------------------------ Meret ------------------------
E.Hysaj ------ Stones ------ Varane ------ Sandro
----------------------- Tousart -----------------------
----------------- Pjanic ----- Pogba -----------------
Mbappe ------------------------------------- Neymar
-------------------- Lewandowski -------------------

Gunn, de Jong, Aouar, Maddison, Gnabry, N.Pepe, Piatek

Possession football, quick on the break and really pressurise the opposition with an in your face performance from the front, we want to hit them quickly so we need to press them quickly to get the ball, when we defend, Tousart, Pjanic and 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, Lewandowski slightly higher up, this will congest the midfield and allow Pjanic and Pogba to dictate play, 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.

Varane picks up the CF, Stones spare picks up the AM if he gets away from our midfield, keep the forward(s) away from the danger area, get onto them quickly and be strong, take the ball away from them and play it out of defence, look to get it out wide quickly when we have possession, Both are comfortable on the ball so can bring it out when in no danger and look for the pass longer to the forwards to hit them with pace, fullbacks must keep the wingers quiet, stop them and we stop a lot of there attacks They will look to keep them away from shooting areas and stop them becoming dangerous in any position by standing tall against them and keeping them on there 'bad' foot. When they attack, only one at a time, as to not let ourselves be exposed, they drive down the line in support of the wingers. the two always make themselves available to the wingers. If either get caught up field I want Tousart to drift to the side and this allows the fullbacks to make their way to midfield to cover I want both Stones and Varane to go up for corners, with the fullbacks and Fabinho sitting back.

In the centre of the pitch are Tousart, Pjanic and Pogba. Tousart our deepest player sitting just in front of the CB's he will shadow there AM and not allow him to control the game, Pjanic and Pogba must be disciplined and lend a hand to stop them coming through. Tousart 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 always making himself for a return ball from a deeper angle as he he spreads it from side to side then eventually forward he is always looking for the ball to start again if need be, 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. Pjanic slightly higher up the pitch, he will stop the run of play quicker to make our defenders jobs a lot easier, make our midfield very difficult to pass through, protect our defence and Tousart as best as possible and again in possession get it to the front 3 but also look for fullbacks and Pogba as they move into space, keep it simple, he has a very good range of pass. Either pass and move(triangles) into space or look for a piercing through ball to our front three to drive onto.Can move forward to assist and look for balls coming out so he can either, shoot or whip straight back in. Pogba is essential to our style of play, he is the link(alongside Pjanic) between defence and attack, as we break quickly he will look to set up our front three and at times be in a 10 role and look for the Tousart/Pjanic pass. he will follow his pass and make up the numbers up front. When he doesn't drop deep i.e when the defenders go long, he will look to form a front four as they move around and look to tear the defence apart. All of our midfield three must press the opposition and get to grips with this game very early on.

Our wingers 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 the cms or out to one of our attacking fullbacks.however, the movement up front between Mbappe and Neymar will cause them problems drifting in an out, 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/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 Lewandowski who has the power and ability to beat any defender and the other winger who will look to get into space to get a shot off, if there defence is on top then we can always go direct at times and fire early crosses especially from deep from the fullbacks into Lewandowski right on top of the goalkeeper to put a lot of pressure on him, we must always make sure he is well supported, if he cant get the shot away he will be looking to bring others into the game.

Captain - Varane
Pens - Lewandowski
Corners - Pjanic
Free Kicks - Pjanic/Neymar

Losing -
65 Mins - N.Pepe for Pogba we go 4231 with Mbappe just off Lewandowski and Pepe to the right to add pace, power and goals
75 Mins - Piatek for Sandro he goes up top 3412 (attacking), de Jong for Tousart to see if he can open up there back line

Winning -
75 Mins - de Jong for Pogba, sit in and sprays the ball about as we look to control possession
85 Mins - N.Pepe for Lewandowski, Mbappe up top, Pepe to the right
88 Mins - Aouar for Neymar, help close it out

Drawing -
70 Mins - N.Pepe for Pogba, go to the right and Mbappe behind Lewandowski
80 Mins - Gnabry for Lewandowski, he goes to the left, Neymar to No.10 and Mbappe up top

BRUM vs villa (cup)

---------------------------------Lafont--------------------------------
Pereira-----------Skriniar----------Maguire---------------Chilwell
-----------------------------------Ndidi--------------------------------------
-------------------Cristante--------------Kessie---------------------
Neres----------------------------------------------------------------Anderson
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------Higuain------------------------------------------

Subs - Lunin, Henrichs, Pellegrini, Keita, Valverde, Adama, Batshuayi

CAPTAIN - SKRINIAR
CK'S - NERES
FK'S - NERES
PENALTIES - HIGUAIN

I want us to start the game with a high tempo, close the oppo down and win the ball back quickly. Play quick passes forward and try and get an early goal. I want Neres and Anderson to use their pace on the wings to create chances for the rest of the team. 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.

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. Skriniar and Maguire bring a whole lot of experience and pace to the defence. Maguire will use his experience to marshal the defence and Skriniar 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 Kessie will be covering for them when they go attacking.

Defence Mid
Ndidi
Ndidi 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
Kessie + Cristante
Kessie 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. Cristante will be playing CM on paper but his main role will be to help in attack. When not in possession of the ball Cristante will look to close down the oppo DM's and win the ball off them. No need to stay too deep as Kessie and Ndidi are adequate cover in the middle. When attacking I want Cristante 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
Neres + Anderson
These 2 will be the focal point of my attack. Anderson will be looking to cut in from the right and Neres 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. Pereira and Chilwell 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 Anderson/Neres to make infield runs ahead of you.

Subs if LOSING BY 65MINS
Put on Batshuayi for Ndidi, Adama for Neres and Keita for Cristante to bring some more pace on. Play a high line and try and get a goal. Change formation to 41212.

--------------------------------Lafont--------------------------------
Pereira--------Skriniar-------------Maguire------------Chilwell
----------------------------------Kessie ------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adama---------------------------------------------------------------Anderson
-----------------------------------Keita ------------------------------------
---------------------Batshuayi--------Higuain--------------------------


Subs if WINNING BY 80MINS
Take off Cristante and put on Kondogbia in CM and play defensive with everyone in our own half defending for their lives, waiting to hit the oppo on the counter attack. Adama on for Neres and Batshuayi for Higuain.

----------------------------------Lafont--------------------------------
Pereira----------Skriniar-----------Maguire----------Chilwell
-----------------Kessie-------Ndidi--------Kondogbia------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------Adama-------------------------------------------------Anderson
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------Batshuayi----------------------------------------


Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Adama on for Neres
Valverde on for Cristante
Batshuayi on for Higuain
Fresh legs to bring on.

----------------------------Lloris
-----------Manolas----Kompany----Sane
Danilo-----------Herrera-------Ramsey----Van Aanholt
--------------Aspas-----------------------Malcom
-----------------------------Giroud
Peacock-Farrell, Maitland-Niles, Maresic, Foden, Clarke, Smith-Rowe, Goretzka
I have reverted back to a three at the back formation for today’s game, in the hope that the three defenders I have picked will be able to get the better of the Chelsea attackers and keep them quiet. It’s a team set up to counter attack down the flanks, with attacking full backs who like to get in and around the penalty area, and players on the wings that have pace and trickery to get at teams and create chances. We also have a physical pivot leading the line for whom these players can play off.
Defensively, we want to be playing the ball out from the back. For that I have picked a goalkeeper who is comfortable operating as a sweeper, and three defenders in front of him, giving him plenty of options. Should the opposition press us high, then he also has the out balls to the wing backs, who will be looking to find pockets of space. As a trio I have selected three players with the physical attributes to shut out any aerial attacks such as long balls or crosses into the box, with Kompany given the task of man marking the opposition striker. This allows Manolas and Sane to cover the space in behind the attackers, and to press forward when the opposition approaches the box. They will also be able to cover the wide areas, should our full backs be caught on the attack.
Danilo and PVA both know that their defensive duties are high priority, and will only bomb forward when we have possession, looking to overlap and supplement our wider players. Defensively both of them are strong and nippy, with bags of energy. They will look to keep the opposition wide men from cutting inside, as I am confident we have players in the box who will deal with most crosses. Going forward they will look to push past the wingers and whip balls into the box, alternating between going low and high, and also getting in the penalty area themselves. Both are threats with their shooting, so if the opportunity opens up then they are also allowed to take efforts on goal.
Ramsey and Herrera are an energetic pairing in the midfield. Both of them will play as box to box midfielders today, but they should take it in turns to contribute to the attack and get in and around the penalty area, so we are not left exposed in midfield. Both players can score goals, so I think this suits them well. Defensively, they sit just in front of the back three, looking to harry, press and harass the opposition attacking midfielders, not allowing them time on the ball and preventing the opportunity to get forward. As a result of this, they will not be afraid to tactically foul, as long as there is no danger of the opposition scoring from the free kick.
I have chosen Aspas and Malcom to start as our wider players today, specifically because of the pace and direct running that they bring to our counter attacking side. Both of them will look to push on and support Giroud up front, even pushing past him and getting into the box when possible. They will try and get in the penalty area when we attack, so as to flood the opposition defence and leave them struggling to pick up men, but also to pick up any balls that drop down in the box or outside it, to fashion chances for themselves. They are pacy and direct players whose running offers something different from Giroud, and who will cause the opposition’s defence problems.
Giroud leads our line today in the absence of Cavani. He doesn’t have the energy or running capabilities of Cavani, but I think we have compensated for that with picking quick players around him, as well as the energy coming from midfield. His job will be to serve as a target man of sorts, serving as the physical pole for our attack to move off, and to get himself in the box as often as possible, getting himself on the end of crosses and scoring goals. He will also be tasked with bringing other people into play, namely Malcom and Aspas, who will be running off him all game.
The last thing worth mentioning is our presence from set pieces. When attacking, we have Sane, Manolas, Kompany, Giroud and Ramsey, all of whom pose an aerial threat, with Malcom and Aspas also in the box to attack the ball when it drops to them. I think there will be plenty of opportunities to score goals from these set piece scenarios.
Substitutions
If losing/drawing
Phil Foden on for Aaron Ramsey 65 mins
A change in formation and style, with Foden slotting in behind Giroud, whilst Herrera sits in front of the back three. Foden will look to serve as a playmaker, trying to get on the ball and bring Malcom and Aspas into the game.
Emile Smith-Rowe on for Salif Sane 75 mins
Another change of formation, with us going to a flat back four. Smith Rowe will play on the left hand side of attack, with Malcom on the right and Aspas joining Cavani up front as we throw more bodies towards getting a result.
Jack Clarke on for Danilo 85 mins
A throw of the dice to try and get the win. Clarke goes forward and contributes to the attack, with PVA slotting as a LCB and Herrera doing all the running in front of the defence.
If winning
Leon Goretzka on for Aaron Ramsey 70 mins
Fresh legs in the central midfield position to free up some running and energy.
Emile Smith-Rowe on for Malcom 77 mins
Fresh legs on the left hand side of the attack.
Jack Clarke on for Olivier Giroud 82 mins
Iago Aspas goes up front and Clarke plays on the right hand side of the attack. Fresh legs going forward.

