Community Shield. Attacking 4-3-3
We look to take the game to Spurs, using our attacking wide players to create space for the attacking players in between the lines. We have two strong defensive players in front of the defence allowing both full backs to attack, overlapping the wide men and allowing them the freedom to come inside.
Spurs wide players like to come inside and so having two strong central players also helps the defence stand up to this. They provide freedom to Coutinho to attack. We have a defence capable of playing out from the back and players that can also play accurate long balls out direct from the back, adding variation to our play.
Hummels adds a great ability to read the play which we feel is perfect next to Ramos who loves to get stuck in, and the attacking full backs. Seamless interchanging of positions in attack, and relentless pressing in our own half when defending. Allow the opposition to have the ball in their own half. Doucoure will play in a box to box role next to Casmiro, strong defensively but also adding power to our attack.
Positional structure, in addition to our technical players will be key to our quick passing gameplan going forward. Our approach in build up is to play a flexible asymmetric shape, 2 cb supported closely by Casemiro and fbs pushing on that comes close to the first line to provide strong connection in order to transit the ball between the lines. The fbs and attacking players playing crosses into the box for Ronaldo will be a key tactic.
Geubbels comes in on the right, offering power and pace. Looking to play off Ronaldo when he comes inside. Hazard will look to operate in slightly deeper positions on the other side, looking to create and link with the midfielders and Marcelo. Coutinho and Hazard will always be looking for space in between their midfield and defence.
------------------ Neuer
Carvajal - Ramos - Hummels - Marcelo
--------- Casemiro - Doucoure
----------------- Coutinho
Geubbels ------------------------- Hazard
---------------- C.Ronaldo
Subs. Schmeichel, Gomez, Partey, Thiago, Gundogan, L.Sane, D.Costa
We defend in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Control the opposition by pressing the space with a narrow, compact rigid defensive unit, so that their wide players can't find space in the areas they like to when coming inside. 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.
The attacking three midfielders focus on dropping deep and being in the right positions to block passing lanes and ensure there is no space for the opposition to work in.
Look to leave no space for them in between the lines, make it difficult for them to create, if they beat a man, they'll run into another. Casemiro presses the space in front of our cbs, sweeping up danger in front of the defence when it gets through, Doucoure goal side of Casemiro pressing the ball.
The defenderrs marshall the team in a tight formation narrowing to the side of play, ensuring there are no gaps in the formation.
Attack
Centre backs play out, they have the option to go long or have Casemiro and Doucoure offering options. While the full backs look to drive forward and link with the wide men and midfielders.
Coutinho and Hazard will always be looking for space in between their midfield and defence. We want quick one twos in the opposition half, using our wingers to get in behind and link with Ronaldo.
Ronaldo has freedom to play his natural game and get the goals.
Subs. If winning after 70 mins bring on Sane for Geubbels. Pace injection.
If winning after 75 mins bring on D.Costa for Ronaldo. Power injection.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Partey for Doucoure, fresh energy and power.
If losing or drawing after 60 mins bring on Sane and Thiago for Doucoure and Geubbels.
If losing or drawing after 80 mins bring on D.Costa for Marcelo. Extra striker.
Leicester vs ASTON VILLA (3-4-1-2)
Injuries -
Micheal Keane
Demerai Gray
Mario Mandzukic
Gary Cahill
…………………………………De Gea……………………….
………………De Vrij……….Luiz………..Chiellini………
Bellerin………….Vidal…………….Modric…………….Max
…………………………………Iniesta…………………………………
………………..….Icardi……………Vardy…………………..
Subs: Forster, Zappacosta, Keane, Neves, Lallana, Morata, El Shaarawy
tough start to the season away against the reigning champions, clusterfck of a season last year, led to massive changes. Let’s see how it plays out.
The 3-5-2 can be perceived as being narrow, but that’s a strength for us today, RoF’s Leicester have bags of pace and trickery out-wide so keeping it compact will go some way to nullifying that threat.
Nice crisp passing, keep the ball moving is the order of the day, keep the ball on the ground and keep probing to pull Leicester out of position, not possession for possession sake, but calculated passing angles.
De Gea - comes in for his debut, may have had a bad world cup but that doesn’t change the fact that in my opinion he’s the best in the world right now. Quick and agile will trust his reflexes to come off his line and collect any loose balls. Doesn’t need to do much with the ball either play it out to one of our wider centre backs or go wider still ad hit the wing-backs.
De Vrij - is the RCB, defensively he’ll drift wide to double on their LW, stay big stay strong and show him the line, don’t dive in, be patient and wait for the chance to step in and take the ball, he’s comfortable on the ball and will look to be involved in our passing triangles as we take some energy out of Leicester’s attackers.
Luiz – has his critics, but has all the physical and technical attributes to be a top performer as the central CB. When we have the ball, I want him stepping into the midfield providing cover for Vidal to maraud forward.
Chiellini – no nonsense beast at LCB – like De Vrij he’ll drift wide to help cover his wing-back, but unlike De Vrij he has the licence to fly in and go through his man like a dodgy curry – someone’s gotta put a marker down.
Bellerin – pure pace out wide – not the greatest defensively but with a solid back-three backing him up, he’s given that bit more freedom to get forward, our sides counting on quick breaks so with I’m guessing Hazard and Marcelo down his flank, we’ll need him on his bike early.
Max – a bit of an unknown quantity to me but his stats make great reading, assisting in big numbers, we want him out wide banging the crosses into the box for our strikers to get on to.
Modric & Vidal – These two compliment each other nicely and give me a nice fix to my biggest weakness from last season, Modric is a busy player and we want him playing his natural game, get it down move it on, get it back and move it on. He doesn’t have the stats to mark him as a great but we all know his true value. Vidal brings the muscle, if he has a good game then we’re in business, I don’t want to harness him, he’s given free licence to get stuck in and with Luiz joining the midfield when we have the ball, he has ample cover to get forward and contribute – if he smashes up Casemiro then all the better.
Iniesta – the #10, the legs may no longer be as willing but we saw in spells at the world cup that even though Spain had a mare, he still has the magic, always been one step ahead and able to find space.. he’ll be operating between the lines, doesn’t matter who RoF has sit on him, I trust Iniesta to find a touch lay it off and be away….Iniesta and Modric can dictate the tempo and wait for the right time for that killer through-ball.
Icardi & Vardy – not what you would call a natural partnership BUT RoF’s defence has a nice physical look about it, I don’t wanna get dragged into a wrestling contest, what I want is my 2 strikers to be playing off the shoulders of their defenders and making those killer runs into the box. They have to trust that Modric and Iniesta can pick them out, let’s be honest you know they will be able to find them. Use Ramos’ natural aggression against him, turn him and make him chase you down into his own box – Vardy is an expert and trailing a leg to win a penalty – Fan I hope you’re reading that
Substitutions including me getting a red-card
DDG red – take off Vardy bring on Forster
One of my CB’s take off Vardy bring on Keane
One of my WB’s take off Vardy bring on Zappacosta
Vidal or Modric take off Vardy bring on Neves
Iniesta take off yea you guessed and bring on Iniesta
Icardi or Vardy – go with one up top.
At 60 mins then take off
take off Icardi and bring on Morata add some physicality and hold up play.
If the red isn’t for us…60 mins
Morata > Vardy
Lallana > Iniesta
Leicester City v Tottenham Hotspur (Community Shield)
--------------------- Courtois -----------------------
-------- Boateng -– Bonucci -– D.Sanchez -------
Cancelo – M.Verratti –- B.Matuidi – T.Hernandez
------------------- C.Eriksen -----------------------
------------- S.Aguero –- T.Werner ---------------
Subs: A.McCarthy, S.Aurier, S.Khedira, L.Alberto, X.Shaqiri, L.Bailey, M.Asensio
Defence
We go 3-5-2 as we look to contain the opposition and hit them on the break with our quality in attack. The aim is to keep the game tight, we have 3 solid CB’s with Boateng and Sanchez possessing great pace which will be key when containing the oppositions attack. The fullbacks will start conservative for the first 15 minutes, essentially employing a back 5 and giving the opposition no room to manoeuvre. As the game opens up our fullbacks and in particular Cancelo will look to hit the opposition on the flanks, the opposition have some fantastic attacking fullbacks however we feel they can be got at defensively and will look to use this to our advantage. Cancelo in particular will be a key outlet as we feel this is an area of the field where there could be some real space to attack. When he pushes forward Boateng covers the RB spot to ensure that we always have at least a back 4 even when we are on the attack, limiting the threat of a counter.
A criticism of a back three is that the CB’s can pulled out on the flanks and isolated against the wingers, to counter this the fullbacks will drop in to cover the space. Our outside CB's both have a lot of pace however they will not look to engage the wingers out wide, we stick to a tight solid 3 and let the wingers have the ball out wide if need be. They will then be forced to either come inside and run into traffic with the middle of field extremely congested, or be forced to cross the ball and with 3 dominant CB’s we expect to have the advantage aerially to deal with any balls into the box.
Midfield
Verratti plays the holding role in midfield, tenacious in the tackle he also operates as a deep lying playmaker. In a counter attacking set up we expect him to move the ball quickly as we break at speed, look for the runs of the advancing wingbacks, specifically targeting the right flank where we anticipate space or look for the ball in behind and utilise the speed of Werner. Alongside Verratti we have Matuidi in the box to box role, a physical presence we also expect him to help out defensively and break up the play. Whilst Verratti will look for the quick pass Matuidi will be the ball carrier, make driving runs through the middle of the park drawing in the oppositions defenders and freeing up our strikers. Eriksen starts in the AM role, he will be our creator in chief. We expect him to thrive with two clever strikers ahead of him, Werner has the pace whereas Aguero’s movement in exceptional. With a fantastic strike from long range Eriksen has license to shoot on sight should the oppositions drop off and give him space.
Attack
We feel a front two of Aguero and Werner dovetail perfectly, both have great bursts of speed and Aguero in particular is a deadly finisher. The opposition have some top CB’s however we will look to move them around. Aguero will be the link-up between midfield and attack, look to get the ball into his feet for quick one two’s to create space to get the shot off. Werner will drift along the frontline, if the opposition focus on stopping the ball into Aguero’s feet then Werner will look to exploit the space in behind with his pace. Both strikers will look to shoot on sight.
Team Tactics
We look to throw something different out there in this tie, with it being the season opener we expect a cagy opening and with tired legs in the second half we will employ two different tactics and quite literally make it a game of two halves.
First Half
The focus will be to keep the game tight, stick together and congest the middle of the field. The aim is to quite simply take the sting out of the opposition. Essentially employing a back five and two holding midfielders we look to defend in numbers and frustrate the opposition, when we win back possession we look to move the ball quickly and play direct counter attacking football. Playing on the break will suit the likes of Eriksen, Aguero and Werner who thrive in space. We don’t press the opposition and let them have the ball in their own half, let them pass it sideways whilst we organise our defensive shape. We anticipate the first half of the game being tight, frustrate the opposition and keep them away from the danger area. We sit relatively deep negating any space in behind and in doing so force the opposition higher up the pitch, this in turn creates plenty of space for our forwards to make runs in behind and with the vision and creativity of Eriksen we expect them to receive plenty of opportunities.
Second Half
Given our first half tactics we expect things to be tight at the break. This will play perfectly into our hands as we open things up in the second half and look to take the game to the opposition. Around the hour mark we go into phase two of our plan. We look to entirely flip the script and bring on who we hope to be our game winners Bailey and Asensio. With it being the season opener we naturally expect legs to tire at this stage so we really crank things up by bringing on two speedsters in attack. They will look to be direct, take the opposition on and go straight for goal. With assist kings Eriksen and L.Alberto we expect to create them plenty of chances as we look to put in a dazzling second half and go big for the win.
Subs 60 mins;
If drawing: Sanchez, Matuidi and Werner off, Asensio, Bailey and Luis Alberto on. We go 4-3-3, back four of Cancelo, Boateng, Bonucci and Theo. Eriksen and L.Alberto either side of Verratti in midfield with a front 3 of L.Bailey, Aguero, Asensio.
If winning: Werner and Eriksen off. Khedira and Alberto on. Shut up shop time as we go 5-4-1 with a solid back five, fullbacks drop deep alongside CB’s. Khedira comes on as an extra DM in midfield as we form a solid defensive unit with zero room for the opposition to operate as we see the game out.
If losing: Cancelo, Hernandez and Matuidi off, Bailey, Asensio and Alberto on . We go to 3-2-3-2 with Bailey, Asensio and L.Alberto as an attacking trio behind Aguero and Werner as we all guns blazing and look to turn the tie on its head.
------------------------ Oblak --------------------------
Sidibe ------- Pavard ------- Varane ------- Sandro
-------------- Fabinho ------- Tolisso ----------------
Mbappe ----------- Griezmann ------------ Neymar
-------------------- Aubameyang ---------------------
Gunn, Rugani, Tousart, Lemar, Neres, Aouar, Belotti
We want to play high tempo football, quick on the break and really pressurise the opposition with an in yer face performance
Oblak is an imposing figure between the sticks with excellent reflexes to make him a commanding shot-stopper and comfortable with the ball at his feet, 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.
Pavard and Varane at CB, Pavard picks up the CF, Varane sits spare picking up a 2nd CF/AM, keep the forward(s) away from the danger area, by getting onto them quickly and be strong, take the ball away from them and play it away out of defence, look to get it out wide quickly when we retain possession, Both are very comfortable on the ball so can bring it out when in no danger and look for the pass longer to the wingers or Striker to hit them quickly with pace, to get us moving forward. Sidibe and Sandro at fullback, we must keep the wingers quiet, stop them and we stop a lot of there attacks. Both are perfect for this, They will look to keep them away from shooting areas and stop them becoming dangerous in any position by standing tall against them and keeping them on there 'bad' foot. When they attack an ddrive down the wing to support, only at a time as to not let ourselves be exposed, they drive down the line in support of the wingers, Sandro gets outside Neymar to allow him to cut inside whereas Sidibe will support Mbappe by either pushing out wide or going inside to allow the winger to drive passed his man, but the two always make themselves available to the wingers. I want both CBs to go up for corners, with the fullbacks and Tolisso sitting back.
In the centre of the pitch are Fabinho and Tolisso, Fabinho our main defensive player who will shadow there AM and not allow him to control the game, Tolisso their to lend a hand to stop them coming through. Fabinho must be aware of all that is around him, be in the right place at the right time and look to cover for defensive players moving forward, he has to impose himself early on the AM to make him wary of holding onto the ball too long, once on the ball look around, head up and pick the pass that will get us moving forward quickly, can be out to the fullbacks or indeed a longer ball to the front three to take the opposition out of it as they are still high up the pitch. Tolisso's role is to assist Fabinho, make our midfield very difficult to pass through, protect our defence as best as possible and again in possession get it to our more creative players up front, keep it simple. Can move forward to assist and look for balls coming out so he can either, shoot or whip straight back in.
Griezzman is our creator, not everything will go through him, but he is essential to our style of play, he is the link between defence and attack, as we break quickly he will look to set up our front three. At times he will drop deeper to pick up the ball get his head up and see who is in the best position to receive the ball and that's where he will put it, he will follow his pass and make up the numbers up front. When he doesn't drop deep ie when the defenders go long, he will look to form a front four as they move around and look to tear the defence apart.
Our front four are extremely quick, when we don't have the ball they drop back a bit to make up the numbers as they attack, push into the faces of the opposition to force them into mistakes and hopefully in the end they lose the ball, when they do lose the ball we charge at them and we do it quickly, either a long ball over defenders,go through Griezmann or indeed out to one of our attacking fullbacks. Our mobile front 3 are set up as they are, however, the movement up front will see us make their defenders move out of position to follow their player, thus allowing Griezmann to pick his moment to move into space either as a No.9 or out wide. If he does push wide this will allow Mbappe/Neymar to go in central as we will have an attacking fullback up and supporting. Quick passing in triangles that will get us in and beyond their defenders and eventually to Aubameyang and the other winger who will look to get into space to get a shot off.
Captian - Varane
Penalties - Aubameyang/Neymar
Free Kicks - Griezmann/Neymar
Corners - Griezmann/Neymar
Subs -
Losing -
70 Mins - Sandro and Sidibe off - Belotti and Rugani on - 3412
80 Mins - Neres for Griezmann, he goes out wide and Mbappe up top 343 and we go more direct
Winning -
75 Mins - Tousart for Griezmann, sit in a 3 man midfield
82 Mins - Belotti for Aubameyang, ball will stick to him when he gets it, but still good for a goal
86 Mins - Aouar for Neymar, go to LM and Mbappe back in a 5 man mid
Drawing -
75 Mins - Neres for Mbappe fresh legs
80 Mins - Belotti for Aubameyang
Bournemouth Tactics:
Captain: Conti
Vice Captain: Paredes
Team:
---------------------Rossi
Bustos--Conti—Veríssimo--Saracchi
-------------------Paredes
-----------Wendel------Paquetá
Cunha-----------------------------Everton
-------------------Gómez
SUBS: Altamirano, Militão, Senesi, Maycon, Vargas, Rodríguez, González
We want to play a neat crisp passing game at high tempo using our obvious pace to punish the opponent. Our formation will be a 4-3-3 that will allow our full backs to join in the attack when necessary and also offer us the flexibility to fall back into a more standard 4-4-2 when under pressure. We need to boss the midfield from the start and control the game with our own tempo. When in possession use the ball well and try and bring our wide men in to play. When chasing the ball press the opponent with urgency and all over the park. Don’t take too many risks and hold onto the ball. With our creativity and pace we will be able to open teams up. Wait for the chances to arise and take them when they come.
Goalkeeper: Rossi is a big mobile keeper and very agile. A great shot stopper, he will communicate with the back 4 and be commanding with the high ball. He will not take any risks. He is a great distributor with both hand and foot and we will look to this as a way to launch quick attacks.
Defence: Our 2 full backs are there firstly to defend and make sure they stay on the right side of their opponents whether they be out wide or cutting inside. When we are on the attack they will be allowed to use their power and pace to provide the overlap on the flanks. They both have the power and the lungs to work the touchline for 90 minutes. They will make the pitch wide and always offer themselves as an option in attack. Our 2 centre halves are big 6 feet plus ball playing defenders. Both good in the air and equally as good with the ball at their feet. They will be asked to do the simple things well. Be aggressive but controlled in the tackle and never lose your man when defending dead ball situations. They will be able to bring the ball out of defence but if in doubt take absolutely no chances and clear it. Both big men will be a real aerial threat at set pieces.
Midfield: Paredes will be the midfield general. A physical pacey midfielder he will be there to boss this area for us. Breaking up play and filling in as an extra defender if one of our back 4 has ventured forward. He will be there to protect the defence and do a lot of the unseen dirty work in the centre of the park. He is essential to our game plan and while sitting deep will still offer a lot with his great passing ability. He also has a thunderbolt right foot. Wendel and Paquetá will play just in front of Paredes. Wendel will be a more box to box type. He will be involved all over and will offer as much in defence as in attack. Paquetá will be the midfield magician. Clever, elusive and tricky we will look to him for creating the midfield openings with his eye for a pass. We will look at their enthusiasm and relentless pressing of the opposition as a way to hopefully get a bit of a grip on the midfield and at the very least not make it plain sailing for the opposition.
Wingers/Centre Forward: When in possession both Cunha and Everton will be expected to go for the direct approach and use their power and speed to take on the opposition defence and beat them and bring Paquetá, Wendel and Gómez in to play. They can vary their attacks by going wide or cutting inside as they see fit. Both players can play all across the middle so don’t be surprised to see them swapping wings. At times Wendel may sit a bit deeper allowing Paquetá to slot in between both wingers, just behind the CF. As well as an attacking force both wingers will also have to put a defensive shift when called upon and act as back up for their respective full backs.
Gómez starts as the CF. He won’t be short of support or ammunition with the attacking talent behind him. Great big old fashioned centre forward. We will look for him to hold up and bring others in to play if it doesn’t seem to be on for him. An eye for a pass and not afraid to have a go from distance. We will look to get bodies in the box when attacking so he should always have an outlet. He is also great in the air and will provide an option from set pieces. When the shot is on he will take it but we also want to put himself about in the box and think that his power pace will be a real handful for defences. He will also be alert to any scraps in and around the goal. He has the ability to produce something sublime and create a chance out of nothing.
Free Kicks/Corners: Paquetá, Everton or Cunha with Conti, Veríssimo, Paredes and Gómez to offer an aerial threat. Paquetá and Everton (with his thunderbolt left foot) may try their luck with several free kicks from distance.
Penalties: Gómez
Substitutions: (if winning on 80 minutes) Rodríguez for Cunha, González for Gómez and Maycon for Wendel, 3 like for like substitutions.
If losing (on 80 minutes) Rodríguez for Wendel and González for Cunha. Shift to a 4-1-3-2 attack. González and Rodríguez offering fresh legs, pace and a bit of the unknown in attack.
---------------------Paredes
Rodríguez------- Paquetá ----Everton
------------Gómez --------González
Balanced 3-4-2-1
At home we play a balanced 3-4-2-1, attacking with width. The 3 at the back giving freedom the wbs to get the best out of them in attack.
With players like Modric and Iniesta they're going to have more possession naturally, so we look to get numbers behind the ball and use a mid-press. We feel the 3-4-2-1 formation is perfect for this defensive play, and allows Hazard and Coutinho the freedom to attack and support Costa. Let them have possession in the deeper areas and as soon as they get into the middle third and the midfield we press with a high tempo. When we win the ball we attack quickly at pace.
Five defenders in the side and Casemiro gives us a strong defensive platform, but also allows our attackers the freedom to be at their best, with plenty of attacking threat and goals in the side.
Costa comes in up top, bringing power to the team as we look to to play with a high tempo. He gets everyone going from the front and crucially his style of play as a focal point up top will also give more freedom to Coutinho and Hazard to find get on the ball in space and dangerous areas. We feel this will be key to getting at this Villa side. Target them out wide.
We want both wbs bombing forward in attack, their runs will be a key outlet as we look to attack down the wings. The wbs stretch the side, again to help create space for Hazard, Coutinho in attacking areas. Coutinho/Hazard getting in between their defence and midfield and running at them.
Laporte, being a left footer he is key for ensuring we have balance defensively and brings composure to our play from the back. All three have the ability to play out from the back, Hummels in particular with his accurate long balls putting us on the front foot quickly. Having the natural right and left footers also helps when we narrow to the side of play, will be able to come wide if we need to go back and they can spray the passes about accurately from the back.
Defensively, Ramos will look to man mark the most advanced striker, Hummels is a brilliant reader of the game and so acts the cb that sweeps up. Laporte marking any other attacking players that are in their line.
Casemiro is the most defensive of the midfielders, he looks to provide cover in front of the back 3. Reading the play and getting across to intercept and break any quick Villa attacks. Thiago is in a more box to box role, his ability to defend strongly in deep areas will be importantly, but he will also be our main playmaker in midfield. Coutinho/Hazard will also be looking to come deep and help in the build up play, and with our wbs we are not short of creativity.
We keep our attacking plan simple, attack down the wings, Thiago creating and getting our wbs and Coutinho/Hazard linking up. Costa up top just plays his usual game, run around like a mad man, create openings for others and get in the box to get on the end of crosses and passes.
-------------------- Neuer
----- S.Ramos -- Hummels -- Laporte
Carvajal -- Casemiro -- Thiago -- Marcelo
------- Coutinho ---------- E.Hazard -----
-------------------- D.Costa
Subs. Schmeichel, Vallejo, Partey, Doucoure, Lopes, Martial, Ronaldo
Defensive Shape
Defensively, if they have the ball central we look to get in a 3-4-2-1 formation, getting 9 players behind the ball, with the two AMs more central, look to force the opposition wide. In the central areas we keep our zonal shape, not pressing with the same high intensity as we look to ensure we don't leave gaps in the formation to play through. Defending in numbers leaving no space. Force them into wide and deep areas.
When the opposition have the ball in a wide area we narrow to that side of the park and we press with a high intensity.
When they do get past this mid press, the wb and am on the opposite side of play drop back a position, and the wide cb on side of play goes to fb, forming a 4-4-1-1 formation. Giving us a wide cb, wb and am on the side of play the opposition are attacking to defend.
The AM on the side of play takes a central position seeking to man mark their deeper cm. We then have two strong defensive lines behind the ball.
Centrally, Casemiro will always look to sit zonally in front of the cbs. Picking up any dangers that may arive in front of the cbs. Casemiro will press from a position next to Thiago.
We leave Costa forward at this poin, looking to split the cbs. Give us the option to find him in space and break quickly.
Attacking
We look to attack at pace down the wings. We will counter where possible, but we have the quality to build patiently as well.
Attacking down the wings, we look to use the strenth of our wbs going forward, get them running down the lines. Get them linking up with the AMs. Thiago too always looking to get on the ball, spreading the play wide and creating. Casemiro sits, giving us plenty of cover at the back and an option to go back and start the attack again.
Subs.
If winning after 65 mins bring on Ronaldo for Costa.
If winning after 72 mins bring on Martial and Doucoure for Coutinho and Thiago. Hazard to the right am spot. Give us pure pace and power to get at Villa as the game opens up.
If drawing after 65 mins bring on Doucoure for Casemiro. More box to box to give us more in attack and fresh energy in cm.
If drawing after 72 mins bring on Ronaldo for Costa.
If drawing after 80 mins bring on Martial for Laporte. Switch to 4-3-3. Coutinho AM, Hazard right.
If losing after 60 mins bring on Martial for Laporte. Coutinho AM, Hazard right and Martial left.
If losing after 70 mins bring on Ronaldo for Costa.
If losing after 75 mins bring on Doucoure for Thiago. Bring fresh power and goals to midfield.
If a red for:
Neuer - bring on Schmeichel for Laporte. 4-4-1. Wbs drop to fb.
A cb - no red sub, 4-4-1.
A wb - no red sub, 4-4-1, rcb/lcb to rb/lb.
A cm - Bring on Doucoure for Coutinho.
An am - no red sub, 4-4-1.
Costa - Bring on Ronaldo for Coutinho.
MANCHESTER CITY vs Wolverhampton Wanderers
4-3-3 Holding
Injuries:
Alessio Romagnoli
Dan-Axel Zagadou
Rafinha Alcantara
Pablo Fornals
--------------------------Rico----------------------
R.Pereira-------Akanji----Zouma--------Jorge
-----------------------A.Pereira------------------
----------------Fred------------Witsel-----------
Willian----------------Fekir-------------Gelson
Substitutes: Dragowski; A.Toure; Milenkovic; Golovin; Kessie; Oyarzabal; Correa
Captain: Witsel
Penalties: Fekir
Direct Free-Kicks: Willian
Indirect Free Kicks: Andreas Pereira
Corners: Gelson Martins
Game Plan:
We will start in a 4-3-3 formation, dropping back to 4-5-1 in defence, in order to reinforce the midfield out of possession. Andreas Pereira plays as a holding midfielder, flanked by Fred and Axel Witsel, while Willian and Gelso operated down the wings and Fekir holds the False 9 position. All 3 front men can play across the pitch and will be encouraged to swap positions to keep defenders guessing.
The main objective of the frontline is to force the Wlves GK to look for direct balls up to the forwards, where our large back four are set up to control any aerial threat. If the goalkeeper does try to go short to his centre-backs, we will them towards the central channel, while blocking the passing lanes to the either the holding midfielder or CM partnership. Our central forward player is key here, as he will constantly be closing the passing lanes through the middle.
We will prevent the Wolves midfielders from linking up with their forwards, forcing them to play backwards and then piling the pressure on the player in possession. Fred and Witsel stand out in particular here, organising the defensive effort and ensuring Wolves cannot establish a dominance in the centre of the pitch.
Should Wolves launch an attack, the aim is to remain tight in the defensive third - the two wing forwards will drop into midfield to cover any overlapping runs made by the Wolves full backs, and we will completely crowd the central channel of the pitch; this will force Wolves to either make their play down the flanks against 2 athletic defenders, or play backwards where our forward will be waiting to press and intercept.
We will be lethal on the counter-attack. The speed of the first wave of our breaks will ensure they escape concerted pressure from Wolves. Our attackers surge forwards, positioning themselves in behind the line of pressure ahead of the ball, thus providing the player who won the ball plenty of possession. Fred will be the standout player in these situations; with an impressive understanding of when and where to attack the free space both with and without the ball.
We will vary ourr approach in attack, alternating between direct play and passing through the thirds. Rico will often look to move the ball into the opposition half as quickly as possible, while the midfield has plenty of strength, aggression, and attacking intent in the middle of the park, constantly seeking to exploit any gaps in behind their opposing midfielders. Fred has the ability to make particularly good use of the space on the inside, projecting his side forwards in attack where they will outnumber the Wolves defensive midfield area.
As a collective, we are well balanced. In the final third we will locate our biggest threats in prime positions, where they will cause constant uncertainty in the last line of defence. Gelson, Fekir and Willian will regularly find openings with their pace and direct play, successfully exploiting the space in between the centre-backs and the full-backs alongside them.
In the defensive transition, we will re-organise quickly and effectively after losing the ball, Witsel and Fred leading the way in swarming around the man in possession with Andreas Pereira adept at covering the inside lanes and intercepting play. We will prevent Wolves from outnumbering us in this phase of the game, reducing the threat of the counter-attack.
