who is Ceceido?

comment by Fan Gillhaus 1903 (U3339)
posted 8 minutes ago
---------------- Donnarumma --------------
Calabria - Caceres - R. Toloi - Darmian
-------------Locatelli - Ramires -----------
P.Gomez --- Bonnaventura ---- J.Illicic
-------------------- Kailinic ------------------

Federico Marchetti, Cristian Zapata, Lucas Leiva, Patrick Cutrone, Ceicedo, Riccardo Orsolini

Subs -

60 Mins - Cutrone for Kaliic, Orsolini for Illicic
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Casillas
Pereira - Jose Fonte - Martins Indi - Coentrao
Medel - Gomes - A.Silva
Brahimi - Jonas - N.Gaitan

Bruno Varel, Hector Herrera, Rafa Silva, Vincent Aboubakar, Felipe, Bas Dost

Subs - Dost for Jonas 70 mins

Onana
Sinkgraven- Veltman - de Ligt - van Aanholt
Vilhenna - Propper - van Ginkel
Kluivert - Dolberg - Lozano

Joreon Zoet, Jorrit Hendrix, Donny van Beek, Steven Berghuis, Nicolai Jorgensen, Quincey Promes

70 Mins - Jorgensen for Dolberg, Promes for Kluivert

-----------------------Lloris
-----Hummels-----Godin-----Koulibaly
Florenzi-----Pjanic------Radja-------Rose
-------Salah-------Suarez---------Mane
Subs
Hart, Matip, Bertrand, Casemiro, Ozil, Di Maria, Sturridge


Lloris is a commanding presence at the back, when he calls for a ball, the defence know he will take control of the situation, he and the defence have complete confidence in each other and stops those little split second doubts which could lead to a chance being conceded When he has the ball he will look to offload quickly in the direction of the front 5 to get those quick counters started.


Godin is the defensive leader and will be the one to set the defensive line on the pitch, the centre backs will always stay back to stop counter attacks, The CB"s will communicate with each other so they are clear in where the attacking threats are. When dealing with the opposition, we will avoid sliding tackles unless necessary instead looking to use our experience to just guide players off the ball. When on the ball, if the opposition are giving them space to come out with the ball, then they should take it forward, if not, keep it simple and play it to a man in space with the occasional long ball to the front 3 or the wing backs thrown in to keep the opposition from setting up against one style of play.




For the wing backs today the objective is to provide the width for the team and keep the oppositon stretched as much as possible, both still have a defensive mindset so will be getting back into a back 5 if we lose the ball. They will only occasionally put floated crosses in, preferring to either play shorter passes to the 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.


The focus of the midfield 2 will be to use their high energy, all action styles to get themselves around the middle of the pitch, working to control the midfield battle whilst still having the attacking nous to create chances for us. When we are in the attacking third, they will always be looking to make themselves available for a pass to keep recycling the ball, keeping the pressure up with us looking to use the movement of the other CM's and the front 3 to drag 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. We will also occasionally take the occasional long shot, with the aim being to make sure defenders aren't content to sit back and forcing them to make a decision. When defending, they are looking to press the middle third of the pitch, pressing the opposition CMs/Wingers in conjunction with other players as they are on the ball to rush their decisions and win the ball back.




Both wingers today will be looking will be to drift around when deeper players are in possession, looking to combine with the other attacking players to get little areas of space before using their pace and trickery respectively to drift 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 one 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 stopping the passing lines to the full backs primarily, then focus on ensuring our full backs dont get outnumbered.



When Suarez is 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, his unpredictable style when on the ball will look to cause a bit of doubt in the minds of the defenders as he has a knack of bouncing it off peoples shins and it landing in a perfect position for himself to create a chance for himself or others. He also has a knack of being the first to react to get onto rebounds or parries and taking those one touch chances.
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, then using his tireless energy reserves to work back and press their centre mids.




Set Pieces


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





Free Kicks - Pjanic takes Direct FK's



For Indirect FK's, same instructions as Corners





Penalties - Suarez is the designated taker.

Subs



If Winning


70 mins - Bertrand for Rose - The wing backs stay back, but look to get out quickly and counter if the opposition over-commit for a route back into the game.




82 + 86 Mins - Casemiro for Radja and Di Maria for Mane - Actively time waste and Mourinho the opposition.



If Drawing
70 Mins - Coutinho for Radja - Add a bit more urgency into attacks, show the opposition we are going for the win.

If Losing



67 Mins - Coutinho and Di Maria for Radja and Rose - The wings backs act as wingers and just pile forward in numbers

ASTON VILLA

———————————— Oblak
Walker — Alderwiereld — Boateng — Luis
————— Modric —— N'Zonzi
Robben ————— Fabregas ————— Reus
———————————— Cavani

SUBS: Chesney, Sokratis, Partey, Dembele, Matic, Mkhitaryan, Bernardo

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


European games needs to be approached differently. He'll probably set up in his usual shape. We have to dominate the middle. We will have a lot of creativity on the ball today in midfield today with Modric playing a key role beside N'Zonzi in a 4231. It is up to us to dominate the ball and create the amount of chances needed to win the game by playing on the front foot. Modric is very good at carrying the ball breaking the lines in the process. I reckon if I can gain control of the middle of the pitch with my players in midfield I have a chance of blowing them off the park with our players playing their natural game. Modric will be key today. I expect that when he gets the ball he picks his head up and finds a first time ball to our wide forwards after driving forwards. With the movement of my front four I hope to invite their defenders into making rash decisions. Mkhitaryan I'll look to bring off the bench this time because I'll need him to unlock their defence at a later time when France are tired. All my front three players have goals in them. We need the win today to give us the momentum needed to help power us into the champions league places in the early stage of the season.

Defending

In terms of defending, it is important that we are aware of the threats posed by my team having the lions share of possession. France will get chances on the counter, and while I believe that my team will pin them back for most of the match there are still going to be windows of opportunity of them when they have a spell of possession and on the counter. His attack can be dangerous on the counter which can present an immense danger if not careful. In our case it is important that we are always aware of the possibility of that counter. I consider strikers and wingers the biggest threats, so when we are attacking in their third N'Zonzi will sit close to our centre halves making sure we are not too exposed. Special mention to their striker, he'll take some handling, and we know that Alderweireld and Boateng can take turns in handling him. We will also have our full backs closely watch wide players, making sure not to get sucked into the middle and let the midfielders deal with anyone cutting inside. His wide players will likely be back defending anyway but their pace will carry them forwards very quickly. Once they show signs of counter attacking our full backs will fly back to stop them.

To win the ball back, we will sit off them mostly and only press them around our box. Giving them lots of time on the ball. I will expect everyone in the back six to be involved in that. Robben and reus will get up and down the pitch all match if they need to. If we happen to get pressured back into our own third we will stop the pressuring but go very compact instead, and only squeeze spaced out wide to prevent crosses being thrown in. We wait it out and attack again.

The block of four of Boateng Alderweireld N'Zonzi and Dembele will form a four man block around their striker(s) when out of possession. Dembele and N'Zonzi will help cut the passing lanes to their forward line while Alderweireld will mark their striker tightly with Boateng sweeping behind if he does get through. Fabregas will come back in the defending phase to help win the ball back with the two midfielders or receive the ball to launch a quick attack when they lose the ball. His trademark through balls from inside his own half will become useful here.

Set piece defending is man to man, his centre halves will need to be watched carefully by our centre halves.

Attacking

I expect that France will be sat back and steaming forwards when we're out of possession, which generally means that we'll need some knife through butter kind of passes to slice them open. Alderweireld is made for that role so we naturally recycle the ball to him if an attack breaks down, doing so is also a safety measure to not concede stupid possession in midfield when harried by their midfield. Alderweireld has the ability to pick passes and spray balls out onto the wings with ease.

Before we have to go back to use Alderweireld however, we have Fabregas and Dembele in the middle to control the tempo of the match with vision and precision of passes. We will have all kinds of movement around him from the likes of Robben Reus Cavani and full backs to help keep possession. We will have Reus and Robben directly attacking their back three while Cavani will be enough of a handful for his defenders to deal with with his exceptional movement in and out of space. The idea is that Cavani will try and pull their back three out of shape and for Reus and Robben to drift into the gaps with midfielders picking them out. The three forwards will also drag their players out of position so that Fabregas can be at his most effective. One full back may come forwards and overload on one side if the ball is on his side.

Cavani will be key for our attack, he'll create a lot of space, play with his back to goal and lay it off for the others, also allowing us to spread the threat of our team as he will bring everyone into play. His style will help create crucial gaps between France's defence and midfield for our other attackers to exploit since Cavani will confuse their defensive line, dropping in and out of the lines.

Subs

Winning
75 - We will need to lock the game down and close it off while giving the midfield some energy. We will bring on Matic for Fabregas and have him in midfield in a 4-3-3.

75 - Robben's legs may tire towards the end of the game so we bring on Mkhitaryan in his place to help chase down balls.

80 - Bernardo for Reus, same reason as above.

Drawing/Losing
65 - Clearly we need to change it up a bit, therefore we take off Modric and bring on Mkhitaryan to provide more penetration in attacking mid

75 - If we're still not winning, we bring on Partey for N'Zonzi, he'll sit at the base of midfield providing more driving force while being solid and holding the midfield together.

85 - We will bring on Bernardo on for Fabregas and go 442 with Mkhi moving to the left, two strikers up front (Reus Cavani) and Partey Bernardo in the middle.

