SOTON VS Arsenal
-----------------------------Gunn-----------------------
Dalot--------Demiral----------Dias----------Sessegnon
-----------------Llorente----------Aouar--------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pulisic-----------------------------------------------Richarlison
--------------------------------Felix--------------------------------
-----------------------------Rashford-----------------------------------
Subs - M Sarr, Kumbulla, McTominay, Lo Celso, Kulusevski, CHO, 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 Lo Celso 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
-------------------------------Lo Celso-------------------------------
------------------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 Richarlison
Lo Celso on for Aouar
CHO on for Felix. Move Pulisic to AM. CHO to LW. Kulusevski to RW.
Fresh legs to bring on.
Comment deleted by Site Moderator
Bournemouth Tactics: Europa League SF Leg 2 (away to Wolves)
Captain: Felipe
Vice Captain: Roca
Team:
--------------------Blanco
Emerson--Felipe—Torres-----Lodi
---------------------Roca
---------Guimarães---Igor
Antony----------------------------Pepê
------------------Vinícius
SUBS: Ivan, Augusto, Gabriel, Assunção, 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 Assunção 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 Site Moderator
------------------------ Oblak -------------------------
Bissaka ----- van Dijk ----- Tapsoba ----- Lucas.H
------------ F. de Jong ----- S.Busquets ------------
Mbappe ------------- Havertz ------------- Neymar
----------------------- Jimenez -----------------------
Navas, Gosens, Bentancur, Zaniolo, Locatelli, Greenwood, 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, Jimenez 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, Tapsoba 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 Tapsoba 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 Jimenez 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 Jimenez 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
Winning/drawing
75 mins - Bentancur for Jimenez he goes into a 3 man midfield, Havertz up top
84 Mins - Gosens for Neymar, closes down their right hand side
Losing
70 Mins - Dembele for Jimenez
80 Mins - Gosens for Neymar
Losing by two
70 Mins - Gosens for Lucas, more attacking down the left fire in crosses for front two, Dembele for Jimenez and Dembele/ Havertz up top 4-4-2
80 Mins - Gosens to LM, Neymar to LCF 3-4-3
4-2-2-2 High tempo
We go with an attacking side full of pace, but one with an incredibly high work rate, allowing us to play with a high tempo and defend all over the pitch. Same formation as last week but with more energy, at home we look to get in their faces.
Bernardo in for Dybala offers far greater work rate. Laimer comes in for Rodri, giving us a pressing machine in midfield. Thiago then comes in Cm playing the sitting Cm role, his tactical awareness makes him perfect for this role and this allows Laimer to play his high pressing game in the Kante role. The high tempo starts with the front twos all action approach.
We expect an attacking team again from Spurs, and so we look to target the same areas, but playing with a higher tempo at home. Spurs have great pace and dribblers in attack, but they don’t offer great protection to their defence, we look to exploit this. Even if they have an extra man in midfield we feel with our natural high tempo side and balance in the side that we can have more or as much possession as them.
We have a team that can defend from the front in a flexible formation with players that willl defend high up the pitch. We are less Samba this week with this high tempo side but the side still 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.
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.
We play to bypass the opposition midfield, getting numbers in attack to target their defence, and to target the space behind their midfield.
Formation also offers flexibility as we will drop two solid lines of four to defence, and remove any space between the lines and allow us to defend in a compact unit. Defence starts with the 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.
One full back will have freedom to attack at a time, 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 — Marquinhos —— Laporte —— Alaba
———————— Laimer ——- Thiago
——— B.Silva ——————————— Sterling ——
———————- Lautaro —— Jesus
Subs. Schmeichel, Militao, Rodri, L.Alberto, Nkunku, Gnabry, Osimhen
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 our half 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 Laimer to press the pay, leaving Thiago 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, he man marks Lewa, Marquinhos with the intelligence and pace to cover, or picks up 2nd striker if they go with 2. 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 Gnabry for Jesus. 4-2-3-1. Silva central. Pace on wings.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Rodri for B.Silva and Nkunku for Thiago fresh pace and strong defensive cover. Rodri next to Laimer, Nkunku box to box Cm.
If drawing after 70 mins bring on Gnabry for Jesus. 4-2-3-1, fresh pace.
If drawing after 80 mins bring on Alberto for Silva. Fresh pace and creativity as game opens up.
If losing after 62 mins, bring on Gnabry for Jesus. 4-2-3-1, Silva central.
If losing after 75 mins bring on Osimhen for Carvajal. 3-5-2. Alaba left centre back. Big man up top. New Drogba up against tired defenders.
If losing after 80 mins bring on Alberto for Thiago.
Pens. 1. Thiago (if still on)
2.L.Alberto (if on)
3. Gnabry
4. Lautaro
5. Alaba
6. Osimhen
7. Silva (if on)
8. Nkunku (if on)
9. Ter Stegen
PORTSMOUTH vs Chelsea
-----------------------------------Nubel ---------------------------
-------------Ramos-----------Stones------------Ake--------------
----------------------------------Diawara---------------------------------------
------------------Goretzka--------------Valverde--------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adama-----------------Isak-------- Ronaldo ---------------Sane
Subs - Safonov, Tanganga, Sangare, Van De Beek, Barnes, Coman, Dolberg
CAPTAIN - RAMOS
CK'S - SANE
FK'S - RONALDO
PENALTIES - RONALDO
We lost the first leg 3-1 but the tie is not over! We will be going for an ultra attacking formation and try and get the early goal to pressurise Chelsea. I want the defence to position themselves near the halfway line and to stick close to the oppo players. Chelsea have top wingers in Mbappe and Neymar so I want Diawara to close them down when they have possession of the ball or when they are making runs to try and get behind our defensive line. When we don't have possession of the ball in our half I want the whole team except the front 4 to get in our half and defend. When we win possession of the ball I want the players to quickly pass the ball forward to our wingers. We also have good ball players in the centre and they will help keep us ticking. This is a risky formation we are playing but the plan is to overwhelm the Chelsea defence with sheer numbers in attack.
Defence
Nubel in net, command your box and don't do anything flashy. Stones, Ramos and Ake bring experience to the backline. Ramos will focus on marking the right side of the defence and will look to close down the oppo LW. Likewise with Ake and his role to mark the oppo RW. Stones will mark the central 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.
Defence Mid
Diawara
Diawara 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. Your main job will be to help the defence and mark the oppo wingers. 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.
Strikers
Ronaldo + Isak
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. Vidal will have a similar role. I want him to come a bit deeper into a SS role and use his strength to hold the ball up and link up play with the team.
IF WINNING BY 2 GOALS - 75 MINS
Change formation to 451. Play a very deep line and hit the oppo on the counter. No need to send a lot of bodies forward.
Take off Isak and put on Mendy in RB to give the defence even more protection. Diawara on for Valverde aswell and De Beek on for Goretzka.
----------------------------- Nubel ---------------------------
Mendy--------Ramos--------Stones--------Ake
-------------------Diawara--------Sangare---------------------
Adama------------------------------------------------Sane
-----------------------------De Beek-----------------------------------
-------------------------- Ronaldo -----------------------------
IF DRAWING BY 65MINS
De Beek on for Diawara
Coman on for Isak
Fresh legs.