Substitutes:
45 MINUTES (If winning, save this change for the 60th minute, otherwise :-
Angel Correa comes on for Gelson Martins - Correa favours the central areas and will be more aggressive. Giving the Wolves centre backs cause for concern and freeing up space for Willian and Fekir. Correa's pressing ability, too, will spell bad news for Wolves.
60 MINUTES (If winning, save this change for the 70th minute, otherwise :-
If drawing: Aleksandr Golovin for Fred - Both players have a fairly similar playing style. Golovin plays with intensity and will re-invigorate the pressing process in the centre of the park, while quickly changing defence to attack with mazy runs and incise passes.
70 MINUTES :-
Mikel Oyarzabal for Willian - Favouring the left side and allowing Fekir to play on the right where he is such a creative menace, Oyarzabal comes on with a history of incise finishing and clever play. He will work off the shoulder of the central player well, looking to drop into spaces created behind the defence to finish off attacking plays. He is also to be commended for the efforts he puts in defensively - keeping our forward line fresh is the best way to keep up that pressure on Wolves' build up play.
———————Ter Stegen
Odriozola——Sule——Upamecano——Gaya
————————Serdar
—————Keita—————Milinkovic
Brandt—————Dybala——————Guedes
Subs: Pope, Castro, Rudiger, Loftus-Cheek, Harit, B.Silva, Kane
Captain: Marc Andre Ter Stegen
Free Kicks: Paulo Dybala
Penalties: Paulo Dybala
Corners: Julien Brandt
High pressing from the get go, CMs will occupy the half spaces whilst the wide forwards will press from out to in to direct the opponents play centrally (allowing our FBs to stay in their defensive positions and maintain a strong back 4). Dybala will drop slightly to create a diamond shaped midfield as the wingers come inside, creating a 4-3-1-2 shape that naturally gives us better midfield coverage than the opposition, allowing us to outnumber them, forcing the ball in to the midfield and using the diamond’s energy to win it back quickly.
If they beat the initial press we drop deeper, maintaining a 4-3-1-2 with Guedes and Brandt remaining high and central on half way (making it difficult for the opposition midfield to go back to the defence to draw us out, but also giving us two direct counter threats). The midfield diamond and back 4 will have minimal space between them, again the FBs don’t need to press which allows us to maintain good coverage of the field centrally and on the flanks. This compact positioning and the energy of Keita and Milinkovic will make it very difficult for the opposition to play through us, whilst Dybala dropping onto their DM frees Serdar up focus solely on maintain compactness with clever positioning between the last two lines. We block central access now that they are in a more threatening position and force them wide, drawing their FBs forward, and also forcing their wingers infield to try and escape the tight marking of our FBs and provide Everton with the numbers to have any form of control over possession. When the opponent goes wide, our CMs will press the FBs, with the whole diamond shuffling across, as well as the ball side forward, to allow us to block central access for the FB with our CM, Dybala and forward, whilst our FBs stick to their wingers. Force their FBs long or to use switches of play, with our far side FB slightly higher than the rest of the defence and the far side forward slightly deeper ready to intercept these switches and counter quickly down the underloaded side.
If they manage to get far forward down the flanks, then crosses won’t hurt us. Ball side FB will go out to close the cross down, the first CB is covering the front of the box, 2nd CB the middle and far side FB the back of the area, with Serdar and one of the CMs dropping to edge of the box to cover cut backs and loose balls. Both CBs excel in the air.
In build up the aim is to create space between the lines. Our FBs will stay deep in build up and tuck in to force the opposition to press narrow. Our wingers will stay central in build up too (CF positions), to force Everton’s entire 11 more narrow. This leaves access to the wide areas open for our CMs, both of whom excel in these positions with space to run at retreating defences. Serdar drops towards the CBs to combine with the defence in short combinations, drawing the opposition midfield forward, opening up space behind them. Sule and Upamecano have excellent passing ranges and will look to fire laser passes into the next lines.
Our flexibly shape allows us to have fun in creating chances from this position. The CMs movement will be crucial, taking their markers wide in build up will open up space for Dybala to drop and receive a direct pass from the defence, with space to turn and attack Everton, with Brandt and Guedes able to run ahead of him and wide of him. If the CMs receive the ball behind the opposition wingers and free of their marker, Everton’s FBs will have to come out and close them down, opening up space for the ball side winger to run into (out to in from quick build up transitions), with Dybala acting as a link between CM and winger. We can also move the ball directly into Milinkovic, who can hold it up and draw the opposition on to him, before using Serdar/Dybala to find the runs of Keita on the free side, and from there Keita can use his speed to run directly at the opposition with space ahead.
Our Fbs push up as the attack progresses, particularly the ball side FB who will can right up and offer an out ball to switch play, as well as allowing the wide forward to remain central so we can create a 4 v 4 against their back line. When Brandt and Guedes stay narrow, Everton will likely do the same, which puts emphasis on the FBs to attack the flanks, both are in their element here and can use quick combinations to open Everton up.
The front three has been chosen for its flexibility, it can create a narrow 3, a wide 3, a 2-1 or a 1-2 shape, which won’t allow Everton to settle in their preferred defensive shape. Dybala orchestrates this, he goes where the space opens up, as a link man, a wide man or a target in the box.
Subs:
If Winning: Kane for Dybala 70’, stronger CF who can occupy the CBs, we will keep the wingers wide and keep the opponents tiring defence stretched. Silva for Brandt 75’. Castro for Gaya 80’, more defensive LB.
If Drawing: Kane for Milinkovic 65’, 4-2-3-1, maintain flexibility between the three behind Kane, but with an added goal threat. Silva and Harit for Brandt and Guedes 75’, fresh legs on the flanks to attack the opposition.
If Losing: Kane and Rudiger for Serdar and Brandt 60’, 3-4-3. Silva for Guedes 70’.
Formation: 3-4-3 (Sweeper System)
---------------------Perin
--------------------Söyüncü
---Caleta-Car----------------Baumgartl
--------------------Lobotka
-----Kampl--------------------Guerreiro
---------------------Ziyech
---Thauvin-----------------------Forsberg
---------------------Philipp
Subs: Müller, Arias, Klostermann, Tagliafico, Quintero, Gómez, Mariano
We will line-up with two lightening quick wingers in Florian Thauvin and Emil Forsberg patrolling each flank with the intelligent and technically superb Hakim Ziyech behind the equally gifted and pacy Maximilian Philipp.
My intentions are to pack the midfield with Kevin Kampl, Stanislav Lobotka and Raphaël Guerreiro protecting the back-three of Duje Caleta-Car, Timo Baumgartl and Caglar Söyüncü.
We will operate with Söyüncü as a sweeper. Pre-historic as it seems today, playing a sweeper will help to negate Birmingham’s threat in the attacking third. If Birmingham play 2 up front then Caleta-Car and Baumgartl will pick up a player each, and if Birmingham play 1 up front then Caleta-Car and Baumgartl will zonal mark, this will leave Söyüncü to pick up stray balls, runs from deep and anything Birmingham throw at him.
We will be comfortable in having 3 defenders against the 1 or 2 centre forwards, Caleta-Car and Baumgartl can comfortably pick up an attacking player each and if they fail to control Birmingham’s forward line, Söyüncü is the contingency plan.
With Caleta-Car and Baumgartl picking up the 1 or 2 centre forwards players our defence is narrow. This would give Birmingham’s wingers a lot of space to move forward. We will anticipate this by instructing our two central players – Kampl and Guerreiro to track these runs.
With Kampl and Guerreiro now tracking the runs of the wingers, it would leave Lobotka outnumbered in midfield. Hakim Ziyech will always look to drop into midfield so that we will always have a spare man. This spare man again will be Caglar Söyüncü – whose game intelligence and reading of the game will allow us to defend well.
When we are faced with doubling-up from our opposition (i.e. the opposition putting a winger and full back on to one of our defenders), we will use this to our advantage by switching the ball quickly and directly which will lead to our team finding an area of the pitch with no opposition player in. Such tactical nuances will be a distinct part of this Hull City team. This is an obvious and logical tactical ploy; this logical style of play will also be mixed up at times with a some individual flair – but expect at times for even talented players like Thauvin or Forsberg to play a simple yet effective pass instead of attempting to pass his marker.
These tactics have proved that they can work by one of the greatest Ajax teams. The quick movement to an area where Birmingham may be a man-short will allow us to keep possession comfortably as well as creating opportunities. We will hope to have the opportunity to find space in the most predictable of positions on the pitch.
Lobotka and Ziyech will always be available to receive the ball, and are capable of dissecting Birmingham’s midfield with ease.
Our flexible, hard-working system will allow us to have a spare-man available when Andover have the ball, but significantly, it will gave flexibility and strength in keeping possession. With Lobotka and Ziyech both floating around the half-way line and attacking third respectively, we can move the ball with ease.
Birmingham may find it difficult to react to these players, as if they do move out of position to get closer to Lobotka and Ziyech, the shape of Birmingham’s team may fall apart. If an attempt is made to combat the constant space we hope Ziyech will be receiving. This will only give slick-heeled Thauvin and Forsberg more space to receive the ball.
My use of Kampl and Guerreiro will also be of interest too. As well as having defensive responsibilities, they will be instructed to run from deep to connect with our wingers and forwards. It will be their late runs that will often be the most dangerous to penetrate Birmingham. To do this, both Kampl and Guerreiro will show superb tactical understanding and discipline, not to mention supreme physical fitness. The combination of quick passing and runs from deep will be a constant menace for the Birmingham back-line. The implication of this will be that if Birmingham try to play a high-line to combat the threat of Ziyech, then Birmingham will have to drop deeper and deeper to negate the threat of our quick triangles through the midfield.
Maximilian Philipp will not operate as purely an out and out centre forward – as he will also have a license to come a little bit deeper for the ball and run at defences, putting his pace and ability on the ball to full use. In that sort of scenario I will allow Thauvin or Forsberg to come a bit more central and make sure that Kampl or Guerreiro push out a bit wider to cover - meaning we will still keep a good shape in attack and also be well set out if Birmingham do try a counter.
Subs:
75th Minute – Klostermann for Caleta-Car, Quintero for Ziyech, Mariano for Philipp
TYPO IN 1ST TACTICS USE THESE
Formation: 3-4-3 (Sweeper System)
---------------------Perin
--------------------Söyüncü
---Caleta-Car----------------Baumgartl
--------------------Lobotka
-----Kampl--------------------Guerreiro
---------------------Ziyech
---Thauvin-----------------------Forsberg
---------------------Philipp
Subs: Müller, Arias, Klostermann, Tagliafico, Quintero, Gómez, Mariano
We will line-up with two lightening quick wingers in Florian Thauvin and Emil Forsberg patrolling each flank with the intelligent and technically superb Hakim Ziyech behind the equally gifted and pacy Maximilian Philipp.
My intentions are to pack the midfield with Kevin Kampl, Stanislav Lobotka and Raphaël Guerreiro protecting the back-three of Duje Caleta-Car, Timo Baumgartl and Caglar Söyüncü.
We will operate with Söyüncü as a sweeper. Pre-historic as it seems today, playing a sweeper will help to negate Birmingham’s threat in the attacking third. If Birmingham play 2 up front then Caleta-Car and Baumgartl will pick up a player each, and if Birmingham play 1 up front then Caleta-Car and Baumgartl will zonal mark, this will leave Söyüncü to pick up stray balls, runs from deep and anything Birmingham throw at him.
We will be comfortable in having 3 defenders against the 1 or 2 centre forwards, Caleta-Car and Baumgartl can comfortably pick up an attacking player each and if they fail to control Birmingham’s forward line, Söyüncü is the contingency plan.
With Caleta-Car and Baumgartl picking up the 1 or 2 centre forwards players our defence is narrow. This would give Birmingham’s wingers a lot of space to move forward. We will anticipate this by instructing our two central players – Kampl and Guerreiro to track these runs.
With Kampl and Guerreiro now tracking the runs of the wingers, it would leave Lobotka outnumbered in midfield. Hakim Ziyech will always look to drop into midfield so that we will always have a spare man. This spare man again will be Caglar Söyüncü – whose game intelligence and reading of the game will allow us to defend well.
When we are faced with doubling-up from our opposition (i.e. the opposition putting a winger and full back on to one of our defenders), we will use this to our advantage by switching the ball quickly and directly which will lead to our team finding an area of the pitch with no opposition player in. Such tactical nuances will be a distinct part of this Hull City team. This is an obvious and logical tactical ploy; this logical style of play will also be mixed up at times with a some individual flair – but expect at times for even talented players like Thauvin or Forsberg to play a simple yet effective pass instead of attempting to pass his marker.
These tactics have proved that they can work by one of the greatest Ajax teams. The quick movement to an area where Birmingham may be a man-short will allow us to keep possession comfortably as well as creating opportunities. We will hope to have the opportunity to find space in the most predictable of positions on the pitch.
Lobotka and Ziyech will always be available to receive the ball, and are capable of dissecting Birmingham’s midfield with ease.
Our flexible, hard-working system will allow us to have a spare-man available when Birmingham have the ball, but significantly, it will gave flexibility and strength in keeping possession. With Lobotka and Ziyech both floating around the half-way line and attacking third respectively, we can move the ball with ease.
Birmingham may find it difficult to react to these players, as if they do move out of position to get closer to Lobotka and Ziyech, the shape of Birmingham’s team may fall apart. If an attempt is made to combat the constant space we hope Ziyech will be receiving. This will only give slick-heeled Thauvin and Forsberg more space to receive the ball.
My use of Kampl and Guerreiro will also be of interest too. As well as having defensive responsibilities, they will be instructed to run from deep to connect with our wingers and forwards. It will be their late runs that will often be the most dangerous to penetrate Birmingham. To do this, both Kampl and Guerreiro will show superb tactical understanding and discipline, not to mention supreme physical fitness. The combination of quick passing and runs from deep will be a constant menace for the Birmingham back-line. The implication of this will be that if Birmingham try to play a high-line to combat the threat of Ziyech, then Birmingham will have to drop deeper and deeper to negate the threat of our quick triangles through the midfield.
Maximilian Philipp will not operate as purely an out and out centre forward – as he will also have a license to come a little bit deeper for the ball and run at defences, putting his pace and ability on the ball to full use. In that sort of scenario I will allow Thauvin or Forsberg to come a bit more central and make sure that Kampl or Guerreiro push out a bit wider to cover - meaning we will still keep a good shape in attack and also be well set out if Birmingham do try a counter.
Subs:
75th Minute – Klostermann for Caleta-Car, Quintero for Ziyech, Mariano for Philipp
NEWCASTLE 4-1-4-1
__________Chesney
Azpi____Alder___Godin___Robbo
___________Kante
Salah___Koke___James____Reus
__________Suarez
SUBS: Skriniar, Rose, N’Zonzi, Pjanic, Rebic, Firmino, Lukaku
Captain: Luis Suarez
Penalties: Luis Suarez
Corners: James Rodriguez
Freekicks: James Rodriguez
Crossing Freekick: Koke
The formation deployed today is so that we gain as much control as possible higher up he pitch. We expect to have more of the ball so patience is key. We also expect the four behind the striker to drift around a bit, getting into positions where their natural play can cause damage. The striker up front presses when we don’t have the ball and the two closest players will support and cut passing lanes to help win the ball higher up. The quality of our players will hopefully allow them to break through the oppositions press. When we have the ball we will want to attract the press and use the spaces that they open up to attack.
Full backs will get forward when the opportunity arises. Our full backs are good at feeding our forward line with their ability on the ball and we aim to utilize that with their ability to get up the pitch and tactical arareness. We also need our full backs to widen the pitch for us. Our centre halves are good on the ball, and a long punt every now and then to utilize our pace out wide is encouraged.
The defensive midfielder will drop in to form a back three so that the centre backs can split wide to push the full backs general position higher up in line with the midfielders (and wide forwards engage their back line along with the striker). In doing so we create a four man midfield to overpower their midfield. This will allow our midfield to be flexible, if one of their midfielders steps forward, one of ours will move into the space they vacated.
By having our wide forwards up front when we have the ball it will effectively create space out wide. We would expect our full backs to sometimes go infield to collect the ball from the keeper, while one of the midfielders goes wide so when he receives the ball he will have time to look up and pick passes as the opposition midfield will be reluctant to press which will leave a man free in midfield. This can be done by a midfielder too, dropping deep to create a free man in the first line with time on the ball, ping it straight to the striker who can lay it off to the other onrushing midfielder.
If short passing options aren’t available the passing range and accuracy of our keeper will safely transfer the ball forwards via our full backs, wherever they are on the pitch. The keeper can also dink the ball into space for the striker or wide forward to control taking out 6 or 7 opposition players in the process.
When we don’t have the ball we will expect our four behind the striker to drop into a 4-5-1 in support of our defensive midfielder. We will also create triangles to trap the opposition players that have the ball, cutting the passing lanes and others putting pressure on players that might receive the ball. We stop the oppositions rhythm and force them into mistakes with our pressure. To stop their counter attacks after we lose the ball, three players will swarm the ball carrier before he can get his head up to play. If they beat the immediate press when the team’s main goal is to push their play wide where they can do the least damage. Our midfielders are an integral part to our play, when we win the ball back we will create space and time for them with our team shape.
Subs
65 mins: Pjanic comes on for Reus, our legs will start to tire so keeping the ball will be even more important. James will go left.
75 mins: Bobby comes on for Suarez, a different style of forward play for the opposition to think about.
If winning 80 mins: N’Zonzi comes on for Koke to close out the game.
If losing/drawing 80 mins: Lukaku comes on for Koke and play 2 up front.
BRUM vs hull
---------------------------------Lafont--------------------------------
Hysaj------------Diop---------------Maguire---------------Dalot
----------------------------------Ndidi--------------------------------------
-----------------Hamsik----------------Kondogbia---------------------
Under-------------------------------------------------------------Kluivert
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------Higuain------------------------------------------
Subs - Lunin, Mukiele, Fabian Ruiz, I Sarr, Coman, Robben, Gnabry
CAPTAIN - HAMSIK
CK'S - HAMSIK
FK'S - KLUIVERT
PENALTIES - HIGUAIN
A new start to the season and will continue with the 433 which I played for the majority of last season. We will focus on wing play by using our pacy wingers to create chances to score.
I want us to hold a deep defensive line to start of with so the oppo dont get an early goal. Keep things simple in the beginning and only pressure the oppo when they get in our half. When we have the ball I want the team to play pass and move football. Don't stay static, try and get in behind the oppo defence as there is a lot of pace in our attacking players. As the game goes on, when we don't have the ball I want the team to defend from the front line and pressure the oppo and try and win possession back. Do this in fits and bursts as it is a tiring tactic.
Defence
Lafont is a quality young keeper. Don't take risks. Punch the ball away if the shot is too powerful. Command your area. The defence is well balanced. Maguire and Diop bring a whole lot of experience and pace to the defence. Maguire will use his experience to marshal the defence and Diop will look to use his pace to close the oppo strikers down. Stay vocal with each other and cover for each other if oppo gets past one of you. Full backs will start of with a conservative mind set and not attack too much but as the game goes on I want them to make overlapping runs and get some crosses in to the box. Ndidi and Kondogbia will be covering for them when they go attacking.
Defence Mid
Ndidi
Matic will be the anchor in the middle. Stay back in front of the defence and protect the defence with your life. If the oppo play an AM then stick close to him and mark him if possible. When our fullbacks are attacking then your main priority will be to cover for them. When in possession pass the ball out to the wings or play a through ball from deep to our wingers.
Centre Mids
Kondogbia + Hamsik
Kondogbia will play more as a b2b mid but will be able to help both in attack and defence as he has a lot of stamina. He will be making run's forward and helping our attackers with quick passes and penetrating runs from deep. Hamsik will be playing CM on paper but his main role will be to help in attack. When not in possession of the ball Hamsik will look to close down the oppo DM's and win the ball off them. No need to stay too deep as Kondogbia and Ndidi are adequate cover in the middle. When attacking I want Hamsik to make runs into the oppo box and bring others into the game. Play 1 2's with the wingers and create space for yourself and your teammates. Shoot if you see an opening at goal.
Wingers
Under + Kluivert
These 2 will be the focal point of my attack. They are 2 young and hungry players and I want to give them the freedom to express themselves in attack. Kluivert will be looking to cut in from the right and Under likewise onto his left. I want you both to try and beat the oppo fullbacks with your pace and dribbling ability but don't try too hard as if you see them doubling up on you you can either pass back or into the centre of the pitch to one of our CM's. I want you both to be aware of our fullbacks and play pass and move 1 2's with them to try and penetrate the oppo back line. Hysaj and Dalot are no slouches attacking wise so use them! If you can cut in onto your stronger foot, don't be afraid to shoot from range as you both have the ability to score from long range. If there is no space to do so then take the ball to the byline and whip in crosses for Higuain to get his head on. When we are defending corners I want both of them to stay near the halfway line so we can hit the oppo on the counter attack.
Striker
Gonzalo Higuain
Higuain will look to use his strength to get the better of the oppo defence. Be vary of crosses into the box as you are decent in the air, and if you are through on goal, use your expert finishing to score. Time your runs off the shoulders of the oppo CB's and hold the ball up for Kluiver/Under to make infield runs ahead of you.
Subs if LOSING BY 65MINS
Put on Gnabry for Kondogbia, Robben for Under and Coman for Hamsik to bring some more pace on. Play a high line and try and get a goal. Change formation to 41212.
--------------------------------Lafont--------------------------------
Hysaj-------------Diop-----------Maguire------------Dalot
-------------------------------Ndidi------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Robben----------------------------------------------------------Kluivert
-------------------------------Coman------------------------------------
--------------------Gnabry-----------Higuain--------------------------
Subs if WINNING BY 80MINS
Take off Hamsik and put on Mukiele in CB and play defensive with everyone in our own half defending for their lives, waiting to hit the oppo on the counter attack. Sarr on for Kluivert and Gnabry for Higuain.
-------------------------------Lafont--------------------------------
Hysaj-------Mukiele------Diop--------Maguire-------Dalot
-----------------------Ndidi--------Kondogbia----------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------Under-----------------------------------------Sarr---------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------Gnabry----------------------------------------
Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Robben on for Under
Fabian on for Hamsik
Gnabry on for Higuain
Fresh legs to bring on.
Arsenal vs Newcastle United
-------------------------Lloris
Danilo-------Manolas---Kompany---Rodriguez
---------Ramsay-----Herrera-----Fabregas
----Malcolm--------Cavani------------Costa
Pickford, Cedric, Sane, Cook, Tadic, Aspas, Foden
Pre-season has allowed us the opportunity to experiment with a few new positions, and today I wish to try a 4-3-3 formation to combat against Newcastle. We are still embracing the pace out wide which proved so important for us at the end of last season, combined with what we think is a better hold in midfield. We are missing Goretzka, who would usually start, but Fabregas has been called in, to serve as something of a playmaker for the rest of the team, though not everything will need to go through him.
Defensively we have gone from a three at the back to a four. This may seem like a risk to some, but I think it will work. In Kompany and Lloris we have two players with experience capable of marshalling the rest of them. We will intend to play the ball out of the back, converting defense to attack with pace, without relying on long balls forward. Danilo and Rodriguez will be allowed to push forward to contribute going forward, with both being very capable of getting down the line and getting involved in chances, whether that is getting into the box or providing dangerous crosses. Lloris will operate as a sweeper keeper, comfortable with the ball at his feet and coming off his line to good effect.
Herrera is the linchpin of our midfield, sitting deep and offering more defensively. He will drop deep to provide options when we are on the ball at the back, and when Danilo and Rodriguez get forward he will drop further back, in between Manolas and Kompany to operate as a three at the back. This is a fluid game play that allows for our full backs to get forward. When the opposition has the ball he will relentlessly press them and not allow their midfield time on the ball. This is key, and will limit the amount of chances that Newcastle can create. By doing this we will also limit the amount of goals that Newcastle can score. Defense is important.
Ramsay is going to be pushing forward today, playing a box to box role which requires him to use his energy and engine to get up and down the pitch. When he gets the ball he will look to spread the play out wide, and when the ball is there he will look to bomb into the box, to get on the end of loose balls or even provide an aerial threat. We believe that by getting as many bodies in the box as we can then we will score more goals. When off the ball, he will get back and defend with Herrera, harassing and niggling, using his energy to compensate for the lack of this trait in Fabregas.
Cesc will be given somewhat of a free role in this team, being allowed to drift across the midfield and pick up points of space, before looking to either spread the play, or ping balls over the top for our willing runners. His defensive duties will be limited, but he will be tasked with pressing the ball in the upper middle third of the pitch, whilst Herrera and Ramsay press behind him. On top of this, I am expecting Fabregas to mix this up by looking to get the ball into Cavani’s feet, as well, allowing him to use his strength to charge at the defence and create goal scoring situations.
In Malcolm and Costa we have two very willing runners playing out wide. Both these players are direct on the ball, and have bundles of pace between them. They will look to get in behind the opposition defence, whilst mixing this up by also at times sticking wide to pull and move the opponent’s defenders. This variety will cause the Newcastle defence to never really know what is coming next, or how to combat it. They will also be blessed with overlapping runs from the full backs, which they should look to utilise. Their endless movement will look to create space for other players, whilst also always moving into space of their own. By getting in behind they will also create chances, and in Fabregas we have a top level playmaker that will be able to find those lofted through balls over to our two Brazilian wide men.
Cavani predictably leads our line for today. He, like other players in the team, has bundles of energy which he will use to get in behind, whilst also being a physical presence who is comfortable mixing his game up to keep defenders guessing on what he will do next. He demonstrated this ability to do different things in his displays for Uruguay at the World Cup, as well as with each and every goal that he scored showing a different way that he can get the better of defenders. He is clinical, strong and willing to work hard. By getting a variety of balls into the box from wide positions I believe that we can get the best out of some of these traits, and by utilising the passing skill of Fabregas I believe we can also create plenty of one on one scenarios in which he might be able to score.
Subsitutions
Cesc Fabregas off and Phil Foden on 65 mins
Fresh legs in the advanced playmaker role. Foden may be young but he demonstrated in the Community Shield that he knows how to pick a pass and excel on the ball. He will play a similar role to Fabregas, and look to exploit pockets off space in the middle third.
If losing/drawing
Malcolm off and Iago Aspas on 70 mins
Aspas will play slightly more inside than Malcolm, looking to drop off and then run off Cavani. He will use his pace to exploit space created by his strike partner. We will then have two strong goalscorers on the pitch to hopefully pull us back into the game. Danilo will provide the width by bombing forward down the right hand side more often.
Aaron Ramsay off and Lewis Cook on 77 mins
Partly for the fresh legs in what will have been a very tiring role for Ramsay, but also so we can have another gifted young playmaker getting into spaces in the final third, dictating the play and helping to create chances for our attacking players. Cook and Foden will push forward, leaving Herrera at the back to defend.
If winning
Cesc Fabregas off and Lewis Cook on 65 mins
Fresh legs in that role, with Cook coming on to play it slightly deeper and more conservatively, allowing us to defend with three energetic players in the midfield. He will sit deeper and dictate the play from here, as opposed to looking for space further up the field.
Danilo off and Cedric Soares on 75 mins
A risky move to change the defence, but fresh legs may be needed down that right hand side to accommodate for a more attacking approach from the opposition the longer the game goes on. Cedric is more sturdy and stable defensively, and will sit deeper than Danilo did, with less license to get forward.
Edinson Cavani off and Iago Aspas on 80 mins
We will play the last ten minutes with Iago Aspas up front, allowing Cavani a rest. Aspas will look to stretch the tiring Newcastle defence by running in behind and getting on any through balls or crosses. We feel that his pace perfectly sets him up to do this.
--------------------Buffon
Clyne---Sokratis---Vertonghen---F.Luis
------------------Brozovic
------------Rabiot-------Kovacic
Sterling--------------------------------Son
------------------Lacazette
Subs
Heaton, Inigo, Grimaldo, Wanyama, Parejo, Mkhitaryan, Inaki
Buffon is a commanding presence at the back, when he calls for a ball, the defence know he will take control, they have complete confidence in each other and stops those little split second doubts which could lead to a chance. When he has the ball he will look to offload quickly in the direction of the front 3 to get those quick counters started.
Verthongen is the defensive leader and will be the one to set the defensive line on the pitch, both centre backs will stay back with either one of the full backs or the DM always prepared to make it a back 3 when we lose possession to stop counter attacks, Both 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 slide tackles unless necessary instead looking 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 with the occasional long ball to the front 3 thrown in to keep the opposition from setting up against one style of play.


