My tactics will be late again
———————Ter Stegen
Castro——Rudiger——Sule——Gaya
—————Torreira——Milinkovic
B.Silva—————Dybala————Lozano
————————Kane
Pope, Odriozola, Sanchez, Tielemans, Ndidi, Guedes, 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 Torreira to help circulate. Milinkovic will position himself slightly higher than Torreira and Dybala will drop alongside Milinkovc. 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 Torreira 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. Milinkovic has a box to box role, and his higher positioning in comparison to Torreira allows us to create triangles in the midfield, the staggering of the 3 central players positions means we have the option to use quick diagonal passing, which draws more opponents towards the pass and opens up new spaces behind. Milinkovic 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. Lozano 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 Lozano 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, Milinkovic 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, Lozano 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, Lozano dropping back, Silva stepping up, Dybala drops back into midfield for a 4-1-4-1 shape, with Milinkovic able to go and help Lozano box the FB in. If they move the ball to the other side the pendulum swings, right sided 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 Milinkovic are staggered, the ball side player slightly higher, with Torreira behind the two of them, the staggering in midfield makes it harder for City’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: Guedes for Lozano 70’. Brandt for Dybala 80'.
If Drawing: Guedes and Brandt for Silva and Lozano 75’, fresh legs out wide. Tielemans for Milinkovic 80’ for added drive.
If Losing: Odriozola for Castro 60’, more offensive minded FB that can help us create serious overloads out wide. Brandt for Milinkovic 70’, Silva will play through the middle in a 4-1-4-1. Guedes for Lozano 75’.
-------------------------- Courtois ------------------------
Cancelo ----- M.Skriniar ----- Koulibaly -- Hernandez
------------- Fernandinho ----- Jorginho ----------------
O.Dembele ----------- M.Asensio ----------- A.Martial
-------------------------- M.Icardi ------------------------
Subs:
Hart, Lenglet, Partey, Arthur, Draxler, Haller, Jovic
Captain: Fernandinho
Free Kicks: Asensio
Penalties: Icardi
Corners: Asensio
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 Icardi 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 Jorginho 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 Dembele, Asensio and Martial.
If the opposition play one up top then Koulibaly will mark, strong, quick and aggressive we feel he has all the tools to deal with any opponent. Skriniar 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 Jorginho 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.
Forwards:
Frightening pace, electrifying dribbling and deadly finishing, we feel our front four have it all. Our wide players will look to take the opposition on at will. Dembele 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 Icardi to be slipped in and finish. Asensio occupies the AM role, a gifted technician he will be looking to take the opposition and craft opportunities all afternoon. With the runs of Icardi, Dembele and Martial to pick out we feel that he will thrive. Aside from offering blistering pace and fantastic dribbling, he also possesses a fantastic strike from distance and we encourage him to try his luck and any opportunity.
Our three AM’s are all interchangeable, giving our wide players license to come inside centrally with Asensio comfortable on either flank. This will make things extremely difficult for the opposition as they will constantly being pulled out of position to cover the space. All three have fantastic work rate and will be a constant outlet as they make runs in behind when our deeplying playmakers are in possession. We have numerous options when on the attack and really look to test the opposition defence with a goal threat from every angle. Icardi 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 he look to get in on goal at every opportunity.
Subs;
If winning:
65 mins: Jorginho off, Partey 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:
65 mins: Jorginho off, Arthur on.
75 mins: Martial off, Jovic on. We move to 4-2-2-2 with Dembele and Asensio on the flanks whilst Icardi and Jovic are up top as we go for the winner.
If losing:
55 mins: Fernandinho off, Jovic on.
65 mins: Hernandez off, Haller on. We revert to 3-4-3 with Icardi, Jovic and Haller up top as we go for goals, goals, goals.
NEWCASTLE 4-3-3
___________Alisson
Bissaka____Hummels___Godin___Robbo
__________Kante
________Verratti___Silva
Salah______Suarez________Mane
SUBS: Alder, Alli, Winks, Radja, Diego Costa, Suso, Reus
Captain: Diego Godin
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: Diego Costa comes on for Suarez, a different style of forward play for the opposition to think about.
If winning 80 mins: Winks comes on for Kante to close out the game. He is capable in deep midfield alongside Verratti in a 4-2-3-1.
If losing/drawing 80 mins: Reus comes on for Verratti and play 2 up front.
PORTSMOUTH v Bournemouth
Injuries: Busquets, Otamendi, D Suarez, Arias
----------------- Ederson
Walker - Van Dijk - Umtiti - Marcelo
-- De Bruyne - J Martinez - Koke
------ Mahrez - Aguero - Bale
Subs: Butland, Varnier, Ghoulam, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Lemar, Mertens, G Jesus
-----------------
A tough but winnable game today against Bournemouth, 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, Ederson in goal, Van Dijk and Umtiti at centreback, Walker and Marcelo at fullback, Koke, Javi Martinez and De Bruyne in midfield, Bale and Mahrez either side of Aguero upfront.
This game is about controlling the tempo and giving us the best chance of getting the win today. Bournemouth are going to fight hard and our best hope is to be strong, disciplined and keep our concentration levels at maximum.
Ederson - 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 Aguero.
Van Dijk/Umtiti - Van Dijk mark their striker, force them high up the pitch thus limiting his impact close to goal, and Umtiti 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.
Walker/Marcelo - Both of you to force the Bournemouth 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 Bale and Mahrez 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 Aguero and link with Koke and De Bruyne. You will need to track back very quickly to ensure we don't get caught on the break.
Javi Martinez - 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 Koke and De Bruyne alongside you if you're closed down.
Koke/De Bruyne - Two box to box midfielders today, one either side of Martinez at DM. Both of you are required to get back and assist Martinez 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 Bale, Mahrez or Aguero.
Bale/Mahrez - Both with the trickery to beat the Bournemouth 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 Aguero with chances and also provide yourself with chances. Link up with Koke and De Bruyne, and capitalise on the space Aguero's presence will create for you.
Aguero - you will be expected to occupy the Bournemouth 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 Bale or Mahrez on occasion. Try and link with the two alongside you to create opportunities.
------------------
Subs 70 mins;
If winning: Bale and Aguero off, Oxlade-Chamberlain and Jesus on. Change to a flat 4-5-1, Mahrez to RM, Koke to LM, Oxlade-Chamberlain in the middle with Martinez and De Bruyne, Jesus the fresh legs upfront.
If drawing: Koke off, Jesus on. Change to 4-4-2, Martinez and De Bruyne in midfield, Mahrez RW, Bale LW, Jesus up top with Aguero. Push for the winner.
If losing: Umtiti and Martinez off, Jesus and Mertens on. Change to 3-1-4-2, Walker - Van Dijk - Marcelo at the back, Koke the playmaker from deep, Mahrez - De Bruyne - Bale - Mertens behind Aguero and Jesus upfront. Push for goals.
In case of red card, change to 4-3-2 (two wide forwards)
If Ederson, Mahrez off Butland on
If Walker/Marcelo, Mahrez off Ghoulam on
If Van Dijk/Umtiti, Mahrez off, Oxlade-Chamberlain on (Javi Martinez to CB, Ox to CM)
If Koke/Martinez/De Bruyne, Mahrez off, Oxlade-Chamberlain on
If Mahrez/Aguero/Bale, no change
WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS v Portsmouth
Injuries: Vitolo, Di Maria, Hakimi, Vardy
------------------ Kepa
Maffeo - Barzagli - D Luiz - Tagliafico
---- Rakitic - Diawara - Gundogan
--- Arnautovic - Immobile - Perisic
Subs: Leno, Tah, Wendell, McTominay, Hamsik, Ozil, A Pereira
-----------------
A tough but winnable game today against Villa, 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, Kepa in goal, Barzagli and David Luiz at centreback, Maffeo and Tagliafico at fullback, Rakitic, Diawara and Gundogan in midfield, Arnautovic 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. Villa are going to fight hard and our best hope is to be strong, disciplined and keep our concentration levels at maximum.
Kepa - 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/Luiz - Luiz 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.
Maffeo/Tagliafico - Both of you to force the Villa 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 Arnautovic 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 Gundogan. 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 Gundogan alongside you if you're closed down.
Rakitic/Gundogan - 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 Arnautovic, Perisic or Immobile.
Arnautovic/Perisic - Both with the trickery to beat the Villa 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 Gundogan, and capitalise on the space Immobile's presence will create for you.
Immobile - you will be expected to occupy the Villa 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 Arnautovic or Perisic on occasion. Try and link with the two alongside you to create opportunities.
------------------
Subs 70 mins;
If winning: Immobile off, A Pereira on. Change to 4-5-1, Pereira to RM, Perisic to LM, Arnautovic the lone striker.
If drawing: Diawara off, Ozil on. Switch to a 4-2-3-1, Rakitic and Gundogan in midfield, Ozil to AM behind Immobile. Try and find a winner.
If losing: Barzagli and Diawara off, Hamsik and Ozil on. Change to 3-1-4-2, Maffeo - Luiz - Tagliafico at the back, Rakitic the deep lying playmaker, Hamsik - Ozil - Gundogan - Perisic behind Immobile and Arnautovic upfront.
High tempo attacking 4-3-3
We look to play our usual attacking game and take the game to Arsenal, controlling possession and the tempo of the game. Control possession and find space in between the opposition lines. Get Modric on the ball and looking to play killer balls to open up the opposition using the pace of our attacking players. Create for Ronaldo.
Use our high tempo play to create space for the likes of Hazard and Modric in midfield. Hazard has more freedom and looks to find space wherever he can in the final third.
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 and high tempo 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, Pavard the man marker next to Laporte who is free. In midfield, Rodri reading the play looking to win the ball back as the dm alwatys staying back and offering cover, Thiago and Tolisso will offer inteligence defensively, with the pressing of Modric and Tolisso in high areas also improtant.
Rodri and Tolisso collecting the ball and offering the link between defence and attack, get Modricon the ball and get pushing up the pitch, let him pick the passes. But we also have great pace, so mix it up going through or over the top to expose the space behind them. Quick one twos between the two and the attacking trio and Mendy and Trent always looking to provide an option.
The defence will be patient on the ball, will be hugely important in keeping possession and pushing us up the pitch. Playing a reasonably high line, with good pace at the back and energy in front. As soon as we get the ball to our midfield, we look to move the ball quickly, quick passing and moving.
In attack we play with width to stretch the game and open up Spurs. 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 Mendy offering width on the left. On the right, Sane stays wide stretching the game looking to take on their lb.
--------------------- Neuer
Trent.A-A - Pavard - Laporte - B.Mendy
---------------------- Rodri
--------------- Modric --- Tolisso
L.Sane ------------------------------ Hazard
-------------------- Ronaldo
Subs. Schmeichel, Ramos, Casemiro, Ceballos, A.Correa, Coutinho, 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 Arsenal 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 Rodri 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. Rodri will be key, reading the play in between the defence and midfield, getting across to cut out any danger. Tolisso 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 Rodri. Our fb’s have fantastic pace up against their wide forwards, bide their time, not diving in.
Attack.
Get the ball out wide, Rodri spreading the play, Tolisso box to box and Modric dictating the play. 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, Tolisso 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.
Subs.
If winning after 70 mins bring on Correa for Sane. He's a super sub, and offers huge work rate.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Casemiro for Tolisso.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Ceballos for Modric. Fresh legs and composure to see the game out.
If drawing after 70 mins bring on Ceballos for Tolisoo. More creativity.
If drawing after 75 mins bring on Correa for Sane. Super sub.
If drawing after 80 mins bring on Coutinho for Rodri.
If losing after 60 mins bring on Ramos and Correa for Mendy and Trent. 3-6-1. Sane left, Correa right, Hazard just off Ronaldo in a free role.