———————Ter Stegen
Castro——Rudiger——Christensen——Gaya
——————Torreira——Rodri
Sancho—————Dybala————Lozano
————————Kane

Pope, Weiser, Upamecano, Milinkovic-Savic, Keita, Guedes, Hudson-Odoi

Captain: Marc Andre Ter Stegen
Free Kicks: Paulo Dybala / Lucas Torreira
Corners: Lucas Torreira
Penalties: Harry Kane

We want to drop players deeper in build up, and start with slower ball circulation to draw their forward and midfield lines forward, so that we can later exploit the space in behind. We move the ball out to the FB on the touchline, creating back 3 on ball side and using Rodri to help circulate. Torreira will position himself slightly higher than Rodri and Dybala will drop to Torreira’s height on the ball side. Ball side winger stays high and pins his FB so he can’t join the press. As soon as they are drawn in we circulate the ball back through the defence (keeper if needed) and look to either use the far side CB to carry the ball forward if the City winger hasn’t tucked in, or move the ball into the far side FB by the touchline if the winger has tucked in. This Fb can carry the ball forward but from here also has easy access to play the ball into midfield behind the press, or find his winger in a 1 v 1 with the FB.

Once we progress the ball we look to quickly exploit the space between the opponents defence and midfield, ether side of the DM or out wide, adapting our shape in game to go and attack where the space opens up. In Rodri we have a player who will sit and control the tempo of our game, always available for a pass and to recycle possession, particularly as a second passer in short passing combinations, his composure on the ball, as well as the CBs, allows us to go back to them and keep possession, and allow their team mates ahead to change their movements and run into space, with all 3 of them capable of playing laser passes between opponent lines. Torreira has a box to box role, and his higher positioning in comparison to Rodri allows us to create triangles in the midfield, the staggering of the 3 central players heights means we have the option to use quick diagonal passing, which draws more opponents towards the pass and opens up new spaces behind. Torreira will look to move the ball quickly, as well as being well positioned to quickly press whenever we lose it.

The Fbs are crucial, they allow for overloads to open up the opposition. At times we want them overlapping, particularly Gaya, as this allows Dybala and Lozano to overload the left half space and leave the FB with a decision to make, stay wide, opening up space for Lozano and Dybala to exploit between FB and CB, or tuck in and leave an easy pass on for Gaya who can whip in crosses. When receiving the ball deeper I want both FBs to make diagonal runs into the half spaces, with our wingers pinning back their FBs this forces the opposition midfield to react. The diagonal runs draws more players in and opens up more passing lanes, either back wide to the winger for a 1 v 1 battle, or into Dybala, who can escape his markers.

The front 4 look to attack the opposition at pace. With the front three maintaining a high position and pinning the opposition defensive line back, Dybala should make full use of his 10 role to exploit the space between the lines. If we can create a 1 v 1 battle with the DM, we feel Dybala can take the upper hand and create chances. He will be constantly on the move, often drifting wide where he can create triangles with FB and winger to open up the flanks, dropping deeper to receive the ball either side of the DM and behind the CMs, and making runs off of Kane to get behind the opposition. Sancho will look to hold width at all times, a key aim is to get the ball to the wingers in quick transitions from build up, and we believe Sancho with his dribbling can win his 1 v 1 battle and get crosses into the strikers. He’s also great at slowing the game down, drawing the opposition defence across and then beating 2-3 men, with Dybala, Lozano and Kane to attack the box this will be hard to defend. Lozano has a license to come into the half space more often. Kane’s role is to be on the move around the penalty box, getting into scoring positions.

Off the ball we press firstly in a 4-4-2, Dybala joining Kane in looking to force the CBs wide on the ball, Sancho will push high onto his FB with Lozano dropped off and tucked in more, as we look to force their build up out to the LB. Once the ball goes wide we swing our defensive pendulum, Sancho dropping back, Lozano stepping up, Dybala drops back into midfield for a 4-1-4-1 shape, with Torreira able to go and help Sancho box the FB in. If they move the ball to the other side the pendulum swings, right sides players dropping and left sided players stepping up. We fall into a mid block, not looking to press the man but instead pressing passing lanes, so that the opposition have no where to go. Dybala and Torreira are staggered, the ball side player slightly higher, with Rodri behind the two of them, the staggering in midfield makes it harder for Stoke’s AM’s to find space between midfield and defence. Our FBs stay compact to the CBs so the half spaces can be closed off. When the ball is wide the back 4 shuffles across on the same pendulum as the midfield. We wait for a mistake, or a pass towards the touchline, and then we can be more aggressive.

Subs:

If Winning: Keita for Sancho 70’. Milinkovic-Savic for Dybala 75’. CHO for Lozano 80’.

If Drawing: Milinkovic-Savic for Torreira 70’. Guedes and CHO for Lozano and Sancho 75’, fresh legs out wide.

If Losing: Weiser for Castro 60’, more offensive minded FB that can help us create serious overloads out wide. Milinkovic-Savic for Torreira 70’, his forward drive and added ability in the box gives us a big goal threat. Guedes for Sancho 75’.

Attacking 4-3-3

We look to play our usual attacking game and take the game to Hull, controlling possession and the tempo of the game. Control possession and find space in between the opposition lines. Get Coutinho and Thiago on the ball and looking to play killer balls to open up the opposition using the pace of our attacking players.

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

As you'd expect, possession starts at the back, Laporte the man marker next to Ramos who is free. In midfield, Ascaibar reading the play looking to win the ball back as the dm alwatys staying back and offering cover, Coutinho and Thiago will offer inteligence defensively, with the pressing of Coutinho also improtant.

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

The defence will be patient on the ball, will be hugely important in keeping possession and pushing us up the pitch. Playing a reasonably high line, with good pace at the back and energy in front. As soon as we get the ball to our midfield, we look to move the ball quickly, quick passing and moving. Hull have great pace in attack, but they'll be tired from chasing us keep the ball while we also have pace at the back.

In attack we play with width to stretch the game and open up Hull. Get the fbs attacking. One bombing forward the other fb remains a little more reserved offering option to go back and switch play.

Hazard has a free role in attack, with Marcelo offering width on the left. On the right, Sane stays wide stretching the game looking to take on their lb.


------------------- Neuer
Carvajal- S.Ramos - Laporte - Marcelo
------------Ascaibar - Thiago.A
---------------- Coutinho
L.Sane ----------------------------- Hazard
---------------- C.Ronaldo

Subs. Schmeichel, D.Sanchez, Shaw, Doucoure, Richarlison, A.Correa, Belotti

Defending in numbers

When we lose the ball the closest player presses the ball, the second closest presses the obvious passing channel. As they’re doing this everyone else bar Ronaldo gets behind the ball into position. Stop them breaking.

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

As Hull advance into higher areas of the park and into our half, our shape will resemble a 4-1-4-1. Our wingers will track any forward runs made by their fbs, and Ascaibar presses the space in front of our cbs, sweeping up danger in front of the defence, the cms pressing their midfield.

In this tight formation narrowing to the side of play, ensuring there are no gaps in the formation. Ascaibar will be key, reading the play in between the defence and midfield, getting across to cut out any danger. Thiago picks up the most advanced cm. The winger opposite play comes inside and sits on their deepest cm while Coutinho presses the space next to and in front of Ascaibar. Our fb’s have fantastic pace up against their wide forwards, bide their time, not diving in.

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

The cm trio seeking to collect the ball from the defence, and seeking to start our attacks from the back. Spreading play, and setting the tempo of the game. We look to find space between their defence and midfield, committing defenders from there and playing killer balls.

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

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

Subs. If winning after 70 mins bring on Richarlison for Ronaldo. Fresh energy and pure pace. Pushes tempo up.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Correa for Sane, new ideas and fresh legs in attack.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Doucoure for Coutinho, brings pure energy to cm to keep our tempo high and also stronger defensively.

If drawing after 60 mins bring on Doucoure for Ascaibar.
If drawing after 70 mins bring on Richarlison for Sane.

If losing after 60 mins bring on Sanchez and Correa for Marcelo and Carvajal. 3-6-1. Correa right, Sane left, Hazard just off Ronaldo in a free role.

Bournemouth Tactics: Week 14
Captain: Unsain
Vice Captain: Paredes

Team:
-------------------Unsain
Emerson--Militão—Maidana--Saracchi
------------------Paredes
------------Palacios---Paquetá
Pussetto----------------------------Zaracho
-------------------Gómez

SUBS: Jean, Bustos, Santos, Wendel, Vargas, González, Wesley

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: Unsain 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. Palacios and Paquetá will play just in front of Paredes. Palacios 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 Pussetto and Zaracho 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, Palacios 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 Palacios 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, Zaracho or Pussetto with Militão, Maidana, Paredes and Gómez to offer an aerial threat. Paquetá and Zaracho (with his thunderbolt left foot) may try their luck with several free kicks from distance.
Penalties: Gómez

Substitutions: (if winning on 80 minutes) Santos for Maidana, Wesley for Gómez and Wendel for Palacios, 3 like for like substitutions.

If losing (on 80 minutes) Vargas for Palacios and Wesley for Pussetto. Shift to a 4-1-3-2 attack. Wesley and Vargas offering fresh legs, pace and a bit of the unknown in attack.

------------Paredes
Vargas---Paquetá----Zaracho
-------Gómez---Wesley

----------------------- Oblak -----------------------
Doherty ----- Stones ----- Varane ----- Sandro
---------------------- Fabinho ---------------------
-------------- de Jong ----- P.Pogba -------------
Mbappe ---------------------------------- Neymar
------------------- Lewandowski ------------------

Meret, Romagnoli, Aouar, Thorgan, N.Pepe, Rodrigo, Piatek

Possession football, quick on the break and really pressurise the opposition with an in your face performance from the front, we want to hit them quickly so we need to press them quickly to get the ball, when we defend, Fabinho, F.de Jong and 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, Lewandowski slightly higher up, this will congest the midfield and allow de Jong and Pogba to dictate play, 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.