If we get into a winning position after any of the drawing/losing subs, we go 4-4-2 to make sure that we have two banks of four to effectively defend the lead, while playing on the counter attack.

vs Germany

———————Courtois
R.Pereira—Lindelof—Umtiti—Latorre
———————Bentacur
————Tolisso———Tielemans
Philipp————Dybala————Sisto

Subs: Svilar, Vallejo, Gagliardini, Milinkovic-Savic, Chiesa, Belotti, J.Sancho

Captain: Thibaut Courtois
Free Kicks: Paulo Dybala(shot)/Youri Tielemans(cross)
Penalties: Youri Tielemans
Corners: Youri Tielemans

Dominate possession today, moving the ball to manipulate the opponent. We put heavy emphases on strong positional play, creating positional superiority over the opposition. We build attacks in a 3-4-3, Bentacur dropping into the back line to overload the opposition press with our Cbs picking up pockets of space in the deeper half spaces, allowing the FBs to surge up the field providing width and the front three to play closer together, as they all excel in tight spaces, moving defenders around. From building from the back all the way to entering the final third we will focus on aggressive overloads in relation to the ball, that means the player in possession will always have two players with direct passing lanes open, and the rest of the team staggered around this, positioning themselves in relation to their team mates, so that they have a lane open to someone with a lane open to the ball.

Strong positional play also means not leaving gaps behind or to the side of our attack, as well as having the movement needed to break down an opponent. The FBs, two CMs and forwards can make any movement they like, from overlaps/underlaps, to diagonal runs across lines, however they must do this with strong organisation. Working in triangles in relation to the ball and your teammates, for example Tielemans, Philipp and Pereira so that if Pereira is up against the FB, one player overlaps/underlaps to create a lane or draw a defender away, and the third man stays deeper, to provide defensive structure around the ball. It also means that when one FB is pushed right up in attack, the other will tuck in with Bentacur and ball side CM as the ball is progressed through the central and final thirds in a 2-3-5, allowing the far side CM more freedom to come cross and join the attack knowing we have a solid group of 5 as defensive cover.

The aim of our possession and movement is to manipulate the opposition lines, aggressive ball overloads will draw the opposition towards us and create spaces between the lines that the likes of Tolisso, Tielemans, Dybala, Philipp and Sisto can easily exploit. With this in mind our central aim will be to create half space overloads. To do this the ball side FB must get right up the pitch and occupy his opposite number, with the advanced CM and winger then looking to form a triangle through which we can circulate the ball and draw the opposition in towards us. The 2-3 defensive block will push up and also act as a means for quicker, more precise ball circulation, with the block of 3 in particular acting as 2nd passers. As we progress the ball into the half space with the winger and CM we have two options. 1. Slowing play down to draw the opponents in then using the excellent passing of Tielemans, Bentacur and Tolisso to move the play across to the unloaded side and use our free man, particularly when we build with Sisto, he naturally draws people in with his skill then we can switch towards Philipp who uses his clever runs between defenders to get in on goal. 2. Using our front three narrow and occupying the defence in unison moving towards play to bring the defence forward, allowing us to open up space behind the backline. From here we use quick link up between the three forwards and the line of 3 midfielders who will act as 2nd passers, whilst the advanced CM and the ball side FB make off the ball movements behind the defence, overlapping the forwards to create confusion in the opponents offside line. Find these runs, the forwards will get into the box to support and we create tap ins.

When we lose it we counterpress, which will be aided by the staggering of our team and aggressive ball orientated support. Offensive stability of our positional play also creates defensive stability, in that it allows us to defend quickly and in numbers. It also means that the opponent will have committed more men back to defend, leaving less to attack. Essentially we will have two blocks when we press, the 5 defensive organisers, and the 5 hunters. The hunters are those involved in the attack, so usually the advanced CM, the forwards and the FB, when we are central it will be the forwards, Tolisso and Tielemans. The hunters press immediately, don’t allow the opponents time to decide how they will transition. Creating triangles within our shape, and always having one deeper than the other two, creates perfect coverage of the field in relation to the ball, and allows these triangles to quickly cover the ball carrier, with the two closest pressing, and the other cutting off the easiest passing lane, and the 2 remaining players, usually a winger and Dybala, quickly coming towards the ball to provide an extra layer. The press starts when we lose it but focuses on the FBs in the wide areas and the midfield in the centre, looking to crowd these areas, allow the CBs possession, focusing instead on packing the flank or the middle third.

Behind the hunters are the organisers who will be pushed close to our offensive line in order to retain strong vertical compactness to add to the opponents difficult in playing through us. The 5 create a staggered 2-3 bowl shape, allowing us to form a block around their forwards, the defence (whether it be CBs and 2 FBs or CBs, 1 FB and 1 CM) will work around Bentacur to squeeze space and allow him to make the most of his positional awareness and strong tackling capabilities, taking the responsibility of dealing with the AM trying to link defence to attack.

When they have sustained possession defend in a 4-5-1 with vertical and horizontal compactness, deeper lines looking to force them to play in tight spaces

Subs:

If Winning: Milinkovic-Savic for Tolisso 65’, fresh legs in midfield and a strong physical presence. Chiesa for Dybala 75’, Philipp to CF, acting as a false 9, drag the defence forward then run in behind. Sancho for Sisto 80’, show us what he can do against a tiring defence.

If Drawing: Milinkovic-Savic and Belotti for Tielemans and Dybala 70’, look to use more power in our attacks. Sancho for Sisto 75’, run at tiring defenders.

If Losing: Vallejo for Bentacur 60’, plays CB in a 3-4-3, get our WBs pushed right up stretching the defence right out with three forwards looking to play between the lines. Chiesa and Belotti for Pereira and Sisto 70’, Dybala play in the half space with Belotti to occupy the CBs, Chiesa really attack the opposition FB.

Stoke vs ARSENAL

Injuries:
Pablo Maffeo
Ruben Neves
Adam Lallana
Pierre Emerik Aubameyang




…………………………………………Buffon……………………………..
Adjapong………………Rugani………….Romagnoli…………..Pezzella
………………………………Barella………………Benassi…………………………
Mboula…………………………………Lo Celso………………………….Deulofeu
…………………………………………….Berardi……………………………………………

Subs: Pickford, De Sciglio, Marquinos, Rodri, Hamsik, Simeone, Mandzukic.


Tough starter in our Europa league campaign, having a shocking season domestically but this could well prove a welcome distraction.

A pretty youthful side as we look to play this game at high intensity without the ball matching the legs and work-rate that the clay-heads bring to the table.

With the ball we want short crisp passing in the initial phases drawing Stoke onto us before going long and wide allowing our wide-man to utilise the space, it’s not a clever tactic and one that Stoke will figure out quickly – if they stop pressing once they realise this is the plan then we’ll just keep the ball and wait for them to come out, our probing passes should do the trick.

Asjapong and Pezzella both come into this game, great engines on them and as seems to be the case with modern full-backs they’re auxiliary wingers, this will be encouraged today but as with our game-plan it’s a methodical advance rather than tanking forwards, they move in tandem supporting our midfield with ball retention to help spring the trap, when the ball goes long they then move on in support.

Rugani and Romagnoli seem to have been around forever already, Rugs is the man-marker whilst Roma is the spare man acting as the “libero” will bring the ball out and help support the midfield in the initial phases of us being in possession.

Benassi is a clever player not spectacular but very tidy, will be the man keeping things ticking over nicely in the centre of the park, play the way you’re facing don’t have to force anything there’s always options. Barella comes into the side fresh from his first Italy call-up and adds the bite to the side, he’s more than just an enforcer though with a pass completion rate so far this seasons of 85% he can be trusted to use the ball and keep possession going.

Our front is a fluid one, so although they have set positions in the formation above, that’s not strictly where they’ll be. I know you could argue I have 3 right wingers in there but Berardi has shown enough ability to go through the middle, I could also see Lo Celso drifting wide allowing Deulofeu to come inside more like he did whilst in Milan.

All 4 have bags of pace and like to run with the ball so if Stoke push forward, it suits us nicely to play on the break and punish any turnovers – as long as it’s a decent ball and not a Mitre Delta.

Subs:

65 Mins Mandzukic > Deulofeu – makes us less fluid but his work-rate is second to none
65 Mins Hamsik > Lo Celso – his experience and eye for goal will be vital for the last 25, whether that’s chasing a winner or looking for an equaliser.
65 Mins Rodri > Barella – like for like, fresh legs in the engine room

Stoke
---------------------- Rico ---------------------
Bernardo --- I.Diop --- Gagnon --- Jorge
------ Cyprien --- Kovacic --- C.Soler -----
Gelson ---------- Rashford --------- Lemar

Bursik(GK), Elvedi, Chilwell, Fornals, M.Lopez, Malcom,
Martial

Captain: Rico
Penalties: Lemar
Corners: Soler
Free Kicks: Kovacic

Game Plan:

The key to our defensive structure will be the organised press, designed to suffocate the opposition's build up play and starve service to the forward line. We will try to recover possession immediately by applying pressure to the opponent in question high up the pitch. This pressure is ball-oriented, meaning our players shift their position relative to the location of the ball. This entails pressuring the ball-player, as well as cutting off his immediate passing options and any other potential passing lanes. Rather than focusing on the movement of individual players, we concentrate on the ball-player and his options.

If they are in a more established stage of the offensive phase, however, we will take up a slightly less assertive stance. The wingers fan out so the defensive shape is more of a 4-5-1, and individual players then take it in turns to join Rashford in pressuring the opposition. If the ball is on the left inside channel, Soler will step out of the midfield line to apply pressure. This is most often used against sides with strong build-up play. However, even here, the focus continues to remain on the collective defensive positioning while using the ball as a trigger for any changes in shape.

The defence must move to where the ball is, not the position of the opponents. Balance is also fundamental, as if one full-back goes on the attack, the other one has to stay close to the centre-backs.

In order to avoid space opening up between the lines, this ball-oriented movement is something that must be carried out by the entire team, rather than just the attackers and midfielders. In this vein, we will play with a high defensive line which is integral to them in supporting this particular aspect of the team’s play.

When the opposition have the ball on one wing, the ball-near full-back will move up, while the other one will form a fairly compact three-man, one-line cover with the centre-backs. This move is done to scrutinise the opponent’s ball-player while maintaining good zonal coverage for passes or movements infield.