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

 Their objective when attacking will be to keep making runs past the winger on both the inside and outside, giving the opposition full back that split second of indecision on who they go with. They will only occasionally put floated crosses in, preferring to either play shorter passes to the wingers or players who have come out from the middle of the pitch to keep possession and let the pressure build up in the final third, or run to the byline and put in fast and low crosses relying on both the faster reactions and control of our attackers and the pressure of the situation on their centre backs to hastily clear the ball without being in full control of the situation.
The focus of the midfield 3 will be to use their high energy, all action styles to get themselves around the middle of the pitch, working in collaboration with the front 3 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 Lacazette, 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 Lacazette 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.
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 - Kovacic 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 FB's stay back to prevent counters, the CB's and Lacazette 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, Son and Sterling flit around away from the main attacking group looking to pounce on mistimed touches and flicks around the area. Brozovic 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. Rabiot 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 draw defenders out of the box.




Free Kicks - Son takes Direct FK's


For Indirect FK's, same instructions as Corners




Penalties - Lacazette is the designated taker.
Subs



If Winning


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



82 + 86 Mins - Wanyama for Kovacic and Mkhi for Sterling - Actively time waste and really frustrate the opposition.



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



67 Mins - Inaki, Inigo and Mkhi for Brozovic, Luis and Clyne - switch to a 3-5-2 with emphasis on the wings backs acting as wingers and just pile forward in numbers.
--------------------- Courtois
Cancelo --- Boateng --- Bailly --- Hernandez
--------------------- Verratti
-------------- Eriksen ----- L.Alberto
Bailey ------------- Aguero ------------- Asensio
Subs:
A.McCarthy, M.Alonso, D.Sanchez, B.Matuidi, X.Shaqiri, D.Sturridge, T.Werner
Team Tactics
Moving the ball at speed will be the focus of our play as we go with an attacking 4-3-3 formation today. Our three CM’s will be key components of this style as Eriksen and Alberto offer great quality on the ball whilst they both have the ability to break the lines and play a killer final ball to our attacking trio. We will look to dictate the play and frustrate the opposition, continually make them chase the ball by switching the ball between our midfield trio. The opposition have some dangerous players however we will look to limit their impact by retaining possession, we will force them to track back or risk leaving their defence exposed when we push forward in numbers. We aim to make things uncomfortable for them as we feel that if we limit their ability to have the ball in attacking areas the game will be won.
When the opposition are in possession our wingers drop in as we play a compact 4-5-1 formation. The aim of the game will be to break at speed with our wide players offering an immediate outlet when we win back possession. They will drive forward as we get men up in support of Aguero and carve the opposition open with devastating affect.
Defence:
We go with a strong defensive unit at the back, packed with pace and quality as we look to nullify the threat posed by the oppositions attack. We have two strong pacy CB’s to deal with the threat posed by the opposition forward. We will look to be dominant at the back as we aim to take the sting out of the opposition early on and play on the front foot. Our fullbacks have license to push forward when in possession, Cancelo in particular offers a real threat down the right. L.Bailey will often drift infield taking the opposition fullback with him which will create space for Cancelo to attack, he will at all times be looking for the runs of Aguero whose movement and finishing is simply world class. Hernandez will focus slightly more on his defensive duties to ensure we keep a balanced defence and have plenty of cover to snuff out any opposition counter attack.
If the opposition play one up top then Bailly will mark, strong and aggressive we feel he has all the tools to deal with any opponent. Boateng will sweep up and cover in behind, a fantastic reader at the back he will also be the one to bring the ball out from defence. Nothing fancy just look to get the ball into the feet of our CM trio who will do all the damage.
Midfield:
Verratti plays in the quarterback role, tenacious in the tackle he will also be our chief ball winner in the middle of the park. We aim to dominate possession and go with three technically astute players. Ball retention will be key, keep the ball and make them chase. This will invariably open up space for our forwards as we pull the opposition out of space and look to exploit any openings. Eriksen and Alberto operate as twin AM’s, both have a penchant for assists but don’t be afraid to shoot should the opportunity arise. With the pace of our front three the opposition will invariably drop deep and if the chance to shoot from distance arises then take it. We look to pepper the opposition with shots as we go for goals in the season opener.
Forwards:
Frightening pace, electrifying dribbling and deadly finishing, we feel our front three have it all. Our wide players will look to take the opposition on at will. Bailey and Asensio both have license to cut in from the flanks and go for goal, we encourage them to utilise their terrific pace and go at the opposition. Draw in the oppositions CB’s which in turn creates space for Aguero to be slipped in and finish. Both will look to make jinking runs into the box where they can draw a foul or drive to the byline and whip the ball into Aguero in the middle. Both wingers have fantastic workrate and will be a constant outlet as they make runs in behind when our playmakers are in possession. Aguero plays through the middle, a player with fantastic movement and real predator. Immediately look to get into the box when we’re on the attack as we look to lay down a marker.
Subs;
If winning:
65 mins: L.Alberto off, Matuidi on. We tighten up in midfield with Matuidi offering more physicality and defensive cover.
75 mins: L.Bailey and Aguero off, D.Sanchez and Werner on. 5-4-1 with Sanchez forming a CB trio alongside Boateng and Bailly. Werner plays on top in the line striker role, looking to exploit the space when the opposition push numbers forward.
If drawing:
65 mins: Alberto off, Werner on. We switch to 4-2-2-2, with Eriksen and Verratti in CM, Asensio and Bailey on the flanks with Aguero and Werner forming a deadly strike partnership.
75 mins: Hernandez and Bailey off, M.Alonso and Shaqiri on. FB’s push on more with Alonso’s delivery an added weapon whilst we look for a moment of magic from the Swiss maestro.
If losing:
55 mins: Alberto off, Werner on.
65 mins: Hernandez off, Sturridge on. We revert to 3-4-3 with Aguero, Werner and Sturridge up top as we go for goals, goals, goals.
------------------------- Ederson
-------- Otamendi ----- Javi.M ------- Koulibaly
K.Walker ----- Busquets ----- Jorginho ------- B.Mendy
---------------- De Bruyne ---- R.Mahrez
---------------------- Lewandowski
Subs: Meret, Vrsaljko, Dier, D.Silva, Mertens, O.Dembele, G.Jesus
A good test first up, Chelsea are a decent side but we will play to our strengths.
Sit deep and look to defend as a unit, ensuring we leave no space in behind for their forwards and they have to come deeper into mf to recieve the ball.
Nullify the pace and break up the game, very physical and in your face type defending today frustrating our opponents.
Break in numbers, use our midfield two as a base with their superior passing and hit Chelsea hard when they commit players forward.
Our FB's are a little less adventurous today looking to first and formemost complete defensive duties, keep pace with their wingers and force them wide with little room to operate.
We fancy Lewandowski against their CB's, launch quick counters and get him holding up the play with runners in behind.
When on the ball we are more possession based, looking to dominate midfield areas and moving out wide whereby their wingers are less prone to track back and put in the defensive output.
3-4-2-1 - On the ball:
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 Lewa and co as target men to bypass their mf press.
Otamendi & Koulibaly should shift slightly wider when on the offense allowing our wing-backs to push up in a bank of 4 in mf.
Busquets & Jorginho, 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, Javi.M 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 + Mahrez will look to play more the AM role and inbetween the lines, roaming in the oppositions half and and looking to act as the links between midfield and attack. Pick up pockets of space and useing their awareness to dictate the play, running at their backline and using pace to commit defenders.
Flanks will be key as we look to expose them in wide areas and create space in midfield.
Two quick & skilful WG-backs in Walker and B.Mendy, need to hug the touchline and provide the width allowing us to stretch the opposition. Always on the move so we 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.
When Chelsea are in possession we will sit deep as a unit with men behind the ball ensuring their is no space left in behind.
We 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 a forward attacker.
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. Walker & Mendy can come up to support the play and provide the width. The front 3 burst forward.
Subs:
IF WINNING: 60th minute – (3-5-2)
- G.Jesus > Mahrez
- Dier > Jorginho
Compact 3-5-2, Dier drops in as DM and Jesus up front playing alongside Lewa.
IF DRAW: 70th minute – (3-5-2)
- D.Silva > KDB
- O.Dembele > Mahrez
- Vrsaljko > Walker (75th min)
Get D.Silva on looking to provide that spark and get us going forward. O.Dembele on for his pace,look to commit defenders, Vrsaljko solid and a decent cross on him.
IF LOSING: 75th minute – (4-4-2 - direct)
- Mertens > Otamendi
- Jesus > Lewa
- O.Demebele > KDB
4-4-2, direct. long balls into the box and constantly looking for the two strikers.
Flood forward and look for an equalizer/winner.
C - Lewandowski
FK's - De Bruyne
Corners - De Bruyne
Pens – Lewandowski
Man City v WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS
Injuries: Fernandinho, Shaw, Boga
-------------------- Arrizabalaga
Hakimi - Marquinhos - Caldara - Strinic
------------ Rakitic - Matic - Meyer
--------Di Maria - Immobile - Perisic
Subs: Leno, Maffeo, Tah, Sturaro, Ozil, Vitolo, Alcacer
-----------------
A tough but winnable game today against Man City, hopefully our back four will keep their attack at bay while causing problems of our own to their defence.
We are playing a 4-3-3 today, Arrizabalaga in goal, Marquinhos and Caldara at centreback, Hakimi and Strinic at fullback, Rakitic, Matic and Meyer in midfield, Di Maria and Perisic either side of Immobile upfront.
This game is about controlling the tempo and giving us the best chance of getting the win today. Man City are going to fight hard and our best hope is to be strong, disciplined and keep our concentration levels at maximum.
Arrizabalaga - Distribute from the back to the fullbacks/CM's, stay in communication with your defence throughout, be wary of long range efforts and ensure you stay big for any one on ones. On occasion go long for Immobile.
Marquinhos/Caldara - Marquinhos mark their striker, force them high up the pitch thus limiting his impact close to goal, and Caldara to be the spare man, be first to the second ball and their AM making runs from midfield. When in possession bring the ball out of defence and use the midfielders ahead of you to help us play out from the back. Both of you go forward for setpieces.
Hakimi/Strinic - Both of you to force the Man City wingers out wide, do not allow them to come inside as this will cause more problems for our midfield. They will want to cut inside so force them outside and block their crosses at source. They will try to create problems infield so its vital you only show them down the wing. If they play a diamond with no wingers you will need to form a narrow back four with the CB's and leave no spaces in behind. When we have possession, push forward and support Di Maria and Perisic as they will try to run inside the fullback and you will provide the overlap to either create space or supply crosses into the area for Immobile and link with Rakitic and Meyer. You will need to track back very quickly to ensure we don't get caught on the break.
Matic - Our DM today, sit in front of the back four, break up play, watch out for runs from deep from the opposition, when in possession use your range of passing to look for teammates in advanced positions, use Rakitic and Meyer alongside you if you're closed down.
Rakitic/Meyer - Two box to box midfielders today, one either side of Matic at DM. Both of you are required to get back and assist Matic in front of the back four when we don't have the ball, but both with the ability and the freedom to push forward and join the front three, while always leaving at least one of you behind the ball. Look to link with Di Maria, Perisic or Immobile.
Di Maria/Perisic - Both with the trickery to beat the Man City fullback and get crosses in, you will also have our fullback overlapping giving you the chance to cut inside and get shots in. Look to supply Immobile with chances and also provide yourself with chances. Link up with Rakitic and Meyer, and capitalise on the space Immobile's presence will create for you.
Immobile - you will be expected to occupy the Man City centrebacks, hold up possession and look to turn the defender and shoot. Be strong in the air and look for your teammates trying to pick you out from deep. Shoot on sight. Stay on the last defender's shoulder for any passes in behind. Look to interchange with Di Maria or Perisic on occasion. Try and link with the two alongside you to create opportunities.
------------------
Subs 70 mins;
If winning: Meyer, Di Maria and Immobile off, Sturaro, Tah and Alcacer on. Change to 5-4-1, Tah an extra CB, with a flat midfield four, Sturaro at RM, Perisic deeper to LM, Rakitic and Matic central, the fresh legs of Alcacer up top chasing everything and holding the ball up. Absorb pressure and hit on the break with Sturaro and Perisic joining Alcacer.
If drawing: Meyer off, Ozil on. Switch to a 4-2-3-1, Ozil ahead of Rakitic and Matic, behind Immobile. Try and find a winner.
If losing: Caldara, Matic and Meyer off, Ozil, Vitolo and Alcacer on. 3-1-4-2, Hakimi - Marquinhos - Strinic at the back, Rakitic the playmaker from deep, Vitolo - Di Maria - Ozil - Perisic behind Immobile and Alcacer upfront. Push for goals.
v Portsmouth (Super Cup - Weds)
------------------------- Oblak ------------------------
Henrichs ----- Varane ----- Umtiti ----- A.Sandro
--------------- Fabinho ------ Tolisso ---------------
K.Mbappe ------------ Pogba ---------- Griezmann
--------------------- Aubameyang --------------------
Gunn, Pavard, Tousart, Aouar, Neres, Belotti, S.Mina
We want to play high tempo football, quick on the break and really pressurise the opposition with an in yer face performance, we want to hit them quickly so we need to press them quickly to get the ball, when we defend we need a strong back 6, (the back four in a line to make it difficult to break through, we don't sit too deep and Tolisso, Fabinho & Pogba just in front harassing the man with the ball before they get to our back 4 and the front 3 in and around the half way line, this will congest the midfield and stop them playing it through us, stop them coming forward from the back, however, if they do push forward onto us and we get the ball they will be on the back foot and will really struggle with our front 3/4 with Fullbacks who are always ready to pounce and hit them with pace and quick free flowing football
Umtiti and Varane at CB, Umtiti picks up the CF, Varane sits spare picking up a 2nd CF/AM, keep the forward(s) away from the danger area, by getting onto them quickly and be strong, take the ball away from them and play it away out of defence, look to get it out wide quickly when we retain possession, Both are very comfortable on the ball so can bring it out when in no danger and look for the pass longer to the wingers or Striker to hit them quickly with pace, to get us moving forward. Henrichs and Sandro at fullback, we must keep the wingers quiet, stop them and we stop a lot of there attacks. Both are perfect for this, They will look to keep them away from shooting areas and stop them becoming dangerous in any position by standing tall against them and keeping them on there 'bad' foot. When they attack an ddrive down the wing to support, only at a time as to not let ourselves be exposed, they drive down the line in support of the wingers, Sandro gets outside Griezmann to allow him to cut inside whereas Henrichs will support Mbappe by either pushing out wide or going inside to allow the winger to drive passed his man, but the two always make themselves available to the wingers. I want both CBs to go up for corners, with the fullbacks and Tolisso sitting back.
In the centre of the pitch are Fabinho and Tolisso, Fabinho our main defensive player who will shadow there AM and not allow him to control the game, Tolisso their to lend a hand to stop them coming through. Fabinho must be aware of all that is around him, be in the right place at the right time and look to cover for defensive players moving forward, he has to impose himself early on the AM to make him wary of holding onto the ball too long, once on the ball look around, head up and pick the pass that will get us moving forward quickly, can be out to the fullbacks or indeed a longer ball to the front three to take the opposition out of it as they are still high up the pitch. Tolisso's role is to assist Fabinho, make our midfield very difficult to pass through, protect our defence as best as possible and again in possession get it to our more creative players up front, keep it simple. Can move forward to assist and look for balls coming out so he can either, shoot or whip straight back in.
Pogba is our central creator, not everything will go through him, but he is essential to our style of play, he is the link between defence and attack, as we break quickly he will look to set up our front three. At times he will drop deeper to pick up the ball get his head up and see who is in the best position to receive the ball and that's where he will put it, he will follow his pass and make up the numbers up front. When he doesn't drop deep ie when the defenders go long, he will look to form a front four as they move around and look to tear the defence apart.
Our front 3 are extremely quick, when we don't have the ball they drop back a bit to make up the numbers as they attack, push into the faces of the opposition to force them into mistakes and hopefully in the end they lose the ball, when they do lose the ball we charge at them and we do it quickly, either a long ball over defenders,go through Pogba or indeed out to one of our attacking fullbacks. Our mobile front 3 are set up as they are, however, the movement up front will see us make their defenders move out of position to follow their player, thus allowing Pogba to pick his moment to move into space either as a 10 or out wide. If he does push wide this will allow Mbappe/Griezmann to go in central as we will have an attacking fullback up and supporting. Quick passing in triangles that will get us in and beyond their defenders and eventually to Aubameyang and the other winger who will look to get into space to get a shot off.
Captian - Varane
Penalties - Aubameyang/Griezmann
Free Kicks - Griezmann/Pogba
Corners - Griezmann/Pogba
Subs -
Losing -
70 Mins - Belotti for Tolisso 442
80 Mins - Neres and Pavard for Henrichs and Sandro
Oblak
Pavard Varane Umtiti
D.Neres Fabinho Pogba Mbappe
Griezmann
Belotti Aubameyang
we go high and long to use Belotti's strength
Winning -
70 Mins - Tousart for Pogba and sit in a 3 man mid
80 Mins - Aouar for Griezmann, helps out defensively
88 Mins - Pavard for Mbappe, Henrichs to a 5 man mid on the right and Pavard to RB
Drawing -
70 Mins - Mbappe to the left, Griezmann to No.10, Neres on for Tolisso, Pogba drops back and Neres to the right to change it up a bit
80 Mins - Belotti for Aubameyang, fresh legs and different option up top
85 Mins - Santi Mina for Mbappe again fresh legs down the left and a real goal threat
Pens (whoever is on)
Aubameyang
Griezmann
Pogba
Mbappe
Belotti
Neres
Sandro
Henrichs
Mina
Bournemouth Week 2:
Bournemouth (4-3-3)
Captain : Veríssimo
Vice Captain : Rossi
------------------Rossi
Bustos---Conti---Veríssimo---Saracchi
---------Paredes-------Wendel
------------------Paquetá
Pussetto---------------------------Everton
-------------------Gómez
SUBS: Ramírez, Senesi, Militão, Danilo, Vargas, Cunha, Wesley
SUMMARY: This week we go with a 4-3-3 set up although we will be a tad more conservative and operate with one holding/defensive midfielder (Paredes) who will be complimented with a deep sitting box to box midfielder (Wendel). In front of them Paquetá will operate as the link between midfield and attack. This I feel will give us a better balanced midfield and while being absolutely defensively sound with 2 ‘sitting’ Wendel will also be allowed the freedom (when the time arises) to link with Paquetá and attack. I think this set-up lets us link up quickly with our attack while at the same time that little bit of extra cautiousness means it will be easy for us to close the door in midfield with all 3 players as comfortable sitting and breaking up attacks if necessary.
We will focus on our own gameplan and perfecting that. We want to play a nice tidy and crisp passing game. Our aim is to move the ball forward as quickly and as effectively as possible. We want to continue where we left off in seasons past and search for that perfect balance between defence and attack. Use our pace and power and build our attacks up from the back. If there is nothing on then we will be patient and ball retention is important. When we have the ball we will use it wisely and when we don’t have the ball then we will press our opponents all over the park with high urgency to win it back. We want to keep the ball on the deck and attack as a team and equally as important defend as a team. This team is bursting with pace. We will utilise that to our advantage and make the pitch wide and use our flying wingers to cause all sorts of mayhem. It will also be a tool that we use to hit opponents on the counter where we know we can out pace any team. We want to press and pressurise the opponents at any given chance and not give them a moment’s peace on the ball. We really want to make the pitch wide in this game and pull the opposition out of shape. We will look to our strength to really have a go at their defence. We will use the fitness levels of our young team to play with an outrageous tempo from the off – pressing the opponents and going for the jugular to try and get in front. If that is successful and gets us in front then it will be up to the player’s own discretion on how to manage the ferocity and pace of how we play.
Goalkeeper: Rossi is a big mobile keeper and very agile. A great shot stopper, he will communicate with the back 4 and be commanding with the high ball. He will not take any risks. He is a great distributor with both hand and foot and we will look to this as a way to launch quick attacks.
Defence: Our 2 full backs are there firstly to defend and make sure they stay on the right side of their opponents whether they be out wide or cutting inside. When we are on the attack they will be allowed to use their power and pace to provide the overlap on the flanks. They both have the power and the lungs to work the touchline for 90 minutes. They will make the pitch wide and always offer themselves as an option in attack. Our 2 centre halves are big 6 feet plus ball playing defenders. Both good in the air and equally as good with the ball at their feet. They will be asked to do the simple things well. Be aggressive but controlled in the tackle and never lose your man when defending dead ball situations. They will be able to bring the ball out of defence but if in doubt take absolutely no chances and clear it. Both big men will be a real aerial threat at set pieces.
Midfield: We will operate with one holding/defensive midfielder (Paredes). He will be the midfield general. A physical pacey midfielder he will be there to boss this area for us. Breaking up play and filling in as an extra defender if one of our back 4 has ventured forward. He will be there to protect the defence and do a lot of the unseen dirty work in the centre of the park. He is essential to our game plan and while sitting deep will still offer a lot with his great passing ability. He also has a thunderbolt right foot. He will be complimented with a deep sitting box to box midfielder (Wendel). He has a more conservative role this week and while being a little more constrained than normal he will still have the opportunity to bomb forward when the time is right. They will both have to put a defensive shift in and both are very strong in the tackle. We will look at their enthusiasm and relentless pressing of the opposition as a way to hopefully get a bit of a grip on the midfield and at the very least not make it plain sailing for the opposition. In front of them Paquetá will operate as the link between midfield and attack.
Wingers/Centre Forward: When in possession both Pussetto and Everton will be expected to go for the direct approach and use their power and speed to take on the opposition defence and beat them and bring De Paquetá, Wendel and Gómez in to play. They can vary their attacks as they see fit. Both players can play all across the middle so don’t be surprised to see them swapping wings. At times Wendel may sit a bit deeper allowing Paquetá to slot in between both wingers, just behind the CF.
As well as an attacking force both wingers will also have to put a defensive shift when called upon and act as back up for their respective full backs.
Gómez starts as the CF. He won’t be short of support or ammunition with the attacking talent behind him. Great playing off the shoulder of the last man he is deadly in and around the box. A bag of energy and very strong we will also look for him to hold up and bring others in to play if it doesn’t seem to be on for him. We will look to get bodies in the box when attacking so he should always have an outlet. He is also great in the air and will provide an option from set pieces. When the shot is on he will take it but we also want to put himself about in the box and think that his lightning pace will be a real handful for defences. He will also be alert to any scraps in and around the goal. He has the ability to produce something sublime and create a chance out of nothing.
Free Kicks/Corners: Paquetá, Everton or Pussetto with Conti, Veríssimo, Paredes and Gómez to offer an aerial threat. Paquetá and Everton (with his thunderbolt left foot) may try their luck with several free kicks from distance.
Substitutions: (75 mins) If winning (and comfortable) then 3 like for like subs – Senesi for Conti, Danilo for Paredes and Wesley for Gómez.
If losing (70 mins) then switch to a 4-1-3-2 and replace Wendel with Wesley and Pussetto with Cunha. Fresh legs and 2 attackers that carry a goal threat about them. We will look to their pace and freshness to offer us something different.
--------------Paredes
Cunha------Paquetá-----Everton
------Wesley -----Gómez
Bournemouth Week 3:
Bournemouth Tactics:
Captain: Conti
Vice Captain: Paredes
Team:
------------------Rossi
Militão--Conti—Veríssimo--Saracchi
----------------Paredes
----------Wendel---Paquetá
Cunha----------------------------Everton
-----------------Gómez
SUBS: Ramírez, Álvarez, Senesi, Maycon, Wesley, Cunha, González
We want to play a neat crisp passing game at high tempo using our obvious pace to punish the opponent. Our formation will be a 4-3-3 that will allow our full backs to join in the attack when necessary and also offer us the flexibility to fall back into a more standard 4-4-2 when under pressure. We need to boss the midfield from the start and control the game with our own tempo. When in possession use the ball well and try and bring our wide men in to play. When chasing the ball press the opponent with urgency and all over the park. Don’t take too many risks and hold onto the ball. With our creativity and pace we will be able to open teams up. Wait for the chances to arise and take them when they come.
Goalkeeper: Rossi is a big mobile keeper and very agile. A great shot stopper, he will communicate with the back 4 and be commanding with the high ball. He will not take any risks. He is a great distributor with both hand and foot and we will look to this as a way to launch quick attacks.
Defence: Our 2 full backs are there firstly to defend and make sure they stay on the right side of their opponents whether they be out wide or cutting inside. When we are on the attack they will be allowed to use their power and pace to provide the overlap on the flanks. They both have the power and the lungs to work the touchline for 90 minutes. They will make the pitch wide and always offer themselves as an option in attack. Our 2 centre halves are big 6 feet plus ball playing defenders. Both good in the air and equally as good with the ball at their feet. They will be asked to do the simple things well. Be aggressive but controlled in the tackle and never lose your man when defending dead ball situations. They will be able to bring the ball out of defence but if in doubt take absolutely no chances and clear it. Both big men will be a real aerial threat at set pieces.
Midfield: Paredes will be the midfield general. A physical pacey midfielder he will be there to boss this area for us. Breaking up play and filling in as an extra defender if one of our back 4 has ventured forward. He will be there to protect the defence and do a lot of the unseen dirty work in the centre of the park. He is essential to our game plan and while sitting deep will still offer a lot with his great passing ability. He also has a thunderbolt right foot. Wendel and Paquetá will play just in front of Paredes. Wendel will be a more box to box type. He will be involved all over and will offer as much in defence as in attack. Paquetá will be the midfield magician. Clever, elusive and tricky we will look to him for creating the midfield openings with his eye for a pass. We will look at their enthusiasm and relentless pressing of the opposition as a way to hopefully get a bit of a grip on the midfield and at the very least not make it plain sailing for the opposition.
