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Tactics

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posted on 25/8/18

BIRMINGHAM vs Everton

---------------------------------Lunin--------------------------------
Hysaj------------Diop---------------Stones---------------Dalot
-------------------Valverde----------Kondogbia-----------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Under---------------------------------------------------------------Kluivert
-------------------------------Maddison----------------------------------------
--------------------------------Higuain------------------------------------------

Subs - Mukiele, Fabian Ruiz, Cristante, Sarr, Chiesa, Gnabry, Benzema

CAPTAIN - MADDISON
CK'S - MADDISON
FK'S - KLUIVERT
PENALTIES - HIGUAIN

A good point last week and we hope to continue our unbeaten run against Everton this week. Changing the formation to the traditional 4231 this week as I want to use the inform Maddison to dictate play in the attacking third.

I want us to hold a deep defensive line to start of with so the oppo dont get an early goal. Keep things simple in the beginning and only pressure the oppo when they get in our half. When we have the ball I want the team to play pass and move football. Don't stay static, try and get in behind the oppo defence as there is a lot of pace in our attacking players. As the game goes on, when we don't have the ball I want the team to defend from the front line and pressure the oppo and try and win possession back. Do this in fits and bursts as it is a tiring tactic.

Defence
Lunin is a quality young keeper. Don't take risks. Punch the ball away if the shot is too powerful. Command your area. The defence is well balanced. Stones and Diop bring a whole lot of experience and pace to the defence. Stones will use his experience to marshal the defence and Diop will look to use his pace to close the oppo strikers down. Stay vocal with each other and cover for each other if oppo gets past one of you. Full backs will start of with a conservative mind set and not attack too much but as the game goes on I want them to make overlapping runs and get some crosses in to the box. Kondogbia will be covering for them when they go attacking.

Defence Mids
Kondogbia + Valverde
Kondogbia will be the anchor in the middle. Stay back in front of the defence and protect the defence with your life. If the oppo play an AM then stick close to him and mark him if possible. When our fullbacks are attacking then your main priority will be to cover for them. When in possession pass the ball out to the wings or play a through ball from deep to our wingers.
Valverde will look to sit deep and be the gap between the defence and the midfield and play as the deep lying playmaker. When he has the ball I want him to pass the ball forward and try and play through balls for our wingers to run onto. I want the team to use him as an outlet to get play started or when the oppo is pressing us I want him to use his expert ball control to keep hold of possession of the ball. When not in possession of the ball I want him to sit alongside Kondogbia in the middle and protect the defence.

Wingers
Under + Kluivert
These 2 will be the focal point of my attack. They are 2 young and hungry players and I want to give them the freedom to express themselves in attack. Kluivert will be looking to cut in from the right and Under likewise onto his left. I want you both to try and beat the oppo fullbacks with your pace and dribbling ability but don't try too hard as if you see them doubling up on you you can either pass back or into the centre of the pitch to one of our CM's. I want you both to be aware of our fullbacks and play pass and move 1 2's with them to try and penetrate the oppo back line. Hysaj and Dalot are no slouches attacking wise so use them! If you can cut in onto your stronger foot, don't be afraid to shoot from range as you both have the ability to score from long range. If there is no space to do so then take the ball to the byline and whip in crosses for Higuain to get his head on. When we are defending corners I want both of them to stay near the halfway line so we can hit the oppo on the counter attack.

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

Striker
Gonzalo Higuain
Higuain will look to use his strength to get the better of the oppo defence. Be vary of crosses into the box as you are decent in the air, and if you are through on goal, use your expert finishing to score. Time your runs off the shoulders of the oppo CB's and hold the ball up for Kluivert/Under to make infield runs ahead of you.

Subs if LOSING BY 65MINS
Put on Benzema for Kondogbia, Chiesa for Under and Cristante for Maddison to bring some more pace on. Play a high line and try and get a goal. Change formation to 41212.

--------------------------------Lunin--------------------------------
Hysaj-------------Diop-----------Stones------------Dalot
-------------------------------Valverde------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chiesa----------------------------------------------------------Kluivert
------------------------------Cristante------------------------------------
----------------Benzema-----------Higuain--------------------------


Subs if WINNING BY 80MINS
Take off Maddison and put on Mukiele in CB and play defensive with everyone in our own half defending for their lives, waiting to hit the oppo on the counter attack. Sarr on for Kluivert and Chiesa for Under.

-------------------------------Lunin--------------------------------
Hysaj-------Mukiele------Diop--------Stones-------Dalot
------------------Valverde--------Kondogbia----------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------Chiesa-----------------------------------------Sarr---------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------Higuain----------------------------------------


Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Chiesa on for Under
Cristante on for Maddison
Benzema on for Higuain
Fresh legs to bring on.

posted on 26/8/18

———————Ter Stegen
Odriozola——Sule——Upamecano——Gaya
—————————Rodri
————Keita————————SMS
B.Silva———————————————Lozano
—————————Kane

Bench: Pope, Rudiger, McKennie, Lofts-Cheek, Dybala, Guedes, Sancho

Captain: Marc Andre Ter Stegen
Free Kicks: Bernardo Silva
Penalties: Harry Kane
Corners: Bernardo Silva

We look to set up deeper this week and aim to hit Newcastle on the break. We start our press from half way, in a narrow 4-3-3, with 3 compact lines, both wingers tight to Kane, all angling their bodies to force the play wide, usually towards their RB, whilst using their cover shadows to block central access. This gives us 6 centrally close together in our first two lines, so if they do risk a ball through the middle we outnumber them and can win it back quickly. Hopefully they go wide where they have less space, or they start dropping players back into their build up phase, meaning they have one less passing option in areas they can actually hurt us.

As they move the ball wide or across half way, we drop into a positionally orientated 4-1-4-1, with a narrow back 4, now allowing space for the likes of Salah and Mane, wingers defending the flanks, and Rodri positioned between the lines, closing the space for midfield runners, and using his cover shadow to block ball side passing lanes to Suarez. The defensive lines move based on their team mates and the ball, so if the defence drop 5 metres, so do the rest, by keeping minimal spacing between our defensive lines, we create pressure on Newcastle without having to step out of position and press aggressively. When they go wide, the midfield line becomes very compact to one side, the winger closing down the FB and the other 3 falling into a compact diagonal line behind, and Rodri behind this line on the ball side, also closing diagonal passing lanes towards the CF. This will also deny access for midfield runners on the ball side, stop the FB passing infield, and also mean that the far side winger and FB are very close together so any longer diagonal switches towards the free side player, are covered off. This allows the FBs to stay in position and negate the forward and diagonal runs of the Newcastle wingers.

When the Newcastle wingers get the ball, the FBs will get tight to them, and the ball side CM will drop diagonally behind to offer an added layer of protection against the winger cutting in, or passing infield. Ball side winger creates a triangle with these two, looking to cover off short passing back to Newcastle’s deeper options, but also now well positioned to counter. The rest of the midfield, including Rodri this time, will make a bank of 4 with the ball side CM, that is very compact to the back 4, force Newcastle to take high risks in our third to break our lines. CBs will always be goal side of the striker, knowing they have Rodri ahead closing the passing lanes to him, they can focus on getting tight as soon as the ball is played towards him, just in case they are forced into action.

When we can’t counter directly we take advantage of Newcastle’s weak press. We know they will press hard in numbers going man to man, so we drop players deep in build up drag their whole midfield forward. Rodri will be key to this, he protects the defence from the press with his excellent ball retention, receiving from the back line, draw the opponents towards him, and then play it back to the defence, he then moves to one side to fake to receive the next pass, taking Newcastle’s press with him, and opening up space for Sule and Upamencano to break the lines, Sule with his laser passing, Upamecano with his ability to carry the ball forward, with Ter Stegen also there if needed. CMs dropping deep and attracting the opposition CMs will be key, as explained later, but also the FBs dropping deeper than the CBs to force the Newcastle wingers to come higher up the pitch and leave lots of room behind them, both FBs can play longer balls behind them when needed.

Ahead of this build up, the fluid movement of all the players will be key to not letting Newcastle implement a defensive structure. The CMs can drop deeper to join Rodri and bring Newcastle’s CMs forward, before quickly drifting wide to the space our FBs create by staying deeper, drawing their marker with them as Newcastle close off passing lanes, allowing our wingers to come inside and receive direct passes from the back line, in space to turn and run at the opposition. Silva can drop into build up, with Keita running the other way, taking his marker with him and creating some space for Silva to play in. Both CMs also have the ability to receive from the defence and beat the press with their own strength and dribbling ability, they are better runners than their markers, if they can beat them, it opens up the pitch. They will join attacks as it moves higher, ablate make supporting runs wide or through the middle. Silva and Lozano look to start wide and make runs infield to receive the pass behind the opposition midfield, particularly in transitions when Kante is having to step out from the back line to cover his CMs, we want Lozano and Silva to move together and double up on him, beat Kante and Newcastle will be vulnerable. They can obviously also attack out wide, Lozano in particular will look to run at his FB, and be ready to receive longer balls from the FBs. Kane, is the out ball for link up, before making runs into the box, with Lozano, Silva and Milinkovic also looking to attack the box from wide and deep. FBs can move forward when we get into their half, providing the width to allow the wingers to come infield and overload Newcastle’s midfield, their wingers are unlikely to track the FBs runs from deep, and we should take advantage down the left to go 2 v 1 with Lozano and Gaya.

Subs:

If Winning: Guedes for Lozano 65’, fresh legs and excellent work rate. Loftus-Cheek for Milinkovic-Savic 75’, fresh legs in the midfield. Rudiger for Bernardo Silva 80’, 5-4-1, RLC RM, Guedes LM.

If Drawing: Guedes for Lozano 70’, fresh legs to get at them. Dybala for SMS 75’, Guedes on to the right, Dybala to the left, B.Silva will go into CM where he’s excelling for City, when we attack we want to overload the left half space with Silva and Dybala.

If Losing: Dybala and Guedes for SMS and Lozano 60’, 4-4-2, allows us to maintain the same structure when defending, but without Rodri’s extra support, we now have two men upfront that we can work the ball into and get players running beyond them from wide. Sancho for B.Silva 75’, direct and quick, run at them as much as possible.

Red Card:

GK = Pope on, Lozano off, 4-4-1
DF = Rudiger for Lozano, 4-4-1, Rudiger can play anywhere across the back
DM = McKennie for Lozano, 4-4-1
CM = RLC for Lozano, 4-4-1
winger = no sub, 4-4-1
CF = Dybala for Lozano, 4-4-1.

If we do get a red card, we won’t make our normal changes, instead we go like for like, Guedes and Dybala will come on for our winger (Silva/Lozano) and Kane, to give us fresh legs going forward. If a winger/CF was sent off and we have one other change free, then McKennie comes on for Rodri to add fresh legs to the midfield.

posted on 26/8/18

------------------------- Ederson
-------- Van Dijk ------ Javi.M ------- Koulibaly
B.Pavard ----- Busquets ----- De Bruyne ------- B.Mendy
----------------------- O.Dembele
---------------- Griezmann .. G.Jesus

Subs: Butland, Otamendi, Ghoulam, Can, Mahrez, D.Silva, Aubameyang

First and foremost we need to be solid defensively today, aware of the threat they pose up top and pace in behind so we drop deep and look to contain when their on the ball, allow them possession in their defensive half where they can't hurt us but pack midfield and defensive areas with bodies whilst keeping a rigid structure throughout.

FB's go forward one at a time, one generally sits deeper most likely Pavard. We use their pace to track their forwards looking to get their foot in when they're wide and isolated down the flanks using our 3 CB's for additional support, Mendy then given freedom to attack going forward and provide the width.

Up top look to keep it simple, no risks of over playing but generally mixing it up as we dont want to be too predictable, a quick counter attacking overload from deep will be key especially in wider areas with Pavard and Mendy's pace, De Bruyne and front 3 burst forward and hit our opponents hard when they over commit.

At times going long ball as we feel our forwards are more of a match for their defence. G.Jesus look to stay on his toes looking to occupy their CB's in behind and creating space in the final third for the two alongside him, targeting the slower of the CB's, look to turn him with that change of pace and expose the channels.

De Bruyne comes into the side in mf, he will play as an attacking midfielder looking to burst forward and attack as a quartet. Javi.M will step out when required but we generally have enough cover with 3 CB's, Busquets and Pavard defensively allowing KDB to roam and influence the game in the final third.

Hardworking and great work ethic throughout away from home, we may not be pleasing on the eye today but our sights are set on getting the job done, simply staying solid defensively and taking our chances when they arise.

3-4-1-2 - On the ball:
It starts from the back. Ederson is very able with his hands and feet and should look to find our players in space.

The CB trio are excellent on the ball, very good passing success rates and should look to move the ball into mf quickly. At times collecting short from Ederson and getting their heads up, looking for movement from the attackers and attempting diagonal or long balls into feet, so we can can counter at pace and bypass their mf press.

Van Dijk & Koulibaly should shift slightly wider when on the offense allowing our wing-backs to push up in a bank of 4 in mf.

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

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

De Bruyne will look to play more the AM role and inbetween the lines, roaming in the oppositions half and looking to act as the link between midfield and attack. Picking up pockets of space and using his awareness to dictate the play, running at their backline and using quick pace and incisiveness to commit defenders on the break.

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

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

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

When Spurs are in possession we will sit deep as a unit with 10 men behind the ball ensuring their is no space left in behind.

We form a rigid structure looking to press the space and dropping off with men behind the ball, only allowing them to play where we want them too, stifle the midfield and stop them from picking their passes into a forward attacker.