NEWCASTLE 4-3-3
___________Chesney
Azpi____Hummels___Godin___Robbo
__________Kante
________Verratti___Radja
Salah______Suarez________Mane
SUBS: Davies, Winks, Milner, Bissaka, Diego Costa, Bobby, Reus
Captain: Diego Godin
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: Milner comes on for Radja, our legs will start to tire, so will theirs, Milner 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: Winks comes on for Kante to close out the game. He is capable in deep midfield alongside Verratti in a 4-2-3-1.
If losing/drawing 80 mins: Costa comes on for Verratti and play 2 up front.
comment by 💀nadz💀 -🏆Real Madrid🏆 (U20251)
posted 4 weeks ago
BRUM vs Bournemouth
-----------------------------------------Lunin--------------------------------
Dalot-------------Marquinhos--------Maguire------------Chilwell
---------------------Valverde----------------Rice-------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neres---------------------------------------------------------------Anderson
--------------------------------------Zaha----------------------------------------
------------------------------------Higuain-------------------------------------
Subs - Telles, Kehrer, Kessie, Keita, Doucoure, Soler, Dembele
CAPTAIN - MAGUIRE
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
Lunin 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. Marquinhos and Maguire bring a whole lot of experience and pace to the defence. Maguire will use his experience to marshal the defence and Marquinhos 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. Rice will be covering for them when they go attacking.
Defence Mids
Rice + Valverde
Rice 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 Rice in the middle and protect the defence.
Wingers
Neres + Anderson
These 2 will be the focal point of my attack. 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. Dalot 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
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 Dembele for Valverde and Balde Keita for Zaha to bring some more pace on. Play a high line and try and get a goal. Change formation to 41212.
------------------------------------Lunin--------------------------------
Dalot----------Marquinhos-----------Maguire------------Chilwell
--------------------------------------Rice------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neres--------------------------------------------------------------Anderson
--------------------------------------Keita------------------------------------
---------------------Dembele--------------Higuain------------------------
Subs if WINNING BY 80MINS
Take off Zaha and put on Kehrer 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 Kessie for Valverde to add a bit more strength into the midfield.
------------------------------------Lafont--------------------------------
Dalot------Marquinhos------Maguire------Kehrer-------Chilwell
---------------------------Kessie--------Rice----------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------Soler---------------------------------------------Anderson---------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------Higuain---------------------------------------
Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Soler on for Neres
Kessie on for Rice
Dembele on for Higuain
Fresh legs to bring on.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
comment by 💀nadz💀 -🏆Real Madrid🏆 (U20251)
posted 4 weeks ago
VILLA vs hull
------------------------------De Gea-------------
Sidibe---------Bonucci--------Chiellini-----------Max
-------------------------------Soumare-----------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Pepe-------------------------Ziyech----------------------Rashford
----------------------Werner------------Fekir-----------------------
Subs - McCarthy, Caldara, Zielinski, Guerreiro, Rebic, Willian, Berardi
Playing the 41212 formation which is a nicely balanced formation. The tactic will be to use our pacy wingers to attack down the wings and create chances from there.
DEFENCE
De Gea will command the area when there's any high balls into the box. Punch the ball away if you can't catch it and play the ball out quickly to hit the oppo on the counter. Bonucci and Chiellini are 2 experienced heads in the centre of defence. Look to use all your knowledge to shut the oppo attack down. Chiellini to mark main striker and Bonucci to mark any other runners. Bellerin and Max will look to make sure they don't get beaten by the oppo wingers. Be vary of what the oppo winger likes to do aka if they like to cut in onto their stronger foot etc and try and stop them from doing that. Soumare will help you double up against the oppo wingers aswell. Soumare will be on ultra defensive mode. No attacking whatsoever.
ATTACK
Pepe will look to cut in onto his stronger left foot and I want him to shoot from distance if he sees a chance to. When not in possession of the ball I want him to stick close to the oppo fullbacks and look to beat the offside trap. Likewise with Rashford. Ziyech will be the playmaker in the final third and will look to use his expert dribbling ability to create chances for our team. Play quick passes and keep moving so the oppo find it hard to mark you. Werner will be the main goal threat for the team. He is very dangerous in the counter and I want him to use his pace and movement upfront to beat the oppo offside trap to get goal scoring chances. I want our fullbacks to whip some great deliveries into the box for him. He's also a threat in the 6 yard area and I want him to use his attacking prowess to get in front of the oppo defenders to find space to get a shot in goal. Fekir will look to use his movement to find gaps in the opportunity box. Play quick one touch passes to open up the oppo.
Subs if LOSING BY 70MINS - Play a really high line and pressure the opportunity high up the pitch to try and win possession.
Rebic on Pepe off.
Berardi on Fekir off
Subs if DRAWING BY 70 MINS
Zielinski on Ziyech off
Willian on Pepe off
Berardi on Fekir off
Subs if WINNING by 70 MINS
Change formation to 4231 and take off Fekir and put on Guerrero in DM next to Soumare.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Bournemouth Week 19:
Captain : Verissimo
Vice Captain : Musso
---------------------Musso
Emerson---Romero---Verissimo---Saracchi
---------Guimarães-------Bentancur
------------------- Paquetá
Joelinton-------------------------------Vargas
--------------------Gómez
SUBS: Felipe, Reis, Pereira, Maycon, Fernandes, Zaracho, Cunha
SUMMARY: This week we go with a 4-3-3 set up although we will be a tad more conservative and operate with one holding/defensive midfielder (Guimarães) who will be complimented with a deep sitting box to box midfielder (Bentancur). In front of them Paquetá will operate as the link between midfield and attack. This I feel will give us a better balanced midfield and while being absolutely defensively sound with 2 ‘sitting’ Bentancur will also be allowed the freedom (when the time arises) to link with Paquetá and attack. I think this set-up lets us link up quickly with our attack while at the same time that little bit of extra cautiousness means it will be easy for us to close the door in midfield with all 3 players as comfortable sitting and breaking up attacks if necessary.
We want to play a nice tidy and crisp passing game. Our aim is to move the ball forward as quickly and as effectively as possible. When we have the ball we will use it wisely and when we don’t have the ball then we will press our opponents all over the park with high urgency to win it back. We want to keep the ball on the deck and attack as a team and equally as important defend as a team. This team is bursting with pace. We will utilise that to our advantage and make the pitch wide and use our flying wingers to cause all sorts of mayhem. It will also be a tool that we use to hit opponents on the counter where we know we can out pace any team.
Goalkeeper: Musso is a big mobile keeper and very agile. A great shot stopper, he will communicate with the back 4 and be commanding with the high ball. He will not take any risks. He is a great distributor with both hand and foot and we will look to this as a way to launch quick attacks.
Defence: Our 2 full backs are there firstly to defend and make sure they stay on the right side of their opponents whether they be out wide or cutting inside. When we are on the attack they will be allowed to use their power and pace to provide the overlap on the flanks. They both have the power and the lungs to work the touchline for 90 minutes. They will make the pitch wide and always offer themselves as an option in attack. Our 2 centre halves are big 6 feet plus ball playing defenders. Both good in the air and equally as good with the ball at their feet. They will be asked to do the simple things well. Be aggressive but controlled in the tackle and never lose your man when defending dead ball situations. They will be able to bring the ball out of defence but if in doubt take absolutely no chances and clear it. Both big men will be a real aerial threat at set pieces.
Midfield: We will operate with one holding/defensive midfielder (Guimarães). He will be the midfield general. A physical pacey midfielder he will be there to boss this area for us. Breaking up play and filling in as an extra defender if one of our back 4 has ventured forward. He will be there to protect the defence and do a lot of the unseen dirty work in the centre of the park. He is essential to our game plan and while sitting deep will still offer a lot with his great passing ability. He also has a thunderbolt right foot. He will be complimented with a deep sitting box to box midfielder (Bentancur). He has a more conservative role this week and while being a little more constrained than normal he will still have the opportunity to bomb forward when the time is right. They will both have to put a defensive shift in and both are very strong in the tackle. We will look at their enthusiasm and relentless pressing of the opposition as a way to hopefully get a bit of a grip on the midfield and at the very least not make it plain sailing for the opposition. In front of them Paquetá will operate as the link between midfield and attack.
Wingers/Centre Forward: When in possession both Joelinton and Vargas will be expected to go for the direct approach and use their power and speed to take on the opposition defence and beat them and bring De Paquetá, Bentancur and Gómez in to play. They can vary their attacks as they see fit. Both players can play all across the middle so don’t be surprised to see them swapping wings. At times Bentancur may sit a bit deeper allowing Paquetá to slot in between both wingers, just behind the CF.
As well as an attacking force both wingers will also have to put a defensive shift when called upon and act as back up for their respective full backs.
Gómez starts as the CF. He won’t be short of support or ammunition with the attacking talent behind him. Great playing off the shoulder of the last man he is deadly in and around the box. A bag of energy and very strong we will also look for him to hold up and bring others in to play if it doesn’t seem to be on for him. We will look to get bodies in the box when attacking so he should always have an outlet. He is also great in the air and will provide an option from set pieces. When the shot is on he will take it but we also want to put himself about in the box and think that his lightning pace will be a real handful for defences. He will also be alert to any scraps in and around the goal. He has the ability to produce something sublime and create a chance out of nothing.
Free Kicks/Corners: Paquetá, Vargas or Joelinton with Romero, Verissimo, Guimarães and Gómez to offer an aerial threat. Paquetá and Vargas (with his thunderbolt left foot) may try their luck with several free kicks from distance.
Substitutions: (75 mins) If winning (and comfortable) then 3 like for like subs – Pereira for Romero, Maycon for Guimarães and Cunha for Gómez.
If losing (70 mins) then switch to a 4-1-3-2 and replace Bentancur with Cunha and Joelinton with Zaracho. Fresh legs and 2 attackers that carry a goal threat about them. We will look to their pace and freshness to offer us something different.
--------------Guimarães
Zaracho------Paquetá-----Vargas
----------Cunha -----Gómez
--------------------- Cillessen --------------------
Mukiele ----- Akanji ----- Elvedi ----- D.Blind
------- N'Zonzi ----- Neves ----- Matuidi ------
Lucas ------------------------------------ D.Jota
---------------------- Lukaku ---------------------
Muric, Ginter, T.Adams, Coman, Barnes, Jimenez, Alcacer
Control possession high up the field, pass and move into positions that can hurt them, when we defend we do so as a team with two banks of four & five with Lukaku harassing the backline and really pressurise them into quick, misplaced passes for us to pick up, in their face performance, especially Nzonzi, Neves and Matuidi as we try to nullify their midfield and stop them creating chances for the forwards.
Mukiele and Blind 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 Neves and 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 stay back and a midfielder just sitting in front of them. 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..
Nzonzi'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, he also has a mean shot from distance and isn't afraid to have a go. He will also be looking for knock downs/lay offs from Lukaku as he drives into the danger area. Neves 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 10 role if the correct situation arises. The main requirement of Neves 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 Neves 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 Neves 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 bully the slower/weaker of the two/three with the aid of Neves 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 Jota 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 Neves 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 - Elvedi
Pens - Lukaku/Alcacer
FK's - Neves
Corners - Wingers
Subs -
65 Mins - Coman for matuidi, Jota goes to No.10, Coman LW
75 Mins - Alcacer for mukiele, Jimenez for Jota, we go a direct 343, long balls up to the front three
Winning -
75 Mins - T.Adams for Matuidi, a bit of fresh grit in midfield
82 Mins - Jimenez for Lukaku, fresh legs up front, hold it up if need be
Drawing -
70 mins - Coman for Jota, Jimenez for Lukaku
Red cards
Cillessen - Jota off, Muric on, Matuidi go left in a 441
Defender - just play 351
CM - nothing
Lucas - Jota go right, matuidi left
Lukaku - Jimenez for Jota, Matuidi to LM
------------------------ Oblak ------------------------
Walker ------ Varane ------ Umtiti ------ L.Digne
-------------- Fabinho ------ de Jong --------------
Mbappe ------------- Zaniolo ------------- Neymar
------------------- Lewandowski --------------------
Meret, Stones, Aouar, Pogba, Chiesa, Thorgan, 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, de Jong, Fabinho and Zaniolo just in front harassing the man with the ball before they get to our back 4 and our front 3 in and around the half way line, Lewandowski slightly higher up, this will congest the midfield and allow us 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, Umtiti 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, both must attack high balls to get the ball away from the Liverpool big men. 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 Varane and Umtiti to go up for corners, with the fullbacks and Fabinho sitting back.