Our back four hold a high defensive line, often on or around the halfway line, depending on who has the ball and where the ball is within the opposition’s half. The primary reason for this positioning is to support the team’s high pressing scheme. Were the defensive line to play slightly deeper, this would leave a sizeable gap to the midfield line. This vertically in compact setup would then offer space between the lines for the opposition to exploit.

In holding a high line, the defence is able to support the high press of the attacking players, ensuring more comprehensive coverage. Should the opponent look to bypass the initial press with a ball over the top into midfield, our defensive line is in position to recover the loose ball or compress space for the opposition ball receiver, making the opponent’s possession less stable. Diop, in particular, will play an important role in this set up by being the physical centre back tasked with fighting the opposition centre forward, allowing Gagnon room to sweep in behind, with the fullbacks and the keeper in cover.

Early build-up play is integral to our possession game. Instead of giving the ball to the deep-lying midfielder to then progress it immediately forward, the ball often circulates, with play often moving back to the central defensive and fullbacks. This circulation is done deliberately in an attempt to destabilise the opposition by undercutting their defensive shape and creating opportunities to move the ball into more dangerous areas or situations by drawing the opposition out of their defence.

Triangles are prominent within the team. Every player on the pitch is comfortable on the ball, this allows us to adopt a quick passing sequence that often results in a chance being created. As soon as the ball crosses over into the opposition's half, the movement of the midfield three and the attacking trio changes as the striker and the left winger will often come short to link up with the midfielders.

The intent here is to create an overload scenario when we move forwards with the ball. Rather than dropping into the defence like many DMs do in this formation, Kovacic is integral to the team's passing ability in the middle and final thirds of the pitch. This, emboldened by the advancement of the full backs into wide midfield positions gives us strength in numbers to play the ball around the opposition's formation. The opposition is then left with two choices: they can either press and leave themselves open to quick movement and passes that dissect their midfield and defence, or they can sit back and refuse to press the line, allowing our centre backs to carry the ball further forward and for us to dictate play and look for openings at our own leisure.

The ball control and passing ability of our midfield is matched only by their intensity and work rate. Cyprien, in particular, will be key to our attacking build up as his dribbling skills and propensity to drive forward with the ball will create space for Soler and Kovacic to dictate the tempo. Cyprien's runs on the right hand side will also free Gelson to get in behind the defence - accompanied by Bernardo’s passing ability on the right flank - and will also facilitate in the oppostion shifting to our right, which will give Lemar space to get into creative positions and unlock their defence.

Our MO during the game is to move constantly. More importantly, we will, also, often operate in the space between the lines. This set-up will allow us to take advantage of the blindside of our opponent’s players. The opponents will always face our player’s movements and have to make decisions on whether to defend/chase/tackle a player or not at a frequency more than they used to. The end result is that the opponent often loses the defensive shape they prefer.


Substitutions:

65 Mins - Malcom for Gelson straight switch fresh legs and Fornals for Soler

75 Mins -
Losing - Martial for Cyprien, Martial up front 442 with attacking fullbacks

Winning - Elvedi for Soler, go 541

Drawing - M.Lopez for Cyprien

god you waffle

Thats Ska's tactics not mine

god you waffle by proxy

------------------------- Ederson
----------- J.Tah ------ Javi.M ----- Laporte
Oxlade -------- Vidal -------- Rabiot -------- Mendy
-------------- O.Dembele ---- Eriksen
------------------------ Mertens

Meret, Juanfran, Varane, Fernandinho, De Bruyne, Sanchez, Werner

6 changes from weekend, looking to stay fresh but still a fairly strong team and options off the bench

3-4-1-2 - Possession based:

It starts from the back. Ederson is very able with his hands and feet and should look to find our players in space.

The CB trio are excellent on the ball, very good passing success rates and should look to move the ball into mf quickly. At times collecting short from Ederson and getting their heads up, looking for movement from the attackers and attempting diagonal or long balls into feet, using Mertens and co as a target man to bypass their mf.

Tah and Laporte should shift slightly wider when on the offense allowing our wing-backs to push up in a bank of 4 in mf.

Vidal and Rabiot, a midfield pair that will provide plenty of energy and will work their socks off for the side to allow others around them to express themselves. They should look to stamp their authority with their work rate and power looking to take a grip on mf and shielding our defence, oppressing the opposition midfielders and covering every blade of grass out there.

When attacking, Rabiot sits just infront of the defence and makes himself available for a pass back. A passing outlet if we are being vigorously pressed whilst also allowing us to create space when working the ball around in triangles, also prevent counter attacks.

Eriksen and O.Dembele have free roles in attack, at times going wider to support the WG-backs. Dembele partnering Mertens up top with Eriksen in behind, or them sitting and dictating/driving from deep to open up the game ahead.

Gernally they will look to play inbetween the lines, roaming in the oppositions half and and looking to act as the link between midfield and attack. Picking up pockets of space and using their awareness to dictate the play, never afraid to play a key pass in behind to unlock their defence to find a player in space or drive from deep.

Defensively, Eriksen coming deeper and working alongside our mf duo in a 3, squeeze and don't allow any space or time in central areas for the opposition, forcing them back and in tight spots. O.Dembele pressing with Mertens as a duo in attack.

Flanks will be key as we look to expose them in wide areas and create space in midfield.

Two powerful WG-backs in Oxlade and Mendy, need to hug the touchline and provide the width allowing us to stretch the opposition. Always on the move so we can can get them in behind and use them as outlets going forward when picking a pass.

Very possession orientated, comfortable playing quick 1-2's and accelerating into space, overlapping often and getting early deliveries into the box for our striker/s to attack.

As well as scoring goals Mertens has a big role today, should often look to come deep and link with others, hold up play and take the CB with him, spinning beyond and opening up the space for our WG-backs and Dembele/Eriksen to run into.

When Chelsea are in possession we will initially look to press from front with our two strikers (Mertens and Dembele) and then drop off deeper with men behind the ball if they bypass with a strong block of 5.

Don’t allow them to play out from the back and hurry their passes. Our attackers form a duo looking to cut avenues into midfield as one goes to press the ball, force them into tight spots with their backs to goal towards the touchline.

The reason we want our front two to press is to force Chelsea to play long and concede possession, we feel they lack any sort of aerial presence in the side so are less likely to win contested duels.

If they advance we then form a rigid structure looking to press the space and dropping off with men behind the ball, only allowing them to play where we want them too, stifle the midfield and stop them from picking their passes into an attacker, Vidal man-man their AM, looking to harass him and using his physical prowess to really put him off his game, Rabiot and Eriksen cutting off passing lanes.

Our wingbacks and wide CB's should interlink throughout, off the ball our wing-backs need to track back and help with defensive duties preventing overloads. Keep them wide and give them no space to work with.

Essentially a 3-5-2, 5 in mf working to minimise the space in midfield zones and preventing them from finding their attackers. Our wing-backs then drop off to mark the oppositions wingers and help our CB's to prevent any space being left in behind.

Key is leaving no gaps or space to get in behind, working as a staunch unit so their quick attackers have to come deeper to get involved making their first point of contact with the ball much deeper than they anticipated and notably further away from our final third.

When we have them deep we have more to work with, we can plug at them and tactically foul in areas that will prevent them from playing with any flow, breaking up the game.

If we manage to win the ball we must immediately look to counter and hit the opposition hard. Ox & Mendy can come up to support the play and provide the width. The front 3 burst forward.

Subs:
A.Sanchez > Eriksen - 70th min
Fernandinho > Vidal - 70th min
Werner > Mertens - 80th min

C - Vidal
FK's - Mertens
Corners - Eriksen/O.Dembele
Pens - O.Dembele

----------------------- De Gea ------------------------
Carvajal ---- Bonucci ---- Manolas ---- A.Sandro
--------------- Khedira ---- Busquets ---------------
Callejon ---------- Griezmann ----------- Mbappe
-----------------------S.Aguero -----------------------

Heaton, Danilo, Samper, Poulsen, Alli, Jesus, Kurzawa

In goal is De Gea as good a goalkeeper you will get in the league, a good 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 Manolas, on this occassion Manolas will man mark the CF. Manolas is a very cultured defender who is quick and skillfull for a CB, with great marking abilities, powerfully built so marking the CF should be no trouble wether he is quick or big and powerful 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. Bonucci alongside is good in the air, so will mark any other 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. A clever player who can intercept attacks very quickly before they begin and he does this with great effect and simply takes the ball away from attackers. He too can carry the ball out from defence but we must be careful and only do this when it is possible. His passing I want him to play the simple ball to those around him and just in front. Both go up for corners and are a huge threat.

Carvajal and Sandro at fullback, we must keep the wingers quiet and away from our danger area, They will look to keep them away from shooting areas where they will become dangerous. This is a vital clash in this game if we can keep to our plan we will keep them out of the game. They will be up against quality wingers so look to force him away from goal and backwards.Their marking abilities are sound, both have good positional sense and very quick, do not make rash decisions and will stay on their feet. I want them to attack when in no danger (one at a time, dont be left exposed)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. . 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. Always looking to force there fullback into a challenge in which we will hopefully ride and get into their danger area..

We have a very industrious pairing in the middle, 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. He is a very calming influence on the team and does everything very simply allowing others to do the running for him. Khedira will go v the second most advanced midfielder or anyone else that is around that area. Even tho Busquets has the man marking role Khedira will look to cover much of the pitchwith his energy and exuberance, hassling and harassing anyone who has the ball, he doesn't give any one time on the ball as he moves side to side and forwards and back, this style pressurizes the opposition to pass erractically. Our deep lying pair will look to pass and move always look for the return pass. When we have the ball Khedira in particular will get us moving forward from the centre once he has picked the ball up from deep or from Busquets, his close control and ability to carry the ball into the attacking third once he has the ball is exceptional as he pushes up to bring our forwards into the game. 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 Griezmann in a No.10 role this is where we feel he will be at his best against there DM he must be strong, he is an all round fantastic attacker, 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 Aguero, he must support Aguero as best he can and the two must link up very well, very quickly, Griezmann himself is fantastic in front of goal so will be a huge threat from deeper runs.

