tino

ok Sahin to start and i'll go one light on the bench

................... ... Patricio .........,..
De sciglio....garay..... rugani...targett
........................ cataldi.................
.............. gagliardini....valero......
Berardi.,........ Michy B.......Rony Lopes


subs: Macey, Marchisio, Fabregas, Anderson, Gray, Yarmolenko, Bacca


Tough game away at Chelsea, we're the away team and we know Fan will urge his players on tonight as he goes looking for a crucial win, this isn't a must win game but it is a must not lose game. with this in mind we set up today to be narrow through the middle, allowing us to soak up the pressure but also utilising our attacking width.

Chelsea have gone with a pretty much second string XI today so we're repaying them by going with some of our fringe players, giving them a chance to impress against the league champions. The Bridge has been a happy place for us this season with 2 wins there already lets go an make it 3.

We’re going for a fast paced direct strategy today no passing for passing sake, Chels will come onto us so let them come then hit them hard on the break. I can’t imagine either of Chelsea’s Gabriels doing much tracking back so we’ll leave Rony Lopes and Michy B up-top to occupy their full backs.

Patricio – is a solid keeper and slightly unfortunate to be our #2 but it is what it is - will lead the side out today in what could be a farewell appearance.
De Sciglio/Targett are normally very attacking full-backs but today it’s defence first – the draw will do us no harm so we look to keep a flat back-four, both Gabriels are tricky little players so don’t dive in, just jockey them and wait for back up.
Garay – is the experienced in the defence today another who could feasibly be in the full team but Romagnoli’s development has relegated him somewhat – will be the man to watch Chelsea’s dangerman and our next “big signing” Dybala, big strong and pretty quick will look to stay close – if Dibbles try’s to roll you, just trip him, won’t hurt.
Rugani – The spare man at the back today, will look to cover the run from Dibble if he loses Garay and/or covering the FB’s if needs be.

Cataldi – not your traditional midfield enforcer more of a deep lying playmaker – will sit infront of the defence, capable of putting a foot in, but he’s there to spread the play, because I want us fast paced counter-attacking him in front of the back line is perfect as it’s only pass to him so we can transition as quickly as possible.

Gagliardini – a real bargain for us even at £5m, having a lovely breakout season and has broken into the Italy squad – a very efficient player nothing fancy but keeps it ticking over nicely – loves to get stuck in today he’s tasked with keeping Atalanta team-mate Franck Kessie quiet.

Valero – is the ying to Cataldi’s yang – whilst Cataldi is fast sharp long passes forcing us forward, Valero is the thinker in the side, get the ball down on the ground and look to slide the ball in for out front three to deal with……gives the side a fantastic balance


Lopes/Berardi – neither are pure wingers so will be more as inside forwards – looking to cut infield and try their luck, both are quick enough and skilful enough to beat their man out-wide though – I don’t anticipate Chelsea’s wingers tracking back so we should be able to isolate them into one-on-ones.

Michy B – pace and power through the middle, has a decent touch but I want him as a hold up man for Berardi and Lopes to spring-board off – will be a tough game for him leading the line but he’ll give it a crack.

Subs 65 mins
Felipe Anderson > Rony Lopes
Fabregas > Valero
Bacca > Michy B

Shape stays the same

CL - Group B
Liverpool 1 - 1 Italy
Aubameyang(Arnold) - Hulk(Gabbiadini)
MOTM - Reina

Leciester 2 - 1 Germany
Benzema(Hazard), Costa(Correa
Muller
MOTM - Vidal

EL - Group A
Portugal 2 - 0 Man Utd
Bony x 2 (Mbappe, Neves)
MOTM - Bony

Italy 1 - 1 Newcastle
Dzeko(Locatelli) - Suarez(Firmino
MOTM - Locatelli

Group B
Portsmouth 0 - 2 Germany
KJH(Meyer), Chadli(Meyer)
MOTM - Meyer

Aston Villa 2 - 1 Spain
Higuain(Reus), Reus(Pen)
Aduritz
MOTM - Reus

Chelsea Res 2 – 1 Arsenal Res
Dybala (Alli, Jesus); Berardi (Valero)

Neither defence covered themselves in glory here, but in the end Arsenal couldn’t deal with the pressure Chelsea put on them. Dybala proved to be the difference.