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

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

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

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

Subs:
IF WINNING: 70th minute – (3-5-2)
- Can > O.Dembele
- > Aubameyang > G.Jesus
- Ghoulam> Mendy (84th min)
Compact 3-5-2, we get fresh legs on and keep things solid, Jesus used as an outlet to surge forward when possible

IF DRAW: 70th minute – (3-4-3)
- D.Silva > KDB
- Mahrez > Griezmann
- Aubameyang > G.Jesus (75th min)
3-4-3, stretch the play and look to play more in wider areas at this stage where we think Spurs are most susceptible to being exposed.

IF LOSING: 77th minute – (4-4-2 - direct)
- Aubameyang > Javi.M
- Mahrez > KDB
- D.Silva > G.Jesus
4-4-2, direct. long balls into the box and constantly looking for the two strikers.
Flood forward and look for an equalizer/winner.

C - Van Dijk
FK's - De Bruyne / Griezmann
Corners - De Bruyne
Pens – Griezmann

posted on 26/8/18

------------------------Lloris
-------Manolas---Kompany---Sane
Danilo------Goretzka----Ramsey---Rodriguez
--------Malcom-------------------Costa
------------------------Cavani
Pickford, Maitland-Niles, Llorente, Cook, Tadic, Aspas, Foden
Another change of formation today should bamboozle the opposition a bit. We picked up our first point last time, and I expect to go a step further today. I have picked a side that I think allows us license to attack and commit men to attack whilst also providing us with an adequate defensive base. For this system to work we have to focus on the energy and pace that we possess both through the middle and out wide, and need to know our positional game and how to work with the ball and without it.
We do intend to play with the ball out the back, relying on Manolas and Sane spreading the play to our attacking wing backs. Kompany will look to provide an option between them, and will focus his distribution forward to our central midfield players. Balls out should be kept as simple as possible, with options provided short and simple, as players drop deep to pick up the ball. When off the ball they will work as a unit, allowing them to press members of the attack, whilst not creating positional space to be exploited behind them. Kompany will cover the others as they press forward, making sure that space behind is not present. All three will get forward for free kicks providing an aerial threat.
Goretzka and Ramsey will also contribute to the defensive system, with them alternating between pushing forward and sitting deep. When the opposition has the ball they will sit in front of the three men, covering the space and pushing out wide, to cover the spaces vacated by the wing backs. Both players have the manoeuvring ability to operate in this sort of deep lying system. When we pick the ball up, they will look to spread the play out wide, either to the wing backs or the inside forward wingers. One of them will also be allowed to operate as a box to box midfielder so that we can get as many men into the box as possible. When this happens, the other will sit back to shield the defence.
Danilo and Rodriguez are both attacking full backs, and so today I have decided to give them license to bomb forward and contribute to the attack. Both will push forward and overlap their respective narrow wingers. They won’t cut inside due to the fact that they should both be on their stronger foot and are both capable of whipping in great balls for our aerially strong striker. When off the ball they will get back into position, so as to cover the space out wide and prevent the opposition wingers from attacking effectively. They will keep their opposite number pinned out wide, before winning the ball back and attacking with pace on the counter. When our defenders have the ball they will pull out wide and provide a short passing option for the defenders.
Our narrow wingers are both direct players that are very capable of utilising their pace to run at the opposition and get in behind their defence. They sit slightly more narrow than conventional wingers so that they can target the central areas of the opposition defence, whilst the wing backs occupy the opposition wide players. Malcom and Costa are both quick players and so can stretch the opposition’s central areas, which will create a bit more space for Cavani that he can utilise to best effect. When we don’t have the ball they will stay forward, so as to either keep the opposition full backs in their defensive third, or to utilise the space that they leave behind when they push forward, running into space to make themselves available for the ball in behind.
Edinson Cavani has already proved himself to be potent in front of goal so far this season, and with Costa and Malcom he has two supporting players that are very capable of not only running at defenders, but also getting in behind, pulling their defenders apart, and creating space for Cavani to drop off slightly so that he can pick up the ball. He is physical enough to deal with the attention that he will no doubt be getting, and also to provide a consistent threat from set pieces and the crosses from our wide wing backs. With Costa, Malcom and a CM also getting into the box, there will be plenty of players to pick up the second ball should it drop to them.
Substitutions
If drawing/losing
Salif Sane off for Iago Aspas 65 mins
Switch to a 4-2-3-1 with Aspas playing in behind Cavani as a second striker. Goretzka and Ramsey will sit deep in midfield, covering the loss of a defender. Aspas can get in behind defenders along with Costa and Malcom.
Aaron Ramsey off for Phil Foden 75 mins
A more attacking midfielder to come on for Ramsey. Foden will look to engineer it that we are playing further up the pitch. Goretzka will sit further back, whilst foden looks to drift into space higher up and dictate the tempo and pace of the game.
Danilo off for Ainsley Maitland-Niles 80 mins
Maybe not a tremendously attacking substitution, but Maitland Niles is a strong player capable of bursting forward and contributing up the pitch. Fresh legs to the attack down the right, and we will look to utilise this side most for the last ten minutes.
If winning
Malcom off for Lewis Cook 70 mins
Switch to a 3-5-1-1, with Lewis Cook playing at the heart of the Arsenal midfield. He will serve as the linchpin, looking to dictate the play by hitting balls over the top to our attackers, specifically through to Douglas Costa, who will look to run past Cavani.
Edinson Cavani off for Iago Aspas 80 mins
Aspas comes on to act as a pacy counter attacking outlet for when we try and pick up the ball late in the game, as the opposition have to commit more men to the attack. We will be looking to hit balls in behind for him to chase.
Douglas Costa off for Dusan Tadic 85 mins
Tadic is a tidy player capable of keeping possession, and when we hold possession we are unlikely to concede. At this point we are making changes to close out the game.

posted on 30/8/18

---------------------- A.Gunn ------------------------
Vrsaljko ----- Stones ----- Varane ----- B.Davies
---------------------- Fabinho -----------------------
---------------- Pjanic ----- Pogba -----------------
B'deschi ------------------------------------ Neymar
------------------- Lewandowski --------------------


Meret, Henrichs, Akanji, Tousart, Aouar, Maddison, Belotti

We want to possession football, quick on the break from out wide 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 we need a strong back 5/6, we don't sit too deep and Pjanic, Fabinho & Pogba just in front harassing the man with the ball before they get to our back 4 and the front 3 in and around the half way line, Lewandowski slightly higher up, this will congest the midfield and allow Pjanic and Pogba to dictate play, stop them coming forward from the back, however, if they do push forward onto us and we get the ball they will be on the back foot and will really struggle with our front 3/4 with Fullbacks who are always ready to pounce and hit them with pace and quick free flowing football

Stones and Varane at CB, Stones picks up the CF, Varane sits spare picking up the AM if he gets away from our midfield, keep the forward(s) away from the danger area, by getting onto them quickly and be strong, take the ball away from them and play it away out of defence, look to get it out wide quickly when we retain possession, Both are very comfortable on the ball so can bring it out when in no danger and look for the pass longer to the wingers or Striker to hit them quickly with pace, to get us moving forward. 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 an drive down the wing to support, only at a time as to not let ourselves be exposed, they drive down the line in support of the wingers, Sandro and Vrsaljko get outside Bernardeschi and Neymar to allow them to cut inside. the two always make themselves available to the wingers. 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 Pogba, Fabinho our deepest player sitting just in front of the CB's he will shadow there AM and not allow him to control the game, Pjanic and Pogba must be disciplined and lend a hand to stop them coming through. Fabinho must be aware of all that is around him, be in the right place at the right time and look to cover for defensive players moving forward, he has to impose himself early on the AM to make him wary of holding onto the ball too long, once on the ball look around, head up and pick the pass that will get us moving forward quickly always making himself for a return ball from a deeper angle as he he spreads it from side to side then eventually forward, can be out to the fullbacks or indeed a longer ball to the front three to take the opposition out of it as they are still high up the pitch. Pjanic slightly higher up the pitch, he will stop the run of play quicker to make our defenders jobs a lot easier, make our midfield very difficult to pass through, protect our defence and Fabinho as best as possible and again in possession get it to the front 3 but also look for fullbacks and Pogba as they move into space, keep it simple, he has a very good range of pass. Either pass and move(triangles) into space or look for a piercing through ball to our front three to drive onto.Can move forward to assist and look for balls coming out so he can either, shoot or whip straight back in. Pogba is essential to our style of play, he is the link(alongside Pjanic) between defence and attack, as we break quickly he will look to set up our front three and at times be in a 10 role and look for the Pjanic pass. he will follow his pass and make up the numbers up front. When he doesn't drop deep i.e when the defenders go long, he will look to form a front four as they move around and look to tear the defence apart. All of our midfield three must press the opposition and get to grips with this game very early on.

Our wingers are extremely quick, when we don't have the ball they drop back a bit to make up the numbers as they attack, push into the faces of the opposition to force them into mistakes and hopefully in the end they lose the ball, when they do lose the ball we charge at them and we do it quickly, either a long ball over defenders, go through the cms or out to one of our attacking fullbacks.however, the movement up front between Neymar and Bernardeschi will cause them problems as they switch around at times, will see us make their defenders move out of position to follow their player, thus allowing Pogba to pick his moment to move into space either as a 10 or out wide. If he does push wide this will allow Bernardeschi/Neymar to go in central as we will have an attacking fullback up and supporting. Quick passing in triangles that will get us in and beyond their defenders and eventually to Lewandowski who has the power and ability to beat any defender and the other winger who will look to get into space to get a shot off, if there defence is on top then we can always go direct at times and fire early crosses especially from deep from the fullbacks into Lewandowski right on top of the young goalkeeper to put a lot of pressure on him, we must always make sure he is well supported, if he cant get the shot away he will be looking to bring others into the game.

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

Subs:-
Red Card
Gunn - Meret on for Bernardeschi 4311
Fullback - Henrichs on for Bernardeschi 4311
CB - Akanji for Bernardeschi 4311
CM - Tousart for Bernardeschi 4311
Pogba - Aouar for Bernardeschi 4311
Winger - other winger go to a No.10 role 4311
Lewandowski - Neymar up top Bernardeschi No10 role 4311

Losing
65 Mins - Belotti for Pogba 4-4-2
75 Mins - Aouar for Vrsaljko he goes to LM, Bernardeschi RM, 3 at the back, Belotti RCF, Neymar LCF 3-4-3

Winning -
75 Mins - Tousart for Pogba, shore the midfield up
85 Mins - Henrichs for Neymar, will protect the LB in a solid 451
88 Mins - Belotti for Lewandowski, will charge at everything up front to stop the defence holding onto the ball, when in possession take to corners

Drawing -
70 Mins - Aouar for Pogba - straight swap fresh legs, look to create something

comment by Welshy (U1348)

posted on 31/8/18

--------------------------------Perin
Klostermann----Caleta-Car-----Baumgartl----Tagliafico
------------------------Rudy---------Dahoud
------Thauvin---------------Ziyech-------------Forsberg
------------------------------Mariano

Subs: Horn, Elvedi, Guerreiro, Kampl, Traoré, Brekalo, Batshuayi


Our defensive unit consists of Duje Caleta-Car and Timo Baumgartl paired up at centre-back, Lukas Klostermann at right-back and Nicolás Tagliafico at left-back, with Sebastian Rudy and Mahmoud Dahoud as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.

This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in Rudy and Dahoud 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 Dahoud can press the ball without leaving lots of space, as Rudy can maintain a good position to react if the initial press is bypassed. Our double pivot will offer huge defensive stability and will ensure that a structured shape is maintained.

Having two defensive midfielders centrally prevents others being dragged out of position to press.

Helping the defenders maintain solid positioning is a key part of Dahoud’s role, he will press almost anywhere in his own half to allow defenders to stay in the defensive line.

With Dahoud running his socks off for the team, our high tempo will dictated by his partner in holding midfield, Sebastian Rudy.

A holding midfielder through and through, Rudy is not just your “win the ball and pass it on to the closest player” – there is a real creative mind in his locker, but it’s his ability to be the shield of the back four and then be creative once he gets the ball that makes Rudy such a talent.

The attacking unit consists of Florian Thauvin, Hakim Ziyech and Emil Forsberg as our band of three attacking midfielders with Mariano Díaz as our lone central striker.

Our 4-2-3-1 is set up to have that wonderful ‘springy' quality - it absorbs pressure without breaking and then snaps back with surprising force.

In defence our 4-2-3-1 covers space very effectively, with the band of three attacking midfielders and centre forward able to press the opposition high up the pitch while the two defensive midfielders ensure that there is no space left in front of the defence. Then the back four can either play a high line, compressing the space even further, or drop deeper as preferred.

Once we have won the ball back, often by Rudy or Dahoud, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.

Klostermann and Tagliafico can surge up the wings in the knowledge that Rudy and Dahoud can drop into the space left behind if needed. As they come up the wings, both Florian Thauvin and Emil Forsberg, who are fast speed merchants, excellent in tight spaces and fantastic dribblers will cut inside or make runs into the box. Hakim Ziyech our attacking central midfielder’s low centre of gravity will enable him to navigate away from defenders at a frighteningly quick pace. Ziyech is blessed with an instant first touch and can dribble with the ball at such a close proximity to his feet that it makes him almost impossible to tackle this creative passer who will look to play Thauvin, Forsberg and Mariano in via fast passing combinations.

An out and out explosive centre-forward, Mariano is known for the abundance of pace and power that he possesses. Standing tall at close to 6ft, Mariano has a strong and sturdy physical frame that he’ll use well to bully the Chelsea defence.