Mbappe and Callejon 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 especially Griezmann and Aguero. Callejon will look to drive down the line and keep it to the outside making them come to him, which will leave holes in the centre of the pitch hopefully he will get the ball into. Mbappe will get a free run at them, However, he must be a team player and bring others into the game when he can. When they have the ball look to stick close to fullbacks/wingbacks and stop them coming forward, Just track them and use pace to get back and in around there faces to stop them becoming a threat. Always be looking for Griezmann inside as the four make an awesome quartet in behind Aguero and a scary proposition for there slowish back line. If they play 3 at the back look to support Jesus and drag the wide CBs out wide

Aguero will get plenty chances, however he must put away there side who will be solid at the back, however I want to target the slower of the two/three with the aid of Griezmann. Get into positions that he can go for goal or at very least drag players away for other players to drive into the space. Again, 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 will be a threat today we must go for it and keep pace with Newcastle. Can hold it up and look for runners, in particular Mbappe and Callejon and Griezmann will be making his runs also so be watchful of him just to lay it off to the side. But especially look for Allias he times his runs perfectly so a little touch back to him allows him to go for goal.

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

Subs -
Losing -
70 Mins - Poulsen and Jesus for Callejon and Aguero, Griezmann to the right and Jesus and Poulsen up top, go more direct and aim for Poulsen for knock downs to our little tap in merchant
80 Mins - Alli for Sandro 3 at the back and Alli to No.10

Winning -
70 Mins - Samper for Aguero, Griezmann up top and Samper to the left of Busquets to shore it up
80 Mins - Kurzawa for Mbappe and 451, Jesus for Griezmann

Drawing -
70 Mins - Jesus for Aguero, Alli for Callejon, Griezmann to RW and Alli to No.10
80 Mins - Poulsen for Griezmann and look to put in cross balls for him to header across

ASTON VILLA

———————————— Oblak
Walker — Alderwiereld — Boateng — Luis
————— Modric —— N'Zonzi
Bernardo ————— Fabregas ————— Reus
———————————— Cavani

SUBS: Chesney, Sokratis, Partey, Dembele, Winks, Mkhitaryan, Zielinski

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


European games needs to be approached differently. He'll probably set up in his usual shape. We have to dominate the middle. We will have a lot of creativity on the ball today in midfield today with Modric playing a key role beside N'Zonzi in a 4231. It is up to us to dominate the ball and create the amount of chances needed to win the game by playing on the front foot. Modric is very good at carrying the ball breaking the lines in the process. I reckon if I can gain control of the middle of the pitch with my players in midfield I have a chance of blowing them off the park with our players playing their natural game. Modric will be key today. I expect that when he gets the ball he picks his head up and finds a first time ball to our wide forwards after driving forwards. With the movement of my front four I hope to invite their defenders into making rash decisions. Mkhitaryan I'll look to bring off the bench this time because I'll need him to unlock their defence at a later time when Italy are tired. All my front three players have goals in them. We need the win today to give us the momentum needed to help power us into the champions league places in the early stage of the season.

Defending

In terms of defending, it is important that we are aware of the threats posed by my team having the lions share of possession. Italy will get chances on the counter, and while I believe that my team will pin them back for most of the match there are still going to be windows of opportunity of them when they have a spell of possession and on the counter. His attack can be dangerous on the counter which can present an immense danger if not careful. In our case it is important that we are always aware of the possibility of that counter. I consider strikers and wingers the biggest threats, so when we are attacking in their third N'Zonzi will sit close to our centre halves making sure we are not too exposed. Special mention to their striker, he'll take some handling, and we know that Alderweireld and Boateng can take turns in handling him. We will also have our full backs closely watch wide players, making sure not to get sucked into the middle and let the midfielders deal with anyone cutting inside. His wide players will likely be back defending anyway but their pace will carry them forwards very quickly. Once they show signs of counter attacking our full backs will fly back to stop them.

To win the ball back, we will sit off them mostly and only press them around our box. Only when they have all of our players pressed back in our third as they inevitably will do at some stage. Giving them lots of time on the ball. I will expect everyone in the back six to be involved in that. Bernardo and reus will get up and down the pitch all match if they need to. If we happen to get pressured back into our own third we will stop the pressuring but go very compact instead, and only squeeze spaced out wide to prevent crosses being thrown in. We wait it out and attack again.

The block of four of Boateng Alderweireld N'Zonzi and Modric will form a four man block around their striker(s) when out of possession. Modric and N'Zonzi will help cut the passing lanes to their forward line while Alderweireld will mark their striker tightly with Boateng sweeping behind if he does get through. Fabregas will come back in the defending phase to help win the ball back with the two midfielders or receive the ball to launch a quick attack when they lose the ball. His trademark through balls from inside his own half will become useful here.

Set piece defending is man to man, his centre halves will need to be watched carefully by our centre halves.

Attacking

I expect that Italy will be sat back and steaming forwards when we're out of possession, which generally means that we'll need some knife through butter kind of passes to slice them open. Alderweireld is made for that role so we naturally recycle the ball to him if an attack breaks down, doing so is also a safety measure to not concede stupid possession in midfield when harried by their midfield. Alderweireld has the ability to pick passes and spray balls out onto the wings with ease.

Before we have to go back to use Alderweireld however, we have Fabregas and Modric in the middle to control the tempo of the match with vision and precision of passes. We will have all kinds of movement around him from the likes of Bernardo Reus Cavani and full backs to help keep possession. We will have Reus and Bernardo directly attacking their back three while Cavani will be enough of a handful for his defenders to deal with with his exceptional movement in and out of space. The idea is that Cavani will try and pull their back three out of shape and for Reus and Bernardo to drift into the gaps with midfielders picking them out. The three forwards will also drag their players out of position so that Fabregas can be at his most effective. One full back may come forwards and overload on one side if the ball is on his side.

Cavani will be key for our attack, he'll create a lot of space, play with his back to goal and lay it off for the others, also allowing us to spread the threat of our team as he will bring everyone into play. His style will help create crucial gaps between Italy's defence and midfield for our other attackers to exploit since Cavani will confuse their defensive line, dropping in and out of the lines.

Subs

Winning
75 - We will need to lock the game down and close it off while giving the midfield some energy. We will bring on Partey for Fabregas and have him in midfield in a 4-3-3.

75 - Bernardo's legs may tire towards the end of the game so we bring on Mkhitaryan in his place to help chase down balls.

80 - Zielinski for Reus, same reason as above.

Drawing/Losing
65 - Clearly we need to change it up a bit, therefore we take off Modric and bring on Mkhitaryan to provide more penetration in attacking mid

75 - If we're still not winning, we bring on Partey for N'Zonzi, he'll sit at the base of midfield providing more driving force while being solid and holding the midfield together.

85 - We will bring on Zielinksi on for Fabregas and go 442 with Mkhi moving to the left, two strikers up front (Reus Cavani) and Partey Zielinski in the middle.

If we get into a winning position after any of the drawing/losing subs, we go 4-4-2 to make sure that we have two banks of four to effectively defend the lead, while playing on the counter attack.

Arsenal vs Portugal

Injuries
Giovani Lo Celso
Ademola Lookman
Matthew Targett
Blaise Matuidi



……………………………………………….Buffon………………………………….
………………………Marquinos……….Mere………Romagnoli…………….
Candreva…………………..Rodri……………Neves……………….Rodriguez
………………….Mboula………………Higuain…….….Fekir………………………

Subs: Pickford, Rugani, Vidal, Hamsik, Sissoko, Mandzukic, Bakambu

Fluid fast paced attacking 3-4-3 today. Portugal are a decent outfit but we’ve gotta take this competition seriously. Have made a few changes to freshen the team up a bit and stop this season becoming a real disaster.

Buffon leads our defence today, pretty generic tactics for a keeper so not gonna bore ya with the details

Marquinhos and Roma will again be shuffling wide to cover at FB and Mere will be the central defender marking their striker in yet more monotonous tactics, were im contractually obliged to tell you I’ve instructed Marq and Roma to jockey the man and don’t dive in.

Candreva and Rodriguez continuing in my familiarity of tactical awareness will again be given a freedom to push forward, we need a win theres no ned for 5 men sitting back, so we’ll take the game to the Portugese and out-number them in the final 3rd.

Neves and Rodri are both jwaank and I’ve only picked them because LSTD told me they needed games when I signed them, so may as well give them games now my seasons dead, Rodri will sit and anchor the midfield whilst Neves has shown great energy for Wolves so I’ll put him in as our box to box midfielder.

Mboula is probably decent but we don’t know as no-one has actually seen him play but I promised him games so c’mon kid prove ya worth, run the line and put those through balls in for Higgy Stardust to poach. Fekir on the left flank is having a decent season in france, but as it’s france it probably means nothing and so we can ignore the stats, qiuick and direct I want him cutting inside allowing Rodders the over-lap, he can play just off Higgy in effect.

Higgy Stardust should get a hat-trick today, as you can see from my masterful tactics I’m not treating this as a “big game” and for this reason he’ll score a load, we all know he scores against the shiete teams but suffers a mental block in the big games, I think I’ve done enough here to make it obvs these portugeezers are small fry…so step up Higgy Arsenale need ya


subs 65 mins

Hamsik > Neves
Sissoko > Rodri
Bakambu > Mboula

vs Spain(A)


———————Courtois
R.Pereira—Christensen—Umtiti—Latorre
——————Fabinho——Bentancur
—Carrasco————————————Savic
———————Dybala
——————————Belotti
Subs: Svilar, Vallejo, Pellegrini, Loftus-Cheek, Sisto, Bernardeschi, Icardi

Captain: Thibaut Courtois
Free Kicks: Paulo Dybala
Corners: Yannick Fereira-Carrasco
Penalties: Fabinho

Pressing from the front to stop Spain enjoying their usual easy possession, particularly focused on making them build from wide by taking advantage of Mascherano not being as competent under pressure as Busquets would be in their system. We do this by having Belotti press the ball carrying CB, using his cover shadow to stop him switching play to the free CB, whilst Dybala man marks Mascherano off the ball. The two CM start by going zonal man to man, not allowing the opposition CMs to be easy passing options, thus forcing the opposition to the FB. When the CB shows us he will make this pass we must press immediately with the ball side winger and Dybala(keeping his cover shadow blocking Mascherano), ball side CM keeping tight to the opposition ball side CM and the free CM narrowing to play, in a freer role but maintaining our compactness, keeping a balanced position so that he is ready to break up the play if it beats our press. The far side winger will drop back into midfield and deal with the oppositions free man(Iniesta/Isco). Particularly focus on forcing them towards Semedo, he’s their worst player, force the errors so we can win the ball high up.