In the centre of the pitch are de Jong, Fabinho and Zaniolo. 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 Zaniolo have to 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. Zaniolo is essential to our style of play, he is the link between defence and attack, I want him higher up the pitch today so as we break quickly he will look to set up our front three and at times be in an advanced No.10 role and look for the de Jong/Fabinho/CB 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 Zaniolo 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 can beat any defender and the other winger (Neymar or Mbappe) 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 who will sit on the last foot so he can spring them and have a shoot or sight mentality, 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 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 - Lewandowski/Mbappe
Corners - Wingers
Free Kicks - Neymar
Subs
Losing -
70 Mins - Chiesa for Zaniolo, Chiesa go to RW, Mbappe sit just off Lewandowski in a kind of 442
80 Mins - Piatek for Sandro, Walker to RCB in a 3 and we go attacking 343 with Piatek up top, Aouar for de Jong at the same time
Winning -
80 mins - Chiesa for Lewandowski, Mbappe go central and use his pace to close it down and Chiesa to RM
83 Mins - Aouar for Neymar, 4141 with Zaniolo dropping back beside de Jong
Drawing -
70 mins - Chiesa for Lewandowski, he goes RW and Mbappe up top, Pogba for Zaniolo straight swap
80 Mins - Aouar for de Jong
Arsenal
----------------------- Lloris ------------------------
Danilo ----- Manolas ----- N'Dicka ----- Ricardo
------------ Goretzka ----- Martinez -------------
Malcom ------------- Tadic ------------- Douglas
---------------------- Cavani -----------------------
Pickford, Tuanzebe, Grillistch, Ramsey, Foden, Gelson, Aspas
Control possession high up the field, pass and move into positions that can hurt them, when we defend we do so as a team with two banks of four and Tadic and Cavani harassing the backline and really pressurise them into quick , misplaced passes for us to pick up, in their face performance, especially J.Martinez, Goretzka and Tadic as we try to nullify their midfield and stop them creating chances for the forwards.
Danilo and Ricardo 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 Tadic and Cavani. 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.. manolas the more mobile and quicker CB will mark the CF, use his strength and speed to keep the CF away from the danger area. N'Dicka 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 Javi 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..
Javi'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.
Goretzka 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. Tadic'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 Tadic 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 Goretzka/Tadic 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 Tadic 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.Cavani will get plenty chances, however he must put away there side who will be solid at the back, however I want to bully the slower/weaker of the two/three with the aid of Tadic 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 Malcom and D.Costa 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 Tadic/Goretzka 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 - Javi Martinez
Pens - Cavani
FK's - Tadic
Corners - Wingers
Subs:-
Losing -
70 Mins - Aspas for Douglas, tadic go to LW and 442
80 Mins - Gelson for Malcom, straight swap, Foden for Danilo, Ricardo to LCB, Foden into a free rol behind the strikers 3412
Winning -
80 Mins - Grillistch for Douglas, Martinez sits behind the midfield, in a 4141 with Tadic going to LM
85 Mins - Gelson for Malcom
Drawing
70 Mins - Foden for Douglas, swap with Tadic
80 Mins - Aspas for Cavani, Gelson for Malcom
Aston Villa v HULL CITY
--------------------Pavlenka
Aarons----Andersen-----Foyth------Lewis
-------------Eiting------------Kampl
Wilson-------------Brooks-------------James
--------------------Lacazette
Subs: Peacock-Farrell, Doherty, Kelly, Lobotka, Szoboszlai, Forsberg, González
Our defensive unit consists of Joachim Andersen and Juan Foyth paired up at centre-back, Max Aarons at right-back and Jamal Lewis at left-back, with Carel Eiting and Kevin Kampl as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.
This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in Eiting 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 Eiting 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, Carel Eiting.
A holding midfielder through and through, Eiting 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 Eiting such a talent.
The attacking unit consists of Harry Wilson, David Brooks and Daniel James as our band of three attacking midfielders with Alexandre Lacazette 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 Eiting or Kampl, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.
Aarons and Lewis can surge up the wings in the knowledge that Eiting and Kampl can drop into the space left behind if needed. As they come up the wings, both Harry Wilson and Daniel James, who are fast speed merchants, excellent in tight spaces and fantastic dribblers will cut inside or make runs into the box. David Brooks our attacking central midfielder’s low centre of gravity will enable him to navigate away from defenders at a frighteningly quick pace. Brooks is blessed with an instant first touch and can dribble with the ball at such a close proximity to his feet that it makes him almost impossible to tackle this creative passer who will look to play Wilson, James and Lacazette in via fast passing combinations.
Up front, Lacazette is an all-rounder and will perfectly complement the strengths of the trio of young Welshmen behind him with his technically gifted style of play, he will provide his team mates with assists and is a good finisher. He will use his lightning pace to good affect and he is extremely capable with both feet, has an eye for goal, will score all types of them and there is much potential to see his stunning volleys, long shots and one-on-ones.
As mentioned Lacazette will enjoy linking up with our other attacking players, providing lots of key passes. His first touch will be is admirable, with the ball rarely ever jumping far from him when he takes it. His close control is especially good as well, which will allow him us to hold up play for us if necessary.
Subs on 75 mins
González on for Wilson and Forsberg on for James
Lots of fresh legs and pace to trouble the opposition for a late goal regardless of the score line
PORTSMOUTH v Wolverhampton Wanderers
-------------------------Ederson
A-Arnold------Gomez------van Dijk----Marcelo
---------------Busquets-------Herrera
Brahim--------------de Bruyne----------------Bale
-------------------------Aguero
Subs: Butland, Hysaj, Otamendi, Tousart, Mahrez, Lemar, Sanchez
Our defensive unit consists of Joe Gomez and Virgil van Dijk paired up at centre-back, Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back and Marcelo at left-back, with Sergio Busquets and Ander Herrera as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.
This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in Busquets and Herrera 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 Herrera can press the ball without leaving lots of space, as Busquets 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 Herrera’s role, he will press almost anywhere in his own half to allow defenders to stay in the defensive line.
With Herrera running his socks off for the team, our high tempo will dictated by his partner in holding midfield, Sergio Busquets.
A holding midfielder through and through, Busquets 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 Busquets such a talent.
The attacking unit consists of Brahim Díaz, Kevin de Bruyne and Gareth Bale as our band of three attacking midfielders with Sergio Aguero 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 Busquets or Herrera, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.
Alexander-Arnold and Marcelo can surge up the wings in the knowledge that Busquets and Herrera can drop into the space left behind if needed. As they come up the wings, both Brahim Díaz and Gareth Bale, who are fast speed merchants, excellent in tight spaces and fantastic dribblers will cut inside or make runs into the box.
In a team peppered with world class players, De Bruyne remains our chief creator; provider-in-chief of assists and quality deliveries, bold and robust in his movement, he will power through the midfield with strength and assurance before unleashing the kind of precision passes that the likes of Brahim, Aguero and Bale will take full advantage of.
Aguero will occupy our oppositions centre backs, hold up possession and look to turn the defender and shoot. He’ll be strong in the air and will look for his teammates trying to pick him out from deep. He’ll stay on the last defender's shoulder for any passes in behind.
Subs on 75 mins
Mahrez on for Brahim, Lemar on for Bale
Lots of fresh legs and pace to trouble the opposition for a late goal regardless of the score line
Everton
---------------------- Strakosha
Florenzi -- Romagnoli ---- Vertonghen --- Luis
------------------------ Rabiot
---------------- Cazorla ---- Kovacic
Sterling ----------- Aubameyang ------------ Son
Subs:
Woodman, Bertrand, Sokratis, Guendouzi, Sigurdsson, Thauvin, Mina
We set up with a strong side suited to playing counter attacking football. We expect the opposition to look to dominate possession which will suit our strengths perfectly. When they’re in possession our wingers drop in as we revert to a 4-5-1 formation, as soon as we win back possession we look to break at speed with our devastating front 3 and hit them on the counter.
Verthongen is the defensive leader and will be the one to set the defensive line on the pitch, both centre backs will stay back with either one of the full backs or the DM always prepared to make it a back 3 when we lose possession to stop counter attacks, Both CB’s will communicate with each other so they are clear in where the attacking threats are. When dealing with the opposition, we will avoid slide tackles unless necessary instead looking to just guide players off the ball. When on the ball, if the opposition are giving them space to come out with the ball, then they should take it forward, if not, keep it simple with the occasional long ball to the front 3 thrown in to keep the opposition from setting up against one style of play.
For the full backs today the objective is to sit back and tuck in slightly when defending, looking to stop balls being played between them and the centre backs, with the secondary advantage of discouraging the wide men from cutting inside, forcing them to cross, which gives us a better chance of getting the ball back quickly and launching an attack of our own.
Their objective when attacking will be to keep making runs past the winger on both the inside and outside, giving the opposition full back that split second of indecision on who they go with. They will only occasionally put floated crosses in, preferring to either play shorter passes to the wingers or players who have come out from the middle of the pitch to keep possession and let the pressure build up in the final third, or run to the byline and put in fast and low crosses relying on both the faster reactions and control of our attackers and the pressure of the situation on their centre backs to hastily clear the ball without being in full control of the situation.
The focus of the midfield 3 will be to use their high energy, all action styles to get themselves around the middle of the pitch, working in collaboration with the front 3 to control the midfield battle whilst still having the attacking nous to create chances for us. When we are in the attacking third, they will always be looking to make themselves available for a pass to keep recycling the ball, keeping the pressure up with us looking to use the movement of the other CM's and the front 3 to drag the opposition defensive players that little bit more which could be the difference in getting a player behind them. They also all have an eye for a pass so will look to take advantage of the front 3 all flitting around and play them in with through balls and quick one touch play. We will also occasionally take the occasional long shot, with the aim being to make sure defenders aren't content to sit back and forcing them to make a decision. When defending, they are looking to press the middle third of the pitch, pressing the opposition CMs/Wingers in conjunction with other players as they are on the ball to rush their decisions and win the ball back.
Our front three are blessed with pace and goals. We expect our team to sit deep to neutralise the threat of the opposition getting in behind. This natural means that the opposition will push higher up the field which will leave ample space for us to get in behind. We look to get in behind at all opportunities. Get the ball out wide to Sterling or Son to break at speed or go directly through the middle to get Aubameyang out wide. Our wide players will look to get into the box at all opportunities. We play a fast counter attacking brand of football and look to go for goals for all three players in fantastic form.
Subs;
If winning:
65 mins: Cazorla off, Guendouzi on.
75 mins: Son off, Sokratis 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:
65 mins: Kovacic off, Sigurdsson on.
75 mins: Son off, Thauvin on.
If losing:
55 mins: Kovacic off, Thauvin on.