SOTON VS Arsenal
--------------------------------------Buffon-----------------------
Bellerin--------Upamecano----------Dias----------Shaw
--------------------McTominay----------Aouar--------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pulisic--------------------------------------------------------Richarlison
------------------------------------Odegaard--------------------------------
-----------------------------------Rashford-----------------------------------
Subs - M Sarr, Kumbulla, SMS, Under, Kluivert, Olmo, Felix
CAPTAIN - DIAS
CK'S - PULISIC
FK'S - PULISIC
PENALTIES - RASHFORD
We are losing 2-1 from the first leg but we have the all important away goal. The oppo will most likely try and get the early goal to put even more pressure on us but it is imperative we don't conceded first. 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 Dias bring a lot of strength and pace to the defence. Dias will marshal the defence and Upamecano 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. McTominay will be covering for them when they go attacking.
Defence Mids
McTominay + Aouar
McTominay 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 McTominay 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. Bellerin 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 Under for Aouar 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. If still losing in the last 5 mins stick Upamecano in strike and go even more attacking.
----------------------------------------Buffon--------------------------------
Bellerin---------Upamecano-------------Dias----------Shaw
-------------------------------------McTominay---------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Under------------------------------------------------------------------Pulisic
-----------------------------------------Felix-------------------------------
-------------------------Rashford-----------Richarlison-------------------
Subs if WINNING BY 80MINS
Take off Ødegaard 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. Under on for Pulisic and SMS for Aouar to add a bit more energy into the midfield.
-------------------------------------Buffon--------------------------------
Bellerin-----Kumbulla------Dias-----Upamecano--------Shaw
---------------------------McTom--------SMS-------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------Under---------------------------------------Richarlison-------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------Rashford-----------------------------------
Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Under on for Pulisic
SMS on for Aouar
Felix on for Ødegaard
Fresh legs to bring on.
----------------- De Gea ----------------
Hakimi -- Pavard -- Tomori -- Mendy
---------- Torreira -- Ceballos --------
R.Mahrez ----- D.Silva ----- A.Martial
------------- Timo Werner -------------
Subs:
Bulka, Hummels, McKennie, Pjanic, Brahim, Ziyech, Abraham
We set up with a strong side suited to playing 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.
Pavard 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. D.Silva 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 Silva 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: D.Silva off, McKennie on.
80 mins: Ceballos off, Hummels on. 5-4-1 shut up shop time as we tighten up with a solid defensive unit as we see out the win.
If drawing:
70 mins: Mahrez off, Ziyech on.
80 mins: D.Silva off, Abraham on. 4-2-2-2 as we look for the winner.
If losing:
65 mins: Torreira off, Ziyech on.
75 mins: Mendy off, Abraham on. 3-4-3 all out
------------------- Courtois --------------------
Cancelo - M.De Ligt -- Bonucci - A.Sandro
Sancho -- Casemiro -- De Bruyne - Hazard
------- Lewandowski -- Benzema -----------
Subs:
Lunin, T.Silva, Kehrer, Tonali, Neres, Asensio, Icardi
No messing about we go with a team built to win in a dynamic 4-4-2. Karim Benzema has been in exceptional form and the Frenchman is rewarded with a place in the starting lineup in a big CL semi, a stage on which he thrives. After a cagey first leg we bring in an extra striker as we go for goals with a slight formation tweak to ensure we remain defensively strong.
For a game of such epic play proportions we use only the finest ingredients from around the globe. Rest assured this is no Victoria sponge, we’re packing a triple layered chocolate gateau! Rich, luxurious and full of flavour using only the worlds finest ingredients handpicked to perfection.
From Spain we have Hazard and Benzema, two players with fantastic chemistry who have been linking up to devastating effect to terrorise the defences of La Liga.
From Germany we add Sancho and Lewandowski, two players who have quite frankly been making a mockery of the Bundesliga, goals, assists, breaking records these boys can do it all!
In the middle we have the pièce de résistance, the EPL’s finest Kevin De Bruyne. Given free roam to run the midfield he will be the one pulling the strings and stirring up a storm.
Of course all these attacking ingredients require a glue to keep it all together and for this job look no further than Casemiro. The rock in the middle of the field he will be the one doing the dirty work, retrieving the ball, breaking down the opposition play and giving our forwards the freedom to get forward and tickle their tastebuds at the other end.
Any connoisseur knows that every fine cake requires a solid base and for this we look to Italy, the creme de la creme in the art of defending. As with the rest of the side we only use the best ingredients and use 3/4 of the finest defence in Serie A with the Juve trio De Ligt, Bonucci and A.Sandro.
To ensure the flavour remains strong we add a sprinkle of Iberian magic in Cancelo and statistically the finest GK in Spain Courtois between the sticks. Be warned, you may wish to remove your dentures as this base is rock solid.
And there you have it, quite literally the recipe for success and one we hope will take us to the final.
Bon appetit!
(Boring tactical stuff)
Defensively 4-4-2, no messing about when they’re on the ball we sit deep. FB’s tuck in giving their forwards no space to operate, wingers drop in alongside our CM’s, two banks of four we give them no room to operate and challenge them to break us down.
We don’t give them an inch and aim to make things tighter than Daniel Levy’s wallet on deadline day. The more men they throw forward the more they leave themselves exposed for our deadly attack to hit them on the break. Counter attacking football in all its glory.
Attack:
Quite literally speaks for itself, an abundance of world class forwards we let them go out and do their thing. Sancho and Hazard push forward as we transition to 4-2-2-2, our wingers given license to go at their FB’s and supply our front two who are hungry for goals.
You’ll struggle to find two more in-form strikers than Lewandowski and Benzema and we expect them to delivery. The intelligence to link up together they’ll also have a dream supply line putting them chances on a platter.
I’m not going to waste my time giving them instructions as they both know exactly where the back of the net is. My only incentive, whoever scores the most goals gets the starting spot for the final. Game on lads!
Subs:
If winning:
70 mins: Sancho off, Asensio on. Fresh legs to hit them on the break and kill the tie off.
80 mins: Benzema off, T.Silva on. Throw in some Brazilian walnut, 5-4-1 as we shut up shop and see out the win.
If drawing:
70 mins: Benzema & Sancho off, Icardi & Asensio on. No let up as we bring on two equally deadly goalscorers to expose a tiring defence as we go for the winner.
If losing:
75 mins: Cancelo & Casemiro off, Icardi & Tonali on. 3-4-3 goals, goals, goals.
If Pens:
1. Asensio
2. Hazard
3. De Bruyne
4. Icardi
5. Lewandowski
6. Casemiro
7. Cancelo
8. De Ligt
9. Bonucci
10. A.Sandro
-------------------------- Navas ---------------------------
Bissaka ------ van Dijk ------ Zagadou ------ Lucas.H
-------------- F. de Jong ---- S.Busquets --------------
K. Mbappe ----------- Havertz ----------- Greenwood
------------------------- Haaland -------------------------
Cumming, Gosens, Locatelli, Bentancur, M.Diaby, Dembele, Jimenez
Big final today, a few key players out, ut those who have been brought in have a huge chance to shine, we go for it, no holding back as this is our last chance of silverware!
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, 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 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 Zagadou to go up for corners, with the fullbacks and Busquets sitting back. This is a strong back four and with the two in front, gives our Front four more freedom to express themselves.
