-------------------------- Oblak --------------------------
Bissaka ------ van Dijk ------ Zagadou ------ Lucas.H
------------- F. de Jong ------- Locatelli ---------------
Mbappe -------------- Havertz ---------------- Neymar
------------------------ Haaland --------------------------

Cumming, Tapsoba, Bentancur, Ferran, Diaby, Zaniolo, Dembele

Our game is based solely on possession football, quick on the break and really pressurise the opposition with an in your face performance from the front, we want to hit them quickly so we need to press them quickly to get the ball, when we defend, the back 4 must stay solid with Locatelli and de Jong ahead of them just in front harassing the man with the ball before they get to our back 4 and our midfield will be in and around the half way line, Haaland slightly higher up, this will congest the midfield and allow us to dictate play, defend from the front, 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.

van Dijk picks up the CF not much gets passed him, Zagadou spare picks up the AM if he gets away from our midfield, keep the forward(s) away from the danger area, get onto them quickly, take the ball away from them and play it out of defence, look to get it out wide quickly, Both are comfortable on the ball so can bring it out when in no danger and look for the pass longer to the forwards to hit them with pace, both must attack high balls to get the ball away from the opposition big men. Fullbacks keep the wingers quiet, stop their attacks Keep them away from shooting areas and stop them becoming dangerous in any position by standing tall against them and keeping them on there 'bad' foot. When they attack, only one at a time, they drive down the line in support of the wingers drive on the outside making an extra man. If either get caught up field I want Locatelli & de Jong to drift to the side and this allows the fullbacks to make their way to midfield to cover. van Dijk and Zagadou to go up for corners, with the fullbacks and Locatelli sitting back.

Locatelli our deepest midfielder sitting just in front of the CB's he will shadow there AM and not allow him to control the game, 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 spreads it from side to side then eventually forward he is always looking for the ball to start again if need be, can be out to the fullbacks or indeed a longer ball to the front three to take the opposition out of it as they are still high up the pitch. de Jong will help stop the run of play quicker to make our defenders jobs a lot easier, protect our defence as best as possible, in possession get it to the front 3 but also look for fullbacks and Havertz 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. Havertz is essential to our style of play, he is the link between defence and attack, as we break quickly he will look to set up our front three and at times be in an advanced No.10 role and look for the de jong/Locatelli/CB pass. He will drop back at times to pick it up and will look to his dribbling capabilities to get him around players, sometimes taking a foul as he is a tricky player to mark. When in possession always head up looking for the movement of our front three to play them in, 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 and create space for the front 3. 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 our defenders are superb long ball passers, go through the cms or out to one of our attacking fullbacks.however, the movement up front between Mbappe and Neymar will cause them problems drifting in an out, thus allowing Havertz 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 Haaland who can beat any defender with power and pace and the other wingers 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 Haaland who will sit on the last foot so he can spring them and have a shoot or sight mentality, can move central, we must always make sure he is well supported, especially Havertz who at times will be right on his shoulder or alongside, if he cant get the shot away he will be looking to bring others into the game by dropping slightly back to get numbers for the attack he is a very tireless worker, who also helps defend from the from by harassing there back line/DM.

Captain - van Dijk
Penalties - Neymar
Free Kicks - Neymar (when going for goal) otherwise Havertz
Corners - Wingers

Losing -
65 Mins - Zaniolo for Bissaka, we go 3 at the back, Zaniolo to No.10, Havertz right up top with Haaland 3412
75 Mins - Dembele for Havertz

Drawing -
65 Mins - Havertz up top 4-4-2
75 Mins - Ferran for Bissaka, to RW, Mbappe up top 3-4-1-2 Havertz just behind again

Winning -
75 Mins - Bentancur for Havertz, into midfield 3

------------------ Courtois ----------------
Cancelo -- De Ligt -- T.Silva -- Marcelo
---------- Casemiro -- De Bruyne -------
Sancho --------- Hazard -------- Asensio
--------------- Lewandowski -------------

Subs:
Lunin, Konate, Kehrer, R.Sanches, Neres, Milik, Icardi

Captain: Casemiro
Free Kicks: De Bruyne/Hazard
Penalties: Lewandowski
Corners: Sancho

Tactics:

Retaining possession and moving the ball at speed will be the focus of our play as we go with an attacking 4-2-3-1 formation as we go for the win. Slight tactical tweak in today’s game as De Bruyne slots in alongside Casemiro as a dominant CM pairing whilst Hazard plays centrally, an X factor drifting between the lines in the number 10 role as we look to take the game to our opponents by dominating through our powerhouse midfield.

Hazard will be flanked by Sancho and Asensio behind Lewandowski, offering a perfect blend of pace, trickery and unpredictability that will cause plenty of problems for their defence. We feel that this front four combined with KDB pushing forward from deep will cause problems galore as we have a multitude of attacking threats in our lineup. We will look to dictate the play and take the game to the opposition.

When they’re in possession we sit deep in a tight 4-5-1 formation, our DM marshalling the middle of the park, breaking down the opposition and setting up us on the counter. By taking away the space in behind we feel that we are taking away a large part of their gameplan as we force them to try and play through a brick wall in front of them. As they push men forward feel that we then have the perfect players to hit them at pace on the counter.

Defence:

We go with a strong defensive unit packed with pace and quality as we look to nullify the threat posed by their attack. If the opposition play one up top then De Ligt will mark. Strong, aggressive and a fantastic in the air we feel he has all the tools to deal with any opponent. T.Silva will act as cover, using his experience and positional sense he will look to cover in behind and eliminate any balls over the top. He also has license to drift across and add secondary cover to our fullbacks as we look to double up on their wingers.

Our fullbacks will stick tight to the wide men, safe in the knowledge that they have supporting cover from Thiago in behind with Casemiro also drifting across from DM to offer additional support. We look to double up on their wingers to severely limit their impact with the CB also offering additional cover in behind our FB’s. When in possession both Cancelo and Marcelo will look to get the ball in quickly to our danger man with both possessing quality with the ball at their feet. They’ll be disciplined and not push forward, leaving very little space for their wingers and ensuring we are also on hand to deal with any balls in behind.

Midfield:

Casemiro will be our holding player in the middle. A world class player we rely on his athleticism and fantastic reading of the game to break up the opposition play, winning back possession and setting us up on the counter. We want him to make his physicality known, imposing himself on their AM and giving him no space to manoeuvre as we look to overpower what is likely to be a young Chelsea midfield.

De Bruyne slots alongside him giving us a world class CM duo as we look to take hold of the game. Starting in a slightly deeper role he has freedom to roam and pull the opposition apart. A player with superb vision he will look to get on the ball as much as possible, dropping deep and looking to release Hazard centrally or Sancho and Asensio on the flanks as we play at pace. He has license to push forward alongside Hazard when we’re in possession, causing them a defensive nightmare as the Belgian duo look to expose their defensive frailties in the midfield of the park. With a fantastic strike from range we also encourage him to go for goal with a potential thunderbolt on the cards at any moment.

Forwards:

In attack we go with four heavy hitters as we aim or goals. Hazard plays centrally, having license to drift between the lines making himself extremely difficult to be picked up and causing a mismatch in this area of the field. We look to get him on the ball and drive at the opposition, drawing in defenders before releasing one of our other forwards in space as we look to overwhelm them offensively.

Sancho and Asensio offer pace on the flanks. Both will be direct, going at the opposition with speed. In one on one situations Sancho and Asensio can be deadly and with the opposition likely to be concerned with KDB and Hazard there is every chance these two can find space to expose on the flanks. With a powerhouse frontline we go for goals, both wingers will look to cause problems, cutting inside and going direct for goal one moment and driving down the line, bamboozling the opposition before whipping the ball into the box the next.

Lewandowski plays through the middle and will have a dream supply line around him. The brief is simple, get into the box and do what you do best. With the number of quality attackers we have around him Lewandowski could well find himself in one on one match ups in which he’s deadly. Play on the shoulder of the last man and as always be on your toes in the box, ready to pounce and finish anything that comes your way.

Subs;

If winning:
75 mins: Asensio off, Konate on. We move to 5-4-1, tightening up defensively we look to shut up shop and see out the win.
85 mins: Lewandowski off, Icardi on. Fresh legs up top as we look to pick them off as space opens up on the counter.

If drawing:
70 mins: Asensio off, Icardi on. We switch to 4-2-2-2 with Icardi & Lewandowski up top and Sancho & Hazard on the flanks. Goals.

If losing:
75 mins: Cancelo and Asensio off, Icardi & Neres on.
Attacking 3-5-2 as we pile on the pressure and look to turn the game around.

------------------ De Gea -----------------
Pavard -- Skriniar -- Hummels - Mendy
----------- Torreira -- D.Silva -----------
R.Mahrez ----- H.Ziyech ----- A.Martial
-------------- Timo Werner --------------

Subs:
Muric, Tomori, Soumare, McKennie, Bennacer, B.Diaz, Lacazatte

We set up with a strong side suited to playing counter attacking football in a 4-2-3-1 formation. We expect the opposition to look to dominate possession which will suit our strengths perfectly. When they’re in possession our wingers drop in as we revert to a 4-5-1 formation, as soon as we win back possession we look to break at speed with our devastating front 4 and hit them on the counter.

Skriniar 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 experience and high technical ability, 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. Ziyech will look to dictate the play and always looking for that killer ball into our forwards.

Our front three are blessed with pace and goals. Our team will sit deep to neutralise the threat of the opposition getting in behind. This naturally means that the opposition will push higher up the field which will leave ample space for us to get in behind. We look to get in behind at all opportunities. Get the ball out wide to Mahrez or Martial to break at speed or Ziyech to go through the middle as we look to supply our lethal finisher up top. Werner will look to play on the shoulder of the last man, look to use his lightening pace to get in behind and his ice cold finishing should he get played through on goal. He’ll be surrounded with have pace and creativity all around him so if the opposition drop off we look to push our wide players push up alongside Werner giving us an attacking front three. We play a fast counter attacking brand of football and look to go for goals.