Varane picks up the CF, Stones spare picks up the AM if he gets away from our midfield, keep the forward(s) away from the danger area, get onto them quickly and be strong, take the ball away from them and play it out of defence, look to get it out wide quickly when we have possession, Both are comfortable on the ball so can bring it out when in no danger and look for the pass longer to the forwards to hit them with pace, fullbacks must keep the wingers quiet, stop them and we stop a lot of there attacks They will look to keep them away from shooting areas and stop them becoming dangerous in any position by standing tall against them and keeping them on there 'bad' foot. When they attack, only one at a time, as to not let ourselves be exposed, they drive down the line in support of the wingers. the two always make themselves available to the wingers. If either get caught up field I want Fabinho to drift to the side and this allows the fullbacks to make their way to midfield to cover I want both Stones and Varane to go up for corners, with the fullbacks and Fabinho sitting back.

In the centre of the pitch are FAbinho, de Jong and Pogba. Fabinho our deepest player sitting just in front of the CB's he will shadow there AM and not allow him to control the game, de Jong and Pogba must be disciplined and 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 always making himself for a return ball from a deeper angle as he he spreads it from side to side then eventually forward he is always looking for the ball to start again if need be, 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. de Jong slightly higher up the pitch, he will stop the run of play quicker to make our defenders jobs a lot easier, make our midfield very difficult to pass through, protect our defence and Fabinho as best as possible and again in possession get it to the front 3 but also look for fullbacks and Pogba as they move into space, keep it simple, he has a very good range of pass. Either pass and move(triangles) into space or look for a piercing through ball to our front three to drive onto.Can move forward to assist and look for balls coming out so he can either, shoot or whip straight back in. Pogba is essential to our style of play, he is the link(alongside de Jong) between defence and attack, as we break quickly he will look to set up our front three and at times be in a 10 role and look for the Fabinho/de Jong pass. he will follow his pass and make up the numbers up front. When he doesn't drop deep i.e when the defenders go long, he will look to form a front four as they move around and look to tear the defence apart. All of our midfield three must press the opposition and get to grips with this game very early on.

Our wingers 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 the cms or out to one of our attacking fullbacks.however, the movement up front between Mbappe and Neymar will cause them problems drifting in an out, 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/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 Lewandowski who has the power and ability to beat any defender and the other winger who will look to get into space to get a shot off, if there defence is on top then we can always go direct at times and fire early crosses especially from deep from the fullbacks into Lewandowski right on top of the goalkeeper to put a lot of pressure on him, we must always make sure he is well supported, if he cant get the shot away he will be looking to bring others into the game.

Captain - Varane
Pens - Lewandowski
Corners - de Jong
Free Kicks - Neymar

Losing
70 Mins - Thorgan for Pogba, we go 4-2-3-1 with Thorgan on the right, Mbappe just off Lewandowski
80 Mins - Piatek for Sandro, Romagnoli for Doherty, Romag goes to LCB, Piatek up top 343

Winning
70 Mins - de Jong drops back a bit alongside Fabinho
80 Mins - Thorgan for Lewandowski, Mbappe up top running everything down, fresh legs to get up and down pitch on the right
85 Mins - Aouar for Neymar

Drawing -
70 Mins - Aouar for de Jong, will look to drive into the box and give us fresh legs
80 Mins - Thorgan for Lewandowski, Mabppe up top Thorgan to the RW

WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS v Manchester City

Injuries: Strinic, Hamsik, Garcia, Marquinhos
Suspended: Gundogan

------------ Arrizabalaga
Hakimi - Barzagli - Tah - Wendell
--- Rakitic - Diawara - Khedira
-- Di Maria - Immobile - Perisic

Subs: Leno, Mina, Maffeo, Sturaro, Ozil, Vitolo, Vardy

-----------------

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, Barzagli and Tah at centreback, Hakimi and Wendell at fullback, Rakitic, Diawara and Khedira 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.

Barzagli/Tah - Tah mark their striker, force them high up the pitch thus limiting his impact close to goal, and Barzagli 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/Wendell - 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 Khedira. You will need to track back very quickly to ensure we don't get caught on the break.

Diawara - 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 Khedira alongside you if you're closed down.

Rakitic/Khedira - Two box to box midfielders today, one either side of Diawara at DM. Both of you are required to get back and assist Diawara 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 Khedira, 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: Di Maria, Immobile and Perisic off, Mina, Ozil and Vardy on. Change to 5-3-1-1, Mina an extra CB, midfield trio of Rakitic, Diawara and Khedira, with Ozil in the AM role providing support to Vardy upfront.

If drawing: Diawara off, Ozil on. Switch to a 4-2-3-1, Rakitic and Khedira in midfield, Ozil to AM behind Immobile. Try and find a winner.

If losing: Tah, Khedira and Diawara off, Ozil, Vitolo and Vardy on. 3-1-4-2, Hakimi - Barzagli - Wendell at the back, Rakitic the playmaker from deep, Vitolo - Di Maria - Ozil - Perisic behind Immobile and Vardy upfront. Push for goals.

NEWCASTLE 4-3-3

___________Alisson
Azpi____Alder___Koulibaly___Robbo
__________Jorginho
________Kante___Silva
Salah______Suarez________Reus

SUBS: Rafinha, Suso, Lukaku, Radja, N’Zonzi, Mane, Bobby

Captain: Marco Reus
Penalties: Luis Suarez
Corners: David Silva
Freekicks: Luis Suarez
Crossing Freekick: David Silva

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 entire team will support him cut passing lanes to help win the ball higher up. The quality of our players will allow us 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. Our right back will also tuck in to help solidify the team.

The regista 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. The regista will be the link between our defence and midfield and because of the way he plays, he will draw the opponents forward towards him to attack the ball, pulling their team’s lines apart. This will create more spaces between the lines for our midfield and forward lines to move into. The right centre mid will be the more defensive one in his box to box role, closing down space and cutting passing lanes with his incredible interception ability. Playing alongside the regista will give him less areas of the pitch to cover, and shorter distance needed to win the ball back to start the next attack. Both centre mids will float between the lines during the attacking phase just behind our forwards.

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.

The striker’s main role will be to create space for the wide forwards. He will drop deep into a ten to drag defenders out and create space for our wide forwards to run into. This will tie into our quick short passing which is aimed at dragging their players out of position and create space between their lines. Our team will always recycle the ball back to the regista to keep possession and to keep the ball moving.

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 regista and right centre mid. 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. There will be times when we are under the cosh and will have the option of deploying a bowl shaped 5 at the back, with the right centre mid dropping in to make closing down the opponents very effective.

Subs

70 mins: Radja comes on for Silva, our legs will start to tire, so will theirs, Radja will add box to box ability and energy late in the game.

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 Jorginho to close out the game. He is capable in deep midfield alongside Kante in a 4-2-3-1.

If losing/drawing 80 mins: Lukaku comes on for Jorginho and play 2 up front.

-------------------Strakosha
Florenzi----Sokratis----Verthongen----Luis
------------------Henderson
------------Rabiot-------Brozovic
Sterling----------------------------------Son
-------------------Lacazette
Subs
Uzoho, Inigo, Clyne, Fred, Mkhi, Simeone, 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.

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 counters, 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, they should take it forward, if not, keep it simple with the occasional long ball thrown in to keep the opposition from setting up against one style.



For the full backs 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.

 Their objective when attacking will be to keep making runs past the winger on the inside and outside, giving the opposition full back that split second of indecision on who to 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.

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. 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, looking to use the movement of the other CM's and the attackers to drag the opposition defensive players out of position. 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. 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 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 - Sterling 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, Hendo and Brozovic flit around away from the main attacking group looking to pounce on mistimed touches and flicks around the area. Rabiot 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. Son 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 - Brozovic takes Direct FK's


Penalties - Lacazette is the designated taker.

Subs



If Winning


70 mins - Mkhi 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 - Fred for Rabiot and Clyne for Luis - 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, Mkhi and Inigo for Brozovic, Luis and Florenzi - switch to a 3-5-2 with emphasis on the wings backs acting as wingers and just pile forward in numbers.

-----------------------Perin
Lazaro---Milenkovic--- Lindelöf---Tagliafico
---------------Rudy--------Kampl
----Coman---------Neuhaus---------Rebic
-----------------------Jovic

Subs: Müller, Andersen, Augustinsson, Nández, Fernández, Forsberg, Mitrovic

Our defensive unit consists of Nikola Milenkovic and Victor Lindelöf paired up at centre-back, Valentino Lazaro at right-back and Nicolás Tagliafico at left-back, with Sebastian Rudy and Kevin Kampl as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.

This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in Rudy 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 Rudy 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, Sebastian Rudy.

A holding midfielder through and through, Rudy 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 Rudy such a talent.

The attacking unit consists of Kingsley Coman, Florian Neuhaus and Ante Rebic as our band of three attacking midfielders with Luka Jovic 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 Rudy or Kampl, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.

Lazaro and Tagliafico can surge up the wings in the knowledge that Rudy and Kampl can drop into the space left behind if needed. As they come up the wings, both Kingsley Coman and Ante Rebic, who are fast speed merchants, excellent in tight spaces and fantastic dribblers will cut inside or make runs into the box.

Neuhaus lines up as our “Raumdeuter” (space-interpreter), who will use his distinct and unorthodox technique to find spaces between the lines. Neuhaus is an intuitive and instinctive player who will nearly always play a perfect pass and make a perfect run.

His space-interpreting ability will be reflected in the spaces he picks up his assists from, often behind our opposition’s midfield and ahead of their defence, able to play a perfect pass forward and pick the right spot in the blink of an eye.

We’ve tweaked our philosophy to involve Neuhaus so as to have as little as possible to do in terms of build-up of play and do what he is best at: find space, interpret play and be two steps ahead of our opposition by using his finest tool, anticipation.

Perhaps the deadliest asset Neuhaus possesses is his work without the ball, to get into good scoring positions or to put his teammates in good scoring positions.

Neuhaus’s movement is different from all others. He’ll interpret space and form cohesion with his intelligent running and inhuman anticipatory skills and as a result, Jovic, Coman and Rebic will benefit. Neuhaus isn’t our flashiest player or doesn’t seem the most dangerous but once a keen eye is kept on him, his true expertise will be known.