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 Greenwood will cause them problems drifting in an out, Greenwood very two footed so playing left I don't envisage any problems. Havertz will pick his moment to move into space either as a 10 or out wide. If he does push wide this will allow Mbappe/Greenwood to go in central. 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, 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 - Mbappe
Free Kicks - Havertz
Corners - Wingers
Losing -
60 Mins - Jimenez for Haaland, straight swap, Havertz up top 4-4-2/4-2-4
70 Mins - Gosens for Lucas, a more attacking fullback who will support Greenwood down the left and fire in crosses for Jimenez/Havertz and the forwards
80 Mins - Gosens to LM, Greenwood to RM 3-4-3, Mbappe up front and Dembele for Havertz
Extra time we go back to 4-5-1 with players available
ET - Diaby for Greenwood, Diaby left, Mbappe Right, Dembele just off Jimenez
Winning -
75 Mins - Locatelli for Haaland, Havertz up top, Locatelli beside de Jong, with Busquets dropping back 4-1-4-1
80 Mins - Gosens for Greenwood, helps defensively down our left
83 Mins - Jimenez for Havertz, use his experience up to to see out the game
ET - Diaby for Lucas, Gosens to LB, Diaby ahead
Drawing -
65 Mins - Jimenez for Haaland, Gosens for Lucas again Gosens help drive that ball in to the forwards
75 Mins - Dembele for Havertz 4-4-2
ET - Diaby for Greenwood
Attacking 4-3-3
We setup with a strong side full of pace in attack to stretch Chelsea and a midfield with the ability to control possession. We play with a fluid front three, looking to overload the Chelsea defence getting in behind their defence and targeting getting inside the fbs and outside the cbs. The fbs offer width on the overlap.
We go with a fluid front three aiming to expose the weaker defenders in the Chelsea back line next to Van Dijk. Plenty shots on goal to test Navas.
We look to play a high tempo attacking game and take the game to Chelsea, with high pressing when we don’t have the ball. As you'd expect, possession builds from the back with the defence, and our midfield trio controlling possession. Rodri dictating the tempo of our play in the dm role, Thiago and Fabian offering the creativity and ability on the ball to dominate possession and create. Importantly all 3 are fantastic on the ball, allowing us to play fast flowing attacking football.
Militao the man marker next to Laporte who is free. In midfield, Rodri reading the play looking to win the ball back as the dm always the deepest of the trio, Thiago and Fabian will offer inteligence defensively, with the pressing in high areas important. Win the ball back quickly before they can get anywhere.
The defence will be patient on the ball, playing a reasonably high line, with good pace at the back and energy in front we look to defend high up the park. This allows us to take the game to Chelsea and aids distribution out from the back line.
Control possession and find space in between the opposition lines. Using the pace of our fbs and wingers to create space as we push forward. Creating space for the cms to push into and for the front three to exploit. In the final third Sterling & Jesus have freedom to drift inside either getting down the outside if 3 cbs or on the inside of the fb (between cb & fb) to get in behind. Dybala gives us an all round striker with the pace to get in behind but also play as a false 9, naturally liking to drop to deeper areas and get involved in play between the lines. This fluid movement of the front three will be key to finding space in dangerous positions on the ball in attack.
Key to our attack is quick passing play, not looking to force the play but moving the ball quickly. Pass and move. Tire the opposition out physically and mentally with our possession and high tempo play. Predominantly short passing on the deck, but varying our play when a counter is on.
Rodri and Thiago collecting the ball and offering the link between defence and attack, get Thiago and Fabian on the ball and get pushing up the pitch. But we also have great pace, so mix it up going through or over the top to expose the space behind them. Quick one twos between the mid and attacking trios, with a fb always overlapping.
—————————Ter Stegen
Carvajal — Militao — Laporte — Alaba
———————————Rodri
—————— Thiago.A — Fabian.R
— Sterling ——————————— G.Jesus —
—————————— P.Dybala
Subs. Schmeichel, Theo, Neves, Nkunku, L.Alberto, Gnabry, Lautaro
Defending in numbers
When we lose the ball the closest player presses the ball, the second closest presses the obvious passing channel. As they’re doing this everyone else bar Dybala gets into a narrow rigid formation behind the ball in position to press high up the park. Stop them breaking and press them high up the park.
In a narrow, rigid formation, we will look to press the space, not allowing them options. Keep them from advancing to positions where they can’t hurt us, by trying to win the ball back very quickly. Then break quickly in these high positions when we do win the ball.
As Chelsea advance into higher areas of the park and into our half, our shape will resemble a 4-1-4-1. Our wingers will track any forward runs made by their fbs, and Rodri presses the space in front of our cbs, sweeping up danger in front of the defence, the cms pressing their midfield.
In this tight formation narrowing to the side of play, ensuring there are no gaps in the formation. Rodri will be key, reading the play in between the defence and midfield, getting across to cut out any danger Thiago picks up the most advanced cm. The winger opposite play comes inside and sits on their deepest cm while Fabian presses the space next to and in front of Rodri. Our fb’s have fantastic pace up against their wide forwards, bide their time, not diving in.
Attack.
Get the ball out wide, Rodri spreading the play, Thiago and Fabian dictating the play. The trio's movement will be key in opening up the opposition defence.
In attack we play with width to stretch the game and open up Chelsea. Get the fbs attacking. One bombing forward the other fb, remains a little more reserved offering option to go back and switch play.
The cm trio seeking to collect the ball from the defence, and seeking to start our attacks from the back. Spreading play, and setting the tempo of the game. We look to find space between their defence and midfield, committing defenders from there and playing killer balls.
We want quick one twos in the opposition half. Thiago, Fabian and the wingers will always be looking for the killer ball. If it is not on, we are happy to keep the ball moving and keep possession.
Subs.
If winning after 70 mins bring on Lautaro for Dybala. Fresh pace and power against tired defended.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Nkunku and Gnabry for Fabian and Jesus. Fresh energy in Cm and fresh pace out wide. Sterling left, keep the shape.
If drawing after 70 mins bring on Lautaro for Jesus. 4-4-2 Fabian and Sterling wide and Dybala playing off Lautaro
If drawing after 75 mins bring on Gnabry for Fabian.
If draw after 90 mins and goes to ET bring on Neves for Rodri (fot 1st min of ET)
If losing after 70 mins bring on Lautaro for Carvajal and Gnabry for Fabian. 3-2-3-2. Thiago and Rodri in front of back 3. Attacking mid trio of Gnabry, Dybala, Sterling. Jesus and Lautaro up top gung ho.
If losing after 80 mins bring on Luis Alberto for Jesus. Dybala up with Lautaro.
Pens.
1. Lautaro
2. Dybala
3. Thiago
4. Gnabry
5. Alaba
6. Sterling
7. L.Alberto
Pens
Whoever is on
Mbappe
Jimenez
Greenwood
Gosens
Diaby
Havertz
Dembele
de Jong
----------------- De Gea ----------------
Hakimi -- Pavard -- Skriniar -- Mendy
---------- Torreira -- Ceballos --------
R.Mahrez ----- D.Silva ----- A.Martial
------------- Timo Werner -------------
Subs:
Muric, Tomori, Hummels, McKennie, L.Bailey, Leao, Abraham
We set up with a strong side suited to playing 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. D.Silva 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 Silva 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: D.Silva off, McKennie on.
80 mins: Ceballos off, Hummels on. 5-4-1 shut up shop time as we tighten up with a solid defensive unit as we see out the win.
If drawing:
75 mins: D.Silva off, Abraham on. 4-2-2-2 as we look for the winner.
85 mins: Mahrez off, L.Bailey on.
If losing:
65 mins: Torreira off, L.Bailey on. Silva & Ceballos in a midfield two.
75 mins: Mendy off, Abraham on. 3-4-3 all out attack
Comment deleted by Site Moderator
Bournemouth Tactics: New Season Week 1
Captain: Felipe
Vice Captain: Roca
Team:
--------------------Simón
Emerson--Felipe—Torres-----Augusto
---------------------Roca
---------Guimarães---Igor G
Zaracho--------------------------Oyarzabal
-------------------Vinícius
SUBS: Blanco, Khellven, Gabriel, Assunção, 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: Simón 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 Zaracho and Oyarzabal 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, Oyarzabal or Zaracho with Felipe, Torres, Roca and Vinícius to offer an aerial threat. Igor and Oyarzabal (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 Assunção for Guimarães, 3 like for like substitutions.
