Everton
--------------------- K.Navas -----------------------
Henrichs --- Bonucci --– Vertonghen – Grimaldo
-------------- Torreira --– Modric ------------------
R.Mahrez ---------- Dybala ---------- M.Rashford
------------------- Aubameyang --------------------
Subs:
Strakosha, Romagnoli, Kovacic, Vidal, D.Costa, Hudson-Odoi, B.Mayoral
We set up with a strong side suited to playing counter attacking football in a 4-2-3-1 formation. 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.
Bonucci 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 2 will be to use their experience and high technical ability, working in collaboration with the front 4 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 4 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 4 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. Modric will look to dictate the play and find that killer ball into our forwards.
Our front four are blessed with pace and goals. We expect our team to sit deep to neutralise the threat of the opposition getting in behind. This naturally 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 Mahrez or Rashford to break at speed or go through the middle with Dybala dropping in the hold beyond Aubameyang causing havoc. He'll have pace all around him so if the opposition drop off we encourage Dybala to exploit the space and go direct for goal. When in possession the wide players push up alongside Aubameyang giving us a deadly front three. We play a fast counter attacking brand of football and look to go for goals.
Subs;
If winning:
65 mins: Modric off, Vidal on.
75 mins: Mahrez off, Romagnoli 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: Torreira off, Kovacic on.
75 mins: Mahrez off, CHO on.
If losing:
55 mins: Torreira off, CHO on.
65 mins: Henrichs off, Mayoral on. 3-4-3 all out attack
---------------------- Courtois ---------------------
Cancelo –- Koulibaly ---- Skriniar - Hernandez
--------- Fernandinho ---- Eriksen --------------
-- M.Asensio --------- Isco --------- A.Martial --
--------------------- Luka Jovic -------------------
Subs:
Etheridge, Manolas, Partey, Arthur, D.Olmo, M.Diaby, Benzema
Captain: Koulibaly
Free Kicks: Eriksen
Penalties: Jovic
Corners: Wingers
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 to take the game to Barca. We go with a side packed with quality and what we feel has the perfect balance. Our strong defensive unit is built on our powerhouse CB pairing of Koulibaly and Skriniar. Two man mountains they will look to physically impose themselves on the opposition, both dominant in the air with Koulibaly in particular possessing great speed to go toe to toe with any CF in the world. Behind them we have the superb Courtois and ahead the tenacious Fernandinho. These four players will play a key part in limiting the damage of the Barca attack as we look to keep them at bay.
In attack we have Eriksen, Isco, Asensio, Martial and Jovic. These five will look to interlink throughout the game, quick, sharp passing with intelligent movement off the ball will form key components of our attacking play. Isco and Eriksen possess a fantastic range of passing with vision equally astute. Asensio and Martial are two of the top dribblers in the game, they revel in playing at speed, taking on the opposition and both pose a real goal threat whenever they are on the ball. In Jovic we have one of the top poachers around, a deadly finisher who will have a dream supply of creativity behind him. We feel these elements combined will make us a joy to watch and will no doubt cause countless problems for our opponents as we go for goals in the first leg.
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 will look to be dominant as we aim to take the sting out of the opposition early on and play on the front foot. Our fullbacks will sit deep, not venturing too far forward and in doing so limiting the space for their wingers to operate in. We look to draw the opposition onto us by sitting deep when they are in possession, 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 Asensio and Martial.
If the opposition play one up top then Koulibaly will mark. Strong, pacy 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.
Midfield:
Fernandinho will be our destructive force in the middle of the field. A top class DM, we rely on his fantastic reading of the game to break up the opposition play, winning back possession and setting us up on the counter as we look to get the ball into our creative players as quickly as possible. If the opposition play with an AM then Fernandinho will sit on him as we look to stifle their creativity by eliminating one of their main creative hubs. Alongside him we have the creative maestro Eriksen. He will operate in a very different role, picking the ball up from deep and driving forward as we look to open up our opponents. He has license to push forward whilst Fernandinho sits and will at all times be looking for that killer through ball in behind the defence for the run of Jovic to finish.
Completing our midfield trio we have our newest acquisition the majestic Isco. He plays in the AM role and has free roam to pull the opposition apart. A technical genius we will consistently look to get the ball into him in an advanced position in the final third. Capable of operating in tight spaces he has fantastic close control which will be key in opening the oppositions tight defence. He will also have Eriksen pushing forward alongside forming a deadly duo in the centre of the park. We play at speed, quick one two passes as we look to cut the opposition apart in the final third. We embrace his creativity and encourage him to shoot from distance should the opportunity arise.
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. Both have license to cut in from the flanks and go for goal, we encourage them to speed and go at the opposition. Draw in their CB’s which in turn creates space for Jovic 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 Jovic in the middle. Both wingers have pace to burn 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. Jovic 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. A real fox in the box we expect him to receive plenty of opportunities and bury those that come his way.
Subs;
If winning:
70 mins: Eriksen off, Partey on. Dual DMs offering additional protection.
80 mins: Martial off, Manolas on. 5-4-1 shut up shop time as we tighten up with a solid defensive unit as we see the game out.
If drawing:
70 mins: Fernandinho off, Arthur on. Fresh legs and an astute passer to find an opening.
80 mins: Isco off, Benzema on. We move to 4-2-2-2, Asensio and Martial on the flanks with Benzema and Jovic are up top as we go for the winner.
If losing:
55 mins: Fernandinho off, Arthur on.
65 mins: Hernandez off, Benzema on. We revert to 3-4-3 with Jovic, Benzema and Martial up top as we go for goals, goals, goals.
--------------------- J.Oblak ---------------------
Walker ----- Varane ----- Umtiti ----- Sandro
--------------------- Llorente --------------------
---------------- Pjanic ---- Pogba ---------------
Mbappe --------------------------------- Neymar
---------------------- Werner --------------------
Meret, de Jong, Barella, Zaniolo, Chiesa, Bailey, Abraham
A must win today! 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, Llorente & 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, Werner 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.
Umtiti picks up the CF, Varane 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 Spurs 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. Walker especially is a huge threat down the right hand side. If either get caught up field I want Llorente 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 Llorente sitting back.
In the centre of the pitch are Pjanic, Llorente and Pogba, Llorente our deepest player sitting just in front of the CB's he will shadow there AM and not allow him to control the game, Pogba and Pjanic have to be disciplined and lend a hand to stop them coming through. Llorente 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, and our playmaker, he makes things tick in the centre, 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 Llorente 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/Llorente/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 Werner 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 Werner 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 Spurs 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 - Mbappe
Corners - Wingers
Free Kicks - Pjanic/Neymar
Subs -
Losing
70 Min - Chiesa for Pogba, we go 442, Mbappe using his pace up top alongside Werner to hurt them and Chiesa to RW
78 Min - L.Bailey for Sandro, Walker to RCB, Bailey to LW and Mbappe-Wenrer-Neymar up top, we have to go for it, de Jong for Pjanic at the same time to add fresh legs in the middle to try and open it open
Winning -
75 Min - de Jong for Pogba, we go a flat midfield 3 to shut them down
82 Min - Barella for Pjanic, again fresh legs in there and will close everything down
87 Min - L.Bailey for Werner, Neymar go up top to waste time and Bailey to help track back if needed on the left
Drawing -
70 Min - Chiesa for Pogba 442 with Chiesa going RW and Mbappe up top with Werner
80 Min - Bailey for Werner, he goes LW and Neymar up top 424 pretty much with de Jong on for Pjanic at the same time
87 Min - we need a winner so go 244 with Walker and Sandro playing much higher up going for a goal, a draw is no use, we get the winner they drop back
High tempo attacking 4-3-3
Must win match, after resting key players midweek this is a league deciding game. We look to play a high tempo attacking game and take the game to Bournemouth, controlling possession and the tempo of the game. Rodri dictating the tempo of our play, with Thiago and Tolisso two hard working options in front that are also fantastic on the ball, allowing us to play fast flowing attacking football.
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.
Using the pace of our wide players, fbs and wingers to create space as we push forward. Creating space for the cms to push into and for the front three to exploit.
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, Ramos the man marker next to Laporte who is free. In midfield, Rodri reading the play looking to win the ball back as the dm always the deepest of the trio and offering cover, Thiago and Tolisso will offer inteligence defensively, with the pressing of Thiago and Tolisso in high areas also important.
Rodri and Tolisso collecting the ball and offering the link between defence and attack, get Thiago on 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.
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 Bournemouth. Get the fbs attacking. One bombing forward the other fb, generally Pavard, 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. Mendy will be a key attacking outlook, as Pavard is more reserved. On the right, Sane stays wide stretching the game looking to take on their lb.
------------------ Neuer
Pavard -- Ramos -- Laporte -- Mendy
------------------- Rodri
------------ Thiago --- Tolisso
L.Sane -------------------------- Hazard
----------------- Ronaldo
Subs. Schmeichel, Militao, Rice, Ceballos, Coutinho, Correa, L.Martinez
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 Bournemouth 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. Super sub, high work rate and fresh pace.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Rice for Tolisso. High energy and control tempo of game.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Coutinho for Thiago. Fresh pace and creativity in the middle of the park with two strong defensive cms.
If drawing after 70 mins bring on Coutinho for Toliso. More creativity, Thiago moves deeper.
If drawing after 75 mins bring on Martinez for Mendy. 3-5-2, Coutinho left and Hazard off Ronaldo. Attack attack attack.
If losing after 60 mins bring on Coutinho and Correa for Tolisso and Mendy. Correa wide, Coutinho am, Thiago playmaking dm next to Rodri.
If losing after 83 mins bring on L.Martinez for Thiago. Throw the kitchen sink.
HULL v Liverpool
---------------Peacock-Farrell
Aarons-----Godfrey-----Jansson------Lewis
---------------Berge--------Nández
Wilson-----------Carvalho------------James
--------------------Lacazette
Subs: Müller, Justin, Eiting, Grujic, Clarke, Benrahma, Joelinton
Our defensive unit consists of Ben Godfrey and Pontus Jansson paired up at centre-back, Max Aarons at right-back and Jamal Lewis at left-back, with Sander Berge and Nahitan Nández as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.
This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in Berge and Nández 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 Nández can press the ball without leaving lots of space, as Berge 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 Nández’s role, he will press almost anywhere in his own half to allow defenders to stay in the defensive line.
With Nández running his socks off for the team, our high tempo will dictated by his partner in holding midfield, Sander Berge.
A holding midfielder through and through, Berge 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 Berge such a talent.
The attacking unit consists of Harry Wilson, João Carvalho 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 Berge or Nández, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.
Aarons and Lewis can surge up the wings in the knowledge that Berge and Nández 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. João Carvalho our attacking central midfielder’s low centre of gravity will enable him to navigate away from defenders at a frighteningly quick pace. Carvalho 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 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 80 mins
Clarke on for Wilson and Benrahma on for James
Lots of fresh legs and pace to trouble the opposition for a late goal regardless of the score line
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VILLA vs man city
------------------------------------De Gea-------------
Doherty-----------Kabak------------Chiellini-----------Max
----------------------Soumare----------Zielinski------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pepe-------------------------------Fekir---------------------------Son
--------------------------------------Piatek-----------------------------------
Subs - McCarthy, Milenkovic, Barkley, Guerreiro, Brahim, Berardi, Wilson
Playing the 4231 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 balks 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. Kabak and Chiellini are 2 tall and powerful heads in the centre of defence. Look to use all your knowledge to shut the oppo attack down. Chiellini to mark main striker and Kabak to mark any other runners. Doherty 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
Zielinski will be playing the B2B role today. He will look to use his high energy to help out in both attack and defence. Make runs from deep and get forward whenever you can. When the oppo are attacking just come deep and sit next to Soumare in the middle.
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 Son. Fekir 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. Piatek will be the main goal threat for the team. He is very dangerous in the air and I want him to use his aerial abillity to score headers for us. 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.