Mariano has a fierce right-foot and is an equally strong header of the ball too, which will make him a huge threat in and around the penalty box. With his pace combined with his dribbling ability and the power that he possesses, Mariano will brush aside defenders and run past them with nonchalance.

While he is explosive and dangerous with the ball at his feet, what makes Mariano even more exciting is his excellent movement off the ball and the ability to make those smart runs in behind the defenders.


Subs on 75 mins
Kampl for Dahoud, Traoré for Thauvin, and Batshuayi for Mariano

Lots of fresh legs and pace to trouble the opposition for a late goal regardless of the scoreline

comment by $ka (U3522)

posted on 1/9/18

MANCHESTER CITY vs Everton

Line Up:

--------------------------Rico--------------------------

Pereira-------Caldara----Romagnoli--------Toure

----------------------Strootman----------------------

-----------Marchisio-------------Rafinha------------

Willian--------------Fekir--------------Richarlison



Captain: Romagnoli
Penalties: Fekir
Direct Free Kicks: Willian
Indirect Free Kicks: Rafinha
Corners: Rafinha

Substitutes: Woodman; Digne; Torreira; Fred; Golovin; Gelson; Correa


Game Plan:

We enter this game as the home team and, thus, have the advantage as we look to pick up 3 points in what will be a closely contested battle throughout.

We will start in a 4-3-3 formation, dropping back to 4-5-1 in defence, in order to reinforce the midfield out of possession. Kevin Strootman plays as the central midfielder, flanked by Marchisio and Rafinha, while Willian and Richarlison operated down the wings and Fekir holds the False 9 position. All 3 front men can play across the pitch and will be encouraged to swap positions to keep defenders guessing.

The main objective of the frontline is to force the Everton GK to look for direct balls up to the forwards, where our large back four are set up to control any aerial threat. If the goalkeeper does try to go short to his centre-backs, we will them towards the central channel, while blocking the passing lanes to the either the holding midfielder or CM partnership. Our central forward player is key here, as he will constantly be closing the passing lanes through the middle.

We will prevent the Everton midfielders from linking up with their forwards, forcing them to play backwards and then piling the pressure on the player in possession. Marchisio and Strootman stand out in particular here, organising the defensive effort and ensuring Everton cannot establish a dominance in the centre of the pitch.

Should Everton launch an attack, the aim is to remain tight in the defensive third - the two wing forwards will drop into midfield to cover any overlapping runs made by the Everton full backs, and we will completely crowd the central channel of the pitch; this will force Everton to either make their play down the flanks against 2 athletic defenders, or play backwards where our forward will be waiting to press and intercept.

We will be lethal on the counter-attack. The speed of the first wave of our breaks will ensure they escape concerted pressure from Everton. Our attackers surge forwards, positioning themselves in behind the line of pressure ahead of the ball, thus providing the player who won the ball plenty of possession. Marchisio will be the standout player in these situations; with an impressive understanding of when and where to attack the free space both with and without the ball.

We will vary our approach in attack, alternating between direct play and passing through the thirds. Rico will often look to move the ball into the opposition half as quickly as possible, while the midfield has plenty of strength, aggression, and attacking intent in the middle of the park, constantly seeking to exploit any gaps in behind their opposing midfielders. Marchisio has the ability to make particularly good use of the space on the inside, projecting his side forwards in attack where they will outnumber the Everton defensive midfield area. Moreover, having Rafinha in the midfield will add another dimension to our attack, as his dribbling through the centre of the pitch can draw players out of position and open up space for our attackers to run into. In addition to this, his technical prowess at feeding through-balls in tight spaces will create numerous chances for our forwards to put away.

In the attacking phase, we will opt for combination play, swapping between short passes to lure the Everton defenders into the opposition half and more ambitious passes through the thirds. Our high tempo will disrupt our opponents, both in midfield and in the final third. The pace and movement of our forwards will cause chaos for the Everton midfielders, who will be put under severe pressure to attempt to protect their midfield against the pace and direct nature of our attack. We will put our opponents under constant pressure, with our dangerous front three of Willian, Fekir and Richarlison forcing their way in behind their full-backs and posing constant problems for the centre-backs. At the same time, our full backs have the athleticism and talent to get up the pitch along the byline and drill in low, hard crosses that will cause panic among the defenders.

As a collective, we are well balanced. In the final third we will locate our biggest threats in prime positions, where they will cause constant uncertainty in the last line of defence. Richarlison, Fekir and Willian will regularly find openings with their pace and direct play, successfully exploiting the space in between the centre-backs and the full-backs alongside them.

In the defensive transition, we will re-organise quickly and effectively after losing the ball, Rafinha and Marchisio leading the way in swarming around the man in possession, with both being used to implementing a high pressing system, with Strootman adept at covering the inside lanes and intercepting play. We will prevent Everton from outnumbering us in this phase of the game, reducing the threat of the counter-attack.


Substitutes:
45 MINUTES (If winning, save this change for the 60th minute, otherwise :-
Angel Correa comes on for Richarlison - Correa favours the central areas and will be more aggressive. Giving the Everton centre backs cause for concern and freeing up space for Willian and Fekir. Correa's pressing ability, too, will spell bad news for Everton.

60 MINUTES (If winning, save this change for the 70th minute, otherwise :-
If drawing: Piotr Zielinski for Marchisio - Both players have a fairly similar playing style. Golovin plays with intensity and will re-invigorate the pressing process in the centre of the park, while quickly changing defence to attack with mazy runs and incise passes.

70 MINUTES :-
Gelson Martins for Willian - Gelson can play on the left and look to cut in, both freeing space for Digne to occupy, and allowing Fekir to play on the right where he is such a creative menace, Martins will be looking to use his pace and dribbling prowess to cut holes in the Everton defence late in the game. He will look to pass before shooting, generating chances for Fekir and Correa to bury.

posted on 1/9/18

--------------------Buffon
Florenzi---Sokratis---Vertonghen---F.Luis
------------------Locatelli
------------Rabiot-------Kovacic
Mkhitaryan---------------------------Sterling
------------------Gameiro
Subs
Strakosha, Retsos, Clyne, Brozovic, Henderson, Simeone, Inaki

Buffon is a commanding presence at the back, when he calls for a ball, the defence know he will take control, they have complete confidence in each other and stops those little split second doubts which could lead to a chance. When he has the ball he will look to offload quickly in the direction of the front 3 to get those quick counters started.


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




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

 Their objective when attacking will be to keep making runs past the winger on both the inside and outside, giving the opposition full back that split second of indecision on who they go with. They will only occasionally put floated crosses in, preferring to either play shorter passes to the wingers or players who have come out from the middle of the pitch to keep possession and let the pressure build up in the final third, or run to the byline and put in fast and low crosses relying on both the faster reactions and control of our attackers and the pressure of the situation on their centre backs to hastily clear the ball without being in full control of the situation.


The focus of the midfield 3 will be to use their high energy, all action styles to get themselves around the middle of the pitch, working in collaboration with the front 3 to control the midfield battle whilst still having the attacking nous to create chances for us. When we are in the attacking third, they will always be looking to make themselves available for a pass to keep recycling the ball, keeping the pressure up with us looking to use the movement of the other CM's and the front 3 to drag the opposition defensive players that little bit more which could be the difference in getting a player behind them. They also all have an eye for a pass so will look to take advantage of the front 3 all flitting around and play them in with through balls and quick one touch play. We will also occasionally take the occasional long shot, with the aim being to make sure defenders aren't content to sit back and forcing them to make a decision. When defending, they are looking to press the middle third of the pitch, pressing the opposition CMs/Wingers in conjunction with other players as they are on the ball to rush their decisions and win the ball back.


Both wingers today will be looking will be to drift around when deeper players are in possession, looking to combine with the other attacking players to get little areas of space before using their pace and trickery respectively to drift between the CB and FB and get in behind them. When they are on the ball the emphasis will be more on cutting inside with the occasional long shot to test the keeper, and only occasionally putting in crosses, getting involved in a fast intricate style of passing with the centre mids and Gameiro, looking to create the passing triangles which will just take players out of the game. They should also look to run at players as they will be cautious not to give away a set piece due to the ability of our set piece takers. When the opposite winger has the ball, the one without the ball should look to find space between the CB and FB to add an extra body in the box. When defending, they should be stopping the passing lines to the full backs primarily, then focus on ensuring our full backs dont get outnumbered.



When Gameiro is attacking, he will look to constantly drift around the defenders looking to get himself a bit of space enough for him to get the ball and pass it along to another attacker or face up the defenders and take them on. When running onto a ball, He will also be looking to use his reactions to get ahead of the defender and then use his strength to cut in front of the defender, causing them to either stop their forward momentum completely, or make the foul.
When defending, he will be working with the wingers to cut off the passing lines for their CB's, forcing them or the keeper to launch it long, then using his tireless energy reserves to work back and press their centre mids.



Set Pieces


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





Free Kicks - Mkhi takes Direct FK's



For Indirect FK's, same instructions as Corners





Penalties - Lacazette is the designated taker.

Subs



If Winning


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




82 + 86 Mins - Brozovic for Kovacic and Clyne for Florenzi - Actively time waste and really frustrate the opposition.



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

If Losing



67 Mins - Simeone, Retsos and Inaki for Locatelli, Luis and Florenzi - switch to a 3-5-2 with emphasis on the wings backs acting as wingers and just pile forward in numbers.

posted on 1/9/18

BIRMINGHAM vs Liverpool

---------------------------------Lafont--------------------------------
Mukiele--------Skriniar---------------Maguire---------------Dalot
---------------------Ndidi-----------------Pellegrini-------------------------
----------------------------------Soler------------------------------------------------
Neres---------------------------------------------------------------------Kluivert
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------Higuain----------------------------------------

Subs - Lunin, Diop, Fabian Ruiz, Cristante, Hamsik, Anderson, Keita, Benzema

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

Playing against the current table toppers today but we desperately want to continue our unbeaten run. Going for a slightly defensive formation this week as the tactic will be to defend deep and hit Liverpool on the counter attack. The main emphasis of my tactic and formation will be to win the ball in the middle of the pitch and use the pace of my wingers on the counter. Kane will be a tough man to mark but Skriniar and Maguire are both adapt at dealing with him. Maguire especially should know how to deal with his fellow English teammate!

I want us to hold a deep defensive line to start off with so the oppo dont get an early goal. Keep things simple in the beginning and only pressure the oppo when they get in our half. When we have the ball I want the team to play pass and move football. Don't stay static, try and get in behind the oppo defence as there is a lot of pace in our attacking players. As the game goes on, when we don't have the ball I want the team to defend from the front line and pressure the oppo and try and win possession back. Do this in fits and bursts as it is a tiring tactic.

Defence
Lafont is a quality young keeper. Don't take risks. Punch the ball away if the shot is too powerful. Command your area. The defence is well balanced. Skriniar and Maguire bring a whole lot of experience and pace to the defence. Skriniar will use his experience to marshal the defence and Maguire will look to use his pace to close the oppo strikers down. Stay vocal with each other and cover for each other if oppo gets past one of you. Full backs will start of with a conservative mind set and not attack too much but as the game goes on I want them to make overlapping runs and get some crosses in to the box. Ndidi will be covering for them when they go attacking.

Defence Mids
Ndidi + Pellegrini
Ndidi will be the anchor in the middle. Stay back in front of the defence and protect the defence with your life. If the oppo play an AM then stick close to him and mark him if possible. When our fullbacks are attacking then your main priority will be to cover for them. When in possession pass the ball out to the wings or play a through ball from deep to our wingers.
Pellegrini will look to sit deep and be the gap between the defence and the midfield and play as the deep lying playmaker. When he has the ball I want him to pass the ball forward and try and play through balls for our wingers to run onto. I want the team to use him as an outlet to get play started or when the oppo is pressing us I want him to use his expert ball control to keep hold of possession of the ball. When not in possession of the ball I want him to sit alongside Ndidi in the middle and protect the defence.

Centre Mid
Carlos Soler
Soler will look to play as a withdrawn AM. I want him to look for the runs of Kluivert and Neres from centre midfield and hit some through balls for them to run off to. When not in possession of the ball I want him to sit just ahead of my DM's and look to intercept any loose balls. Get ready to dribble out if you win possession back and use your quick burst of pace to wriggle away from the oppo players, and look to see if our wingers are making any runs so you can thread through balls for them to run onto.

Wingers
Neres + Kluivert
These 2 will be the focal point of my attack. They are 2 young and hungry players and I want to give them the freedom to express themselves in attack. Kluivert will be looking to cut in from the right and Neres will look to get to the byline and whip in crosses for Higuain. 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. Mukiele and Dalot are no slouches attacking wise so use them! If Kluivert can cut in onto your stronger foot, don't be afraid to shoot from range as you have the ability to score from long range. If there is no space to do so then take the ball to the byline and whip in crosses for Higuain to get his head on. When we are defending corners I want both of them to stay near the halfway line so we can hit the oppo on the counter attack.

Striker
Gonzalo Higuain
Higuain will look to use his strength to get the better of the oppo defence. Be vary of crosses into the box as you are decent in the air, and if you are through on goal, use your expert finishing to score. Time your runs off the shoulders of the oppo CB's and hold the ball up for Kluivert/Neres to make infield runs ahead of you.

Subs if LOSING BY 65MINS
Put on Benzema for Pellegrini, Anderson for Neres and Cristante for Soler to bring some more pace on. Play a high line and try and get a goal. Change formation to 41212.