Wingers/Centre Forward: When in possession both Cunha and Everton will be expected to go for the direct approach and use their power and speed to take on the opposition defence and beat them and bring Paquetá, Wendel and Gómez in to play. They can vary their attacks by going wide or cutting inside as they see fit. Both players can play all across the middle so don’t be surprised to see them swapping wings. At times Wendel may sit a bit deeper allowing Paquetá to slot in between both wingers, just behind the CF. As well as an attacking force both wingers will also have to put a defensive shift when called upon and act as back up for their respective full backs.
Gómez starts as the CF. He won’t be short of support or ammunition with the attacking talent behind him. Great big old fashioned centre forward. We will look for him to hold up and bring others in to play if it doesn’t seem to be on for him. An eye for a pass and not afraid to have a go from distance. We will look to get bodies in the box when attacking so he should always have an outlet. He is also great in the air and will provide an option from set pieces. When the shot is on he will take it but we also want to put himself about in the box and think that his power pace will be a real handful for defences. He will also be alert to any scraps in and around the goal. He has the ability to produce something sublime and create a chance out of nothing.
Free Kicks/Corners: Paquetá, Everton or Cunha with Conti, Veríssimo, Paredes and Gómez to offer an aerial threat. Paquetá and Everton (with his thunderbolt left foot) may try their luck with several free kicks from distance.
Penalties: Gómez
Substitutions: (if winning on 80 minutes) Senesi for Veríssimo, González for Gómez and Maycon for Wendel, 3 like for like substitutions.
If losing (on 80 minutes) Wesley for Wendel and González for Cunha. Shift to a 4-1-3-2 attack. González and Wesley offering fresh legs, pace and a bit of the unknown in attack.
---------------------Paredes
González ------- Paquetá ----Everton
------------Gómez --------Wesley
Bournemouth Week 4:
Bournemouth (4-3-3)
Captain : Veríssimo
Vice Captain : Rossi
--------------------Rossi
Bustos---Álvarez---Veríssimo---Saracchi
---------Paredes-------Wendel
------------------Rodríguez
Pussetto-----------------------------Everton
-------------------González
SUBS: Ramírez, Senesi, Militão, Danilo, Vargas, Cunha, Wesley
SUMMARY: This week we go with a 4-3-3 set up although we will be a tad more conservative and operate with one holding/defensive midfielder (Paredes) who will be complimented with a deep sitting box to box midfielder (Wendel). In front of them Rodríguez will operate as the link between midfield and attack. This I feel will give us a better balanced midfield and while being absolutely defensively sound with 2 ‘sitting’ Wendel will also be allowed the freedom (when the time arises) to link with Rodríguez and attack. I think this set-up lets us link up quickly with our attack while at the same time that little bit of extra cautiousness means it will be easy for us to close the door in midfield with all 3 players as comfortable sitting and breaking up attacks if necessary.
We will focus on our own gameplan and perfecting that. We want to play a nice tidy and crisp passing game. Our aim is to move the ball forward as quickly and as effectively as possible. We want to continue where we left off in seasons past and search for that perfect balance between defence and attack. Use our pace and power and build our attacks up from the back. If there is nothing on then we will be patient and ball retention is important. When we have the ball we will use it wisely and when we don’t have the ball then we will press our opponents all over the park with high urgency to win it back. We want to keep the ball on the deck and attack as a team and equally as important defend as a team. This team is bursting with pace. We will utilise that to our advantage and make the pitch wide and use our flying wingers to cause all sorts of mayhem. It will also be a tool that we use to hit opponents on the counter where we know we can out pace any team. We want to press and pressurise the opponents at any given chance and not give them a moment’s peace on the ball. We really want to make the pitch wide in this game and pull the opposition out of shape. We will look to our strength to really have a go at their defence. We will use the fitness levels of our young team to play with an outrageous tempo from the off – pressing the opponents and going for the jugular to try and get in front. If that is successful and gets us in front then it will be up to the player’s own discretion on how to manage the ferocity and pace of how we play.
Goalkeeper: Rossi is a big mobile keeper and very agile. A great shot stopper, he will communicate with the back 4 and be commanding with the high ball. He will not take any risks. He is a great distributor with both hand and foot and we will look to this as a way to launch quick attacks.
Defence: Our 2 full backs are there firstly to defend and make sure they stay on the right side of their opponents whether they be out wide or cutting inside. When we are on the attack they will be allowed to use their power and pace to provide the overlap on the flanks. They both have the power and the lungs to work the touchline for 90 minutes. They will make the pitch wide and always offer themselves as an option in attack. Our 2 centre halves are big 6 feet plus ball playing defenders. Both good in the air and equally as good with the ball at their feet. They will be asked to do the simple things well. Be aggressive but controlled in the tackle and never lose your man when defending dead ball situations. They will be able to bring the ball out of defence but if in doubt take absolutely no chances and clear it. Both big men will be a real aerial threat at set pieces.
Midfield: We will operate with one holding/defensive midfielder (Paredes). He will be the midfield general. A physical pacey midfielder he will be there to boss this area for us. Breaking up play and filling in as an extra defender if one of our back 4 has ventured forward. He will be there to protect the defence and do a lot of the unseen dirty work in the centre of the park. He is essential to our game plan and while sitting deep will still offer a lot with his great passing ability. He also has a thunderbolt right foot. He will be complimented with a deep sitting box to box midfielder (Wendel). He has a more conservative role this week and while being a little more constrained than normal he will still have the opportunity to bomb forward when the time is right. They will both have to put a defensive shift in and both are very strong in the tackle. We will look at their enthusiasm and relentless pressing of the opposition as a way to hopefully get a bit of a grip on the midfield and at the very least not make it plain sailing for the opposition. In front of them Rodríguez will operate as the link between midfield and attack.
Wingers/Centre Forward: When in possession both Pussetto and Everton will be expected to go for the direct approach and use their power and speed to take on the opposition defence and beat them and bring De Paquetá, Wendel and González in to play. They can vary their attacks as they see fit. Both players can play all across the middle so don’t be surprised to see them swapping wings. At times Wendel may sit a bit deeper allowing Rodríguez to slot in between both wingers, just behind the CF.
As well as an attacking force both wingers will also have to put a defensive shift when called upon and act as back up for their respective full backs.
González starts as the CF. He won’t be short of support or ammunition with the attacking talent behind him. Great playing off the shoulder of the last man he is deadly in and around the box. A bag of energy and very strong we will also look for him to hold up and bring others in to play if it doesn’t seem to be on for him. We will look to get bodies in the box when attacking so he should always have an outlet. He is also great in the air and will provide an option from set pieces. When the shot is on he will take it but we also want to put himself about in the box and think that his lightning pace will be a real handful for defences. He will also be alert to any scraps in and around the goal. He has the ability to produce something sublime and create a chance out of nothing.
Free Kicks/Corners: Paquetá, Everton or Pussetto with Álvarez, Veríssimo, Paredes and González to offer an aerial threat. Rodríguez and Everton (with his thunderbolt left foot) may try their luck with several free kicks from distance.
Substitutions: (75 mins) If winning (and comfortable) then 3 like for like subs – Senesi for Álvarez, Danilo for Paredes and Wesley for González.
If losing (70 mins) then switch to a 4-1-3-2 and replace Wendel with Wesley and Pussetto with Cunha. Fresh legs and 2 attackers that carry a goal threat about them. We will look to their pace and freshness to offer us something different.
--------------Paredes
Cunha------Paquetá-----Everton
------Wesley -----González
------------------------Perin
Conti-----Caleta-Car-----Söyüncü----Tagliafico
-------------Lobotka---------Kampl
Gómez--------------Ziyech---------------Philipp
---------------------Batshuayi
Subs: Horn, Klostermann, Elvedi, Guerreiro, Dahoud, Forsberg, Jovic
Our defensive unit consists of Duje Caleta-Car and Caglar Söyüncü paired up at centre-back, Andrea Conti at right-back and Nicolás Tagliafico at left-back, with Stanislav Lobotka and Kevin Kampl as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.
This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in Lobotka and Kampl we have a perfect pairing to initiate attacks by distributing the ball in an intelligent fashion, to be key players in circulation and to prevent dangerous opposition attacks, being disciplined in positioning and limiting space in between the lines.
The strength of our double pivot is that Kampl can press the ball without leaving lots of space, as Lobotka can maintain a good position to react if the initial press is bypassed. Our double pivot will offer huge defensive stability and will ensure that a structured shape is maintained.
Having two defensive midfielders centrally prevents others being dragged out of position to press.
Helping the defenders maintain solid positioning is a key part of Kampl’s role, he will press almost anywhere in his own half to allow defenders to stay in the defensive line.
With Kampl running his socks off for the team, our high tempo will dictated by his partner in holding midfield, Stanislav Lobotka.
A holding midfielder through and through, Lobotka is not just your “win the ball and pass it on to the closest player” – there is a real creative mind in his locker, but it’s his ability to be the shield of the back four and then be creative once he gets the ball that makes Lobotka such a talent.
The attacking unit consists of Sergio Gómez, Hakim Ziyech and Maximilian Philipp as our band of three attacking midfielders with Michy Batshuayi as our lone central striker.
Our 4-2-3-1 is set up to have that wonderful ‘springy' quality - it absorbs pressure without breaking and then snaps back with surprising force.
In defence our 4-2-3-1 covers space very effectively, with the band of three attacking midfielders and centre forward able to press the opposition high up the pitch while the two defensive midfielders ensure that there is no space left in front of the defence. Then the back four can either play a high line, compressing the space even further, or drop deeper as preferred.
Once we have won the ball back, often by Lobotka or Kampl, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.
Conti and Tagliafico can surge up the wings in the knowledge that Lobotka and Kampl can drop into the space left behind if needed. As they come up the wings, both Sergio Gómez and Maximilian Philipp, who are fast speed merchants, excellent in tight spaces and fantastic dribblers will cut inside or make runs into the box. Hakim Ziyech our attacking central midfielder’s low centre of gravity will enable him to navigate away from defenders at a frighteningly quick pace. Lazaro is blessed with an instant first touch and can dribble with the ball at such a close proximity to his feet that it makes him almost impossible to tackle this creative passer who will look to play Gómez, Philipp and Batshuayi in via fast passing combinations.
Up front Michy is a strong, dynamic number 9 who knows where the back of the goal is. He’ll put to good use his scorching pace, tenacity in the box, fine set of feet and will dribble past most opponents with ease making him such a nuisance for the opposition. He’ll shrug off defenders and is also a threat from set-plays, as his movement inside the box can often cause defenders to take their eyes off the ball. Added to that skill set, he is a good header of the ball, ticking all boxes for the attributes an out-and-out striker should possess.
Sub on 70 mins
Dahoud on for Gómez (Kampl to RW, Dahoud in CM)
A first start for the exciting Sergio Gómez, but we’ll look to Kampl’s attacking flair in the last quarter, allowing an opportunity for Dahoud’s dynamic midfield play in the middle as tired legs start to appear in the oppositions midfield.
Subs on 80 mins
Forsberg on for Philipp, Guerreiro on for Tagliafico
2 pairs of fresh legs on the left side should apply some serious pressure to the right hand side defence of Manchester City. Guerreiro providing the width whilst Forsberg will look to cut inside at every opportunity with Guerreiro providing overlapping opportunities.
Typo again sorry
------------------------Perin
Conti-----Caleta-Car-----Söyüncü----Tagliafico
-------------Lobotka---------Kampl
Gómez--------------Ziyech---------------Philipp
---------------------Batshuayi
Subs: Horn, Klostermann, Elvedi, Guerreiro, Dahoud, Forsberg, Jovic
Our defensive unit consists of Duje Caleta-Car and Caglar Söyüncü paired up at centre-back, Andrea Conti at right-back and Nicolás Tagliafico at left-back, with Stanislav Lobotka and Kevin Kampl as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.
This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in Lobotka and Kampl we have a perfect pairing to initiate attacks by distributing the ball in an intelligent fashion, to be key players in circulation and to prevent dangerous opposition attacks, being disciplined in positioning and limiting space in between the lines.
The strength of our double pivot is that Kampl can press the ball without leaving lots of space, as Lobotka can maintain a good position to react if the initial press is bypassed. Our double pivot will offer huge defensive stability and will ensure that a structured shape is maintained.
Having two defensive midfielders centrally prevents others being dragged out of position to press.
Helping the defenders maintain solid positioning is a key part of Kampl’s role, he will press almost anywhere in his own half to allow defenders to stay in the defensive line.
With Kampl running his socks off for the team, our high tempo will dictated by his partner in holding midfield, Stanislav Lobotka.
A holding midfielder through and through, Lobotka is not just your “win the ball and pass it on to the closest player” – there is a real creative mind in his locker, but it’s his ability to be the shield of the back four and then be creative once he gets the ball that makes Lobotka such a talent.
The attacking unit consists of Sergio Gómez, Hakim Ziyech and Maximilian Philipp as our band of three attacking midfielders with Michy Batshuayi as our lone central striker.
Our 4-2-3-1 is set up to have that wonderful ‘springy' quality - it absorbs pressure without breaking and then snaps back with surprising force.
In defence our 4-2-3-1 covers space very effectively, with the band of three attacking midfielders and centre forward able to press the opposition high up the pitch while the two defensive midfielders ensure that there is no space left in front of the defence. Then the back four can either play a high line, compressing the space even further, or drop deeper as preferred.
Once we have won the ball back, often by Lobotka or Kampl, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.
Conti and Tagliafico can surge up the wings in the knowledge that Lobotka and Kampl can drop into the space left behind if needed. As they come up the wings, both Sergio Gómez and Maximilian Philipp, who are fast speed merchants, excellent in tight spaces and fantastic dribblers will cut inside or make runs into the box. Hakim Ziyech our attacking central midfielder’s low centre of gravity will enable him to navigate away from defenders at a frighteningly quick pace. Ziyech is blessed with an instant first touch and can dribble with the ball at such a close proximity to his feet that it makes him almost impossible to tackle this creative passer who will look to play Gómez, Philipp and Batshuayi in via fast passing combinations.
Up front Michy is a strong, dynamic number 9 who knows where the back of the goal is. He’ll put to good use his scorching pace, tenacity in the box, fine set of feet and will dribble past most opponents with ease making him such a nuisance for the opposition. He’ll shrug off defenders and is also a threat from set-plays, as his movement inside the box can often cause defenders to take their eyes off the ball. Added to that skill set, he is a good header of the ball, ticking all boxes for the attributes an out-and-out striker should possess.
Sub on 70 mins
Dahoud on for Gómez (Kampl to RW, Dahoud in CM)
A first start for the exciting Sergio Gómez, but we’ll look to Kampl’s attacking flair in the last quarter, allowing an opportunity for Dahoud’s dynamic midfield play in the middle as tired legs start to appear in the oppositions midfield.
Subs on 80 mins
Forsberg on for Philipp, Guerreiro on for Tagliafico
2 pairs of fresh legs on the left side should apply some serious pressure to the right hand side defence of Manchester City. Guerreiro providing the width whilst Forsberg will look to cut inside at every opportunity with Guerreiro providing overlapping opportunities.
------------------------- Ederson
-------- Van Dijk ------ Javi.M ------- Koulibaly
K.Walker ----- Busquets ----- E.Can -------- B.Mendy
------------------------ De Bruyne
------------- Lewandowski -- G.Jesus
Subs: Meret, Vrsaljko, Otamendi, Dier, Mahrez, Rashford, Mertens
First and foremost we need to be solid defensively today, aware of the threat they pose up top and pace in behind so we drop deep and look to contain when their on the ball, allow them possession in their defensive half where they can't hurt us but pack midfield and defensive areas with bodies whilst keeping a rigid structure throughout.
Up top look to keep it simple, no risks of over playing but generally mixing it up as we dont want to be too predictable, a quick counter attacking overload from deep will be key especially in wider areas with Walker and Mendy's pace, front 3 burst forward and hit our opponents hard when they over commit.
At times going long ball as we feel our forwards are more of a match for their defence. Lewandowski very good under pressure at holding up play with his back to goal and will link well with the more nimble and astute G.Jesus.
Can comes into the side in mf, gives us more of a dynamic box to box midfielder alongside Busquets who will look to be his usual self and keep things ticking over. Can look to be more of the ball carrier looking to inject urgency when required and creating that extra bit of space.
Hardworking and great work ethic throughout , we may not be pleasing on the eye today but our sights are set on getting the job done, simply staying solid defensively and taking our chances when they arise.
3-4-1-2 - On the ball:
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 Lewa and co as target men to bypass their mf press.
Van Dijk & Koulibaly should shift slightly wider when on the offense allowing our wing-backs to push up in a bank of 4 in mf.
Busquets & E.Can, 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, Javi.M 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 more the AM role and inbetween the lines, roaming in the oppositions half and looking to act as the link between midfield and attack. Picking up pockets of space and using his awareness to dictate the play, running at their backline and using his quick pace and incisiveness to commit defenders on the break.
Flanks will be key as we look to expose them in wide areas and create space in midfield.
Two quick & skilful WG-backs in Walker and B.Mendy, need to hug the touchline and provide the width allowing us to stretch the opposition. Always on the move so we 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 strikers to attack.
When Chelsea are in possession we will sit deep as a unit with 10 men behind the ball ensuring their is no space left in behind.
We 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 a forward attacker.
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 and frustrating the oppoistion.
If we manage to win the ball we must immediately look to counter and hit the opposition hard. Walker & Mendy can come up to support the play and provide the width. The front 3 burst forward.
Subs:
IF WINNING: 70th minute – (3-5-2)
- Dier > E.Can
- Rashford > G.Jesus
- Vrsaljko > Walker (84th min)
Compact 3-5-2, we get fresh legs on and keep things solid, Rashford used as an outlet to surge forward when possible
IF DRAW: 70th minute – (3-4-3)
- Mahrez > G.Jesus
- Rashford > KDB
- Dier > E.Can (78th min)
3-4-3, stretch the play and look to play more in wider areas at this stage where we think Chelsea are most susceptible to being exposed.
IF LOSING: 77th minute – (4-4-2 - direct)
- Mertens > Otamendi
- Mahrez > E.Can
- Rashford > G.Jesus
4-4-2, direct. long balls into the box and constantly looking for the two strikers.
Flood forward and look for an equalizer/winner.
C - Lewandowski
FK's - De Bruyne
Corners - De Bruyne
Pens – Lewandowski
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Tactics
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posted on 29/7/18
Bm
posted on 1/8/18
Community Shield. Attacking 4-3-3
We look to take the game to Spurs, using our attacking wide players to create space for the attacking players in between the lines. We have two strong defensive players in front of the defence allowing both full backs to attack, overlapping the wide men and allowing them the freedom to come inside.
Spurs wide players like to come inside and so having two strong central players also helps the defence stand up to this. They provide freedom to Coutinho to attack. We have a defence capable of playing out from the back and players that can also play accurate long balls out direct from the back, adding variation to our play.
Hummels adds a great ability to read the play which we feel is perfect next to Ramos who loves to get stuck in, and the attacking full backs. Seamless interchanging of positions in attack, and relentless pressing in our own half when defending. Allow the opposition to have the ball in their own half. Doucoure will play in a box to box role next to Casmiro, strong defensively but also adding power to our attack.
Positional structure, in addition to our technical players will be key to our quick passing gameplan going forward. Our approach in build up is to play a flexible asymmetric shape, 2 cb supported closely by Casemiro and fbs pushing on that comes close to the first line to provide strong connection in order to transit the ball between the lines. The fbs and attacking players playing crosses into the box for Ronaldo will be a key tactic.
Geubbels comes in on the right, offering power and pace. Looking to play off Ronaldo when he comes inside. Hazard will look to operate in slightly deeper positions on the other side, looking to create and link with the midfielders and Marcelo. Coutinho and Hazard will always be looking for space in between their midfield and defence.
------------------ Neuer
Carvajal - Ramos - Hummels - Marcelo
--------- Casemiro - Doucoure
----------------- Coutinho
Geubbels ------------------------- Hazard
---------------- C.Ronaldo
Subs. Schmeichel, Gomez, Partey, Thiago, Gundogan, L.Sane, D.Costa
We defend in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Control the opposition by pressing the space with a narrow, compact rigid defensive unit, so that their wide players can't find space in the areas they like to when coming inside. 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.
The attacking three midfielders focus on dropping deep and being in the right positions to block passing lanes and ensure there is no space for the opposition to work in.
Look to leave no space for them in between the lines, make it difficult for them to create, if they beat a man, they'll run into another. Casemiro presses the space in front of our cbs, sweeping up danger in front of the defence when it gets through, Doucoure goal side of Casemiro pressing the ball.
The defenderrs marshall the team in a tight formation narrowing to the side of play, ensuring there are no gaps in the formation.
Attack
Centre backs play out, they have the option to go long or have Casemiro and Doucoure offering options. While the full backs look to drive forward and link with the wide men and midfielders.
Coutinho and Hazard will always be looking for space in between their midfield and defence. We want quick one twos in the opposition half, using our wingers to get in behind and link with Ronaldo.
Ronaldo has freedom to play his natural game and get the goals.
Subs. If winning after 70 mins bring on Sane for Geubbels. Pace injection.
If winning after 75 mins bring on D.Costa for Ronaldo. Power injection.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Partey for Doucoure, fresh energy and power.
If losing or drawing after 60 mins bring on Sane and Thiago for Doucoure and Geubbels.
If losing or drawing after 80 mins bring on D.Costa for Marcelo. Extra striker.
posted on 3/8/18
Leicester vs ASTON VILLA (3-4-1-2)
Injuries -
Micheal Keane
Demerai Gray
Mario Mandzukic
Gary Cahill
…………………………………De Gea……………………….
………………De Vrij……….Luiz………..Chiellini………
Bellerin………….Vidal…………….Modric…………….Max
…………………………………Iniesta…………………………………
………………..….Icardi……………Vardy…………………..
Subs: Forster, Zappacosta, Keane, Neves, Lallana, Morata, El Shaarawy
tough start to the season away against the reigning champions, clusterfck of a season last year, led to massive changes. Let’s see how it plays out.
The 3-5-2 can be perceived as being narrow, but that’s a strength for us today, RoF’s Leicester have bags of pace and trickery out-wide so keeping it compact will go some way to nullifying that threat.
Nice crisp passing, keep the ball moving is the order of the day, keep the ball on the ground and keep probing to pull Leicester out of position, not possession for possession sake, but calculated passing angles.
De Gea - comes in for his debut, may have had a bad world cup but that doesn’t change the fact that in my opinion he’s the best in the world right now. Quick and agile will trust his reflexes to come off his line and collect any loose balls. Doesn’t need to do much with the ball either play it out to one of our wider centre backs or go wider still ad hit the wing-backs.
De Vrij - is the RCB, defensively he’ll drift wide to double on their LW, stay big stay strong and show him the line, don’t dive in, be patient and wait for the chance to step in and take the ball, he’s comfortable on the ball and will look to be involved in our passing triangles as we take some energy out of Leicester’s attackers.
Luiz – has his critics, but has all the physical and technical attributes to be a top performer as the central CB. When we have the ball, I want him stepping into the midfield providing cover for Vidal to maraud forward.
Chiellini – no nonsense beast at LCB – like De Vrij he’ll drift wide to help cover his wing-back, but unlike De Vrij he has the licence to fly in and go through his man like a dodgy curry – someone’s gotta put a marker down.
Bellerin – pure pace out wide – not the greatest defensively but with a solid back-three backing him up, he’s given that bit more freedom to get forward, our sides counting on quick breaks so with I’m guessing Hazard and Marcelo down his flank, we’ll need him on his bike early.
Max – a bit of an unknown quantity to me but his stats make great reading, assisting in big numbers, we want him out wide banging the crosses into the box for our strikers to get on to.
Modric & Vidal – These two compliment each other nicely and give me a nice fix to my biggest weakness from last season, Modric is a busy player and we want him playing his natural game, get it down move it on, get it back and move it on. He doesn’t have the stats to mark him as a great but we all know his true value. Vidal brings the muscle, if he has a good game then we’re in business, I don’t want to harness him, he’s given free licence to get stuck in and with Luiz joining the midfield when we have the ball, he has ample cover to get forward and contribute – if he smashes up Casemiro then all the better.
Iniesta – the #10, the legs may no longer be as willing but we saw in spells at the world cup that even though Spain had a mare, he still has the magic, always been one step ahead and able to find space.. he’ll be operating between the lines, doesn’t matter who RoF has sit on him, I trust Iniesta to find a touch lay it off and be away….Iniesta and Modric can dictate the tempo and wait for the right time for that killer through-ball.
Icardi & Vardy – not what you would call a natural partnership BUT RoF’s defence has a nice physical look about it, I don’t wanna get dragged into a wrestling contest, what I want is my 2 strikers to be playing off the shoulders of their defenders and making those killer runs into the box. They have to trust that Modric and Iniesta can pick them out, let’s be honest you know they will be able to find them. Use Ramos’ natural aggression against him, turn him and make him chase you down into his own box – Vardy is an expert and trailing a leg to win a penalty – Fan I hope you’re reading that
Substitutions including me getting a red-card
DDG red – take off Vardy bring on Forster
One of my CB’s take off Vardy bring on Keane
One of my WB’s take off Vardy bring on Zappacosta