Another highly noticeable attribute of a Neuhaus’s game is his link-up play. Neuhaus will make runs and movement to support Coman, Rebic and Jovic with ease, mostly with one or two touch football and that will adequately support his teammates and vice versa.

Neuhaus is aware with his running and of the surroundings near him that will help attacking moves. With our full-backs, this sort of movement will influence their own overlapping runs, and as with our forwards, they can get into good goal scoring positions. Neuhaus will make himself readily available to teammates and without the intention, provide much more help in the build-up of attacking play than they notice.

Jovic will hold up play as an outlet to play others in and provide layoffs in the final third, but he will also make well-timed runs in behind against high defensive lines. He will be especially gifted at receiving the ball in this match, and Jovic will often manipulate his body position to create an opportune angle even if he has his back turned to goal.

Jovic’s innovation in front of goal will also be a useful trait because he will manage to adjust his body to make best use of the crosses from free kicks and corners even if they come in slightly behind him. The power and precision of his shots will make him a deadly finisher in and around the box. He will also link up well Coman, Neuhaus and Rebic through his quick footwork.

Subs on 75 mins
Mitrovic on for Jovic and Forsberg for Rebic

Like for like changes; Mitrovic and Forsberg should trouble any tiresome legs in the oppositions defence as we push for a late goal regardless of the result.

----------------------- Courtois -----------------------
Cancelo ---- Boateng ----- Hummels -- Hernandez
---------- Fernandinho ---- Arthur -----------------
M.Asensio --------- C.Eriksen ------------ A.Martial
--------------------- Kun Aguero ---------------------

Subs:
Hart, Lenglet, Dier, Draxler, Under, Bailey, Haller

Captain: Hummels
Free Kicks: Eriksen
Penalties: Aguero
Corners: Eriksen

Moving the ball at speed will be the focus of our play as we go with an attacking 4-2-3-1 formation today as we aim for 3 points. Our three AM’s in support of Aguero will be key components of this style as we feel we pose threats from all angles with plenty of goals in our lineup. Fernandinho and Arthur offer great quality on the ball from a slightly deeper position as they both possess a fantastic range of passing, able to break the lines and play that killer pass in to our attacking quartet. We will look to dictate the play and frustrate the opposition when in possession, continually moving them around, making them chase the ball by switching flanks. In doing so we will not only be wearing them down but also continually pulling them out of shape, breaking down their defensive structure as we look to make numerous openings as we go for goals in today’s match up.

Whilst the opposition have some dangerous players we will look to significantly 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 and we feel that limiting their ability to have the ball in attacking areas will severely limit any threat posed. When they 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. Turning defence into attack in the blink of an eye.

We aim to play on the front foot, hit them early to take the lead and then exploit the space in behind as they push forward for an equaliser. We start fast, high intensity and pressing from the front, putting them under immediate pressure we can force mistakes early on.

Defence:

We go with a strong defensive unit at the back, packed with experience and quality we look to nullify the threat posed by the oppositions attack. We have two strong and aerially imposing CB’s to deal with the threat posed by their forwards. 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, however one at a time. They will look to be more conservative as usual as with a solid defensive unit. We look to draw the opposition onto us, with their attack minded wingers and fullbacks we feel we can exploit the space they leave behind and hit them with devastating effect on the counter with the pace and directness of Martial and Asensio.

If the opposition play one up top then Hummels 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’s or the runs of our wide men who will look to do all the damage.

Midfield:

Fernandinho will control the midfield and offer additional protection through the middle, sitting alongside Arthur he will be key to our style of play with their quick passing. Keep the ball moving, continually recycling possession and making the opposition chase shadows. Don’t force the issue as we aim to run them down, tired legs leads to tired minds and we feel that this will lead to plenty of openings as we continually move them out of shape. Forming a double pivot in front of our defence they not only offer protection but form the first line of our attack. Look for the early runs of the wide players as they possess electric pace and will be looking to get in behind the oppositions defence at all times. Eriksen plays ahead of them in the AM role, a gifted technician in his own right he will be looking to craft opportunities all afternoon. With the runs of Aguero, Martial and Asensio to pick out we feel that he will thrive. An assist master we also encourage him to go for goal should the opportunity arise, we anticipate the opposition sitting deep and an Eriksen thunderbolt from distance is always on the cards when given space.

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. Asensio and Martial 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 work rate and will be a constant outlet as they make runs in behind when our playmakers are in possession. We play three up front when on the attack and really look to test the opposition defence with a goal threat from every angle. 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:
60 mins: Arthur off, Dier on.
75 mins: Martial off, Lenglet on. 5-4-1 shut up shop time as we tighten up with a solid defensive unit as we see the game out and take the 3 points.

If drawing:
60 mins: Arthur off, Bailey on. Eriksen slots into CM alongside Fernandinho with Bailey, Asensio and Martial forming a midfield AM trio behind Aguero.
75 mins: Asensio off, Under on. We move to 4-2-2-2 with a front two of Aguero and Martial as we go for a winner.

If losing:
55 mins: Arthur off, Bailey on.
65 mins: Hernandez off, Haller on. We revert to 3-4-3 with Aguero, Haller and Martial up top as we go for goals, goals, goals.

BRUM vs hull

-----------------------------------Lafont--------------------------------
Pereira-----------Skriniar---------------Maguire------------Chilwell
---------------------Valverde----------------Ndidi-------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neres----------------------------------------------------------------Anderson
------------------------------------Philipp----------------------------------------
------------------------------------Higuain-------------------------------------

Subs - Lunin, Ruben Dias, Bentancur, Pellegrini, Soler, Adama, Batshuayi

CAPTAIN - SKRINIAR
CK'S - NERES
FK'S - NERES
PENALTIES - HIGUAIN

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. Skriniar and Maguire bring a whole lot of experience and pace to the defence. Maguire will use his experience to marshal the defence and Skriniar 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 will be covering for them when they go attacking.

Defence Mids
Ndidi + Valverde
Ndidi 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.
Valverde will look to sit deep and be the gap between the defence and the midfield and play as the deep lying playmaker. When he has the ball I want him to pass the ball forward and try and play through balls for our wingers to run onto. I want the team to use him as an outlet to get play started or when the oppo is pressing us I want him to use his expert ball control to keep hold of possession of the ball. When not in possession of the ball I want him to sit alongside Ndidi in the middle and protect the defence.

Wingers
Neres + Anderson
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. Anderson will be looking to cut in from the left and Neres likewise from the right. 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. Pereira and Chilwell 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.

Attack Mid
Maximilian Philipp
Philipp will be playing just behind Higuain and will look to help him out in attack. Be ready for passes into your feet and shoot if you see an opportunity. Mix up your attacking runs to throw off the oppo DM. I want him to dribble with the ball and play 1 2's with the rest of the team. Shoot if you see an opening.

Striker
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 Anderson/Neres to make infield runs ahead of you.


Subs if LOSING BY 65MINS
Put on Batshuayi for Valverde, Adama for Neres and Pellegrini on for Philipp to bring some more pace on. Play a high line and try and get a goal. Change formation to 41212.

------------------------------------Lafont--------------------------------
Pereira----------Skriniar-----------Maguire------------Chilwell
------------------------------------Ndidi------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adama--------------------------------------------------------------Anderson
---------------------------------Pellegrini------------------------------------
---------------------Higuain--------------Batshuayi ------------------------


Subs if WINNING BY 80MINS
Take off Philipp and put on Ruben Dias in CB. Play defensive with everyone in our own half defending for their lives, waiting to hit the oppo on the counter attack. Soler on for Neres and Bentancur for Valverde to add a bit more strength into the midfield.

------------------------------------Lafont--------------------------------
Pereira------Skriniar------Maguire------Dias-------Chilwell
-------------------------Bentancur--------Ndidi----------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------Soler---------------------------------------------Anderson---------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------Higuain---------------------------------------

Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Adama on for Neres
Bentancur on for Valverde
Batshuayi on for Higuain
Fresh legs to bring on.

———————Ter Stegen
Castro——Rudiger——Sule——Gaya
——————Torreira——Rodri
B.Silva—————Dybala————Sancho
————————Kane

Pope, Weiser, Upamecano, Tielemans, Loftus-Cheek, Lozano, Brandt

Captain: Marc Andre Ter Stegen
Free Kicks: Paulo Dybala / Lucas Torreira
Corners: Lucas Torreira
Penalties: Harry Kane

We want to drop players deeper in build up, and start with slower ball circulation to draw their forward and midfield lines forward, so that we can later exploit the space in behind. We move the ball out to the FB on the touchline, creating back 3 on ball side and using Rodri to help circulate. Torreira will position himself slightly higher than Rodri and Dybala will drop to Torreira’s height on the ball side. Ball side winger stays high and pins his FB so he can’t join the press. As soon as they are drawn in we circulate the ball back through the defence (keeper if needed) and look to either use the far side CB to carry the ball forward if the Everton winger hasn’t tucked in, or move the ball into the far side FB by the touchline if the winger has tucked in. This Fb can carry the ball forward but from here also has easy access to play the ball into midfield behind the press, or find his winger in a 1 v 1 with the FB.

Once we progress the ball we look to quickly exploit the space between the opponents defence and midfield, ether side of the DM or out wide, adapting our shape in game to go and attack where the space opens up. In Rodri we have a player who will sit and control the tempo of our game, always available for a pass and to recycle possession, particularly as a second passer in short passing combinations, his composure on the ball, as well as the CBs, allows us to go back to them and keep possession, and allow their team mates ahead to change their movements and run into space, with all 3 of them capable of playing laser passes between opponent lines. Torreira has a box to box role, and his higher positioning in comparison to Rodri allows us to create triangles in the midfield, the staggering of the 3 central players heights means we have the option to use quick diagonal passing, which draws more opponents towards the pass and opens up new spaces behind. Torreira will look to move the ball quickly, as well as being well positioned to quickly press whenever we lose it.

The Fbs are crucial, they allow for overloads to open up the opposition. At times we want them overlapping, particularly Castro, as this allows Dybala and Silva to overload the right half space and leave the FB with a decision to make, stay wide, opening up space for Silva and Dybala to exploit between FB and CB, or tuck in and leave an easy pass on for Castro who can whip in crosses. When receiving the ball deeper I want both FBs to make diagonal runs into the half spaces, with our wingers pinning back their FBs this forces the opposition midfield to react. The diagonal runs draws more players in and opens up more passing lanes, either back wide to the winger for a 1 v 1 battle, or into Dybala, who can escape his markers.