-----------------------------------Lafont--------------------------------
Mukiele-----------Skriniar-----------Maguire------------Dalot
------------------------------------Ndidi------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Anderson----------------------------------------------------------Kluivert
------------------------------------Cristante------------------------------------
----------------------Benzema---------------Higuain--------------------------


Subs if WINNING BY 80MINS
Take off Neres and put on Diop in CB and play defensive with everyone in our own half defending for their lives, waiting to hit the oppo on the counter attack. Anderson on for Kluivert and Keita for Higuain.

-----------------------------------Lafont--------------------------------
Mukiele-------Skriniar------Diop--------Maguire-------Dalot
--------------------------Ndidi--------Pellegrini----------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------Neres-----------------------------------------Anderson---------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------Keita----------------------------------------


Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Anderson on for Neres
Cristante on for Soler
Benzema on for Higuain
Fresh legs to bring on.

posted on 2/9/18

----------------------- Courtois ------------------------
Cancelo ----- Boateng ----- E.Bailly -- T.Hernandez
------------------------ Khedira -----------------------
----------------- Eriksen ----- Modric ----------------
Lucas Moura --------- Aguero ------------ M.Asensio

Subs:
McCarthy, Aurier, D.Sanchez, E.Dier, L.Alberto, L.Bailey, T.Werner

Captain: Luka Modric
Free Kicks: Christian Eriksen
Penalties: Sergio Aguero
Corners: Christian Eriksen

Team Tactics

Moving the ball at speed will be the focus of our play as we go with an attacking 4-3-3 formation today. Our three CM’s will be key components of this style as Eriksen and Modric offer great quality on the ball whilst they both have the ability to break the lines and play a killer final ball to our attacking trio. We will look to dictate the play and frustrate the opposition, continually make them chase the ball by switching the ball between our midfield trio. The opposition have some dangerous players however we will look to limit their impact by retaining possession, we will force them to track back or risk leaving their defence exposed when we push forward in numbers. We aim to make things uncomfortable for them as we feel that if we limit their ability to have the ball in attacking areas the game will be won.

When the opposition are in possession our wingers drop in as we play a compact 4-5-1 formation. The aim of the game will be to break at speed with our wide players offering an immediate outlet when we win back possession. They will drive forward as we get men up in support of Aguero and carve the opposition open with devastating affect.

Defence:

We go with a strong defensive unit at the back, packed with pace and quality as we look to nullify the threat posed by the oppositions attack. We have two strong pacy CB’s to deal with the threat posed by the opposition forward. We will look to be dominant at the back as we aim to take the sting out of the opposition early on and play on the front foot. Our fullbacks have license to push forward when in possession, Cancelo in particular offers a real threat down the right. L.Moura will often drift infield taking the opposition fullback with him which will create space for Cancelo to attack, he will at all times be looking for the runs of Aguero whose movement and finishing is simply world class. Hernandez will focus slightly more on his defensive duties to ensure we keep a balanced defence and have plenty of cover to snuff out any opposition counter attack.

If the opposition play one up top then Bailly will mark, strong and aggressive we feel he has all the tools to deal with any opponent. Boateng will sweep up and cover in behind, a fantastic reader at the back he will also be the one to bring the ball out from defence. Nothing fancy just look to get the ball into the feet of our CM trio who will do all the damage.

Midfield:

Khedira plays in the DM role, strong in the tackle he will also be our chief ball winner in the middle of the park. We aim to dominate possession and go with three technically astute players. Ball retention will be key, keep the ball and make them chase. This will invariably open up space for our forwards as we pull the opposition out of space and look to exploit any openings. Eriksen and Modric operate as twin AM’s, both have a penchant for assists but don’t be afraid to shoot should the opportunity arise. With the pace of our front three the opposition will invariably drop deep and if the chance to shoot from distance arises then take it. We look to pepper the opposition with shots as we go for goals.

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. Lucas Moura and Asensio both have license to cut in from the flanks and go for goal, we encourage them to utilise their terrific pace and go at the opposition. Draw in the oppositions CB’s which in turn creates space for Aguero to be slipped in and finish. Both will look to make jinking runs into the box where they can draw a foul or drive to the byline and whip the ball into Aguero in the middle. Both wingers have fantastic workrate and will be a constant outlet as they make runs in behind when our playmakers are in possession. Aguero plays through the middle, a player with fantastic movement and real predator. Immediately look to get into the box when we’re on the attack as we look to lay down a marker.

Subs;

If winning:
65 mins: Modric off, Dier on. We tighten up in midfield with Dier offering more physicality and defensive cover.
75 mins: L.Moura and Aguero off, D.Sanchez and Werner on. 5-4-1 with Sanchez forming a CB trio alongside Boateng and Bailly. Werner plays on top in the line striker role, looking to exploit the space when the opposition push numbers forward.

If drawing:
60 mins: Moura off, Bailey on. Fresh legs and increased goal threat.
70 mins: Khedira off, Werner on. We switch to 4-2-2-2, with Eriksen and Modric in CM, Bailey and Asensio on the flanks with Aguero and Werner forming a deadly strike partnership.

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

posted on 2/9/18

NEWCASTLE 4-3-3

____________Alisson
Trips____Alder___Godin___Robbo
___________Jorginho
________Kante___James
Mane______Suarez_________Reus

SUBS: Umtiti, Radja, N’Zonzi, Koke, Bobby, Suso, Lukaku

Captain: Diego Godin
Penalties: Luis Suarez
Corners: James Rodriguez
Freekicks: Marco Reus
Crossing Freekick: James Rodriguez

The formation deployed today is so that we gain as much control as possible higher up he pitch. We expect to have more of the ball so patience is key. We also expect the four behind the striker to drift around a bit, getting into positions where their natural play can cause damage. The striker up front presses when we don’t have the ball and the entire team will support him cut passing lanes to help win the ball higher up. The quality of our players will allow us to break through the oppositions press. When we have the ball we will want to attract the press and use the spaces that they open up to attack.

Full backs will get forward when the opportunity arises. Our full backs are good at feeding our forward line with their ability on the ball and we aim to utilize that with their ability to get up the pitch and tactical arareness. We also need our full backs to widen the pitch for us. Our centre halves are good on the ball, and a long punt every now and then to utilize our pace out wide is encouraged.

The regista will drop in to form a back three so that the centre backs can split wide to push the full backs general position higher up in line with the midfielders (and wide forwards engage their back line along with the striker). In doing so we create a four man midfield to overpower their midfield. This will allow our midfield to be flexible, if one of their midfielders steps forward, one of ours will move into the space they vacated. The regista will be the link between our defence and midfield and because of the way he plays, he will draw the opponents forward towards him to attack the ball, pulling their team’s lines apart. This will create more spaces between the lines for our midfield and forward lines to move into. The right centre mid will be the more defensive one in his box to box role, closing down space and cutting passing lanes with his incredible interception ability. Playing alongside the regista will give him less areas of the pitch to cover, and shorter distance needed to win the ball back to start the next attack. Both centre mids will float between the lines during the attacking phase just behind our forwards.

By having our wide forwards up front when we have the ball it will effectively create space out wide. We would expect our full backs to sometimes go infield to collect the ball from the keeper, while one of the midfielders goes wide so when he receives the ball he will have time to look up and pick passes as the opposition midfield will be reluctant to press which will leave a man free in midfield. This can be done by a midfielder too, dropping deep to create a free man in the first line with time on the ball, ping it straight to the striker who can lay it off to the other onrushing midfielder.

If short passing options aren’t available the passing range and accuracy of our keeper will safely transfer the ball forwards via our full backs, wherever they are on the pitch. The keeper can also dink the ball into space for the striker or wide forward to control taking out 6 or 7 opposition players in the process.

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

When we don’t have the ball we will expect our four behind the striker to drop into a 4-5-1 in support of our regista and right centre mid. We will also create triangles to trap the opposition players that have the ball, cutting the passing lanes and others putting pressure on players that might receive the ball. We stop the oppositions rhythm and force them into mistakes with our pressure. To stop their counter attacks after we lose the ball, three players will swarm the ball carrier before he can get his head up to play. If they beat the immediate press when the team’s main goal is to push their play wide where they can do the least damage. Our midfielders are an integral part to our play, when we win the ball back we will create space and time for them with our team shape. There will be times when we are under the cosh and will have the option of deploying a bowl shaped 5 at the back, with the right centre mid dropping in making closing down the opponents very effective.

Subs

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

75 mins: Bobby comes on for Suarez, a different style of forward play for the opposition to think about.

If winning 80 mins: N’Zonzi comes on for Jorginho to close out the game. He is capable in defensive midfield alongside Kante.

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

posted on 2/9/18

————————Ter Stegen
Odriozola——Sule————Rudiger———Gaya
——————————Rodri
—————B.Silva——————Keita
Brandt———————Kane——————Lozano

Subs: Pope, Castro, Torreira, Zinchenko, Milinkovic-Savic, Harit, Sancho

Captain: Marc Andre ter Stegen
Free Kicks: Bernardo Silva/Julian Brandt
Penalties: Harry Kane
Corners: Julian Brandt/Bernardo Silva

We know Birmingham sit deep at the start of games, which allows us to push our entire team up the field and keep them pegged back from the start, setting up possession with a high defensive line. Build with a block of 5, CBs split, FBs pushes slightly higher, but central alongside Rodri, giving us a midfield 3 ahead of the CBs to draw Birmingham’s CMs and wingers forward and central, creating passing lanes out wide directly to the wingers, and more space for our CMs.

When Birmingham are compact early on, we like to use the longer switches of play to the wingers, to force Birmingham to change their position on the pitch, the longer pass takes time, gives them more time to move across but will help us break their defensive structure as they keep changing their positions. When they are less compact and trying to press, shorter, faster passing used to exploit the space more quickly.

Rotation of players important to disrupting their defensive organisation, we expect overlapping, underlapping and diagonal movement from their base positions, always keeping 5 + 5, with the two groups compact to each other and staying connected through a series of triangles, so we can use diagonal passing between their lines, meaning that when our players receive a pass, more than one opposition player will be attracted to the ball, opening space for others to move into. Passing the ball around, slowing the game down when needed to draw players in, then speeding it up to open the defensive lines.

The first route to goal is controlling the half spaces, creating overloads on the ball side, with our wingers looking to focus their movements in the half space. Once we have progressed into midfield our ball side FB bombs forward to create space down the flank, creating triangles with CM and winger. The opposite winger tucks into the half space on his side, with his FB outside him. This will force the opposition defence to be more narrow and open up space, either out wide for the FBs, or in the channels for the run of the wingers/CMs if the FB doesn’t tuck in enough, and allows for a switch to the winger in the underloaded half space if Birmingham pull right across the pitch. Attack their left mainly due to injuries at FB.

At other times, Fbs can stay tucked in with Rodri and Keita and Silva can push higher up the field, overload their midfield with 5 vs 3, but also means that the CMs can attack the half spaces, or run wide when the wingers cut inside, keeping the structure of the team, but giving the opponent new men to mark. Other times only the ball side FB goes forward, high and wide, with the CM staying next to Rodri and the other FB, allowing the far side CM to push up in the half space, offering an option to quickly switch the ball to his side through the deeper CM, with longer, flatter, diagonals, which will lead to the opposition reorganising around him, but will mean they loose sight of the runs of others do to his high positioning and threat to their goal. In this position, Silva can pick the pass that unlocks their defence, through for Kane, or outside for out to in runs of the wingers, and Keita can do this, or use his pace and dribbling in tight spaces to beat the defence himself.

At all times Kane is controlling the position of the CBs, higher up when we need space between defence and midfield or dropping deeper to draw the defence forward when we want to link quickly to get behind through the FBs/Wingers/when we want to play longer diagonals for the out to in runs of players like Lozano.

Layered high press, using the curved runs of the wingers towards the opposition CBs to squeeze them towards the middle, Kane drops deeper to cover the space between the CBs and CMs, with our CMs pushed up on to their CMs, making a 2-1-2 press that outnumbers them centrally and makes it easier to win the ball back, blocking all vertical passing lanes and suffocating the ball carrier. Behind this the FBs in the half spaces in line with Rodri to provide an extra layer of protection centrally, leaving no space between main press and the block behind, but also keeping their higher position so they can get out to the wingers quickly with support from the ball side CM if Birmingham try and squeeze a ball through to them. Rodri just ahead of the CBs, the three creating a block around the CF to keep him isolated, but also able to step forward into midfield and mop up, or drop into CB if one of the CBs has to go and defend wide areas against longer balls.

Next phase of press is a 4-1-5, with Fbs dropping slightly if Birmingham beat the high press, wingers dropping wide to cover balls back to the FBs. If they continue to advance we drop to a 4-5-1, closing the middle ground off, with the FBs back in their natural positions.

FBs are key to this press, by having them tucked in higher up the pitch it forces opponents to have to go around us, rather than through the middle, which takes them longer and allows our team more time to get back into defensive positions. To aid this the Fbs are quick to press if the opposition winger or FB receives a pass, using their positioning in the half spaces to put immediate pressure on, either getting tight to the winger to slow him down, or using his cover shadow to block to pass to the winger if the FB is on the ball. We expect Birmingham’s wingers to be pegged back by our FBs attacking movements, which will make countering extremely difficult for Birmingham today.



Subs:

If Winning: Milinkovic-Savic for Lozano 70, Silva on the right, Brandt on the left. We know Birmingham like to throw everything at the opposition when we are losing, usually playing 1 CM on his own, Milinkovic-Savic can be an out-ball. Torreira for Keita 75’. Castro for Gaya 80’.