MOTM - Dybala

France 0 – 0 Spain
No tactics?

Fan <huh>

------------------- De Gea ------------------
Boateng - Mustafi - Bonucci - Ricardo
------------ Busquets - F.Kessie-----------
Gabigol ------- Pogba ------- Sterling
------------------- Dybala ------------------

Lafont , Lahm, Diawara, Sanchez, A.Silva, Neymar, Alli

In goal De Gea 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.

Bonucci in beside Mustafi on this occassion Bonucci will man mark the CF. Bonucci 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. Mustafi 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.

Boateng and Ricardo at fullback, we must keep the wingers quiet, stop them and we stop a lot of there attacks. Boateng and Ricardo 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. I want them to attack when in no danger so time these runs perfectly. One sits back a bit and allowing the other to attack, this is keeping a 3 at the back at all times. Their 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. When 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 as there fullbacks get dragged out of position.

Busquets 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! Busquets himself will look to dictate from deep as he picks up from the defence and looks to drive us forward with precision passing. Kessié 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, Kessié should have a bit of time to look around him for the pass as he looks to find his team mates with ease. Use his upper body strength to get him away from the player. Pass and move always look for the return pass. When they have then close down the CM, he will look to ping the ball about so get to him before that opportunity arises. We have put Pogba in a No.10 role or just slightly withdrawn No.10 against there DM he must be strong, Pogba 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 Dybala All three are good all round midfielders, But Busquets i want to sit in the hole with the two either side when defending.

Gabigol and Sterling 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. More importantly both scorers of wonderful and important goals. 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. Just track the fullbacks and use pace to get back and in around there faces to stop them becoming a threat. Always be looking for Pogba inside as the three make an awesome trio attack wise in behind Dybala and a scary proposition for there slow back line

Dybala 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. He 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 Gabigol, Sterling .Pogba will be making his runs also so be watchful of him just to lay it off to the side

Captain - Bonucci
Penalties - Pogba
Free kicks - Pogba
Corners - Wingers

Subs:-
Losing
60 mins A.Silva for Pogba 442
70 mins Neymar for Sterling, Sanchez for Gabigol

Winning
70 mins Diawara for Pogba and sit on the right of Busquets
80 mins Sanchez for Dybala

Drawing
70 mins Neymar for Sterling. Sanchez for Dybala Alli for Pogba

--------------------------Weidenfeller
Kimmich-------Sven Bender--------Badstuber--------Alaba
----------------------Weigl--------------Sanches
------Passlack--------------Thiago---------------Pulisic
-------------------------------Müller

Subs: Starke, Durm, Rafinha, Xabi Alonso, Green, Ramos, Kießling


Our defensive unit consists of Sven Bender and Holger Badstuber paired up at centre-back, Joshua Kimmich at right-back and David Alaba at left-back, with Julian Weigl and Renato Sanches as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.

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

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

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

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

With Sanches running his socks off for the team, our high tempo will dictated by his partner in holding midfield, Julian Weigl.

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

The attacking unit consists of Felix Passlack, Thiago and Christian Pulisic as our band of three attacking midfielders and Thomas Müller as our lone central striker.

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

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

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

Kimmich and Alaba can surge up the wings in the knowledge that the Weigl and Sanches can drop into the space left behind if needed. As they come up the wings, both Passlack and Pulisic who are fast dribblers will cut inside or make runs into the box. Thiago our attacking central midfielder is a creative passer who will look to play them or Thomas Müller in via fast passing combinations.

No doubts that Thomas Müller is our luxury player. What Muller brings to the table is unique. Among the many technically brilliant, yet sometimes overly calculated and predictable attacking players, Muller offers an element of surprise. An edge in attack.
Some players have patterns of plays and runs that repeat themselves. Muller rarely makes the same run or move twice.

Some players suffer dips in form that visibly affect their performances, slumps that completely remove them from matches. Muller can have a quiet 89 minutes but come up with a moment of brilliance that will win our team the game.

Sub: 75 Mins: Green on for Passlack (Green at LW, Pulisic moves over to RW)

Attacking 4-3-3

Away from home we go with a strong defence team. A midfield trio that can all defend, but importantly can all attack. In front of them a trio that can press from the front as we look to play with a high tempo against the Italians.