The front 4 look to attack the opposition at pace. With the front three maintaining a high position and pinning the opposition defensive line back, Dybala should make full use of his 10 role to exploit the space between the lines. If we can create a 1 v 1 battle with the DM, we feel Dybala can take the upper hand and create chances. He will be constantly on the move, often drifting wide where he can create triangles with FB and winger to open up the flanks, dropping deeper to receive the ball either side of the DM and behind the CMs, and making runs off of Kane to get behind the opposition. Sancho will look to hold width at all times, a key aim is to get the ball to the wingers in quick transitions from build up, and we believe Sancho with his dribbling can win his 1 v 1 battle and get crosses into the strikers. He’s also great at slowing the game down, drawing the opposition defence across and then beating 2-3 men, with Dybala, Silva and Kane to attack the box this will be hard to defend. Silva has a license to come into the half space more often. Kane’s role is to be on the move around the penalty box, getting into scoring positions.

Off the ball we press firstly in a 4-4-2, Dybala joining Kane in looking to force the CBs wide on the ball, Sancho will push high onto his FB with Silva dropped off and tucked in more, as we look to force their build up out to the RB. Once the ball goes wide we swing our defensive pendulum, Sancho dropping back, Silva stepping up, Dybala drops back into midfield for a 4-1-4-1 shape, with Torreira able to go and help Sancho box the FB in. If they move the ball to the other side the pendulum swings, right sides players dropping and left sided players stepping up. We fall into a mid block, not looking to press the man but instead pressing passing lanes, so that the opposition have no where to go. Dybala and Torreira are staggered, the ball side player slightly higher, with Rodri behind the two of them, the staggering in midfield makes it harder for Everton's AM’s to find space between midfield and defence. Our FBs stay compact to the CBs so the half spaces can be closed off. When the ball is wide the back 4 shuffles across on the same pendulum as the midfield. We wait for a mistake, or a pass towards the touchline, and then we can be more aggressive.

Subs:

If Winning: Loftus-Cheek for Sancho 70’. Brandt for Dybala 80'.

If Drawing: Loftus-Cheek for Torreira 70’. Lozano and Brandt for Silva and Sancho 75’, fresh legs out wide.

If Losing: Weiser for Castro 60’, more offensive minded FB that can help us create serious overloads out wide. Lozano for Torreira 70’, Silva will play through the middle in a 4-1-4-1. Brandt for Sancho 75’.

--------------------Lloris
Danilo---Manolas---Kompany---Rodriguez
------------Herrera----Goretzka
Costa------------Aspas-------------Gelson
-------------------Cavani
Peacock-Farrell, Mee, Maitland-Niles, Ramsey, Amiri, Sessegnon, Giroud
Reverting back to a classic formation today, I think this 4-2-3-1 gives us a strong chance of controlling the game in the middle of the park, with the presence of Goretzka and Herrera assuring this. I also think that our attacking players give the license to play with pace on the counter, and with balls in behind to pacey players that can damage the opposition’s defence. Defensively, I think that we can be sure and solid, with further attacks coming from our attack-minded full backs, who are capable of contributing to the attacking element of the play.
Manolas and Kompany start at the centre of our defence, as a duo who have worked well together so far this season. Both have a physical element to their play, but are also capable of playing the ball out from the back. They should be provided with a multitude of options, putting it either to the two box to box midfielders sitting in front of them, or spreading the ball out wide to the two full backs, with the added option of each other. Should the opposition try to press us high up the pitch to cut this out, then lofted balls to the wingers or Aspas are also an option. Defensively, Kompany will look to man mark the opposition striker, whilst Manolas plays a more covering role, protecting the space in behind our defence. This will be helped by Lloris who will be quick off his line to marshall that space and prevent attacks.
Danilo and Rodriguez have been selected today for their attacking acumen, and will be utilised for this side of their game mainly. Both players will bomb down the line when we have the ball, offering themselves as outlets for the centre backs should need be, and provide overlapping and underlapping runs for the wingers, varying these displays so as to make it harder for their runs to be tracked. When they get into advanced positions they should be looking to target Cavani with their balls into the box. Defensively I think they have the energy to get up and down the line, and when off the ball they will harry, harass and harangue the opposition wide men relentlessly.
In Herrera and Goretzka I have picked two central midfielders that are comfortable both on and off the ball. They will both be playing box to box roles for today, though they will have to be on the same page, with only one committing to an attack at a time. I think both players have it in them to be a threat in and around the penalty area, and so them playing this game suits them well. When on the ball they will be looking forward with their play, trying to start attacks by either spreading the ball wide, looking for balls over the top and in behind, or getting it into the feet and body of Cavani. Defensively they will harass and harry the opposition, using their energy and tenacity to press the midfield areas and not allowing the opposition time to build their attacks.
I am looking to play with quick, pacey and direct inside forwards for today’s game. Both these players are comfortable at making driving runs at the opposition defence, and they will look to cut inside for today, to target the central areas of the pitch. I think this will help to create space for the rest of our attacking players by targeting the centre backs and any defensive midfielders, forcing them into moving out of position. I especially think this will create space for Aspas, who will be playing a free role in the set up, looking to either push beyond Cavani, or drift into pockets of space in the attacking midfield position or out wide. As a three man unit I think that we have players whose running and skill can cause the opposition defensive players problems, combined with the big man up front. Costa and Gelson do need to contribute defensively, getting back to support their respective full backs, but their pace on the break should help us turn these situations into attacks fairly quickly.
Cavani leads the line today, bringing with it his trademark energy, strength and finishing prowess. He will look to be the figurehead of the attack, playing with his front to goal and spreading the defence all game, creating space behind and in front of him for the pace that we have surrounding him today. When the ball is out wide he will be getting into the box to try and get on the end of it, and should the ball drop loose then we have quick players to get on the end of it. When the opposition have possession in defence, he, Costa and Martins will press them, forcing them into either long balls forward, passes backwards or mistakes on which we can pounce.
Red Card Subs
Hugo Lloris – Peacock Farrell comes on
Danilo – Maitland- Niles comes on
Vincent Kompany or Kostas Manolas – Ben Mee comes on
Riccardo Rodriguez – Maitland-Niles comes on
Ander Herrera or Leon Goretzka – Ramsey comes on
Iago Aspas – Amiri comes on
Gelson Martins – Sessegnon comes on
Douglas Costa – Sessegnon comes on, with Martins going RW and Sessegnon going LW
Edinson Cavani – Giroud comes on
Substitutions
If winning
Iago Aspas off and Aaron Ramsey on 70 mins
Switch to a more conventional 4-3-3 with Ramsey going into central midfield. Sacrifices an attacking player for a bit more stability and control in the middle of the park.
Gelson Martins and Riccardo Rodriguez off for Ryan Sessegnon and Ainsley Maitland-Niles 77 mins
Fresh legs down the left hand flank, which is where we will now concentrate our attacking breaks.
If losing/drawing
Douglas Costa and Gelson Martins off for Olivier Giroud and Aaron Ramsey 75 mins
Switch to a 4-3-3 with our three strikers playing up front together in the hope of maximising goalscoring chances. Cavani and Aspas playing either side of Giroud.
Riccardo Rodriguez off for Ryan Sessegnon 80 mins
A more attacking option at left wing back to bomb down the line.

Attacking 4-3-3

We look to play our usual attacking game and take the game to Villa, controlling possession and the tempo of the game. Control possession and find space in between the opposition lines. Get Modric and Thiago on the ball and looking to play killer balls to open up the opposition using the pace of our attacking players.

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

As you'd expect, possession starts at the back, Laporte the man marker next to J.Gomez who is free. In midfield, Casemiro reading the play looking to win the ball back as the dm alwatys staying back and offering cover, Modric and Thiago will offer inteligence defensively, with the pressing of Modric also improtant.

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

The defence will be patient on the ball, will be hugely important in keeping possession and pushing us up the pitch. Playing a reasonably high line, with good pace at the back and energy in front. As soon as we get the ball to our midfield, we look to move the ball quickly, quick passing and moving. Villa have great pace in attack, but they'll be tired from chasing us keep the ball while we also have pace at the back.

In attack we play with width to stretch the game and open up Villa. Get the fbs attacking. One bombing forward the other fb remains a little more reserved offering option to go back and switch play.

Hazard has a free role in attack, with Marcelo offering width on the left. On the right, Sane stays wide stretching the game looking to take on their lb.


------------------- Neuer
Carvajal- J.Gomez - Laporte - Marcelo
---------------- Casemiro
----------- Modric ---- Thiago
L.Sane ----------------------------- Hazard
---------------- C.Ronaldo

Subs. Schmeichel, T.Kehrer, Shaw, Doucoure, Coutinho, Richarlison, A.Correa

Defending in numbers

When we lose the ball the closest player presses the ball, the second closest presses the obvious passing channel. As they’re doing this everyone else bar Ronaldo gets behind the ball into position. Stop them breaking.

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

As Villa advance into higher areas of the park and into our half, our shape will resemble a 4-1-4-1. Our wingers will track any forward runs made by their fbs, and Casemiro presses the space in front of our cbs, sweeping up danger in front of the defence, the cms pressing their midfield.

In this tight formation narrowing to the side of play, ensuring there are no gaps in the formation. Casemiro will be key, reading the play in between the defence and midfield, getting across to cut out any danger. Thiago picks up the most advanced cm. The winger opposite play comes inside and sits on their deepest cm while Modric presses the space next to and in front of Casemiro. Our fb’s have fantastic pace up against their wide forwards, bide their time, not diving in.

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

The cm trio seeking to collect the ball from the defence, and seeking to start our attacks from the back. Spreading play, and setting the tempo of the game. We look to find space between their defence and midfield, committing defenders from there and playing killer balls.

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

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

Subs.
If winning after 70 mins bring on Richarlison for Ronaldo. Fresh energy and pure pace. Pushes tempo up.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Coutinho for Sane, new ideas and fresh legs in attack.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Doucoure for Modric, brings pure energy to cm to keep our tempo high and also stronger defensively.

If drawing after 60 mins bring on Doucoure for Casemiro.
If drawing after 70 mins bring on Coutinho for Sane.
If drawing after 75 mins bring on Correa for Thiago. Coutinho central with Modric and Doucoure.