If Drawing: Milinkovic-Savic for Keita 70’, he is great at attracting players to him, holding the play up and then moving the ball to players with more space. Sancho for Brandt 75’, comes on to run at tiring legs and get balls into the box. Harit for Lozano 80’, same as Sancho on the other side, the’r back line will be tired after chasing us for the whole game, take advantage of space that opens up.

If Losing: Milinkovic-Savic and Zinchenko for Rodri and Gaya 60’, Zinchenko from LB tucks into midfield in possession, Milinkovic and Silva either side of Keita, but the three have the freedom to go forward, with Zinchenko providing the cover. Sancho for Brandt 70’, attack the flanks with his pace.

posted on 2/9/18

--------------------Lloris
Danilo---Manolas---Sane---Rodriguez
---------Goretzka---Herrera
Malcom------Aspas---------Costa
----------------Cavani
Dahlberg, Maitland-Niles, Llorente, Ramsey, Tadic, Amiri, Wood
Yet another change of formation today, back to one which proved to be effective a few weeks ago. With the loss of Vincent Kompany I have opted to revert to a back four, still playing with two attacking full backs. Iago Aspas also returns to the team playing in that hole just behind Cavani, although not as a conventional number ten, and Goretzka and Herrera partner each other in midfield once again. I want to play a style of play which sees us move the ball from forward to back as quickly as possible, utilising the pace we have going forward, whilst also utilising the many different ways we can hurt the opposition in the final third.
Defensively I have picked two centre backs who are capable in the air, cutting out any attempt to hit it long and hurt us this way. Not only that, but both are defensively capable with the ball on the deck. Sane will use his strength to specially target the opposition striker, pressing him and getting tight to him, whilst Manolas covers the space in behind, being willing to nip in and win the ball back, should anyone get in past Sane and the two holding midfielders. When on the ball, I want the two defenders to play the ball on the deck out of the back as quickly as possible. Their options should be out wide to their full backs to start attacks on the flanks, or simple balls forward to the centre mids, who will drop deep to make themselves available.
I don’t want to hamper Danilo’s desire to get forward, and will be encouraging it. I do, however, want him to be the responsible defender that balances up, as I think Rodriguez is much more effective getting forward and whipping balls in with his left peg. As such, Danilo will not attack quite as much, but Rodriguez will be looking to get into good attacking positions, offering the overlap option to Douglas Costa. Hopefully with Danilo not so far forward there will be less space in behind to be exploited on the counter, but it is important that Rodriguez gets back quickly so as to block off the progress of Chelsea’s effective wide players.
I intend for Goretzka and Herrera to very much play as holding midfielders today, sitting in front of the defence and shielding it from opposition attacks. Herrera will do more of the pressing, as he is a tenacious mad dog in the middle of the park, whilst Goretzka will press on occasion. Both players are also comfortable on the ball, so will look to start attacks with pinged balls to our wide men, or over the top for them or Aspas to chase. They will, however, show defensive discipline and stay back when we attack, so as to protect the defense from a swift counter. This is important playing a team with as much attacking potency as Chelsea.
Iago Aspas plays a shadow striker role today, operating in a role where he sits back, before making runs from deep beyond Cavani in support of the wide players. He will stay forward when defending corners, and will stay up with Cavani when the opposition move forward. Aspas will spend most of the game looking to challenge for and win the second balls that drop off Cavani. I think that, by trying to get in behind and adding another body in the box, we can cause havoc for the Chelsea defence.
In Malcom and Costa we have two players that can, on any day, make magic happen. They will be important today, as we may not have much of the ball, so they must be effective when they do pick it up and use it well. They will be direct, looking to run at Chelsea’s centre backs, so as to maximise the amount of players getting at those individual players. They will use their pace to get in behind the opposition, whose attentions will likely be occupied by Cavani, and get on the end of balls over the top from midfield. Defensively they will also track back, as we know how strong Chelsea are going forward.
Cavani will lead the line for us today, as he usually does. His energy and strength add a different dimension to this attack, and it is the perfect system for our three players in behind the striker to play off. They will push on and make sure they are the first to pick up second balls that drop off him, and rain shots down on the opposition goal. Cavani himself will look to get in the box and win aerial duels, getting headers away on goal. He is all around a nuisance and will use this to great effect. When Chelsea have the ball at the back, Cavani and Aspas will press as a team, trying to force them into misplaced passed and defensive mistakes.
Red Card Subs
Hugo Lloris – Replace Iago Aspas with Pontus Dahlberg, who moves to play in goal. Obviously
Danilo – Replace Iago Aspas with Ainsley Maitland-Niles who goes to play at right back.
Manolas or Sane – Replace Iago Aspas with Diego Llorente, who goes to play at CB, taking up the role of whichever defender has been dismissed.
Rodriguez – Replace Iago Aspas with Ainsley Maitland-Niles, who goes to play at LB. Alternate so that it is now Danilo getting further forward.
Goretzka or Herrera – Replace Iago Aspas with Aaron Ramsey, who slots into the centre mid, replacing whichever role has been vacated.
Malcom or Costa – Replace Iago Aspas with Dusan Tadic, who goes to play whichever wide role has been vacated.
Iago Aspas – Do nothing as I cannot replace Iago Aspas.
Edinson Cavani – Replace Iago Aspas wit Chris Wood so that he can lead the line as a more physical presence.
Substitutions
If drawing/losing
Leon Goretzka off for Nadiem Amiri 70 mins
A bit of a tactical change, introducing a player that can play a free role, and will look to play slightly more advanced role as we chase the game, with Herrera sat in front of the defence. Amiri is license to run the line and look for the space.
Iago Aspas off for Dusan Tadic 78 mins
Malcom switches inside to play in behind the striker, whilst Tadic drifts out wide right. He will look to get the ball and test the opposition with whipped balls in, aimed towards Cavani, meanwhile Malcom will adopt the role formerly played by Iago Aspas.
If winning
Iago Aspas off for Aaron Ramsey 70 mins
Ramsey drops further back and we adopt a 4-3-3 formation, with Herrera the central member of the midfield trio, Goretzka and Ramsay playing either side of him.


comment by Marky (U19443)

posted on 2/9/18

WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS

Injuries: Garcia, Meyer, Tah, Fernandinho
Ineligible: Marquinhos

----------- Arrizabalaga
Hakimi - Mina - Vida - Strinic
- Sturaro - Diawara - Rakitic
Di Maria - Immobile - Perisic

Subs: Leno, Benkovic, Shaw, Matic, Ozil, Vitolo, Alcacer

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

A tough but winnable game today against Tottenham, hopefully our back four will keep their attack at bay while causing problems of our own to their defence.

We are playing a 4-3-3 today, Arrizabalaga in goal, Mina and Vida at centreback, Hakimi and Strinic at fullback, Rakitic, Sturaro and Diawara in midfield, Di Maria and Perisic either side of Immobile upfront.

This game is about controlling the tempo and giving us the best chance of getting the win today. Tottenham are going to fight hard and our best hope is to be strong, disciplined and keep our concentration levels at maximum.

Arrizabalaga - Distribute from the back to the fullbacks/CM's, stay in communication with your defence throughout, be wary of long range efforts and ensure you stay big for any one on ones. On occasion go long for Immobile.

Mina/Vida - Mina mark their striker, force them high up the pitch thus limiting his impact close to goal, and Vida to be the spare man, be first to the second ball and their AM making runs from midfield. When in possession bring the ball out of defence and use the midfielders ahead of you to help us play out from the back. Both of you go forward for setpieces.

Hakimi/Strinic - Both of you to force the Tottenham wingers out wide, do not allow them to come inside as this will cause more problems for our midfield. They will want to cut inside so force them outside and block their crosses at source. They will try to create problems infield so its vital you only show them down the wing. If they play a diamond with no wingers you will need to form a narrow back four with the CB's and leave no spaces in behind. When we have possession, push forward and support Di Maria and Perisic as they will try to run inside the fullback and you will provide the overlap to either create space or supply crosses into the area for Immobile and link with Rakitic and Sturaro. You will need to track back very quickly to ensure we don't get caught on the break.

Diawara - Our DM today, sit in front of the back four, break up play, watch out for runs from deep from the opposition, when in possession use your range of passing to look for teammates in advanced positions, use Rakitic and Sturaro alongside you if you're closed down.

Rakitic/Sturaro - Two box to box midfielders today, one either side of Diawara at DM. Both of you are required to get back and assist Diawara in front of the back four when we don't have the ball, but both with the ability and the freedom to push forward and join the front three, while always leaving at least one of you behind the ball. Look to link with Di Maria, Perisic or Immobile.

Di Maria/Perisic - Both with the trickery to beat the Tottenham fullback and get crosses in, you will also have our fullback overlapping giving you the chance to cut inside and get shots in. Look to supply Immobile with chances and also provide yourself with chances. Link up with Rakitic and Sturaro, and capitalise on the space Immobile's presence will create for you.

Immobile - you will be expected to occupy the Tottenham centrebacks, hold up possession and look to turn the defender and shoot. Be strong in the air and look for your teammates trying to pick you out from deep. Shoot on sight. Stay on the last defender's shoulder for any passes in behind. Look to interchange with Di Maria or Perisic on occasion. Try and link with the two alongside you to create opportunities.

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

Subs 70 mins;
If winning: Perisic, Di Maria and Immobile off, Matic, Benkovic and Alcacer on. Change to 5-3-1-1, Benkovic an extra CB, midfield trio of Sturaro, Matic and Diawara, the fresh legs of Alcacer up top chasing everything and holding the ball up with Rakitic in the AM role providing support and chasing down their deep playmaker.

If drawing: Sturaro and Immobile off, Ozil and Alcacer on. Switch to a 4-2-3-1, Ozil ahead of Rakitic and Diawara, behind Immobile. Try and find a winner.

If losing: Vida, Diawara and Sturaro off, Ozil, Vitolo and Alcacer on. 3-1-4-2, Hakimi - Mina - Strinic at the back, Rakitic the playmaker from deep, Vitolo - Di Maria - Ozil - Perisic behind Immobile and Alcacer upfront. Push for goals.

posted on 2/9/18

Attacking 4-3-3

We look to take the game to Hull. Building from the back, when in possession we look to move forward as a unit. One full back bombs forward at a time, looking to provide width. Coutinho always lookng to find space behind the Hull midfield and getting the wide players attacking the full backs.

Pushing forward as a team and with a higher line allows us to get our attacking players in more dangerous positions, always looking to find space in between the defence and midfield, and to find space going beyond their defence in behind. It also makes it easier to retain possession ensuring we have options just behind, with the defence hugely important in keeping possession. We have four players that are fantastic on the ball at the back, and importantly they also have great pace to get back.

We start with a high tempo, take control of the game early. Look to take advantage of the gaps between the lines of the opposition. Pushing up as a team allows us to control possession better, always ensuring we have an option. Thiago is the deeper playmaker, looking to get involed in all the build up play and also gets forward into the final third as well. We always keep 3 defenders and Casemiro back. Giving us plenty cover at the back.

Seamless interchanging of positions in attack, and relentless pressing from our midfield in when defending the final third. Attacking down the wings, with Carvajal or Marcelo bombing forward on the overlap one at a time, giving the attacking midfielders real freedom in attack. The two wide players and Coutinho have fantastic pace to get at the opposition defence, and in behind.

An attacking side but built on a strong defence, we look to simply take the game to Hull with a high tempo, entertain and score more goals than them. Costa up top plays his natural game, Geubbels looks to play closer to him than the other two wide players, using his pace and power to get in goalscoring positions made by Costa.

------------------ Neuer
Carvajal - Ramos - Kehrer - Marcelo
--------- Casemiro - Thiago.A
---------------- Coutinho
Geubbels ----------------------- Hazard
----------------- D.Costa

Subs. Schmeichel, Hummels, Doucoure, M.Lopes, Martial, L.Sane, L.Martinez

Key to our attack is quick passing getting in between the lines. Get the cms on the ball in behind their attacking midfielders. Predominantly short passing on the deck, but varying our play when a counter is on.

Defending in numbers

We look to control the opposition by pressing the space with a narrow rigid defensive unit, only allowing them to play in areas we want them to. When we lose the ball the closest player presses the ball, the second closest presses the obvious passing channel. Stop any attacks before they begin.

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

As Hull advance into higher areas of the park and into our half, our shape will resemble a 4-1-4-1. The winger opposite play looks to play quite far up, in a position to get at them quickly on the break. Casemiro presses the space in front of our cbs, look to stop any midfielders having any space in a crucial area.

In this tight formation narrowing to the side of play, ensuring there are no gaps in the formation. Thiago picks up the most advanced cm. The winger opposite play comes inside and sits on their deepest cm while Coutinho presses the second most advanced cm.

In this formation push them backwards and wide away from danger. Force them to take risks. Our defence have fantastic pace up against their forwards, bide their time, not diving in.

Attack.
Get the ball to our attacking cms and wide players (wingers and attacking fb), get them linking up with quick passing, getting the ball to our wingers and get balls into Costa. Their movement will be key in opening up the opposition defence.

Positional structure, in addition to our technical players will be key to our quick passing gameplan going forward. Our approach in build up is to play a flexible asymmetric shape, 2 cb supported closely by a slightly more advanced line of Casemiro and the fb opposite play. Ahead Thiago, the attacking fb, and a wide man/Coutinho seeking to offer a trio of options ahead of them.

Subs.
If winning after 60 mins bring on Sane for Geubbels.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Doucoure for Thiago. More power in cm as legs start to tire, ensure we stay on top in midfield and slightly more freedom to attacking mids.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Martial for Hazard. More pace and power against tired legs.