Subs;
If winning:
70 mins: Ziyech off, Soumare on.
80 mins: Silva off, Tomori on. 5-4-1 shut up shop time as we tighten up with a solid defensive unit as we see the game out and take the 3 points.

If drawing:
75 mins: Ziyech off, Lacazette on. 4-2-2-2 as we look for the winner.

If losing:
65 mins: Torreira off, McKennie on.
75 mins: Hummels off, Lacazette on. 3-4-3 all out attack

PORTSMOUTH vs Leicester

-----------------------------------Nubel ---------------------------
Aarons---------Ramos-----------Stones----------F Mendy
---------------------Kante------------Goretzka---------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------- Brandt ----------------------------------------
Adama-------------------- Ronaldo ------------------------------Sane

Subs - Safonov, Tanganga, Diawara. Kovacic, Perez, James, Dolberg

CAPTAIN - RAMOS
CK'S - SANE
FK'S - RONALDO
PENALTIES - RONALDO

When we don't have possession of the ball in our half I want the whole team except the strikers to get in our half and defend. Play a deep defensive line so that oppo can't use their pacy forwards to beat the offside trap. When we win possession of the ball I want the players to hit the oppo on the counter attack using the pace of our wingers. We have good ball players in the centre and they will help keep us ticking.

Defence
Nubel in net, command your box and don't do anything flashy. Stones and Ramos bring experience to the backline. Ramos will focus on marking the oppo striker and will look to stick close to him and to watch out for his attacking runs. Stay aggressive and not let him turn you. Stones will mark the other striker if the oppo is playing 2 up front or to watch out any attacking runs of their AM if they play him instead.

Full backs
Aarons + Mendy
Aarons and Mendy will look to help both in attack and defence. Make forays forward when we have the ball in the oppos side of the pitch but track back when we don't. Get some crosses into the box as Ronaldo is very good in the air. Make overlapping runs when possible and try and play through balls for Sane/Adama to run into down the line. Kante will be covering for you if you are out of position

Defence Mids
Kante + Goretzka
Kante will be tasked with protecting the defence. A true definition of never say die attitude he will be running all game and doing what he does best and win the ball off of the oppo. Cover for our fullbacks when they overlap and are out of position. Stick close to the oppo AM/their most attacking midfielder and pressure him as soon as he gets the ball. He will not be able to handle your relentless pressing. When you have possession of the ball quickly pass it to one if our forward players.
Gorrt will play a b2b role. Make runs forward and play pass and move passes with teammates and help the attack whenever you can. Make late runs into the box to try and score.

Attack Mid
Brandt
Brandt will be playing as the AM today. I want him to use his great dribbling ability and passing to create chances for Ronaldo up front. Look out for the runs of our attackers and make runs into the box whenever you can. Shoot from range if you see an opportunity.

Wingers
Adama + Sane
These 2 will be the focal point of our attacking play. Use your pace to take the opponent fb on and get to the byline and whip in some balls for Ronaldo to smash home. I want these 2 to stay near the halfway line when not in possession of the ball and be ready for the opportunity to hit the oppo on the counter attack. Time your runs and if you beat the offside trap and are through on goal use your calmness in front of goal to bury the ball home. Use our fullbacks for support in attacking plays either as them acting as decoys when they make overlapping runs for you to dribble infield and get into the oppo box do you can cause havoc to their defence.

Strikers
Ronaldo
Ronaldo will always stay in strike. No need to track back I want you to conserve your energy and concentrate on scoring goals. Be aware of lofted through balls and time your runs as best as you can. When in the box use your quickness and agility to get into good positions away from oppo defenders. Play quick one two's with each other to penetrate the oppo defence. Be aware of crosses into the box and use your superhuman athletic ability to outjump the oppo defenders.

IF WINNING BY 65 MINS
Change formation to 541. Play even more deep and hit the oppo on the counter. No need to send a lot of bodies forward.
Take off Brandt and put on Tanganga in CB to give the defence even more protection. Diawara on for Goretzka aswell.

-------------------------------- Nubel ---------------------------
Aarons-----Ramos-----Stones----Tanganga----Tagliafico
---------------------Diawara--------Kante---------------------
Adama------------------------------------------------------------Sane
----------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------- Ronaldo -----------------------------

IF LOSING BY 65 MINS
Change formation to below. Take off Goretzka and put on Dolberg in strike. Play close to each other and put a tonne of pressure in the oppo defence. Defend high up and try and score a goal.

----------------------------- Nubel ---------------------------
Aarons---------Stones-------Ramos--------Mendy
------------------------------Kante----------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------- Brandt ------------------------------
Adama-----Dolberg------------CR7-----------------Sane

IF DRAWING BY 65MINS
Kovacic on for Goretzka
James on for Adama
Fresh legs.

Comment deleted by Site Moderator

SOTON VS Bournemouth

-------------------------------------Gunn-----------------------
Dalot--------Upamecano----------Akanji----------Shaw
--------------------Llorente------------Lo Celso--------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pulisic---------------------------------------------------------Richarlison
-----------------------------------Odegaard--------------------------------
-----------------------------------Rashford-----------------------------------

Subs - M Sarr, Kumbulla, McTominay, SMS, Kulusevski, Felix, Jovic

CAPTAIN - UPAMECANO
CK'S - PULISIC
FK'S - PULISIC
PENALTIES - RASHFORD

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

Defence
GK to be confident in box. Don't take risks. Punch the ball away if the shot is too powerful. Command your area. The defence is well balanced. Upamecano and Akanji bring a lot of strength and pace to the defence. Upamecano will marshal the defence and Akanji 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. Llorente will be covering for them when they go attacking.

Defence Mids
Llorente + Lo Celso
Llorente 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 but don't try any risky passes.
Lo Celso will look to pick the ball up from deep and use his pace and energy to dribble the ball out. Make runs forward and help our attacking players whenever you can. Play quick passes forward and use your agility to outmanoeuvre the oppo players. When not in possession of the ball I want him to sit alongside Llorente in the middle and protect the defence.

Wingers
Pulisic + Richarlison
These 2 will be the focal point of my attack. I want to give them the freedom to express themselves in attack. Richarlison will be looking to cut in from the left and Pulisic will be looking to get to the byline and whip in balls into the box. I want you both to try and beat the oppo fullbacks with your pace and dribbling ability but don't try too hard as if you see them doubling up on you you can either pass back or into the centre of the pitch to one of our CM's. I want you both to be aware of our fullbacks and play pass and move 1 2's with them to try and penetrate the oppo back line. Dalot and Shaw 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 Rashford to get his head on. Help our FB's in defensive duties if the oppo winger is trying to take them on. Track back and double up on him or mark the run of the opposition FB if they try to make an overlapping run. 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
Ødegaard
Ødegaard will be playing just behind Rashford 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
Rashford
Rashford is a striker that has the deadly combination of pace and finishing. He will look to use his pace 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 use your pace to get away from them. Play quick pass and move combinations with your teammates to fund spaces in the oppo defence.


Subs if LOSING BY 65MINS
Put on Kulusevski for Lo Celso and Felix for Ødegaard to bring some more attacking impetus on. Play a high line and try and get a goal. Change formation to 41212 and play the below formation. Play a high line and put a lot of pressure on the oppo to win the ball back.

-----------------------------------------Gunn--------------------------------
Dalot---------Upamecano-------------Akanji----------Shaw
---------------------------------------Llorente---------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kulusevski-----------------------------------------------------------Pulisic
-----------------------------------------Felix-------------------------------
-------------------------Rashford-----------Richarlison-------------------


Subs if WINNING BY 80MINS
Take off Felix and put on Kumbulla in CB. Play defensive with everyone in our own half defending for their lives, waiting to hit the oppo on the counter attack. Kulusevski on for Pulisic and McTominay for Lo Celso to add a bit more energy into the midfield.

-------------------------------------------Gunn--------------------------------
Dalot--------Kumbulla---------Upam--------Akanji--------Shaw
-------------------------------McTom--------Llorente-------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------Kulusevski---------------------------------------Richarlison-------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------Rashford-----------------------------------

Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Kulusevski on for Pulisic
SMS on for Lo Celso
Felix on for Ødegaard
Fresh legs to bring on.

Comment deleted by Site Moderator

Bournemouth Tactics: Europa League Round 5
Captain: Felipe
Vice Captain: Roca

Team:
--------------------Blanco
Emerson--Felipe—Torres-----Iago
---------------------Roca
---------Guimarães---Igor
Antony----------------------------Pepê
------------------Vinícius

SUBS: Ivan, Murilo, Gabriel, Fernandes, Kaio, Tetê, Cunha

We want to play a neat crisp passing game at high tempo using our obvious pace to punish the opponent. Our formation will be a 4-3-3 that will allow our full backs to join in the attack when necessary and also offer us the flexibility to fall back into a more standard 4-4-2 when under pressure. We need to boss the midfield from the start and control the game with our own tempo. When in possession use the ball well and try and bring our wide men in to play. When chasing the ball press the opponent with urgency and all over the park. Don’t take too many risks and hold onto the ball. With our creativity and pace we will be able to open teams up. Wait for the chances to arise and take them when they come.

Goalkeeper: Blanco 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: Roca will be the midfield general. A physical pacey midfielder he will be there to boss this area for us. Breaking up play and filling in as an extra defender if one of our back 4 has ventured forward. He will be there to protect the defence and do a lot of the unseen dirty work in the centre of the park. He is essential to our game plan and while sitting deep will still offer a lot with his great passing ability. He also has a thunderbolt right foot. Guimarães and Igor will play just in front of Roca. Guimarães will be a more box to box type. He will be involved all over and will offer as much in defence as in attack. Igor 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 Antony and Pepê 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 Igor, Guimarães and Vinícius in to play. They can vary their attacks by going wide or cutting inside as they see fit. Both players can play all across the middle so don’t be surprised to see them swapping wings. At times Guimarães may sit a bit deeper allowing Igor 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.