65 mins: Luis off, Mina on. 3-4-3 all out attack
Just sold Lemar (was a sub)
PORTSMOUTH v Wolverhampton Wanderers
-------------------------Ederson
A-Arnold------Gomez------van Dijk----Marcelo
---------------Busquets-------Herrera
Brahim--------------de Bruyne----------------Bale
-------------------------Aguero
Subs: Butland, Hysaj, Otamendi, Tousart, Mahrez, Sanchez, Carroll
Our defensive unit consists of Joe Gomez and Virgil van Dijk paired up at centre-back, Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back and Marcelo at left-back, with Sergio Busquets and Ander Herrera as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.
This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in Busquets and Herrera 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 Herrera can press the ball without leaving lots of space, as Busquets 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 Herrera’s role, he will press almost anywhere in his own half to allow defenders to stay in the defensive line.
With Herrera running his socks off for the team, our high tempo will dictated by his partner in holding midfield, Sergio Busquets.
A holding midfielder through and through, Busquets 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 Busquets such a talent.
The attacking unit consists of Brahim Díaz, Kevin de Bruyne and Gareth Bale as our band of three attacking midfielders with Sergio Aguero 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 Busquets or Herrera, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.
Alexander-Arnold and Marcelo can surge up the wings in the knowledge that Busquets and Herrera can drop into the space left behind if needed. As they come up the wings, both Brahim Díaz and Gareth Bale, who are fast speed merchants, excellent in tight spaces and fantastic dribblers will cut inside or make runs into the box.
In a team peppered with world class players, De Bruyne remains our chief creator; provider-in-chief of assists and quality deliveries, bold and robust in his movement, he will power through the midfield with strength and assurance before unleashing the kind of precision passes that the likes of Brahim, Aguero and Bale will take full advantage of.
Aguero will occupy our oppositions centre backs, hold up possession and look to turn the defender and shoot. He’ll be strong in the air and will look for his teammates trying to pick him out from deep. He’ll stay on the last defender's shoulder for any passes in behind.
Subs on 75 mins
Mahrez on for Brahim, Sanchez on for Bale
Lots of fresh legs and pace to trouble the opposition for a late goal regardless of the score line
I just swapped Lemar to Sanchez off the bench
------------------------- Courtois -------------------------
Cancelo ------- Boateng ----- Koulibaly --- Hernandez
------------ Fernandinho ----- Arthur -----------------
-O.Dembele ---------- C.Eriksen ------------- M.Asensio
------------------------- M.Icardi --------------------------
Subs:
Hart, Vrsaljko, Lenglet, Partey, Draxler, Martial, Jovic
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 Icardi 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 Dembele and Asensio.
If the opposition play one up top then Koulibaly will mark, strong, quick 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 Icardi, Dembele 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. Dembele and Asensio both have license to cut in from the flanks and go for goal, we encourage them to utilise their terrific pace and go at the opposition. Draw in the oppositions CB’s which in turn creates space for Icardi 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 Icardi 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. Icardi 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 he look to get in behind the opposition CB’s at every opportunity.
Subs;
If winning:
65 mins: Arthur off, Partey on.
75 mins: Eriksen 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:
65 mins: Arthur off, Martial on. Eriksen moves to CM.
75 mins: Dembele off, Jovic on. We move to 4-2-2-2 with Asensio and Martial on the flanks whilst Icardi and Jovic are up top as we go for the winner.
If losing:
55 mins: Fernandinho off, Jovic on.
65 mins: Hernandez off, Martial on. We revert to 3-4-3 with Icardi, Jovic and Martial up top as we go for goals, goals, goals.
High tempo attacking 4-3-3
We look to play our usual attacking game and take the game to Arsenal, controlling possession and the tempo of the game. Control possession and find space in between the opposition lines. Get Thiago on the ball and looking to play killer balls to open up the opposition using the pace of our attacking players. Create for Ronaldo.
Use our high tempo play to create space for the likes of Hazard and Thiago in midfield. Hazard has more freedom and looks to find space wherever he can in the final third.
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 and high tempo 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, Pavard the man marker next to Laporte who is free. In midfield, Rodri reading the play looking to win the ball back as the dm alwatys staying back and offering cover, Thiago and Tolisso will offer inteligence defensively, with the pressing of Thiago and Tolisso in high areas also improtant.
Rodri and Tolisso collecting the ball and offering the link between defence and attack, get Thiagoon the ball and get pushing up the pitch, let him pick the passes. But we also have great pace, so mix it up going through or over the top to expose the space behind them. Quick one twos between the two and the attacking trio and Mendy 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.
In attack we play with width to stretch the game and open up Spurs. 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 Mendy offering width on the left. On the right, Sane stays wide stretching the game looking to take on their lb.
------------------ Neuer
Carvajal - Pavard - Laporte - B.Mendy
------------------- Rodri
------------ Thiago --- Tolisso
L.Sane -------------------------- Hazard
----------------- Ronaldo
Subs. Schmeichel, Militao, Casemiro, Ceballos, A.Correa, Coutinho, Jesus
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 Arsenal 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 Rodri 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. Rodri will be key, reading the play in between the defence and midfield, getting across to cut out any danger. Tolisso 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 Rodri. Our fb’s have fantastic pace up against their wide forwards, bide their time, not diving in.
Attack.
Get the ball out wide, Rodri spreading the play, Tolisso box to box and Thiago dictating the play. 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. Thiago, Tolisso 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.
Subs.
If winning after 70 mins bring on Correa for Sane. He's a super sub, and offers huge work rate.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Coutinho for Thiago.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Casemiro for Tolisso. Fresh legs to see the game out.
If drawing after 70 mins bring on Ceballos for Toliso. More creativity.
If drawing after 75 mins bring on Correa for Sane. Super sub.
If drawing after 80 mins bring on Coutinho for Rodri.
If losing after 60 mins bring on Militao and Coutinho for Mendy and Carvajal. 3-6-1. Sane left, Coutinho right, Hazard just off Ronaldo in a free role.
———————Ter Stegen
Castro——Rudiger——Sule——Gaya
—————Torreira——Ndidi
Sancho—————Dybala————Lozano
————————Kane
Pope, Sanchez, Tielemans, Keita, Milinkovic, Loftus-Cheek, 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 Torreira to help circulate. Ndidi will position himself slightly higher than Torreira and Dybala will find pockets of space. 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 Chelsea 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 Torreira 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. Ndidi has a box to box role, and his higher positioning in comparison to Torreira allows us to create triangles in the midfield, the staggering of the 3 central players positions means we have the option to use quick diagonal passing, which draws more opponents towards the pass and opens up new spaces behind. Ndidi 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 Sancho to overload the right half space and leave the FB with a decision to make, stay wide, opening up space for Sancho 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. Lozano 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 Lozano 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, Sancho and Kane to attack the box this will be hard to defend. 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, Lozano will push high onto his FB with Sancho 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, Lozano dropping back, Sancho stepping up, Dybala drops back into midfield for a 4-1-4-1 shape, with Ndidi able to go and help Lozano box the FB in. If they move the ball to the other side the pendulum swings, right sided 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 Ndidi are staggered, the ball side player slightly higher, with Torreira behind the two of them, the staggering in midfield makes it harder for Chelsea'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: Brandt for Lozano 70’. Milinkovic for Dybala 80'.
If Drawing: Milinkovic and Brandt for Ndidi and Lozano 75’, fresh legs out wide.
If Losing: Keita and Milinkovic for Torreira and Ndidi 70', more drive from midfield. Brandt for Gaya 75', 3-5-2.
Bournemouth Tactics: FA Cup Semi Finals (Home to Spurs)
Captain: Musso
Vice Captain: Liziero
Team:
------------------Musso
Emerson--Ribeiro—Marcão--Saracchi
------------------Liziero
----------Guimarães---Paquetá
Joelinton-------------------------Everton
-------------------Gómez
SUBS: Felipe, Ayrton, Ibanez, Fernandes, Maycon, Vargas, 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: Musso 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: Liziero 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. Guimarães and Paquetá will play just in front of Liziero. Guimarães 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 Joelinton and Everton will be expected to go for the direct approach and use their power and speed to take on the opposition defence and beat them and bring Paquetá, Guimarães 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 Guimarães may sit a bit deeper allowing Paquetá to slot in between both wingers, just behind the CF. As well as an attacking force both wingers will also have to put a defensive shift when called upon and act as back up for their respective full backs.
Gómez starts as the CF. He won’t be short of support or ammunition with the attacking talent behind him. Great big old fashioned centre forward. We will look for him to hold up and bring others in to play if it doesn’t seem to be on for him. An eye for a pass and not afraid to have a go from distance. We will look to get bodies in the box when attacking so he should always have an outlet. He is also great in the air and will provide an option from set pieces. When the shot is on he will take it but we also want to put himself about in the box and think that his power pace will be a real handful for defences. He will also be alert to any scraps in and around the goal. He has the ability to produce something sublime and create a chance out of nothing.
Free Kicks/Corners: Paquetá, Everton or Joelinton with Ribeiro, Marcão, Liziero and Gómez to offer an aerial threat. Paquetá and Everton (with his thunderbolt left foot) may try their luck with several free kicks from distance.
Penalties: Gómez
Substitutions: (if winning on 80 minutes) Ibanez for Marcão, Wesley for Gómez and Maycon for Guimarães, 3 like for like substitutions.
If losing (on 80 minutes) Vargas for Guimarães and Wesley for Joelinton. Shift to a 4-1-3-2 attack. Wesley and Maycon offering fresh legs, pace and a bit of the unknown in attack.
------------Liziero
Vargas---Paquetá----Everton
--------Gómez---Wesley
---------------------- J.Oblak ----------------------
Walker ------ Stones ------ Umtiti ------ Sandro
-------------- Fabinho ----- M.Pjanic -------------
Mbappe ------------- Pogba ------------- Neymar
------------------- Lewandowski ------------------
Meret, de Jong, Barella, Zaniolo, Thorgan, Kluivert, Werner
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, Pjanic, Fabinho and Pogba just in front harassing the man with the ball before they get to our back 4 and our front 3 in and around the half way line, Lewandowski slightly higher up, this will congest the midfield and allow us 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.
Stones picks up the CF, Umtiti 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, both must attack high balls to get the ball away from the Brum big men. 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 by over lapping them and creating space for each other. 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 Umtiti to go up for corners, with the fullbacks and Fabinho sitting back.
In the centre of the pitch are Pjanic, Fabinho 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 have to 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 between defence and attack, I want him higher up the pitch today so as we break quickly he will look to set up our front three and at times be in an advanced No.10 role and look for the Pjanic/Fabinho/CB 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 can beat any defender and the other winger (Neymar or Mbappe) 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 who will sit on the last foot so he can spring them and have a shoot or sight mentality, 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 quick up front so when we hit the Brum 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 - Pjanic
Pens - Lewandowski/Mbappe
Corners - Wingers
Free Kicks - Neymar
Subs
Losing -
65 Mins - Thorgan Hazard for Pogba, he goes to RW and Mbappe just off Lewandowski to try and hurt them pace
75 Mins - Werner for Sandro, He goes up front and Walker to RCB 3412 more power up front
82 Mins - Kluivert for Lewandowski, he goes LW with Mbappe and Neymar either side of Werner in a very attacking 343 and going for goals
Winning -
75 Mins - de Jong for Pogba, he goes into CM to make it tougher for them to come through
82 Mins - Barella for Pjanic, like for like, fresh legs to close it out
87 Mins - Werner for Lewandowski, chase things down, waste time when in possession
Drawing -
70 Mins - Zaniolo for Pogba, fresh legs, quick and strong, good in the air for a high ball option
80 Mins - Werner for Lewandowski, straight swap
ET - de Jong for Pjanic
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Tactics
Page 15 of 20
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posted on 24/3/19
My tactics will be late again
posted on 24/3/19
———————Ter Stegen
Castro——Rudiger——Sule——Gaya
—————Torreira——Milinkovic
B.Silva—————Dybala————Lozano
————————Kane
Pope, Odriozola, Sanchez, Tielemans, Ndidi, Guedes, 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 Torreira to help circulate. Milinkovic will position himself slightly higher than Torreira and Dybala will drop alongside Milinkovc. 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 Torreira 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. Milinkovic has a box to box role, and his higher positioning in comparison to Torreira allows us to create triangles in the midfield, the staggering of the 3 central players positions means we have the option to use quick diagonal passing, which draws more opponents towards the pass and opens up new spaces behind. Milinkovic 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. Lozano 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 Lozano 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, Milinkovic 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, Lozano 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, Lozano dropping back, Silva stepping up, Dybala drops back into midfield for a 4-1-4-1 shape, with Milinkovic able to go and help Lozano box the FB in. If they move the ball to the other side the pendulum swings, right sided 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 Milinkovic are staggered, the ball side player slightly higher, with Torreira behind the two of them, the staggering in midfield makes it harder for City’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: Guedes for Lozano 70’. Brandt for Dybala 80'.