We have gone with an energetic and athletic midfield trio as we look to press high up the park. Lopez comes into the midfield trio, with fantastic technique we’re confident he will slot into the side next to two all action cms.

Key to our game plan today, is quick passing moves. We have great athleticism throughout the side, with Costa providing energy, power and someone to play off and run in behind.

The cm midfield trio look to keep the ball on the deck passing in triangles, triangles that are directed out wide as gaps appear in the opposition formation, we look to shift the ball wider as we advance into the opposition half. This will be key to our attacks, as we look to overload one side of the play.

With great movement in our midfield, and one fb bombing forward we’ll drag their players out of position, getting our midfielders on the ball to create the chances.

--------------- Handanovic
Danilo – S.Ramos – Vallejo - Ghoulam
------- A.Vidal – M.Lopez – E.Can
L.Sane ------------------------ A.Correa
----------------- D.Costa

Subs. Schmeichel, Kurzawa, J.Martinez, Kroos, Otavio, C.Ronaldo, Giroud

High tempo in defence and attack. Using our high work rate in midfield, and pace in attack.

Defence

Control the opposition by pressing the space with a narrow rigid defensive unit high up the park. Only letting them play in areas we want them to. When we lose the ball the closest player presses the ball, the second closest presses the obvious passing channel. Win the ball back quickly.

Everyone else forms a narrow formation, pressing the space and not allowing them options. Let their cbs have the ball, Vidal picks up the second most defensive cm, and Can picking up the am. Lopez will look to press the passing channels of the player on the ball. The winger opposite play comes deep picking up their dm. Costa covers the space in between their cbs, in position to cover balls across the back. If they get the ball to the other side, we simply switch over.

As they advance into higher areas of the park, our shape will resemble a 4-1-4-1. Our wingers track any forward runs made by their fbs, if the fb doesn’t go forward the winger stays high up the park, giving us an option on the break. Can is the midfielder who presses the space in front of our cbs. Leaving their deepest cm free, Vidal picks up their cm, with Lopez again free to read and intercept their play, pressing the space in front of Can and their am.

In this tight rigid formation, ensuring there are no gaps in the formation. Can reading the play in between the defence and midfield, reading any dangers to get across. At the back Ramos picks up their forward with Vallejo free to read the play. Narrowing the play to the side the Italians are attacking, pushing them backwards and wide away from danger. When they switch play, we switch over.

Our fb’s have fantastic pace up against their ams, they will drop off more and narrow the play so they can wait for the right time to make the tackle, not diving in. If he does manage to get past you coming inside Can and a cb will be there to tidy up or down the line then there’s a chance to get back and stop the cross.

Attack.

We vary our play going forward. Counter where possible. We have 3 cms that can create, with different options on each wing.

The wingers have creative freedom in the final third, with license to switch wings and come central, find space. The attacking fb will be bombing forward offering width down the wing.

In possession, the defence push up playing a reasonably high line, all comfortable in possession and have great pace, this will also be key as we look to press high up the park when we lose possession. The cm trio spread play, setting the tempo of the game, and take turns to look for space in between the defence and midfield and supporting Costa in the box.

We want quick one twos in the opposition half. Vidal,Lopez and the wingers will always be looking for the killer ball.

Costa has freedom to play his natural game.

Captain: Ramos

Subs.
After 66 mins bring on Ronaldo for Correa.
After 73 mins bring on Kroos and Giroud for Lopez and Costa.

FioInter Milan
4-5-1 Counter

First and foremost we want to be difficult to beat. We have gone with a majority of Italian players, bring it back to Catenaccio. Miranda is the free cb, sweeping. As the other 3 defenders man mark the likely 3 Newcastle attackers (striker and wingers). Motta using his intelligence to sit, and sweep in between the defence and midfield.

Pastore and Bonaventura’s dribbling ability will be important in beating Newcastle higher up the pitch. In defence, not allowing them to counter, and allowing us to get back in to position.

When the opposition have the ball. We defend deep, everyone behind the ball bar Dzeko. Motta sweeps in front of the defence, with Loca and Ramires going man for man with their more attacking cms. The winger opposite play looks to come narrow, sit in front of their dm. Stopping a pass, and in a position to break on the side of play or to get back and help the defence if needed.

We defend in this unit. Man for man with three players spare covering the central zones. Dzeko remains free up top.