Vinícius 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: Igor, Pepê or Antony with Felipe, Torres, Roca and Vinícius to offer an aerial threat. Igor and Pepê (with his thunderbolt left foot) may try their luck with several free kicks from distance.
Penalties: Vinícius

Substitutions: (if winning on 80 minutes) Gabriel for Torres, Cunha for Vinícius and Fernandes for Guimarães, 3 like for like substitutions.

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

---------Roca
Tetê---Igor----Pepê
---Vinícius---Cunha

Comment deleted by Article Creator

Attacking high press 3-5-2 (New tactics as sold Arthur and removed from subs)

In a game we have to win to progress, we go with an attacking side, that is firstly solid at the back but more importantly gives us a team to go and take the game to Pool. We go with a side with a high work rate, full of energy to press from the front. The defence starts with the front two with their all action styles.

We look to overload the Liverpool defence with our attacking players. With the fans behind us, and a high tempo team we look to push them back. Keep them locked in their own half. With two strikers, and a midfield 5 we can still dominate midfield. The front two will be crucial in creating gaps in their defence, with two forwards occupying their cbs, this will create space for Bernardo in AM to get forward, and also for the wingers when they get around the box.

A dangerous front 5 full of pace, we aim to get at the Liverpool goal. When we lose the ball, we use the pace and all action styles to win it back quickly. Don't let them get out. Leave them tire chasing our speedy attackers, and more importantly chasing the ball.

Our formation gives us a solid base, with three strong defenders tasked with remaining strong at the back, and in front Rodri will be the defensive midfielder always offering cover next to Neves as the deep playmaker always offering cover. This will help us guard against counter as rather than having two cbs with fbs attacking we have 3 solid defenders and a dm back. The back 4 are powerful and pacey, and will bully their forwards.

This set up means we will be more direct, the back three are all excellent in possession and in Rodri and Neves in front they have players comfortable coming deep and taking the ball from the defence. From here we will vary our play. An important variation to our play will also be the long ball, Ter Stegen is fantastic at this, and Marquinhos, Neves and Rodri all have strong long passing ability to mix it up.

The front two set the tempo for the game with their all action styles. Both have the ability to drop deep and join in the attacks. Bernardo the AM, similarly plays with high intensity. We have three cms able to pick a pass, and with the ability to dictate the tempo of the game and control possession. Rodri plays as the deepest cm, Neves with the inteligence to fill in when needed.

We defend in a narrow formation, limiting the space for Liverpool to play in. The wingers will drop back to midfield positions and Rodri drops back to play as a cb, as Marquinhos then plays as sweeper, giving us a 4-4-1-1 formation.

The defence and midfield press as a unit, ensuring there is no space between the lines for Liverpool attacking mids. When defending, Neves plays zonally in front of the cbs and will pick up the most attacking cm in the area. Bernardo will play ball side of Neves and always press the passing lanes. Dybala looks to sit on their dm, simply take him out the game.

When we win the ball we attack at pace. The wingers look to aim their crosses for the man, no hopefully high crosses, they have to either direct them low and or cross in front of the man for the striker to dive on to. They will be deliberate in their play, get to the byline and cutting back rather than crossing where possible.

----------------- Ter Stegen ------------------
----------------------------------------------
----- Militao -- Marquinhos - Laporte ------
------------------------------------------------
-------------- Rodri ---- Neves --------------
S.Gnabry ----- Bernardo.S ------ Sterling
------------------------------------------------
------------ Dybala ---- Lautaro.M -------

Subs. Schmeichel, Carvajal, Theo, Laimer, Zaha, Jesus, Osimhen

Defence

When we lose the ball high up the park we always look to win it back straight away, don’t give Pool a chance to counter. The closest 2/3 players press. Allowing others to get back into position behind the ball. Ter Stegen also guards against hopeful long balls over the top in a sweeper keeper role.

In a narrow, rigid formation, we will look to press the space, not allowing them options. Keep them from advancing to positions where they can’t hurt us, by trying to win the ball back very quickly. Then break quickly in these high positions when we do win the ball.


When Liverpool get past the initial press higher up the park, we drop deeper into a narrower tighter formation narrowing to the side of play, ensuring there are no gaps in the formation set out above. Our defence have fantastic pace up against their forwards, bide their time, not diving in. In this 4-4-1-1 formation, as above.

Attack

We counter quickly when we win the ball aiming our attacks down the wings.

The back 3 are all comfortable on the ball and look to play out, helping us move the ball quickly having a strong base. Ter Stegen’s accurate long balls will also help as we seek to counter quickly exposing space left by Liverpool in attack.

Subs.
If winning after 70 mins bring on Theo for Dybala. 4 at the back. 4-2-3-1. Militao rb.
If winning after 72 mins bring on Jesus for Lautaro. Fresh legs in attack, pace to get at tired legs.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Laimer for Bernardo. Extra and fresh legs in cm, huge injection of energy in defence and attack. Keep the tempo up.

If drawing or losing after 70 mins bring on Jesus for Bernardo. Dybala to AM.
If drawing or losing after 75 mins bring on Theo and Carvajal for Militao and Dybala. Attacking 4-4-2, fresh legs from deep out wide to get forward and get crosses in.

NORWICH CITY v Newcastle United

Müller
Justin, Ajer, Dunk, Grimaldo
Gueye, Koopmeiners
Bale, Brooks, Reus
Suárez

Subs: Woodman, Kenny, Eiting, Matuidi, Buendía, Idah, Huntelaar

Captain: Bale
Free Kicks: Bale
Penalties: Suárez


Our defensive unit consists of Kristoffer Ajer and Lewis Dunk paired up at centre-back, James Justin at right-back and Alejandro Grimaldo at left-back, with Teun Koopmeiners and Idrissa Gueye as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.

This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in Koopmeiners and Gueye 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 Gueye can press the ball without leaving lots of space, as Koopmeiners 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 Gueye's role, he will press almost anywhere in his own half to allow defenders to stay in the defensive line.

With Gueye running his socks off for the team, our high tempo will dictated by his partner in holding midfield, Teun Koopmeiners.

Koopmeiners 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 Koopmeiners such a talent.

The attacking unit consists of Gareth Bale, David Brooks and Marco Reus as our band of three attacking midfielders with Luis Suárez 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 Koopmeiners or Gueye, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.

Justin and Grimaldo can surge up the wings in the knowledge that Koopmeiners and Gueye can drop into the space left behind if needed. As they come up the wings, both Gareth Bale and Marco Reus, who are fast speed merchants, excellent in tight spaces and fantastic dribblers will cut inside or make runs into the box. David Brooks our attacking central midfielder’s low centre of gravity will enable him to navigate away from defenders at a frighteningly quick pace. Brooks is blessed with an instant first touch and can dribble with the ball at such a close proximity to his feet that it makes him almost impossible to tackle this creative passer with his one-touch passing and quick flicks, and who will combine exceptionally well with Bale, Reus & Suárez to create openings and goal scoring opportunities for each other.

Upfront, Suárez will be utilised to “bind” our oppositions defenders in place by occupying them with his positioning, to the point of blocking their defenders in order to create space for Bale, Brooks & Reus to exploit between the lines as this trio look to profit from Suárez’s off-the-ball actions.

Suárez will act as a focal point around which our team will build our attacks, using his strength to hold off their defenders. Suárez is proven adept at one-touch passing and quick flicks in combination play and of course Suarez’s stock in trade when the occasion calls for it – intelligent dummies to fool their defenders.

All 4 of our most advanced players are equally gifted in terms of assisting and scoring goals, and as thus we will not be purely reliant on Suárez on this front, although I expect of course for him to find the back of the net on a number of occasions.

Subs on 75 mins
Kenny on for Justin and Buendía on for Brooks

Double substitution - Lots of energy and pace in the last 15 minutes to look to unlock the opposition’s defence for a late goal regardless of the score line

High press 4-2-3-1

We go with a high energy approach, with the all action Sabitzer and Brozovic coming into the team as we look to press the opposition high up the pitch. We look to attack down the wings attacking with pace, using the pace of our fbs and wingers to create space for Brozovic and Sabitzer in the middle to pull the strings, and for Aguero in the box.

The opposition have real quality in midfield, and so we look to hit them high up the park and pressure them in areas where we can win the ball and hurt them. Putting them under pressure in uncomfortable positions, rush them and force them to go long where we will dominate in air. To pull off the high press we go with a double pivot in front of the back four providing a mix of a strong dm and an energetic box to box to link the defence and attack. This duo coupled with the hard working Sabitzer in front will be key, the wide players also offer a high work rate to defend as a unit high up the park.

When we defend, we defend high up the park in a narrow 4141 formation, in a tight unit with not much space between the lines. Two players pressing the ball, Ndidi behind, and the other closest midfielder in the four blocking the passing lane forward. Force them back. Naturally this high press needs a high line, but with great pace in defence and strength in the air we can guard against long balls but will have to keep on toes.

Ndidi tasked with sweeping in between the midfield and attack, the opposition have players that like to get in between the lines and with the midfield 4 in front pressing as a unit Ndidi is there behind. With team defending in a narrow unit the wide midfielder comes in narrow helping to pick up any spare midfielders who find space or get behind the midfield press.

As a team we look to push the opposition out wide where they will be limited to crosses and we will have a better chance of clearing our lines.

Aguero up top plays his natural game. We look to play with great width stretch the game and the opposition looking to get down the wings to create for Aguero. One fb bombs forward at a time, we look to get Sabitzer out combining with the attacking fb and winger playing one twos and producing the magic to create for Aguero.

————————- Handanovic
K.Walker — de Vrij — Koulibaly — Williams
———————— Ndidi — Brozovic
Chiesa ——————Sabitzer ————— Son.H-M
—————————— Aguero

Subs. Ramsdale, Holgate, Tolisso, Ndombele, Orsolini, Kean, Belotti

Defence

We press high up the park and seek to contain the opposition in their own half. Defending from the front.