Vidal or Modric take off Vardy bring on Neves
Iniesta take off yea you guessed and bring on Iniesta
Icardi or Vardy – go with one up top.
At 60 mins then take off
take off Icardi and bring on Morata add some physicality and hold up play.
If the red isn’t for us…60 mins
Morata > Vardy
Lallana > Iniesta
posted on 3/8/18
Leicester City v Tottenham Hotspur (Community Shield)
--------------------- Courtois -----------------------
-------- Boateng -– Bonucci -– D.Sanchez -------
Cancelo – M.Verratti –- B.Matuidi – T.Hernandez
------------------- C.Eriksen -----------------------
------------- S.Aguero –- T.Werner ---------------
Subs: A.McCarthy, S.Aurier, S.Khedira, L.Alberto, X.Shaqiri, L.Bailey, M.Asensio
Defence
We go 3-5-2 as we look to contain the opposition and hit them on the break with our quality in attack. The aim is to keep the game tight, we have 3 solid CB’s with Boateng and Sanchez possessing great pace which will be key when containing the oppositions attack. The fullbacks will start conservative for the first 15 minutes, essentially employing a back 5 and giving the opposition no room to manoeuvre. As the game opens up our fullbacks and in particular Cancelo will look to hit the opposition on the flanks, the opposition have some fantastic attacking fullbacks however we feel they can be got at defensively and will look to use this to our advantage. Cancelo in particular will be a key outlet as we feel this is an area of the field where there could be some real space to attack. When he pushes forward Boateng covers the RB spot to ensure that we always have at least a back 4 even when we are on the attack, limiting the threat of a counter.
A criticism of a back three is that the CB’s can pulled out on the flanks and isolated against the wingers, to counter this the fullbacks will drop in to cover the space. Our outside CB's both have a lot of pace however they will not look to engage the wingers out wide, we stick to a tight solid 3 and let the wingers have the ball out wide if need be. They will then be forced to either come inside and run into traffic with the middle of field extremely congested, or be forced to cross the ball and with 3 dominant CB’s we expect to have the advantage aerially to deal with any balls into the box.
Midfield
Verratti plays the holding role in midfield, tenacious in the tackle he also operates as a deep lying playmaker. In a counter attacking set up we expect him to move the ball quickly as we break at speed, look for the runs of the advancing wingbacks, specifically targeting the right flank where we anticipate space or look for the ball in behind and utilise the speed of Werner. Alongside Verratti we have Matuidi in the box to box role, a physical presence we also expect him to help out defensively and break up the play. Whilst Verratti will look for the quick pass Matuidi will be the ball carrier, make driving runs through the middle of the park drawing in the oppositions defenders and freeing up our strikers. Eriksen starts in the AM role, he will be our creator in chief. We expect him to thrive with two clever strikers ahead of him, Werner has the pace whereas Aguero’s movement in exceptional. With a fantastic strike from long range Eriksen has license to shoot on sight should the oppositions drop off and give him space.
Attack
We feel a front two of Aguero and Werner dovetail perfectly, both have great bursts of speed and Aguero in particular is a deadly finisher. The opposition have some top CB’s however we will look to move them around. Aguero will be the link-up between midfield and attack, look to get the ball into his feet for quick one two’s to create space to get the shot off. Werner will drift along the frontline, if the opposition focus on stopping the ball into Aguero’s feet then Werner will look to exploit the space in behind with his pace. Both strikers will look to shoot on sight.
Team Tactics
We look to throw something different out there in this tie, with it being the season opener we expect a cagy opening and with tired legs in the second half we will employ two different tactics and quite literally make it a game of two halves.
First Half
The focus will be to keep the game tight, stick together and congest the middle of the field. The aim is to quite simply take the sting out of the opposition. Essentially employing a back five and two holding midfielders we look to defend in numbers and frustrate the opposition, when we win back possession we look to move the ball quickly and play direct counter attacking football. Playing on the break will suit the likes of Eriksen, Aguero and Werner who thrive in space. We don’t press the opposition and let them have the ball in their own half, let them pass it sideways whilst we organise our defensive shape. We anticipate the first half of the game being tight, frustrate the opposition and keep them away from the danger area. We sit relatively deep negating any space in behind and in doing so force the opposition higher up the pitch, this in turn creates plenty of space for our forwards to make runs in behind and with the vision and creativity of Eriksen we expect them to receive plenty of opportunities.
Second Half
Given our first half tactics we expect things to be tight at the break. This will play perfectly into our hands as we open things up in the second half and look to take the game to the opposition. Around the hour mark we go into phase two of our plan. We look to entirely flip the script and bring on who we hope to be our game winners Bailey and Asensio. With it being the season opener we naturally expect legs to tire at this stage so we really crank things up by bringing on two speedsters in attack. They will look to be direct, take the opposition on and go straight for goal. With assist kings Eriksen and L.Alberto we expect to create them plenty of chances as we look to put in a dazzling second half and go big for the win.
Subs 60 mins;
If drawing: Sanchez, Matuidi and Werner off, Asensio, Bailey and Luis Alberto on. We go 4-3-3, back four of Cancelo, Boateng, Bonucci and Theo. Eriksen and L.Alberto either side of Verratti in midfield with a front 3 of L.Bailey, Aguero, Asensio.
If winning: Werner and Eriksen off. Khedira and Alberto on. Shut up shop time as we go 5-4-1 with a solid back five, fullbacks drop deep alongside CB’s. Khedira comes on as an extra DM in midfield as we form a solid defensive unit with zero room for the opposition to operate as we see the game out.
If losing: Cancelo, Hernandez and Matuidi off, Bailey, Asensio and Alberto on . We go to 3-2-3-2 with Bailey, Asensio and L.Alberto as an attacking trio behind Aguero and Werner as we all guns blazing and look to turn the tie on its head.
posted on 7/8/18
------------------------ Oblak --------------------------
Sidibe ------- Pavard ------- Varane ------- Sandro
-------------- Fabinho ------- Tolisso ----------------
Mbappe ----------- Griezmann ------------ Neymar
-------------------- Aubameyang ---------------------
Gunn, Rugani, Tousart, Lemar, Neres, Aouar, Belotti
We want to play high tempo football, quick on the break and really pressurise the opposition with an in yer face performance
Oblak is an imposing figure between the sticks with excellent reflexes to make him a commanding shot-stopper and comfortable with the ball at his feet, 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.
Pavard and Varane at CB, Pavard picks up the CF, Varane sits spare picking up a 2nd CF/AM, keep the forward(s) away from the danger area, by getting onto them quickly and be strong, take the ball away from them and play it away out of defence, look to get it out wide quickly when we retain possession, Both are very comfortable on the ball so can bring it out when in no danger and look for the pass longer to the wingers or Striker to hit them quickly with pace, to get us moving forward. Sidibe and Sandro at fullback, we must keep the wingers quiet, stop them and we stop a lot of there attacks. Both are perfect for this, They will look to keep them away from shooting areas and stop them becoming dangerous in any position by standing tall against them and keeping them on there 'bad' foot. When they attack an ddrive down the wing to support, only at a time as to not let ourselves be exposed, they drive down the line in support of the wingers, Sandro gets outside Neymar to allow him to cut inside whereas Sidibe will support Mbappe by either pushing out wide or going inside to allow the winger to drive passed his man, but the two always make themselves available to the wingers. I want both CBs to go up for corners, with the fullbacks and Tolisso sitting back.
In the centre of the pitch are Fabinho and Tolisso, Fabinho our main defensive player who will shadow there AM and not allow him to control the game, Tolisso their to lend a hand to stop them coming through. Fabinho must be aware of all that is around him, be in the right place at the right time and look to cover for defensive players moving forward, he has to impose himself early on the AM to make him wary of holding onto the ball too long, once on the ball look around, head up and pick the pass that will get us moving forward quickly, can be out to the fullbacks or indeed a longer ball to the front three to take the opposition out of it as they are still high up the pitch. Tolisso's role is to assist Fabinho, make our midfield very difficult to pass through, protect our defence as best as possible and again in possession get it to our more creative players up front, keep it simple. Can move forward to assist and look for balls coming out so he can either, shoot or whip straight back in.
Griezzman is our creator, not everything will go through him, but he is essential to our style of play, he is the link between defence and attack, as we break quickly he will look to set up our front three. At times he will drop deeper to pick up the ball get his head up and see who is in the best position to receive the ball and that's where he will put it, he will follow his pass and make up the numbers up front. When he doesn't drop deep ie when the defenders go long, he will look to form a front four as they move around and look to tear the defence apart.
Our front four are extremely quick, when we don't have the ball they drop back a bit to make up the numbers as they attack, push into the faces of the opposition to force them into mistakes and hopefully in the end they lose the ball, when they do lose the ball we charge at them and we do it quickly, either a long ball over defenders,go through Griezmann or indeed out to one of our attacking fullbacks. Our mobile front 3 are set up as they are, however, the movement up front will see us make their defenders move out of position to follow their player, thus allowing Griezmann to pick his moment to move into space either as a No.9 or out wide. If he does push wide this will allow Mbappe/Neymar to go in central as we will have an attacking fullback up and supporting. Quick passing in triangles that will get us in and beyond their defenders and eventually to Aubameyang and the other winger who will look to get into space to get a shot off.
Captian - Varane
Penalties - Aubameyang/Neymar
Free Kicks - Griezmann/Neymar
Corners - Griezmann/Neymar
Subs -
Losing -
70 Mins - Sandro and Sidibe off - Belotti and Rugani on - 3412
80 Mins - Neres for Griezmann, he goes out wide and Mbappe up top 343 and we go more direct
Winning -
75 Mins - Tousart for Griezmann, sit in a 3 man midfield
82 Mins - Belotti for Aubameyang, ball will stick to him when he gets it, but still good for a goal
86 Mins - Aouar for Neymar, go to LM and Mbappe back in a 5 man mid
Drawing -
75 Mins - Neres for Mbappe fresh legs
80 Mins - Belotti for Aubameyang
posted on 9/8/18
Bournemouth Tactics:
Captain: Conti
Vice Captain: Paredes
Team:
---------------------Rossi
Bustos--Conti—Veríssimo--Saracchi
-------------------Paredes
-----------Wendel------Paquetá
Cunha-----------------------------Everton
-------------------Gómez
SUBS: Altamirano, Militão, Senesi, Maycon, Vargas, Rodríguez, González
We want to play a neat crisp passing game at high tempo using our obvious pace to punish the opponent. Our formation will be a 4-3-3 that will allow our full backs to join in the attack when necessary and also offer us the flexibility to fall back into a more standard 4-4-2 when under pressure. We need to boss the midfield from the start and control the game with our own tempo. When in possession use the ball well and try and bring our wide men in to play. When chasing the ball press the opponent with urgency and all over the park. Don’t take too many risks and hold onto the ball. With our creativity and pace we will be able to open teams up. Wait for the chances to arise and take them when they come.
Goalkeeper: Rossi is a big mobile keeper and very agile. A great shot stopper, he will communicate with the back 4 and be commanding with the high ball. He will not take any risks. He is a great distributor with both hand and foot and we will look to this as a way to launch quick attacks.
Defence: Our 2 full backs are there firstly to defend and make sure they stay on the right side of their opponents whether they be out wide or cutting inside. When we are on the attack they will be allowed to use their power and pace to provide the overlap on the flanks. They both have the power and the lungs to work the touchline for 90 minutes. They will make the pitch wide and always offer themselves as an option in attack. Our 2 centre halves are big 6 feet plus ball playing defenders. Both good in the air and equally as good with the ball at their feet. They will be asked to do the simple things well. Be aggressive but controlled in the tackle and never lose your man when defending dead ball situations. They will be able to bring the ball out of defence but if in doubt take absolutely no chances and clear it. Both big men will be a real aerial threat at set pieces.
Midfield: Paredes will be the midfield general. A physical pacey midfielder he will be there to boss this area for us. Breaking up play and filling in as an extra defender if one of our back 4 has ventured forward. He will be there to protect the defence and do a lot of the unseen dirty work in the centre of the park. He is essential to our game plan and while sitting deep will still offer a lot with his great passing ability. He also has a thunderbolt right foot. Wendel and Paquetá will play just in front of Paredes. Wendel will be a more box to box type. He will be involved all over and will offer as much in defence as in attack. Paquetá will be the midfield magician. Clever, elusive and tricky we will look to him for creating the midfield openings with his eye for a pass. We will look at their enthusiasm and relentless pressing of the opposition as a way to hopefully get a bit of a grip on the midfield and at the very least not make it plain sailing for the opposition.
Wingers/Centre Forward: When in possession both Cunha and Everton will be expected to go for the direct approach and use their power and speed to take on the opposition defence and beat them and bring Paquetá, Wendel and Gómez in to play. They can vary their attacks by going wide or cutting inside as they see fit. Both players can play all across the middle so don’t be surprised to see them swapping wings. At times Wendel may sit a bit deeper allowing Paquetá to slot in between both wingers, just behind the CF. As well as an attacking force both wingers will also have to put a defensive shift when called upon and act as back up for their respective full backs.
Gómez starts as the CF. He won’t be short of support or ammunition with the attacking talent behind him. Great big old fashioned centre forward. We will look for him to hold up and bring others in to play if it doesn’t seem to be on for him. An eye for a pass and not afraid to have a go from distance. We will look to get bodies in the box when attacking so he should always have an outlet. He is also great in the air and will provide an option from set pieces. When the shot is on he will take it but we also want to put himself about in the box and think that his power pace will be a real handful for defences. He will also be alert to any scraps in and around the goal. He has the ability to produce something sublime and create a chance out of nothing.
Free Kicks/Corners: Paquetá, Everton or Cunha with Conti, Veríssimo, Paredes and Gómez to offer an aerial threat. Paquetá and Everton (with his thunderbolt left foot) may try their luck with several free kicks from distance.
Penalties: Gómez
Substitutions: (if winning on 80 minutes) Rodríguez for Cunha, González for Gómez and Maycon for Wendel, 3 like for like substitutions.
If losing (on 80 minutes) Rodríguez for Wendel and González for Cunha. Shift to a 4-1-3-2 attack. González and Rodríguez offering fresh legs, pace and a bit of the unknown in attack.
---------------------Paredes
Rodríguez------- Paquetá ----Everton
------------Gómez --------González
posted on 9/8/18
Balanced 3-4-2-1
At home we play a balanced 3-4-2-1, attacking with width. The 3 at the back giving freedom the wbs to get the best out of them in attack.
With players like Modric and Iniesta they're going to have more possession naturally, so we look to get numbers behind the ball and use a mid-press. We feel the 3-4-2-1 formation is perfect for this defensive play, and allows Hazard and Coutinho the freedom to attack and support Costa. Let them have possession in the deeper areas and as soon as they get into the middle third and the midfield we press with a high tempo. When we win the ball we attack quickly at pace.
Five defenders in the side and Casemiro gives us a strong defensive platform, but also allows our attackers the freedom to be at their best, with plenty of attacking threat and goals in the side.
Costa comes in up top, bringing power to the team as we look to to play with a high tempo. He gets everyone going from the front and crucially his style of play as a focal point up top will also give more freedom to Coutinho and Hazard to find get on the ball in space and dangerous areas. We feel this will be key to getting at this Villa side. Target them out wide.
We want both wbs bombing forward in attack, their runs will be a key outlet as we look to attack down the wings. The wbs stretch the side, again to help create space for Hazard, Coutinho in attacking areas. Coutinho/Hazard getting in between their defence and midfield and running at them.
Laporte, being a left footer he is key for ensuring we have balance defensively and brings composure to our play from the back. All three have the ability to play out from the back, Hummels in particular with his accurate long balls putting us on the front foot quickly. Having the natural right and left footers also helps when we narrow to the side of play, will be able to come wide if we need to go back and they can spray the passes about accurately from the back.
Defensively, Ramos will look to man mark the most advanced striker, Hummels is a brilliant reader of the game and so acts the cb that sweeps up. Laporte marking any other attacking players that are in their line.
Casemiro is the most defensive of the midfielders, he looks to provide cover in front of the back 3. Reading the play and getting across to intercept and break any quick Villa attacks. Thiago is in a more box to box role, his ability to defend strongly in deep areas will be importantly, but he will also be our main playmaker in midfield. Coutinho/Hazard will also be looking to come deep and help in the build up play, and with our wbs we are not short of creativity.
We keep our attacking plan simple, attack down the wings, Thiago creating and getting our wbs and Coutinho/Hazard linking up. Costa up top just plays his usual game, run around like a mad man, create openings for others and get in the box to get on the end of crosses and passes.
-------------------- Neuer
----- S.Ramos -- Hummels -- Laporte
Carvajal -- Casemiro -- Thiago -- Marcelo
------- Coutinho ---------- E.Hazard -----
-------------------- D.Costa
Subs. Schmeichel, Vallejo, Partey, Doucoure, Lopes, Martial, Ronaldo
Defensive Shape
Defensively, if they have the ball central we look to get in a 3-4-2-1 formation, getting 9 players behind the ball, with the two AMs more central, look to force the opposition wide. In the central areas we keep our zonal shape, not pressing with the same high intensity as we look to ensure we don't leave gaps in the formation to play through. Defending in numbers leaving no space. Force them into wide and deep areas.
When the opposition have the ball in a wide area we narrow to that side of the park and we press with a high intensity.
When they do get past this mid press, the wb and am on the opposite side of play drop back a position, and the wide cb on side of play goes to fb, forming a 4-4-1-1 formation. Giving us a wide cb, wb and am on the side of play the opposition are attacking to defend.
The AM on the side of play takes a central position seeking to man mark their deeper cm. We then have two strong defensive lines behind the ball.
Centrally, Casemiro will always look to sit zonally in front of the cbs. Picking up any dangers that may arive in front of the cbs. Casemiro will press from a position next to Thiago.
We leave Costa forward at this poin, looking to split the cbs. Give us the option to find him in space and break quickly.
Attacking
We look to attack at pace down the wings. We will counter where possible, but we have the quality to build patiently as well.
Attacking down the wings, we look to use the strenth of our wbs going forward, get them running down the lines. Get them linking up with the AMs. Thiago too always looking to get on the ball, spreading the play wide and creating. Casemiro sits, giving us plenty of cover at the back and an option to go back and start the attack again.
Subs.
If winning after 65 mins bring on Ronaldo for Costa.
If winning after 72 mins bring on Martial and Doucoure for Coutinho and Thiago. Hazard to the right am spot. Give us pure pace and power to get at Villa as the game opens up.
If drawing after 65 mins bring on Doucoure for Casemiro. More box to box to give us more in attack and fresh energy in cm.
If drawing after 72 mins bring on Ronaldo for Costa.
If drawing after 80 mins bring on Martial for Laporte. Switch to 4-3-3. Coutinho AM, Hazard right.
If losing after 60 mins bring on Martial for Laporte. Coutinho AM, Hazard right and Martial left.
If losing after 70 mins bring on Ronaldo for Costa.
If losing after 75 mins bring on Doucoure for Thiago. Bring fresh power and goals to midfield.
If a red for:
Neuer - bring on Schmeichel for Laporte. 4-4-1. Wbs drop to fb.
A cb - no red sub, 4-4-1.
A wb - no red sub, 4-4-1, rcb/lcb to rb/lb.
A cm - Bring on Doucoure for Coutinho.
An am - no red sub, 4-4-1.
Costa - Bring on Ronaldo for Coutinho.
posted on 11/8/18
MANCHESTER CITY vs Wolverhampton Wanderers
4-3-3 Holding
Injuries:
Alessio Romagnoli
Dan-Axel Zagadou
Rafinha Alcantara
Pablo Fornals
--------------------------Rico----------------------
R.Pereira-------Akanji----Zouma--------Jorge
-----------------------A.Pereira------------------
----------------Fred------------Witsel-----------
Willian----------------Fekir-------------Gelson
Substitutes: Dragowski; A.Toure; Milenkovic; Golovin; Kessie; Oyarzabal; Correa
Captain: Witsel
Penalties: Fekir
Direct Free-Kicks: Willian
Indirect Free Kicks: Andreas Pereira
Corners: Gelson Martins
Game Plan:
We will start in a 4-3-3 formation, dropping back to 4-5-1 in defence, in order to reinforce the midfield out of possession. Andreas Pereira plays as a holding midfielder, flanked by Fred and Axel Witsel, while Willian and Gelso operated down the wings and Fekir holds the False 9 position. All 3 front men can play across the pitch and will be encouraged to swap positions to keep defenders guessing.
The main objective of the frontline is to force the Wlves GK to look for direct balls up to the forwards, where our large back four are set up to control any aerial threat. If the goalkeeper does try to go short to his centre-backs, we will them towards the central channel, while blocking the passing lanes to the either the holding midfielder or CM partnership. Our central forward player is key here, as he will constantly be closing the passing lanes through the middle.
We will prevent the Wolves midfielders from linking up with their forwards, forcing them to play backwards and then piling the pressure on the player in possession. Fred and Witsel stand out in particular here, organising the defensive effort and ensuring Wolves cannot establish a dominance in the centre of the pitch.
Should Wolves launch an attack, the aim is to remain tight in the defensive third - the two wing forwards will drop into midfield to cover any overlapping runs made by the Wolves full backs, and we will completely crowd the central channel of the pitch; this will force Wolves to either make their play down the flanks against 2 athletic defenders, or play backwards where our forward will be waiting to press and intercept.
We will be lethal on the counter-attack. The speed of the first wave of our breaks will ensure they escape concerted pressure from Wolves. Our attackers surge forwards, positioning themselves in behind the line of pressure ahead of the ball, thus providing the player who won the ball plenty of possession. Fred will be the standout player in these situations; with an impressive understanding of when and where to attack the free space both with and without the ball.
We will vary ourr approach in attack, alternating between direct play and passing through the thirds. Rico will often look to move the ball into the opposition half as quickly as possible, while the midfield has plenty of strength, aggression, and attacking intent in the middle of the park, constantly seeking to exploit any gaps in behind their opposing midfielders. Fred has the ability to make particularly good use of the space on the inside, projecting his side forwards in attack where they will outnumber the Wolves defensive midfield area.
As a collective, we are well balanced. In the final third we will locate our biggest threats in prime positions, where they will cause constant uncertainty in the last line of defence. Gelson, Fekir and Willian will regularly find openings with their pace and direct play, successfully exploiting the space in between the centre-backs and the full-backs alongside them.
In the defensive transition, we will re-organise quickly and effectively after losing the ball, Witsel and Fred leading the way in swarming around the man in possession with Andreas Pereira adept at covering the inside lanes and intercepting play. We will prevent Wolves from outnumbering us in this phase of the game, reducing the threat of the counter-attack.
Substitutes:
45 MINUTES (If winning, save this change for the 60th minute, otherwise :-
Angel Correa comes on for Gelson Martins - Correa favours the central areas and will be more aggressive. Giving the Wolves centre backs cause for concern and freeing up space for Willian and Fekir. Correa's pressing ability, too, will spell bad news for Wolves.
60 MINUTES (If winning, save this change for the 70th minute, otherwise :-
If drawing: Aleksandr Golovin for Fred - Both players have a fairly similar playing style. Golovin plays with intensity and will re-invigorate the pressing process in the centre of the park, while quickly changing defence to attack with mazy runs and incise passes.
70 MINUTES :-
Mikel Oyarzabal for Willian - Favouring the left side and allowing Fekir to play on the right where he is such a creative menace, Oyarzabal comes on with a history of incise finishing and clever play. He will work off the shoulder of the central player well, looking to drop into spaces created behind the defence to finish off attacking plays. He is also to be commended for the efforts he puts in defensively - keeping our forward line fresh is the best way to keep up that pressure on Wolves' build up play.
posted on 11/8/18
———————Ter Stegen
Odriozola——Sule——Upamecano——Gaya
————————Serdar
—————Keita—————Milinkovic
Brandt—————Dybala——————Guedes
Subs: Pope, Castro, Rudiger, Loftus-Cheek, Harit, B.Silva, Kane
Captain: Marc Andre Ter Stegen
Free Kicks: Paulo Dybala
Penalties: Paulo Dybala
Corners: Julien Brandt
High pressing from the get go, CMs will occupy the half spaces whilst the wide forwards will press from out to in to direct the opponents play centrally (allowing our FBs to stay in their defensive positions and maintain a strong back 4). Dybala will drop slightly to create a diamond shaped midfield as the wingers come inside, creating a 4-3-1-2 shape that naturally gives us better midfield coverage than the opposition, allowing us to outnumber them, forcing the ball in to the midfield and using the diamond’s energy to win it back quickly.
If they beat the initial press we drop deeper, maintaining a 4-3-1-2 with Guedes and Brandt remaining high and central on half way (making it difficult for the opposition midfield to go back to the defence to draw us out, but also giving us two direct counter threats). The midfield diamond and back 4 will have minimal space between them, again the FBs don’t need to press which allows us to maintain good coverage of the field centrally and on the flanks. This compact positioning and the energy of Keita and Milinkovic will make it very difficult for the opposition to play through us, whilst Dybala dropping onto their DM frees Serdar up focus solely on maintain compactness with clever positioning between the last two lines. We block central access now that they are in a more threatening position and force them wide, drawing their FBs forward, and also forcing their wingers infield to try and escape the tight marking of our FBs and provide Everton with the numbers to have any form of control over possession. When the opponent goes wide, our CMs will press the FBs, with the whole diamond shuffling across, as well as the ball side forward, to allow us to block central access for the FB with our CM, Dybala and forward, whilst our FBs stick to their wingers. Force their FBs long or to use switches of play, with our far side FB slightly higher than the rest of the defence and the far side forward slightly deeper ready to intercept these switches and counter quickly down the underloaded side.
If they manage to get far forward down the flanks, then crosses won’t hurt us. Ball side FB will go out to close the cross down, the first CB is covering the front of the box, 2nd CB the middle and far side FB the back of the area, with Serdar and one of the CMs dropping to edge of the box to cover cut backs and loose balls. Both CBs excel in the air.