If drawing or losing after 60 mins bring on Sane for Geubbels.
If drawing or losing after 70 mins bring on Martial for Marcelo and Hummels for Carvajal. 3-5-2. Martial up with Costa.

posted on 2/9/18

------------------------- Ederson
Walker -------- Pavard ------ Van Dijk ------- Mendy
---------------- Busquets ------ Tolisso
------------------------ De Bruyne
O.Dembele ------------ G.Jesus -------------- T.Lemar

Subs: Butland, Otamendi, Ghoulam, Can, Mahrez, D.Silva, Griezmann

4-3-3, possesion based, look to play with plenty of width and attack with pace going forward.

FB's go forward one at a time, one generally sits deeper most likely Walker. We use their pace to track their forwards looking to get their foot in when they're wide and isolated down the flanks using our 3 CB's for additional support, Mendy then given freedom to attack going forward and provide the width.

Up top look to keep it simple, no risks of over playing but generally mixing it up as we dont want to be too predictable, a quick counter attacking overload from deep will be key especially in wider areas with Walker's and Mendy's pace, De Bruyne and front 3 burst forward and hit our opponents hard when they over commit.

At times going long ball as we feel our forwards are more of a match for their defence. G.Jesus look to stay on his toes looking to occupy their CB's in behind and creating space in the final third for the two alongside him, targeting the slower of the CB's, look to turn him with that change of pace and expose the channels.

De Bruyne comes into the side in mf, he will play as an attacking midfielder looking to burst forward and attack as a quartet, look to get the ball into the wingers and make darts for the box.

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

The CB due are excellent on the ball, very good passing success rates and should look to move the ball into mf quickly. At times collecting short from Ederson and getting their heads up, looking for movement from the attackers and attempting diagonal or long balls into feet, so we can can counter at pace and bypass their mf press.

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

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

De Bruyne will look to play more the AM role and inbetween the lines, roaming in the oppositions half and looking to act as the link between midfield and attack. Picking up pockets of space and using his awareness to dictate the play, running at their backline and using quick pace and incisiveness to commit defenders on the break.

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

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

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

When Villa are in possession we will sit deep as a unit with 10 men behind the ball ensuring their is no space left in behind.

We form a rigid structure looking to press the space and dropping off with men behind the ball, only allowing them to play where we want them too, stifle the midfield and stop them from picking their passes into a forward attacker.

Essentially a 4-5-1, 5 in mf working to minimise the space in midfield zones and preventing them from finding their attackers. Our wingers then drop off to mark the oppositions wingers and help our CB's to prevent any space being left in behind.

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

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

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

Subs:
IF WINNING: 70th minute – (4-3-3)
- Can > Tolisso
- Griezmann > G.Jesus
- Ghoulam> Mendy (84th min)
Compact 4-3-3, we get fresh legs on and keep things solid, Griezmann used as an outlet to surge forward when possible

IF DRAW: 70th minute – (4-2-3-1)
- Griezmann > G.Jesus
- Mahrez > O.Dembele
- D.Silva > KDB (75th min)
stretch the play and look to play more in wider areas at this stage where we think Villa are most susceptible to being exposed.

IF LOSING: 77th minute – (4-4-2 - direct)
- Griezmann > Tolisso
- D.Silva > KDB
- Ghoulam > Mendy
4-4-2, direct. long balls into the box and constantly looking for the two strikers.
Flood forward and look for an equalizer/winner.

C - Van Dijk
FK's - De Bruyne
Corners - De Bruyne / Lemar
Pens – O.Dembele

comment by Welshy (U1348)

posted on 5/9/18

-----------------------Perin
Conti----Baumgartl-----Söyüncü---Tagliafico
--------------Rudy-----------Dahoud
Thauvin------------Ziyech-------------Brekalo
---------------------Mariano

Subs: Horn, Klostermann, Caleta-Car, Guerreiro, Lobotka, Traoré, Batshuayi


Our defensive unit consists of Timo Baumgartl and Caglar Söyüncü paired up at centre-back, Andrea Conti at right-back and Nicolás Tagliafico at left-back, with Sebastian Rudy and Mahmoud Dahoud as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.

This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in Rudy and Dahoud 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 Dahoud can press the ball without leaving lots of space, as Rudy can maintain a good position to react if the initial press is bypassed. Our double pivot will offer huge defensive stability and will ensure that a structured shape is maintained.

Having two defensive midfielders centrally prevents others being dragged out of position to press.

Helping the defenders maintain solid positioning is a key part of Dahoud’s role, he will press almost anywhere in his own half to allow defenders to stay in the defensive line.

With Dahoud running his socks off for the team, our high tempo will dictated by his partner in holding midfield, Sebastian Rudy.

A holding midfielder through and through, Rudy is not just your “win the ball and pass it on to the closest player” – there is a real creative mind in his locker, but it’s his ability to be the shield of the back four and then be creative once he gets the ball that makes Rudy such a talent.

The attacking unit consists of Florian Thauvin, Hakim Ziyech and Josip Brekalo as our band of three attacking midfielders with Mariano Díaz as our lone central striker.

Our 4-2-3-1 is set up to have that wonderful ‘springy' quality - it absorbs pressure without breaking and then snaps back with surprising force.

In defence our 4-2-3-1 covers space very effectively, with the band of three attacking midfielders and centre forward able to press the opposition high up the pitch while the two defensive midfielders ensure that there is no space left in front of the defence. Then the back four can either play a high line, compressing the space even further, or drop deeper as preferred.

Once we have won the ball back, often by Rudy or Dahoud, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.

Conti and Tagliafico can surge up the wings in the knowledge that Rudy and Dahoud can drop into the space left behind if needed. As they come up the wings, both Florian Thauvin and Josip Brekalo, who are fast speed merchants, excellent in tight spaces and fantastic dribblers will cut inside or make runs into the box. Hakim Ziyech our attacking central midfielder’s low centre of gravity will enable him to navigate away from defenders at a frighteningly quick pace. Ziyech is blessed with an instant first touch and can dribble with the ball at such a close proximity to his feet that it makes him almost impossible to tackle this creative passer who will look to play Thauvin, Brekalo and Mariano in via fast passing combinations.

An out and out explosive centre-forward, Mariano is known for the abundance of pace and power that he possesses. Standing tall at close to 6ft, Mariano has a strong and sturdy physical frame that he’ll use well to bully the Chelsea defence.

Mariano has a fierce right-foot and is an equally strong header of the ball too, which will make him a huge threat in and around the penalty box. With his pace combined with his dribbling ability and the power that he possesses, Mariano will brush aside defenders and run past them with nonchalance.

While he is explosive and dangerous with the ball at his feet, what makes Mariano even more exciting is his excellent movement off the ball and the ability to make those smart runs in behind the defenders.


Subs on 75 mins
Guerreiro for Dahoud, Traoré for Thauvin, and Batshuayi for Mariano

Lots of fresh legs and pace to trouble the opposition for a late goal regardless of the scoreline

posted on 5/9/18

Attacking 4-3-3

At home, we look to take the game to Arsenal. We feel we can dominate possession as they are missing key midfielders, and feel that they have a weakness at dm, so we look to find space between their midfield and defence.

We expect they may go with 3 at the back to crowd out Ronaldo, but unless they have all 3 marking Ronaldo giving our other players a simple walk to goal, he will make the extra yard for himself in the box against his marker if we create for him. Attacking in numbers and with our quality in the final third we expect to create chances.

Building from the back, when in possession we look to move forward as a unit. One full back bombs forward at a time, looking to provide width. Coutinho always lookng to find space behind the Arsenal midfield and getting the wide players attacking the full backs.

Pushing forward as a team and with a higher line allows us to get our attacking players in more dangerous positions, always looking to find space in between the defence and midfield, and to find space going beyond their defence in behind. It also makes it easier to retain possession ensuring we have options just behind, with the defence hugely important in keeping possession. We have four players that are fantastic on the ball at the back, and importantly they also have great pace to get back.

We start with a high tempo, take control of the game early. Look to take advantage of the gaps between the lines of the opposition. Pushing up as a team allows us to control possession better, always ensuring we have an option. Thiago is the deeper playmaker, looking to get involved in all the build up play and also gets forward into the final third as well. We always keep 3 defenders and Casemiro back. Giving us plenty cover at the back.

Seamless interchanging of positions in attack, and relentless pressing from our midfield in when defending the final third. Attacking down the wings, with Carvajal or Marcelo bombing forward on the overlap one at a time, giving the attacking midfielders real freedom in attack. The two wide players and Coutinho have fantastic pace to get at the opposition defence, and in behind.

An attacking side but built on a strong defence, we look to simply take the game to Arsenal with a high tempo, entertain and score more goals than them.

Arsenal have pace on the break, but with 3 defenders and one dm we have more than enough back to deal with that.

---------------- Schmeichel
Carvajal - Ramos - Kehrer - Marcelo
--------- Casemiro - Thiago.A
---------------- Coutinho
Geubbels ----------------------- Hazard
----------------- C.Ronaldo

Subs. Pereira, Gomez, Doucoure, Gundogan, L.Sane, L.Martinez, D.Costa

Key to our attack is quick passing getting in between the lines. Get the cms on the ball in behind their attacking midfielders. Predominantly short passing on the deck, but varying our play when a counter is on.

Defending in numbers

We look to control the opposition by pressing the space with a narrow rigid defensive unit, only allowing them to play in areas we want them to. When we lose the ball the closest player presses the ball, the second closest presses the obvious passing channel. Stop any attacks before they begin.

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

As Arsenal advance into higher areas of the park and into our half, our shape will resemble a 4-1-4-1. The winger opposite play looks to play quite far up, in a position to get at them quickly on the break. Casemiro presses the space in front of our cbs, look to stop any midfielders having any space in a crucial area.

In this tight formation narrowing to the side of play, ensuring there are no gaps in the formation. Thiago picks up the most advanced cm. The winger opposite play comes inside and sits on their deepest cm while Coutinho presses the second most advanced cm.

In this formation push them backwards and wide away from danger. Force them to take risks. Our defence have fantastic pace up against their forwards, bide their time, not diving in.

Attack.

Get the ball to our attacking cms and wide players (wingers and attacking fb), get them linking up with quick passing, getting the ball to our wingers and get balls into Ronaldo. Their movement will be key in opening up the opposition defence.

Positional structure, in addition to our technical players will be key to our quick passing gameplan going forward. Our approach in build up is to play a flexible asymmetric shape, 2 cb supported closely by a slightly more advanced line of Casemiro and the fb opposite play. Ahead Thiago, the attacking fb, and a wide man/Coutinho seeking to offer a trio of options ahead of them.

Subs.

If winning after 60 mins bring on Sane for Geubbels.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Doucoure for Thiago. More power in cm as legs start to tire, ensure we stay on top in midfield and slightly more freedom to attacking mids.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Gundogan for Hazard. Coutinho moves left, Gundogan central.

If drawing after 60 mins bring on Sane for Geubbels.
If drawing after 70 mins bring on Gundogan for Casemiro.
If drawing 80 mins for D.Costa for Marcelo. 3-5-2.

If losing after 60 mins bring on Gomez and Sane for Marcelo and Carvajal.
If losing after 70 mins for 70 mins bring on D.Costa for Geubbels.

If a red, do below change sacrificing Geubbels for more experience, and then make first two changes of the above depending on result 5 mins later than planned. If red is:

Schmeichel - Bring on Pereira for Geubbels. 4-4-1. Coutinho to rm.
Defender - Bring on Joe Gomez for Geubbels. 4-4-1.
Casemiro - Bring on Doucoure for Geubbels. 4-5-1.
Thiago - Bring on Gundogan for Geubbels. 4-4-1.
Coutinho/Hazard - Bring on Sane for Geubbels. 4-4-1. Sane more used to playing deeper.
Geubbels - No change. 4-4-1.
Ronaldo - Bring on Costa for Geubbels.

comment by LC (U1826)

posted on 7/9/18

Bournemouth Tactics: Week 5

Captain: Conti
Vice Captain: Paredes

Team:
------------------Ramírez
Bustos--Conti—Veríssimo--Olivera
----------------Paredes
----------Wendel---Paquetá
Cunha----------------------------Vargas
-----------------Gómez

SUBS: Rossi, Álvarez, Senesi, Maycon, Lovera, Rodríguez, Pedro

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: Ramírez is a big mobile keeper and very agile. A great shot stopper, he will communicate with the back 4 and be commanding with the high ball. He will not take any risks. He is a great distributor with both hand and foot and we will look to this as a way to launch quick attacks.

Defence: Our 2 full backs are there firstly to defend and make sure they stay on the right side of their opponents whether they be out wide or cutting inside. When we are on the attack they will be allowed to use their power and pace to provide the overlap on the flanks. They both have the power and the lungs to work the touchline for 90 minutes. They will make the pitch wide and always offer themselves as an option in attack. Our 2 centre halves are big 6 feet plus ball playing defenders. Both good in the air and equally as good with the ball at their feet. They will be asked to do the simple things well. Be aggressive but controlled in the tackle and never lose your man when defending dead ball situations. They will be able to bring the ball out of defence but if in doubt take absolutely no chances and clear it. Both big men will be a real aerial threat at set pieces.

Midfield: Paredes will be the midfield general. A physical pacey midfielder he will be there to boss this area for us. Breaking up play and filling in as an extra defender if one of our back 4 has ventured forward. He will be there to protect the defence and do a lot of the unseen dirty work in the centre of the park. He is essential to our game plan and while sitting deep will still offer a lot with his great passing ability. He also has a thunderbolt right foot. Wendel and Paquetá will play just in front of Paredes. Wendel will be a more box to box type. He will be involved all over and will offer as much in defence as in attack. Paquetá will be the midfield magician. Clever, elusive and tricky we will look to him for creating the midfield openings with his eye for a pass. We will look at their enthusiasm and relentless pressing of the opposition as a way to hopefully get a bit of a grip on the midfield and at the very least not make it plain sailing for the opposition.