If losing after 60 mins bring on Kehrer and Coutinho for Marcelo and Carvajal. 3-6-1. Sane right, Coutinho left, Hazard just off Ronaldo in a free role.
If losing after 75 mins bring on Richarlison for Sane. Richarlison up top with Ronaldo. Hazard right.

----------------------- Meret ----------------------
E.Hysaj ----- Rugani ----- Varane ----- Sandro
---------------------- Fabinho ---------------------
--------------- Pjanic ------ Pogba ---------------
Thorgan --------------------------------- Neymar
---------------------- Mbappe ---------------------

Oblak, de Jong, Aouar, Maddison, Kluivert, Rodrigo, Piatek

Possession football, quick on the break and really pressurise the opposition with an in your face performance from the front, we want to hit them quickly so we need to press them quickly to get the ball, when we defend, Fabinho, Pjanic and 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, Mbappe slightly higher up, this will congest the midfield and allow Pjanic and Pogba to dictate play, 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.

Varane picks up the CF, Rugani spare picks up the AM if he gets away from our midfield, keep the forward(s) away from the danger area, get onto them quickly and be strong, take the ball away from them and play it out of defence, look to get it out wide quickly when we have possession, Both are comfortable on the ball so can bring it out when in no danger and look for the pass longer to the forwards to hit them with pace, fullbacks must keep the wingers quiet, stop them and we stop a lot of there attacks They will look to keep them away from shooting areas and stop them becoming dangerous in any position by standing tall against them and keeping them on there 'bad' foot. When they attack, only one at a time, as to not let ourselves be exposed, they drive down the line in support of the wingers. the two always make themselves available to the wingers. If either get caught up field I want Fabinho to drift to the side and this allows the fullbacks to make their way to midfield to cover I want both Rugani and Varane to go up for corners, with the fullbacks and Fabinho sitting back.

In the centre of the pitch are Fabinho, Pjanic and Pogba. Fabinho our deepest player sitting just in front of the CB's he will shadow there AM and not allow him to control the game, Pjanic and Pogba must be disciplined and 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 always making himself for a return ball from a deeper angle as he he spreads it from side to side then eventually forward he is always looking for the ball to start again if need be, 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. Pjanic slightly higher up the pitch, he will stop the run of play quicker to make our defenders jobs a lot easier, make our midfield very difficult to pass through, protect our defence and Fabinho as best as possible and again in possession get it to the front 3 but also look for fullbacks and Pogba as they move into space, keep it simple, he has a very good range of pass. Either pass and move(triangles) into space or look for a piercing through ball to our front three to drive onto.Can move forward to assist and look for balls coming out so he can either, shoot or whip straight back in. Pogba is essential to our style of play, he is the link(alongside Pjanic) between defence and attack, as we break quickly he will look to set up our front three and at times be in a 10 role and look for the Fabinho/Pjanic pass. he will follow his pass and make up the numbers up front. When he doesn't drop deep i.e when the defenders go long, he will look to form a front four as they move around and look to tear the defence apart. All of our midfield three must press the opposition and get to grips with this game very early on.

Our wingers 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 the cms or out to one of our attacking fullbacks.however, the movement up front between Thorgan and Neymar will cause them problems drifting in an out, 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 Thorgan/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 Mbappe who has the pace and ability to beat any defender and the other winger who will look to get into space to get a shot off, if there defence is on top then we can always go direct at times and fire early crosses especially from deep from the fullbacks into Mbappe who will sit on the last foot so he can spring them, we must always make sure he is well supported, if he cant get the shot away he will be looking to bring others into the game by dropping slightly back to get numbers for the attack. We are lightening quick up front so when we hit the Liverpool defence they will struggle to cope especially as the game comes to the last 10/15ins as defenders tire with the movement and the pace we do it at

Captain - Varane
Pens - Neymar
Corners - Pjanic
Free Kicks - Pjanic

Subs -
Losing -
70 Mins - Piatek for Pogba, he goes up top to add some muscle, a poacher who will get on the end of everything (442)
80 Mins - Kluivert for Sandro, Hysaj to RCB, Kluivert to LW and Neymar into a free role to set things up for the front two and himself 3412

Winning -
70 Mins - de Jong for Pogba, more disciplined in CM will shore things up and will look to play keep ball near the end
75 Mins - Rodrigo for Thorgan - straight swap, fresh legs to get back whilst still a threat going forward
85 Mins - Aouar for Neymar, again help defensively as they attack

Drawing -
70 Mins - Piatek for Pogba, Kluivert for Thorgan, we go 4231

Mbappe - Neymar - Kluivert
------------ Piatek ------------

to freshen things up and go for a winner

80 Mins -

**80 Mins - was de Jong for Pjanic, fresh legs and look to open up the Liverpool defence

BRUM vs Leicester (cup)

-----------------------------------Lafont--------------------------------
Pereira-----------Skriniar---------------Maguire------------Telles
---------------------Valverde----------------Ndidi-------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neres----------------------------------------------------------------Anderson
------------------------------------Zaha----------------------------------------
------------------------------------Higuain-------------------------------------

Subs - Lunin, Ruben Dias, Bentancur, Pellegrini, Soler, Adama, Batshuayi

CAPTAIN - SKRINIAR
CK'S - NERES
FK'S - NERES
PENALTIES - HIGUAIN

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. Skriniar and Maguire bring a whole lot of experience and pace to the defence. Maguire will use his experience to marshal the defence and Skriniar 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 will be covering for them when they go attacking.

Defence Mids
Ndidi + Valverde
Ndidi 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.
Valverde will look to sit deep and be the gap between the defence and the midfield and play as the deep lying playmaker. When he has the ball I want him to pass the ball forward and try and play through balls for our wingers to run onto. I want the team to use him as an outlet to get play started or when the oppo is pressing us I want him to use his expert ball control to keep hold of possession of the ball. When not in possession of the ball I want him to sit alongside Ndidi in the middle and protect the defence.

Wingers
Neres + Anderson
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. Anderson will be looking to cut in from the left and Neres likewise from the right. 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. Pereira and Telles 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.

Attack Mid
Zaha
Zaha will be playing just behind Higuain and will look to help him out in attack. Be ready for passes into your feet and shoot if you see an opportunity. Mix up your attacking runs to throw off the oppo DM. I want him to dribble with the ball and play 1 2's with the rest of the team. Shoot if you see an opening.

Striker
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 Anderson/Neres to make infield runs ahead of you.


Subs if LOSING BY 65MINS
Put on Batshuayi for Valverde, Adama for Neres to bring some more pace on. Play a high line and try and get a goal. Change formation to 41212.

------------------------------------Lafont--------------------------------
Pereira----------Skriniar-----------Maguire------------Telles
------------------------------------Ndidi------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adama--------------------------------------------------------------Anderson
------------------------------------Zaha ------------------------------------
---------------------Higuain--------------Batshuayi ------------------------


Subs if WINNING BY 80MINS
Take off Zaha and put on Ruben Dias in CB. Play defensive with everyone in our own half defending for their lives, waiting to hit the oppo on the counter attack. Soler on for Neres and Bentancur for Valverde to add a bit more strength into the midfield.

------------------------------------Lafont--------------------------------
Pereira------Skriniar------Maguire------Dias-------Telles
-------------------------Bentancur--------Ndidi----------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------Soler---------------------------------------------Anderson---------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------Higuain---------------------------------------

Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Adama on for Neres
Bentancur on for Valverde
Batshuayi on for Higuain
Fresh legs to bring on.

—————————————Ter Stegen
Odriozola————Sule—————————Upamceano—————Gaya
———————Torreira———Rodri———Keita
—————————————B.Silva
——————Dybala————————————Kane

Subs: Pope, Diallo, Loftus-Cheek, Tielemans, Guedes, Sancho, Lozano

Captain: Marc Andre Ter Stegen
Free Kicks: Paulo Dybala / Lucas Torreira
Penalties: Harry Kane
Corners: Bernardo Silva


When Chelsea press higher we will keep our FBs deeper in build up so we have an overload on both their attack and midfield, allowing for easier progression. Fbs are only slightly ahead of the CBs and tucked in to draw Chelsea narrow, leaving access to the wings open to our CMs. Rodri drops towards build up to draw Chelsea’s midfield forward, opening space between the lines that our CMs and Bernardo can exploit. CFs between CB and FB to keep the entire Chelsea back 4 pinned, if a FB leaves his position to go and press a CM drifting wide, it creates a 1 v 1 battle for our CF, if their CM steps out, it opens space for Silva or Dybala to drop into. If their press loses shape, Gaya will push forward (3-diamond-3 build up), playing higher up and offering an easy diagonal outball that can draw FB and CM out to press, opening gaps between defenders and in midfield.

The main aim is to use diagonal passes out to our wide CMs, eliminating both vertical and horizontal lines of the opponents defensive shape, with the Cbs and Rodri all capable of picking these passes quickly. We can follow that up with a second diagonal ball, sometimes back to Rodri to push Chelsea’s midfield out again and open up more space behind, from there Rodri can find our attackers, or the CM can go directly into the forwards should the space be there.

In creating chances we will use lots of sharp short passing combinations, taking advantage of the triangles and diamonds that naturally form within our shape. By moving the ball quickly and constantly changing the direction of play through our close connections we create mental overloads which draw opponents towards the movement of the ball, rather than our movement off the ball, helping us to unmark ourselves. With our midfield overload in place already, this gives us a great opportunity to get players into open space higher up the pitch.

Our CMs movement in particular is key, they can look to get behind the Chelsea CMs to receive passes in the half spaces, or drift wide where they can have 1 v 1 battles in positions they are comfortable playing in, but the opponent is not, this should be a prominent move for Keita in particular, taking advantage of his direct running. It also creates space for Silva and Dybala to overload the DM. Both CMs will look to make third man runs from deep to support the forwards, again both quicker than their markers which means they should lose them easily with off the ball runs, but also excellent dribblers that allow them to win battles with the ball.

Silva will occupy their DM as well as move across to overload the half spaces with the CMs and create quick short passing combinations, using his his vision and passing to pick out the right runners. The strikers should also be constantly on the move, working in tandem, with Kane making runs in behind to draw the defence deeper and open up a gap between midfield and defence, and Dybala exploiting this gap with his quick link up play and direct attacking style. Equally, we know that Chelsea will commit their FBs to the attack today and we look to take advantage of this by positioning both strikers slightly wider than usual, in order to create a big gap between the CBs and isolate them in 1 v 1 battles as we feel the dribbling capabilities of our CFs can cause them huge problems, particularly with Silva and Keita coming from deep to supplement these attacks.