When this press fails and the opposition push forward we retreat as a unit in the 4141 formation continuing to press in the same formation with two players pressing the ball. When the opposition beat the high press and get into the final third, we continue to retreat as a unit getting numbers back and the defensive line finally drops to a deep line. We then allow them to retain possession in areas they can’t hurt us, waiting for the chance to press again and push them back. If they seek to recycle the ball and go back to defence we push out as a unit quickly. Two experienced cbs are key for this ensuring we keep a strong line.
The back 4 defend narrow on the side the opposition are attacking. Remove any space for their wide forwards to operate in. The wide midfielders get back, either helping the defending fb or going inside to the Cm allowing Brozovic to press the play, leaving Ndidi in a central position to sweep in front of the defence.
If they seek to go back and switch the play we move over as a unit, seek to press them before they can switch up the park.

de Vrij the defensive leader at the back, he is the man marker with Koulibaly’s intelligence and pace to cover. The full backs always seek to push their attackers out wide.

Subs.

If winning after 70 mins bring on Tolisso for Brozovic fresh pace and energy in midfield.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Orsolini for Chiesa. pace up top to hold up the ball, bully their tired defenders and use pace to get behind.

If drawing/losing after 68 mins bring on Belotti for Chiesa. Sabitzer right. 4-4-2, big man small man combo. Go long, and continue to attack down the wings, getting crosses in for strikers.
If drawing/losing after 75 mins bring on Tolisso for Brozovic. More power and fresh energy.

------------------------ Neuer ------------------------
------ Rudiger ------ Manolas ------ Kamara ------
---------------- Partey ------ Arthur ----------------
------------------------ Pogba ------------------------
Ousmane --------------------------------- Bergwijn
---------------- D.Malen --- J.David ----------------

Rajkovic, Chilwell, D.Rice, Mount, Ocampos, P.Daka, Mukiele

We have to win pure and simple, no point going defensive against Leicester, so force them back and go for goals!
Control possession high up the field, pass and move into positions that can hurt them, when we defend we do so as a team with every player harassing their back line even our front 4 and really pressurise them into quick , misplaced passes for us to pick up, in their face performance, especially Partey, Arthur & Pogba and the front 4 further up the pitch in the centre as we try to nullify their midfield and stop them creating chances for the forwards.

We go with qa back 3, Manolas is the central figure and the spare defender as B.Kamara and Rudiger pick up the forwards, they can do this well and push wide as both can play fullback too so used to marking and can drift wide with Partey & Arthur as an Insurance ahead of them, being strong in a back 3 will hopefully make them push wide and disrupt their play. When we have the ball look to distribute it forward with no messing about and dont get caught in possession, wingers as attacking as they are must help by tracking their fullbacks and stop them getting over the half way line. Kamara and Rudiger at times, may push forward but only when in no danger whatso ever

Partey's primary role in front of the defence is to win possession and then start an attacking phase. Within this he needs to cover spaces in between the midfield and defence where the opposition’s number 10 will likely to be operating whilst also being aware when the full-backs had pushed forward.Take care of of the No 10/SS is also a main focus, he isn't an out an out DM but he has a lot of grit and determination to his game so stick to him like glue and stop him becoming a threat, very good in the air so can attack long/high balls before they get to our defenders. Once he is in possession of the ball nice simple balls to those around him.

Arthur has responsibility throughout the pitch. He is expected to score goals and create chances for team mates, whilst also helping in the defensive third. One requirement of this role are high fitness levels due to the amount of running they are expected to do and he does a lot. The box-to-box midfielder is more likely to be found on the side of the pitch where the full-back that is less efficient in the attacking third plays to provide balance on both flanks, he also has a mean shot from distance and isn't afraid to have a pop.Pogba is in a free role I want him to dictate proceedings in the final third, either playing the through ball to the front two or use the wingers, pass in between the lines and give them something to run onto as the drive passed the defenders, making late runs into the box and look for any loose ball to have a pop at goal, defending wise, I want him to harray and harass who ever has the ball in that area (half way line) and look to force them into mistakes.

Wingers are going to cause problems out wide, with the support they will have, they will look to push the defenders back and get into the danger area, I want them to drive on the outside and play as a natural wingesr not an inside forward unless supported by Pogba who is pushing wide. both sides will definitely pose a threat with quick one twos. Use the midfield to play around them with the ball going in triangles quickly until the break is on. If either Kamara or Rudiger push forward they can cut inside looking to make a nuisance of themselves centrally again using J.David and Malen to get into danger areas. Both wingers have fantastic forwards to aim for in Malen & David so if they get to the bye line then get the crosses in for him to attack.When we don't have the ball drop back and asct as wingbacks covering their wingers as best possible, at least stop them getting the ball into dangerous areas. We go with a front two today, we need goals these two will get plenty chances, however they must put away. I want them to bully the slower/weaker of the two/three. Get into positions that they can go for goal or at very least drag players away for other players to drive into the space. Again, target the slower/weaker of the cbs, split them apart to create space, we are quick, so our forwards must hit them with pace to drag them all over the place. They can score from various angles/ranges even dropping back and from distance, with hopefully a few crosses coming in they can get up and above defenders for. Can both hold it up and look for runners, in particular Berwijn and Ousmane will be making runs so be watchful of them just to lay it off to the side for each other if they cant go themselves. When we defend I want one dropping back to take care of the DM and make an extra man in there so we are not over powered in the middle.

We must defend as a team tho, 3-5-1-1 with Pogba and David both dropping back, from the front, everyone hot on the tails of the opposition, we cant give away cheap goals,so wingers track back and cover the fullbacks, even just to stop them supporting the wingers, we must drive into them and pressurize them into mistakes

Captain - Manolas
Pens - J.David
Free Kicks - Pogba
Corners - Wingers

Losing
70 Mins - Daka for Arthur, Pogba back in beside Partey and Daka up top 3-4-3 very attacking and Ocampos for Bergwijn
80 Mins - Mount for Pogba

Winning -
75 Mins - Mukiele for Malen, Chilwell for Pogba, we go 5 at the back 4 across the middle and David up top 5-4-1, Daka for David on 80

Drawing -
65 Mins - Daka for Malen, Ocampos for Bergwijn
75 Mins - Mount for Pogba, keep the formation, fresh legs

if we go ahead after subs then drop back to a 3-5-1-1 with David supporting Daka

------------------------ J.Oblak ------------------------
Bender ------ van Dijk ------ Maguire ------ Gosens
------------- Bentancur ------ Busquets --------------
Mbappe -------------- Havertz -------------- Neymar
------------------------ Haaland ------------------------

Lafont, Zagadou, Bellingham, Zaniolo, Ferran, Diaby, Greenwood

Our game is based solely on possession football, quick on the break and really pressurise the opposition with an in your face performance from the front, we want to hit them quickly so we need to press them quickly to get the ball, when we defend, the back 4 must stay solid with Busquets and Bentancur ahead of them just in front harassing the man with the ball before they get to our back 4 and our midfield will be in and around the half way line, Haaland slightly higher up, this will congest the midfield and allow us to dictate play, defend from the front, 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.

van Dijk picks up the CF not much gets passed him, Maguire spare picks up the AM if he gets away from our midfield, keep the forward(s) away from the danger area, get onto them quickly, take the ball away from them and play it out of defence, look to get it out wide quickly, Both are comfortable on the ball so can bring it out when in no danger and look for the pass longer to the forwards to hit them with pace, both must attack high balls to get the ball away from the opposition big men. Fullbacks keep the wingers quiet, stop their attacks Keep them away from shooting areas and stop them becoming dangerous in any position by standing tall against them and keeping them on there 'bad' foot. When they attack, only one at a time, they drive down the line in support of the wingers drive on the outside making an extra man. If either get caught up field I want Busquets and Bentancur to drift to the side and this allows the fullbacks to make their way to midfield to cover. van Dijk and Maguire to go up for corners, with the fullbacks and Locatelli sitting back.

Busquets our deepest midfielder sitting just in front of the CB's he will shadow there AM and not allow him to control the game, 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 spreads it from side to side then eventually forward he is always looking for the ball to start again if need be, can be out to the fullbacks or indeed a longer ball to the front three to take the opposition out of it as they are still high up the pitch. Bentancur will help stop the run of play quicker to make our defenders jobs a lot easier, protect our defence as best as possible, in possession get it to the front 3 but also look for fullbacks and Havertz 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. Havertz is essential to our style of play, he is the link between defence and attack, as we break quickly he will look to set up our front three and at times be in an advanced No.10 role and look for the de jong/Locatelli/CB pass. He will drop back at times to pick it up and will look to his dribbling capabilities to get him around players, sometimes taking a foul as he is a tricky player to mark. When in possession always head up looking for the movement of our front three to play them in, 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 and create space for the front 3. 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 our defenders are superb long ball passers, go through the cms or out to one of our attacking fullbacks.however, the movement up front between Mbappe and Neymar will cause them problems drifting in an out, thus allowing Havertz 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 Haaland who can beat any defender with power and pace and the other wingers 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 Haaland who will sit on the last foot so he can spring them and have a shoot or sight mentality, can move central, we must always make sure he is well supported, especially Havertz who at times will be right on his shoulder or alongside, if he cant get the shot away he will be looking to bring others into the game by dropping slightly back to get numbers for the attack he is a very tireless worker, who also helps defend from the from by harassing there back line/DM.

Captain - van Dijk
Penalties - Neymar
Free Kicks - Neymar (when going for goal) otherwise Havertz
Corners - Wingers

Losing -
65 Mins - Greenwood for Gosens, he joins Haaland up front, Bender to RCB 3-4-1-2
75 Mins - M.Diaby for Neymar, fresh legs and Havertz go right up top 3-4-3

Winning -
75 Mins - Bellingham for Havertz and drop to the left of Busquets

Drawing -
70 Mins - Bellingham for Bentancur fresh legs, Ferran for Haaland, Mbappe up top, Ferran to the right
80 Mins - Diaby for Neymar and we go 4-4-2 with Havertz going up top with Mbappe as we use a more long ball tactic

---------------------- Muric --------------------
------ Skriniar --- Hummels --- Tomori -----
------------- Torreira --- M.Pjanic -----------
Mahrez ----------- D.Silva ------------ Ziyech
------------ Abraham --- Werner -------------

Subs:
Bulka, Bailly, Soumare, McKennie, Brahim, L.Bailey, Lacazette

We set up with a strong side suited to playing attacking football in a 3-5-2 formation. We will look to dominate possession which will suit our strengths perfectly. When they’re in possession our wingers drop in as we revert to a 5-3-2 formation, as soon as we win back possession we look to break at speed with our devastating attack and hit them on the counter.