Wingers/Centre Forward: When in possession both Cunha and Vargas will be expected to go for the direct approach and use their power and speed to take on the opposition defence and beat them and bring Paquetá, Wendel and Gómez in to play. They can vary their attacks by going wide or cutting inside as they see fit. Both players can play all across the middle so don’t be surprised to see them swapping wings. At times Wendel may sit a bit deeper allowing Paquetá to slot in between both wingers, just behind the CF. As well as an attacking force both wingers will also have to put a defensive shift when called upon and act as back up for their respective full backs.

Gómez starts as the CF. He won’t be short of support or ammunition with the attacking talent behind him. Great big old fashioned centre forward. We will look for him to hold up and bring others in to play if it doesn’t seem to be on for him. An eye for a pass and not afraid to have a go from distance. We will look to get bodies in the box when attacking so he should always have an outlet. He is also great in the air and will provide an option from set pieces. When the shot is on he will take it but we also want to put himself about in the box and think that his power pace will be a real handful for defences. He will also be alert to any scraps in and around the goal. He has the ability to produce something sublime and create a chance out of nothing.

Free Kicks/Corners: Paquetá, Vargas or Cunha with Conti, Veríssimo, Paredes and Gómez to offer an aerial threat. Paquetá and Vargas (with his thunderbolt left foot) may try their luck with several free kicks from distance.
Penalties: Gómez

Substitutions: (if winning on 80 minutes) Senesi for Veríssimo, Pedro for Gómez and Maycon for Wendel, 3 like for like substitutions.

If losing (on 80 minutes) Lovera for Wendel and Pedro for Cunha. Shift to a 4-1-3-2 attack. Pedro and Lovera offering fresh legs, pace and a bit of the unknown in attack.

----------------Paredes
Lovera------- Paquetá ----Vargas
---------Gómez --------Pedro

posted on 8/9/18

----------------------- Oblak ------------------------
Vrsaljko ----- Stones ----- Akanji ----- A.Sandro
---------------------- Fabinho -----------------------
-------------- Pjanic --------- Pogba ---------------
Mbappe ----------- A.Belotti ------------ Neymar

Gunn, F.de Jong, Kessie, Aouar, Bernardeschi, Rodrigo, Maddison

We want to possession football, quick on the break from out wide 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 we need a strong back 5/6, we don't sit too deep and Pjanic, Fabinho & Pogba just in front harassing the man with the ball before they get to our back 4 and the front 3 in and around the half way line, Belotti slightly higher up, this will congest the midfield and allow Pjanic and Pogba to dictate play, stop them coming forward from the back, however, if they do push forward onto us and we get the ball they will be on the back foot and will really struggle with our front 3/4 with Fullbacks who are always ready to pounce and hit them with pace and quick free flowing football

Stones and Akanji at CB, Akanji picks up the CF, Stones sits spare picking up the AM if he gets away from our midfield, keep the forward(s) away from the danger area, by getting onto them quickly and be strong, take the ball away from them and play it away out of defence, look to get it out wide quickly when we retain possession, Both are very comfortable on the ball so can bring it out when in no danger and look for the pass longer to the wingers or Striker to hit them quickly with pace, to get us moving forward. 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 an drive down the wing to support, only at a time as to not let ourselves be exposed, they drive down the line in support of the wingers, Sandro and Vrsaljko get outside Mbappe and Neymar to allow them to cut inside. the two always make themselves available to the wingers. I want both Akanji and Stones to go up for corners, with the fullbacks and Fabinho sitting back.

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

Our wingers are extremely quick, when we don't have the ball they drop back a bit to make up the numbers as they attack, push into the faces of the opposition to force them into mistakes and hopefully in the end they lose the ball, when they do lose the ball we charge at them and we do it quickly, either a long ball over defenders, go through the cms or out to one of our attacking fullbacks.however, the movement up front between Neymar and Mbappe will cause them problems as they switch around at times, will see us make their defenders move out of position to follow their player, thus allowing Pogba to pick his moment to move into space either as a 10 or out wide. If he does push wide this will allow Mbappe/Neymar to go in central as we will have an attacking fullback up and supporting. Quick passing in triangles that will get us in and beyond their defenders and eventually to Lewandowski who has the power and ability to beat any defender and the other winger who will look to get into space to get a shot off, if there defence is on top then we can always go direct at times and fire early crosses especially from deep from the fullbacks into Belotti right on top of the young goalkeeper to put a lot of pressure on him, we must always make sure he is well supported, if he cant get the shot away he will be looking to bring others into the game.

Captain - Pjanic
Pens - Mbappe
Corners - Pjanic
Free Kicks - Pjanic

Subs -
Losing -
65 Mins - Rodrigo for Belotti, he goes to RCF and Mbappe centre forward and try to use his pace to get in on goal
75 Mins - Bernardeschi for Pogba we go 442/424 with Neymar up top and Bernardeschi to LW

Winning -
75 Mins - Kessie for Pogba adds a bit of grit into th middle v any fresh legs that they bring on
85 Mins - Bernardeschi for Belotti, he goes to RW and Mbappe up top as he runs everything down
87 Mins - Aouar for Neymar flat midfield 5 to shut it down

Drawing -
70 Mins - Rodrigo and Maddison for Belotti and Pogba 4231 with Rodrigo going Right and Maddison to a No.10 role
80 Mins - Aouar for Pjanic fresh legs try and set them up

posted on 8/9/18

------------------------ Courtois
----- D.Sanchez ----- Boateng ----- C.Lenglet
------------- M.Verratti ------- Eric Dier
L.Bailey ------------- C.Eriksen ------------ M.Asensio
--------------- S.Aguero -------- T.Werner

Subs:
McCarthy, Cancelo, T.Hernandez, Khedira, L.Alberto, L.Moura, W.Zaha

We look to bounce back from last weeks disappointment and put on a show as we go for goals in today’s matchup. We go on the offensive with a Pep inspired set up, aiming to dominate our opponents by pressing them high up the pitch, swarming all over them when they’re in possession and hitting them with our array of attacking threats.

In possession we go 3-5-2, the wingers really hug the touch line and stretch the field creating space for our attacking players through the middle. Equally we’ll look to use the width as we play quick one touch passing, making the opposition constantly chase the ball as we look for the killer pass to cut them open. We press high up the pitch and retain possession, the only real outlet for them will be a long punt upfield which we expect our 3 CB’s to deal with comfortably.

It will very much be a case of the opposition attacking us at their peril as any attempt to get forward in numbers will leave them exposed, as soon as we win back possession we look to hit them at speed. If the opposition do manage to break the initial press then we drop back into 4-4-2 formation. Eric Dier comes into the side and plays a key role, operating as a DM when in possession and dropping in at CB when the opposition are on the attack.

We expect Thauvin to pose the biggest threat for the opposition which further highlights the importance Dier will play. When they are on the attack he slots in at CB alongside Boateng allowing Lenglet to slide across and cover the LB slot, Sanchez will do the same on the right ensuring we have a back 4 when they’re in possession and eliminating the threat they pose on the flanks.

As soon as we win back possession we break at speed, if they have committed their wide players forward then they will have left themselves exposed with Bailey and Asensio pushing forward to join Aguero and Werner and creating 4 on 4 against their vulnerable defence.

Team Tactics

We go with a back 3 with Dier operating as utility cover to ensure we always have sufficient numbers when not in possession. If they play one up top then Boateng will mark, stick tight and look to physically dominate the CF. Sanchez and Lenglet will look to cover the flanks as we start attack’s from the back, looking to get the ball to our dangerous forwards as quickly as possible.

Midfield

Dier plays a key role today, his ability to drop in at CB a key cog in our formation to prevent us being exposed. Alongside him will be Verratti, a player that’s also tenacious in the tackle however we will be looking to utilise his passing ability today. We expect to dominate possession so his range of passing will be a great asset, picking the ball up slightly deeper he’ll be looking for the early runs of our forwards as we look to get in behind the opposition. Eriksen plays the AM role, he will be instrumental in everything we do, dictating the play and looking for that killer pass to slip one of our forwards through on goal. He also has license to shoot from distance should the opposition look to drop off and he has a penchant for the spectacular.

Forwards

Bailey and Asensio will look to stretch the play out wide, take the opposition on, get to the byline and whip the ball in for Aguero and Werner to slot home. They also have license to come infield, both fantastic dribblers we expect them to go at the opposition and go for goal whenever a shooting opportunity arises. Aguero plays up top with Werner. Both have fantastic movement and could be presented with plenty of chances today. Werner will look to make runs in behind the defence whilst Aguero will move between the lines, looking to find any pockets of space where he can receive possession and fire a shot off, a deadly finisher we feel he will thrive in a real attacking set up that will undoubtedly play to his strengths. Goals are the aim of the day as we look to put on a show in front of our home fans.


Subs;

If winning:
65 mins: Werner and Eriksen off, Cancelo and T.Hernandez off. Drop into a 5-4-1 formation with 3 CB’s and orthodox FB’s.
75 mins: Bailey off, L.Alberto on, fresh legs and an extra body in the centre of the park as we look to see the game out.

If drawing:
65 mins: Verratti off, Luis Alberto on, extra creativity and another weapon as we add another goal/assist threat.
75 mins: Dier and Bailey off, Khedira and Lucas Moura on. Khedira adds even more creativity in the middle whilst Moura offers fresh legs as we push for the winner.

If losing:
55 mins: Dier off, L.Alberto on.
65 mins: Sanchez and Verratti off, Moura and Zaha on. We pin the opposition back and look to turn the tie on its head as we go for goals, goals, goals.

posted on 8/9/18

BIRMINGHAM vs Newcastle

---------------------------------Lafont--------------------------------
Mukiele--------Diop---------------Maguire-----------Dalot
---------------------Ndidi-------------Valverde-------------------------
----------------------------------Soler------------------------------------------------
Neres---------------------------------------------------------------Keita
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------Higuain----------------------------------------

Subs - Lunin, Dias, Fabian Ruiz, Cristante, Hamsik, Anderson, Philipp, Benzema

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

Continuing wuth the formation that got us a hard earned point against Liverpool last week. The tactic will be to defend deep and hit Newcastle on the counter attack. The main emphasis of my tactic and formation will be to win the ball in the middle of the pitch and use the pace of my wingers on the counter. I want Keita and Neres to help my fullbacks in defensive duties against Mane and Salah as they are the main source of Newcastle's attack. Salah will look to cut in onto his left foot so we need to stop him from doing that. I want Dalot to stick close to him and not to let him turn you. When Salah is on the byline I want Keita and Dalot to double up on him and to stop the Salah from cutting in. If that fails and Salah succeeds in cutting in I want Ndidi to cover the space in front and stop him from getting a shot from range. I want Soler to close down Jorginho whenever he has possession of the ball. We need to stop him from dictating the pace of the game from deep.

I want us to hold a deep defensive line to start off with so the oppo dont get an early goal. Keep things simple in the beginning and only pressure the oppo when they get in our half. When we have the ball I want the team to play pass and move football. Don't stay static, try and get in behind the oppo defence as there is a lot of pace in our attacking players. As the game goes on, when we don't have the ball I want the team to defend from the front line and pressure the oppo and try and win possession back. Do this in fits and bursts as it is a tiring tactic.

Defence
Lafont is a quality young keeper. Don't take risks. Punch the ball away if the shot is too powerful. Command your area. The defence is well balanced. Diop and Maguire bring a whole lot of experience and pace to the defence. Maguire will use his experience to marshal the defence and Diop will look to use his pace to close the oppo strikers down. Stay vocal with each other and cover for each other if oppo gets past one of you. Full backs will start of with a conservative mind set and not attack too much but as the game goes on I want them to make overlapping runs and get some crosses in to the box. Ndidi will be covering for them when they go attacking.

Defence Mids
Ndidi + Valverde
Ndidi will be the anchor in the middle. Stay back in front of the defence and protect the defence with your life. If the oppo play an AM then stick close to him and mark him if possible. When our fullbacks are attacking then your main priority will be to cover for them. When in possession pass the ball out to the wings or play a through ball from deep to our wingers.
Valverde will look to sit deep and be the gap between the defence and the midfield and play as the deep lying playmaker. When he has the ball I want him to pass the ball forward and try and play through balls for our wingers to run onto. I want the team to use him as an outlet to get play started or when the oppo is pressing us I want him to use his expert ball control to keep hold of possession of the ball. When not in possession of the ball I want him to sit alongside Ndidi in the middle and protect the defence.

Centre Mid
Carlos Soler
Soler will look to play as a withdrawn AM. I want him to look for the runs of Keita and Neres from centre midfield and hit some through balls for them to run off to. When not in possession of the ball I want him to sit just ahead of my DM's and look to intercept any loose balls. Get ready to dribble out if you win possession back and use your quick burst of pace to wriggle away from the oppo players, and look to see if our wingers are making any runs so you can thread through balls for them to run onto.

Wingers
Neres + Keita
These 2 will be the focal point of my attack. They are 2 young and hungry players and I want to give them the freedom to express themselves in attack. Keita will be looking to cut in from the left and Neres will look to get to the byline and whip in crosses for Higuain. 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. Mukiele and Dalot are no slouches attacking wise so use them! If Keita can cut in onto your stronger foot, don't be afraid to shoot from range as you have the ability to score from long range. If there is no space to do so then take the ball to the byline and whip in crosses for Higuain to get his head on. When we are defending corners I want both of them to stay near the halfway line so we can hit the oppo on the counter attack.