In build up the aim is to create space between the lines. Our FBs will stay deep in build up and tuck in to force the opposition to press narrow. Our wingers will stay central in build up too (CF positions), to force Everton’s entire 11 more narrow. This leaves access to the wide areas open for our CMs, both of whom excel in these positions with space to run at retreating defences. Serdar drops towards the CBs to combine with the defence in short combinations, drawing the opposition midfield forward, opening up space behind them. Sule and Upamecano have excellent passing ranges and will look to fire laser passes into the next lines.
Our flexibly shape allows us to have fun in creating chances from this position. The CMs movement will be crucial, taking their markers wide in build up will open up space for Dybala to drop and receive a direct pass from the defence, with space to turn and attack Everton, with Brandt and Guedes able to run ahead of him and wide of him. If the CMs receive the ball behind the opposition wingers and free of their marker, Everton’s FBs will have to come out and close them down, opening up space for the ball side winger to run into (out to in from quick build up transitions), with Dybala acting as a link between CM and winger. We can also move the ball directly into Milinkovic, who can hold it up and draw the opposition on to him, before using Serdar/Dybala to find the runs of Keita on the free side, and from there Keita can use his speed to run directly at the opposition with space ahead.
Our Fbs push up as the attack progresses, particularly the ball side FB who will can right up and offer an out ball to switch play, as well as allowing the wide forward to remain central so we can create a 4 v 4 against their back line. When Brandt and Guedes stay narrow, Everton will likely do the same, which puts emphasis on the FBs to attack the flanks, both are in their element here and can use quick combinations to open Everton up.
The front three has been chosen for its flexibility, it can create a narrow 3, a wide 3, a 2-1 or a 1-2 shape, which won’t allow Everton to settle in their preferred defensive shape. Dybala orchestrates this, he goes where the space opens up, as a link man, a wide man or a target in the box.
Subs:
If Winning: Kane for Dybala 70’, stronger CF who can occupy the CBs, we will keep the wingers wide and keep the opponents tiring defence stretched. Silva for Brandt 75’. Castro for Gaya 80’, more defensive LB.
If Drawing: Kane for Milinkovic 65’, 4-2-3-1, maintain flexibility between the three behind Kane, but with an added goal threat. Silva and Harit for Brandt and Guedes 75’, fresh legs on the flanks to attack the opposition.
If Losing: Kane and Rudiger for Serdar and Brandt 60’, 3-4-3. Silva for Guedes 70’.
posted on 11/8/18
Formation: 3-4-3 (Sweeper System)
---------------------Perin
--------------------Söyüncü
---Caleta-Car----------------Baumgartl
--------------------Lobotka
-----Kampl--------------------Guerreiro
---------------------Ziyech
---Thauvin-----------------------Forsberg
---------------------Philipp
Subs: Müller, Arias, Klostermann, Tagliafico, Quintero, Gómez, Mariano
We will line-up with two lightening quick wingers in Florian Thauvin and Emil Forsberg patrolling each flank with the intelligent and technically superb Hakim Ziyech behind the equally gifted and pacy Maximilian Philipp.
My intentions are to pack the midfield with Kevin Kampl, Stanislav Lobotka and Raphaël Guerreiro protecting the back-three of Duje Caleta-Car, Timo Baumgartl and Caglar Söyüncü.
We will operate with Söyüncü as a sweeper. Pre-historic as it seems today, playing a sweeper will help to negate Birmingham’s threat in the attacking third. If Birmingham play 2 up front then Caleta-Car and Baumgartl will pick up a player each, and if Birmingham play 1 up front then Caleta-Car and Baumgartl will zonal mark, this will leave Söyüncü to pick up stray balls, runs from deep and anything Birmingham throw at him.
We will be comfortable in having 3 defenders against the 1 or 2 centre forwards, Caleta-Car and Baumgartl can comfortably pick up an attacking player each and if they fail to control Birmingham’s forward line, Söyüncü is the contingency plan.
With Caleta-Car and Baumgartl picking up the 1 or 2 centre forwards players our defence is narrow. This would give Birmingham’s wingers a lot of space to move forward. We will anticipate this by instructing our two central players – Kampl and Guerreiro to track these runs.
With Kampl and Guerreiro now tracking the runs of the wingers, it would leave Lobotka outnumbered in midfield. Hakim Ziyech will always look to drop into midfield so that we will always have a spare man. This spare man again will be Caglar Söyüncü – whose game intelligence and reading of the game will allow us to defend well.
When we are faced with doubling-up from our opposition (i.e. the opposition putting a winger and full back on to one of our defenders), we will use this to our advantage by switching the ball quickly and directly which will lead to our team finding an area of the pitch with no opposition player in. Such tactical nuances will be a distinct part of this Hull City team. This is an obvious and logical tactical ploy; this logical style of play will also be mixed up at times with a some individual flair – but expect at times for even talented players like Thauvin or Forsberg to play a simple yet effective pass instead of attempting to pass his marker.
These tactics have proved that they can work by one of the greatest Ajax teams. The quick movement to an area where Birmingham may be a man-short will allow us to keep possession comfortably as well as creating opportunities. We will hope to have the opportunity to find space in the most predictable of positions on the pitch.
Lobotka and Ziyech will always be available to receive the ball, and are capable of dissecting Birmingham’s midfield with ease.
Our flexible, hard-working system will allow us to have a spare-man available when Andover have the ball, but significantly, it will gave flexibility and strength in keeping possession. With Lobotka and Ziyech both floating around the half-way line and attacking third respectively, we can move the ball with ease.
Birmingham may find it difficult to react to these players, as if they do move out of position to get closer to Lobotka and Ziyech, the shape of Birmingham’s team may fall apart. If an attempt is made to combat the constant space we hope Ziyech will be receiving. This will only give slick-heeled Thauvin and Forsberg more space to receive the ball.
My use of Kampl and Guerreiro will also be of interest too. As well as having defensive responsibilities, they will be instructed to run from deep to connect with our wingers and forwards. It will be their late runs that will often be the most dangerous to penetrate Birmingham. To do this, both Kampl and Guerreiro will show superb tactical understanding and discipline, not to mention supreme physical fitness. The combination of quick passing and runs from deep will be a constant menace for the Birmingham back-line. The implication of this will be that if Birmingham try to play a high-line to combat the threat of Ziyech, then Birmingham will have to drop deeper and deeper to negate the threat of our quick triangles through the midfield.
Maximilian Philipp will not operate as purely an out and out centre forward – as he will also have a license to come a little bit deeper for the ball and run at defences, putting his pace and ability on the ball to full use. In that sort of scenario I will allow Thauvin or Forsberg to come a bit more central and make sure that Kampl or Guerreiro push out a bit wider to cover - meaning we will still keep a good shape in attack and also be well set out if Birmingham do try a counter.
Subs:
75th Minute – Klostermann for Caleta-Car, Quintero for Ziyech, Mariano for Philipp
posted on 11/8/18
TYPO IN 1ST TACTICS USE THESE
Formation: 3-4-3 (Sweeper System)
---------------------Perin
--------------------Söyüncü
---Caleta-Car----------------Baumgartl
--------------------Lobotka
-----Kampl--------------------Guerreiro
---------------------Ziyech
---Thauvin-----------------------Forsberg
---------------------Philipp
Subs: Müller, Arias, Klostermann, Tagliafico, Quintero, Gómez, Mariano
We will line-up with two lightening quick wingers in Florian Thauvin and Emil Forsberg patrolling each flank with the intelligent and technically superb Hakim Ziyech behind the equally gifted and pacy Maximilian Philipp.
My intentions are to pack the midfield with Kevin Kampl, Stanislav Lobotka and Raphaël Guerreiro protecting the back-three of Duje Caleta-Car, Timo Baumgartl and Caglar Söyüncü.
We will operate with Söyüncü as a sweeper. Pre-historic as it seems today, playing a sweeper will help to negate Birmingham’s threat in the attacking third. If Birmingham play 2 up front then Caleta-Car and Baumgartl will pick up a player each, and if Birmingham play 1 up front then Caleta-Car and Baumgartl will zonal mark, this will leave Söyüncü to pick up stray balls, runs from deep and anything Birmingham throw at him.
We will be comfortable in having 3 defenders against the 1 or 2 centre forwards, Caleta-Car and Baumgartl can comfortably pick up an attacking player each and if they fail to control Birmingham’s forward line, Söyüncü is the contingency plan.
With Caleta-Car and Baumgartl picking up the 1 or 2 centre forwards players our defence is narrow. This would give Birmingham’s wingers a lot of space to move forward. We will anticipate this by instructing our two central players – Kampl and Guerreiro to track these runs.
With Kampl and Guerreiro now tracking the runs of the wingers, it would leave Lobotka outnumbered in midfield. Hakim Ziyech will always look to drop into midfield so that we will always have a spare man. This spare man again will be Caglar Söyüncü – whose game intelligence and reading of the game will allow us to defend well.
When we are faced with doubling-up from our opposition (i.e. the opposition putting a winger and full back on to one of our defenders), we will use this to our advantage by switching the ball quickly and directly which will lead to our team finding an area of the pitch with no opposition player in. Such tactical nuances will be a distinct part of this Hull City team. This is an obvious and logical tactical ploy; this logical style of play will also be mixed up at times with a some individual flair – but expect at times for even talented players like Thauvin or Forsberg to play a simple yet effective pass instead of attempting to pass his marker.
These tactics have proved that they can work by one of the greatest Ajax teams. The quick movement to an area where Birmingham may be a man-short will allow us to keep possession comfortably as well as creating opportunities. We will hope to have the opportunity to find space in the most predictable of positions on the pitch.
Lobotka and Ziyech will always be available to receive the ball, and are capable of dissecting Birmingham’s midfield with ease.
Our flexible, hard-working system will allow us to have a spare-man available when Birmingham have the ball, but significantly, it will gave flexibility and strength in keeping possession. With Lobotka and Ziyech both floating around the half-way line and attacking third respectively, we can move the ball with ease.
Birmingham may find it difficult to react to these players, as if they do move out of position to get closer to Lobotka and Ziyech, the shape of Birmingham’s team may fall apart. If an attempt is made to combat the constant space we hope Ziyech will be receiving. This will only give slick-heeled Thauvin and Forsberg more space to receive the ball.
My use of Kampl and Guerreiro will also be of interest too. As well as having defensive responsibilities, they will be instructed to run from deep to connect with our wingers and forwards. It will be their late runs that will often be the most dangerous to penetrate Birmingham. To do this, both Kampl and Guerreiro will show superb tactical understanding and discipline, not to mention supreme physical fitness. The combination of quick passing and runs from deep will be a constant menace for the Birmingham back-line. The implication of this will be that if Birmingham try to play a high-line to combat the threat of Ziyech, then Birmingham will have to drop deeper and deeper to negate the threat of our quick triangles through the midfield.
Maximilian Philipp will not operate as purely an out and out centre forward – as he will also have a license to come a little bit deeper for the ball and run at defences, putting his pace and ability on the ball to full use. In that sort of scenario I will allow Thauvin or Forsberg to come a bit more central and make sure that Kampl or Guerreiro push out a bit wider to cover - meaning we will still keep a good shape in attack and also be well set out if Birmingham do try a counter.
Subs:
75th Minute – Klostermann for Caleta-Car, Quintero for Ziyech, Mariano for Philipp
posted on 11/8/18
NEWCASTLE 4-1-4-1
__________Chesney
Azpi____Alder___Godin___Robbo
___________Kante
Salah___Koke___James____Reus
__________Suarez
SUBS: Skriniar, Rose, N’Zonzi, Pjanic, Rebic, Firmino, Lukaku
Captain: Luis Suarez
Penalties: Luis Suarez
Corners: James Rodriguez
Freekicks: James Rodriguez
Crossing Freekick: Koke
The formation deployed today is so that we gain as much control as possible higher up he pitch. We expect to have more of the ball so patience is key. We also expect the four behind the striker to drift around a bit, getting into positions where their natural play can cause damage. The striker up front presses when we don’t have the ball and the two closest players will support and cut passing lanes to help win the ball higher up. The quality of our players will hopefully allow them to break through the oppositions press. When we have the ball we will want to attract the press and use the spaces that they open up to attack.
Full backs will get forward when the opportunity arises. Our full backs are good at feeding our forward line with their ability on the ball and we aim to utilize that with their ability to get up the pitch and tactical arareness. We also need our full backs to widen the pitch for us. Our centre halves are good on the ball, and a long punt every now and then to utilize our pace out wide is encouraged.
The defensive midfielder will drop in to form a back three so that the centre backs can split wide to push the full backs general position higher up in line with the midfielders (and wide forwards engage their back line along with the striker). In doing so we create a four man midfield to overpower their midfield. This will allow our midfield to be flexible, if one of their midfielders steps forward, one of ours will move into the space they vacated.
By having our wide forwards up front when we have the ball it will effectively create space out wide. We would expect our full backs to sometimes go infield to collect the ball from the keeper, while one of the midfielders goes wide so when he receives the ball he will have time to look up and pick passes as the opposition midfield will be reluctant to press which will leave a man free in midfield. This can be done by a midfielder too, dropping deep to create a free man in the first line with time on the ball, ping it straight to the striker who can lay it off to the other onrushing midfielder.
If short passing options aren’t available the passing range and accuracy of our keeper will safely transfer the ball forwards via our full backs, wherever they are on the pitch. The keeper can also dink the ball into space for the striker or wide forward to control taking out 6 or 7 opposition players in the process.
When we don’t have the ball we will expect our four behind the striker to drop into a 4-5-1 in support of our defensive midfielder. We will also create triangles to trap the opposition players that have the ball, cutting the passing lanes and others putting pressure on players that might receive the ball. We stop the oppositions rhythm and force them into mistakes with our pressure. To stop their counter attacks after we lose the ball, three players will swarm the ball carrier before he can get his head up to play. If they beat the immediate press when the team’s main goal is to push their play wide where they can do the least damage. Our midfielders are an integral part to our play, when we win the ball back we will create space and time for them with our team shape.
Subs
65 mins: Pjanic comes on for Reus, our legs will start to tire so keeping the ball will be even more important. James will go left.
75 mins: Bobby comes on for Suarez, a different style of forward play for the opposition to think about.
If winning 80 mins: N’Zonzi comes on for Koke to close out the game.
If losing/drawing 80 mins: Lukaku comes on for Koke and play 2 up front.
posted on 11/8/18
BRUM vs hull
---------------------------------Lafont--------------------------------
Hysaj------------Diop---------------Maguire---------------Dalot
----------------------------------Ndidi--------------------------------------
-----------------Hamsik----------------Kondogbia---------------------
Under-------------------------------------------------------------Kluivert
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------Higuain------------------------------------------
Subs - Lunin, Mukiele, Fabian Ruiz, I Sarr, Coman, Robben, Gnabry
CAPTAIN - HAMSIK
CK'S - HAMSIK
FK'S - KLUIVERT
PENALTIES - HIGUAIN
A new start to the season and will continue with the 433 which I played for the majority of last season. We will focus on wing play by using our pacy wingers to create chances to score.
I want us to hold a deep defensive line to start of with so the oppo dont get an early goal. Keep things simple in the beginning and only pressure the oppo when they get in our half. When we have the ball I want the team to play pass and move football. Don't stay static, try and get in behind the oppo defence as there is a lot of pace in our attacking players. As the game goes on, when we don't have the ball I want the team to defend from the front line and pressure the oppo and try and win possession back. Do this in fits and bursts as it is a tiring tactic.
Defence
Lafont is a quality young keeper. Don't take risks. Punch the ball away if the shot is too powerful. Command your area. The defence is well balanced. Maguire and Diop bring a whole lot of experience and pace to the defence. Maguire will use his experience to marshal the defence and Diop will look to use his pace to close the oppo strikers down. Stay vocal with each other and cover for each other if oppo gets past one of you. Full backs will start of with a conservative mind set and not attack too much but as the game goes on I want them to make overlapping runs and get some crosses in to the box. Ndidi and Kondogbia will be covering for them when they go attacking.
Defence Mid
Ndidi
Matic will be the anchor in the middle. Stay back in front of the defence and protect the defence with your life. If the oppo play an AM then stick close to him and mark him if possible. When our fullbacks are attacking then your main priority will be to cover for them. When in possession pass the ball out to the wings or play a through ball from deep to our wingers.
Centre Mids
Kondogbia + Hamsik
Kondogbia will play more as a b2b mid but will be able to help both in attack and defence as he has a lot of stamina. He will be making run's forward and helping our attackers with quick passes and penetrating runs from deep. Hamsik will be playing CM on paper but his main role will be to help in attack. When not in possession of the ball Hamsik will look to close down the oppo DM's and win the ball off them. No need to stay too deep as Kondogbia and Ndidi are adequate cover in the middle. When attacking I want Hamsik to make runs into the oppo box and bring others into the game. Play 1 2's with the wingers and create space for yourself and your teammates. Shoot if you see an opening at goal.
Wingers
Under + Kluivert
These 2 will be the focal point of my attack. They are 2 young and hungry players and I want to give them the freedom to express themselves in attack. Kluivert will be looking to cut in from the right and Under likewise onto his left. I want you both to try and beat the oppo fullbacks with your pace and dribbling ability but don't try too hard as if you see them doubling up on you you can either pass back or into the centre of the pitch to one of our CM's. I want you both to be aware of our fullbacks and play pass and move 1 2's with them to try and penetrate the oppo back line. Hysaj and Dalot are no slouches attacking wise so use them! If you can cut in onto your stronger foot, don't be afraid to shoot from range as you both have the ability to score from long range. If there is no space to do so then take the ball to the byline and whip in crosses for Higuain to get his head on. When we are defending corners I want both of them to stay near the halfway line so we can hit the oppo on the counter attack.
Striker
Gonzalo Higuain
Higuain will look to use his strength to get the better of the oppo defence. Be vary of crosses into the box as you are decent in the air, and if you are through on goal, use your expert finishing to score. Time your runs off the shoulders of the oppo CB's and hold the ball up for Kluiver/Under to make infield runs ahead of you.
Subs if LOSING BY 65MINS
Put on Gnabry for Kondogbia, Robben for Under and Coman for Hamsik to bring some more pace on. Play a high line and try and get a goal. Change formation to 41212.
--------------------------------Lafont--------------------------------
Hysaj-------------Diop-----------Maguire------------Dalot
-------------------------------Ndidi------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Robben----------------------------------------------------------Kluivert
-------------------------------Coman------------------------------------
--------------------Gnabry-----------Higuain--------------------------
Subs if WINNING BY 80MINS
Take off Hamsik and put on Mukiele in CB and play defensive with everyone in our own half defending for their lives, waiting to hit the oppo on the counter attack. Sarr on for Kluivert and Gnabry for Higuain.
-------------------------------Lafont--------------------------------
Hysaj-------Mukiele------Diop--------Maguire-------Dalot
-----------------------Ndidi--------Kondogbia----------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------Under-----------------------------------------Sarr---------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------Gnabry----------------------------------------
Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Robben on for Under
Fabian on for Hamsik
Gnabry on for Higuain
Fresh legs to bring on.
posted on 11/8/18
Arsenal vs Newcastle United
-------------------------Lloris
Danilo-------Manolas---Kompany---Rodriguez
---------Ramsay-----Herrera-----Fabregas
----Malcolm--------Cavani------------Costa
Pickford, Cedric, Sane, Cook, Tadic, Aspas, Foden
Pre-season has allowed us the opportunity to experiment with a few new positions, and today I wish to try a 4-3-3 formation to combat against Newcastle. We are still embracing the pace out wide which proved so important for us at the end of last season, combined with what we think is a better hold in midfield. We are missing Goretzka, who would usually start, but Fabregas has been called in, to serve as something of a playmaker for the rest of the team, though not everything will need to go through him.
Defensively we have gone from a three at the back to a four. This may seem like a risk to some, but I think it will work. In Kompany and Lloris we have two players with experience capable of marshalling the rest of them. We will intend to play the ball out of the back, converting defense to attack with pace, without relying on long balls forward. Danilo and Rodriguez will be allowed to push forward to contribute going forward, with both being very capable of getting down the line and getting involved in chances, whether that is getting into the box or providing dangerous crosses. Lloris will operate as a sweeper keeper, comfortable with the ball at his feet and coming off his line to good effect.
Herrera is the linchpin of our midfield, sitting deep and offering more defensively. He will drop deep to provide options when we are on the ball at the back, and when Danilo and Rodriguez get forward he will drop further back, in between Manolas and Kompany to operate as a three at the back. This is a fluid game play that allows for our full backs to get forward. When the opposition has the ball he will relentlessly press them and not allow their midfield time on the ball. This is key, and will limit the amount of chances that Newcastle can create. By doing this we will also limit the amount of goals that Newcastle can score. Defense is important.
Ramsay is going to be pushing forward today, playing a box to box role which requires him to use his energy and engine to get up and down the pitch. When he gets the ball he will look to spread the play out wide, and when the ball is there he will look to bomb into the box, to get on the end of loose balls or even provide an aerial threat. We believe that by getting as many bodies in the box as we can then we will score more goals. When off the ball, he will get back and defend with Herrera, harassing and niggling, using his energy to compensate for the lack of this trait in Fabregas.
Cesc will be given somewhat of a free role in this team, being allowed to drift across the midfield and pick up points of space, before looking to either spread the play, or ping balls over the top for our willing runners. His defensive duties will be limited, but he will be tasked with pressing the ball in the upper middle third of the pitch, whilst Herrera and Ramsay press behind him. On top of this, I am expecting Fabregas to mix this up by looking to get the ball into Cavani’s feet, as well, allowing him to use his strength to charge at the defence and create goal scoring situations.
In Malcolm and Costa we have two very willing runners playing out wide. Both these players are direct on the ball, and have bundles of pace between them. They will look to get in behind the opposition defence, whilst mixing this up by also at times sticking wide to pull and move the opponent’s defenders. This variety will cause the Newcastle defence to never really know what is coming next, or how to combat it. They will also be blessed with overlapping runs from the full backs, which they should look to utilise. Their endless movement will look to create space for other players, whilst also always moving into space of their own. By getting in behind they will also create chances, and in Fabregas we have a top level playmaker that will be able to find those lofted through balls over to our two Brazilian wide men.
Cavani predictably leads our line for today. He, like other players in the team, has bundles of energy which he will use to get in behind, whilst also being a physical presence who is comfortable mixing his game up to keep defenders guessing on what he will do next. He demonstrated this ability to do different things in his displays for Uruguay at the World Cup, as well as with each and every goal that he scored showing a different way that he can get the better of defenders. He is clinical, strong and willing to work hard. By getting a variety of balls into the box from wide positions I believe that we can get the best out of some of these traits, and by utilising the passing skill of Fabregas I believe we can also create plenty of one on one scenarios in which he might be able to score.
Subsitutions
Cesc Fabregas off and Phil Foden on 65 mins
Fresh legs in the advanced playmaker role. Foden may be young but he demonstrated in the Community Shield that he knows how to pick a pass and excel on the ball. He will play a similar role to Fabregas, and look to exploit pockets off space in the middle third.
If losing/drawing
Malcolm off and Iago Aspas on 70 mins
Aspas will play slightly more inside than Malcolm, looking to drop off and then run off Cavani. He will use his pace to exploit space created by his strike partner. We will then have two strong goalscorers on the pitch to hopefully pull us back into the game. Danilo will provide the width by bombing forward down the right hand side more often.
Aaron Ramsay off and Lewis Cook on 77 mins
Partly for the fresh legs in what will have been a very tiring role for Ramsay, but also so we can have another gifted young playmaker getting into spaces in the final third, dictating the play and helping to create chances for our attacking players. Cook and Foden will push forward, leaving Herrera at the back to defend.
If winning
Cesc Fabregas off and Lewis Cook on 65 mins
Fresh legs in that role, with Cook coming on to play it slightly deeper and more conservatively, allowing us to defend with three energetic players in the midfield. He will sit deeper and dictate the play from here, as opposed to looking for space further up the field.
Danilo off and Cedric Soares on 75 mins
A risky move to change the defence, but fresh legs may be needed down that right hand side to accommodate for a more attacking approach from the opposition the longer the game goes on. Cedric is more sturdy and stable defensively, and will sit deeper than Danilo did, with less license to get forward.
Edinson Cavani off and Iago Aspas on 80 mins
We will play the last ten minutes with Iago Aspas up front, allowing Cavani a rest. Aspas will look to stretch the tiring Newcastle defence by running in behind and getting on any through balls or crosses. We feel that his pace perfectly sets him up to do this.
posted on 11/8/18
--------------------Buffon
Clyne---Sokratis---Vertonghen---F.Luis
------------------Brozovic
------------Rabiot-------Kovacic
Sterling--------------------------------Son
------------------Lacazette
Subs
Heaton, Inigo, Grimaldo, Wanyama, Parejo, Mkhitaryan, Inaki
Buffon is a commanding presence at the back, when he calls for a ball, the defence know he will take control, they have complete confidence in each other and stops those little split second doubts which could lead to a chance. When he has the ball he will look to offload quickly in the direction of the front 3 to get those quick counters started.
Verthongen is the defensive leader and will be the one to set the defensive line on the pitch, both centre backs will stay back with either one of the full backs or the DM always prepared to make it a back 3 when we lose possession to stop counter attacks, Both 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 slide tackles unless necessary instead looking 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 with the occasional long ball to the front 3 thrown in to keep the opposition from setting up against one style of play.