Skriniar is the defensive leader and will be the one to set the defensive line on the pitch, all three centre backs will stay back ensuring we are always prepared with a strong back 3 if we lose possession to stop counter attacks, The 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 2 thrown in to keep the opposition from setting up against one style of play.

For the wingers 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 down the wing 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 infield, looking for a quick one two 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 experience and high technical ability, 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 2 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 2 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. D.Silva will look to dictate the play and always looking for that killer ball into our forwards.

We play we a front two blessed with pace and goals. Our team will sit deep to neutralise the threat of the opposition getting in behind. This naturally means that the opposition will push higher up the field which will leave ample space for us to get in behind. We look to get in behind at all opportunities. Get the ball out wide to Mahrez or Ziyech to break at speed or Silva to go through the middle as we look to supply our lethal finishers up top.

Abraham will be our link up man, playing alongside Werner will cause their CB’s all sorts of problems as he looks to drift between the lines. If the focus is on our other CF this will free up Abraham who’s deadly if given space to shoot. Werner will look to play on the shoulder of the last man, look to use his speed to get in behind and his ice cold finishing should he get played through on goal. He’ll be surrounded with creativity all around him so if the opposition drop off we look to push our fullbacks forward with both having great delivery for our front two to attack. We play a fast counter attacking brand of football and look to go for goals.

Subs;
If winning:
65 mins: D.Silva off, Angelino on. Move to a back 4.
75 mins: Abraham off, McKennie on. Shut up shop time as we move to 4-5-1 to see out the win.

If drawing:
65 mins: Pjanic off, McKennie on.
75 mins: Abraham & Ziyech off, Lacazette & L.Bailey on. Extra pace and energy as we go for the winner.

If losing:
70 mins: Abraham & Silva off, Lacazette & L.Bailey on. Ziyech moves centrally as we go for goals.

------------------ Courtois ----------------
----------------------------------------------
Cancelo -- De Ligt -- T.Silva - A.Sandro
----------------------------------------------
---- Eriksen --- Casemiro --- Tonali ----
----------------------------------------------
M.Asensio --- K.Benzema --- E.Hazard

Subs:
Lunin, Bonucci, Marcelo, Cuisance, Fernandes, Sancho, Lewandowski

Captain: T.Silva
Free Kicks: Eriksen/Hazard
Penalties: Hazard
Corners: Wingers

Tactics:

Moving the ball at speed will be the focus of our play as we go for the win. We go with an attacking 4-3-3 as we look to play on the front foot and feel this with match up well if our opponents play their usual 3 at the back formation. We defend in numbers and look to hit them with fast direct counter attacking football. Our playmakers ready to pounce and feed our exciting front three as the opposition leave themselves exposed when pushing men football as we look punish them on the break.

Whilst the opposition have some dangerous players we will look to significantly limit their impact by retaining possession, we will force them to track back or risk leaving their defence exposed when we push forward in numbers. We aim to make things uncomfortable for them and limit any space for them to play in the final third, severely hampering their normal style of football. When they are in possession our wingers drop in as we play a compact 4-5-1 formation.

We look to draw the opposition onto us by sitting deep, limiting the space in behind us and drawing them further up the field creating space for us to hit them on the counter.

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. De Ligt will pick up their main striker. Strong, aggressive and a great reader of the game we feel he has all the tools to deal with any opponent. De Ligt will act as cover, sweeping up and offering cover in behind to eliminate any balls over the top. The Dutchman sweeping up from the back and immediately looking to get us on the counter with his fantastic vision and passing.

Our fullbacks will look to sit in, forming a solid defensive unit and giving the opposition no space to operate. If they play two up top our FB's will narrow, offering additional cover in behind the CB's.

Offensively both Cancelo and Sandro have license to push forward, overlapping our wingers we look to outnumber them on the flanks, creating 2 v 1 scenarios which will give us opportunities to get in behind with both FB’s having great quality in the final third.

Midfield:

We go with a three man midfield, packed with quality and experience we look to dominate and take the game to our opponents. Casemiro will be our holding player in the middle and operate as a DM. A fantastic reading of the game he will look to break up the opposition play, winning back possession and setting us up on the counter as we look to get the ball into our creative players as quickly as possible. He’ll pick up their most advanced AM and cut out their supply line. He’s also a fantastic passer which will be key in winning the midfield battle and ball retention.

Eriksen and Tonali will be our magic men in the middle, acting as our creators in chief we look to get them on the ball as much as possible. With Casemiro acting as an anchor they have freedom to get forward and pick apart the opposition. Short sharp passing will pull the opposition apart with both players capable of playing that killer pass in the final third. We want them to look for our forwards early, pinging the ball in behind for our front three to get onto as we look to hit them on the break.

Asensio & Hazard will also look drift in between the lines giving us an extra link up and creating a numerical advantage in midfield. Our gameplan is based on creating an overload in key areas, forcing the opposition to abandon their shape as they desperately scamper to cover the free man however in doing so they will be pulled out of shape and leaving gaps in their defence for our attackers to exploit.

Forwards:

Up top we go with an attacking trio with great chemistry and capable of giving any defence nightmares, dangermen Asensio and Hazard flanking the predator Benzema in the middle. In one on one situations Asensio and Hazard are devastating and both have license to go at the opposition. With a powerhouse frontline we go for goals, both wingers will look to cause problems, cutting inside and going direct for goal one moment and driving down the line, bamboozling the opposition before whipping the ball into the box the next. We look to draw in opposition players, freeing up our other forward to pounce with quick incisive passing in the final third

Benzema plays through the middle and will have a dream supply line around him. The brief is simple, get into the box and do what you do best. With the number of quality attackers we have around him Benzema could well find himself in one on one match ups in which he’s deadly. Play on the shoulder of the last man and as always be on your toes in the box, ready to pounce and finish anything that comes your way.

Subs;

If winning:
70 mins: Gedson off, Eriksen on. Fresh legs as we keep our energy levels high.
80 mins: Asensio off, Bonucci on. Shut up shop time as we move to a compact 5-4-1 formation as we see the game out to take the win.

If drawing:
70 mins: Benzema & Asensio off, Lewandowski & Sancho on. We bring on two of our main men who will look to expose a tiring defence as we go for the winner.

If losing:
70 mins: Tonali & Asensio off, Lewandowski & Sancho on. 4-2-2-2 with Lewa & Benz up top with Sancho & Hazard on the flanks.

Comment deleted by Site Moderator

PORTSMOUTH vs Chelsea

-----------------------------------Nubel ---------------------------
Castagne---------Ramos-----------Stones----------F Mendy
-------------------------------------Kante---------------------------------------
----------------------Goretzka----------Valverde--------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adama-------------------- Ronaldo ------------------------------Sane

Subs - Safonov, Tanganga, Diawara. Kovacic, Van De Beek, Barnes, Dolberg

CAPTAIN - RAMOS
CK'S - SANE
FK'S - RONALDO
PENALTIES - RONALDO

When we don't have possession of the ball in our half I want the whole team except the strikers to get in our half and defend. Play a deep defensive line so that oppo can't use their pacy forwards to beat the offside trap. When we win possession of the ball I want the players to hit the oppo on the counter attack using the pace of our wingers. We have good ball players in the centre and they will help keep us ticking.

Defence
Nubel in net, command your box and don't do anything flashy. Stones and Ramos bring experience to the backline. Ramos will focus on marking the oppo striker and will look to stick close to him and to watch out for his attacking runs. Stay aggressive and not let him turn you. Stones will mark the other striker if the oppo is playing 2 up front or to watch out any attacking runs of their AM if they play him instead.

Full backs
Castagne + Mendy
Castagne and Mendy will look to help both in attack and defence. Make forays forward when we have the ball in the oppos side of the pitch but track back when we don't. Stay composed when the oppo winger tries to dribble past you and be vary of their runs behind you. Get some crosses into the box as Ronaldo is very good in the air. Make overlapping runs when possible and try and play through balls for Sane/Adama to run into down the line. Kante will be covering for you if you are out of position

Defence Mids
Kante
Kante will be tasked with protecting the defence. A true definition of never say die attitude he will be running all game and doing what he does best and win the ball off of the oppo. Cover for our fullbacks when they overlap and are out of position. Stick close to the oppo AM/their most attacking midfielder and pressure him as soon as he gets the ball. He will not be able to handle your relentless pressing. When you have possession of the ball quickly pass it to one if our forward players.
Goretzka and Valverde will play a b2b role. Make runs forward and play pass and move passes with teammates and help the attack whenever you can. Make late runs into the box to try and score. When the oppo has the ball in the centre of midfield close them down and try and win the ball back. Shoot from long range if you see an opportunity.

Wingers
Adama + Sane
These 2 will be the focal point of our attacking play. Use your pace to take the opponent fb on and get to the byline and whip in some balls for Ronaldo to smash home. I want these 2 to stay near the halfway line when not in possession of the ball and be ready for the opportunity to hit the oppo on the counter attack. Time your runs and if you beat the offside trap and are through on goal use your calmness in front of goal to bury the ball home. Use our fullbacks for support in attacking plays either as them acting as decoys when they make overlapping runs for you to dribble infield and get into the oppo box do you can cause havoc to their defence.