The FBs push forward as the ball progresses, coming from deeper they are harder to defend as they will have momentum running on to passes and Chelsea’s FBs don’t exactly chase back. They can put in high crosses for the strikers to attack, or cut backs for midfielder runners to attack at pace. They also help to stretch the game if Chelsea defend narrow, particularly with quick diagonal switches of play, knowing that even when they push forward, we have 3 CMs who can remain deeper and give us balance.

We know Chelsea build from the GK and we will look to control this today, with an in your face pressing performance. Our CFs start the press between FB and CB, stopping the ball going to the FBs in build up, Silva blocking the ball to the DM and Keita and Torreira in the half spaces so they can cover multiple passing lanes. We have two traps to set, one forces the opposition CM to spread out to find more space, detaching him from the rest of the opposition midfield and leaving him vulnerable to being pressed by Silva, Rodri, and the ball side CM and FB, leaving him no escape route by the touchline. The second trap sees Silva step up on to a CB and allow the ball carrying CB to move forward and find the DM. In this scenario Rodri steps forward alongside the CMs so that he can quickly press the DM when the ball is played towards him, with Silva from behind and both CMs quickly closing passing lanes to the CMs, look to force him into a mistake and take advantage of the CBs being in different lines too, with a quick pass into the space for the runs of the strikers. We use our diamond shape to aid these pressing traps with the natural overload we have on them.

Our CMs in the half spaces means they have great access to defend the flanks if Chelsea do get the ball wide and both have great energy to do this. Our formation also means we can quickly drop into a flat 4-4-1-1, Keita and Silva flanking Torreira and Rodri, with Dybala dropping deeper to cover the DM. Our Fbs not being needed in the press means they are in a strong position to defend the flanks and cut out Chelsea’s biggest strength, with the midfield’s support.

Subs:

If Winning: Loftus-Cheek for Keita 70’. Guedes for Dybala 80’.

If Drawing: Guedes for Keita 70’, Silva will drop deeper to dictate attacks, Dybala into the 10 role, Guedes can play alongside Kane, but this allows us to easily switch to a 4-2-3-1 in attack when needed. Loftus-Cheek for Silva 80’, we’ll take a draw away from home! Diallo for Dybala 85’, 5-3-2.

If Losing: Lozano for Keita 60’, 4-2-3-1, two wingers to allow us to start stretching the game a bit more, give their FBs more defending to do. Sancho for Silva 70’, whoever’s at LB won’t enjoy the next 20 minutes. Loftus-Cheek for Torreira 80’, more of a driving force in midfield to push the team up the field.

Attacking 4-3-3

We look to play our usual attacking game and take the game to Brum, controlling possession and the tempo of the game. Control possession and find space in between the opposition lines. Get Modric and Coutinho on the ball and looking to play killer balls to open up the opposition using the pace of our attacking players.

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

As you'd expect, possession starts at the back, Ramos the man marker next to Laporte who is free. In midfield, Casemiro reading the play looking to win the ball back as the dm alwatys staying back and offering cover, Modric and Coutinho will offer inteligence defensively, with the pressing of Modric also improtant.

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

The defence will be patient on the ball, will be hugely important in keeping possession and pushing us up the pitch. Playing a reasonably high line, with good pace at the back and energy in front. As soon as we get the ball to our midfield, we look to move the ball quickly, quick passing and moving. Brum have great pace in attack, but they'll be tired from chasing us keep the ball while we also have pace at the back.

In attack we play with width to stretch the game and open up Brum. Get the fbs attacking. One bombing forward the other fb remains a little more reserved offering option to go back and switch play.

Hazard has a free role in attack, with Marcelo offering width on the left. On the right, Sane stays wide stretching the game looking to take on their lb.


------------------- Neuer
Carvajal- S.Ramos - Laporte - Marcelo
---------------- Casemiro
----------- Modric ---- Coutinho
L.Sane ----------------------------- Hazard
---------------- C.Ronaldo

Subs. Pereira, J.Gomez, Doucoure, Ceballos, Richarlison, A.Correa, Belotti

Defending in numbers

When we lose the ball the closest player presses the ball, the second closest presses the obvious passing channel. As they’re doing this everyone else bar Ronaldo gets behind the ball into position. Stop them breaking.

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

As Brum advance into higher areas of the park and into our half, our shape will resemble a 4-1-4-1. Our wingers will track any forward runs made by their fbs, and Casemiro presses the space in front of our cbs, sweeping up danger in front of the defence, the cms pressing their midfield.

In this tight formation narrowing to the side of play, ensuring there are no gaps in the formation. Casemiro will be key, reading the play in between the defence and midfield, getting across to cut out any danger. Modric picks up the most advanced cm. The winger opposite play comes inside and sits on their deepest cm while Coutinho presses the space next to and in front of Casemiro. Our fb’s have fantastic pace up against their wide forwards, bide their time, not diving in.

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

The cm trio seeking to collect the ball from the defence, and seeking to start our attacks from the back. Spreading play, and setting the tempo of the game. We look to find space between their defence and midfield, committing defenders from there and playing killer balls.

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

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

Subs.
If winning after 70 mins bring on Ceballos for Coutinho fresh legs and stronger defensively.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Richarlison for Ronaldo. Fresh energy and pure pace. Pushes tempo up.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Doucoure for Modric, brings pure energy to cm to keep our tempo high and also stronger defensively.


If drawing after 70 mins bring on Correa for Coutinho. Super sub. 4-2-3-1. Hazard behind Ronaldo, Sane and Correa wide.
If drawing after 75 mins bring on Ceballos for Casemiro.
If drawing after 80 mins bring on Belotti for Sane. 4-2-4. Hazard back left. Belotti central.

If losing after 60 mins bring on Gomez and Corres for Marcelo and Carvajal. 3-6-1. Sane right, Correa left, Hazard just off Ronaldo in a free role.
If losing after 75 mins bring on Richarlison for Sane. Richarlison up top with Ronaldo. Hazard right.

Bournemouth Tactics Week 15:

TEAM – 4-2-3-1
Captain – Zubeldia
Vice Captain - Andersen


-----------------------Musso
Emerson---Andersen---Murilo--- Saracchi
----------------Zubeldia--Maycon
Zaracho------------Paquetá----------Everton
-----------------------Gómez


SUBS – Unsain, Bustos, Santos, Wendel, Renan, Cunha, Cáseres


Today we will concentrate on doing what we do best and playing to our strengths – keeping hold of the ball and working it simply around the park. Nothing flash or risky – just possession football. Patience could be the key and if we keep it tight we have the personnel to get us a goal. We have pace to move the ball forward very quickly and enough pace to regain our shape if the opposition turn it around and try and counter us. This is a formation that can slot into a number of systems. We can easily slip into a 4-3-3, 4-5-1 or a 4-4-2 depending on how the match pans out. When defending it will be more of a defensive 4-4-2 with Maycon and Zubeldia holding in the middle with Paquetá just in front pressing the opposition and making a nuisance of himself. The whole team will sit that wee bit deeper but always ready for any possible counter.
With the ability of our team to change formation depending on the circumstances I think we have enough in midfield and out wide to starve them from the ball. We will be looking to get bodies in the box. With fast and fluid attacking play Gómez will always have support in this area and our wide men will always have a target to get the ball in to. With the trickery of Paquetá, Zaracho and Everton, the opposition can always expect the unexpected when we are on the attack. We will not be afraid to hit them on the counter as with our full backs and wingers we have enough speed and skill to beat most teams. We will also be very respectful of what the opposition can do and will look to press them with urgency when we are looking the ball. We will take the risks we need to open them up ONLY when the correct chance arises. In saying that we will have a measured approach and if they try to play with a high tempo we will match that. We are not here to let them dictate the game. We will play it how we want to play and we will have a right go at them.
We will use Zubeldia and Maycon to dictate the tempo of the play to suit our moment. I think with our mobility and physicality we can really stamp our authority on this area right from the off. The wingers will be asked to vary the attack between taking the full backs on the outside, or cutting inside. Whatever seems right at the moment – in order to carve up their defence. The pace of the wingers will cause a lot of headaches and the ability of both wingers and the AM to interchange positions will be something we will use to add to the confusion in the opposition ranks. We will look for our midfield to make it very difficult for them to link up play between their midfield and the front men – hopefully meaning their attack will not see a whole lot of the ball.
Without the ball we will look to Paquetá and the wingers/CF to press and give the opposition no space at all to work in. When in possession we will take our time and keep our passing neat and simple. We will be looking for Paquetá (supported by Maycon) to orchestrate our attacks. He will be the main man in creating the openings. We will look to our speed outside and on the overlap as well as the cleverness of Paquetá in playing the ball through and behind the defenders giving our attacking widemen and CF plenty of ammunition to get on the end of.
Free Kicks/Corners - Paquetá, Everton and Zaracho with Murilo, Andersen and Zubeldia expected to go up for attacking set plays.

Penalties - Gómez or Everton

SUBS

If Winning (on 75 mins) – Santos for Murilo and Cunha for Zaracho – (Straight Swap)
If losing (on 70 mins) – Cunha for Zubeldia, and Renan for Zaracho (Switch to attacking 4-1-3-2):
-----------------Maycon
Everton------Paquetá------Renan
-----------Gómez--Cunha

-----------------------Perin
Lazaro---Milenkovic-------Aké----Tagliafico
------------Grillitsch-------Kampl
----Brekalo---------Neuhaus---------Rebic
-----------------------Mitrovic

Subs: Müller, Augustinsson, Nández, Laimer, Óliver, Forsberg, González

Our defensive unit consists of Nikola Milenkovic and Nathan Aké paired up at centre-back, Valentino Lazaro at right-back and Nicolás Tagliafico at left-back, with Florian Grillitsch and Kevin Kampl as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.

This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in Grillitsch 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 Grillitsch 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, Florian Grillitsch.

A holding midfielder through and through, Grillitsch 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 Grillitsch such a talent.

The attacking unit consists of Josip Brekalo, Florian Neuhaus and Ante Rebic as our band of three attacking midfielders with Aleksandar Mitrovic 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 Grillitsch or Kampl, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.