Subs if LOSING BY 70MINS
Change formation to 41212
Berardi on Pepe off.
Wilson on Fekir off
Brahim on Son off
Subs if DRAWING BY 70 MINS
Barkley on Zielinski off
Berardi on Pepe off
Wilson on Fekir off
Subs if WINNING by 70 MINS
Take off Fekir and put in Guerrero in CM and change formation to 451
BRUM vs Portsmouth
-------------------------------------Lafont-----------------------
Pereira----------R Dias----------------Sanchez---------Chilwell
----------------------Kessie---------------Nkunku-------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neres------------------------------------------------------------Richarlison
--------------------------------------Zaha------------------------------------
--------------------------------------Haller-------------------------------------
Subs - Lunin, Diop, Paredes, Doucoure, Hazard, Lo Celso, Dembele
CAPTAIN - SANCHEZ
CK'S - NERES
FK'S - NERES
PENALTIES - HALLER
I want us to hold a deep defensive line to start of with so the oppo don't get an early goal. Keep things simple in the beginning and only pressure the oppo when they get in our half. When we have the ball I want the team to play pass and move football. Don't stay static, try and get in behind the oppo defence as there is a lot of pace in our attacking players. As the game goes on, when we don't have the ball I want the team to defend from the front line and pressure the oppo and try and win possession back. Do this in fits and bursts as it is a tiring tactic.
Defence
Lafont is a quality young keeper. Don't take risks. Punch the ball away if the shot is too powerful. Command your area. The defence is well balanced. Dias and Sanchez bring a whole lot of experience and pace to the defence. Sanchez will use his experience to marshal the defence and Dias 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. Nkunku will be covering for them when they go attacking.
Defence Mids
Nkunku + Kessie
Nkunku 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.
Kessie will look to pick the ball up from deep and use his pace and energy to dribble the ball out. Make runs forward and help our attacking players whenever you can. Play quick passes forward and use your strength to outmuscle the oppo players. When not in possession of the ball I want him to sit alongside Nkunku in the middle and protect the defence.
Wingers
Neres + Richarlison
These 2 will be the focal point of my attack. I want to give them the freedom to express themselves in attack. Richarlison will be looking to cut in from the left and Neres likewise from the right. I want you both to try and beat the oppo fullbacks with your pace and dribbling ability but don't try too hard as if you see them doubling up on you you can either pass back or into the centre of the pitch to one of our CM's. I want you both to be aware of our fullbacks and play pass and move 1 2's with them to try and penetrate the oppo back line. Pereira and Chilwell are no slouches attacking wise so use them! If you can cut in onto your stronger foot, don't be afraid to shoot from range as you both have the ability to score from long range. If there is no space to do so then take the ball to the byline and whip in crosses for Haller 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 Haller 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
Haller
Haller 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 Richarlison/Neres to make infield runs ahead of you.
Subs if LOSING BY 65MINS
Put on Dembele for Kessie and lo Celso for Zaha to bring some more attacking impetus on. Play a high line and try and get a goal. Change formation to 41212.
------------------------------------Lafont--------------------------------
Pereira------------R Dias---------------Sanchez------------Chilwell
----------------------------------Nkunku------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neres--------------------------------------------------------------Richarlison
----------------------------------Lo Celso-------------------------------
---------------------------Haller-----------Dembele------------------------
Subs if WINNING BY 80MINS
Take off Zaha and put on Diop in CB. Play defensive with everyone in our own half defending for their lives, waiting to hit the oppo on the counter attack. Hazard on for Richarlison and Doucoure for Nkunku to add a bit more energy into the midfield.
------------------------------------Lafont--------------------------------
Pereira------Diop------Sanchez------R Dias-------Chilwell
-------------------------Kessie--------Doucoure----------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------Neres-------------------------------------------Hazard---------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------Haller---------------------------------------
Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Hazard on for Richarlison
Lo Celso on for Zaha
Dembele on for Haller
Fresh legs to bring on.
Week 26 - Last Games Of The Season!!
------------------- Cillessen -------------------
Valery ----- Akanji ----- Diallo ----- Caricol
-------------- Neves ----- Rabiot --------------
Cengiz ----------- Azmoun ----------- McNeil
-------------------- Wesley ---------------------
Muric, Ginter, Geiger, Ziyech, Barnes, Greenwood, 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 and Azmoun and Wesley harassing the backline and really pressurise them into quick , misplaced passes for us to pick up, in their face performance, especially Rabiot, Neves and Azmoun as we try to nullify their midfield and stop them creating chances for the forwards.
Valery and Caricol 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 Azmoun and Wesley. 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.. Diallo the more mobile and quicker CB will mark the CF, use his strength and speed to keep the CF away from the danger area. Akanji alongside is the spare defender and helps out where needed, both powerful defenders, Akanji will dominate in the air and both 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. Akanji & Diallo 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..
Rabiot'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.
Neves 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. Azmoun'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 Azmoun 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, McNeil especially I want to drive on the outside and play as a natural winger not an inside forward. both sides will definitely pose a threat with quick one twos, using Neves/Azmoun 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 Azmoun to get into danger areas. Both wingers have a fantastic forward to aim for in Wesley so if they get to the bye line then get the crosses in for him to attack.Wesley 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 Azmoun 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 Cengiz and McNeil 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 Azmoun/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 - Neves
Pens - Azmoun/Ziyech
FK's - Azmoun/Ziyech
Corners - Wingers
Subs -
60 Min - Alcacer for Wesley
Losing -
70 Min - Greenwood for Azmoun 4-4-2
80 Min - Ziyech for Cengiz
Winning -
70 Min - Geiger for Azmoun 4-5-1
80 Min - Barnes for McNeil
Drawing -
70 Min - Ziyech for Azmoun, Barnes for McNeil
Arsenal
----------------------- Meslier ---------------------
------- Boateng ---- N'Dicka ---- Lenglet -------
---------------------- Martinez --------------------
------------ Goretzka ------- Demirbay ----------
Malcom ----------------------------------- D.Tadic
----------------- Cavani --- Mateta ---------------
Safonov, Foden, E.Smith-Rowe, M-Niles, Tuanzebe, Tierney, Ekambi
If Arsenal are going out of the league then they go out attacking for their lives, we are playing a 344, a strong unit of 3 at the back with 3 powerful defenders, NDicka marks the CF, whilst Lenglet & Boateng sit wider looking to contain the wide forwards, if they get pulled out then Javi Martinez can slot in to help N'Dicka, Javi will sit directly in front of the back 3 so he can have a good eye on the play that is going on around him so he can position himself accordingly.
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. Demirbay'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 Demirbay is creativity; he needs to be able to play a pass that penetrates the opposition’s defence or dictates the direction of the attack These three should work well together and between them have everything a midfield needs. Both Goretzka and Demirbay are solid in the tackle too so our midfield 3 will be very difficult to get through
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/Demirbay 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 CMs to get into danger areas. Both wingers have fantastic forwards to aim for in Cavani & Mateta so if they get to the bye line then get the crosses in for them to attack.They must track back today tho and help our defenders, a tough shift for them today
Our front two will get plenty chances hopefully, however he must put them away as there side will be solid at the back, however I want to bully the slower/weaker of the two/three with the aid of our CMs 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 for each other, we are quick, so our forwards must hit them with pace to drag them all over the place. They can score from various angles/ranges with hopefully a few crosses coming in they can get up and above defenders for. Can hold it up and look for runners, in particular Malcom and Tadic 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 Demirbay/Goretzka as they time their runs perfectly so a little touch back to them allows him to go for goal.
If either cant go for goal then they are always looking for each other for knock downs or lay offs
Subs
70 Min - Foden for Demirbay, Smith-Rowe for Goretzka
Losing/Drawing
75 Min - Ekambi for Mateta
Winning
80 Min - Tierney for Mateta, go to LB, Boateng to RB
----------------------- K.Navas ------------------------
B.Henrichs -–- Alvarez --– Vertonghen – Grimaldo
---------------- Torreira --– Modric ------------------
R.Mahrez ------------ Dybala ----------- M.Rashford
--------------------- Aubameyang --------------------
Subs:
Strakosha, Romagnoli, Kovacic, Vidal, D.Costa, Hudson-Odoi, B.Mayoral
We set up with a strong side suited to playing counter attacking football in a 4-2-3-1 formation. 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.
Vertonghen 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 2 will be to use their experience and high technical ability, working in collaboration with the front 4 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 4 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 4 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. Modric will look to dictate the play and find that killer ball into our forwards.
Our front four are blessed with pace and goals. We expect our team to sit deep to neutralise the threat of the opposition getting in behind. This naturally 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 Mahrez or Rashford to break at speed or go through the middle with Dybala dropping in the hold beyond Aubameyang causing havoc. He'll have pace all around him so if the opposition drop off we encourage Dybala to exploit the space and go direct for goal. When in possession the wide players push up alongside Aubameyang giving us a deadly front three. We play a fast counter attacking brand of football and look to go for goals.
Subs;
If winning:
65 mins: Modric off, Vidal on.
75 mins: Mahrez off, Romagnoli 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: Torreira off, Kovacic on.
75 mins: Mahrez off, CHO on.
If losing:
55 mins: Torreira off, CHO on.
65 mins: Henrichs off, Mayoral on. 3-4-3 all out attack
--------------------- Courtois -------------------
Cancelo –- Koulibaly --- Manolas --- Junior.F
--------- Fernandinho --- Eriksen ------------
O.Dembele --------- Isco ---------- M.Asensio
-------------------- M.Icardi --------------------
Subs:
Etheridge, Bailly, Partey, Olmo, M.Diaby, Benzema, Jovic
Captain: Koulibaly
Free Kicks: Eriksen
Penalties: Icardi
Corners: Wingers
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 to finish the season on a high. We go with a side packed with quality and what we feel has the perfect balance. Our strong defensive unit is built on our powerhouse CB pairing of Koulibaly and Manolas. Two man mountains they will look to physically impose themselves on the opposition, both dominant in the air with Koulibaly in particular possessing great speed to go toe to toe with any CF in the world. Behind them we have the superb Courtois and ahead the tenacious Fernandinho. These four players will play a key part in limiting the damage of the Leicester attack as we look to keep them at bay.
In attack we have Eriksen, Isco, Asensio, Dembele and Icardi. These five will look to interlink throughout the game, quick, sharp passing with intelligent movement off the ball will form key components of our attacking play. Isco and Eriksen possess a fantastic range of passing with vision equally astute. Asensio and Dembele are two of the top dribblers in the game, they revel in playing at speed, taking on the opposition and both pose a real goal threat whenever they are on the ball. In Icardi we have one of the top poachers around, a deadly finisher who will have a dream supply of creativity behind him. We feel these elements combined will make us a joy to watch and will no doubt cause countless problems for our opponents as we go for goals in the first leg.
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 will look to be dominant 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 with both having great quality in the final third. We look to draw the opposition onto us by sitting deep when they are in possession, we feel we can exploit the space they leave behind and hit them on the counter with the pace of attack.
If the opposition play one up top then Koulibaly will mark. Strong, pacy and aggressive we feel he has all the tools to deal with any opponent. Manolas 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.
Midfield:
Fernandinho will be our destructive force in the middle of the field. A top class DM, we rely on his fantastic reading of the game to break up the opposition play, winning back possession and setting us up on the counter as we look to get the ball into our creative players as quickly as possible. If the opposition play with an AM then Fernandinho will sit on him as we look to stifle their creativity by eliminating one of their main creative hubs. Alongside him we have the creative maestro Eriksen. He will operate in a very different role, picking the ball up from deep and driving forward as we look to open up our opponents. He has license to push forward whilst Fernandinho sits and will at all times be looking for that killer through ball in behind the defence for the run of Icardi to finish.