------------ Donnarumma
Abate -– A.Rami –- Miranda -- Santon
----- Ramires – T.Motta – Locatelli
Pastore ------------------ Bonaventura
--------------- E.Dzeko

Subs. Sportiello, B.Peres, Tello, Gervinho

Looking to defend as a unit and attack on the break. Dzeko offers someone who we can go long to, while we’ll also look for diagonals/long balls to the wide players. Locatelli and Motta will be the players looking to come deep, collect the ball, and set us on the attack.

Down the wings we have pace and great energy, and in the central midfield trio we have a mix of everything. Locatelli and Ramires offer the ability to pick passes going forward, while Ramires’s drive and energy will be important going forward and in defence. Motta will be the most defensive of the trio, using his intelligence and positioning to sit in front of the defence. Locatelli has freedom to join the attack and create.

When we attack we look to attack narrow, Pastore and Bonaventura come inside, looking for space in between the midfield and defence. We want them to support and play off Dzeko as much as possible. Look to overload them in this area with Ramires and Locatelli supporting. Locatelli and Bonaventura offering the Italian flair going forward. Pastore offering an Argie no.10 in the mix too.

Set pieces will also be important, likes of Miranda, Motta joining Dzeko in the box for all corners and free kicks. Bonaventura on set pieces.

Viva Italia!

If winning after 65 mins bring on Lapadula for Pastore. More Italians. Great work ethic and pace.
If winning after 70 mins bring on Tello for Bonaventura and Peres for Locatelli. Pure pace as game opens up.

If drawing after 65 mins bring on Lapadula for Ramires. Bonaventura to cm. More pace in attack.
If drawing after 80 mins bring on Tello for Pastore. More pace.

If losing after 60 mins bring on Peres and Lapadula for Pastore and Loactelli. 4-4-2. Peres RM, Lapadula up top with Dzkeo.
If losing after 75 mins bring on Gervinho for Abate. 3-4-3. Aim for his forehead.

--------------------- Neuer ------------------
Carvajal ---- Varane -- Hummels --- Guerreiro
-------------------- Khedira -----------------
--------------- Matuidi -- Gundogan --------
Costa ---------- Lewandowski ----------- Martial

Subs: Navas, Alves, Laporte, Fernandinho, Payet, Moura, Morata

I want us very direct and moving the ball at a quick pace, creating as many lines as possible in midfield. Movement is essential as we look to create holes in the opposition backline, ensure there is plenty of width on offer and link up with fluidity, snappy passes into feet, quick one two's and first time balls beyond their backline.

Emphasis will be on controlling the midfield today, key to our attacking based possession game, i want a pack mentality always looking to have more numbers then the opposition in this area, winning the ball back through squeezing tightly and playing our attackers in early when the opposition are off their defensive organisation.

High line, pin them back and take control in higher areas of the pitch, Carvajal and Khedira sit back and watch for any counters with our 2 CB’s at the back.

Neuer take command of his area and we look to take full advantage of his quality, sweep up at the back efficiently and distribute into space.

We should be quick to bypass their initial phase of pressing, play out from the back but keep it simple, get it into the feet of the midfielders without them having to come deep, as many options further up the field is imperative, bully the opposition and make them chase our shadows.

Our two wingers always stay wide and the front 3 always look to make runs in behind, stretch the opposition and allow our midfield trio to pick you out with ease, roaming into space and quick movement is essential to get at their backline.

Defensively we transition into a 4-1-4-1, two banks of four with a solid structure and organisation. When we press, we press as a unit, high work rate, if one of our players is quick to advance and shut down then his teammates either side must be quick to cut off any of their passing options, isolate and leave no easy option.

If they advance into dangerous areas, we should look to drop deep (10 men behind the ball) and crowd them out, squeeze the space and options in the final 3rd. Midfield and wingers look to provide barriers, these barriers need to make it as difficult as possible to breach our defence, never shy away from defensive responsibilities.

Frustrate the opposition with our organisation, stay rigid and allow their attackers little involvement in the game so they have to come deeper to get involved, make them play in front of us and ensure we prevent runs in behind as much as possible.

In attack we need to create as many lines as possible in midfield to counter their press, into feet with pace, never afraid to go back but look to probe and create gaps, open up space and feed the ball to the attackers.

Diamond in midfield, passing in triangles and using high energy, distribute and get them running after our shadows. The longer we are on the ball, the more they will tire as the game progresses.