Lazaro and Tagliafico can surge up the wings in the knowledge that Grillitsch and Kampl can drop into the space left behind if needed. As they come up the wings, both Josip Brekalo and Ante Rebic, who are fast speed merchants, excellent in tight spaces and fantastic dribblers will cut inside or make runs into the box.

Neuhaus lines up as our “Raumdeuter” (space-interpreter), who will use his distinct and unorthodox technique to find spaces between the lines. Neuhaus is an intuitive and instinctive player who will nearly always play a perfect pass and make a perfect run.

His space-interpreting ability will be reflected in the spaces he picks up his assists from, often behind our opposition’s midfield and ahead of their defence, able to play a perfect pass forward and pick the right spot in the blink of an eye.

We’ve tweaked our philosophy to involve Neuhaus so as to have as little as possible to do in terms of build-up of play and do what he is best at: find space, interpret play and be two steps ahead of our opposition by using his finest tool, anticipation.

Perhaps the deadliest asset Neuhaus possesses is his work without the ball, to get into good scoring positions or to put his teammates in good scoring positions.

Neuhaus’s movement is different from all others. He’ll interpret space and form cohesion with his intelligent running and inhuman anticipatory skills and as a result, Mitrovic, Brekalo and Rebic will benefit. Neuhaus isn’t our flashiest player or doesn’t seem the most dangerous but once a keen eye is kept on him, his true expertise will be known.

Another highly noticeable attribute of a Neuhaus’s game is his link-up play. Neuhaus will make runs and movement to support Brekalo, Rebic and Mitrovic with ease, mostly with one or two touch football and that will adequately support his teammates and vice versa.

Neuhaus is aware with his running and of the surroundings near him that will help attacking moves. With our full-backs, this sort of movement will influence their own overlapping runs, and as with our forwards, they can get into good goal scoring positions. Neuhaus will make himself readily available to teammates and without the intention, provide much more help in the build-up of attacking play than they notice.

Mitrovic will hold up play as an outlet to play others in and provide layoffs in the final third, but he will also make well-timed runs in behind against high defensive lines. He will be especially gifted at receiving the ball in this match, and the power and precision of his shots will make him a deadly finisher in and around the box.

Subs on 75 mins
González on for Brekalo and Forsberg for Rebic

Like for like changes; González and Forsberg should trouble any tiresome legs in the oppositions defence as we push for a late goal regardless of the result.

---------------------- Audero -----------------------
Mukiele ----- Akanji ------ Elvedi ----- Henrichs
-------------- N'Zonzi ------ Matuidi ---------------
L.Moura ------------- Fekir ------------- K.Coman
---------------------- Lukaku ------------------------

Forster, Zagadou, Guerreiro, T.Adams, Almiron, Alcacer, Mandzukic

Control possession high up the field, pass and move into positions that can hurt them, when we defend we do so as a team from the front and really pressurise them into quick , misplaced passes for us to pick up, in their face performance, especially N'Zonzi, Matuidi and Fekir as we try to nullify their midfield and stop them creating chances for the forwards.

Mukiele and Henrichs have freedom to attack, but only one at a time, one always staying back so we will have a back 3, they will bomb down the line supporting the wingers, which will allow the winger to cut inside and support Lukaku. They look to play one twos with the midfield which will get him beyond there fullback and whip in dangerous crosses. Both tough defenders and intelligent so know when to tackle and when just to try and shimmy out wide. When defending and on the cautious side and remain vigilant at all times in the line of four, keep it tight.. Akanji the more mobile and quicker CB will mark the CF, use his strength and speed to keep the CF away from the danger area. Elvedi alongside is the spare defender and helps out where needed, bot very powerful defenders, dominate in the air and good on the ball, so when in possession they can carry the ball out from defence and look to send our forwards away. Stay tight as a four and let nothing through. Both up for corners, fullbacks and Matuidi stay back. When we are in possession the ball will come from the back, so these guys must look for movement ahead of them so they can pick there pass, both CBs are comfortable with ball at feet and will take the ball out of defence to allow them to come on to us before he passes, this will create space as hew will force them to break away from the players they are marking..

N'Zonzi's primary role is to win possession and then start an attacking phase. Within this he needs to cover spaces in between the midfield and defence where the opposition’s number 10 will likely to be operating whilst also being aware when the full-backs had pushed forward.Take care of of the No 10/SS is also a main focus, stick to him like glue and stop him becoming a threat, very good in the air so can attack long/high balls before they get to our defenders. Once he is in possession of the ball nice simple balls to those around him.

Matuidi is our box-to-box midfielder and has responsibility throughout the pitch. He is expected to score goals and create chances for team mates, whilst also helping in the defensive third. One requirement of this role are high fitness levels due to the amount of running they are expected to do. The box-to-box midfielder is more likely to be found on the side of the pitch where the full-back that is less efficient in the attacking third plays to provide balance on both flanks. Fekir's main responsibility is to both create chances for the three attackers in front of him and indeed score the goals himself. He will often find himself the furthest forward of the three midfielders and sometimes even in the number 9 role if the correct situation arises. The main requirement of Fekir is creativity; he needs to be able to play a pass that penetrates the opposition’s defense or dictates the direction of the attack These three should work well together and between them have everything a midfield needs.

Wingers are going to cause problems out wide, with the support they will have, they will look to push the fullbacks back and get into the danger area. both sides will definitely pose a threat with quick one twos, using Matuidi/Fekir to play around them with the ball going in triangles quickly until the break is on. If fulbacks drive passed wingers they can cut inside looking to make a nuisance of themselves centrally again using barkley to get into danger areas. Both wingers have a fantastic forward to aim for in Lukaku so if they get to the bye line then get the crosses in for him to attack.Lukaku will get plenty chances, however he must put away there side who will be solid at the back, however I want to target the slower/weaker of the two/three with the aid of Fekir and the wingers and sometimes the fullbacks. Get into positions that he can go for goal or at very least drag players away for other players to drive into the space. Again, target the slower/weaker of the cbs, split them apart to create space, we are quick, so our forwards must hit them with pace to drag them all over the place. He can score from various angles/ranges with hopefully a few crosses coming in he can get up and above defenders for. Can hold it up and look for runners, in particular Moura and Coman will be making runs so be watchful of them just to lay it off to the side if he cant go for goal himself. But especially look for Fekir/Matuidi as they time their runs perfectly so a little touch back to him allows him to go for goal.

We must defend as a team tho, from the front, so wingers track back and cover the fullbacks, even just to stop them supporting the wingers, we must drive into them and pressurize them into mistakes

Captain - Matuidi
Pens - Lukaku
FK's - Fekir
Corners - Wingers

Subs:-
Losing
65 Mins - change style, Zagadou and Alcacer on for Henrichs and Mukiele, Zagadou to LCB and Alcacer up top with Lukaku, more direct and Matuidi to be more disciplined (3412)
75 Mins - Almiron for Coman, fresh legs down the left to push on

Winning -
75 Mins - Tyler Adams for Coman, Fekir go wide left and Adams into a 3 man midfield to shore it up
80 Mins - Alcacer for Lukaku, straight swap, Guerreiro for Fekir help out defensively

Drawing
65 Mins - Almiron for Coman, straight swap, fresh legs
70 Mins - Alcacer for Lukaku, straight swap
80 Mins - Guerreiro for Henrichs, now two sets of fresh legs down our left to attack their right hand side

Attacking 4-3-3

We look to play our usual attacking game and take the game to Pompey, controlling possession and the tempo of the game. Control possession and find space in between the opposition lines. Get Modric and Thiago on the ball and looking to play killer balls to open up the opposition using the pace of our attacking players.

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

As you'd expect, possession starts at the back, Ramos the man marker next to Laporte who is free. In midfield, Casemiro reading the play looking to win the ball back as the dm alwatys staying back and offering cover, Modric and Thiago will offer inteligence defensively, with the pressing of Thiago in high areas also improtant.

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

The defence will be patient on the ball, will be hugely important in keeping possession and pushing us up the pitch. Playing a reasonably high line, with good pace at the back and energy in front. As soon as we get the ball to our midfield, we look to move the ball quickly, quick passing and moving. Pompey have great pace in attack, but they'll be tired from chasing us keep the ball while we also have pace at the back.

In attack we play with width to stretch the game and open up Pompey. Get the fbs attacking. One bombing forward the other fb remains a little more reserved offering option to go back and switch play.

Hazard has a free role in attack, with Marcelo offering width on the left. On the right, Sane stays wide stretching the game looking to take on their lb.


------------------ Schmeichel
Carvajal- S.Ramos - Laporte - Marcelo
---------------- Casemiro
----------- Modric ---- Thiago.A
L.Sane ----------------------------- Hazard
---------------- C.Ronaldo

Subs. Pereira, J.Gomez, Ascaibar, Ceballos, Richarlison, A.Correa, Coutinho

Defending in numbers

When we lose the ball the closest player presses the ball, the second closest presses the obvious passing channel. As they’re doing this everyone else bar Ronaldo gets behind the ball into position. Stop them breaking.

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

As Pompey advance into higher areas of the park and into our half, our shape will resemble a 4-1-4-1. Our wingers will track any forward runs made by their fbs, and Casemiro presses the space in front of our cbs, sweeping up danger in front of the defence, the cms pressing their midfield.

In this tight formation narrowing to the side of play, ensuring there are no gaps in the formation. Casemiro will be key, reading the play in between the defence and midfield, getting across to cut out any danger. Modric picks up the most advanced cm. The winger opposite play comes inside and sits on their deepest cm while Thiago presses the space next to and in front of Casemiro. Our fb’s have fantastic pace up against their wide forwards, bide their time, not diving in.

Attack.

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

The cm trio seeking to collect the ball from the defence, and seeking to start our attacks from the back. Spreading play, and setting the tempo of the game. We look to find space between their defence and midfield, committing defenders from there and playing killer balls.

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

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

Subs.
If winning after 70 mins bring on Ceballos for Modric fresh legs and stronger defensively.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Ascaibar for Thiago and Richarlison for Ronaldo. Fresh legs in midfield, and up top.

If drawing after 70 mins bring on Coutinho for Modric. Super sub. 4-2-3-1. Hazard behind Ronaldo, Sane and Correa wide. Higher tempo.
If drawing after 75 mins bring on Correa for Sane.

If losing after 60 mins bring on Gomez and Correa for Marcelo and Carvajal. 3-6-1. Sane left, Correa right, Hazard just off Ronaldo in a free role.
If losing after 75 mins bring on Coutinho for Modric.