Completing our midfield trio we have the majestic Isco. He plays in the AM role and has free roam to pull the opposition apart. A technical genius we will consistently look to get the ball into him in an advanced position in the final third. Capable of operating in tight spaces he has fantastic close control which will be key in opening the oppositions tight defence. He will also have Eriksen pushing forward alongside forming a deadly duo in the centre of the park. We play at speed, quick one two passes as we look to cut the opposition apart in the final third. We embrace his creativity and encourage him to shoot from distance should the opportunity arise.
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. Both have license to cut in from the flanks and go for goal, we encourage them to speed and go at the opposition. Draw in their 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. Our wingers 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. A real fox in the box we expect him to receive plenty of opportunities and bury those that come his way.
Subs;
If winning:
70 mins: Eriksen off, Partey on. Dual DMs offering additional protection.
80 mins: Dembele off, Bailly on. 5-4-1 shut up shop time as we tighten up with a solid defensive unit as we see the game out.
If drawing:
70 mins: Isco off, Jovic on. We move to 4-2-2-2, Asensio and Dembele on the flanks with Icardi and Jovic are up top as we go for the winner.
80 mins: Fernandinho off, Partey on. Fresh legs and high energy in the middle of the park.
If losing:
55 mins: Fernandinho off, Jovic on.
65 mins: Cancelo off, Benzema on. We revert to 3-4-3 with Jovic, Icardi and Benzema up top as we go for goals, goals, goals.
Bournemouth Tactics: Week 26
Captain: Musso
Vice Captain: Fernandes
Team:
--------------------Musso
Emerson--Ribeiro—Gabriel--Renan
-----------------Fernandes
---------Bentancur---Zaracho
Tetê------------------------------Everton
--------------------Gomez
SUBS: Felipe, Guga, Murilo, Liziero, Pyerre, Vargas, Cunha
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: Fernandes 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. Bentancur and Zaracho will play just in front of Fernandes. Bentancur will be a more box to box type. He will be involved all over and will offer as much in defence as in attack. Zaracho 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 Tetê 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 Zaracho, Bentancur and Gomez 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 Bentancur may sit a bit deeper allowing Zaracho 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.
Gomez 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: Zaracho, Everton or Tetê with Ribeiro, Gabriel, Fernandes and Gomez to offer an aerial threat. Zaracho and Everton (with his thunderbolt left foot) may try their luck with several free kicks from distance.
Penalties: Gomez
Substitutions: (if winning on 80 minutes) Murilo for Gabriel, Cunha for Gomez and Pyerre for Bentancur, 3 like for like substitutions.
If losing (on 80 minutes) Vargas for Bentancur and Cunha for Tetê. Shift to a 4-1-3-2 attack. Cunha and Vargas offering fresh legs, pace and a bit of the unknown in attack.
------------Fernandes
Vargas---Zaracho----Everton
--------Gomez---Cunha
---------------------- Oblak -----------------------
Walker ----- Stones ----- Varane ----- Sandro
--------------------- Fabinho ---------------------
--------------- Pjanic ----- Aouar ---------------
Mbappe --------------------------------- Neymar
------------------ Lewandowski ------------------
Meret, de Jong, Llorente, Pogba, Chiesa, 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 & Aouar 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, Varane 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 Villa 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. Walker especially is a huge threat down the right hand side. 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 Stones to go up for corners, with the fullbacks and Fabinho sitting back.
In the centre of the pitch are Pjanic, Fabinho and Aouar, 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, Aouar and Pjanic 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, and our playmaker, he makes things tick in the centre, 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 Aouar 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. Aouar 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 Juve 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 - Mbappe
Corners - Wingers
Free Kicks - Pjanic/Neymar
Losing OR drawing -
65 Min - Chiesa for Pjanic, he goes to RW and Mbappe just off Lewandowski 442
75 Min - Kluivert for Sandro, Walker to RCB, Kluivert to LW, Neymar to LCF 343 have to go for the win
83 Min - Werner for Lewandowski
Winning -
75 Min - de Jong for Pjanic, fresh legs in the idle as he and Aouar sit either side of Fabinho
83 Min - Chiesa for Lewandowski, Mbappe up top, Chiesa RW
85 Min - Llorente for Aouar, really close this out
Newcastle v HULL
----------------Peacock-Farrell
Aarons----Godfrey-----Jansson------Lewis
------------Ascacíbar-----Nández
Wilson-----------Almirón----------Benrahma
-------------------Lacazette
Subs: Raya, Justin, Berge, Buendía, Carvalho, Clarke, Adams
Our defensive unit consists of Ben Godfrey and Pontus Jansson paired up at centre-back, Max Aarons at right-back and Jamal Lewis at left-back, with Santiago Ascacíbar and Nahitan Nández as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.
This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in Ascacíbar and Nández 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 Nández can press the ball without leaving lots of space, as Ascacíbar 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 Nández’s role, he will press almost anywhere in his own half to allow defenders to stay in the defensive line.
With Nández running his socks off for the team, our high tempo will dictated by his partner in holding midfield, Santiago Ascacíbar.
A holding midfielder through and through, Ascacíbar 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 Ascacíbar such a talent.
The attacking unit consists of Harry Wilson, Miguel Almirón and Saïd Benrahma 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 Ascacíbar or Nández, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.
Aarons and Lewis can surge up the wings in the knowledge that Ascacíbar and Nández can drop into the space left behind if needed. As they come up the wings, both Harry Wilson and Saïd Benrahma, who are fast speed merchants, excellent in tight spaces and fantastic dribblers will cut inside or make runs into the box. Miguel Almirón our attacking central midfielder’s low centre of gravity will enable him to navigate away from defenders at a frighteningly quick pace. Almirón 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, Benrahma and Lacazette in via fast passing combinations.
Up front, Lacazette is an all-rounder and will perfectly complement the strengths of the trio 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 80 mins
Buendía on for Wilson and Clarke on for Benrahma
Lots of fresh legs and pace to trouble the opposition for a late goal regardless of the score line
High tempo attacking 4-3-3
Our cup final, we setup with a strong side full of pace and power but also with the ability to control possession, looking to give freedom to Hazard in the final third to drift wide or central to get in behind the opposition midfield. Looking for Ronaldo to be the difference maker on this big occassion.
We look to play our usual high tempo attacking game and take the game to Spurs. They like to play a very attacking team, and we look to play our usual high tempo game, seeking to exploit space behind their midfield. We have a strong side defensively and in attack, our team is built to give Hazard, Thiago and Sane the space and freedom to find the ball in space in attacking positions to hurt Spurs. Create for Ronaldo.
As you'd expect, possession builds from the back with the defence, and our midfield trio controlling possession. Rodri dictating the tempo of our play in the Busquets role, Tolisso offering the power in midfield to dominate physically in defence and powering forward, with Thiago offering the creativity and ability on the ball to dominate possession and create. Importantly we have two hard working options in front of Rodri, and all are fantastic on the ball, allowing us to play fast flowing attacking football.
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 always the deepest of the trio, Thiago and Tolisso will offer inteligence defensively, with the pressing in high areas important. Win the ball back from Spurs quickly before they can get anywhere.
The defence will be patient on the ball, playing a reasonably high line, with good pace at the back and energy in front we look to defend high up the park. This allows us to take the game to Spurs and aids distribution out from the back line.
Control possession and find space in between the opposition lines. Using the pace of our wide players, fbs (one bombs forward at a time) and wingers to create space as we push forward. Creating space for the cms to push into and for the front three to exploit. Hazard with more freedom to drift to find space centrally or out wide.
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.
Rodri and Tolisso collecting the ball and offering the link between defence and attack, get Thiago on 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.
------------------ Neuer
Carvajal -- Pavard -- Laporte -- Mendy
------------------- Rodri
------------ Thiago --- Tolisso
L.Sane -------------------------- Hazard
----------------- Ronaldo
Subs. Schmeichel, Militao, Koke, Ceballos, Coutinho, Gnabry, 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 into a narrow rigid formation behind the ball in position to press high up the park. Stop them breaking and press them high up the park.
In a narrow, rigid formation, we will look to press the space, not allowing them options. Keep them from advancing to positions where they can’t hurt us, by trying to win the ball back very quickly. Then break quickly in these high positions when we do win the ball.
As Spurs 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.
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 more often stretching the game looking to take on their lb.
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 Jesus for Ronaldo. As Spurs will push for a goal, give us pace to hit them. Álso offers a huge work rate.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Gnabry for Sane. Fresh pace to offer a new outlet in attack.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Koke for Tolisso. Fresh hard working legs in midfield, also helps us keep possession in closing stages.
If drawing after 70 mins bring on Coutinho for Toliso. More creativity, Thiago moves deeper.
If drawing after 75 mins bring on Militao and Jesus for Carvajal and Mendy. 3-5-2. Jesus up next to Ronaldo. Pressing high up the park.
If losing after 60 mins bring on Militao and Jesus for Carvajal and Mendy. 3-5-2, adding pace and hard work high up the park. Defending higher up the park.
If losing after 70 mins bring on Coutinho for Tolisso.
WOLVES - Wide 4-3-3
We setup in a traditional 4-3-3 formation, with two midfielders in Rakitic and Gundogan who can dominate possession and help us control the game. We go with a young defence full of pace, as we look to let our attacking players take the game to Brum.
We attack down the wings. One full back bombs forward at a time, combining with the winger to double up on the opposition full back. The two central midfielders will be key to our gameplan, looking to spread the ball wide, linking with the wide players to find them in space to get at the opposition.
Immobile comes in up top as we look to attack down the wings and create for him, as he suits the gameplan better than Vardty who offers an option from the bench.
----------------- Arrizabalaga
Hakimi-------J.Tah------Rugani-----A.Telles
-----------------------Allan
-------------Gundogan----Rakitic--------------
di Maria------------------------------------Persic
------------------- Immobile
Subs: Radu, Tomori, Maffeo, Mendes, Ozil, Draxler, Vardy
Our defensive unit consists of Jonathan Tah and Ruganipaired up at centre-back, Achraf Hakimi at right-back and Nicolas Tagliafico at left-back, with Allan as our defensive midfielder screening them.
Helping the defenders maintain solid positioning is a key part of Allan's role, he will press almost anywhere in his own half to allow the bank of four defenders and midfielders to maintain their position, ensuring the zonal structure shape is maintained with no space for the opposition to work in.
Attack
We will vary the tempo of our attacking play, always looking to attack down the wings. We will counter if it is on, playing with a deep defence this may suck the opposition in and we have pace on the wings to break quickly. If the break is not on, the midfield trio work with the defence, coming deep to collect the ball and play out from the back.
One of Hakimi and Telles can surge up the wings in the knowledge that there are three other defenders and Allan back. As they come up the wings, both Perisic and Angel Di Maria, who are fast speed merchants, excellent in tight spaces and fantastic dribblers will cut inside or make runs into the box.
Our two central midfielders are excellent in tight spaces and will look to link up with the wingers, playing quick one twos to set them off into space, or taking the time to play daring through balls that will cut the opposition open.
Immobile will occupy the opposition’s centre backs, holding up possession and looking to turn the defender and shoot. He’ll be strong in the air and look out for his teammates trying to pick him out from deep. He'll get in the box, and always provide an option for the wide players. The winger opposite play always looks to get into the box adding an extra option for the wide player looking to cross or create in the middle.
Subs.
If winning after 70 mins bring on Vardy and Mendes for Immobile and Rakitic. Extra power in cm and pace up top.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Draxler for Perisic.
If drawing or losing after 70 mins bring Vardy and Ozil for Gundogan and Immobile. 4-2-3-1, Rakitic next to Allan, Ozil advanced AM behind the pacey Vardy.
If drawing or losing after 75 mins bring on Draxler for Perisic.
Just sold Jansson so replaced by Dael Fry in starting lineup
Newcastle v HULL
----------------Peacock-Farrell
Aarons----Godfrey---------Fry---------Lewis
------------Ascacíbar-----Nández
Wilson-----------Almirón----------Benrahma
-------------------Lacazette
Subs: Raya, Justin, Berge, Buendía, Carvalho, Clarke, Adams
Our defensive unit consists of Ben Godfrey and Dael Fry paired up at centre-back, Max Aarons at right-back and Jamal Lewis at left-back, with Santiago Ascacíbar and Nahitan Nández as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.