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

 Their objective when attacking will be to keep making runs past the winger on both the inside and outside, giving the opposition full back that split second of indecision on who they go with. They will only occasionally put floated crosses in, preferring to either play shorter passes to the wingers or players who have come out from the middle of the pitch to keep possession and let the pressure build up in the final third, or run to the byline and put in fast and low crosses relying on both the faster reactions and control of our attackers and the pressure of the situation on their centre backs to hastily clear the ball without being in full control of the situation.
The focus of the midfield 3 will be to use their high energy, all action styles to get themselves around the middle of the pitch, working in collaboration with the front 3 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 Lacazette, 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 Lacazette 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.
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 - Kovacic 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 FB's stay back to prevent counters, the CB's and Lacazette 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, Son and Sterling flit around away from the main attacking group looking to pounce on mistimed touches and flicks around the area. Brozovic 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. Rabiot 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 draw defenders out of the box.




Free Kicks - Son takes Direct FK's


For Indirect FK's, same instructions as Corners




Penalties - Lacazette is the designated taker.
Subs



If Winning


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



82 + 86 Mins - Wanyama for Kovacic and Mkhi for Sterling - Actively time waste and really frustrate the opposition.



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



67 Mins - Inaki, Inigo and Mkhi for Brozovic, Luis and Clyne - switch to a 3-5-2 with emphasis on the wings backs acting as wingers and just pile forward in numbers.
posted on 11/8/18
--------------------- Courtois
Cancelo --- Boateng --- Bailly --- Hernandez
--------------------- Verratti
-------------- Eriksen ----- L.Alberto
Bailey ------------- Aguero ------------- Asensio
Subs:
A.McCarthy, M.Alonso, D.Sanchez, B.Matuidi, X.Shaqiri, D.Sturridge, T.Werner
Team Tactics
Moving the ball at speed will be the focus of our play as we go with an attacking 4-3-3 formation today. Our three CM’s will be key components of this style as Eriksen and Alberto offer great quality on the ball whilst they both have the ability to break the lines and play a killer final ball to our attacking trio. We will look to dictate the play and frustrate the opposition, continually make them chase the ball by switching the ball between our midfield trio. The opposition have some dangerous players however we will look to limit their impact by retaining possession, we will force them to track back or risk leaving their defence exposed when we push forward in numbers. We aim to make things uncomfortable for them as we feel that if we limit their ability to have the ball in attacking areas the game will be won.
When the opposition are in possession our wingers drop in as we play a compact 4-5-1 formation. The aim of the game will be to break at speed with our wide players offering an immediate outlet when we win back possession. They will drive forward as we get men up in support of Aguero and carve the opposition open with devastating affect.
Defence:
We go with a strong defensive unit at the back, packed with pace and quality as we look to nullify the threat posed by the oppositions attack. We have two strong pacy CB’s to deal with the threat posed by the opposition forward. We will look to be dominant at the back as we aim to take the sting out of the opposition early on and play on the front foot. Our fullbacks have license to push forward when in possession, Cancelo in particular offers a real threat down the right. L.Bailey will often drift infield taking the opposition fullback with him which will create space for Cancelo to attack, he will at all times be looking for the runs of Aguero whose movement and finishing is simply world class. Hernandez will focus slightly more on his defensive duties to ensure we keep a balanced defence and have plenty of cover to snuff out any opposition counter attack.
If the opposition play one up top then Bailly will mark, strong and aggressive we feel he has all the tools to deal with any opponent. Boateng will sweep up and cover in behind, a fantastic reader at the back he will also be the one to bring the ball out from defence. Nothing fancy just look to get the ball into the feet of our CM trio who will do all the damage.
Midfield:
Verratti plays in the quarterback role, tenacious in the tackle he will also be our chief ball winner in the middle of the park. We aim to dominate possession and go with three technically astute players. Ball retention will be key, keep the ball and make them chase. This will invariably open up space for our forwards as we pull the opposition out of space and look to exploit any openings. Eriksen and Alberto operate as twin AM’s, both have a penchant for assists but don’t be afraid to shoot should the opportunity arise. With the pace of our front three the opposition will invariably drop deep and if the chance to shoot from distance arises then take it. We look to pepper the opposition with shots as we go for goals in the season opener.
Forwards:
Frightening pace, electrifying dribbling and deadly finishing, we feel our front three have it all. Our wide players will look to take the opposition on at will. Bailey and Asensio both have license to cut in from the flanks and go for goal, we encourage them to utilise their terrific pace and go at the opposition. Draw in the oppositions CB’s which in turn creates space for Aguero to be slipped in and finish. Both will look to make jinking runs into the box where they can draw a foul or drive to the byline and whip the ball into Aguero in the middle. Both wingers have fantastic workrate and will be a constant outlet as they make runs in behind when our playmakers are in possession. Aguero plays through the middle, a player with fantastic movement and real predator. Immediately look to get into the box when we’re on the attack as we look to lay down a marker.
Subs;
If winning:
65 mins: L.Alberto off, Matuidi on. We tighten up in midfield with Matuidi offering more physicality and defensive cover.
75 mins: L.Bailey and Aguero off, D.Sanchez and Werner on. 5-4-1 with Sanchez forming a CB trio alongside Boateng and Bailly. Werner plays on top in the line striker role, looking to exploit the space when the opposition push numbers forward.
If drawing:
65 mins: Alberto off, Werner on. We switch to 4-2-2-2, with Eriksen and Verratti in CM, Asensio and Bailey on the flanks with Aguero and Werner forming a deadly strike partnership.
75 mins: Hernandez and Bailey off, M.Alonso and Shaqiri on. FB’s push on more with Alonso’s delivery an added weapon whilst we look for a moment of magic from the Swiss maestro.
If losing:
55 mins: Alberto off, Werner on.
65 mins: Hernandez off, Sturridge on. We revert to 3-4-3 with Aguero, Werner and Sturridge up top as we go for goals, goals, goals.
posted on 11/8/18
------------------------- Ederson
-------- Otamendi ----- Javi.M ------- Koulibaly
K.Walker ----- Busquets ----- Jorginho ------- B.Mendy
---------------- De Bruyne ---- R.Mahrez
---------------------- Lewandowski
Subs: Meret, Vrsaljko, Dier, D.Silva, Mertens, O.Dembele, G.Jesus
A good test first up, Chelsea are a decent side but we will play to our strengths.
Sit deep and look to defend as a unit, ensuring we leave no space in behind for their forwards and they have to come deeper into mf to recieve the ball.
Nullify the pace and break up the game, very physical and in your face type defending today frustrating our opponents.
Break in numbers, use our midfield two as a base with their superior passing and hit Chelsea hard when they commit players forward.
Our FB's are a little less adventurous today looking to first and formemost complete defensive duties, keep pace with their wingers and force them wide with little room to operate.
We fancy Lewandowski against their CB's, launch quick counters and get him holding up the play with runners in behind.
When on the ball we are more possession based, looking to dominate midfield areas and moving out wide whereby their wingers are less prone to track back and put in the defensive output.
3-4-2-1 - On the ball:
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 Lewa and co as target men to bypass their mf press.
Otamendi & Koulibaly should shift slightly wider when on the offense allowing our wing-backs to push up in a bank of 4 in mf.
Busquets & Jorginho, 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, Javi.M 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 + Mahrez will look to play more the AM role and inbetween the lines, roaming in the oppositions half and and looking to act as the links between midfield and attack. Pick up pockets of space and useing their awareness to dictate the play, running at their backline and using pace to commit defenders.
Flanks will be key as we look to expose them in wide areas and create space in midfield.
Two quick & skilful WG-backs in Walker and B.Mendy, need to hug the touchline and provide the width allowing us to stretch the opposition. Always on the move so we 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.
When Chelsea are in possession we will sit deep as a unit with men behind the ball ensuring their is no space left in behind.
We 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 a forward attacker.
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. Walker & Mendy can come up to support the play and provide the width. The front 3 burst forward.
Subs:
IF WINNING: 60th minute – (3-5-2)
- G.Jesus > Mahrez
- Dier > Jorginho
Compact 3-5-2, Dier drops in as DM and Jesus up front playing alongside Lewa.
IF DRAW: 70th minute – (3-5-2)
- D.Silva > KDB
- O.Dembele > Mahrez
- Vrsaljko > Walker (75th min)
Get D.Silva on looking to provide that spark and get us going forward. O.Dembele on for his pace,look to commit defenders, Vrsaljko solid and a decent cross on him.
IF LOSING: 75th minute – (4-4-2 - direct)
- Mertens > Otamendi
- Jesus > Lewa
- O.Demebele > KDB
4-4-2, direct. long balls into the box and constantly looking for the two strikers.
Flood forward and look for an equalizer/winner.
C - Lewandowski
FK's - De Bruyne
Corners - De Bruyne
Pens – Lewandowski
posted on 12/8/18
Man City v WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS
Injuries: Fernandinho, Shaw, Boga
-------------------- Arrizabalaga
Hakimi - Marquinhos - Caldara - Strinic
------------ Rakitic - Matic - Meyer
--------Di Maria - Immobile - Perisic
Subs: Leno, Maffeo, Tah, Sturaro, Ozil, Vitolo, Alcacer
-----------------
A tough but winnable game today against Man City, hopefully our back four will keep their attack at bay while causing problems of our own to their defence.
We are playing a 4-3-3 today, Arrizabalaga in goal, Marquinhos and Caldara at centreback, Hakimi and Strinic at fullback, Rakitic, Matic and Meyer in midfield, Di Maria and Perisic either side of Immobile upfront.
This game is about controlling the tempo and giving us the best chance of getting the win today. Man City are going to fight hard and our best hope is to be strong, disciplined and keep our concentration levels at maximum.
Arrizabalaga - Distribute from the back to the fullbacks/CM's, stay in communication with your defence throughout, be wary of long range efforts and ensure you stay big for any one on ones. On occasion go long for Immobile.
Marquinhos/Caldara - Marquinhos mark their striker, force them high up the pitch thus limiting his impact close to goal, and Caldara to be the spare man, be first to the second ball and their AM making runs from midfield. When in possession bring the ball out of defence and use the midfielders ahead of you to help us play out from the back. Both of you go forward for setpieces.
Hakimi/Strinic - Both of you to force the Man City wingers out wide, do not allow them to come inside as this will cause more problems for our midfield. They will want to cut inside so force them outside and block their crosses at source. They will try to create problems infield so its vital you only show them down the wing. If they play a diamond with no wingers you will need to form a narrow back four with the CB's and leave no spaces in behind. When we have possession, push forward and support Di Maria and Perisic as they will try to run inside the fullback and you will provide the overlap to either create space or supply crosses into the area for Immobile and link with Rakitic and Meyer. You will need to track back very quickly to ensure we don't get caught on the break.
Matic - Our DM today, sit in front of the back four, break up play, watch out for runs from deep from the opposition, when in possession use your range of passing to look for teammates in advanced positions, use Rakitic and Meyer alongside you if you're closed down.
Rakitic/Meyer - Two box to box midfielders today, one either side of Matic at DM. Both of you are required to get back and assist Matic in front of the back four when we don't have the ball, but both with the ability and the freedom to push forward and join the front three, while always leaving at least one of you behind the ball. Look to link with Di Maria, Perisic or Immobile.
Di Maria/Perisic - Both with the trickery to beat the Man City fullback and get crosses in, you will also have our fullback overlapping giving you the chance to cut inside and get shots in. Look to supply Immobile with chances and also provide yourself with chances. Link up with Rakitic and Meyer, and capitalise on the space Immobile's presence will create for you.
Immobile - you will be expected to occupy the Man City centrebacks, hold up possession and look to turn the defender and shoot. Be strong in the air and look for your teammates trying to pick you out from deep. Shoot on sight. Stay on the last defender's shoulder for any passes in behind. Look to interchange with Di Maria or Perisic on occasion. Try and link with the two alongside you to create opportunities.
------------------
Subs 70 mins;
If winning: Meyer, Di Maria and Immobile off, Sturaro, Tah and Alcacer on. Change to 5-4-1, Tah an extra CB, with a flat midfield four, Sturaro at RM, Perisic deeper to LM, Rakitic and Matic central, the fresh legs of Alcacer up top chasing everything and holding the ball up. Absorb pressure and hit on the break with Sturaro and Perisic joining Alcacer.
If drawing: Meyer off, Ozil on. Switch to a 4-2-3-1, Ozil ahead of Rakitic and Matic, behind Immobile. Try and find a winner.
If losing: Caldara, Matic and Meyer off, Ozil, Vitolo and Alcacer on. 3-1-4-2, Hakimi - Marquinhos - Strinic at the back, Rakitic the playmaker from deep, Vitolo - Di Maria - Ozil - Perisic behind Immobile and Alcacer upfront. Push for goals.
posted on 14/8/18
v Portsmouth (Super Cup - Weds)
------------------------- Oblak ------------------------
Henrichs ----- Varane ----- Umtiti ----- A.Sandro
--------------- Fabinho ------ Tolisso ---------------
K.Mbappe ------------ Pogba ---------- Griezmann
--------------------- Aubameyang --------------------
Gunn, Pavard, Tousart, Aouar, Neres, Belotti, S.Mina
We want to play high tempo football, quick on the break and really pressurise the opposition with an in yer face performance, we want to hit them quickly so we need to press them quickly to get the ball, when we defend we need a strong back 6, (the back four in a line to make it difficult to break through, we don't sit too deep and Tolisso, Fabinho & Pogba just in front harassing the man with the ball before they get to our back 4 and the front 3 in and around the half way line, this will congest the midfield and stop them playing it through us, stop them coming forward from the back, however, if they do push forward onto us and we get the ball they will be on the back foot and will really struggle with our front 3/4 with Fullbacks who are always ready to pounce and hit them with pace and quick free flowing football
Umtiti and Varane at CB, Umtiti picks up the CF, Varane sits spare picking up a 2nd CF/AM, keep the forward(s) away from the danger area, by getting onto them quickly and be strong, take the ball away from them and play it away out of defence, look to get it out wide quickly when we retain possession, Both are very comfortable on the ball so can bring it out when in no danger and look for the pass longer to the wingers or Striker to hit them quickly with pace, to get us moving forward. Henrichs and Sandro at fullback, we must keep the wingers quiet, stop them and we stop a lot of there attacks. Both are perfect for this, They will look to keep them away from shooting areas and stop them becoming dangerous in any position by standing tall against them and keeping them on there 'bad' foot. When they attack an ddrive down the wing to support, only at a time as to not let ourselves be exposed, they drive down the line in support of the wingers, Sandro gets outside Griezmann to allow him to cut inside whereas Henrichs will support Mbappe by either pushing out wide or going inside to allow the winger to drive passed his man, but the two always make themselves available to the wingers. I want both CBs to go up for corners, with the fullbacks and Tolisso sitting back.
In the centre of the pitch are Fabinho and Tolisso, Fabinho our main defensive player who will shadow there AM and not allow him to control the game, Tolisso their to lend a hand to stop them coming through. Fabinho must be aware of all that is around him, be in the right place at the right time and look to cover for defensive players moving forward, he has to impose himself early on the AM to make him wary of holding onto the ball too long, once on the ball look around, head up and pick the pass that will get us moving forward quickly, can be out to the fullbacks or indeed a longer ball to the front three to take the opposition out of it as they are still high up the pitch. Tolisso's role is to assist Fabinho, make our midfield very difficult to pass through, protect our defence as best as possible and again in possession get it to our more creative players up front, keep it simple. Can move forward to assist and look for balls coming out so he can either, shoot or whip straight back in.
Pogba is our central creator, not everything will go through him, but he is essential to our style of play, he is the link between defence and attack, as we break quickly he will look to set up our front three. At times he will drop deeper to pick up the ball get his head up and see who is in the best position to receive the ball and that's where he will put it, he will follow his pass and make up the numbers up front. When he doesn't drop deep ie when the defenders go long, he will look to form a front four as they move around and look to tear the defence apart.
Our front 3 are extremely quick, when we don't have the ball they drop back a bit to make up the numbers as they attack, push into the faces of the opposition to force them into mistakes and hopefully in the end they lose the ball, when they do lose the ball we charge at them and we do it quickly, either a long ball over defenders,go through Pogba or indeed out to one of our attacking fullbacks. Our mobile front 3 are set up as they are, however, the movement up front will see us make their defenders move out of position to follow their player, thus allowing Pogba to pick his moment to move into space either as a 10 or out wide. If he does push wide this will allow Mbappe/Griezmann to go in central as we will have an attacking fullback up and supporting. Quick passing in triangles that will get us in and beyond their defenders and eventually to Aubameyang and the other winger who will look to get into space to get a shot off.
Captian - Varane
Penalties - Aubameyang/Griezmann
Free Kicks - Griezmann/Pogba
Corners - Griezmann/Pogba
Subs -
Losing -
70 Mins - Belotti for Tolisso 442
80 Mins - Neres and Pavard for Henrichs and Sandro
Oblak
Pavard Varane Umtiti
D.Neres Fabinho Pogba Mbappe
Griezmann
Belotti Aubameyang
we go high and long to use Belotti's strength
Winning -
70 Mins - Tousart for Pogba and sit in a 3 man mid
80 Mins - Aouar for Griezmann, helps out defensively
88 Mins - Pavard for Mbappe, Henrichs to a 5 man mid on the right and Pavard to RB
Drawing -
70 Mins - Mbappe to the left, Griezmann to No.10, Neres on for Tolisso, Pogba drops back and Neres to the right to change it up a bit
80 Mins - Belotti for Aubameyang, fresh legs and different option up top
85 Mins - Santi Mina for Mbappe again fresh legs down the left and a real goal threat
Pens (whoever is on)
Aubameyang
Griezmann
Pogba
Mbappe
Belotti
Neres
Sandro
Henrichs
Mina
posted on 14/8/18
Bournemouth Week 2:
Bournemouth (4-3-3)
Captain : Veríssimo
Vice Captain : Rossi
------------------Rossi
Bustos---Conti---Veríssimo---Saracchi
---------Paredes-------Wendel
------------------Paquetá
Pussetto---------------------------Everton
-------------------Gómez
SUBS: Ramírez, Senesi, Militão, Danilo, Vargas, Cunha, Wesley
SUMMARY: This week we go with a 4-3-3 set up although we will be a tad more conservative and operate with one holding/defensive midfielder (Paredes) who will be complimented with a deep sitting box to box midfielder (Wendel). In front of them Paquetá will operate as the link between midfield and attack. This I feel will give us a better balanced midfield and while being absolutely defensively sound with 2 ‘sitting’ Wendel will also be allowed the freedom (when the time arises) to link with Paquetá and attack. I think this set-up lets us link up quickly with our attack while at the same time that little bit of extra cautiousness means it will be easy for us to close the door in midfield with all 3 players as comfortable sitting and breaking up attacks if necessary.
We will focus on our own gameplan and perfecting that. We want to play a nice tidy and crisp passing game. Our aim is to move the ball forward as quickly and as effectively as possible. We want to continue where we left off in seasons past and search for that perfect balance between defence and attack. Use our pace and power and build our attacks up from the back. If there is nothing on then we will be patient and ball retention is important. When we have the ball we will use it wisely and when we don’t have the ball then we will press our opponents all over the park with high urgency to win it back. We want to keep the ball on the deck and attack as a team and equally as important defend as a team. This team is bursting with pace. We will utilise that to our advantage and make the pitch wide and use our flying wingers to cause all sorts of mayhem. It will also be a tool that we use to hit opponents on the counter where we know we can out pace any team. We want to press and pressurise the opponents at any given chance and not give them a moment’s peace on the ball. We really want to make the pitch wide in this game and pull the opposition out of shape. We will look to our strength to really have a go at their defence. We will use the fitness levels of our young team to play with an outrageous tempo from the off – pressing the opponents and going for the jugular to try and get in front. If that is successful and gets us in front then it will be up to the player’s own discretion on how to manage the ferocity and pace of how we play.
Goalkeeper: Rossi is a big mobile keeper and very agile. A great shot stopper, he will communicate with the back 4 and be commanding with the high ball. He will not take any risks. He is a great distributor with both hand and foot and we will look to this as a way to launch quick attacks.
Defence: Our 2 full backs are there firstly to defend and make sure they stay on the right side of their opponents whether they be out wide or cutting inside. When we are on the attack they will be allowed to use their power and pace to provide the overlap on the flanks. They both have the power and the lungs to work the touchline for 90 minutes. They will make the pitch wide and always offer themselves as an option in attack. Our 2 centre halves are big 6 feet plus ball playing defenders. Both good in the air and equally as good with the ball at their feet. They will be asked to do the simple things well. Be aggressive but controlled in the tackle and never lose your man when defending dead ball situations. They will be able to bring the ball out of defence but if in doubt take absolutely no chances and clear it. Both big men will be a real aerial threat at set pieces.
Midfield: We will operate with one holding/defensive midfielder (Paredes). He will be the midfield general. A physical pacey midfielder he will be there to boss this area for us. Breaking up play and filling in as an extra defender if one of our back 4 has ventured forward. He will be there to protect the defence and do a lot of the unseen dirty work in the centre of the park. He is essential to our game plan and while sitting deep will still offer a lot with his great passing ability. He also has a thunderbolt right foot. He will be complimented with a deep sitting box to box midfielder (Wendel). He has a more conservative role this week and while being a little more constrained than normal he will still have the opportunity to bomb forward when the time is right. They will both have to put a defensive shift in and both are very strong in the tackle. We will look at their enthusiasm and relentless pressing of the opposition as a way to hopefully get a bit of a grip on the midfield and at the very least not make it plain sailing for the opposition. In front of them Paquetá will operate as the link between midfield and attack.
Wingers/Centre Forward: When in possession both Pussetto and Everton will be expected to go for the direct approach and use their power and speed to take on the opposition defence and beat them and bring De Paquetá, Wendel and Gómez in to play. They can vary their attacks as they see fit. Both players can play all across the middle so don’t be surprised to see them swapping wings. At times Wendel may sit a bit deeper allowing Paquetá to slot in between both wingers, just behind the CF.
As well as an attacking force both wingers will also have to put a defensive shift when called upon and act as back up for their respective full backs.