If they beat the press we must drop deeper and defend zonally. We look to keep as narrow and compact as possible, leaving no central spaces so that once again they have to use the wings. Once they do this we are able to shuffle the unit across and stagger the team so that we create a diamond that allows us to both press the wide players and the block the route to the middle. Dybala drops deeper towards the ball and the far side CM steps up in line with our ball side winger, leaving the ball side CM at the base of the diamond, opposite winger tucks in too. Any attempt to pass through this space to the free side of the pitch should be easy to defend as we can quickly close up the diamond and congest the space for the ball carrier. Whenever someone receives the ball with their back to play we initiate a harder press, Dybala and winger going 2 v 1, whether its the FB, winger or CM that receives the ball, and Belotti drops back on to the DM. The CMs drop back and are joined by the far side winger in making a midfield 3 to cover for this harder press. The CBs remain behind this line of 3, giving us a block of 5 centrally at all times, and the two FBs slightly wider of this block so that we have full control of our penalty box, the half spaces and the flanks.

In build up our CMs are able to drop deeper to receive the ball from the defence, allowing the ball side FB to push higher up the field to draw their winger back, and our other FB tucked in narrower so we can switch play to the other side faster when needed. Gives us a block of 5 through which to build play. When the opposition CM’s come to press our ball carrying CM, Dybala drops into the space he leaves and we use a triangular circulation to get the ball to him in open space behind the first line of press. When we do this our ball side winger pushes really high up the field so that the FB can’t come in and cover the central space. Opposite side winger comes infield and takes up the half space, either drawing the attention of the DM or getting himself free space. If we can’t find any space ball side, we shuffle it back through the Cbs and CMs, patiently drawing Spain on to us and waiting for the gap to appear, either to play the ball forward for the FBs, Dybala or the half space winger, or failing that we also have the options of bypassing the opposition midfield with a longer diagonal ball into Savic/Belotti, both able to get up against the opposition DM/FBs and over power them physically to allow us to pass directly into the attacking third. Once in that final third we look to get the ball into the wide areas, usually with Carrasco when build up is smooth, and Savic when the build up is more direct. Carrasco can really run at the opposition FB and force the opposition defence backwards, getting us closer to goal, whilst Savic brings the ball down for runners, his interplay and strength to draw the opposition defence towards him before laying the ball off will be crucial. Once we have them penned back, the ball side FB can make an overlapping/underlapping run to overload the opposition FB, with the aim to get the ball back centrally, either through crosses from the byline or coming back through the half space, where the ball carrier will have Dybala/Belotti coming towards him to link up and the other running behind the defence so we can stretch their CBs both ways, as well as the spare winger in the half space and the CMs free to circulate possession. Use quick movement and one touch football to open the gaps, and if they don’t happen instantly use the likes of Savic and Dybala that can slow play down, suck men in and play the ball into unloaded spaces.

Subs:

If Winning: Pellegrini for Carrasco 70’, gives us another physical midfield player to allow us to break up play quickly and comfortably. Loftus-Cheek for Dybala 75’, takes up the job of man marking Mascherano and gives us the ability to drive past challenges and open up the game on the counter. Vallejo for R.Pereira 80’, Christensen to RB and Vallejo CB.

If Drawing: Bernardeschi for Carrasco 70’, fresh legs out wide against a tiring FB. Icardi for Belotti 75’, use movement off the ball is harder to mark than Belotti’s, gives the opponent something new to face. Sisto for Savic 80’, fresh legs on the counter, his dribbling ability should give Semedo all sorts of trouble.

If Losing: Sisto for Bentancur 60’, Savic into CM, looks to play with more flair when we attack, two really tricky wingers. Icardi and Vallejo for Pereira and Latorre 70’, 3-2-3-2 that becomes a 2-3-2-3 on the ball, using 3 CMs to give us stability in possession and allow Dybala and Sisto to find spaces between the lines and use their magic.

Off the ball: Courtois; Vallejo, Christensen, Umtiti; Fabinho, Savic; Carrasco, Dybala, Sisto; Icardi, Belotti.
On the ball: Courtois; Vallejo, Umtiti, Fabinho, Christensen, Savic; Dybala, Sisto; Carrasco, Icardi, Belotti.

Stoke
---------------------- Rico ---------------------
Passlack --- Elvedi --- Gagnon --- Jorge
------ Cyprien --- Kovacic --- C.Soler -----
Malcom ---------- Rashford --------- Martial

Bursik(GK), Sarr, Jankto, Fornals, M.Lopez, Boschilia,
Saint-Maximin

Captain: Rico
Penalties: Lemar
Corners: Soler
Free Kicks: Kovacic

Game Plan:

The key to our defensive structure will be the organised press, designed to suffocate the opposition's build up play and starve service to the forward line. We will try to recover possession immediately by applying pressure to the opponent in question high up the pitch. This pressure is ball-oriented, meaning our players shift their position relative to the location of the ball. This entails pressuring the ball-player, as well as cutting off his immediate passing options and any other potential passing lanes. Rather than focusing on the movement of individual players, we concentrate on the ball-player and his options.

If they are in a more established stage of the offensive phase, however, we will take up a slightly less assertive stance. The wingers fan out so the defensive shape is more of a 4-5-1, and individual players then take it in turns to join Rashford in pressuring the opposition. If the ball is on the left inside channel, Soler will step out of the midfield line to apply pressure. This is most often used against sides with strong build-up play. However, even here, the focus continues to remain on the collective defensive positioning while using the ball as a trigger for any changes in shape.

The defence must move to where the ball is, not the position of the opponents. Balance is also fundamental, as if one full-back goes on the attack, the other one has to stay close to the centre-backs.

In order to avoid space opening up between the lines, this ball-oriented movement is something that must be carried out by the entire team, rather than just the attackers and midfielders. In this vein, we will play with a high defensive line which is integral to them in supporting this particular aspect of the team’s play.

When the opposition have the ball on one wing, the ball-near full-back will move up, while the other one will form a fairly compact three-man, one-line cover with the centre-backs. This move is done to scrutinise the opponent’s ball-player while maintaining good zonal coverage for passes or movements infield.

Our back four hold a high defensive line, often on or around the halfway line, depending on who has the ball and where the ball is within the opposition’s half. The primary reason for this positioning is to support the team’s high pressing scheme. Were the defensive line to play slightly deeper, this would leave a sizeable gap to the midfield line. This vertically in compact setup would then offer space between the lines for the opposition to exploit.

In holding a high line, the defence is able to support the high press of the attacking players, ensuring more comprehensive coverage. Should the opponent look to bypass the initial press with a ball over the top into midfield, our defensive line is in position to recover the loose ball or compress space for the opposition ball receiver, making the opponent’s possession less stable. Gagnon, in particular, will play an important role in this set up by being the physical centre back tasked with fighting the opposition centre forward, allowing Gagnon room to sweep in behind, with the fullbacks and the keeper in cover.

Early build-up play is integral to our possession game. Instead of giving the ball to the deep-lying midfielder to then progress it immediately forward, the ball often circulates, with play often moving back to the central defensive and fullbacks. This circulation is done deliberately in an attempt to destabilise the opposition by undercutting their defensive shape and creating opportunities to move the ball into more dangerous areas or situations by drawing the opposition out of their defence.

Triangles are prominent within the team. Every player on the pitch is comfortable on the ball, this allows us to adopt a quick passing sequence that often results in a chance being created. As soon as the ball crosses over into the opposition's half, the movement of the midfield three and the attacking trio changes as the striker and the left winger will often come short to link up with the midfielders.

The intent here is to create an overload scenario when we move forwards with the ball. Rather than dropping into the defence like many DMs do in this formation, Kovacic is integral to the team's passing ability in the middle and final thirds of the pitch. This, emboldened by the advancement of the full backs into wide midfield positions gives us strength in numbers to play the ball around the opposition's formation. The opposition is then left with two choices: they can either press and leave themselves open to quick movement and passes that dissect their midfield and defence, or they can sit back and refuse to press the line, allowing our centre backs to carry the ball further forward and for us to dictate play and look for openings at our own leisure.

The ball control and passing ability of our midfield is matched only by their intensity and work rate. Cyprien, in particular, will be key to our attacking build up as his dribbling skills and propensity to drive forward with the ball will create space for Soler and Kovacic to dictate the tempo. Cyprien's runs on the right hand side will also free Malcom to get in behind the defence - accompanied by Bernardo’s passing ability on the right flank - and will also facilitate in the oppostion shifting to our right, which will give Martial space to get into creative positions and unlock their defence.

Our MO during the game is to move constantly. More importantly, we will, also, often operate in the space between the lines. This set-up will allow us to take advantage of the blindside of our opponent’s players. The opponents will always face our player’s movements and have to make decisions on whether to defend/chase/tackle a player or not at a frequency more than they used to. The end result is that the opponent often loses the defensive shape they prefer.


Substitutions:

65 Mins - Boschilia for Malcom straight switch fresh legs and Fornals for Soler

75 Mins -
Losing - Boschilia for Cyprien, Martial up front 442 with attacking fullbacks

Winning - Sarr for Soler, go 541

Drawing - Jankto for Cyprien

Attacking 4-3-3

At home, we look to play our usual game and take the game to the Germans, controlling possession with an energetic midfield trio. Control possession and find space in between the opposition lines. Get Thiago and Koke on the ball and looking to play killer balls to open up the opposition using the pace of our attacking trio.