We should actively look for one on one situations, have a right go at their fullbacks, penetrate and create holes and always on the run, never standing still.

Wingers are key as we look to exploit the width on offer, stay wide and look to get it in their feet so we can transition instantly into a counter attacking threat. Look for the runs of the forward and get service into him from wide.

When we win the ball in midfield, Gundogan is the initiator in attack, get him on the ball and looking for an early release, we need his calm presence and eye for a pass, the base for a counter and feeding the ST as much as possible.

Service out from the back, put them off their organisation with diagonal balls over the top into feet, switch the play quickly and allow the attackers to run into space.

Lewandowski strong as an outlet, get our midfield and flankers into the game. Drop deep at times to get involved and dominate the CB's aerially, press from the front.

Subs:
60th minute - If winning - (4-3-3 )
Fernandinho > Khedira
Morata > Lewandowski

65th minute – if draw - (4-5-1)
Moura > Martial
Fernandinho > Khedira
Payet > Matuidi

75th minute - If losing (4-4-2)
Morata > Matuidi
Moura > Martial
Fernandinho > Khedira

C – Neuer
FK’s – Gundogan/ near - Lewandowski
Corners – Gundogan
Pens - Lewandowski

Arsenal vs some frenchies

Injuries: Welbeck,Hysaj,Marchisio,Buffon

…………………………..Butland…………………………….
………………..Barzagli….Chiellini…Romagnoli
…………………….Wanyama…….Herrera……………
Berardi…………………Silva……………………….James
………………………Higuain………..Michy B………………

Subs: Macey, Rugani, De Sciglio, Valero, Oxlade, Welbeck, El Shaarawy

Well this seasons champions league has been a monumental feck up. We’re all but out but this is our final home game so we’re gonna go down in a blaze of glory – yes it’s gung-ho but we want to give the home crowd something to cheer about.

Fast paced pro-active front foot play from us, we want to be fast and direct in transitioning from back to front, we need to turn them quickly and hit em hard early doors – our 3 AM’s are great at unlocking defences and once breached we’ll continue to hit hard, we want a rout.

The defence:
Butland comes in to replace the injured Buffon – good shot-stopper is Jack and looks likely to be England’s long term #1 – may still be young but has over 150 games to his name and with the centre-backs he has in front of him should be well protected. Barz and Roma will push high and wide enabling us to use long diagonal raking passes to switch the play and fully utilise the pace of Berardi and James. Chiellini will also push up and be responsible for marking their central attacker.

The Anchor-men:
One sits one goes – Wanyama is brute force where as Herrera brings a bit more technique and finesse to the side, together I think they make a nice solid if unspectacular pairing. Keep it simple break up the play then alternate who gets forward to assist the front 5 – we are gonna over-run these frenchies if it’s the last we thing we do.

The three amigos:
I don’t want them back any deeper than half-way – I want them high up the pitch forcing the oppositions defensive players to stay back, this way we can stifle them in possession and force them to hit it long – which is bread and butter for our centre-backs to deal with, The three of them have a lovely fluidity about them so I expect them to switch positions on the pitch making it hard for them to be man marked, all this in the quest to find a bit of space to thread the ball through to our 2 strikers.

Higgy and Michy:
Higgy is our proper #9 will play off the shoulder of the last man look to time his run and punish them with his clinical finishing – Michy on the other hand is in as our second striker – will drift wide (either flank) taking a defender with him allowing one of our 3 AM’s to dive into the space – this should result in maximum chaos in an out-numbered defence


Subs 60 mins

Rugani > Roma (and then switch with Chiellini so its…..Barz..Rugs..Chie

Oxlade > Berardi – like for like

El Egypt > Michy B

Main MonchenShalke


……………………………….Fahrmann………………………….
Korb…………………Naldo………Mertesacker………….Kolasinac
……………………………Fellaini……Sahin……………………………
Jakub…………………………..Meyer…………………………Chadli
………………………………………Huntelaar……………………………

Subs – Sommer, Vestergaard, Veltman, Kramer, Doumbia, Stindl

We’ve built a side with a nice strong spine in the typical German style, no-one is bigger than the team, but together everyone achieves more.
No tippy tappy bull shat in this blitzkrieg team, fast paced in your face, heavy pressing football – circa Man Utd in the mid to late 90’s, get the ball down quickly spread it to the wings and bang it into the box for the big man to deal with.