Gómez starts as the CF. He won’t be short of support or ammunition with the attacking talent behind him. Great playing off the shoulder of the last man he is deadly in and around the box. A bag of energy and very strong we will also look for him to hold up and bring others in to play if it doesn’t seem to be on for him. We will look to get bodies in the box when attacking so he should always have an outlet. He is also great in the air and will provide an option from set pieces. When the shot is on he will take it but we also want to put himself about in the box and think that his lightning pace will be a real handful for defences. He will also be alert to any scraps in and around the goal. He has the ability to produce something sublime and create a chance out of nothing.
Free Kicks/Corners: Paquetá, Everton or Pussetto with Conti, Veríssimo, Paredes and Gómez to offer an aerial threat. Paquetá and Everton (with his thunderbolt left foot) may try their luck with several free kicks from distance.
Substitutions: (75 mins) If winning (and comfortable) then 3 like for like subs – Senesi for Conti, Danilo for Paredes and Wesley for Gómez.
If losing (70 mins) then switch to a 4-1-3-2 and replace Wendel with Wesley and Pussetto with Cunha. Fresh legs and 2 attackers that carry a goal threat about them. We will look to their pace and freshness to offer us something different.
--------------Paredes
Cunha------Paquetá-----Everton
------Wesley -----Gómez
posted on 14/8/18
Bournemouth Week 3:
Bournemouth Tactics:
Captain: Conti
Vice Captain: Paredes
Team:
------------------Rossi
Militão--Conti—Veríssimo--Saracchi
----------------Paredes
----------Wendel---Paquetá
Cunha----------------------------Everton
-----------------Gómez
SUBS: Ramírez, Álvarez, Senesi, Maycon, Wesley, Cunha, González
We want to play a neat crisp passing game at high tempo using our obvious pace to punish the opponent. Our formation will be a 4-3-3 that will allow our full backs to join in the attack when necessary and also offer us the flexibility to fall back into a more standard 4-4-2 when under pressure. We need to boss the midfield from the start and control the game with our own tempo. When in possession use the ball well and try and bring our wide men in to play. When chasing the ball press the opponent with urgency and all over the park. Don’t take too many risks and hold onto the ball. With our creativity and pace we will be able to open teams up. Wait for the chances to arise and take them when they come.
Goalkeeper: Rossi is a big mobile keeper and very agile. A great shot stopper, he will communicate with the back 4 and be commanding with the high ball. He will not take any risks. He is a great distributor with both hand and foot and we will look to this as a way to launch quick attacks.
Defence: Our 2 full backs are there firstly to defend and make sure they stay on the right side of their opponents whether they be out wide or cutting inside. When we are on the attack they will be allowed to use their power and pace to provide the overlap on the flanks. They both have the power and the lungs to work the touchline for 90 minutes. They will make the pitch wide and always offer themselves as an option in attack. Our 2 centre halves are big 6 feet plus ball playing defenders. Both good in the air and equally as good with the ball at their feet. They will be asked to do the simple things well. Be aggressive but controlled in the tackle and never lose your man when defending dead ball situations. They will be able to bring the ball out of defence but if in doubt take absolutely no chances and clear it. Both big men will be a real aerial threat at set pieces.
Midfield: Paredes will be the midfield general. A physical pacey midfielder he will be there to boss this area for us. Breaking up play and filling in as an extra defender if one of our back 4 has ventured forward. He will be there to protect the defence and do a lot of the unseen dirty work in the centre of the park. He is essential to our game plan and while sitting deep will still offer a lot with his great passing ability. He also has a thunderbolt right foot. Wendel and Paquetá will play just in front of Paredes. Wendel will be a more box to box type. He will be involved all over and will offer as much in defence as in attack. Paquetá will be the midfield magician. Clever, elusive and tricky we will look to him for creating the midfield openings with his eye for a pass. We will look at their enthusiasm and relentless pressing of the opposition as a way to hopefully get a bit of a grip on the midfield and at the very least not make it plain sailing for the opposition.
Wingers/Centre Forward: When in possession both Cunha and Everton will be expected to go for the direct approach and use their power and speed to take on the opposition defence and beat them and bring Paquetá, Wendel and Gómez in to play. They can vary their attacks by going wide or cutting inside as they see fit. Both players can play all across the middle so don’t be surprised to see them swapping wings. At times Wendel may sit a bit deeper allowing Paquetá to slot in between both wingers, just behind the CF. As well as an attacking force both wingers will also have to put a defensive shift when called upon and act as back up for their respective full backs.
Gómez starts as the CF. He won’t be short of support or ammunition with the attacking talent behind him. Great big old fashioned centre forward. We will look for him to hold up and bring others in to play if it doesn’t seem to be on for him. An eye for a pass and not afraid to have a go from distance. We will look to get bodies in the box when attacking so he should always have an outlet. He is also great in the air and will provide an option from set pieces. When the shot is on he will take it but we also want to put himself about in the box and think that his power pace will be a real handful for defences. He will also be alert to any scraps in and around the goal. He has the ability to produce something sublime and create a chance out of nothing.
Free Kicks/Corners: Paquetá, Everton or Cunha with Conti, Veríssimo, Paredes and Gómez to offer an aerial threat. Paquetá and Everton (with his thunderbolt left foot) may try their luck with several free kicks from distance.
Penalties: Gómez
Substitutions: (if winning on 80 minutes) Senesi for Veríssimo, González for Gómez and Maycon for Wendel, 3 like for like substitutions.
If losing (on 80 minutes) Wesley for Wendel and González for Cunha. Shift to a 4-1-3-2 attack. González and Wesley offering fresh legs, pace and a bit of the unknown in attack.
---------------------Paredes
González ------- Paquetá ----Everton
------------Gómez --------Wesley
posted on 14/8/18
Bournemouth Week 4:
Bournemouth (4-3-3)
Captain : Veríssimo
Vice Captain : Rossi
--------------------Rossi
Bustos---Álvarez---Veríssimo---Saracchi
---------Paredes-------Wendel
------------------Rodríguez
Pussetto-----------------------------Everton
-------------------González
SUBS: Ramírez, Senesi, Militão, Danilo, Vargas, Cunha, Wesley
SUMMARY: This week we go with a 4-3-3 set up although we will be a tad more conservative and operate with one holding/defensive midfielder (Paredes) who will be complimented with a deep sitting box to box midfielder (Wendel). In front of them Rodríguez will operate as the link between midfield and attack. This I feel will give us a better balanced midfield and while being absolutely defensively sound with 2 ‘sitting’ Wendel will also be allowed the freedom (when the time arises) to link with Rodríguez and attack. I think this set-up lets us link up quickly with our attack while at the same time that little bit of extra cautiousness means it will be easy for us to close the door in midfield with all 3 players as comfortable sitting and breaking up attacks if necessary.
We will focus on our own gameplan and perfecting that. We want to play a nice tidy and crisp passing game. Our aim is to move the ball forward as quickly and as effectively as possible. We want to continue where we left off in seasons past and search for that perfect balance between defence and attack. Use our pace and power and build our attacks up from the back. If there is nothing on then we will be patient and ball retention is important. When we have the ball we will use it wisely and when we don’t have the ball then we will press our opponents all over the park with high urgency to win it back. We want to keep the ball on the deck and attack as a team and equally as important defend as a team. This team is bursting with pace. We will utilise that to our advantage and make the pitch wide and use our flying wingers to cause all sorts of mayhem. It will also be a tool that we use to hit opponents on the counter where we know we can out pace any team. We want to press and pressurise the opponents at any given chance and not give them a moment’s peace on the ball. We really want to make the pitch wide in this game and pull the opposition out of shape. We will look to our strength to really have a go at their defence. We will use the fitness levels of our young team to play with an outrageous tempo from the off – pressing the opponents and going for the jugular to try and get in front. If that is successful and gets us in front then it will be up to the player’s own discretion on how to manage the ferocity and pace of how we play.
Goalkeeper: Rossi is a big mobile keeper and very agile. A great shot stopper, he will communicate with the back 4 and be commanding with the high ball. He will not take any risks. He is a great distributor with both hand and foot and we will look to this as a way to launch quick attacks.
Defence: Our 2 full backs are there firstly to defend and make sure they stay on the right side of their opponents whether they be out wide or cutting inside. When we are on the attack they will be allowed to use their power and pace to provide the overlap on the flanks. They both have the power and the lungs to work the touchline for 90 minutes. They will make the pitch wide and always offer themselves as an option in attack. Our 2 centre halves are big 6 feet plus ball playing defenders. Both good in the air and equally as good with the ball at their feet. They will be asked to do the simple things well. Be aggressive but controlled in the tackle and never lose your man when defending dead ball situations. They will be able to bring the ball out of defence but if in doubt take absolutely no chances and clear it. Both big men will be a real aerial threat at set pieces.
Midfield: We will operate with one holding/defensive midfielder (Paredes). He will be the midfield general. A physical pacey midfielder he will be there to boss this area for us. Breaking up play and filling in as an extra defender if one of our back 4 has ventured forward. He will be there to protect the defence and do a lot of the unseen dirty work in the centre of the park. He is essential to our game plan and while sitting deep will still offer a lot with his great passing ability. He also has a thunderbolt right foot. He will be complimented with a deep sitting box to box midfielder (Wendel). He has a more conservative role this week and while being a little more constrained than normal he will still have the opportunity to bomb forward when the time is right. They will both have to put a defensive shift in and both are very strong in the tackle. We will look at their enthusiasm and relentless pressing of the opposition as a way to hopefully get a bit of a grip on the midfield and at the very least not make it plain sailing for the opposition. In front of them Rodríguez will operate as the link between midfield and attack.
Wingers/Centre Forward: When in possession both Pussetto and Everton will be expected to go for the direct approach and use their power and speed to take on the opposition defence and beat them and bring De Paquetá, Wendel and González in to play. They can vary their attacks as they see fit. Both players can play all across the middle so don’t be surprised to see them swapping wings. At times Wendel may sit a bit deeper allowing Rodríguez to slot in between both wingers, just behind the CF.
As well as an attacking force both wingers will also have to put a defensive shift when called upon and act as back up for their respective full backs.
González starts as the CF. He won’t be short of support or ammunition with the attacking talent behind him. Great playing off the shoulder of the last man he is deadly in and around the box. A bag of energy and very strong we will also look for him to hold up and bring others in to play if it doesn’t seem to be on for him. We will look to get bodies in the box when attacking so he should always have an outlet. He is also great in the air and will provide an option from set pieces. When the shot is on he will take it but we also want to put himself about in the box and think that his lightning pace will be a real handful for defences. He will also be alert to any scraps in and around the goal. He has the ability to produce something sublime and create a chance out of nothing.
Free Kicks/Corners: Paquetá, Everton or Pussetto with Álvarez, Veríssimo, Paredes and González to offer an aerial threat. Rodríguez and Everton (with his thunderbolt left foot) may try their luck with several free kicks from distance.
Substitutions: (75 mins) If winning (and comfortable) then 3 like for like subs – Senesi for Álvarez, Danilo for Paredes and Wesley for González.
If losing (70 mins) then switch to a 4-1-3-2 and replace Wendel with Wesley and Pussetto with Cunha. Fresh legs and 2 attackers that carry a goal threat about them. We will look to their pace and freshness to offer us something different.
--------------Paredes
Cunha------Paquetá-----Everton
------Wesley -----González
posted on 14/8/18
------------------------Perin
Conti-----Caleta-Car-----Söyüncü----Tagliafico
-------------Lobotka---------Kampl
Gómez--------------Ziyech---------------Philipp
---------------------Batshuayi
Subs: Horn, Klostermann, Elvedi, Guerreiro, Dahoud, Forsberg, Jovic
Our defensive unit consists of Duje Caleta-Car and Caglar Söyüncü paired up at centre-back, Andrea Conti at right-back and Nicolás Tagliafico at left-back, with Stanislav Lobotka and Kevin Kampl as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.
This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in Lobotka and Kampl we have a perfect pairing to initiate attacks by distributing the ball in an intelligent fashion, to be key players in circulation and to prevent dangerous opposition attacks, being disciplined in positioning and limiting space in between the lines.
The strength of our double pivot is that Kampl can press the ball without leaving lots of space, as Lobotka can maintain a good position to react if the initial press is bypassed. Our double pivot will offer huge defensive stability and will ensure that a structured shape is maintained.
Having two defensive midfielders centrally prevents others being dragged out of position to press.
Helping the defenders maintain solid positioning is a key part of Kampl’s role, he will press almost anywhere in his own half to allow defenders to stay in the defensive line.
With Kampl running his socks off for the team, our high tempo will dictated by his partner in holding midfield, Stanislav Lobotka.
A holding midfielder through and through, Lobotka is not just your “win the ball and pass it on to the closest player” – there is a real creative mind in his locker, but it’s his ability to be the shield of the back four and then be creative once he gets the ball that makes Lobotka such a talent.
The attacking unit consists of Sergio Gómez, Hakim Ziyech and Maximilian Philipp as our band of three attacking midfielders with Michy Batshuayi as our lone central striker.
Our 4-2-3-1 is set up to have that wonderful ‘springy' quality - it absorbs pressure without breaking and then snaps back with surprising force.
In defence our 4-2-3-1 covers space very effectively, with the band of three attacking midfielders and centre forward able to press the opposition high up the pitch while the two defensive midfielders ensure that there is no space left in front of the defence. Then the back four can either play a high line, compressing the space even further, or drop deeper as preferred.
Once we have won the ball back, often by Lobotka or Kampl, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.
Conti and Tagliafico can surge up the wings in the knowledge that Lobotka and Kampl can drop into the space left behind if needed. As they come up the wings, both Sergio Gómez and Maximilian Philipp, who are fast speed merchants, excellent in tight spaces and fantastic dribblers will cut inside or make runs into the box. Hakim Ziyech our attacking central midfielder’s low centre of gravity will enable him to navigate away from defenders at a frighteningly quick pace. Lazaro is blessed with an instant first touch and can dribble with the ball at such a close proximity to his feet that it makes him almost impossible to tackle this creative passer who will look to play Gómez, Philipp and Batshuayi in via fast passing combinations.
Up front Michy is a strong, dynamic number 9 who knows where the back of the goal is. He’ll put to good use his scorching pace, tenacity in the box, fine set of feet and will dribble past most opponents with ease making him such a nuisance for the opposition. He’ll shrug off defenders and is also a threat from set-plays, as his movement inside the box can often cause defenders to take their eyes off the ball. Added to that skill set, he is a good header of the ball, ticking all boxes for the attributes an out-and-out striker should possess.
Sub on 70 mins
Dahoud on for Gómez (Kampl to RW, Dahoud in CM)
A first start for the exciting Sergio Gómez, but we’ll look to Kampl’s attacking flair in the last quarter, allowing an opportunity for Dahoud’s dynamic midfield play in the middle as tired legs start to appear in the oppositions midfield.
Subs on 80 mins
Forsberg on for Philipp, Guerreiro on for Tagliafico
2 pairs of fresh legs on the left side should apply some serious pressure to the right hand side defence of Manchester City. Guerreiro providing the width whilst Forsberg will look to cut inside at every opportunity with Guerreiro providing overlapping opportunities.
posted on 14/8/18
Typo again sorry
------------------------Perin
Conti-----Caleta-Car-----Söyüncü----Tagliafico
-------------Lobotka---------Kampl
Gómez--------------Ziyech---------------Philipp
---------------------Batshuayi
Subs: Horn, Klostermann, Elvedi, Guerreiro, Dahoud, Forsberg, Jovic
Our defensive unit consists of Duje Caleta-Car and Caglar Söyüncü paired up at centre-back, Andrea Conti at right-back and Nicolás Tagliafico at left-back, with Stanislav Lobotka and Kevin Kampl as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.
This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in Lobotka and Kampl we have a perfect pairing to initiate attacks by distributing the ball in an intelligent fashion, to be key players in circulation and to prevent dangerous opposition attacks, being disciplined in positioning and limiting space in between the lines.
The strength of our double pivot is that Kampl can press the ball without leaving lots of space, as Lobotka can maintain a good position to react if the initial press is bypassed. Our double pivot will offer huge defensive stability and will ensure that a structured shape is maintained.
Having two defensive midfielders centrally prevents others being dragged out of position to press.
Helping the defenders maintain solid positioning is a key part of Kampl’s role, he will press almost anywhere in his own half to allow defenders to stay in the defensive line.
With Kampl running his socks off for the team, our high tempo will dictated by his partner in holding midfield, Stanislav Lobotka.
A holding midfielder through and through, Lobotka is not just your “win the ball and pass it on to the closest player” – there is a real creative mind in his locker, but it’s his ability to be the shield of the back four and then be creative once he gets the ball that makes Lobotka such a talent.
The attacking unit consists of Sergio Gómez, Hakim Ziyech and Maximilian Philipp as our band of three attacking midfielders with Michy Batshuayi as our lone central striker.
Our 4-2-3-1 is set up to have that wonderful ‘springy' quality - it absorbs pressure without breaking and then snaps back with surprising force.
In defence our 4-2-3-1 covers space very effectively, with the band of three attacking midfielders and centre forward able to press the opposition high up the pitch while the two defensive midfielders ensure that there is no space left in front of the defence. Then the back four can either play a high line, compressing the space even further, or drop deeper as preferred.
Once we have won the ball back, often by Lobotka or Kampl, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.
Conti and Tagliafico can surge up the wings in the knowledge that Lobotka and Kampl can drop into the space left behind if needed. As they come up the wings, both Sergio Gómez and Maximilian Philipp, who are fast speed merchants, excellent in tight spaces and fantastic dribblers will cut inside or make runs into the box. Hakim Ziyech our attacking central midfielder’s low centre of gravity will enable him to navigate away from defenders at a frighteningly quick pace. Ziyech is blessed with an instant first touch and can dribble with the ball at such a close proximity to his feet that it makes him almost impossible to tackle this creative passer who will look to play Gómez, Philipp and Batshuayi in via fast passing combinations.
Up front Michy is a strong, dynamic number 9 who knows where the back of the goal is. He’ll put to good use his scorching pace, tenacity in the box, fine set of feet and will dribble past most opponents with ease making him such a nuisance for the opposition. He’ll shrug off defenders and is also a threat from set-plays, as his movement inside the box can often cause defenders to take their eyes off the ball. Added to that skill set, he is a good header of the ball, ticking all boxes for the attributes an out-and-out striker should possess.
Sub on 70 mins
Dahoud on for Gómez (Kampl to RW, Dahoud in CM)
A first start for the exciting Sergio Gómez, but we’ll look to Kampl’s attacking flair in the last quarter, allowing an opportunity for Dahoud’s dynamic midfield play in the middle as tired legs start to appear in the oppositions midfield.
Subs on 80 mins
Forsberg on for Philipp, Guerreiro on for Tagliafico
2 pairs of fresh legs on the left side should apply some serious pressure to the right hand side defence of Manchester City. Guerreiro providing the width whilst Forsberg will look to cut inside at every opportunity with Guerreiro providing overlapping opportunities.
posted on 15/8/18
------------------------- Ederson
-------- Van Dijk ------ Javi.M ------- Koulibaly
K.Walker ----- Busquets ----- E.Can -------- B.Mendy
------------------------ De Bruyne
------------- Lewandowski -- G.Jesus
Subs: Meret, Vrsaljko, Otamendi, Dier, Mahrez, Rashford, Mertens
First and foremost we need to be solid defensively today, aware of the threat they pose up top and pace in behind so we drop deep and look to contain when their on the ball, allow them possession in their defensive half where they can't hurt us but pack midfield and defensive areas with bodies whilst keeping a rigid structure throughout.
Up top look to keep it simple, no risks of over playing but generally mixing it up as we dont want to be too predictable, a quick counter attacking overload from deep will be key especially in wider areas with Walker and Mendy's pace, front 3 burst forward and hit our opponents hard when they over commit.
At times going long ball as we feel our forwards are more of a match for their defence. Lewandowski very good under pressure at holding up play with his back to goal and will link well with the more nimble and astute G.Jesus.
Can comes into the side in mf, gives us more of a dynamic box to box midfielder alongside Busquets who will look to be his usual self and keep things ticking over. Can look to be more of the ball carrier looking to inject urgency when required and creating that extra bit of space.
Hardworking and great work ethic throughout , we may not be pleasing on the eye today but our sights are set on getting the job done, simply staying solid defensively and taking our chances when they arise.
3-4-1-2 - On the ball:
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 Lewa and co as target men to bypass their mf press.
Van Dijk & Koulibaly should shift slightly wider when on the offense allowing our wing-backs to push up in a bank of 4 in mf.
Busquets & E.Can, 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, Javi.M 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 more the AM role and inbetween the lines, roaming in the oppositions half and looking to act as the link between midfield and attack. Picking up pockets of space and using his awareness to dictate the play, running at their backline and using his quick pace and incisiveness to commit defenders on the break.
Flanks will be key as we look to expose them in wide areas and create space in midfield.
Two quick & skilful WG-backs in Walker and B.Mendy, need to hug the touchline and provide the width allowing us to stretch the opposition. Always on the move so we 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 strikers to attack.
When Chelsea are in possession we will sit deep as a unit with 10 men behind the ball ensuring their is no space left in behind.
We 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 a forward attacker.
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 and frustrating the oppoistion.
If we manage to win the ball we must immediately look to counter and hit the opposition hard. Walker & Mendy can come up to support the play and provide the width. The front 3 burst forward.
Subs:
IF WINNING: 70th minute – (3-5-2)
- Dier > E.Can
- Rashford > G.Jesus
- Vrsaljko > Walker (84th min)
Compact 3-5-2, we get fresh legs on and keep things solid, Rashford used as an outlet to surge forward when possible
IF DRAW: 70th minute – (3-4-3)
- Mahrez > G.Jesus
- Rashford > KDB
- Dier > E.Can (78th min)
3-4-3, stretch the play and look to play more in wider areas at this stage where we think Chelsea are most susceptible to being exposed.
IF LOSING: 77th minute – (4-4-2 - direct)
- Mertens > Otamendi
- Mahrez > E.Can
- Rashford > G.Jesus
4-4-2, direct. long balls into the box and constantly looking for the two strikers.
Flood forward and look for an equalizer/winner.
C - Lewandowski
FK's - De Bruyne
Corners - De Bruyne
Pens – Lewandowski
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