Key to our attack is quick passing play, not looking to force the play but moving the ball quickly. Pass and move. Tire the opposition out with our possession play. Predominantly short passing on the deck, but varying our play when a counter is on.

As you'd expect, possession starts at the back, Stones the man marker next to Ramos who is free. In midfield, Kante reading the play looking to win the ball back as the dm, Koke will offer another energetic presence next to him with Thiago also important defensively being in the right position to intercept.

Getting Koke and Thiago on the ball and get pushing up the pitch, they are used to being on the offensive and playing in tight spaces, so we look to them to pick the passes. But if they play a high line they can pick the passes through or over the top to expose the space behind them. Quick one twos between the two and the attacking trio and Marcelo,Valencia. Always looking to provide an option.

The defence will be patient on the ball, will be hugely important in keeping possession and pushing us up the pitch. Playing a reasonably high line, with good pace at the back and energy in front. As soon as we get the ball to our midfield, we look to move the ball quickly, quick passing and moving.

In attack we play with width to stretch the game and open up Germany. One fb bombing forward at a time (usually Marcelo). The other fb advances ahead of the cbs but is more reserved and offers the option to switch going back the way. In the final third the wingers have freedom on the ball. Look to get away from their marker, central or wide wherever they can find space and get on the ball then get at their full back.


--------------------- Neuer
Valencia - J.Stones - S.Ramos - Marcelo
--------------------- Kante
------------ Thiago.A ---- Koke
Vitolo ------------------------------ Hazard
-------------------- D.Costa

Subs. Schmeichel, Blind, Ndidi, Asensio, Douglas Costa, Correa

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. Looking to stop any attacks before they begin.

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. Then get forward quickly.

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

As Germany 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 Kante presses the space in front of our cbs, sweeping up danger in front of the defence, the cms pressing their midfield.

In this tight formation narrowing to the side of play, ensuring there are no gaps in the formation. Kante will be key, reading the play in between the defence and midfield, getting across to cut out any danger. Koke picks up the most advanced cm. The winger opposite play comes inside and sits on their deepest cm while Thiago presses the space next to and in front of Ndidi.

Our fb’s have fantastic pace up against their wide forwards, bide their time, not diving in. Otamendi marks Morata. Ramos to sweep up, or man mark if they go two up.

Attack.
Get the ball to our midfield trio, get them linking up with quick passing, getting the ball to our wingers and get balls into Ronaldo. The trio's movement will be key in opening up the opposition defence.

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.

Thiago and Koke controlling the game in possession for us. Looking to find space between their defence and midfield, committing defenders from there and playing killer balls to our attacking trio.

We want quick one twos in the opposition half. Thiago, Koke and the wingers will always be looking for the killer ball. If it is not on, we are happy to keep the ball moving and keep possession.

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

Subs. If winning after 70 mins bring on Correa for Vitolo. Fresh pace, and hard worker. Great off the bench.
If winning after 74 mins bring on Ndidi for Koke. Bring fresh energy to cm and give Thiago more freedom. More power and pace to keep us on top in the centre as they likely push for an equaliser.
If winning after 78 mins bring on Asensio for Thiago.

If drawing after 70 mins bring on Asensio for Koke and Correa for Vitolo. More attacking cm, and impact sub on for Vitolo.

If losing after 60 mins bring on Correa for Koke. Attacking 4-2-3-1, Correa left, Hazard just off Costa.
If losing after 66 mins bring on Asensio for Vitolo.
If losing after 80 mins bring on Douglas Costa for Marcelo. 3-3-4. Super sub

---------------------- Ederson
Juanfran ------ J.Tah --- Laporte -------- Ghoulam
-------------------- Fernandinho
---------- De Bruyne ------- Gundogan
O.Dembele ------ Lewandowski -------- A.Sanchez

Subs: Meret, Bellerin, Mendy, Rabiot, Vidal, Eriksen, Mertens

4-3-3 - Possession based:
It starts from the back. Ederson is very able with his hands and feet and should look to find our players in space.

The CB duo are excellent on the ball, very good passing success rates and should look to move the ball into mf quickly. At times collecting short from Ederson and getting their heads up, looking for movement from the attackers and attempting diagonal or long balls into feet, using Lewandowski/Sanchez/Dembele as target men to bypass their mf.

Fernandinho & Gundogan, a midfield pair that will provide plenty of energy and will work their socks off for the side to allow others around them to express themselves. They should look to stamp their authority with their work rate and power looking to take a grip on mf and shielding our defence, oppressing the opposition midfielders and covering every blade of grass out there.

When attacking, Fernandinho sits just infront of the defence and makes himself available for a pass back. A passing outlet if we are being vigorously pressed whilst also allowing us to create space when working the ball around in triangles, also prevent counter attacks.

De Bruyne will look to play inbetween the lines, roaming in the oppositions half and and looking to act as the link between midfield and attack. Pick up pockets of space and use his awareness to dictate the play, never afraid to play a key pass in behind to unlock their defence.

Defensively will look to work in a 3, looking to work in tandem with Fernandinho & Gundogan to close down quickly and cutting out passing lanes. At times sitting deeper and dictating the tempo allowing Gundogan to go on beyond and link with our forwards.

Flanks will be key as we look to expose them in wide areas and create space in midfield.

Ousmane and Sanchez need to get involved as much as possible looking to influence the game, both two footed & excellent dribblers that more often than not will beat their man, need to get their heads down and accelerate with pace, linking with our fullbacks as they hug the touchline and open up the space ahead.

Always on the move and being unpredictable, never stay idle and easy to mark. Making off the ball runs and taking defenders with you, keeping them in two minds whether to stay or go.

When in possession, our fullbacks take it in turns to burst forward. One sits slightly back allowing the other to roam forward looking to provide the width, allowing the wingers space to drive into or an option on the outside.

Lewandowski has a big role today, very prolific and great killer instinct but one of those strikers that influences the play even without the ball at his feet. He should look to come deep often and link with others, hold up play and take the CB with you, opening up the game and space for our wingers and KDB to run into beyond.

When Italy are in possession we will initially look to press from front with our attacking trio and then drop off deeper with men behind the ball if they bypass with a strong block of 3 in midfield.

Don’t allow them to play out from the back and hurry their passes. Our attackers form a trio looking to cut avenues into midfield as one goes to press the ball, force them into tight spots with their backs to goal towards the touchline.

The reason we want our attackers to press is to force Italy to play long and concede possession, we feel they lack any sort of aerial presence in the side so are less likely to win contested duels.

If they advance we then form a rigid structure looking to press the space and dropping off with men behind the ball, only allowing them to play where we want them too, stifle the midfield with our 3 and stop them from picking their passes into an attacker, Fernandinho man-man their AM, looking to harass him and using his physical prowess to really put him off his game, Gundogan and De Bruyne cutting off passing lanes either side.

Key is leaving no gaps or space to get in behind, working as a staunch unit so their quick attackers have to come deeper to get involved making their first point of contact with the ball much deeper than they anticipated and notably further away from our final third.

When we have them deep we have more to work with, we can plug at them and tactically foul in areas that will prevent them from playing with any flow, breaking up the game.

If we manage to win the ball we must immediately look to counter and hit the opposition hard. FB’s can come up to support the play and provide the width. The front 4 burst forward, Fernandinho and Gundogan holding.

Subs:
Mertens > Lewandowski - 70th min
Rabiot > Fernandinho - 70th min
Eriksen > De Bruyne - 80th min

-------------------- De Gea ---------------------
------------ Sanchez ---- Lenglet -------------
Danilo ----------- Paredes ------------ Sandro
-------------- Tolisso --- Pogba ---------------
--- Callejon ----------------------- Neymar ---
-------------------- Poulsen ---------------------

Johnstone, Henrichs, Khedira, Alli, Mbappe, Jesus, Fiete-Arp

In goal is De Gea as good a goalkeeper you will get in the league, a good 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.

Lenglet in beside Sanchez, on this occassion Sanchez will man mark the CF. Sanchez is a very cultured defender who is quick and skillfull for a CB, with great marking abilities, powerfully built so marking the CF should be no trouble wether he is quick or big and powerful 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. Lenglet alongside is fantastic in the air, so will mark any other 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. A clever player who can intercept attacks very quickly before they begin and he does this with great effect and simply takes the ball away from attackers. He too can carry the ball out from defence but we must be careful and only do this when it is possible. Both go up for corners and are a huge threat.
Danilo and Sandro at fullback, we must keep the wingers quiet and away from our danger area, so we play a high line in order to keep them away from our danger area. They will look to keep them away from shooting areas where they will become dangerous. This is a vital clash in this game if we can keep to our plan we will keep them out of the game. They will be up against quality wingers so look to force him away from goal and backwards.Their marking abilities are sound, both have good positional sense and very quick, do not make rash decisions and will stay on their feet. I want them to attack when in no danger (one at a time, dont be left exposed)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. . 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. Always looking to force there fullback into a challenge in which we will hopefully ride and get into their danger area.

We stay as a tight knit unit at the back, when defending stay in a line and make this as hard as possible for them to break through.

We have a very industrious trio in the middle for this game, the aim is to close down there midfield and make it conjested as to not allow them any space ot time to make their passes count and keep them away from dangerous areas. Busquets in the middle sits deep just in front of the centre backs, and he stays there allowing Tolisso and Pogba to do the running, he is there to stop the AM/SS getting the ball from midfield to the main 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. He is a very calming influence on the team and does everything very simply allowing others to do the running for him. Pogba and Tolisso are my runners they will go against the other midfielders or anyone else that is around that area. Even tho Busquets has the man marking role Pogba and Tolisso will look to cover much of the pitch with his energy and exuberance, hassling and harassing anyone who has the ball, he doesn't give any one time on the ball as they move side to side and forwards and back, this style pressurizes the opposition to pass erractically. Our midfield trio will look to pass and move always look for the return pass. When we have the ball Pogba and Tolisso in particular will get us moving forward from the centre once he has picked the ball up from deep or from Busquets who will always patrol the area just in front of our defenders, there close control and ability to carry the ball into the attacking third once they has the ball is exceptional as they push up to bring our forwards into the game. When they have then close down the CMs, they will look to ping the ball about so get to him before that opportunity arises. We want to control this game so short quick passes, use tactical nous to get others into the game, Our front three will be moving around so look to play triangles to get them into shooting opportunities, we must keep possession however so nothing silly, at times the build has to be slow and methodical and we certainly have the players and experience to know when to do this.