If losing (on 80 minutes) Tetê for Guimarães and Cunha for Zaracho. 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----Oyarzabal
---Vinícius---Cunha
*****Sorry: mistake in my subs - replace Tetê with Antony*****
---------------------- Strakosha ------------------------
------ M.Ginter ----- S.Ramos ----- M.Salisu --------
Aarons ------ De Beek ------ Valverde ------ Sandro
----------------------- A.Gomez ------------------------
-------------- Ronaldo -------- L.Sane -----------------
McCarthy, Reguilon, Goretzka, Llorente, Odoi, Barnes, Zapata
When we don't have the ball, we will press high up the pitch, conceding very little space, Gomez will look to steal the ball within the attacking third and hopefully, quickly get it to those ahead of him. We do not give them any time on the ball and our front 2 prevent their defence hanging on to it too long or trying to play form the back as we pressurise them all the time.
If they do get to our half then we have a strong back 3 and double pivot ahead to prevent play through the middle, meaning they will need to push wide, whichever side they attack from tho I want Gomez and one of Ronaldo/Sane to push to that side again to close them down and support the wingbacks
When we have the ball it starts from the back moving the ball around between defence and centre midfield until the moment arrives when a pass can be made through to the front line, , there is no rush, if they come pressing we simply move it to the wide areas for them to bomb down the line and look to either cut it back or get a pass into the front three.
Strakosha is our sweeper keeper, I want him involved with the defence playing out, if he has the ball I want him to find players especially the wingbacks when we are ready to attack
Ginter and Salisu, Cover the wingbacks and take the ball out of defence, must do this with confidence, if they lose the ball then all numbers back to cover, if they are being pressurised then a simple pass even back to the keeper and start again, stay wide (depending on what side) to cover wingbacks if they are forward.
Ramos - He will press the opposition striker, when we lose the ball he needs to be on top of the CF very quickly, he must intercept everything, but he has the experience to do this, don't take any risks as the CF will also be on him so move it quickly when he gets it.
Sandro and Aarons, must work very hard, they have great work rate but this must done for the whole game, get down the line, get the crosses in, don't worry so much about whats behind you as their is plenty cover, I don't mean forget your defence duties, just play with a bit of freedom, crosses, one-twos, cut backs and all with pace to hurt them.
Although Valverde isn't a DM his 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 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.
De Beek 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.
Gomez 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 defender, making late runs into the box and look for any loose ball to have a pop at goal, defending wise, I want him to harass who ever has the ball in that area, get it and move it forward as quickly as possible
Sane I want to be making all the runs behind the defence, drift wide and pull defenders away, quick and skillfull, look to move out to create an outlet for the wingbacks to use or indeed link with Gomez to get Ronaldo away on goal
Ronaldo, must be able to hold up play for others to support, also run the channels, 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, 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 Ramos
Pens - Ronaldo
Free Kicks - Ronaldo/Gomez
Corners - Gomez/sub
Subs -
Losing -
65 Mins - Sandro and Aarons off, Odoi and Zapata on, Sane to LW, Odoi to RW, Zapata up top a more attacking 3412
75 Mins - Barnes for Sane
Winning -
75 Mins - Llorente for Sane, he goes in behind the two CMS to shore it up
83 Mins - Zapata for Ronaldo, Reguilon for Sandro. Reguilon and Aarons will sit back in a 5311
Drawing -
65 Mins - Reguilon for Sandro, fresh legs
75 Mins - Zapata for Sane, Barnes for Gomez
Comment deleted by Article Creator
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. Find space between their midfield and defence and exploit Casemiro being missing. 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, Thiago 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.
Playing with a high tempo when we win the ball we attack at pace down the wings, but the two AMs 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 —-Marquinhos —— Laporte —— Alaba
———————— Rodri ——- Thiago
——— Bernardo.S ——————————- Gnabry ——
———————- Lautaro —— Jesus
Subs. Schmeichel, Laimer, Neves, Fabian, Nkunku, Felix, Osimhen
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 Thiago 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, Laporte is the man marker with Marquinhos 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 Felix for Lautaro. More 4231 with Felix behind.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Osimhen for Jesus. fresh pace and stronger presence for out ball
If winning after 80 mins bring on Laimer for Thiago. Big energy to see out game.
If drawing after 70 mins bring on Felix and Osimhen for Lautaro and Jesus. More creativity, behind striker, fresh legs and fresh pace. Big man little man combo.
If losing after 62 mins, bring on Fabian for Bernardo. 433, Gnabry right, Jesus left. Lautaro central.
If losing after 70 mins bring on Osimhen for Lautaro. Target man to aim for in box. Get wide.
If losing after 80 mins bring on Felix for Carvajal. Alaba lcb, 3 at the back. Felix playing no.10 role supporting Osimhen
------------------------- Oblak -------------------------
Bissaka ----- S.de Vrij ----- van Dijk ----- Lucas.H
------------- F. de Jong ---- M.Locatelli -------------
Mbappe -------------- Havertz -------------- Neymar
------------------------ Haaland ------------------------
Raya, Gosens, Tielemans, Zaniolo, Ferran, Greenwood, Diaby
New season, disappointing last season, so need to get off to a flyer!
Our game is still based solely on possession football, playing from the back and quick on the break and really pressurise the opposition with an in your face performance from the front we do not allow them to play from the back as our front three play quite a high line, 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 always on top of the CBs stopping them passing between each other, 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, de Vrij 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, They know each other well so they will form a partnership very 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 and de Jong to drift to the side and this allows the fullbacks to make their way to midfield to cover. van Dijk and de Jong to go up for corners, with the fullbacks and Locatelli sitting back.
Locatelli is 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/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, 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.After the pass he can push wide or central to make that extra man 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 Haaland, he goes to RW, Mbappe and Havertz up top 424/442, Gosens for Lucas as well, he is more attack minded and will drive up the left whipping dangerous crosses in and supporting Neymar
Winning -
75 Mins - Tielemans for Haaland, he drops into a midfield 3 with Havertz moving up front
83 Mins - Gosens for Neymar, will help defensively
Drawing -
70 Mins - Zaniolo for Havertz, Greenwood for Haaland, Mbappe up top, Greenwood RW
75 Mins - Gosens for Lucas
Wolverhampton Wanderers v SHEFFIELD UNITED
Handanovic
Justin, Kjaer, T. Silva, Grimaldo
Gueye, Koopmeiners
Bale, James, Alexis
Suárez
Subs: Woodman, Rodon, Maatsen, Adams, de Roon, Robben, Cantwell
Captain: Thiago Silva
Free Kicks (pre-75th Min): Bale/James/Koopmeiners
Free Kicks (post-75th min): Robben/James
Penalties: Suárez
Our defensive unit consists of Simon Kjaer and Thiago Silva 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, James Rodríguez and Alexis Sánchez 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 Alexis Sánchez, who are fast speed merchants, excellent in tight spaces and fantastic dribblers will cut inside or make runs into the box. James Rodríguez our attacking central midfielder’s low centre of gravity will enable him to navigate away from defenders at a frighteningly quick pace. James 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, Alexis & 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, James & Alexis 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
Robben on for Bale, Cantwell on for Alexis, Adams on for Koopmeiners
Triple 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
Just to confirm that the second set of tactics above are correct
Handanovic replacing Muller in goal
Rodon replacing Ajer on the bench
French 4-2-3-1
We look to attack down the wings attacking with pace, using the pace of our fbs and wingers to create space for Isco in the middle to pull the strings, and for Aubameyang in the box.