If Drawing: Guedes and Brandt for Silva and Lozano 75’, fresh legs out wide. Tielemans for Milinkovic 80’ for added drive.
If Losing: Odriozola for Castro 60’, more offensive minded FB that can help us create serious overloads out wide. Brandt for Milinkovic 70’, Silva will play through the middle in a 4-1-4-1. Guedes for Lozano 75’.
posted on 24/3/19
-------------------------- Courtois ------------------------
Cancelo ----- M.Skriniar ----- Koulibaly -- Hernandez
------------- Fernandinho ----- Jorginho ----------------
O.Dembele ----------- M.Asensio ----------- A.Martial
-------------------------- M.Icardi ------------------------
Subs:
Hart, Lenglet, Partey, Arthur, Draxler, Haller, Jovic
Captain: Fernandinho
Free Kicks: Asensio
Penalties: Icardi
Corners: Asensio
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 Icardi 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 Jorginho 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 Dembele, Asensio and Martial.
If the opposition play one up top then Koulibaly will mark, strong, quick and aggressive we feel he has all the tools to deal with any opponent. Skriniar 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 Jorginho 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.
Forwards:
Frightening pace, electrifying dribbling and deadly finishing, we feel our front four have it all. Our wide players will look to take the opposition on at will. Dembele 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 Icardi to be slipped in and finish. Asensio occupies the AM role, a gifted technician he will be looking to take the opposition and craft opportunities all afternoon. With the runs of Icardi, Dembele and Martial to pick out we feel that he will thrive. Aside from offering blistering pace and fantastic dribbling, he also possesses a fantastic strike from distance and we encourage him to try his luck and any opportunity.
Our three AM’s are all interchangeable, giving our wide players license to come inside centrally with Asensio comfortable on either flank. This will make things extremely difficult for the opposition as they will constantly being pulled out of position to cover the space. All three have fantastic work rate and will be a constant outlet as they make runs in behind when our deeplying playmakers are in possession. We have numerous options when on the attack and really look to test the opposition defence with a goal threat from every angle. Icardi 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 he look to get in on goal at every opportunity.
Subs;
If winning:
65 mins: Jorginho off, Partey 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:
65 mins: Jorginho off, Arthur on.
75 mins: Martial off, Jovic on. We move to 4-2-2-2 with Dembele and Asensio on the flanks whilst Icardi and Jovic are up top as we go for the winner.
If losing:
55 mins: Fernandinho off, Jovic on.
65 mins: Hernandez off, Haller on. We revert to 3-4-3 with Icardi, Jovic and Haller up top as we go for goals, goals, goals.
posted on 25/3/19
NEWCASTLE 4-3-3
___________Alisson
Bissaka____Hummels___Godin___Robbo
__________Kante
________Verratti___Silva
Salah______Suarez________Mane
SUBS: Alder, Alli, Winks, Radja, Diego Costa, Suso, Reus
Captain: Diego Godin
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: Diego Costa comes on for Suarez, a different style of forward play for the opposition to think about.
If winning 80 mins: Winks comes on for Kante to close out the game. He is capable in deep midfield alongside Verratti in a 4-2-3-1.
If losing/drawing 80 mins: Reus comes on for Verratti and play 2 up front.
posted on 27/3/19
PORTSMOUTH v Bournemouth
Injuries: Busquets, Otamendi, D Suarez, Arias
----------------- Ederson
Walker - Van Dijk - Umtiti - Marcelo
-- De Bruyne - J Martinez - Koke
------ Mahrez - Aguero - Bale
Subs: Butland, Varnier, Ghoulam, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Lemar, Mertens, G Jesus
-----------------
A tough but winnable game today against Bournemouth, 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, Ederson in goal, Van Dijk and Umtiti at centreback, Walker and Marcelo at fullback, Koke, Javi Martinez and De Bruyne in midfield, Bale and Mahrez either side of Aguero upfront.
This game is about controlling the tempo and giving us the best chance of getting the win today. Bournemouth are going to fight hard and our best hope is to be strong, disciplined and keep our concentration levels at maximum.
Ederson - 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 Aguero.
Van Dijk/Umtiti - Van Dijk mark their striker, force them high up the pitch thus limiting his impact close to goal, and Umtiti 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.
Walker/Marcelo - Both of you to force the Bournemouth 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 Bale and Mahrez 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 Aguero and link with Koke and De Bruyne. You will need to track back very quickly to ensure we don't get caught on the break.
Javi Martinez - 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 Koke and De Bruyne alongside you if you're closed down.
Koke/De Bruyne - Two box to box midfielders today, one either side of Martinez at DM. Both of you are required to get back and assist Martinez 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 Bale, Mahrez or Aguero.
Bale/Mahrez - Both with the trickery to beat the Bournemouth 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 Aguero with chances and also provide yourself with chances. Link up with Koke and De Bruyne, and capitalise on the space Aguero's presence will create for you.
Aguero - you will be expected to occupy the Bournemouth 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 Bale or Mahrez on occasion. Try and link with the two alongside you to create opportunities.
------------------
Subs 70 mins;
If winning: Bale and Aguero off, Oxlade-Chamberlain and Jesus on. Change to a flat 4-5-1, Mahrez to RM, Koke to LM, Oxlade-Chamberlain in the middle with Martinez and De Bruyne, Jesus the fresh legs upfront.
If drawing: Koke off, Jesus on. Change to 4-4-2, Martinez and De Bruyne in midfield, Mahrez RW, Bale LW, Jesus up top with Aguero. Push for the winner.
If losing: Umtiti and Martinez off, Jesus and Mertens on. Change to 3-1-4-2, Walker - Van Dijk - Marcelo at the back, Koke the playmaker from deep, Mahrez - De Bruyne - Bale - Mertens behind Aguero and Jesus upfront. Push for goals.
In case of red card, change to 4-3-2 (two wide forwards)
If Ederson, Mahrez off Butland on
If Walker/Marcelo, Mahrez off Ghoulam on
If Van Dijk/Umtiti, Mahrez off, Oxlade-Chamberlain on (Javi Martinez to CB, Ox to CM)
If Koke/Martinez/De Bruyne, Mahrez off, Oxlade-Chamberlain on
If Mahrez/Aguero/Bale, no change
posted on 27/3/19
WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS v Portsmouth
Injuries: Vitolo, Di Maria, Hakimi, Vardy
------------------ Kepa
Maffeo - Barzagli - D Luiz - Tagliafico
---- Rakitic - Diawara - Gundogan
--- Arnautovic - Immobile - Perisic
Subs: Leno, Tah, Wendell, McTominay, Hamsik, Ozil, A Pereira
-----------------
A tough but winnable game today against Villa, 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, Kepa in goal, Barzagli and David Luiz at centreback, Maffeo and Tagliafico at fullback, Rakitic, Diawara and Gundogan in midfield, Arnautovic 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. Villa are going to fight hard and our best hope is to be strong, disciplined and keep our concentration levels at maximum.
Kepa - 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/Luiz - Luiz 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.
Maffeo/Tagliafico - Both of you to force the Villa 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 Arnautovic 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 Gundogan. 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 Gundogan alongside you if you're closed down.
Rakitic/Gundogan - 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 Arnautovic, Perisic or Immobile.
Arnautovic/Perisic - Both with the trickery to beat the Villa 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 Gundogan, and capitalise on the space Immobile's presence will create for you.
Immobile - you will be expected to occupy the Villa 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 Arnautovic or Perisic on occasion. Try and link with the two alongside you to create opportunities.
------------------
Subs 70 mins;
If winning: Immobile off, A Pereira on. Change to 4-5-1, Pereira to RM, Perisic to LM, Arnautovic the lone striker.
If drawing: Diawara off, Ozil on. Switch to a 4-2-3-1, Rakitic and Gundogan in midfield, Ozil to AM behind Immobile. Try and find a winner.
If losing: Barzagli and Diawara off, Hamsik and Ozil on. Change to 3-1-4-2, Maffeo - Luiz - Tagliafico at the back, Rakitic the deep lying playmaker, Hamsik - Ozil - Gundogan - Perisic behind Immobile and Arnautovic upfront.
posted on 27/3/19
High tempo attacking 4-3-3
We look to play our usual attacking game and take the game to Arsenal, controlling possession and the tempo of the game. Control possession and find space in between the opposition lines. Get Modric on the ball and looking to play killer balls to open up the opposition using the pace of our attacking players. Create for Ronaldo.
Use our high tempo play to create space for the likes of Hazard and Modric in midfield. Hazard has more freedom and looks to find space wherever he can in the final third.
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 and high tempo 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, Pavard the man marker next to Laporte who is free. In midfield, Rodri reading the play looking to win the ball back as the dm alwatys staying back and offering cover, Thiago and Tolisso will offer inteligence defensively, with the pressing of Modric and Tolisso in high areas also improtant.
Rodri and Tolisso collecting the ball and offering the link between defence and attack, get Modricon the ball and get pushing up the pitch, let him pick the passes. But we also have great pace, so mix it up going through or over the top to expose the space behind them. Quick one twos between the two and the attacking trio and Mendy and Trent always looking to provide an option.
The defence will be patient on the ball, will be hugely important in keeping possession and pushing us up the pitch. Playing a reasonably high line, with good pace at the back and energy in front. As soon as we get the ball to our midfield, we look to move the ball quickly, quick passing and moving.
In attack we play with width to stretch the game and open up Spurs. 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 Mendy offering width on the left. On the right, Sane stays wide stretching the game looking to take on their lb.
--------------------- Neuer
Trent.A-A - Pavard - Laporte - B.Mendy
---------------------- Rodri
--------------- Modric --- Tolisso
L.Sane ------------------------------ Hazard
-------------------- Ronaldo
Subs. Schmeichel, Ramos, Casemiro, Ceballos, A.Correa, Coutinho, 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 Arsenal 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 Rodri 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. Rodri will be key, reading the play in between the defence and midfield, getting across to cut out any danger. Tolisso 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 Rodri. Our fb’s have fantastic pace up against their wide forwards, bide their time, not diving in.
Attack.
Get the ball out wide, Rodri spreading the play, Tolisso box to box and Modric dictating the play. 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, Tolisso 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.
Subs.
If winning after 70 mins bring on Correa for Sane. He's a super sub, and offers huge work rate.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Casemiro for Tolisso.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Ceballos for Modric. Fresh legs and composure to see the game out.
If drawing after 70 mins bring on Ceballos for Tolisoo. More creativity.
If drawing after 75 mins bring on Correa for Sane. Super sub.
If drawing after 80 mins bring on Coutinho for Rodri.