This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in Ascacíbar and Nández 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 Nández can press the ball without leaving lots of space, as Ascacíbar 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 Nández’s role, he will press almost anywhere in his own half to allow defenders to stay in the defensive line.
With Nández running his socks off for the team, our high tempo will dictated by his partner in holding midfield, Santiago Ascacíbar.
A holding midfielder through and through, Ascacíbar 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 Ascacíbar such a talent.
The attacking unit consists of Harry Wilson, Miguel Almirón and Saïd Benrahma 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 Ascacíbar or Nández, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.
Aarons and Lewis can surge up the wings in the knowledge that Ascacíbar and Nández can drop into the space left behind if needed. As they come up the wings, both Harry Wilson and Saïd Benrahma, who are fast speed merchants, excellent in tight spaces and fantastic dribblers will cut inside or make runs into the box. Miguel Almirón our attacking central midfielder’s low centre of gravity will enable him to navigate away from defenders at a frighteningly quick pace. Almirón 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, Benrahma and Lacazette in via fast passing combinations.
Up front, Lacazette is an all-rounder and will perfectly complement the strengths of the trio 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 80 mins
Buendía on for Wilson and Clarke on for Benrahma
Lots of fresh legs and pace to trouble the opposition for a late goal regardless of the score line
VILLA vs Chelsea
------------------------------------De Gea-------------
Doherty-----------Kabak------------Chiellini-----------Max
----------------------Soumare----------Adams------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pepe------------------------------Brahim---------------------------Son
--------------------------------------Piatek-----------------------------------
Subs - McCarthy, Milenkovic, Guerreiro, Moura, Berardi, Wilson, Morata
Playing the 4231 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 balks 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. Kabak and Chiellini are 2 tall and powerful heads in the centre of defence. Look to use all your knowledge to shut the oppo attack down. Chiellini to mark main striker and Kabak to mark any other runners. Doherty 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
Adams will be playing the B2B role today. He will look to use his high energy to help out in both attack and defence. Make runs from deep and get forward whenever you can. When the oppo are attacking just come deep and sit next to Soumare in the middle.
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 Brahim. Brahim 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. Piatek will be the main goal threat for the team. He is very dangerous in the air and I want him to use his aerial abillity to score headers for us. 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.
Subs if LOSING BY 70MINS
Change formation to 41212
Berardi on Pepe off.
Wilson on Adams off
Moura on Son off
Subs if DRAWING BY 70 MINS
Guerrero on Adams off
Berardi on Pepe off
Wilson on Brahim off
Subs if WINNING by 70 MINS
Take off Brahim and put in Guerrero in CM and change formation to 451
BRUM vs wolves
-------------------------------------Lafont-----------------------
Pereira----------R Dias----------------Sanchez---------Chilwell
-------------------Doucoure---------------Nkunku-------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sarr------------------------------------------------------------Richarlison
---------------------------------Lo Celso------------------------------------
-----------------------------------Haller-------------------------------------
Subs - Lunin, Diop, Paredes, Kessie, Hazard, Zaha, Dembele
CAPTAIN - SANCHEZ
CK'S - LO CELSO
FK'S - LO CELSO
PENALTIES - HALLER
I want us to hold a deep defensive line to start of with so the oppo don't get an early goal. Keep things simple in the beginning and only pressure the oppo when they get in our half. When we have the ball I want the team to play pass and move football. Don't stay static, try and get in behind the oppo defence as there is a lot of pace in our attacking players. As the game goes on, when we don't have the ball I want the team to defend from the front line and pressure the oppo and try and win possession back. Do this in fits and bursts as it is a tiring tactic.
Defence
Lafont is a quality young keeper. Don't take risks. Punch the ball away if the shot is too powerful. Command your area. The defence is well balanced. Dias and Sanchez bring a whole lot of experience and pace to the defence. Sanchez will use his experience to marshal the defence and Dias 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. Nkunku will be covering for them when they go attacking.
Defence Mids
Nkunku + Doucoure
Nkunku 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.
Doucoure will look to pick the ball up from deep and use his pace and energy to dribble the ball out. Make runs forward and help our attacking players whenever you can. Play quick passes forward and use your strength to outmuscle the oppo players. When not in possession of the ball I want him to sit alongside Nkunku in the middle and protect the defence.
Wingers
Sarr + Richarlison
These 2 will be the focal point of my attack. I want to give them the freedom to express themselves in attack. Richarlison will be looking to cut in from the left and Sarr will be looking to go on the outside and get to the byline to whip balls into the box. I want you both to try and beat the oppo fullbacks with your pace and dribbling ability but don't try too hard as if you see them doubling up on you you can either pass back or into the centre of the pitch to one of our CM's. I want you both to be aware of our fullbacks and play pass and move 1 2's with them to try and penetrate the oppo back line. Pereira and Chilwell are no slouches attacking wise so use them! If you can cut in onto your stronger foot, don't be afraid to shoot from range as you both have the ability to score from long range. If there is no space to do so then take the ball to the byline and whip in crosses for Haller 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
Lo Celso
Lo Celso will be playing just behind Haller 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
Haller
Haller 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 Richarlison/Sarr to make infield runs ahead of you.
Subs if LOSING BY 65MINS
Put on Dembele for Nkunku and Zaha for Lo Celso to bring some more attacking impetus on. Play a high line and try and get a goal. Change formation to 41212.
------------------------------------Lafont--------------------------------
Pereira------------R Dias---------------Sanchez------------Chilwell
----------------------------------Doucoure------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sarr--------------------------------------------------------------Richarlison
-------------------------------------Zaha-------------------------------
---------------------------Haller-----------Dembele------------------------
Subs if WINNING BY 80MINS
Take off Lo Celso and put on Diop in CB. Play defensive with everyone in our own half defending for their lives, waiting to hit the oppo on the counter attack. Hazard on for Richarlison and Paredes for Nkunku to add a bit more energy into the midfield.
------------------------------------Lafont--------------------------------
Pereira------Diop------Sanchez------R Dias-------Chilwell
-------------------------Paredes--------Doucoure----------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------Sarr-------------------------------------------Hazard---------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------Haller---------------------------------------
Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Hazard on for Richarlison
Zaha on for Lo Celso
Dembele on for Haller
Fresh legs to bring on.
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---------------------- Courtois ------------------
Cancelo --- Koulibaly --- Skriniar –--- Junior
---------- Fernandinho --- Eriksen ------------
O.Dembele ---------- Isco --------- M.Asensio
--------------------- M.Icardi -------------------
Subs:
Etheridge, Manolas, Partey, Arthur, M.Diaby, Martial, Benzema
Captain: Koulibaly
Free Kicks: Eriksen
Penalties: Icardi
Corners: Wingers
Final game of the season and the lads are raring to go as we look to end the season on a high by retaining the FA Cup. We make a few tweaks from the victorious midweek side as we bring in some fresh legs to create new problems for the opposition, whilst we also looking to strengthen defensively to limit the problems caused by the oppositions attack in the EL Final.
As always moving the ball at speed will be the focus of our play as we go with an attacking 4-2-3-1 formation. It was noted from the EL final that they looked to cause problems down the flanks and Haller in particular was a real nuisance due to his height and physicality in the middle. We counter this by going with what we feel is our strongest defence with Skriniar and the pacy Junior Firpo both returning the starting lineup. We feel that the added mobility that these two bring will make it easier for us to combat their attack.
If they play Haller up top then we put Koulibaly on him to shut him down. Stick tight and don’t let him have any space, Koulibaly has the height, strength and pace to go toe to toe with the big CF and we feel he is the ideal player to blunt their attack. We suspect however, that they may mix things up and potentially play two up top, if so then Skriniar will pick up the other CF to keep him quiet. Junior brings added speed to our defence which will be perfect to combat their pace on the flanks.
The focus will be on our central midfield trio, this area of the field we feel we can dominate and one that will be crucial after such a short turnaround from midweek. Fernandinho, Eriksen and Isco will look to dictate the game from the middle, quick sharp passing we make the opposition run and chase the ball all afternoon. The aim being that as the game wears on they will tire after the long trip back from Baku which will open things up for us in attack. Constantly keep the ball moving with our intricate passing, our FB’s and wingers stretching the field, making it as wide as possible.
If the opposition revert to a back three then the extra man we have in CM will mean we overrun them in the middle of the pitch as we look to lay down a marker in our season finale.
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 will look to be dominant 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 with both having great quality in the final third. We look to draw the opposition onto us by sitting deep when they are in possession, we feel we can exploit the space they leave behind and hit them on the counter with our pace in attack.
If the opposition play one up top then Koulibaly will mark. Strong, pacy and aggressive we feel he has all the tools to deal with any opponent. Skriniar will offer additional protection behind and pick up the second striker if they go for a front two.
Midfield:
Fernandinho will be our destructive force in the middle of the field. A top class DM, we rely on his fantastic reading of the game to break up the opposition play, winning back possession and setting us up on the counter as we look to get the ball into our creative players as quickly as possible. If the opposition play with an AM then Fernandinho will sit on him as we look to stifle their creativity by eliminating one of their main creative hubs. Alongside him we have the creative maestro Eriksen, picking the ball up from deep and driving forward he will look to open up our opponents as he has license to push forward whilst Fernandinho sits. At all times he will be looking for that killer through ball in behind the defence for the run of Icardi to finish.
Completing our midfield trio we have the majestic Isco. He plays in the AM role and has free roam to pull the opposition apart. A technical genius we will consistently look to get the ball into him in an advanced position in the final third. Capable of operating in tight spaces he has fantastic close control which will be key in opening the oppositions tight defence. He will also have Eriksen pushing forward alongside forming a deadly duo in the centre of the park. We play at speed, quick one two passes as we look to cut the opposition apart in the final third. We embrace his creativity and encourage him to shoot from distance should the opportunity arise.
Forwards:
Icardi comes in for Jovic as he looks to lay down a marker to prove he is top dog. Alongside him with have the pacy Dembele and Asensio who will both be looking to get on the scoresheet, they will vary their runs, constantly keep the opposition guessing by cutting infield and going for goal, whilst in the next phase of play driving down the line and whipping in a low ball for Icardi to tap home. This variation in play will make it almost impossible for our opponents to second guess our approach, making it increasingly difficult for them to stop our attacks. Icardi plays through the middle, with the number 9 spot up for grabs and with Jovic scoring in midweek he will be going all out for goals to cement his spot in the starting line up next season. He will do what he does best, get himself into the box and finish any chances that fall his way.
Subs;
If winning:
70 mins: Eriksen off, Partey on. Dual DMs offering additional protection.
80 mins: Dembele off, Manolas on. 5-4-1 shut up shop time as we tighten up with a solid defensive unit as we see the game out.
If drawing:
60 mins: Fernandinho off, Arthur on.
70 mins: Dembele off, Martial on.
80 mins: Isco off, Benzema on. We move to 4-2-2-2, Asensio and Martial on the flanks with Icardi and Benzema up top as we go for the winner.
If losing:
60 mins: Fernandinho off, Martial on.
70 mins: Junior off, Benzema on. We revert to 3-4-3 with Icardi, Benzema and Martial up top as we go for goals, goals, goals.
If it goes to Penalties, spot kick takers.
1. Eriksen
2. Asensio
3. Martial
4. Benzema
5. Icardi
6. Arthur
7. Cancelo
8. Skriniar
9. Junior
10. Koulibaly
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Tactics
Page 19 of 20
16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20
posted on 5/7/19
Everton
--------------------- K.Navas -----------------------
Henrichs --- Bonucci --– Vertonghen – Grimaldo
-------------- Torreira --– Modric ------------------
R.Mahrez ---------- Dybala ---------- M.Rashford
------------------- Aubameyang --------------------
Subs:
Strakosha, Romagnoli, Kovacic, Vidal, D.Costa, Hudson-Odoi, B.Mayoral
We set up with a strong side suited to playing counter attacking football in a 4-2-3-1 formation. 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.