The opposition have real quality, and so we look to hit them with pace. Their defence is their weakness so we look to press the back line. 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 pace in front will be key, 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, Tolisso defends zonally 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.
Kante tasked with sweeping the midfield pressing the play.
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.
Aubameyang 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. One fb bombs forward at a time, we look to get Isco out combining with the attacking fb and winger playing one twos and producing the magic to create for Aubameyang.
——————————— Lloris
K.Walker — Koulibaly — Lenglet — Digne
———————— Kante — Tolisso
Dembele ——————Isco ————— Son.H-M
————————— Aubameyang
Subs. Ramsdale, Dubois, Guerreiro, Guendouzi, Ndombele, Perisic, Jimenez
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 Kante to press the play, leaving Tolisso 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.
Koulibaly the defensive leader at the back, he is the man marker with Lenglet intelligence and both have pace to cover. The full backs always seek to push their attackers out wide.
Subs.
If winning after 70 mins bring on Ndombele for Isco fresh pace and energy in midfield.
If winning after 77 mins bring on Guerreiro for Son. pace and energy out wide.
If drawing/losing after 68 mins bring on Jimenez for Isco. 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 Guendouzi for Tolisso. More power and fresh energy.
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Tactics
Page 17 of 78
18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22
posted on 29/6/20
SOTON VS Arsenal
-----------------------------Gunn-----------------------
Dalot--------Demiral----------Dias----------Sessegnon
-----------------Llorente----------Aouar--------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pulisic-----------------------------------------------Richarlison
--------------------------------Felix--------------------------------
-----------------------------Rashford-----------------------------------
Subs - M Sarr, Kumbulla, McTominay, Lo Celso, Kulusevski, CHO, 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 Lo Celso 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
-------------------------------Lo Celso-------------------------------
------------------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 Richarlison
Lo Celso on for Aouar
CHO on for Felix. Move Pulisic to AM. CHO to LW. Kulusevski to RW.
Fresh legs to bring on.
posted on 29/6/20
Comment deleted by Site Moderator
posted on 29/6/20
Bournemouth Tactics: Europa League SF Leg 2 (away to Wolves)
Captain: Felipe
Vice Captain: Roca
Team:
--------------------Blanco
Emerson--Felipe—Torres-----Lodi
---------------------Roca
---------Guimarães---Igor
Antony----------------------------Pepê
------------------Vinícius
SUBS: Ivan, Augusto, Gabriel, Assunção, 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 Assunção 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
posted on 3/7/20
Comment deleted by Site Moderator
posted on 3/7/20
------------------------ Oblak -------------------------
Bissaka ----- van Dijk ----- Tapsoba ----- Lucas.H
------------ F. de Jong ----- S.Busquets ------------
Mbappe ------------- Havertz ------------- Neymar
----------------------- Jimenez -----------------------
Navas, Gosens, Bentancur, Zaniolo, Locatelli, Greenwood, 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, Jimenez 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, Tapsoba 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 Tapsoba 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 Jimenez 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 Jimenez 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
Winning/drawing
75 mins - Bentancur for Jimenez he goes into a 3 man midfield, Havertz up top
84 Mins - Gosens for Neymar, closes down their right hand side
Losing
70 Mins - Dembele for Jimenez
80 Mins - Gosens for Neymar
Losing by two
70 Mins - Gosens for Lucas, more attacking down the left fire in crosses for front two, Dembele for Jimenez and Dembele/ Havertz up top 4-4-2
80 Mins - Gosens to LM, Neymar to LCF 3-4-3
posted on 4/7/20
4-2-2-2 High tempo
We go with an attacking side full of pace, but one with an incredibly high work rate, allowing us to play with a high tempo and defend all over the pitch. Same formation as last week but with more energy, at home we look to get in their faces.
Bernardo in for Dybala offers far greater work rate. Laimer comes in for Rodri, giving us a pressing machine in midfield. Thiago then comes in Cm playing the sitting Cm role, his tactical awareness makes him perfect for this role and this allows Laimer to play his high pressing game in the Kante role. The high tempo starts with the front twos all action approach.
We expect an attacking team again from Spurs, and so we look to target the same areas, but playing with a higher tempo at home. Spurs have great pace and dribblers in attack, but they don’t offer great protection to their defence, we look to exploit this. Even if they have an extra man in midfield we feel with our natural high tempo side and balance in the side that we can have more or as much possession as them.
We have a team that can defend from the front in a flexible formation with players that willl defend high up the pitch. We are less Samba this week with this high tempo side but the side still 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.
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.
We play to bypass the opposition midfield, getting numbers in attack to target their defence, and to target the space behind their midfield.
Formation also offers flexibility as we will drop two solid lines of four to defence, and remove any space between the lines and allow us to defend in a compact unit. Defence starts with the 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.
One full back will have freedom to attack at a time, 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 — Marquinhos —— Laporte —— Alaba
———————— Laimer ——- Thiago
——— B.Silva ——————————— Sterling ——
———————- Lautaro —— Jesus
Subs. Schmeichel, Militao, Rodri, L.Alberto, Nkunku, Gnabry, Osimhen
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 our half 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 Laimer to press the pay, leaving Thiago 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, he man marks Lewa, Marquinhos with the intelligence and pace to cover, or picks up 2nd striker if they go with 2. 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 Gnabry for Jesus. 4-2-3-1. Silva central. Pace on wings.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Rodri for B.Silva and Nkunku for Thiago fresh pace and strong defensive cover. Rodri next to Laimer, Nkunku box to box Cm.
If drawing after 70 mins bring on Gnabry for Jesus. 4-2-3-1, fresh pace.
If drawing after 80 mins bring on Alberto for Silva. Fresh pace and creativity as game opens up.
If losing after 62 mins, bring on Gnabry for Jesus. 4-2-3-1, Silva central.
If losing after 75 mins bring on Osimhen for Carvajal. 3-5-2. Alaba left centre back. Big man up top. New Drogba up against tired defenders.
If losing after 80 mins bring on Alberto for Thiago.
Pens. 1. Thiago (if still on)
2.L.Alberto (if on)
3. Gnabry
4. Lautaro
5. Alaba
6. Osimhen
7. Silva (if on)
8. Nkunku (if on)
9. Ter Stegen
posted on 6/7/20
PORTSMOUTH vs Chelsea
-----------------------------------Nubel ---------------------------
-------------Ramos-----------Stones------------Ake--------------
----------------------------------Diawara---------------------------------------
------------------Goretzka--------------Valverde--------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adama-----------------Isak-------- Ronaldo ---------------Sane
Subs - Safonov, Tanganga, Sangare, Van De Beek, Barnes, Coman, Dolberg
CAPTAIN - RAMOS
CK'S - SANE
FK'S - RONALDO
PENALTIES - RONALDO
We lost the first leg 3-1 but the tie is not over! We will be going for an ultra attacking formation and try and get the early goal to pressurise Chelsea. I want the defence to position themselves near the halfway line and to stick close to the oppo players. Chelsea have top wingers in Mbappe and Neymar so I want Diawara to close them down when they have possession of the ball or when they are making runs to try and get behind our defensive line. When we don't have possession of the ball in our half I want the whole team except the front 4 to get in our half and defend. When we win possession of the ball I want the players to quickly pass the ball forward to our wingers. We also have good ball players in the centre and they will help keep us ticking. This is a risky formation we are playing but the plan is to overwhelm the Chelsea defence with sheer numbers in attack.