If losing after 60 mins bring on Ramos and Correa for Mendy and Trent. 3-6-1. Sane left, Correa right, Hazard just off Ronaldo in a free role.
posted on 7/4/19
NEWCASTLE 4-3-3
___________Chesney
Azpi____Hummels___Godin___Robbo
__________Kante
________Verratti___Radja
Salah______Suarez________Mane
SUBS: Davies, Winks, Milner, Bissaka, Diego Costa, Bobby, Reus
Captain: Diego Godin
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: Milner comes on for Radja, our legs will start to tire, so will theirs, Milner 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: Winks comes on for Kante to close out the game. He is capable in deep midfield alongside Verratti in a 4-2-3-1.
If losing/drawing 80 mins: Costa comes on for Verratti and play 2 up front.
posted on 19/4/19
comment by 💀nadz💀 -🏆Real Madrid🏆 (U20251)
posted 4 weeks ago
BRUM vs Bournemouth
-----------------------------------------Lunin--------------------------------
Dalot-------------Marquinhos--------Maguire------------Chilwell
---------------------Valverde----------------Rice-------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neres---------------------------------------------------------------Anderson
--------------------------------------Zaha----------------------------------------
------------------------------------Higuain-------------------------------------
Subs - Telles, Kehrer, Kessie, Keita, Doucoure, Soler, Dembele
CAPTAIN - MAGUIRE
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
Lunin 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. Marquinhos and Maguire bring a whole lot of experience and pace to the defence. Maguire will use his experience to marshal the defence and Marquinhos 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. Rice will be covering for them when they go attacking.
Defence Mids
Rice + Valverde
Rice 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 Rice in the middle and protect the defence.
Wingers
Neres + Anderson
These 2 will be the focal point of my attack. 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. Dalot 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
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 Dembele for Valverde and Balde Keita for Zaha to bring some more pace on. Play a high line and try and get a goal. Change formation to 41212.
------------------------------------Lunin--------------------------------
Dalot----------Marquinhos-----------Maguire------------Chilwell
--------------------------------------Rice------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neres--------------------------------------------------------------Anderson
--------------------------------------Keita------------------------------------
---------------------Dembele--------------Higuain------------------------
Subs if WINNING BY 80MINS
Take off Zaha and put on Kehrer 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 Kessie for Valverde to add a bit more strength into the midfield.
------------------------------------Lafont--------------------------------
Dalot------Marquinhos------Maguire------Kehrer-------Chilwell
---------------------------Kessie--------Rice----------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------Soler---------------------------------------------Anderson---------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------Higuain---------------------------------------
Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Soler on for Neres
Kessie on for Rice
Dembele on for Higuain
Fresh legs to bring on.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
posted on 19/4/19
comment by 💀nadz💀 -🏆Real Madrid🏆 (U20251)
posted 4 weeks ago
VILLA vs hull
------------------------------De Gea-------------
Sidibe---------Bonucci--------Chiellini-----------Max
-------------------------------Soumare-----------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Pepe-------------------------Ziyech----------------------Rashford
----------------------Werner------------Fekir-----------------------
Subs - McCarthy, Caldara, Zielinski, Guerreiro, Rebic, Willian, Berardi
Playing the 41212 formation which is a nicely balanced formation. The tactic will be to use our pacy wingers to attack down the wings and create chances from there.
DEFENCE
De Gea will command the area when there's any high balls into the box. Punch the ball away if you can't catch it and play the ball out quickly to hit the oppo on the counter. Bonucci and Chiellini are 2 experienced heads in the centre of defence. Look to use all your knowledge to shut the oppo attack down. Chiellini to mark main striker and Bonucci to mark any other runners. Bellerin and Max will look to make sure they don't get beaten by the oppo wingers. Be vary of what the oppo winger likes to do aka if they like to cut in onto their stronger foot etc and try and stop them from doing that. Soumare will help you double up against the oppo wingers aswell. Soumare will be on ultra defensive mode. No attacking whatsoever.
ATTACK
Pepe will look to cut in onto his stronger left foot and I want him to shoot from distance if he sees a chance to. When not in possession of the ball I want him to stick close to the oppo fullbacks and look to beat the offside trap. Likewise with Rashford. Ziyech will be the playmaker in the final third and will look to use his expert dribbling ability to create chances for our team. Play quick passes and keep moving so the oppo find it hard to mark you. Werner will be the main goal threat for the team. He is very dangerous in the counter and I want him to use his pace and movement upfront to beat the oppo offside trap to get goal scoring chances. I want our fullbacks to whip some great deliveries into the box for him. He's also a threat in the 6 yard area and I want him to use his attacking prowess to get in front of the oppo defenders to find space to get a shot in goal. Fekir will look to use his movement to find gaps in the opportunity box. Play quick one touch passes to open up the oppo.
Subs if LOSING BY 70MINS - Play a really high line and pressure the opportunity high up the pitch to try and win possession.
Rebic on Pepe off.
Berardi on Fekir off
Subs if DRAWING BY 70 MINS
Zielinski on Ziyech off
Willian on Pepe off
Berardi on Fekir off
Subs if WINNING by 70 MINS
Change formation to 4231 and take off Fekir and put on Guerrero in DM next to Soumare.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
posted on 22/4/19
Bournemouth Week 19:
Captain : Verissimo
Vice Captain : Musso
---------------------Musso
Emerson---Romero---Verissimo---Saracchi
---------Guimarães-------Bentancur
------------------- Paquetá
Joelinton-------------------------------Vargas
--------------------Gómez
SUBS: Felipe, Reis, Pereira, Maycon, Fernandes, Zaracho, Cunha
SUMMARY: This week we go with a 4-3-3 set up although we will be a tad more conservative and operate with one holding/defensive midfielder (Guimarães) who will be complimented with a deep sitting box to box midfielder (Bentancur). In front of them Paquetá will operate as the link between midfield and attack. This I feel will give us a better balanced midfield and while being absolutely defensively sound with 2 ‘sitting’ Bentancur will also be allowed the freedom (when the time arises) to link with Paquetá and attack. I think this set-up lets us link up quickly with our attack while at the same time that little bit of extra cautiousness means it will be easy for us to close the door in midfield with all 3 players as comfortable sitting and breaking up attacks if necessary.
We want to play a nice tidy and crisp passing game. Our aim is to move the ball forward as quickly and as effectively as possible. When we have the ball we will use it wisely and when we don’t have the ball then we will press our opponents all over the park with high urgency to win it back. We want to keep the ball on the deck and attack as a team and equally as important defend as a team. This team is bursting with pace. We will utilise that to our advantage and make the pitch wide and use our flying wingers to cause all sorts of mayhem. It will also be a tool that we use to hit opponents on the counter where we know we can out pace any team.
Goalkeeper: Musso is a big mobile keeper and very agile. A great shot stopper, he will communicate with the back 4 and be commanding with the high ball. He will not take any risks. He is a great distributor with both hand and foot and we will look to this as a way to launch quick attacks.
Defence: Our 2 full backs are there firstly to defend and make sure they stay on the right side of their opponents whether they be out wide or cutting inside. When we are on the attack they will be allowed to use their power and pace to provide the overlap on the flanks. They both have the power and the lungs to work the touchline for 90 minutes. They will make the pitch wide and always offer themselves as an option in attack. Our 2 centre halves are big 6 feet plus ball playing defenders. Both good in the air and equally as good with the ball at their feet. They will be asked to do the simple things well. Be aggressive but controlled in the tackle and never lose your man when defending dead ball situations. They will be able to bring the ball out of defence but if in doubt take absolutely no chances and clear it. Both big men will be a real aerial threat at set pieces.
Midfield: We will operate with one holding/defensive midfielder (Guimarães). He will be the midfield general. A physical pacey midfielder he will be there to boss this area for us. Breaking up play and filling in as an extra defender if one of our back 4 has ventured forward. He will be there to protect the defence and do a lot of the unseen dirty work in the centre of the park. He is essential to our game plan and while sitting deep will still offer a lot with his great passing ability. He also has a thunderbolt right foot. He will be complimented with a deep sitting box to box midfielder (Bentancur). He has a more conservative role this week and while being a little more constrained than normal he will still have the opportunity to bomb forward when the time is right. They will both have to put a defensive shift in and both are very strong in the tackle. We will look at their enthusiasm and relentless pressing of the opposition as a way to hopefully get a bit of a grip on the midfield and at the very least not make it plain sailing for the opposition. In front of them Paquetá will operate as the link between midfield and attack.
Wingers/Centre Forward: When in possession both Joelinton and Vargas will be expected to go for the direct approach and use their power and speed to take on the opposition defence and beat them and bring De Paquetá, Bentancur and Gómez in to play. They can vary their attacks as they see fit. Both players can play all across the middle so don’t be surprised to see them swapping wings. At times Bentancur may sit a bit deeper allowing Paquetá to slot in between both wingers, just behind the CF.
As well as an attacking force both wingers will also have to put a defensive shift when called upon and act as back up for their respective full backs.
Gómez starts as the CF. He won’t be short of support or ammunition with the attacking talent behind him. Great playing off the shoulder of the last man he is deadly in and around the box. A bag of energy and very strong we will also look for him to hold up and bring others in to play if it doesn’t seem to be on for him. We will look to get bodies in the box when attacking so he should always have an outlet. He is also great in the air and will provide an option from set pieces. When the shot is on he will take it but we also want to put himself about in the box and think that his lightning pace will be a real handful for defences. He will also be alert to any scraps in and around the goal. He has the ability to produce something sublime and create a chance out of nothing.
Free Kicks/Corners: Paquetá, Vargas or Joelinton with Romero, Verissimo, Guimarães and Gómez to offer an aerial threat. Paquetá and Vargas (with his thunderbolt left foot) may try their luck with several free kicks from distance.
Substitutions: (75 mins) If winning (and comfortable) then 3 like for like subs – Pereira for Romero, Maycon for Guimarães and Cunha for Gómez.
If losing (70 mins) then switch to a 4-1-3-2 and replace Bentancur with Cunha and Joelinton with Zaracho. Fresh legs and 2 attackers that carry a goal threat about them. We will look to their pace and freshness to offer us something different.
--------------Guimarães
Zaracho------Paquetá-----Vargas
----------Cunha -----Gómez
posted on 24/4/19
--------------------- Cillessen --------------------
Mukiele ----- Akanji ----- Elvedi ----- D.Blind
------- N'Zonzi ----- Neves ----- Matuidi ------
Lucas ------------------------------------ D.Jota
---------------------- Lukaku ---------------------
Muric, Ginter, T.Adams, Coman, Barnes, Jimenez, Alcacer
Control possession high up the field, pass and move into positions that can hurt them, when we defend we do so as a team with two banks of four & five with Lukaku harassing the backline and really pressurise them into quick, misplaced passes for us to pick up, in their face performance, especially Nzonzi, Neves and Matuidi as we try to nullify their midfield and stop them creating chances for the forwards.
Mukiele and Blind 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 Neves and 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 stay back and a midfielder just sitting in front of them. 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..
Nzonzi'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, he also has a mean shot from distance and isn't afraid to have a go. He will also be looking for knock downs/lay offs from Lukaku as he drives into the danger area. Neves 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 10 role if the correct situation arises. The main requirement of Neves 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 Neves 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 Neves 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 bully the slower/weaker of the two/three with the aid of Neves 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 Jota 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 Neves 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 - Elvedi
Pens - Lukaku/Alcacer
FK's - Neves
Corners - Wingers
Subs -
65 Mins - Coman for matuidi, Jota goes to No.10, Coman LW
75 Mins - Alcacer for mukiele, Jimenez for Jota, we go a direct 343, long balls up to the front three
Winning -
75 Mins - T.Adams for Matuidi, a bit of fresh grit in midfield
82 Mins - Jimenez for Lukaku, fresh legs up front, hold it up if need be
Drawing -
70 mins - Coman for Jota, Jimenez for Lukaku
posted on 24/4/19
Red cards
Cillessen - Jota off, Muric on, Matuidi go left in a 441
Defender - just play 351
CM - nothing
Lucas - Jota go right, matuidi left
Lukaku - Jimenez for Jota, Matuidi to LM
posted on 25/4/19
------------------------ Oblak ------------------------
Walker ------ Varane ------ Umtiti ------ L.Digne
-------------- Fabinho ------ de Jong --------------
Mbappe ------------- Zaniolo ------------- Neymar
------------------- Lewandowski --------------------
Meret, Stones, Aouar, Pogba, Chiesa, Thorgan, 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, de Jong, Fabinho and Zaniolo just in front harassing the man with the ball before they get to our back 4 and our front 3 in and around the half way line, Lewandowski slightly higher up, this will congest the midfield and allow us 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, Umtiti 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, both must attack high balls to get the ball away from the Liverpool big men. 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 Varane and Umtiti to go up for corners, with the fullbacks and Fabinho sitting back.