Strikers
Ronaldo
Ronaldo will always stay in strike. No need to track back I want you to conserve your energy and concentrate on scoring goals. Be aware of lofted through balls and time your runs as best as you can. When in the box use your quickness and agility to get into good positions away from oppo defenders. Play quick one two's with each other to penetrate the oppo defence. Be aware of crosses into the box and use your superhuman athletic ability to outjump the oppo defenders.

IF WINNING BY 65 MINS
Change formation to 541. Play even more deep and hit the oppo on the counter. No need to send a lot of bodies forward.
Take off Goretzka and put on Tanganga in CB to give the defence even more protection. Diawara on for Valverde aswell.

----------------------------------- Nubel ---------------------------
Castagne-----Ramos-----Stones----Tanganga----Mendy
------------------------Diawara--------Kante---------------------
Adama------------------------------------------------------------Sane
----------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------- Ronaldo -----------------------------

IF LOSING BY 65 MINS
Change formation to below. Take off Goretzka and put on Dolberg in strike. Play close to each other and put a tonne of pressure in the oppo defence. VDB on for Valverde to play AM. Defend high up and try and score a goal.

----------------------------- Nubel ---------------------------
Castagne---------Stones-------Ramos--------Mendy
-----------------------------------Kante----------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------VDB ------------------------------
Adama---------Dolberg------------CR7-----------------Sane

IF DRAWING BY 65MINS
Kovacic on for Goretzka
Barnes on for Adama
Van De Beek on for Valverde
Fresh legs.

SOTON VS Wolves

--------------------------------Gunn-----------------------
Dalot--------Demiral----------Dias----------Sessegnon
-----------------Llorente------------Aouar--------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pulisic-----------------------------------------------Richarlison
--------------------------------Felix--------------------------------
-----------------------------Rashford-----------------------------------

Subs - M Sarr, Kumbulla, McTominay, SMS, Kulusevski, Ødegaard, Jovic

CAPTAIN - DIAS
CK'S - PULISIC
FK'S - PULISIC
PENALTIES - RASHFORD

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

Defence
GK to be confident in box. Don't take risks. Punch the ball away if the shot is too powerful. Command your area. The defence is well balanced. Demiral and Dias bring a lot of strength and pace to the defence. Dias will marshal the defence and Demiral 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. Llorente will be covering for them when they go attacking.

Defence Mids
Llorente + Aouar
Llorente 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 but don't try any risky passes.
Aouar will look to pick the ball up from deep and use his pace and energy to dribble the ball out. Make runs forward and help our attacking players whenever you can. Play quick passes forward and use your agility to outmanoeuvre the oppo players. When not in possession of the ball I want him to sit alongside Llorente in the middle and protect the defence.

Wingers
Pulisic + Richarlison
These 2 will be the focal point of my attack. I want to give them the freedom to express themselves in attack. Richarlison will be looking to cut in from the left and Pulisic will be looking to get to the byline and whip in balls into the box. I want you both to try and beat the oppo fullbacks with your pace and dribbling ability but don't try too hard as if you see them doubling up on you you can either pass back or into the centre of the pitch to one of our CM's. I want you both to be aware of our fullbacks and play pass and move 1 2's with them to try and penetrate the oppo back line. Dalot and Sessegnon 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 Rashford to get his head on. Help our FB's in defensive duties if the oppo winger is trying to take them on. Track back and double up on him or mark the run of the opposition FB if they try to make an overlapping run. 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
Felix
Felix will be playing just behind Rashford 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
Rashford
Rashford is a striker that has the deadly combination of pace and finishing. He will look to use his pace 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 use your pace to get away from them. Play quick pass and move combinations with your teammates to fund spaces in the oppo defence.


Subs if LOSING BY 65MINS
Put on Kulusevski for Aouar and Ødegaard for Felix to bring some more attacking impetus on. Play a high line and try and get a goal. Change formation to 41212 and play the below formation. Play a high line and put a lot of pressure on the oppo to win the ball back. If still losing in the last 5 mins stick Llorente in strike and go even more attacking.

---------------------------------Gunn--------------------------------
Dalot---------Demiral-------------Dias----------Sessegnon
-------------------------------Llorente---------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kulusevski-----------------------------------------------------------Pulisic
-------------------------------Odegaard-------------------------------
------------------Rashford-----------Richarlison-------------------


Subs if WINNING BY 80MINS
Take off Felix and put on Kumbulla in CB. Play defensive with everyone in our own half defending for their lives, waiting to hit the oppo on the counter attack. Kulusevski on for Pulisic and McTominay for Aouar to add a bit more energy into the midfield.

----------------------------------------Gunn--------------------------------
Dalot--------Kumbulla---------Dias--------Demiral--------Sess
---------------------------McTom--------Llorente-------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------Kulusevski---------------------------------------Richarlison-------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------Rashford-----------------------------------

Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Kulusevski on for Pulisic
SMS on for Aouar
Ødegaard on for Felix
Fresh legs to bring on.

Bournemouth (4-3-3) Europa League Semi 1
Captain : Torres
Vice Captain : Blanco

----------------Blanco
Emerson--Felipe--Torres----Lodi
-----------Roca----Guimarães
----------------Henrique
Antony---------------------------Pepê
----------------Vinícius

SUBS: Ivan, Iago, Fuchs, Assunção, Igor, Tetê, Kaio


SUMMARY: This week we go with a 4-3-3 set up although we will be a tad more conservative and operate with one holding/defensive midfielder (Roca) who will be complimented with a deep sitting box to box midfielder (Guimarães). In front of them Henrique will operate as the link between midfield and attack. This I feel will give us a better balanced midfield and while being absolutely defensively sound with 2 ‘sitting’ Guimarães will also be allowed the freedom (when the time arises) to link with Henrique and attack. I think this set-up lets us link up quickly with our attack while at the same time that little bit of extra cautiousness means it will be easy for us to close the door in midfield with all 3 players as comfortable sitting and breaking up attacks if necessary.
We want to play a nice tidy and crisp passing game. Our aim is to move the ball forward as quickly and as effectively as possible. When we have the ball we will use it wisely and when we don’t have the ball then we will press our opponents all over the park with high urgency to win it back. We want to keep the ball on the deck and attack as a team and equally as important defend as a team. This team is bursting with pace. We will utilise that to our advantage and make the pitch wide and use our flying wingers to cause all sorts of mayhem. It will also be a tool that we use to hit opponents on the counter where we know we can out pace any team.
Goalkeeper: Blanco is a big mobile keeper and very agile. A great shot stopper, he will communicate with the back 4 and be commanding with the high ball. He will not take any risks. He is a great distributor with both hand and foot and we will look to this as a way to launch quick attacks.
Defence: Our 2 full backs are there firstly to defend and make sure they stay on the right side of their opponents whether they be out wide or cutting inside. When we are on the attack they will be allowed to use their power and pace to provide the overlap on the flanks. They both have the power and the lungs to work the touchline for 90 minutes. They will make the pitch wide and always offer themselves as an option in attack. Our 2 centre halves are big 6 feet plus ball playing defenders. Both good in the air and equally as good with the ball at their feet. They will be asked to do the simple things well. Be aggressive but controlled in the tackle and never lose your man when defending dead ball situations. They will be able to bring the ball out of defence but if in doubt take absolutely no chances and clear it. Both big men will be a real aerial threat at set pieces.
Midfield: We will operate with one holding/defensive midfielder (Roca). He will be the midfield general. A physical pacey midfielder he will be there to boss this area for us. Breaking up play and filling in as an extra defender if one of our back 4 has ventured forward. He will be there to protect the defence and do a lot of the unseen dirty work in the centre of the park. He is essential to our game plan and while sitting deep will still offer a lot with his great passing ability. He also has a thunderbolt right foot. He will be complimented with a deep sitting box to box midfielder (Guimarães). He has a more conservative role this week and while being a little more constrained than normal he will still have the opportunity to bomb forward when the time is right. They will both have to put a defensive shift in and both are very strong in the tackle. We will look at their enthusiasm and relentless pressing of the opposition as a way to hopefully get a bit of a grip on the midfield and at the very least not make it plain sailing for the opposition. In front of them Henrique will operate as the link between midfield and attack.
Wingers/Centre Forward: When in possession both Antony and Pepê 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 Henrique, Guimarães and Vinícius in to play. They can vary their attacks as they see fit. Both players can play all across the middle so don’t be surprised to see them swapping wings. At times Guimarães may sit a bit deeper allowing Henrique 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.
Vinícius starts as the CF. He won’t be short of support or ammunition with the attacking talent behind him. Great playing off the shoulder of the last man he is deadly in and around the box. A bag of energy and very strong we will also look for him to hold up and bring others in to play if it doesn’t seem to be on for him. We will look to get bodies in the box when attacking so he should always have an outlet. He is also great in the air and will provide an option from set pieces. When the shot is on he will take it but we also want to put himself about in the box and think that his lightning pace will be a real handful for defences. He will also be alert to any scraps in and around the goal. He has the ability to produce something sublime and create a chance out of nothing.
Free Kicks/Corners: Henrique, Pepê or Antony with Felipe, Torres, Roca and Vinícius to offer an aerial threat. Henrique and Pepê (with his thunderbolt left foot) may try their luck with several free kicks from distance.