Defence
Nubel in net, command your box and don't do anything flashy. Stones, Ramos and Ake bring experience to the backline. Ramos will focus on marking the right side of the defence and will look to close down the oppo LW. Likewise with Ake and his role to mark the oppo RW. Stones will mark the central 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.
Defence Mid
Diawara
Diawara 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. Your main job will be to help the defence and mark the oppo wingers. 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.
Strikers
Ronaldo + Isak
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. Vidal will have a similar role. I want him to come a bit deeper into a SS role and use his strength to hold the ball up and link up play with the team.
IF WINNING BY 2 GOALS - 75 MINS
Change formation to 451. Play a very deep line and hit the oppo on the counter. No need to send a lot of bodies forward.
Take off Isak and put on Mendy in RB to give the defence even more protection. Diawara on for Valverde aswell and De Beek on for Goretzka.
----------------------------- Nubel ---------------------------
Mendy--------Ramos--------Stones--------Ake
-------------------Diawara--------Sangare---------------------
Adama------------------------------------------------Sane
-----------------------------De Beek-----------------------------------
-------------------------- Ronaldo -----------------------------
IF DRAWING BY 65MINS
De Beek on for Diawara
Coman on for Isak
Fresh legs.
posted on 6/7/20
SOTON VS Arsenal
--------------------------------------Buffon-----------------------
Bellerin--------Upamecano----------Dias----------Shaw
--------------------McTominay----------Aouar--------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pulisic--------------------------------------------------------Richarlison
------------------------------------Odegaard--------------------------------
-----------------------------------Rashford-----------------------------------
Subs - M Sarr, Kumbulla, SMS, Under, Kluivert, Olmo, Felix
CAPTAIN - DIAS
CK'S - PULISIC
FK'S - PULISIC
PENALTIES - RASHFORD
We are losing 2-1 from the first leg but we have the all important away goal. The oppo will most likely try and get the early goal to put even more pressure on us but it is imperative we don't conceded first. 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 Dias bring a lot of strength and pace to the defence. Dias will marshal the defence and Upamecano 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. McTominay will be covering for them when they go attacking.
Defence Mids
McTominay + Aouar
McTominay 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 McTominay 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. Bellerin 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 Under for Aouar 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. If still losing in the last 5 mins stick Upamecano in strike and go even more attacking.
----------------------------------------Buffon--------------------------------
Bellerin---------Upamecano-------------Dias----------Shaw
-------------------------------------McTominay---------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Under------------------------------------------------------------------Pulisic
-----------------------------------------Felix-------------------------------
-------------------------Rashford-----------Richarlison-------------------
Subs if WINNING BY 80MINS
Take off Ødegaard 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. Under on for Pulisic and SMS for Aouar to add a bit more energy into the midfield.
-------------------------------------Buffon--------------------------------
Bellerin-----Kumbulla------Dias-----Upamecano--------Shaw
---------------------------McTom--------SMS-------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------Under---------------------------------------Richarlison-------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------Rashford-----------------------------------
Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Under on for Pulisic
SMS on for Aouar
Felix on for Ødegaard
Fresh legs to bring on.
posted on 6/7/20
----------------- De Gea ----------------
Hakimi -- Pavard -- Tomori -- Mendy
---------- Torreira -- Ceballos --------
R.Mahrez ----- D.Silva ----- A.Martial
------------- Timo Werner -------------
Subs:
Bulka, Hummels, McKennie, Pjanic, Brahim, Ziyech, Abraham
We set up with a strong side suited to playing 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.
Pavard 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. D.Silva 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 Silva 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: D.Silva off, McKennie on.
80 mins: Ceballos off, Hummels on. 5-4-1 shut up shop time as we tighten up with a solid defensive unit as we see out the win.
If drawing:
70 mins: Mahrez off, Ziyech on.
80 mins: D.Silva off, Abraham on. 4-2-2-2 as we look for the winner.
If losing:
65 mins: Torreira off, Ziyech on.
75 mins: Mendy off, Abraham on. 3-4-3 all out
posted on 6/7/20
------------------- Courtois --------------------
Cancelo - M.De Ligt -- Bonucci - A.Sandro
Sancho -- Casemiro -- De Bruyne - Hazard
------- Lewandowski -- Benzema -----------
Subs:
Lunin, T.Silva, Kehrer, Tonali, Neres, Asensio, Icardi
No messing about we go with a team built to win in a dynamic 4-4-2. Karim Benzema has been in exceptional form and the Frenchman is rewarded with a place in the starting lineup in a big CL semi, a stage on which he thrives. After a cagey first leg we bring in an extra striker as we go for goals with a slight formation tweak to ensure we remain defensively strong.
For a game of such epic play proportions we use only the finest ingredients from around the globe. Rest assured this is no Victoria sponge, we’re packing a triple layered chocolate gateau! Rich, luxurious and full of flavour using only the worlds finest ingredients handpicked to perfection.
From Spain we have Hazard and Benzema, two players with fantastic chemistry who have been linking up to devastating effect to terrorise the defences of La Liga.
From Germany we add Sancho and Lewandowski, two players who have quite frankly been making a mockery of the Bundesliga, goals, assists, breaking records these boys can do it all!
In the middle we have the pièce de résistance, the EPL’s finest Kevin De Bruyne. Given free roam to run the midfield he will be the one pulling the strings and stirring up a storm.
Of course all these attacking ingredients require a glue to keep it all together and for this job look no further than Casemiro. The rock in the middle of the field he will be the one doing the dirty work, retrieving the ball, breaking down the opposition play and giving our forwards the freedom to get forward and tickle their tastebuds at the other end.
Any connoisseur knows that every fine cake requires a solid base and for this we look to Italy, the creme de la creme in the art of defending. As with the rest of the side we only use the best ingredients and use 3/4 of the finest defence in Serie A with the Juve trio De Ligt, Bonucci and A.Sandro.
To ensure the flavour remains strong we add a sprinkle of Iberian magic in Cancelo and statistically the finest GK in Spain Courtois between the sticks. Be warned, you may wish to remove your dentures as this base is rock solid.
And there you have it, quite literally the recipe for success and one we hope will take us to the final.
Bon appetit!
(Boring tactical stuff)
Defensively 4-4-2, no messing about when they’re on the ball we sit deep. FB’s tuck in giving their forwards no space to operate, wingers drop in alongside our CM’s, two banks of four we give them no room to operate and challenge them to break us down.
We don’t give them an inch and aim to make things tighter than Daniel Levy’s wallet on deadline day. The more men they throw forward the more they leave themselves exposed for our deadly attack to hit them on the break. Counter attacking football in all its glory.
Attack:
Quite literally speaks for itself, an abundance of world class forwards we let them go out and do their thing. Sancho and Hazard push forward as we transition to 4-2-2-2, our wingers given license to go at their FB’s and supply our front two who are hungry for goals.
You’ll struggle to find two more in-form strikers than Lewandowski and Benzema and we expect them to delivery. The intelligence to link up together they’ll also have a dream supply line putting them chances on a platter.
I’m not going to waste my time giving them instructions as they both know exactly where the back of the net is. My only incentive, whoever scores the most goals gets the starting spot for the final. Game on lads!
Subs:
If winning:
70 mins: Sancho off, Asensio on. Fresh legs to hit them on the break and kill the tie off.
80 mins: Benzema off, T.Silva on. Throw in some Brazilian walnut, 5-4-1 as we shut up shop and see out the win.
If drawing:
70 mins: Benzema & Sancho off, Icardi & Asensio on. No let up as we bring on two equally deadly goalscorers to expose a tiring defence as we go for the winner.