In the centre of the pitch are de Jong, Fabinho and Zaniolo. 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 Zaniolo have to 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. Zaniolo is essential to our style of play, he is the link between defence and attack, I want him higher up the pitch today so as we break quickly he will look to set up our front three and at times be in an advanced No.10 role and look for the de Jong/Fabinho/CB 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 Zaniolo 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 can beat any defender and the other winger (Neymar or Mbappe) 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 who will sit on the last foot so he can spring them and have a shoot or sight mentality, 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 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 - Lewandowski/Mbappe
Corners - Wingers
Free Kicks - Neymar
Subs
Losing -
70 Mins - Chiesa for Zaniolo, Chiesa go to RW, Mbappe sit just off Lewandowski in a kind of 442
80 Mins - Piatek for Sandro, Walker to RCB in a 3 and we go attacking 343 with Piatek up top, Aouar for de Jong at the same time
Winning -
80 mins - Chiesa for Lewandowski, Mbappe go central and use his pace to close it down and Chiesa to RM
83 Mins - Aouar for Neymar, 4141 with Zaniolo dropping back beside de Jong
Drawing -
70 mins - Chiesa for Lewandowski, he goes RW and Mbappe up top, Pogba for Zaniolo straight swap
80 Mins - Aouar for de Jong
posted on 26/4/19
Arsenal
----------------------- Lloris ------------------------
Danilo ----- Manolas ----- N'Dicka ----- Ricardo
------------ Goretzka ----- Martinez -------------
Malcom ------------- Tadic ------------- Douglas
---------------------- Cavani -----------------------
Pickford, Tuanzebe, Grillistch, Ramsey, Foden, Gelson, Aspas
Control possession high up the field, pass and move into positions that can hurt them, when we defend we do so as a team with two banks of four and Tadic and Cavani harassing the backline and really pressurise them into quick , misplaced passes for us to pick up, in their face performance, especially J.Martinez, Goretzka and Tadic as we try to nullify their midfield and stop them creating chances for the forwards.
Danilo and Ricardo 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 Tadic and Cavani. 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.. manolas the more mobile and quicker CB will mark the CF, use his strength and speed to keep the CF away from the danger area. N'Dicka 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 Javi 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..
Javi'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.
Goretzka 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. Tadic'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 Tadic 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 Goretzka/Tadic 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 Tadic 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.Cavani will get plenty chances, however he must put away there side who will be solid at the back, however I want to bully the slower/weaker of the two/three with the aid of Tadic 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 Malcom and D.Costa 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 Tadic/Goretzka 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 - Javi Martinez
Pens - Cavani
FK's - Tadic
Corners - Wingers
Subs:-
Losing -
70 Mins - Aspas for Douglas, tadic go to LW and 442
80 Mins - Gelson for Malcom, straight swap, Foden for Danilo, Ricardo to LCB, Foden into a free rol behind the strikers 3412
Winning -
80 Mins - Grillistch for Douglas, Martinez sits behind the midfield, in a 4141 with Tadic going to LM
85 Mins - Gelson for Malcom
Drawing
70 Mins - Foden for Douglas, swap with Tadic
80 Mins - Aspas for Cavani, Gelson for Malcom
posted on 27/4/19
Aston Villa v HULL CITY
--------------------Pavlenka
Aarons----Andersen-----Foyth------Lewis
-------------Eiting------------Kampl
Wilson-------------Brooks-------------James
--------------------Lacazette
Subs: Peacock-Farrell, Doherty, Kelly, Lobotka, Szoboszlai, Forsberg, González
Our defensive unit consists of Joachim Andersen and Juan Foyth paired up at centre-back, Max Aarons at right-back and Jamal Lewis at left-back, with Carel Eiting and Kevin Kampl as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.
This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in Eiting 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 Eiting 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, Carel Eiting.
A holding midfielder through and through, Eiting 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 Eiting such a talent.
The attacking unit consists of Harry Wilson, David Brooks and Daniel James as our band of three attacking midfielders with Alexandre Lacazette 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 Eiting or Kampl, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.
Aarons and Lewis can surge up the wings in the knowledge that Eiting and Kampl can drop into the space left behind if needed. As they come up the wings, both Harry Wilson and Daniel James, who are fast speed merchants, excellent in tight spaces and fantastic dribblers will cut inside or make runs into the box. David Brooks our attacking central midfielder’s low centre of gravity will enable him to navigate away from defenders at a frighteningly quick pace. Brooks is blessed with an instant first touch and can dribble with the ball at such a close proximity to his feet that it makes him almost impossible to tackle this creative passer who will look to play Wilson, James and Lacazette in via fast passing combinations.
Up front, Lacazette is an all-rounder and will perfectly complement the strengths of the trio of young Welshmen behind him with his technically gifted style of play, he will provide his team mates with assists and is a good finisher. He will use his lightning pace to good affect and he is extremely capable with both feet, has an eye for goal, will score all types of them and there is much potential to see his stunning volleys, long shots and one-on-ones.
As mentioned Lacazette will enjoy linking up with our other attacking players, providing lots of key passes. His first touch will be is admirable, with the ball rarely ever jumping far from him when he takes it. His close control is especially good as well, which will allow him us to hold up play for us if necessary.
Subs on 75 mins
González on for Wilson and Forsberg on for James
Lots of fresh legs and pace to trouble the opposition for a late goal regardless of the score line
posted on 27/4/19
PORTSMOUTH v Wolverhampton Wanderers
-------------------------Ederson
A-Arnold------Gomez------van Dijk----Marcelo
---------------Busquets-------Herrera
Brahim--------------de Bruyne----------------Bale
-------------------------Aguero
Subs: Butland, Hysaj, Otamendi, Tousart, Mahrez, Lemar, Sanchez
Our defensive unit consists of Joe Gomez and Virgil van Dijk paired up at centre-back, Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back and Marcelo at left-back, with Sergio Busquets and Ander Herrera as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.
This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in Busquets and Herrera 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 Herrera can press the ball without leaving lots of space, as Busquets 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 Herrera’s role, he will press almost anywhere in his own half to allow defenders to stay in the defensive line.
With Herrera running his socks off for the team, our high tempo will dictated by his partner in holding midfield, Sergio Busquets.
A holding midfielder through and through, Busquets 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 Busquets such a talent.
The attacking unit consists of Brahim Díaz, Kevin de Bruyne and Gareth Bale as our band of three attacking midfielders with Sergio Aguero 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 Busquets or Herrera, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.
Alexander-Arnold and Marcelo can surge up the wings in the knowledge that Busquets and Herrera can drop into the space left behind if needed. As they come up the wings, both Brahim Díaz and Gareth Bale, who are fast speed merchants, excellent in tight spaces and fantastic dribblers will cut inside or make runs into the box.
In a team peppered with world class players, De Bruyne remains our chief creator; provider-in-chief of assists and quality deliveries, bold and robust in his movement, he will power through the midfield with strength and assurance before unleashing the kind of precision passes that the likes of Brahim, Aguero and Bale will take full advantage of.
Aguero will occupy our oppositions centre backs, hold up possession and look to turn the defender and shoot. He’ll be strong in the air and will look for his teammates trying to pick him out from deep. He’ll stay on the last defender's shoulder for any passes in behind.
Subs on 75 mins
Mahrez on for Brahim, Lemar on for Bale
Lots of fresh legs and pace to trouble the opposition for a late goal regardless of the score line
posted on 27/4/19
Everton
---------------------- Strakosha
Florenzi -- Romagnoli ---- Vertonghen --- Luis
------------------------ Rabiot
---------------- Cazorla ---- Kovacic
Sterling ----------- Aubameyang ------------ Son
Subs:
Woodman, Bertrand, Sokratis, Guendouzi, Sigurdsson, Thauvin, Mina
We set up with a strong side suited to playing counter attacking football. We expect the opposition to look to dominate possession which will suit our strengths perfectly. When they’re in possession our wingers drop in as we revert to a 4-5-1 formation, as soon as we win back possession we look to break at speed with our devastating front 3 and hit them on the counter.
Verthongen is the defensive leader and will be the one to set the defensive line on the pitch, both centre backs will stay back with either one of the full backs or the DM always prepared to make it a back 3 when we lose possession to stop counter attacks, Both CB’s will communicate with each other so they are clear in where the attacking threats are. When dealing with the opposition, we will avoid slide tackles unless necessary instead looking to just guide players off the ball. When on the ball, if the opposition are giving them space to come out with the ball, then they should take it forward, if not, keep it simple with the occasional long ball to the front 3 thrown in to keep the opposition from setting up against one style of play.
For the full backs today the objective is to sit back and tuck in slightly when defending, looking to stop balls being played between them and the centre backs, with the secondary advantage of discouraging the wide men from cutting inside, forcing them to cross, which gives us a better chance of getting the ball back quickly and launching an attack of our own. Their objective when attacking will be to keep making runs past the winger on both the inside and outside, giving the opposition full back that split second of indecision on who they go with. They will only occasionally put floated crosses in, preferring to either play shorter passes to the wingers or players who have come out from the middle of the pitch to keep possession and let the pressure build up in the final third, or run to the byline and put in fast and low crosses relying on both the faster reactions and control of our attackers and the pressure of the situation on their centre backs to hastily clear the ball without being in full control of the situation.
The focus of the midfield 3 will be to use their high energy, all action styles to get themselves around the middle of the pitch, working in collaboration with the front 3 to control the midfield battle whilst still having the attacking nous to create chances for us. When we are in the attacking third, they will always be looking to make themselves available for a pass to keep recycling the ball, keeping the pressure up with us looking to use the movement of the other CM's and the front 3 to drag the opposition defensive players that little bit more which could be the difference in getting a player behind them. They also all have an eye for a pass so will look to take advantage of the front 3 all flitting around and play them in with through balls and quick one touch play. We will also occasionally take the occasional long shot, with the aim being to make sure defenders aren't content to sit back and forcing them to make a decision. When defending, they are looking to press the middle third of the pitch, pressing the opposition CMs/Wingers in conjunction with other players as they are on the ball to rush their decisions and win the ball back.
Our front three are blessed with pace and goals. We expect our team to sit deep to neutralise the threat of the opposition getting in behind. This natural means that the opposition will push higher up the field which will leave ample space for us to get in behind. We look to get in behind at all opportunities. Get the ball out wide to Sterling or Son to break at speed or go directly through the middle to get Aubameyang out wide. Our wide players will look to get into the box at all opportunities. We play a fast counter attacking brand of football and look to go for goals for all three players in fantastic form.
Subs;
If winning:
65 mins: Cazorla off, Guendouzi on.
75 mins: Son off, Sokratis 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:
65 mins: Kovacic off, Sigurdsson on.
75 mins: Son off, Thauvin on.
If losing:
55 mins: Kovacic off, Thauvin on.