Neymar and Callejon 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 especially Poulsen or indeed with a different focul point in the centre they can fire crosses in for Poulsen to win. Callejon will look to drive down the line and keep it to the outside making them come to him, which will leave holes in the centre of the pitch hopefully he will get the ball into. Neymar will get a free run at them, you really cant coach a very special talent as long as he is focussed and does what he does best. If they play a back 3 when we attack I want our front three to move about and and not allow particular players to pick them up, as we have fairly attacking fullbacks supporting them then we have options to push inside, there defence will not be focussed and get confused as to who and where to go and mark and hopefully this opens up space for our attackers

However, he must be a team player and bring others into the game when he can. When they have the ball look to stick close to fullbacks/wingbacks and stop them coming forward, I am sure whoever is looking to do results will focus on there shiete defending, but just track them and use pace to get back and in around there faces to stop them becoming a threat. We defend as a team from the front so even if they can look to stop the threat of the defenders then that's two players out the picture.

Poulsen will get plenty chances, however he must put away there side who will be solid at the back, however I want to target the slower of the two/three. Get into positions that he can go for goal or at very least drag players away for other players to drive into the space. Again, 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/range he is also extremely useful in the air, so when and if crosses come in he willlook to get abovce the centre backs, if not at least lay it off to those runners coming in,.All of our front three will be a threat today we must go for it and keep pace with them.

Captain - Carvajal
Penalties - Neymar
Free kicks - Neymar
Corners - Wingers

Subs

Losing
70 Mins - Jesus and Arp for Pogba and Poulsen 442
80 Mins - Mbappe for Sandro, go 343

Winning -
70 Mins - Khedira for Pogba more defensive
80 Mins - Jesus for Poulsen

Drawing -
60 Mins - Alli for Pogba 4231 and Jesus for Poulsen
75 Mins - Arp for for Sandro 3412

Attacking Possession 3-5-2

We have a hard working midfield, and so we look to defend high up the pitch. Playing a high line, and pressing. They have pace on the counter but we have pace at the back too, take the game to the opposition and make it difficult for them to play out. We want to score more than the opposition.

We look to control the game from the back, 3 cbs that are great on the ball. Controlling the game and possession from the back.

Key to our game plan today is attacking quickly,down the wings, and getting Asensio in space between the lines. Two wingbacks who are strong defensively and fantastic attacking. Odriozola is lightning quick while everyone knows Marcelo. We look to dominate possession and get them wide, putting crosses in to the box. Asensio and Ronaldo will drift wide to link up with them.

Up top we go with a strong front two, Costa comes in to give Liverpool's young cbs a real battle which they wont be used to. With Costa bullying and giving the cbs the run around we aim to get Ronaldo in space. Give Ronaldo the opportunity to drift wide to find the ball, we want him on the ball. Importantly we have two forwards who will be there to get on the end of crosses played into the box.

This will allow us to get the best out of Ronaldo, have him focused on getting in the right positions in the box, getting in behind the cbs. Costa the distraction.

A natural right footer on the right and a natural left footer on the left will add to the speed of our attacks, able to quickly play an early cross or through ball. Both are very strong defensively, and so when we are under pressure they will be important.

------------------- M.Neuer
------ S.Ramos -- J.Stones -- Romagnoli
---------------- Koke --- N.Kante --------------
- Odriozola------ M.Asensio --------- Marcelo -
-------------- Ronaldo -- D.Costa

Subs. Schmeichel, Blind, Ndidi, Thiago, Guedes, Hazard, Vitolo

Control possession, mixing it up with a few direct long balls from the back.

Defending in numbers

Attack and possession are the best form of defence.

When we don't have the ball 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.

We will be wary of the counter when we lose the ball. Ronaldo or Costa look to close down the ball as soon as we lose it allowing the other players to get into shape. Behind them, we have two compact lines. The 3 cbs, and a midfield 5. The midfield 5 is not a flat line, Koke and Asensio are diagonally ahead of Kante, the two wingbacks in line with Kante.

On the right side of play Koke presses the ball and Asensio the space next to him. With the 3 (Kante and wbs) narrowing to the side of play behind. aAt this point the cbs will also move over to the side of play, one cb wide with 2 cbs central. And vice versa on the left side, with Asensio pressing ball, and the rest narrowing to the left.

In this formation we drop deeper as Pool push further foward. When defending our own third, the wb on the side of play drops to fb, and Koke/Asensio who were pressing on that side of play anyway will move to the wide position. Two compact lines of four.

Still in a 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. Then get forward quickly.

We don't leave much space between the lines. Compact lines. Always looking to have 9 players behind the ball. Happy to defend from deep when Pool get higher up the park.

Leaving Ronaldo and Costa up top. Give us an option to counter quickly with a long ball when we win it.

Attack.

We will look to control possession. Defenders will be patient at the back, when we get the ball to midfield we look to move the ball quickly. Quick one twos.

We push players forward. With Odriozola and Marcelo offering width, we seek to create space for our strikers by stretching the game and then getting crosses into them. Stretch the opposition, so Asensio and Ronaldo can find space in between the lines and so both Ronaldo and Costa can find space between the cbs.

In possession, the defence push up playing a reasonably high line as all are comfortable in possession and have great pace. The cms seeking to give them an option, Kante keeps it simple and quick in possession, Koke more expansive, his long passing will allow us to switch quickly and put us on the front foot. Asensio and Koke seeking to both push forward into attacking positions.

We are happy for our defenders and Neuer to switch play up and go long at times.

Quick one-twos in the opposition half going down the lines. We have great pace up top, so want to get them in behind. If not we are happy for our players to take them on.

Subs. If winning after 70 mins bring on Thiago for Asensio and Hazard for Costa. Fresh energy in cm to help control, and more pace to play off Ronaldo.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Ndidi for Koke. Add power and energy to our cms.

If drawing or losing after 65 mins bring on Hazard for Asensio. 3-4-1-2, Hazard in behind the front two.
If drawing or losing after 70 mins bring on Vitolo for Odriozola. Pace and power down the right, more attacking.
If drawing or losing after 75 mins bring on Guedes for D.Costa. 3-4-2-1, gung ho.

————————————Courtois
—————Lindelof——-—Skriniar————Umtiti
————————————Fabinho
Conti———Sabitzer——-Zielinski————Savic———Carrasco
—————————————Belotti

Subs: Pope, Latorre, Bentancur, Ceballos, Sisto, Bernardeschi, Dybala

Captain: Thibaut Courtois
Free Kicks: Fabinho
Corners: Marcel Sabitzer
Penalties: Fabinho

We unleash the 3-6-1 today as it gives us adaptability both in defence and attack and allows us to cover every single blade of grass, tireless work ethic and excellent positional play to overcome a difficult opponent.

We look to press them high, but using our block of 5 and Belotti to close up the midfield rather than put extreme pressure on the CBs. Allow them to build with their central defenders, Dybala dropping deeper and covering the deepest opponent midfielder whilst our chain of 5 works zonally. Wingers operating the flanks, Savic/Sabitzer the half spaces and Zielinski the centre with Beloti, allowing Fabinho to man mark the most advanced midfielder, following him everywhere and keeping him out of the game. Leaving our 3 CBs to deal with the forward line. With the staggering of our team we should force them to split the CBs wider, isolating themselves in search of passing lanes. When this happens, and the ball is with a CB in a wider position, lets say on our left, Belotti will curve his run to go press that CB and use his cover shadow to block the switch to his CB partner. When Belotti makes this movement, Zielinski must move to close down the ball side CM and Carrasco straight onto the FB, creating a 3 v 3 press high press. The rest of the team work off this to make sure the space is completely covered, Sabitzer steps up to make sure the ball can’t be switched to the opposite side CM and Conti drops back to use his height to cover diagonal switches of play, with Savic keeping a neutral position in the ball side half space, blocking the CBs vertical passing lane and making sure the 3 Leicester players can’t work a triangle to pass through us as he can cover any diagonal passing lanes for the CM and FB. Fabinho is on the AM and Umtiti is orientated to the ball side forward. Essentially we create a 3-3-3-1 to defend the ball, giving us extreme vertical compactness and from their we use our work rate and huge height advantage to stop them playing out and using the longer balls, force errors or win the second ball from knock downs. If for whatever reason they do try and use the CMs rather than building wide, we outnumber them 5 vs 3 with Belotti dropped in, which means 2 can press the ball carrier and 3 drop behind to cover zonally.

At times we expect an opponent as good as Leicester to be able to keep possession so we drop deeper. When this happens we once against stagger our team, Belotti falling back just ahead of Zielinski to help with the DM, far side WB pushed up onto his opposite number and far side half space player dropped deeper to cover diagonal balls into the forwards. This should stop the switch of play and force them to keep the attack ball side and in front of us, where they are easier to defend. Again there are two specific man marking duties, these are Fabinho on the most advanced midfielder and Skriniar on the CF, giving them both physical battles and distracting them from the game itself. Zielinski will drop in alongside Fabinho and make sure that centrally we have a very strong 5 man block at all times(3 Cbs, 2 DMs/ 2 CBs, 1 DM, 1 half space/ 3 CBs, 1 DM, 1 half space etc), not allowing Leicester to play between the lines or overload us in and around our box. Again leave them to have to build up down one flank and once that happens we have wide CB, half space player and WB all man orientated down the flank against the opposition attack. CB on attacker, WB on FB and half space on their third man. Belotti then stops the ball being switched back.