Substitutions: (75 mins) If winning (and comfortable) then 3 like for like subs – Fuchs for Felipe, Assunção for Roca and Kaio for Vinícius.
If losing (70 mins) then switch to a 4-1-3-2 and replace Guimarães with Kaio and Antony with Tetê. Fresh legs and 2 attackers that carry a goal threat about them. We will look to their pace and freshness to offer us something different.
------------Roca
Tetê------Henrique-----Pepê
--------Kaio ---Vinícius

------------------------ Navas -------------------------
Bender ----- van Dijk ----- Maguire ----- Lucas.H
------------ F. de Jong ----- S.Busquets ------------
Mbappe ------------- Havertz ------------- Neymar
----------------------- Haaland -----------------------

Cumming, Tielemans, Zaniolo, Diaby, Gosens, Jimenez, Dembele

Our game is based solely on possession football, quick on the break and really pressurise the opposition with an in your face performance from the front, we want to hit them quickly so we need to press them quickly to get the ball, when we defend, the back 4 must stay solid with Busquets and de Jong ahead of them just in front harassing the man with the ball before they get to our back 4 and our midfield will be in and around the half way line, Haaland slightly higher up, this will congest the midfield and allow us to dictate play, defend from the front, 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.

van Dijk picks up the CF not much gets passed him, Maguire spare picks up the AM if he gets away from our midfield, keep the forward(s) away from the danger area, get onto them quickly, take the ball away from them and play it out of defence, look to get it out wide quickly, Both are comfortable on the ball so can bring it out when in no danger and look for the pass longer to the forwards to hit them with pace, both must attack high balls to get the ball away from the opposition big men. Fullbacks keep the wingers quiet, stop their attacks Keep them away from shooting areas and stop them becoming dangerous in any position by standing tall against them and keeping them on there 'bad' foot. When they attack, only one at a time, they drive down the line in support of the wingers drive on the outside making an extra man. If either get caught up field I want Busquets and de Jong to drift to the side and this allows the fullbacks to make their way to midfield to cover. van Dijk and Maguire to go up for corners, with the fullbacks and Busquets sitting back.

Busquets our deepest midfielder sitting just in front of the CB's he will shadow there AM and not allow him to control the game, 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 spreads it from side to side then eventually forward he is always looking for the ball to start again if need be, can be out to the fullbacks or indeed a longer ball to the front three to take the opposition out of it as they are still high up the pitch. de Jong will help stop the run of play quicker to make our defenders jobs a lot easier, protect our defence as best as possible, in possession get it to the front 3/4 but also look for fullbacks and Havertz 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. Havertz is essential to our style of play, he is the link between defence and attack, as we break quickly he will look to set up our front three and at times be in an advanced No.10 role and look for the de jong/Busquets/CB pass. He will drop back at times to pick it up and will look to his dribbling capabilities to get him around players, and into the danger area to unleash a powerful drive, sometimes taking a foul as he is a tricky player to mark. When in possession always head up looking for the movement of our front three to play them in, 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 and create space for the front 3. 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 our defenders are superb long ball passers, go through the cms or out to one of our attacking fullbacks.however, the movement up front between Mbappe and Neymar will cause them problems drifting in an out, thus allowing Havertz 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 Haaland who can beat any defender with power and pace and the other wingers 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 Haaland who will sit on the last foot so he can spring them and have a shoot or sight mentality, can move central, we must always make sure he is well supported, especially Havertz who at times will be right on his shoulder or alongside, if he cant get the shot away he will be looking to bring others into the game by dropping slightly back to get numbers for the attack he is a very tireless worker, who also helps defend from the from by harassing there back line/DM.

Captain - van Dijk
Penalties - Neymar
Free Kicks - Neymar (when going for goal) otherwise Havertz
Corners - Wingers

Losing/drawing -
65 Mins - Jimenez for Haaland, M.Diaby for Neymar. Havertz goes up top in a 4-4-2 and I want Diaby to fire cross after cross into the box as Havertz and Jimenez are supervb in the air

Losing
75 Mins - Gosens for Lucas, I want him to support Diaby down that left flank really posing a lot of problems to the RB, both Gosens and Diaby to fire in the crosses

Winning -
75 Mins - Tielemans for Havertz, go to the left of Busquets in a solid 3 man mid
80 Mins - Gosens for Neymar, shore up that left hand side, Jimenez for Haaland, great at hold up play

Drawing -
78 Mins - Dembele for Havertz

4-2-2-2 Samba Magic Box

We go with an attacking side full of pace, that can defend from the front in a flexible formation with players that willl defend high up the pitch. Simple Brazilian principle of scoring more goals than opposition. The Samba inspired formation allows us to play quick free flowing football.

The two attacking midfielders have freedom to play central or wide giving fluency to the play. We have fantastic pace in attack, width is created from the drifting of the forwards, the movement of attacking mids and the marauding fbs. Target the opposition cbs with pace, and get at them down the outside where the fbs aren’t the strongest defensively.

We move away from the idea that midfield superiority has to be achieved and so the numbers needed to do this is not necessary, giving an extra man in attack. The organisation of a team's play and the inter-linking between the individual blocks is simpler using 4-2-2-2. more refined and more objective. The distances players have to cover is less, and things happen faster. With a single pass from midfield there can be somebody near the ball close to the opponent's goal.

The even distribution of players across the pitch tends to lend itself to players being unmarked at the moment possession is won back, opening the potential for an instant attack.

Spurs have a great midfield, we play to bypass it, getting numbers in attack to target their defence. We have 6 strong defensive players, the two cms importantly are both strong on the ball and defensively. Rodri offering athleticism in midfield, Neves in a playmaker role both are strategists in our formation pulling the strings with the ability to play long accurate passes.

Formation also offers flexibility as we can drop two solid lines of four to defence, and remove any space between the lines and allow us to defend in a tight unit.

The team selected importantly has the ability to play at a high tempo in attack and defence, starting with the front two. We expect the opposition will have more of the ball, however with two strong lines of defence and a an all action front two we will defend all over the pitch.

Playing with a high tempo when we win the ball we attack at pace down the wings, but the two wide players have freedom to play central, find space behind their midfield. We seek to play direct and to hit the opposition on the counter.

We go with an unorthodox formation the opposition wont be expecting, drawing inspiration from the attacking Brazilian sides, but with the flexibility to drop into a more defensive Burnley esque formation.

Both full backs will have freedom to attack, one bombing down the wing at a time, linking with the wide midfielder and crossing for the front two. The overlapping fb, wingers with front two will give us an overload in attacking situations as we get forward quickly.

Though we look to play direct, only long balls are to feet or into space for players to run on to. The front two offer high work rate, pace and great ability on the ball. Jesus has freedom to drift wide or get in behind while Lautaro’s link up play will be important, while offer a great goal threat.

—————————— Ter Stegen
Carvajal —— Militao —— Laporte —— Alaba
———————— Rodri ——- Neves
——— Dybala ——————————- Sterling ——
———————- Lautaro —— Jesus

Subs. Schmeichel, Bastoni, Laimer, Thiago, Nkunku, Gnabry, M.Gomez

High press defence

The front two have fantastic work rates and will work together as the first block. The two attacking mids will defend behind making a defensive box.

Once the opposition get past this box press, the team drop to take a relatively deep line when the opposition have the ball. We allow them to retain possession in areas they can’t hurt us. We defend in a compact unit two lines of four. Lautaro and Jesus drop in between the oppositions defenders and midfielders in front of the cms one on each side. In advanced areas we always seek to have two players pressing the ball. As we drop deeper the ams drop in wide of cms in a line of four.

As the opposition advance, we defend in two compact lines of four, no space between the lines. As they enter we defend in a deep formation leaving no space behind or between the lines. Lautaro then sits on their deepest Cm, simply take him out the game. This ensures they don’t outnumber us in the centre of midfield in areas they can hurt us.

The back 4 defend narrow on the side the opposition are attacking. Remove any space for their wide forwards to operate in. The wide midfielders get back, either helping the defending fb or going inside to the Cm allowing Rodri to press the pay, leaving Neves goal side zonal guarding cbs. If they seek to go back and switch the play we move over as a unit.

Laporte the defensive leader at the back, Militao is the man marker with Laporte intelligence to cover. The full backs always seek to push their wide players out wide.

When we attack we push forward as a team as the defence push up. We have pace at the back to guard against counter attacks, and in Ter Stegen have a strong sweeper keeper.

Subs.

If winning after 70 mins bring on Thiago for Neves.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Nkunku for Dybaala fresh pace and stronger defensive cover.

If winning after 80 mins bring on Gnabry for Lautaro. Fresh pace and extra midfielder on. Nkunku to Cm. Gnabry and Sterling wide.

If drawing after 70 mins bring on Thiago for Neves and Gnabry for Lautaro. More creativity, fresh legs and more pace.
If drawing after 80 mins bring on Nkunku for Dybala. Fresh pace as game opens up.

If losing after 62 mins, bring on Gnabry and Maxi Gomez for Lautaro and Jesus. Gomez target man, Dybala no.10. Gnabry and Sterling wide.
If losing after 75 mins bring on Nkunku for Carvajal. 3-5-2. Alaba left centre back. Nkunku AM.

------------------ De Gea -----------------
Hakimi -- Skriniar -- Hummels - Mendy
----------- Torreira -- D.Silva -----------
L.Bailey ------ H.Ziyech ----- A.Martial
-------------- Timo Werner --------------

Subs:
Muric, Tomori, Soumare, McKennie, Bennacer, B.Diaz, Abraham

We set up with a strong side suited to playing counter attacking football in a 4-2-3-1 formation. We expect the opposition to look to dominate possession which will suit our strengths perfectly. When they’re in possession our wingers drop in as we revert to a 4-5-1 formation, as soon as we win back possession we look to break at speed with our devastating front 4 and hit them on the counter.

Skriniar 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 experience and high technical ability, 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. Ziyech will look to dictate the play and always looking for that killer ball into our forwards.

Our front three are blessed with pace and goals. Our team will sit deep to neutralise the threat of the opposition getting in behind. This naturally means that the opposition will push higher up the field which will leave ample space for us to get in behind. We look to get in behind at all opportunities. Get the ball out wide to Bailey or Martial to break at speed or Ziyech to go through the middle as we look to supply our lethal finisher up top. Werner will look to play on the shoulder of the last man, look to use his lightening pace to get in behind and his ice cold finishing should he get played through on goal. He’ll be surrounded with have pace and creativity all around him so if the opposition drop off we look to push our wide players push up alongside Werner giving us an attacking front three. We play a fast counter attacking brand of football and look to go for goals.

Subs;
If winning:
70 mins: Ziyech off, Soumare on.
80 mins: Silva off, Tomori on. 5-4-1 shut up shop time as we tighten up with a solid defensive unit as we see the game win.