65 mins: Luis off, Mina on. 3-4-3 all out attack
posted on 27/4/19
Just sold Lemar (was a sub)
PORTSMOUTH v Wolverhampton Wanderers
-------------------------Ederson
A-Arnold------Gomez------van Dijk----Marcelo
---------------Busquets-------Herrera
Brahim--------------de Bruyne----------------Bale
-------------------------Aguero
Subs: Butland, Hysaj, Otamendi, Tousart, Mahrez, Sanchez, Carroll
Our defensive unit consists of Joe Gomez and Virgil van Dijk paired up at centre-back, Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back and Marcelo at left-back, with Sergio Busquets and Ander Herrera as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.
This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in Busquets and Herrera 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 Herrera can press the ball without leaving lots of space, as Busquets 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 Herrera’s role, he will press almost anywhere in his own half to allow defenders to stay in the defensive line.
With Herrera running his socks off for the team, our high tempo will dictated by his partner in holding midfield, Sergio Busquets.
A holding midfielder through and through, Busquets 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 Busquets such a talent.
The attacking unit consists of Brahim Díaz, Kevin de Bruyne and Gareth Bale as our band of three attacking midfielders with Sergio Aguero 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 Busquets or Herrera, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.
Alexander-Arnold and Marcelo can surge up the wings in the knowledge that Busquets and Herrera can drop into the space left behind if needed. As they come up the wings, both Brahim Díaz and Gareth Bale, who are fast speed merchants, excellent in tight spaces and fantastic dribblers will cut inside or make runs into the box.
In a team peppered with world class players, De Bruyne remains our chief creator; provider-in-chief of assists and quality deliveries, bold and robust in his movement, he will power through the midfield with strength and assurance before unleashing the kind of precision passes that the likes of Brahim, Aguero and Bale will take full advantage of.
Aguero will occupy our oppositions centre backs, hold up possession and look to turn the defender and shoot. He’ll be strong in the air and will look for his teammates trying to pick him out from deep. He’ll stay on the last defender's shoulder for any passes in behind.
Subs on 75 mins
Mahrez on for Brahim, Sanchez on for Bale
Lots of fresh legs and pace to trouble the opposition for a late goal regardless of the score line
posted on 27/4/19
I just swapped Lemar to Sanchez off the bench
posted on 28/4/19
------------------------- Courtois ------------------------- Cancelo ------- Boateng ----- Koulibaly --- Hernandez
------------ Fernandinho ----- Arthur ----------------- -O.Dembele ---------- C.Eriksen ------------- M.Asensio
------------------------- M.Icardi --------------------------
Subs:
Hart, Vrsaljko, Lenglet, Partey, Draxler, Martial, Jovic
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 Icardi 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 Dembele and Asensio.
If the opposition play one up top then Koulibaly will mark, strong, quick 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 Icardi, Dembele 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. Dembele and Asensio both have license to cut in from the flanks and go for goal, we encourage them to utilise their terrific pace and go at the opposition. Draw in the oppositions CB’s which in turn creates space for Icardi 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 Icardi 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. Icardi 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 he look to get in behind the opposition CB’s at every opportunity.
Subs;
If winning:
65 mins: Arthur off, Partey on.
75 mins: Eriksen 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:
65 mins: Arthur off, Martial on. Eriksen moves to CM.
75 mins: Dembele off, Jovic on. We move to 4-2-2-2 with Asensio and Martial on the flanks whilst Icardi and Jovic are up top as we go for the winner.
If losing:
55 mins: Fernandinho off, Jovic on.
65 mins: Hernandez off, Martial on. We revert to 3-4-3 with Icardi, Jovic and Martial up top as we go for goals, goals, goals.
posted on 28/4/19
High tempo attacking 4-3-3
We look to play our usual attacking game and take the game to Arsenal, controlling possession and the tempo of the game. Control possession and find space in between the opposition lines. Get Thiago on the ball and looking to play killer balls to open up the opposition using the pace of our attacking players. Create for Ronaldo.
Use our high tempo play to create space for the likes of Hazard and Thiago in midfield. Hazard has more freedom and looks to find space wherever he can in the final third.
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 and high tempo 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, Pavard the man marker next to Laporte who is free. In midfield, Rodri reading the play looking to win the ball back as the dm alwatys staying back and offering cover, Thiago and Tolisso will offer inteligence defensively, with the pressing of Thiago and Tolisso in high areas also improtant.
Rodri and Tolisso collecting the ball and offering the link between defence and attack, get Thiagoon the ball and get pushing up the pitch, let him pick the passes. But we also have great pace, so mix it up going through or over the top to expose the space behind them. Quick one twos between the two and the attacking trio and Mendy 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.
In attack we play with width to stretch the game and open up Spurs. 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 Mendy offering width on the left. On the right, Sane stays wide stretching the game looking to take on their lb.
------------------ Neuer
Carvajal - Pavard - Laporte - B.Mendy
------------------- Rodri
------------ Thiago --- Tolisso
L.Sane -------------------------- Hazard
----------------- Ronaldo
Subs. Schmeichel, Militao, Casemiro, Ceballos, A.Correa, Coutinho, Jesus
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 Arsenal 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 Rodri 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. Rodri will be key, reading the play in between the defence and midfield, getting across to cut out any danger. Tolisso 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 Rodri. Our fb’s have fantastic pace up against their wide forwards, bide their time, not diving in.
Attack.
Get the ball out wide, Rodri spreading the play, Tolisso box to box and Thiago dictating the play. 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. Thiago, Tolisso 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.
Subs.
If winning after 70 mins bring on Correa for Sane. He's a super sub, and offers huge work rate.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Coutinho for Thiago.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Casemiro for Tolisso. Fresh legs to see the game out.
If drawing after 70 mins bring on Ceballos for Toliso. More creativity.
If drawing after 75 mins bring on Correa for Sane. Super sub.
If drawing after 80 mins bring on Coutinho for Rodri.
If losing after 60 mins bring on Militao and Coutinho for Mendy and Carvajal. 3-6-1. Sane left, Coutinho right, Hazard just off Ronaldo in a free role.
posted on 28/4/19
———————Ter Stegen
Castro——Rudiger——Sule——Gaya
—————Torreira——Ndidi
Sancho—————Dybala————Lozano
————————Kane
Pope, Sanchez, Tielemans, Keita, Milinkovic, Loftus-Cheek, 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 Torreira to help circulate. Ndidi will position himself slightly higher than Torreira and Dybala will find pockets of space. 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 Chelsea 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 Torreira 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. Ndidi has a box to box role, and his higher positioning in comparison to Torreira allows us to create triangles in the midfield, the staggering of the 3 central players positions means we have the option to use quick diagonal passing, which draws more opponents towards the pass and opens up new spaces behind. Ndidi 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 Sancho to overload the right half space and leave the FB with a decision to make, stay wide, opening up space for Sancho 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. Lozano 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 Lozano 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, Sancho and Kane to attack the box this will be hard to defend. 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, Lozano will push high onto his FB with Sancho 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, Lozano dropping back, Sancho stepping up, Dybala drops back into midfield for a 4-1-4-1 shape, with Ndidi able to go and help Lozano box the FB in. If they move the ball to the other side the pendulum swings, right sided 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 Ndidi are staggered, the ball side player slightly higher, with Torreira behind the two of them, the staggering in midfield makes it harder for Chelsea'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: Brandt for Lozano 70’. Milinkovic for Dybala 80'.
If Drawing: Milinkovic and Brandt for Ndidi and Lozano 75’, fresh legs out wide.
If Losing: Keita and Milinkovic for Torreira and Ndidi 70', more drive from midfield. Brandt for Gaya 75', 3-5-2.
posted on 9/5/19
Bournemouth Tactics: FA Cup Semi Finals (Home to Spurs)
Captain: Musso
Vice Captain: Liziero
Team:
------------------Musso
Emerson--Ribeiro—Marcão--Saracchi
------------------Liziero
----------Guimarães---Paquetá
Joelinton-------------------------Everton
-------------------Gómez
SUBS: Felipe, Ayrton, Ibanez, Fernandes, Maycon, Vargas, 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: Musso 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: Liziero 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. Guimarães and Paquetá will play just in front of Liziero. Guimarães 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 Joelinton and Everton will be expected to go for the direct approach and use their power and speed to take on the opposition defence and beat them and bring Paquetá, Guimarães 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 Guimarães may sit a bit deeper allowing Paquetá to slot in between both wingers, just behind the CF. As well as an attacking force both wingers will also have to put a defensive shift when called upon and act as back up for their respective full backs.
Gómez starts as the CF. He won’t be short of support or ammunition with the attacking talent behind him. Great big old fashioned centre forward. We will look for him to hold up and bring others in to play if it doesn’t seem to be on for him. An eye for a pass and not afraid to have a go from distance. We will look to get bodies in the box when attacking so he should always have an outlet. He is also great in the air and will provide an option from set pieces. When the shot is on he will take it but we also want to put himself about in the box and think that his power pace will be a real handful for defences. He will also be alert to any scraps in and around the goal. He has the ability to produce something sublime and create a chance out of nothing.
Free Kicks/Corners: Paquetá, Everton or Joelinton with Ribeiro, Marcão, Liziero and Gómez to offer an aerial threat. Paquetá and Everton (with his thunderbolt left foot) may try their luck with several free kicks from distance.
Penalties: Gómez
Substitutions: (if winning on 80 minutes) Ibanez for Marcão, Wesley for Gómez and Maycon for Guimarães, 3 like for like substitutions.
If losing (on 80 minutes) Vargas for Guimarães and Wesley for Joelinton. Shift to a 4-1-3-2 attack. Wesley and Maycon offering fresh legs, pace and a bit of the unknown in attack.
------------Liziero
Vargas---Paquetá----Everton
--------Gómez---Wesley
posted on 10/5/19
---------------------- J.Oblak ----------------------
Walker ------ Stones ------ Umtiti ------ Sandro
-------------- Fabinho ----- M.Pjanic -------------
Mbappe ------------- Pogba ------------- Neymar
------------------- Lewandowski ------------------
Meret, de Jong, Barella, Zaniolo, Thorgan, Kluivert, Werner
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, Pjanic, Fabinho and Pogba just in front harassing the man with the ball before they get to our back 4 and our front 3 in and around the half way line, Lewandowski slightly higher up, this will congest the midfield and allow us 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.
Stones picks up the CF, Umtiti 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, both must attack high balls to get the ball away from the Brum big men. 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 by over lapping them and creating space for each other. 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 Umtiti to go up for corners, with the fullbacks and Fabinho sitting back.
In the centre of the pitch are Pjanic, Fabinho 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 have to 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 between defence and attack, I want him higher up the pitch today so as we break quickly he will look to set up our front three and at times be in an advanced No.10 role and look for the Pjanic/Fabinho/CB 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 can beat any defender and the other winger (Neymar or Mbappe) 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 who will sit on the last foot so he can spring them and have a shoot or sight mentality, 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 quick up front so when we hit the Brum 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 - Pjanic
Pens - Lewandowski/Mbappe
Corners - Wingers
Free Kicks - Neymar
Subs
Losing -
65 Mins - Thorgan Hazard for Pogba, he goes to RW and Mbappe just off Lewandowski to try and hurt them pace
75 Mins - Werner for Sandro, He goes up front and Walker to RCB 3412 more power up front
82 Mins - Kluivert for Lewandowski, he goes LW with Mbappe and Neymar either side of Werner in a very attacking 343 and going for goals
Winning -
75 Mins - de Jong for Pogba, he goes into CM to make it tougher for them to come through
82 Mins - Barella for Pjanic, like for like, fresh legs to close it out
87 Mins - Werner for Lewandowski, chase things down, waste time when in possession
Drawing -
70 Mins - Zaniolo for Pogba, fresh legs, quick and strong, good in the air for a high ball option
80 Mins - Werner for Lewandowski, straight swap
ET - de Jong for Pjanic
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