Fahrmann – 6ft5” shot stopper…expect him to command his area in a proper no-nonsence style, none of this sweeper keeper bollax I want him to do the basics – stop the opposition from scoring and move the ball on quickly when he has it…try and catch crosses rather than this foreign malaise of punching everything.
Korb – seems to be pretty pacey and will use that to get up and down the flanks giving us some decent attacking width as he runs the over-lap for Jakub to cut inside.
Kolasinac – like Korb has a decent turn of pace and will look to mirror his RB – when one goes one sits
Naldo – One of half of potentially the tallest CB pairing in the competition standing at an impressive 6ft6 will be the first knock CB anything in the air he’ll deal with and will also be a threat in the other box from set-pieces.
Mertesacker – 2 metre Peter will be the “spare” man at the back – may not be the quickest but vastly experienced will sit just off Naldo sweeping up any loose balls – another to go up for any set-pieces using his 6ft7” frame to the best of his ability

Sahin – will be our deep lying playmaker – collecting the ball from the defence and spreading it wide, sharp crisp passing as we look to transition quickly from defence to attack…has a very good delivery from set-pieces so will look to pick out Naldo/Mertesacker as often as possible

Fellaini – Has his detractors but he’s in the side today as our box-to-box man.. strong in the tackle and good in the air adds some real muscle to the side, another one who’s a real threat from set-pieces

Meyer – Young Maximilian comes in as the #10, will look to stay close to Huntelaar and pick up any knock-downs, can also play wide left or right so will have the freedom to move about allowing Jakub and Chadli to cut inside.
Jakub and Chadli – neither are really out and out wingers, but they will start their, both are given freedom to roam (also switch with Meyer) this very fluid trident should make it pretty hard for them to be man-marked as they’ll be pulling their man out of position, both have attacking full-backs pushing on so we should have good attacking numbers and with a proper target man in the side, we should have some fun.

Huntelaar – still banging the goals in, will lead the line in the way he always has, big physical presence, good with his back to goal as he holds it up for others to come into play, will lay it off and spin looking for the return ball and a nice one on one finish.

Subs 65 mins
Doumbia > Huntelaar
Kramer > Fellaini

------------------ Casillas -----------------
Semedo - Lindelof - M.Sakho - BM.Indi
------------- Gueye -- Medel -------------
A.Carillo -------- Jonas -------- Mbappe
-------------------- Bony -------------------

Lisandro, T.Mendes, Neves, A.Horta, Mitrovic, Layun

Solid 4231 with plenty youth, experience, power and pace to hurt the opposition.

Lindelof and Sakho have the experienced Casillas behind them as they look to shut up shop, Sakho man marks, Lindelof goes spare as the two look to shut him dowan asap. Be on to the striker very quickly not giving him an inch to move. Fullbacks defend first and when in no trouble they can attack one ata time. Support the wingers and go to the outsode the have there fullbacks asking questions, this should leave caps if there wingers dont track back.

Medel and Gueye are solid in the middle, tigerish and always nipping at the heals of the oppostion, not great going forward but that is left to others, they protect the back 4 and once they have won the ball they move it forward.

Wingers have freedom, both very quick look to take on the markers and use the players inside for quick one twos to get them to the bye line to firew in crosses for the big man up top. Help defend by tracking the fullbacks as they move forward.

Jonas is more of a link to Bony and will support him as much as possible, he takers playes away aloowing Bony to get more space for him to drive into as he picks uip the ball. Jonas is a great finisher too so wiull linbk up well with Bony

Bony is a very powerful boy, he shrugs players off like they are not there, great player to have on the counter and also a good all round player with skill and pace which if you include his power are all fantastic to have, he is so difficult to stop on his day. Look for the wingers firing in crosses and rise above the CBs.

Captain - Casillas
Penalties - Jonas
Free Kicks - Jonas
Corners - Wingers

Subs -
losing -
70 Mins - Mitrovic for Jonas 442
80 Mins - Semedo to RM, Horta for Carillo and into a Central AM role

Winning -
70 Mins - Neves for Jonas and into midfield
80 Mins - Mitrovic for Bony


Drawing
70 Mins - Mitrovic for Bony, Horta for Jonas