Bonucci 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 2 will be to use their experience and high technical ability, working in collaboration with the front 4 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 4 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 4 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. Modric will look to dictate the play and find that killer ball into our forwards.
Our front four are blessed with pace and goals. We expect our team to sit deep to neutralise the threat of the opposition getting in behind. This naturally 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 Mahrez or Rashford to break at speed or go through the middle with Dybala dropping in the hold beyond Aubameyang causing havoc. He'll have pace all around him so if the opposition drop off we encourage Dybala to exploit the space and go direct for goal. When in possession the wide players push up alongside Aubameyang giving us a deadly front three. We play a fast counter attacking brand of football and look to go for goals.
Subs;
If winning:
65 mins: Modric off, Vidal on.
75 mins: Mahrez off, Romagnoli 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: Torreira off, Kovacic on.
75 mins: Mahrez off, CHO on.
If losing:
55 mins: Torreira off, CHO on.
65 mins: Henrichs off, Mayoral on. 3-4-3 all out attack
posted on 5/7/19
---------------------- Courtois ---------------------
Cancelo –- Koulibaly ---- Skriniar - Hernandez
--------- Fernandinho ---- Eriksen --------------
-- M.Asensio --------- Isco --------- A.Martial --
--------------------- Luka Jovic -------------------
Subs:
Etheridge, Manolas, Partey, Arthur, D.Olmo, M.Diaby, Benzema
Captain: Koulibaly
Free Kicks: Eriksen
Penalties: Jovic
Corners: Wingers
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 to take the game to Barca. We go with a side packed with quality and what we feel has the perfect balance. Our strong defensive unit is built on our powerhouse CB pairing of Koulibaly and Skriniar. Two man mountains they will look to physically impose themselves on the opposition, both dominant in the air with Koulibaly in particular possessing great speed to go toe to toe with any CF in the world. Behind them we have the superb Courtois and ahead the tenacious Fernandinho. These four players will play a key part in limiting the damage of the Barca attack as we look to keep them at bay.
In attack we have Eriksen, Isco, Asensio, Martial and Jovic. These five will look to interlink throughout the game, quick, sharp passing with intelligent movement off the ball will form key components of our attacking play. Isco and Eriksen possess a fantastic range of passing with vision equally astute. Asensio and Martial are two of the top dribblers in the game, they revel in playing at speed, taking on the opposition and both pose a real goal threat whenever they are on the ball. In Jovic we have one of the top poachers around, a deadly finisher who will have a dream supply of creativity behind him. We feel these elements combined will make us a joy to watch and will no doubt cause countless problems for our opponents as we go for goals in the first leg.
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 will look to be dominant as we aim to take the sting out of the opposition early on and play on the front foot. Our fullbacks will sit deep, not venturing too far forward and in doing so limiting the space for their wingers to operate in. We look to draw the opposition onto us by sitting deep when they are in possession, 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 Asensio and Martial.
If the opposition play one up top then Koulibaly will mark. Strong, pacy 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.
Midfield:
Fernandinho will be our destructive force in the middle of the field. A top class DM, we rely on his fantastic reading of the game to break up the opposition play, winning back possession and setting us up on the counter as we look to get the ball into our creative players as quickly as possible. If the opposition play with an AM then Fernandinho will sit on him as we look to stifle their creativity by eliminating one of their main creative hubs. Alongside him we have the creative maestro Eriksen. He will operate in a very different role, picking the ball up from deep and driving forward as we look to open up our opponents. He has license to push forward whilst Fernandinho sits and will at all times be looking for that killer through ball in behind the defence for the run of Jovic to finish.
Completing our midfield trio we have our newest acquisition the majestic Isco. He plays in the AM role and has free roam to pull the opposition apart. A technical genius we will consistently look to get the ball into him in an advanced position in the final third. Capable of operating in tight spaces he has fantastic close control which will be key in opening the oppositions tight defence. He will also have Eriksen pushing forward alongside forming a deadly duo in the centre of the park. We play at speed, quick one two passes as we look to cut the opposition apart in the final third. We embrace his creativity and encourage him to shoot from distance should the opportunity arise.
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. Both have license to cut in from the flanks and go for goal, we encourage them to speed and go at the opposition. Draw in their CB’s which in turn creates space for Jovic 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 Jovic in the middle. Both wingers have pace to burn 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. Jovic 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. A real fox in the box we expect him to receive plenty of opportunities and bury those that come his way.
Subs;
If winning:
70 mins: Eriksen off, Partey on. Dual DMs offering additional protection.
80 mins: Martial off, Manolas on. 5-4-1 shut up shop time as we tighten up with a solid defensive unit as we see the game out.
If drawing:
70 mins: Fernandinho off, Arthur on. Fresh legs and an astute passer to find an opening.
80 mins: Isco off, Benzema on. We move to 4-2-2-2, Asensio and Martial on the flanks with Benzema and Jovic are up top as we go for the winner.
If losing:
55 mins: Fernandinho off, Arthur on.
65 mins: Hernandez off, Benzema on. We revert to 3-4-3 with Jovic, Benzema and Martial up top as we go for goals, goals, goals.
posted on 5/7/19
--------------------- J.Oblak ---------------------
Walker ----- Varane ----- Umtiti ----- Sandro
--------------------- Llorente --------------------
---------------- Pjanic ---- Pogba ---------------
Mbappe --------------------------------- Neymar
---------------------- Werner --------------------
Meret, de Jong, Barella, Zaniolo, Chiesa, Bailey, Abraham
A must win today! 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, Llorente & 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, Werner 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.
Umtiti picks up the CF, Varane 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 Spurs 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. Walker especially is a huge threat down the right hand side. If either get caught up field I want Llorente 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 Llorente sitting back.
In the centre of the pitch are Pjanic, Llorente and Pogba, Llorente our deepest player sitting just in front of the CB's he will shadow there AM and not allow him to control the game, Pogba and Pjanic have to be disciplined and lend a hand to stop them coming through. Llorente 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, and our playmaker, he makes things tick in the centre, 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 Llorente 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/Llorente/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 Werner 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 Werner 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 Spurs 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 - Mbappe
Corners - Wingers
Free Kicks - Pjanic/Neymar
Subs -
Losing
70 Min - Chiesa for Pogba, we go 442, Mbappe using his pace up top alongside Werner to hurt them and Chiesa to RW
78 Min - L.Bailey for Sandro, Walker to RCB, Bailey to LW and Mbappe-Wenrer-Neymar up top, we have to go for it, de Jong for Pjanic at the same time to add fresh legs in the middle to try and open it open
Winning -
75 Min - de Jong for Pogba, we go a flat midfield 3 to shut them down
82 Min - Barella for Pjanic, again fresh legs in there and will close everything down
87 Min - L.Bailey for Werner, Neymar go up top to waste time and Bailey to help track back if needed on the left
Drawing -
70 Min - Chiesa for Pogba 442 with Chiesa going RW and Mbappe up top with Werner
80 Min - Bailey for Werner, he goes LW and Neymar up top 424 pretty much with de Jong on for Pjanic at the same time
87 Min - we need a winner so go 244 with Walker and Sandro playing much higher up going for a goal, a draw is no use, we get the winner they drop back
posted on 6/7/19
High tempo attacking 4-3-3
Must win match, after resting key players midweek this is a league deciding game. We look to play a high tempo attacking game and take the game to Bournemouth, controlling possession and the tempo of the game. Rodri dictating the tempo of our play, with Thiago and Tolisso two hard working options in front that are also fantastic on the ball, allowing us to play fast flowing attacking football.
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.
Using the pace of our wide players, fbs and wingers to create space as we push forward. Creating space for the cms to push into and for the front three to exploit.
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, Ramos the man marker next to Laporte who is free. In midfield, Rodri reading the play looking to win the ball back as the dm always the deepest of the trio and offering cover, Thiago and Tolisso will offer inteligence defensively, with the pressing of Thiago and Tolisso in high areas also important.
Rodri and Tolisso collecting the ball and offering the link between defence and attack, get Thiago on 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.
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 Bournemouth. Get the fbs attacking. One bombing forward the other fb, generally Pavard, 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. Mendy will be a key attacking outlook, as Pavard is more reserved. On the right, Sane stays wide stretching the game looking to take on their lb.
------------------ Neuer
Pavard -- Ramos -- Laporte -- Mendy
------------------- Rodri
------------ Thiago --- Tolisso
L.Sane -------------------------- Hazard
----------------- Ronaldo
Subs. Schmeichel, Militao, Rice, Ceballos, Coutinho, Correa, L.Martinez
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 Bournemouth 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. Super sub, high work rate and fresh pace.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Rice for Tolisso. High energy and control tempo of game.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Coutinho for Thiago. Fresh pace and creativity in the middle of the park with two strong defensive cms.
If drawing after 70 mins bring on Coutinho for Toliso. More creativity, Thiago moves deeper.
If drawing after 75 mins bring on Martinez for Mendy. 3-5-2, Coutinho left and Hazard off Ronaldo. Attack attack attack.
If losing after 60 mins bring on Coutinho and Correa for Tolisso and Mendy. Correa wide, Coutinho am, Thiago playmaking dm next to Rodri.
If losing after 83 mins bring on L.Martinez for Thiago. Throw the kitchen sink.
posted on 6/7/19
HULL v Liverpool
---------------Peacock-Farrell
Aarons-----Godfrey-----Jansson------Lewis
---------------Berge--------Nández
Wilson-----------Carvalho------------James
--------------------Lacazette
Subs: Müller, Justin, Eiting, Grujic, Clarke, Benrahma, Joelinton
Our defensive unit consists of Ben Godfrey and Pontus Jansson paired up at centre-back, Max Aarons at right-back and Jamal Lewis at left-back, with Sander Berge and Nahitan Nández as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.
This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in Berge and Nández 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 Nández can press the ball without leaving lots of space, as Berge 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 Nández’s role, he will press almost anywhere in his own half to allow defenders to stay in the defensive line.
With Nández running his socks off for the team, our high tempo will dictated by his partner in holding midfield, Sander Berge.
A holding midfielder through and through, Berge 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 Berge such a talent.
The attacking unit consists of Harry Wilson, João Carvalho 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 Berge or Nández, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.
Aarons and Lewis can surge up the wings in the knowledge that Berge and Nández 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. João Carvalho our attacking central midfielder’s low centre of gravity will enable him to navigate away from defenders at a frighteningly quick pace. Carvalho 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 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 80 mins
Clarke on for Wilson and Benrahma on for James
Lots of fresh legs and pace to trouble the opposition for a late goal regardless of the score line
posted on 7/7/19
Comment deleted by Site Moderator
posted on 7/7/19
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posted on 7/7/19
VILLA vs man city
------------------------------------De Gea-------------
Doherty-----------Kabak------------Chiellini-----------Max
----------------------Soumare----------Zielinski------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pepe-------------------------------Fekir---------------------------Son
--------------------------------------Piatek-----------------------------------
Subs - McCarthy, Milenkovic, Barkley, Guerreiro, Brahim, Berardi, Wilson
Playing the 4231 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 balks 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. Kabak and Chiellini are 2 tall and powerful heads in the centre of defence. Look to use all your knowledge to shut the oppo attack down. Chiellini to mark main striker and Kabak to mark any other runners. Doherty 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
Zielinski will be playing the B2B role today. He will look to use his high energy to help out in both attack and defence. Make runs from deep and get forward whenever you can. When the oppo are attacking just come deep and sit next to Soumare in the middle.
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 Son. Fekir 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. Piatek will be the main goal threat for the team. He is very dangerous in the air and I want him to use his aerial abillity to score headers for us. 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.
Subs if LOSING BY 70MINS
Change formation to 41212
Berardi on Pepe off.