When we win it back this formation is great for lighting transitions. If we force them wide it means we usually win it wide, be that ball side or from winning the diagonal switches, which means we can quickly attack with winger and half space player, able to switch positions and use their movement off each other to double up on the FB, whilst Zielinksi is also able to come across to help create triangles, draw them over to one side and finish the attack on the other side with our opposite winger and half space player getting into the box/final third. Mainly use Carrasco and Savic to attack them. If we win it centrally both half space players can support Zielinksi in overloading their CMs.

At times we can also play out from the back and when we do so we transition to a 3-4-2-1, Sabitzer and Savic taking more advanced positions, from here we look for 3rd man runs and lay offs. For example building on our right, Fabinho can drop into the back line and allow for smoother build up, allowing both wide CBs to stretch right out, ball side WB occupying the winger and pushing him backwards by positioning slightly higher in the midfield line, whilst Zielinski and Sabitzer can drop in to help build and draw the entire opposition midfield towards us, Fabinho helps get the ball to Lindelof who plays the longer pass to Savic in the left half space. Savic has great hold up play and he will undoubtedly bring the ball down, when he receives this pass it takes Leicester’s entire midfield and offence out of the game, they will turn and become more ball orientated as they no longer focus on their men behind them, which means Conti, Sabitzer, Carrasco and Zielinski can all make blind side runs to receive a lay off from Savic and flood the attack. When we are forced to build on the left, Conti becomes the target for diagonal long balls. If their wingers start dropping back to stop these longer passes happening, Fabinho drops in and allows the wide CBs to carry the ball forward into the half spaces, draw a Leicester midfielder towards you, this frees up one of our midfielders and he becomes a 2nd passer to get the ball forward in triangles, each pass we make draws a new opponent away from the man they are marking, work the ball forward this way. The key will be in the speed of our transitions, getting the ball behind Leicesters midfield and defensive lines at the first available opportunity means most of their team are already on the back foot, whilst we can use our forward running momentum to get past the remaining defensive line.


Subs:

If Winning: Bentancur for Zielinski 70’, extra physical presence to solidify the midfield. Latorre for Carrasco 75’. Dybala for Belotti 85’, 5 minutes to run the clock down and use his fresh legs to hurry the opposition defenders.

If Drawing: Ceballos for Zielinksi 70’, extra creativity in the midfield. Bernardeschi and Sisto for Savic and Sabitzer 75’, retain a strong back 5 but we want Sisto and Bernardeschi to go and stand on the touchlines, stretch out their defence and open up more space on the counter, we will focus on the deeper press rather than high pressing, saving our legs for counter attacks.

If Losing: Dybala for Zielinski 60’, extra star quality to aid the attack. Sabitzer and Carrasco off, Bernardeschi and Sisto on 70’, 4-3-3 with Conti dropping back into the defence and the two substitute wingers standing right out on the touchline to stretch the defence. When we defend Dybala is in midfield, when we attack we want Dybala up alongside Belotti essentially in a 4-2-4.

Stoke
---------------------- Rico ---------------------
Passlack --- Evledi ---- I.Diop --- Jorge
------ Cyprien --- Kovacic --- C.Soler -----
Gelson ---------- Boschillia --------- Lemar

Dragowski, Bernardo, Fornals, Diawara, Malcom,
Jankto, Saint-Maximin

Captain: Rico
Penalties: Martial
Corners: Soler
Free Kicks: Kovacic

Game Plan:

The key to our defensive structure will be the organised press, designed to suffocate the opposition's build up play and starve service to the forward line. We will try to recover possession immediately by applying pressure to the opponent in question high up the pitch. This pressure is ball-oriented, meaning our players shift their position relative to the location of the ball. This entails pressuring the ball-player, as well as cutting off his immediate passing options and any other potential passing lanes. Rather than focusing on the movement of individual players, we concentrate on the ball-player and his options.

If they are in a more established stage of the offensive phase, however, we will take up a slightly less assertive stance. The wingers fan out so the defensive shape is more of a 4-5-1, and individual players then take it in turns to join Boschillia in pressuring the opposition. If the ball is on the left inside channel, Soler will step out of the midfield line to apply pressure. This is most often used against sides with strong build-up play. However, even here, the focus continues to remain on the collective defensive positioning while using the ball as a trigger for any changes in shape.

The defence must move to where the ball is, not the position of the opponents. Balance is also fundamental, as if one full-back goes on the attack, the other one has to stay close to the centre-backs.

In order to avoid space opening up between the lines, this ball-oriented movement is something that must be carried out by the entire team, rather than just the attackers and midfielders. In this vein, we will play with a high defensive line which is integral to them in supporting this particular aspect of the team’s play.

When the opposition have the ball on one wing, the ball-near full-back will move up, while the other one will form a fairly compact three-man, one-line cover with the centre-backs. This move is done to scrutinise the opponent’s ball-player while maintaining good zonal coverage for passes or movements infield.

Our back four hold a high defensive line, often on or around the halfway line, depending on who has the ball and where the ball is within the opposition’s half. The primary reason for this positioning is to support the team’s high pressing scheme. Were the defensive line to play slightly deeper, this would leave a sizeable gap to the midfield line. This vertically in compact setup would then offer space between the lines for the opposition to exploit.

In holding a high line, the defence is able to support the high press of the attacking players, ensuring more comprehensive coverage. Should the opponent look to bypass the initial press with a ball over the top into midfield, our defensive line is in position to recover the loose ball or compress space for the opposition ball receiver, making the opponent’s possession less stable. Diop, in particular, will play an important role in this set up by being the physical centre back tasked with fighting the opposition centre forward, allowing Elvedi room to sweep in behind, with the fullbacks and the keeper in cover.

Early build-up play is integral to our possession game. Instead of giving the ball to the deep-lying midfielder to then progress it immediately forward, the ball often circulates, with play often moving back to the central defensive and fullbacks. This circulation is done deliberately in an attempt to destabilise the opposition by undercutting their defensive shape and creating opportunities to move the ball into more dangerous areas or situations by drawing the opposition out of their defence.

Triangles are prominent within the team. Every player on the pitch is comfortable on the ball, this allows us to adopt a quick passing sequence that often results in a chance being created. As soon as the ball crosses over into the opposition's half, the movement of the midfield three and the attacking trio changes as the striker and the left winger will often come short to link up with the midfielders.

The intent here is to create an overload scenario when we move forwards with the ball. Rather than dropping into the defence like many DMs do in this formation, Kovacic is integral to the team's passing ability in the middle and final thirds of the pitch. This, emboldened by the advancement of the full backs into wide midfield positions gives us strength in numbers to play the ball around the opposition's formation. The opposition is then left with two choices: they can either press and leave themselves open to quick movement and passes that dissect their midfield and defence, or they can sit back and refuse to press the line, allowing our centre backs to carry the ball further forward and for us to dictate play and look for openings at our own leisure.

The ball control and passing ability of our midfield is matched only by their intensity and work rate. Soler, in particular, will be key to our attacking build up as his dribbling skills and propensity to drive forward with the ball will create space for Kovacic to dictate the tempo. Soler’s runs on the left hand side will also free Lemar to get in behind the defence - accompanied by Jorge’s passing ability on the left flank - and will also facilitate in the opposition shifting to our right, which will give Gelson space to get into creative positions and unlock their defence.

Our MO during the game is to move constantly. More importantly, we will, also, often operate in the space between the lines. This set-up will allow us to take advantage of the blindside of our opponent’s players. The opponents will always face our player’s movements and have to make decisions on whether to defend/chase/tackle a player or not at a frequency more than they used to. The end result is that the opponent often loses the defensive shape they prefer.


Substitutions:

65 Mins - Malcom for Gelson straight switch fresh legs and Diawara for Soler

75 Mins -
Losing - Malcom for Soler, Malcom up front 442 with attacking fullbacks

Winning - Bernardo for Soler, go 541

Drawing - Malcom for Gelson

Spain vs VILLA

Injuries:
Phil Jones
Marlon Santos
Claudio Marchisio
Arjen Robben


……………………………………….Oblak…………………………..
Hysaj……………….Boateng…………Manolas………...Luis
……………………….Gagliardini………Pellegrini………………
Cavani…………………………Griezmann……………..Reus
……………………………………Higuain………………………………..

Subs: Chesney, Davies, Mere, N’zonzi, Modric, James, Kessie

Fast paced front foot football by us tonight…nice slick passing no long balls aimlessly over the top, play it into feet pass and move and attack the spaces, we wanna out spain spain.

Oblak is a very good shot stopper fast off his line, and will use his decent physical size to dominate his box and marshal his defence, no long punts downfield roll it out to the defence, keep possession moving.

The Defence

Hysaj and Luis will look to push forward with the midfield, not bomb on but considered movement – we want them available for short passing triangle, this a controlled attack not gung-ho. Defensively they’ll show the man the line and force the cross for our CB’s to deal with.
Boateng will use his physicality to man mark their striker allowing Manolas to cover any loose balls or flick ons. Decent on the ball too so he’ll step out of the defence and help be an easy ball.

The Midfield
Gags and Pelle come in for their debuts, both solid in the engine, pretty simple for them to day anchor the play and spread the ball about – nothing complicate just retain possession and use it wisely, Not every pass has to go forwards.

The front-four

Cav find himself unlucky back out on the wing but he’s a solid worker and we’ll need that ethic today pulling the Spanish defence out of position by drifting inside and bringing bodies infield with him. Reus on the other flank we want as a pure winger, run the line and really stretch the pitch – with outwide banging in crosses for the other 3 to attack we should get some joy.

Griez today gets the #10, play off the shoulder of Higgy and look to hit the ball from distance

Higuain may be seen as lazy and doesn’t get involved in the build up play, But I’m old school I want my striker in the box doing the business, and there are very few that do that business better than Higgy.

Subs 65 mins

Modirc > Pellegrini
James > Reus (and switch with Griez)
Kessie > Gagliardini