Striker
Gonzalo Higuain
Higuain will look to use his strength to get the better of the oppo defence. Be vary of crosses into the box as you are decent in the air, and if you are through on goal, use your expert finishing to score. Time your runs off the shoulders of the oppo CB's and hold the ball up for Keita/Neres to make infield runs ahead of you.

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

-----------------------------------Lafont--------------------------------
Mukiele-----------Diop-----------Maguire------------Dalot
------------------------------------Ndidi------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Anderson----------------------------------------------------------Keita
------------------------------------Philipp------------------------------------
----------------------Benzema---------------Higuain--------------------------


Subs if WINNING BY 80MINS
Take off Neres and put on Dias in CB and play defensive with everyone in our own half defending for their lives, waiting to hit the oppo on the counter attack. Anderson on for Keita and Benzema for Higuain.

-----------------------------------Lafont--------------------------------
Mukiele-------Dias------Diop--------Maguire-------Dalot
--------------------------Ndidi--------Valverde----------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------Neres-----------------------------------------Anderson---------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------Benzema ----------------------------------------


Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Anderson on for Neres
Cristante on for Soler
Benzema on for Higuain
Fresh legs to bring on.

posted on 8/9/18

NEWCASTLE 4-3-3

___________Alisson
Azpi____Alder___Umtiti___Robbo
__________Jorginho
________Kante___James
Salah______Suarez________Mane

SUBS: Milner, Radja, N’Zonzi, Koke, Reus, Rebic, Lukaku

Captain: Luis Suarez
Penalties: Luis Suarez
Corners: James Rodriguez
Freekicks: Luis Suarez
Crossing Freekick: James Rodriguez

The formation deployed today is so that we gain as much control as possible higher up he pitch. We expect to have more of the ball so patience is key. We also expect the four behind the striker to drift around a bit, getting into positions where their natural play can cause damage. The striker up front presses when we don’t have the ball and the entire team will support him cut passing lanes to help win the ball higher up. The quality of our players will allow us to break through the oppositions press. When we have the ball we will want to attract the press and use the spaces that they open up to attack.

Full backs will get forward when the opportunity arises. Our full backs are good at feeding our forward line with their ability on the ball and we aim to utilize that with their ability to get up the pitch and tactical arareness. We also need our full backs to widen the pitch for us. Our centre halves are good on the ball, and a long punt every now and then to utilize our pace out wide is encouraged. Our right back will also tuck in to help solidify the team.

The regista will drop in to form a back three so that the centre backs can split wide to push the full backs general position higher up in line with the midfielders (and wide forwards engage their back line along with the striker). In doing so we create a four man midfield to overpower their midfield. This will allow our midfield to be flexible, if one of their midfielders steps forward, one of ours will move into the space they vacated. The regista will be the link between our defence and midfield and because of the way he plays, he will draw the opponents forward towards him to attack the ball, pulling their team’s lines apart. This will create more spaces between the lines for our midfield and forward lines to move into. The right centre mid will be the more defensive one in his box to box role, closing down space and cutting passing lanes with his incredible interception ability. Playing alongside the regista will give him less areas of the pitch to cover, and shorter distance needed to win the ball back to start the next attack. Both centre mids will float between the lines during the attacking phase just behind our forwards.

By having our wide forwards up front when we have the ball it will effectively create space out wide. We would expect our full backs to sometimes go infield to collect the ball from the keeper, while one of the midfielders goes wide so when he receives the ball he will have time to look up and pick passes as the opposition midfield will be reluctant to press which will leave a man free in midfield. This can be done by a midfielder too, dropping deep to create a free man in the first line with time on the ball, ping it straight to the striker who can lay it off to the other onrushing midfielder.

If short passing options aren’t available the passing range and accuracy of our keeper will safely transfer the ball forwards via our full backs, wherever they are on the pitch. The keeper can also dink the ball into space for the striker or wide forward to control taking out 6 or 7 opposition players in the process.

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

When we don’t have the ball we will expect our four behind the striker to drop into a 4-5-1 in support of our regista and right centre mid. We will also create triangles to trap the opposition players that have the ball, cutting the passing lanes and others putting pressure on players that might receive the ball. We stop the oppositions rhythm and force them into mistakes with our pressure. To stop their counter attacks after we lose the ball, three players will swarm the ball carrier before he can get his head up to play. If they beat the immediate press when the team’s main goal is to push their play wide where they can do the least damage. Our midfielders are an integral part to our play, when we win the ball back we will create space and time for them with our team shape. There will be times when we are under the cosh and will have the option of deploying a bowl shaped 5 at the back, with the right centre mid dropping in to make closing down the opponents very effective.

Subs

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

75 mins: Lukaku comes on for Suarez, a different style of forward play for the opposition to think about.

If winning 80 mins: N’Zonzi comes on for Jorginho to close out the game. He is capable in defensive midfield alongside Kante in a 4-2-3-1.

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

posted on 9/9/18

--------------------Buffon
Clyne---Sokratis---Vertonghen---Cucurella
-------------------Rabiot
------------Dorsch-------Kovacic
Sterling-------------------------------Son
------------------Lacazette
Subs
Strakosha, Inigo, Clyne, Brozovic, Henderson, Gameiro, Mkhi

Buffon is a commanding presence at the back, when he calls for a ball, the defence know he will take control, they have complete confidence in each other and stops those little split second doubts which could lead to a chance. When he has the ball he will look to offload quickly in the direction of the front 3 to get those quick counters started.


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




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

 Their objective when attacking will be to keep making runs past the winger on both the inside and outside, giving the opposition full back that split second of indecision on who they go with. They will only occasionally put floated crosses in, preferring to either play shorter passes to the wingers or players who have come out from the middle of the pitch to keep possession and let the pressure build up in the final third, or run to the byline and put in fast and low crosses relying on both the faster reactions and control of our attackers and the pressure of the situation on their centre backs to hastily clear the ball without being in full control of the situation.


The focus of the midfield 3 will be to use their high energy, all action styles to get themselves around the middle of the pitch, working in collaboration with the front 3 to control the midfield battle whilst still having the attacking nous to create chances for us. When we are in the attacking third, they will always be looking to make themselves available for a pass to keep recycling the ball, keeping the pressure up with us looking to use the movement of the other CM's and the front 3 to drag the opposition defensive players that little bit more which could be the difference in getting a player behind them. They also all have an eye for a pass so will look to take advantage of the front 3 all flitting around and play them in with through balls and quick one touch play. We will also occasionally take the occasional long shot, with the aim being to make sure defenders aren't content to sit back and forcing them to make a decision. When defending, they are looking to press the middle third of the pitch, pressing the opposition CMs/Wingers in conjunction with other players as they are on the ball to rush their decisions and win the ball back.


Both wingers today will be looking will be to drift around when deeper players are in possession, looking to combine with the other attacking players to get little areas of space before using their pace and trickery respectively to drift between the CB and FB and get in behind them. When they are on the ball the emphasis will be more on cutting inside with the occasional long shot to test the keeper, and only occasionally putting in crosses, getting involved in a fast intricate style of passing with the centre mids and Gameiro, looking to create the passing triangles which will just take players out of the game. They should also look to run at players as they will be cautious not to give away a set piece due to the ability of our set piece takers. When the opposite winger has the ball, the one without the ball should look to find space between the CB and FB to add an extra body in the box. When defending, they should be stopping the passing lines to the full backs primarily, then focus on ensuring our full backs dont get outnumbered.



When Gameiro is attacking, he will look to constantly drift around the defenders looking to get himself a bit of space enough for him to get the ball and pass it along to another attacker or face up the defenders and take them on. When running onto a ball, He will also be looking to use his reactions to get ahead of the defender and then use his strength to cut in front of the defender, causing them to either stop their forward momentum completely, or make the foul.
When defending, he will be working with the wingers to cut off the passing lines for their CB's, forcing them or the keeper to launch it long, then using his tireless energy reserves to work back and press their centre mids.



Set Pieces


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





Free Kicks - Kovacic takes Direct FK's



For Indirect FK's, same instructions as Corners





Penalties - Lacazette is the designated taker.

Subs



If Winning


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




82 + 86 Mins - Brozovic for Dorsch and Clyne for Florenzi - Actively time waste and really frustrate the opposition.



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

If Losing



67 Mins - Gameiro, Mkhi and Inigo for Dorsch, Cucurella and Florenzi - switch to a 3-5-2 with emphasis on the wings backs acting as wingers and just pile forward in numbers.

posted on 9/9/18

——————————Ter Stegen
Odriozola———Sule—————Upamecano——Castro
———————————Rodri
————B.Silva—————————Milinkovic
——Dybala—————Kane————————Guedes

Subs: Svilar, Gaya, Torreira, Zinchenko, Keita, Tielemans, Harit, Sancho

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

In build up we look to beat the press through clever movement. City’s striker tends to press passing lanes to the DM, so we want Rodri to use his movement behind him to manipulate the strikers position and create space for others to drop into and receive the ball. We overload the striker with the ball side FB tucking into the half space as an extra option for circulation, with he far side FB stretched out. The tucked in FB will draw forward both winger and CM when he receives the ball, which allows our CM to stretch out into some open space higher up, with the ball far CM dropping deeper to aid circulation. Provoke the press by using the CBs to give the ball to one FB, and then the FB to return the ball to the CB, moving their press towards one half space or one flank, and opening up space elsewhere.

In the early stages we use this to encourage City forward and then we can use the CBs/GK to pick out Milinkovic with longer balls to bypass the lines of press and set up position behind or down the side of their midfield, his hold up play allows us to exploit these gaps, and will disrupt their pressing style, force them to sit deeper, giving us more time on the ball to build and them less of a threat going forward.

We know City will play compactly, so we have to work our way through and round their midfield to create chances. As we advance we want Castro to stay tucked in, his ability to play on either foot and to play centrally gives us great flexibility. He will form a midfield 3 alongside Rodri and Silva that allows us to provoke their CMs into moving out of their position. Odriozola will look to push higher up on the right and stretch the game, with Guedes doing the same on the left, two players who can beat their men and get balls in, but also make excellent out to in and underlapping runs when a team mate moves wide to open up the space. They keep the City Fbs pegged back, putting more onus on the CMs and wingers to defend the likes of Silva, Dybala and Milinkovic, which isn’t their natural game.

This will free up Milinkovic and Dybala to play in the half spaces, and closer to Kane. Their ability in the half space to receive a pass and draw players towards them before successfully beating the challenge, or picking out a teammate will be crucial. They can combine with their ball side players in triangles to overload the opposition in the half space before moving the ball wide for a cross, or across to the opposite side of the field, using aggressive ball side overloads to free up these areas, leaving one of Dybala/Milinkovic free in space. Both are also excellent at making runs into the box and scoring goals.

The versatility of the players we have means we expect overlapping, underlapping and diagonal movement from their base positions, staying connected through a series of triangles, so we can use diagonal passing between their lines, meaning that when our players receive a pass, more than one opposition player will be attracted to the ball, opening space for others to move into. Bernardo can be particularly key to this tactic, with his ability to orchestrate from deep, as well as drifting wide and higher up towards goal; at times Odriozola tucks in to the midfield, giving Silva and Dybala free reign to combine down the left. Likewise down the right, at times Milinkovic can drop back and allow Castro to overlap and Guedes to come inside, where his pace between FB and CB cause real issues.

Kane scores goals.

Layered high press, using the curved runs of the wingers towards the opposition CBs to squeeze them towards the middle, Kane drops deeper to cover the space between the CBs and CMs, with our CMs pushed up on to their CMs, making a 2-1-2 press that outnumbers them centrally and makes it easier to win the ball back, blocking all vertical passing lanes and suffocating the ball carrier. Behind this the FBs in the half spaces in line with Rodri to provide an extra layer of protection centrally, leaving no space between main press and the block behind, but also keeping their higher position so they can get out to the wingers quickly with support from the ball side CM if City try and squeeze a ball through to them. Rodri just ahead of the CBs, the three creating a block around the CF to keep him isolated, but also able to step forward into midfield and mop up, or drop into CB if one of the CBs has to go and defend wide areas against longer balls.

Next phase of press is a 4-1-5, with Fbs dropping slightly if City beat the high press, wingers dropping wide to cover balls back to the FBs. If they continue to advance we drop to a 4-5-1, closing the middle ground off, with the FBs back in their natural positions.

FBs are key to this press, by having them tucked in higher up the pitch it forces opponents to have to go around us, rather than through the middle, which takes them longer and allows our team more time to get back into defensive positions. To aid this the Fbs are quick to press if the opposition winger or FB receives a pass, using their positioning in the half spaces to put immediate pressure on, either getting tight to the winger to slow him down, or using his cover shadow to block to pass to the winger if the FB is on the ball. We expect City’s wingers to be pegged back by our FBs attacking movements, which will make countering extremely difficult for City today.






Subs:

If Winning: Keita for Dybala 70’, Silva to RW, Keita into midfield. Torreira for Milinkovic 75’. Harit for Guedes 80’.

If Drawing: Keita and Gaya for Milinkovic and Castro 70’, 4-2-3-1, get Dybala in behind Kane. Sancho for Guedes 75’, bit of something different to run at tiring FBs.

If Losing: Harit and Sancho for Milinkovic and Guedes 60’, Dybala in alongside Silva, Harit and Sancho from wide but gives a very flexible 4-1-4-1 to overload their midfield. Tielemans for Rodri 70’.

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