Wilson on Fekir off
Brahim on Son off
Subs if DRAWING BY 70 MINS
Barkley on Zielinski off
Berardi on Pepe off
Wilson on Fekir off
Subs if WINNING by 70 MINS
Take off Fekir and put in Guerrero in CM and change formation to 451
posted on 7/7/19
BRUM vs Portsmouth
-------------------------------------Lafont-----------------------
Pereira----------R Dias----------------Sanchez---------Chilwell
----------------------Kessie---------------Nkunku-------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neres------------------------------------------------------------Richarlison
--------------------------------------Zaha------------------------------------
--------------------------------------Haller-------------------------------------
Subs - Lunin, Diop, Paredes, Doucoure, Hazard, Lo Celso, Dembele
CAPTAIN - SANCHEZ
CK'S - NERES
FK'S - NERES
PENALTIES - HALLER
I want us to hold a deep defensive line to start of with so the oppo don't get an early goal. Keep things simple in the beginning and only pressure the oppo when they get in our half. When we have the ball I want the team to play pass and move football. Don't stay static, try and get in behind the oppo defence as there is a lot of pace in our attacking players. As the game goes on, when we don't have the ball I want the team to defend from the front line and pressure the oppo and try and win possession back. Do this in fits and bursts as it is a tiring tactic.
Defence
Lafont is a quality young keeper. Don't take risks. Punch the ball away if the shot is too powerful. Command your area. The defence is well balanced. Dias and Sanchez bring a whole lot of experience and pace to the defence. Sanchez will use his experience to marshal the defence and Dias 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. Nkunku will be covering for them when they go attacking.
Defence Mids
Nkunku + Kessie
Nkunku 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.
Kessie will look to pick the ball up from deep and use his pace and energy to dribble the ball out. Make runs forward and help our attacking players whenever you can. Play quick passes forward and use your strength to outmuscle the oppo players. When not in possession of the ball I want him to sit alongside Nkunku in the middle and protect the defence.
Wingers
Neres + Richarlison
These 2 will be the focal point of my attack. I want to give them the freedom to express themselves in attack. Richarlison will be looking to cut in from the left and Neres likewise from the right. I want you both to try and beat the oppo fullbacks with your pace and dribbling ability but don't try too hard as if you see them doubling up on you you can either pass back or into the centre of the pitch to one of our CM's. I want you both to be aware of our fullbacks and play pass and move 1 2's with them to try and penetrate the oppo back line. Pereira and Chilwell are no slouches attacking wise so use them! If you can cut in onto your stronger foot, don't be afraid to shoot from range as you both have the ability to score from long range. If there is no space to do so then take the ball to the byline and whip in crosses for Haller 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 Haller 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
Haller
Haller 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 Richarlison/Neres to make infield runs ahead of you.
Subs if LOSING BY 65MINS
Put on Dembele for Kessie and lo Celso for Zaha to bring some more attacking impetus on. Play a high line and try and get a goal. Change formation to 41212.
------------------------------------Lafont--------------------------------
Pereira------------R Dias---------------Sanchez------------Chilwell
----------------------------------Nkunku------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neres--------------------------------------------------------------Richarlison
----------------------------------Lo Celso-------------------------------
---------------------------Haller-----------Dembele------------------------
Subs if WINNING BY 80MINS
Take off Zaha and put on Diop in CB. Play defensive with everyone in our own half defending for their lives, waiting to hit the oppo on the counter attack. Hazard on for Richarlison and Doucoure for Nkunku to add a bit more energy into the midfield.
------------------------------------Lafont--------------------------------
Pereira------Diop------Sanchez------R Dias-------Chilwell
-------------------------Kessie--------Doucoure----------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------Neres-------------------------------------------Hazard---------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------Haller---------------------------------------
Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Hazard on for Richarlison
Lo Celso on for Zaha
Dembele on for Haller
Fresh legs to bring on.
posted on 9/7/19
Week 26 - Last Games Of The Season!!
posted on 10/7/19
------------------- Cillessen -------------------
Valery ----- Akanji ----- Diallo ----- Caricol
-------------- Neves ----- Rabiot --------------
Cengiz ----------- Azmoun ----------- McNeil
-------------------- Wesley ---------------------
Muric, Ginter, Geiger, Ziyech, Barnes, Greenwood, 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 and Azmoun and Wesley harassing the backline and really pressurise them into quick , misplaced passes for us to pick up, in their face performance, especially Rabiot, Neves and Azmoun as we try to nullify their midfield and stop them creating chances for the forwards.
Valery and Caricol 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 Azmoun and Wesley. 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.. Diallo the more mobile and quicker CB will mark the CF, use his strength and speed to keep the CF away from the danger area. Akanji alongside is the spare defender and helps out where needed, both powerful defenders, Akanji will dominate in the air and both 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. Akanji & Diallo 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..
Rabiot'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.
Neves 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. Azmoun'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 Azmoun 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, McNeil especially I want to drive on the outside and play as a natural winger not an inside forward. both sides will definitely pose a threat with quick one twos, using Neves/Azmoun 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 Azmoun to get into danger areas. Both wingers have a fantastic forward to aim for in Wesley so if they get to the bye line then get the crosses in for him to attack.Wesley 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 Azmoun 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 Cengiz and McNeil 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 Azmoun/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 - Neves
Pens - Azmoun/Ziyech
FK's - Azmoun/Ziyech
Corners - Wingers
Subs -
60 Min - Alcacer for Wesley
Losing -
70 Min - Greenwood for Azmoun 4-4-2
80 Min - Ziyech for Cengiz
Winning -
70 Min - Geiger for Azmoun 4-5-1
80 Min - Barnes for McNeil
Drawing -
70 Min - Ziyech for Azmoun, Barnes for McNeil
posted on 10/7/19
Arsenal
----------------------- Meslier ---------------------
------- Boateng ---- N'Dicka ---- Lenglet -------
---------------------- Martinez --------------------
------------ Goretzka ------- Demirbay ----------
Malcom ----------------------------------- D.Tadic
----------------- Cavani --- Mateta ---------------
Safonov, Foden, E.Smith-Rowe, M-Niles, Tuanzebe, Tierney, Ekambi
If Arsenal are going out of the league then they go out attacking for their lives, we are playing a 344, a strong unit of 3 at the back with 3 powerful defenders, NDicka marks the CF, whilst Lenglet & Boateng sit wider looking to contain the wide forwards, if they get pulled out then Javi Martinez can slot in to help N'Dicka, Javi will sit directly in front of the back 3 so he can have a good eye on the play that is going on around him so he can position himself accordingly.
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. Demirbay'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 Demirbay is creativity; he needs to be able to play a pass that penetrates the opposition’s defence or dictates the direction of the attack These three should work well together and between them have everything a midfield needs. Both Goretzka and Demirbay are solid in the tackle too so our midfield 3 will be very difficult to get through
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/Demirbay 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 CMs to get into danger areas. Both wingers have fantastic forwards to aim for in Cavani & Mateta so if they get to the bye line then get the crosses in for them to attack.They must track back today tho and help our defenders, a tough shift for them today
Our front two will get plenty chances hopefully, however he must put them away as there side will be solid at the back, however I want to bully the slower/weaker of the two/three with the aid of our CMs 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 for each other, we are quick, so our forwards must hit them with pace to drag them all over the place. They can score from various angles/ranges with hopefully a few crosses coming in they can get up and above defenders for. Can hold it up and look for runners, in particular Malcom and Tadic 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 Demirbay/Goretzka as they time their runs perfectly so a little touch back to them allows him to go for goal.
If either cant go for goal then they are always looking for each other for knock downs or lay offs
Subs
70 Min - Foden for Demirbay, Smith-Rowe for Goretzka
Losing/Drawing
75 Min - Ekambi for Mateta
Winning
80 Min - Tierney for Mateta, go to LB, Boateng to RB
posted on 10/7/19
----------------------- K.Navas ------------------------
B.Henrichs -–- Alvarez --– Vertonghen – Grimaldo
---------------- Torreira --– Modric ------------------
R.Mahrez ------------ Dybala ----------- M.Rashford
--------------------- Aubameyang --------------------
Subs:
Strakosha, Romagnoli, Kovacic, Vidal, D.Costa, Hudson-Odoi, B.Mayoral
We set up with a strong side suited to playing counter attacking football in a 4-2-3-1 formation. 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.
Vertonghen 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 2 will be to use their experience and high technical ability, working in collaboration with the front 4 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 4 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 4 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. Modric will look to dictate the play and find that killer ball into our forwards.
Our front four are blessed with pace and goals. We expect our team to sit deep to neutralise the threat of the opposition getting in behind. This naturally 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 Mahrez or Rashford to break at speed or go through the middle with Dybala dropping in the hold beyond Aubameyang causing havoc. He'll have pace all around him so if the opposition drop off we encourage Dybala to exploit the space and go direct for goal. When in possession the wide players push up alongside Aubameyang giving us a deadly front three. We play a fast counter attacking brand of football and look to go for goals.
Subs;
If winning:
65 mins: Modric off, Vidal on.
75 mins: Mahrez off, Romagnoli 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: Torreira off, Kovacic on.
75 mins: Mahrez off, CHO on.
If losing:
55 mins: Torreira off, CHO on.
65 mins: Henrichs off, Mayoral on. 3-4-3 all out attack
posted on 10/7/19
--------------------- Courtois -------------------
Cancelo –- Koulibaly --- Manolas --- Junior.F
--------- Fernandinho --- Eriksen ------------
O.Dembele --------- Isco ---------- M.Asensio
-------------------- M.Icardi --------------------
Subs:
Etheridge, Bailly, Partey, Olmo, M.Diaby, Benzema, Jovic
Captain: Koulibaly
Free Kicks: Eriksen
Penalties: Icardi
Corners: Wingers
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 to finish the season on a high. We go with a side packed with quality and what we feel has the perfect balance. Our strong defensive unit is built on our powerhouse CB pairing of Koulibaly and Manolas. Two man mountains they will look to physically impose themselves on the opposition, both dominant in the air with Koulibaly in particular possessing great speed to go toe to toe with any CF in the world. Behind them we have the superb Courtois and ahead the tenacious Fernandinho. These four players will play a key part in limiting the damage of the Leicester attack as we look to keep them at bay.
In attack we have Eriksen, Isco, Asensio, Dembele and Icardi. These five will look to interlink throughout the game, quick, sharp passing with intelligent movement off the ball will form key components of our attacking play. Isco and Eriksen possess a fantastic range of passing with vision equally astute. Asensio and Dembele are two of the top dribblers in the game, they revel in playing at speed, taking on the opposition and both pose a real goal threat whenever they are on the ball. In Icardi we have one of the top poachers around, a deadly finisher who will have a dream supply of creativity behind him. We feel these elements combined will make us a joy to watch and will no doubt cause countless problems for our opponents as we go for goals in the first leg.
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 will look to be dominant 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 with both having great quality in the final third. We look to draw the opposition onto us by sitting deep when they are in possession, we feel we can exploit the space they leave behind and hit them on the counter with the pace of attack.
If the opposition play one up top then Koulibaly will mark. Strong, pacy and aggressive we feel he has all the tools to deal with any opponent. Manolas 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.
Midfield:
Fernandinho will be our destructive force in the middle of the field. A top class DM, we rely on his fantastic reading of the game to break up the opposition play, winning back possession and setting us up on the counter as we look to get the ball into our creative players as quickly as possible. If the opposition play with an AM then Fernandinho will sit on him as we look to stifle their creativity by eliminating one of their main creative hubs. Alongside him we have the creative maestro Eriksen. He will operate in a very different role, picking the ball up from deep and driving forward as we look to open up our opponents. He has license to push forward whilst Fernandinho sits and will at all times be looking for that killer through ball in behind the defence for the run of Icardi to finish.