If losing:
75 mins: Cancelo & Casemiro off, Icardi & Tonali on. 3-4-3 goals, goals, goals.
If Pens:
1. Asensio
2. Hazard
3. De Bruyne
4. Icardi
5. Lewandowski
6. Casemiro
7. Cancelo
8. De Ligt
9. Bonucci
10. A.Sandro
posted on 12/7/20
-------------------------- Navas ---------------------------
Bissaka ------ van Dijk ------ Zagadou ------ Lucas.H
-------------- F. de Jong ---- S.Busquets --------------
K. Mbappe ----------- Havertz ----------- Greenwood
------------------------- Haaland -------------------------
Cumming, Gosens, Locatelli, Bentancur, M.Diaby, Dembele, Jimenez
Big final today, a few key players out, ut those who have been brought in have a huge chance to shine, we go for it, no holding back as this is our last chance of silverware!
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, 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 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 Zagadou to go up for corners, with the fullbacks and Busquets sitting back. This is a strong back four and with the two in front, gives our Front four more freedom to express themselves.
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 Greenwood will cause them problems drifting in an out, Greenwood very two footed so playing left I don't envisage any problems. Havertz will pick his moment to move into space either as a 10 or out wide. If he does push wide this will allow Mbappe/Greenwood to go in central. 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, 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 - Mbappe
Free Kicks - Havertz
Corners - Wingers
Losing -
60 Mins - Jimenez for Haaland, straight swap, Havertz up top 4-4-2/4-2-4
70 Mins - Gosens for Lucas, a more attacking fullback who will support Greenwood down the left and fire in crosses for Jimenez/Havertz and the forwards
80 Mins - Gosens to LM, Greenwood to RM 3-4-3, Mbappe up front and Dembele for Havertz
Extra time we go back to 4-5-1 with players available
ET - Diaby for Greenwood, Diaby left, Mbappe Right, Dembele just off Jimenez
Winning -
75 Mins - Locatelli for Haaland, Havertz up top, Locatelli beside de Jong, with Busquets dropping back 4-1-4-1
80 Mins - Gosens for Greenwood, helps defensively down our left
83 Mins - Jimenez for Havertz, use his experience up to to see out the game
ET - Diaby for Lucas, Gosens to LB, Diaby ahead
Drawing -
65 Mins - Jimenez for Haaland, Gosens for Lucas again Gosens help drive that ball in to the forwards
75 Mins - Dembele for Havertz 4-4-2
ET - Diaby for Greenwood
posted on 12/7/20
Attacking 4-3-3
We setup with a strong side full of pace in attack to stretch Chelsea and a midfield with the ability to control possession. We play with a fluid front three, looking to overload the Chelsea defence getting in behind their defence and targeting getting inside the fbs and outside the cbs. The fbs offer width on the overlap.
We go with a fluid front three aiming to expose the weaker defenders in the Chelsea back line next to Van Dijk. Plenty shots on goal to test Navas.
We look to play a high tempo attacking game and take the game to Chelsea, with high pressing when we don’t have the ball. As you'd expect, possession builds from the back with the defence, and our midfield trio controlling possession. Rodri dictating the tempo of our play in the dm role, Thiago and Fabian offering the creativity and ability on the ball to dominate possession and create. Importantly all 3 are fantastic on the ball, allowing us to play fast flowing attacking football.
Militao the man marker next to Laporte who is free. In midfield, Rodri reading the play looking to win the ball back as the dm always the deepest of the trio, Thiago and Fabian will offer inteligence defensively, with the pressing in high areas important. Win the ball back quickly before they can get anywhere.
The defence will be patient on the ball, playing a reasonably high line, with good pace at the back and energy in front we look to defend high up the park. This allows us to take the game to Chelsea and aids distribution out from the back line.
Control possession and find space in between the opposition lines. Using the pace of our fbs and wingers to create space as we push forward. Creating space for the cms to push into and for the front three to exploit. In the final third Sterling & Jesus have freedom to drift inside either getting down the outside if 3 cbs or on the inside of the fb (between cb & fb) to get in behind. Dybala gives us an all round striker with the pace to get in behind but also play as a false 9, naturally liking to drop to deeper areas and get involved in play between the lines. This fluid movement of the front three will be key to finding space in dangerous positions on the ball in attack.
Key to our attack is quick passing play, not looking to force the play but moving the ball quickly. Pass and move. Tire the opposition out physically and mentally with our possession and high tempo play. Predominantly short passing on the deck, but varying our play when a counter is on.
Rodri and Thiago collecting the ball and offering the link between defence and attack, get Thiago and Fabian on the ball and get pushing up the pitch. But we also have great pace, so mix it up going through or over the top to expose the space behind them. Quick one twos between the mid and attacking trios, with a fb always overlapping.
—————————Ter Stegen
Carvajal — Militao — Laporte — Alaba
———————————Rodri
—————— Thiago.A — Fabian.R
— Sterling ——————————— G.Jesus —
—————————— P.Dybala
Subs. Schmeichel, Theo, Neves, Nkunku, L.Alberto, Gnabry, Lautaro
Defending in numbers
When we lose the ball the closest player presses the ball, the second closest presses the obvious passing channel. As they’re doing this everyone else bar Dybala gets into a narrow rigid formation behind the ball in position to press high up the park. Stop them breaking and press them high up the park.
In a narrow, rigid formation, we will look to press the space, not allowing them options. Keep them from advancing to positions where they can’t hurt us, by trying to win the ball back very quickly. Then break quickly in these high positions when we do win the ball.
As Chelsea advance into higher areas of the park and into our half, our shape will resemble a 4-1-4-1. Our wingers will track any forward runs made by their fbs, and Rodri presses the space in front of our cbs, sweeping up danger in front of the defence, the cms pressing their midfield.
In this tight formation narrowing to the side of play, ensuring there are no gaps in the formation. Rodri will be key, reading the play in between the defence and midfield, getting across to cut out any danger Thiago picks up the most advanced cm. The winger opposite play comes inside and sits on their deepest cm while Fabian presses the space next to and in front of Rodri. Our fb’s have fantastic pace up against their wide forwards, bide their time, not diving in.
Attack.
Get the ball out wide, Rodri spreading the play, Thiago and Fabian dictating the play. The trio's movement will be key in opening up the opposition defence.
In attack we play with width to stretch the game and open up Chelsea. Get the fbs attacking. One bombing forward the other fb, remains a little more reserved offering option to go back and switch play.
The cm trio seeking to collect the ball from the defence, and seeking to start our attacks from the back. Spreading play, and setting the tempo of the game. We look to find space between their defence and midfield, committing defenders from there and playing killer balls.
We want quick one twos in the opposition half. Thiago, Fabian and the wingers will always be looking for the killer ball. If it is not on, we are happy to keep the ball moving and keep possession.
Subs.
If winning after 70 mins bring on Lautaro for Dybala. Fresh pace and power against tired defended.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Nkunku and Gnabry for Fabian and Jesus. Fresh energy in Cm and fresh pace out wide. Sterling left, keep the shape.
If drawing after 70 mins bring on Lautaro for Jesus. 4-4-2 Fabian and Sterling wide and Dybala playing off Lautaro
If drawing after 75 mins bring on Gnabry for Fabian.
If draw after 90 mins and goes to ET bring on Neves for Rodri (fot 1st min of ET)
If losing after 70 mins bring on Lautaro for Carvajal and Gnabry for Fabian. 3-2-3-2. Thiago and Rodri in front of back 3. Attacking mid trio of Gnabry, Dybala, Sterling. Jesus and Lautaro up top gung ho.