If drawing:
75 mins: Bailey off, Abraham on. 4-2-2-2 as we look for the winner.

If losing:
65 mins: Torreira off, McKennie on.
75 mins: Hummels off, Abraham on. 3-4-3 all out attack

------------------- Courtois -----------------
Cancelo -- Bonucci -- T.Silva -- A.Sandro
----------- Casemiro -- De Bruyne --------
Sancho ---------- Hazard --------- Asensio
---------------- Lewandowski --------------

Subs:
Lunin, Konate, Kehrer, Tonali, Eriksen, Icardi, Benzema

Captain: Bonucci
Free Kicks: De Bruyne/Hazard
Penalties: Lewandowski
Corners: Sancho

Tactics:

Retaining possession and moving the ball at speed will be the focus of our play as we go with an attacking 4-2-3-1 formation as we go for the win. Slight tactical tweak in today’s game as De Bruyne slots in alongside Casemiro as a dominant CM pairing whilst Hazard plays centrally, an X factor drifting between the lines in the number 10 role as we look to take the game to our opponents by dominating through our powerhouse midfield.

Hazard will be flanked by Sancho and Asensio behind Lewandowski, offering a perfect blend of pace, trickery and unpredictability that will cause plenty of problems for their defence. We feel that this front four combined with KDB pushing forward from deep will cause problems galore as we have a multitude of attacking threats in our lineup. We will look to dictate the play and take the game to the opposition.

When they’re in possession we sit deep in a tight 4-5-1 formation, our DM marshalling the middle of the park, breaking down the opposition and setting up us on the counter. By taking away the space in behind we feel that we are taking away a large part of their gameplan as we force them to try and play through a brick wall in front of them. As they push men forward feel that we then have the perfect players to hit them at pace on the counter.

Defence:

We go with a strong defensive unit packed with pace and quality as we look to nullify the threat posed by their attack. If the opposition play one up top then Bonucci will mark. Strong, aggressive and a fantastic in the air we feel he has all the tools to deal with any opponent. T.Silva will act as cover, using his experience and positional sense he will look to cover in behind and eliminate any balls over the top. Two leaders at the back will look to physically impose ourselves on their forwards giving them no time on the ball.

Our fullbacks will stick tight to the wide men, safe in the knowledge that they have supporting cover with Casemiro drifting across from DM to offer additional support. We look to double up on their wingers to severely limit their impact with the CB also offering additional cover in behind. When in possession our FB’s will look to get the ball in quickly to our danger men with both possessing quality with the ball at their feet. They’ll be disciplined when pushing forward, leaving very little space for their wingers and ensuring we are also on hand to deal with any balls in behind.

Midfield:

Casemiro will be our holding player in the middle. A world class player we rely on his athleticism and fantastic reading of the game to break up the opposition play, winning back possession and setting us up on the counter. We want him to make his physicality known, imposing himself on their midfield and giving them no space to manoeuvre as we look to win the midfield battle which will be key in winning the game.

De Bruyne slots alongside him giving us a world class CM duo as we look to take hold of the game. Starting in a slightly deeper role he has freedom to roam and pull the opposition apart. A player with superb vision he will look to get on the ball as much as possible, dropping deep and looking to release Hazard centrally or Sancho and Asensio on the flanks as we play at pace. He has license to push forward alongside Hazard when we’re in possession, causing them a defensive nightmare as the Belgian duo look to expose their defensive frailties in the midfield of the park. With a fantastic strike from range we also encourage him to go for goal with a potential thunderbolt on the cards at any moment.

Forwards:

In attack we go with four heavy hitters as we aim or goals. Hazard plays centrally, having license to drift between the lines making himself extremely difficult to be picked up and causing a mismatch in this area of the field. We look to get him on the ball and drive at the opposition, drawing in defenders before releasing one of our other forwards in space as we look to overwhelm them offensively.

Sancho and Asensio offer pace on the flanks. Both will be direct, going at the opposition with speed. In one on one situations Sancho and Asensio can be deadly and with the opposition likely to be concerned with KDB and Hazard there is every chance these two can find space to expose on the flanks. With a powerhouse frontline we go for goals, both wingers will look to cause problems, cutting inside and going direct for goal one moment and driving down the line, bamboozling the opposition before whipping the ball into the box the next.

Lewandowski plays through the middle and will have a dream supply line around him. The brief is simple, get into the box and do what you do best. With the number of quality attackers we have around him Lewandowski could well find himself in one on one match ups in which he’s deadly. Play on the shoulder of the last man and as always be on your toes in the box, ready to pounce and finish anything that comes your way.

Subs;

If winning:
75 mins: Asensio off, Konate on. We move to 5-4-1, tightening up defensively we look to shut up shop and see out the win.
85 mins: Lewandowski off, Benzema on. Fresh legs up top as we look to pick them off as space opens up on the counter.

If drawing:
70 mins: Asensio off, Benzema on. We switch to 4-2-2-2 with Benzema & Lewandowski up top and Sancho & Hazard on the flanks. Goals.

If losing:
75 mins: Cancelo and Asensio off, Eriksen & Benzema on.
Attacking 3-4-3 as we pile on the pressure and look to turn the game around.

PORTSMOUTH vs Chelsea - CL

-----------------------------------Nubel ---------------------------
Aarons---------Ramos-----------Stones----------F Mendy
---------------------------------Ndidi---------------------------------------
--------------------De Beek----------Valverde--------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sane------------------------ Ronaldo ----------------------Brandt

Subs - Safonov, Ake, Diawara. Kovacic, Thuram, Barnes, Dolberg

CAPTAIN - RAMOS
CK'S - BRANDT
FK'S - RONALDO
PENALTIES - RONALDO

When we don't have possession of the ball in our half I want the whole team except the strikers to get in our half and defend. Play a deep defensive line so that oppo can't use their pacy forwards to beat the offside trap. When we win possession of the ball I want the players to hit the oppo on the counter attack using the pace of our wingers. We have good ball players in the centre and they will help keep us ticking.

Defence
Nubel in net, command your box and don't do anything flashy. Stones and Ramos bring experience to the backline. Ramos will focus on marking the oppo striker and will look to stick close to him and to watch out for his attacking runs. Stay aggressive and not let him turn you. Stones will mark the other striker if the oppo is playing 2 up front or to watch out any attacking runs of their AM if they play him instead.

Full backs
Aarons + Mendy
Aarins and Mendy will look to help both in attack and defence. Make forays forward when we have the ball in the oppos side of the pitch but track back when we don't. Stay composed when the oppo winger tries to dribble past you and be vary of their runs behind you. Get some crosses into the box as Ronaldo is very good in the air. Make overlapping runs when possible and try and play through balls for Sane/Adama to run into down the line. Ndidi will be covering for you if you are out of position

Defence Mids
Ndidi
Ndidi will be tasked with protecting the defence. A true definition of never say die attitude he will be running all game and doing what he does best and win the ball off of the oppo. Cover for our fullbacks when they overlap and are out of position. Stick close to the oppo AM/their most attacking midfielder and pressure him as soon as he gets the ball. He will not be able to handle your relentless pressing. When you have possession of the ball quickly pass it to one if our forward players.
De Beek and Valverde will play a b2b role. Make runs forward and play pass and move passes with teammates and help the attack whenever you can. Make late runs into the box to try and score. When the oppo has the ball in the centre of midfield close them down and try and win the ball back. Shoot from long range if you see an opportunity.

Wingers
Sane + Brandt
These 2 will be the focal point of our attacking play. Sane will look to take the opponent fb on and cut in from the right wing to either shoot or find a teammate making an attacking run. Brandt will have a more conservative role than Sane as I want him use his dribbling and ball control to open up the oppo defence. Your role will be to drift infield and become like an AM. Play quick passes with the team and use your abundance of energy to find pockets of space. I want Sane to stay near the halfway line when not in possession of the ball and be ready for the opportunity to hit the oppo on the counter attack. Time your runs and if you beat the offside trap and are through on goal use your calmness in front of goal to bury the ball home. Use our fullbacks for support in attacking plays either as them acting as decoys when they make overlapping runs for you to dribble infield and get into the oppo box do you can cause havoc to their defence.

Strikers
Ronaldo
Ronaldo will always stay in strike. No need to track back I want you to conserve your energy and concentrate on scoring goals. Be aware of lofted through balls and time your runs as best as you can. When in the box use your quickness and agility to get into good positions away from oppo defenders. Play quick one two's with each other to penetrate the oppo defence. Be aware of crosses into the box and use your superhuman athletic ability to outjump the oppo defenders.

IF WINNING BY 65 MINS
Change formation to 541. Play even more deep and hit the oppo on the counter. No need to send a lot of bodies forward.
Take off De Beek and put on Ake in CB to give the defence even more protection. Diawara on for Valverde aswell. Barnes on for Brandt to offer more pace aswell.

----------------------------------- Nubel ---------------------------
Aarons-----Ramos-----Stones----Ake----Mendy
------------------------Diawara--------Ndidi---------------------
Sane------------------------------------------------------------Barnes
----------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------- Ronaldo -----------------------------

IF LOSING BY 65 MINS
Change formation to below. Take off De Beek and put on Dolberg in strike. Play close to each other and put a tonne of pressure in the oppo defence. Barnes on for Valverde to play LW. Move Brandt to AM. Defend high up and try and score a goal.

----------------------------- Nubel ---------------------------
Aarons---------Stones-------Ramos--------Mendy
-------------------------------Ndidi----------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------Brandt ------------------------------
Sane---------Dolberg------------CR7-----------------Barnes

IF DRAWING BY 65MINS
Kovacic on for De Beek
Barnes on for Brandt

For the last 5 mins if we are still drawing change formation to 442 to give the oppo something different to deal against. Take off Valverde and put on Dolberg in strike.

----------------------------- Nubel ---------------------------
Aarons---------Stones-------Ramos--------Mendy
-------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------Ndidi------------Kovacic---------------
Sane------------------------------------------------------Barnes
---------------------Dolberg------------CR7-----------------

Fresh legs.