Completing our midfield trio we have the majestic Isco. He plays in the AM role and has free roam to pull the opposition apart. A technical genius we will consistently look to get the ball into him in an advanced position in the final third. Capable of operating in tight spaces he has fantastic close control which will be key in opening the oppositions tight defence. He will also have Eriksen pushing forward alongside forming a deadly duo in the centre of the park. We play at speed, quick one two passes as we look to cut the opposition apart in the final third. We embrace his creativity and encourage him to shoot from distance should the opportunity arise.
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. Both have license to cut in from the flanks and go for goal, we encourage them to speed and go at the opposition. Draw in their 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. Our wingers 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. A real fox in the box we expect him to receive plenty of opportunities and bury those that come his way.
Subs;
If winning:
70 mins: Eriksen off, Partey on. Dual DMs offering additional protection.
80 mins: Dembele off, Bailly on. 5-4-1 shut up shop time as we tighten up with a solid defensive unit as we see the game out.
If drawing:
70 mins: Isco off, Jovic on. We move to 4-2-2-2, Asensio and Dembele on the flanks with Icardi and Jovic are up top as we go for the winner.
80 mins: Fernandinho off, Partey on. Fresh legs and high energy in the middle of the park.
If losing:
55 mins: Fernandinho off, Jovic on.
65 mins: Cancelo off, Benzema on. We revert to 3-4-3 with Jovic, Icardi and Benzema up top as we go for goals, goals, goals.
posted on 10/7/19
Bournemouth Tactics: Week 26
Captain: Musso
Vice Captain: Fernandes
Team:
--------------------Musso
Emerson--Ribeiro—Gabriel--Renan
-----------------Fernandes
---------Bentancur---Zaracho
Tetê------------------------------Everton
--------------------Gomez
SUBS: Felipe, Guga, Murilo, Liziero, Pyerre, Vargas, Cunha
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: Fernandes 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. Bentancur and Zaracho will play just in front of Fernandes. Bentancur will be a more box to box type. He will be involved all over and will offer as much in defence as in attack. Zaracho 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 Tetê 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 Zaracho, Bentancur and Gomez 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 Bentancur may sit a bit deeper allowing Zaracho 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.
Gomez 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: Zaracho, Everton or Tetê with Ribeiro, Gabriel, Fernandes and Gomez to offer an aerial threat. Zaracho and Everton (with his thunderbolt left foot) may try their luck with several free kicks from distance.
Penalties: Gomez
Substitutions: (if winning on 80 minutes) Murilo for Gabriel, Cunha for Gomez and Pyerre for Bentancur, 3 like for like substitutions.
If losing (on 80 minutes) Vargas for Bentancur and Cunha for Tetê. Shift to a 4-1-3-2 attack. Cunha and Vargas offering fresh legs, pace and a bit of the unknown in attack.
------------Fernandes
Vargas---Zaracho----Everton
--------Gomez---Cunha
posted on 11/7/19
---------------------- Oblak -----------------------
Walker ----- Stones ----- Varane ----- Sandro
--------------------- Fabinho ---------------------
--------------- Pjanic ----- Aouar ---------------
Mbappe --------------------------------- Neymar
------------------ Lewandowski ------------------
Meret, de Jong, Llorente, Pogba, Chiesa, 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 & Aouar 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, Varane 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 Villa 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. Walker especially is a huge threat down the right hand side. 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 Stones to go up for corners, with the fullbacks and Fabinho sitting back.
In the centre of the pitch are Pjanic, Fabinho and Aouar, 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, Aouar and Pjanic 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, and our playmaker, he makes things tick in the centre, 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 Aouar 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. Aouar 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 Juve 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 - Mbappe
Corners - Wingers
Free Kicks - Pjanic/Neymar
Losing OR drawing -
65 Min - Chiesa for Pjanic, he goes to RW and Mbappe just off Lewandowski 442
75 Min - Kluivert for Sandro, Walker to RCB, Kluivert to LW, Neymar to LCF 343 have to go for the win
83 Min - Werner for Lewandowski
Winning -
75 Min - de Jong for Pjanic, fresh legs in the idle as he and Aouar sit either side of Fabinho
83 Min - Chiesa for Lewandowski, Mbappe up top, Chiesa RW
85 Min - Llorente for Aouar, really close this out
posted on 11/7/19
Newcastle v HULL
----------------Peacock-Farrell
Aarons----Godfrey-----Jansson------Lewis
------------Ascacíbar-----Nández
Wilson-----------Almirón----------Benrahma
-------------------Lacazette
Subs: Raya, Justin, Berge, Buendía, Carvalho, Clarke, Adams
Our defensive unit consists of Ben Godfrey and Pontus Jansson paired up at centre-back, Max Aarons at right-back and Jamal Lewis at left-back, with Santiago Ascacíbar and Nahitan Nández as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.
This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in Ascacíbar and Nández 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 Nández can press the ball without leaving lots of space, as Ascacíbar 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 Nández’s role, he will press almost anywhere in his own half to allow defenders to stay in the defensive line.
With Nández running his socks off for the team, our high tempo will dictated by his partner in holding midfield, Santiago Ascacíbar.
A holding midfielder through and through, Ascacíbar 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 Ascacíbar such a talent.
The attacking unit consists of Harry Wilson, Miguel Almirón and Saïd Benrahma 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 Ascacíbar or Nández, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.
Aarons and Lewis can surge up the wings in the knowledge that Ascacíbar and Nández can drop into the space left behind if needed. As they come up the wings, both Harry Wilson and Saïd Benrahma, who are fast speed merchants, excellent in tight spaces and fantastic dribblers will cut inside or make runs into the box. Miguel Almirón our attacking central midfielder’s low centre of gravity will enable him to navigate away from defenders at a frighteningly quick pace. Almirón 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, Benrahma and Lacazette in via fast passing combinations.
Up front, Lacazette is an all-rounder and will perfectly complement the strengths of the trio 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 80 mins
Buendía on for Wilson and Clarke on for Benrahma
Lots of fresh legs and pace to trouble the opposition for a late goal regardless of the score line
posted on 14/7/19
High tempo attacking 4-3-3
Our cup final, we setup with a strong side full of pace and power but also with the ability to control possession, looking to give freedom to Hazard in the final third to drift wide or central to get in behind the opposition midfield. Looking for Ronaldo to be the difference maker on this big occassion.
We look to play our usual high tempo attacking game and take the game to Spurs. They like to play a very attacking team, and we look to play our usual high tempo game, seeking to exploit space behind their midfield. We have a strong side defensively and in attack, our team is built to give Hazard, Thiago and Sane the space and freedom to find the ball in space in attacking positions to hurt Spurs. Create for Ronaldo.
As you'd expect, possession builds from the back with the defence, and our midfield trio controlling possession. Rodri dictating the tempo of our play in the Busquets role, Tolisso offering the power in midfield to dominate physically in defence and powering forward, with Thiago offering the creativity and ability on the ball to dominate possession and create. Importantly we have two hard working options in front of Rodri, and all are fantastic on the ball, allowing us to play fast flowing attacking football.
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 always the deepest of the trio, Thiago and Tolisso will offer inteligence defensively, with the pressing in high areas important. Win the ball back from Spurs quickly before they can get anywhere.
The defence will be patient on the ball, playing a reasonably high line, with good pace at the back and energy in front we look to defend high up the park. This allows us to take the game to Spurs and aids distribution out from the back line.
Control possession and find space in between the opposition lines. Using the pace of our wide players, fbs (one bombs forward at a time) and wingers to create space as we push forward. Creating space for the cms to push into and for the front three to exploit. Hazard with more freedom to drift to find space centrally or out wide.
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.
Rodri and Tolisso collecting the ball and offering the link between defence and attack, get Thiago on 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.
------------------ Neuer
Carvajal -- Pavard -- Laporte -- Mendy
------------------- Rodri
------------ Thiago --- Tolisso
L.Sane -------------------------- Hazard
----------------- Ronaldo
Subs. Schmeichel, Militao, Koke, Ceballos, Coutinho, Gnabry, 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 into a narrow rigid formation behind the ball in position to press high up the park. Stop them breaking and press them high up the park.
In a narrow, rigid formation, we will look to press the space, not allowing them options. Keep them from advancing to positions where they can’t hurt us, by trying to win the ball back very quickly. Then break quickly in these high positions when we do win the ball.
As Spurs 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.
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 more often stretching the game looking to take on their lb.
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 Jesus for Ronaldo. As Spurs will push for a goal, give us pace to hit them. Álso offers a huge work rate.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Gnabry for Sane. Fresh pace to offer a new outlet in attack.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Koke for Tolisso. Fresh hard working legs in midfield, also helps us keep possession in closing stages.
If drawing after 70 mins bring on Coutinho for Toliso. More creativity, Thiago moves deeper.
If drawing after 75 mins bring on Militao and Jesus for Carvajal and Mendy. 3-5-2. Jesus up next to Ronaldo. Pressing high up the park.
If losing after 60 mins bring on Militao and Jesus for Carvajal and Mendy. 3-5-2, adding pace and hard work high up the park. Defending higher up the park.
If losing after 70 mins bring on Coutinho for Tolisso.
posted on 14/7/19
WOLVES - Wide 4-3-3
We setup in a traditional 4-3-3 formation, with two midfielders in Rakitic and Gundogan who can dominate possession and help us control the game. We go with a young defence full of pace, as we look to let our attacking players take the game to Brum.
We attack down the wings. One full back bombs forward at a time, combining with the winger to double up on the opposition full back. The two central midfielders will be key to our gameplan, looking to spread the ball wide, linking with the wide players to find them in space to get at the opposition.
Immobile comes in up top as we look to attack down the wings and create for him, as he suits the gameplan better than Vardty who offers an option from the bench.
----------------- Arrizabalaga
Hakimi-------J.Tah------Rugani-----A.Telles
-----------------------Allan
-------------Gundogan----Rakitic--------------
di Maria------------------------------------Persic
------------------- Immobile
Subs: Radu, Tomori, Maffeo, Mendes, Ozil, Draxler, Vardy
Our defensive unit consists of Jonathan Tah and Ruganipaired up at centre-back, Achraf Hakimi at right-back and Nicolas Tagliafico at left-back, with Allan as our defensive midfielder screening them.
Helping the defenders maintain solid positioning is a key part of Allan's role, he will press almost anywhere in his own half to allow the bank of four defenders and midfielders to maintain their position, ensuring the zonal structure shape is maintained with no space for the opposition to work in.
Attack
We will vary the tempo of our attacking play, always looking to attack down the wings. We will counter if it is on, playing with a deep defence this may suck the opposition in and we have pace on the wings to break quickly. If the break is not on, the midfield trio work with the defence, coming deep to collect the ball and play out from the back.
One of Hakimi and Telles can surge up the wings in the knowledge that there are three other defenders and Allan back. As they come up the wings, both Perisic and Angel Di Maria, who are fast speed merchants, excellent in tight spaces and fantastic dribblers will cut inside or make runs into the box.
Our two central midfielders are excellent in tight spaces and will look to link up with the wingers, playing quick one twos to set them off into space, or taking the time to play daring through balls that will cut the opposition open.
Immobile will occupy the opposition’s centre backs, holding up possession and looking to turn the defender and shoot. He’ll be strong in the air and look out for his teammates trying to pick him out from deep. He'll get in the box, and always provide an option for the wide players. The winger opposite play always looks to get into the box adding an extra option for the wide player looking to cross or create in the middle.
Subs.
If winning after 70 mins bring on Vardy and Mendes for Immobile and Rakitic. Extra power in cm and pace up top.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Draxler for Perisic.
If drawing or losing after 70 mins bring Vardy and Ozil for Gundogan and Immobile. 4-2-3-1, Rakitic next to Allan, Ozil advanced AM behind the pacey Vardy.
If drawing or losing after 75 mins bring on Draxler for Perisic.
posted on 14/7/19
Just sold Jansson so replaced by Dael Fry in starting lineup
Newcastle v HULL
----------------Peacock-Farrell
Aarons----Godfrey---------Fry---------Lewis
------------Ascacíbar-----Nández
Wilson-----------Almirón----------Benrahma
-------------------Lacazette
Subs: Raya, Justin, Berge, Buendía, Carvalho, Clarke, Adams
Our defensive unit consists of Ben Godfrey and Dael Fry paired up at centre-back, Max Aarons at right-back and Jamal Lewis at left-back, with Santiago Ascacíbar and Nahitan Nández as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.
This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in Ascacíbar and Nández 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 Nández can press the ball without leaving lots of space, as Ascacíbar 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 Nández’s role, he will press almost anywhere in his own half to allow defenders to stay in the defensive line.
With Nández running his socks off for the team, our high tempo will dictated by his partner in holding midfield, Santiago Ascacíbar.
A holding midfielder through and through, Ascacíbar 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 Ascacíbar such a talent.
The attacking unit consists of Harry Wilson, Miguel Almirón and Saïd Benrahma 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 Ascacíbar or Nández, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.
Aarons and Lewis can surge up the wings in the knowledge that Ascacíbar and Nández can drop into the space left behind if needed. As they come up the wings, both Harry Wilson and Saïd Benrahma, who are fast speed merchants, excellent in tight spaces and fantastic dribblers will cut inside or make runs into the box. Miguel Almirón our attacking central midfielder’s low centre of gravity will enable him to navigate away from defenders at a frighteningly quick pace. Almirón 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, Benrahma and Lacazette in via fast passing combinations.
Up front, Lacazette is an all-rounder and will perfectly complement the strengths of the trio 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 80 mins
Buendía on for Wilson and Clarke on for Benrahma
Lots of fresh legs and pace to trouble the opposition for a late goal regardless of the score line
posted on 14/7/19
VILLA vs Chelsea
------------------------------------De Gea-------------
Doherty-----------Kabak------------Chiellini-----------Max
----------------------Soumare----------Adams------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pepe------------------------------Brahim---------------------------Son
--------------------------------------Piatek-----------------------------------
Subs - McCarthy, Milenkovic, Guerreiro, Moura, Berardi, Wilson, Morata
Playing the 4231 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 balks 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. Kabak and Chiellini are 2 tall and powerful heads in the centre of defence. Look to use all your knowledge to shut the oppo attack down. Chiellini to mark main striker and Kabak to mark any other runners. Doherty 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
Adams will be playing the B2B role today. He will look to use his high energy to help out in both attack and defence. Make runs from deep and get forward whenever you can. When the oppo are attacking just come deep and sit next to Soumare in the middle.
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 Brahim. Brahim 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. Piatek will be the main goal threat for the team. He is very dangerous in the air and I want him to use his aerial abillity to score headers for us. 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.
Subs if LOSING BY 70MINS
Change formation to 41212
Berardi on Pepe off.
Wilson on Adams off
Moura on Son off
Subs if DRAWING BY 70 MINS
Guerrero on Adams off
Berardi on Pepe off
Wilson on Brahim off
Subs if WINNING by 70 MINS
Take off Brahim and put in Guerrero in CM and change formation to 451
posted on 14/7/19
BRUM vs wolves
-------------------------------------Lafont-----------------------
Pereira----------R Dias----------------Sanchez---------Chilwell
-------------------Doucoure---------------Nkunku-------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sarr------------------------------------------------------------Richarlison
---------------------------------Lo Celso------------------------------------
-----------------------------------Haller-------------------------------------
Subs - Lunin, Diop, Paredes, Kessie, Hazard, Zaha, Dembele
CAPTAIN - SANCHEZ
CK'S - LO CELSO
FK'S - LO CELSO
PENALTIES - HALLER
I want us to hold a deep defensive line to start of with so the oppo don't get an early goal. Keep things simple in the beginning and only pressure the oppo when they get in our half. When we have the ball I want the team to play pass and move football. Don't stay static, try and get in behind the oppo defence as there is a lot of pace in our attacking players. As the game goes on, when we don't have the ball I want the team to defend from the front line and pressure the oppo and try and win possession back. Do this in fits and bursts as it is a tiring tactic.
Defence
Lafont is a quality young keeper. Don't take risks. Punch the ball away if the shot is too powerful. Command your area. The defence is well balanced. Dias and Sanchez bring a whole lot of experience and pace to the defence. Sanchez will use his experience to marshal the defence and Dias 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. Nkunku will be covering for them when they go attacking.
Defence Mids
Nkunku + Doucoure
Nkunku 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.
Doucoure will look to pick the ball up from deep and use his pace and energy to dribble the ball out. Make runs forward and help our attacking players whenever you can. Play quick passes forward and use your strength to outmuscle the oppo players. When not in possession of the ball I want him to sit alongside Nkunku in the middle and protect the defence.
Wingers
Sarr + Richarlison
These 2 will be the focal point of my attack. I want to give them the freedom to express themselves in attack. Richarlison will be looking to cut in from the left and Sarr will be looking to go on the outside and get to the byline to whip balls into the box. I want you both to try and beat the oppo fullbacks with your pace and dribbling ability but don't try too hard as if you see them doubling up on you you can either pass back or into the centre of the pitch to one of our CM's. I want you both to be aware of our fullbacks and play pass and move 1 2's with them to try and penetrate the oppo back line. Pereira and Chilwell are no slouches attacking wise so use them! If you can cut in onto your stronger foot, don't be afraid to shoot from range as you both have the ability to score from long range. If there is no space to do so then take the ball to the byline and whip in crosses for Haller 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
Lo Celso
Lo Celso will be playing just behind Haller 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
Haller
Haller 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 Richarlison/Sarr to make infield runs ahead of you.
Subs if LOSING BY 65MINS
Put on Dembele for Nkunku and Zaha for Lo Celso to bring some more attacking impetus on. Play a high line and try and get a goal. Change formation to 41212.
------------------------------------Lafont--------------------------------
Pereira------------R Dias---------------Sanchez------------Chilwell
----------------------------------Doucoure------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sarr--------------------------------------------------------------Richarlison
-------------------------------------Zaha-------------------------------
---------------------------Haller-----------Dembele------------------------
Subs if WINNING BY 80MINS
Take off Lo Celso and put on Diop in CB. Play defensive with everyone in our own half defending for their lives, waiting to hit the oppo on the counter attack. Hazard on for Richarlison and Paredes for Nkunku to add a bit more energy into the midfield.
------------------------------------Lafont--------------------------------
Pereira------Diop------Sanchez------R Dias-------Chilwell
-------------------------Paredes--------Doucoure----------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------Sarr-------------------------------------------Hazard---------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------Haller---------------------------------------
Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Hazard on for Richarlison
Zaha on for Lo Celso
Dembele on for Haller
Fresh legs to bring on.
posted on 17/7/19
Comment deleted by Site Moderator
posted on 19/7/19
---------------------- Courtois ------------------
Cancelo --- Koulibaly --- Skriniar –--- Junior
---------- Fernandinho --- Eriksen ------------
O.Dembele ---------- Isco --------- M.Asensio
--------------------- M.Icardi -------------------
Subs:
Etheridge, Manolas, Partey, Arthur, M.Diaby, Martial, Benzema
Captain: Koulibaly
Free Kicks: Eriksen
Penalties: Icardi
Corners: Wingers
Final game of the season and the lads are raring to go as we look to end the season on a high by retaining the FA Cup. We make a few tweaks from the victorious midweek side as we bring in some fresh legs to create new problems for the opposition, whilst we also looking to strengthen defensively to limit the problems caused by the oppositions attack in the EL Final.
As always moving the ball at speed will be the focus of our play as we go with an attacking 4-2-3-1 formation. It was noted from the EL final that they looked to cause problems down the flanks and Haller in particular was a real nuisance due to his height and physicality in the middle. We counter this by going with what we feel is our strongest defence with Skriniar and the pacy Junior Firpo both returning the starting lineup. We feel that the added mobility that these two bring will make it easier for us to combat their attack.
If they play Haller up top then we put Koulibaly on him to shut him down. Stick tight and don’t let him have any space, Koulibaly has the height, strength and pace to go toe to toe with the big CF and we feel he is the ideal player to blunt their attack. We suspect however, that they may mix things up and potentially play two up top, if so then Skriniar will pick up the other CF to keep him quiet. Junior brings added speed to our defence which will be perfect to combat their pace on the flanks.
The focus will be on our central midfield trio, this area of the field we feel we can dominate and one that will be crucial after such a short turnaround from midweek. Fernandinho, Eriksen and Isco will look to dictate the game from the middle, quick sharp passing we make the opposition run and chase the ball all afternoon. The aim being that as the game wears on they will tire after the long trip back from Baku which will open things up for us in attack. Constantly keep the ball moving with our intricate passing, our FB’s and wingers stretching the field, making it as wide as possible.
If the opposition revert to a back three then the extra man we have in CM will mean we overrun them in the middle of the pitch as we look to lay down a marker in our season finale.
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 will look to be dominant 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 with both having great quality in the final third. We look to draw the opposition onto us by sitting deep when they are in possession, we feel we can exploit the space they leave behind and hit them on the counter with our pace in attack.
If the opposition play one up top then Koulibaly will mark. Strong, pacy and aggressive we feel he has all the tools to deal with any opponent. Skriniar will offer additional protection behind and pick up the second striker if they go for a front two.
Midfield:
Fernandinho will be our destructive force in the middle of the field. A top class DM, we rely on his fantastic reading of the game to break up the opposition play, winning back possession and setting us up on the counter as we look to get the ball into our creative players as quickly as possible. If the opposition play with an AM then Fernandinho will sit on him as we look to stifle their creativity by eliminating one of their main creative hubs. Alongside him we have the creative maestro Eriksen, picking the ball up from deep and driving forward he will look to open up our opponents as he has license to push forward whilst Fernandinho sits. At all times he will be looking for that killer through ball in behind the defence for the run of Icardi to finish.
Completing our midfield trio we have the majestic Isco. He plays in the AM role and has free roam to pull the opposition apart. A technical genius we will consistently look to get the ball into him in an advanced position in the final third. Capable of operating in tight spaces he has fantastic close control which will be key in opening the oppositions tight defence. He will also have Eriksen pushing forward alongside forming a deadly duo in the centre of the park. We play at speed, quick one two passes as we look to cut the opposition apart in the final third. We embrace his creativity and encourage him to shoot from distance should the opportunity arise.
Forwards:
Icardi comes in for Jovic as he looks to lay down a marker to prove he is top dog. Alongside him with have the pacy Dembele and Asensio who will both be looking to get on the scoresheet, they will vary their runs, constantly keep the opposition guessing by cutting infield and going for goal, whilst in the next phase of play driving down the line and whipping in a low ball for Icardi to tap home. This variation in play will make it almost impossible for our opponents to second guess our approach, making it increasingly difficult for them to stop our attacks. Icardi plays through the middle, with the number 9 spot up for grabs and with Jovic scoring in midweek he will be going all out for goals to cement his spot in the starting line up next season. He will do what he does best, get himself into the box and finish any chances that fall his way.
Subs;
If winning:
70 mins: Eriksen off, Partey on. Dual DMs offering additional protection.
80 mins: Dembele off, Manolas on. 5-4-1 shut up shop time as we tighten up with a solid defensive unit as we see the game out.
If drawing:
60 mins: Fernandinho off, Arthur on.
70 mins: Dembele off, Martial on.
80 mins: Isco off, Benzema on. We move to 4-2-2-2, Asensio and Martial on the flanks with Icardi and Benzema up top as we go for the winner.
If losing:
60 mins: Fernandinho off, Martial on.
70 mins: Junior off, Benzema on. We revert to 3-4-3 with Icardi, Benzema and Martial up top as we go for goals, goals, goals.
If it goes to Penalties, spot kick takers.
1. Eriksen
2. Asensio
3. Martial
4. Benzema
5. Icardi
6. Arthur
7. Cancelo
8. Skriniar
9. Junior
10. Koulibaly
posted on 22/7/19
Comment deleted by Site Moderator
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