If losing after 80 mins bring on Luis Alberto for Jesus. Dybala up with Lautaro.
Pens.
1. Lautaro
2. Dybala
3. Thiago
4. Gnabry
5. Alaba
6. Sterling
7. L.Alberto
posted on 12/7/20
Pens
Whoever is on
Mbappe
Jimenez
Greenwood
Gosens
Diaby
Havertz
Dembele
de Jong
posted on 12/7/20
----------------- De Gea ----------------
Hakimi -- Pavard -- Skriniar -- Mendy
---------- Torreira -- Ceballos --------
R.Mahrez ----- D.Silva ----- A.Martial
------------- Timo Werner -------------
Subs:
Muric, Tomori, Hummels, McKennie, L.Bailey, Leao, Abraham
We set up with a strong side suited to playing 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. D.Silva 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 Silva 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: D.Silva off, McKennie on.
80 mins: Ceballos off, Hummels on. 5-4-1 shut up shop time as we tighten up with a solid defensive unit as we see out the win.
If drawing:
75 mins: D.Silva off, Abraham on. 4-2-2-2 as we look for the winner.
85 mins: Mahrez off, L.Bailey on.
If losing:
65 mins: Torreira off, L.Bailey on. Silva & Ceballos in a midfield two.
75 mins: Mendy off, Abraham on. 3-4-3 all out attack
posted on 12/7/20
Comment deleted by Site Moderator
posted on 10/8/20
Bournemouth Tactics: New Season Week 1
Captain: Felipe
Vice Captain: Roca
Team:
--------------------Simón
Emerson--Felipe—Torres-----Augusto
---------------------Roca
---------Guimarães---Igor G
Zaracho--------------------------Oyarzabal
-------------------Vinícius
SUBS: Blanco, Khellven, Gabriel, Assunção, 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: Simón 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 Zaracho and Oyarzabal 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, Oyarzabal or Zaracho with Felipe, Torres, Roca and Vinícius to offer an aerial threat. Igor and Oyarzabal (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 Assunção for Guimarães, 3 like for like substitutions.
If losing (on 80 minutes) Tetê for Guimarães and Cunha for Zaracho. 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----Oyarzabal
---Vinícius---Cunha
posted on 10/8/20
*****Sorry: mistake in my subs - replace Tetê with Antony*****
posted on 11/8/20
---------------------- Strakosha ------------------------
------ M.Ginter ----- S.Ramos ----- M.Salisu --------
Aarons ------ De Beek ------ Valverde ------ Sandro
----------------------- A.Gomez ------------------------
-------------- Ronaldo -------- L.Sane -----------------
McCarthy, Reguilon, Goretzka, Llorente, Odoi, Barnes, Zapata
When we don't have the ball, we will press high up the pitch, conceding very little space, Gomez will look to steal the ball within the attacking third and hopefully, quickly get it to those ahead of him. We do not give them any time on the ball and our front 2 prevent their defence hanging on to it too long or trying to play form the back as we pressurise them all the time.
If they do get to our half then we have a strong back 3 and double pivot ahead to prevent play through the middle, meaning they will need to push wide, whichever side they attack from tho I want Gomez and one of Ronaldo/Sane to push to that side again to close them down and support the wingbacks
When we have the ball it starts from the back moving the ball around between defence and centre midfield until the moment arrives when a pass can be made through to the front line, , there is no rush, if they come pressing we simply move it to the wide areas for them to bomb down the line and look to either cut it back or get a pass into the front three.
Strakosha is our sweeper keeper, I want him involved with the defence playing out, if he has the ball I want him to find players especially the wingbacks when we are ready to attack
Ginter and Salisu, Cover the wingbacks and take the ball out of defence, must do this with confidence, if they lose the ball then all numbers back to cover, if they are being pressurised then a simple pass even back to the keeper and start again, stay wide (depending on what side) to cover wingbacks if they are forward.
Ramos - He will press the opposition striker, when we lose the ball he needs to be on top of the CF very quickly, he must intercept everything, but he has the experience to do this, don't take any risks as the CF will also be on him so move it quickly when he gets it.
Sandro and Aarons, must work very hard, they have great work rate but this must done for the whole game, get down the line, get the crosses in, don't worry so much about whats behind you as their is plenty cover, I don't mean forget your defence duties, just play with a bit of freedom, crosses, one-twos, cut backs and all with pace to hurt them.
Although Valverde isn't a DM his 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 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.
De Beek 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.
Gomez 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 defender, making late runs into the box and look for any loose ball to have a pop at goal, defending wise, I want him to harass who ever has the ball in that area, get it and move it forward as quickly as possible
Sane I want to be making all the runs behind the defence, drift wide and pull defenders away, quick and skillfull, look to move out to create an outlet for the wingbacks to use or indeed link with Gomez to get Ronaldo away on goal
Ronaldo, must be able to hold up play for others to support, also run the channels, 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, 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 Ramos
Pens - Ronaldo
Free Kicks - Ronaldo/Gomez
Corners - Gomez/sub
Subs -
Losing -
65 Mins - Sandro and Aarons off, Odoi and Zapata on, Sane to LW, Odoi to RW, Zapata up top a more attacking 3412
75 Mins - Barnes for Sane
Winning -
75 Mins - Llorente for Sane, he goes in behind the two CMS to shore it up
83 Mins - Zapata for Ronaldo, Reguilon for Sandro. Reguilon and Aarons will sit back in a 5311
Drawing -
65 Mins - Reguilon for Sandro, fresh legs
75 Mins - Zapata for Sane, Barnes for Gomez
posted on 15/8/20
Comment deleted by Article Creator
posted on 15/8/20
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. Find space between their midfield and defence and exploit Casemiro being missing. 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, Thiago 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.
Playing with a high tempo when we win the ball we attack at pace down the wings, but the two AMs 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 —-Marquinhos —— Laporte —— Alaba
———————— Rodri ——- Thiago
——— Bernardo.S ——————————- Gnabry ——
———————- Lautaro —— Jesus
Subs. Schmeichel, Laimer, Neves, Fabian, Nkunku, Felix, Osimhen
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 Thiago 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, Laporte is the man marker with Marquinhos 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 Felix for Lautaro. More 4231 with Felix behind.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Osimhen for Jesus. fresh pace and stronger presence for out ball
If winning after 80 mins bring on Laimer for Thiago. Big energy to see out game.
If drawing after 70 mins bring on Felix and Osimhen for Lautaro and Jesus. More creativity, behind striker, fresh legs and fresh pace. Big man little man combo.
If losing after 62 mins, bring on Fabian for Bernardo. 433, Gnabry right, Jesus left. Lautaro central.
If losing after 70 mins bring on Osimhen for Lautaro. Target man to aim for in box. Get wide.
If losing after 80 mins bring on Felix for Carvajal. Alaba lcb, 3 at the back. Felix playing no.10 role supporting Osimhen
posted on 15/8/20
------------------------- Oblak -------------------------
Bissaka ----- S.de Vrij ----- van Dijk ----- Lucas.H
------------- F. de Jong ---- M.Locatelli -------------
Mbappe -------------- Havertz -------------- Neymar
------------------------ Haaland ------------------------
Raya, Gosens, Tielemans, Zaniolo, Ferran, Greenwood, Diaby
New season, disappointing last season, so need to get off to a flyer!
Our game is still based solely on possession football, playing from the back and quick on the break and really pressurise the opposition with an in your face performance from the front we do not allow them to play from the back as our front three play quite a high line, 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 always on top of the CBs stopping them passing between each other, 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, de Vrij 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, They know each other well so they will form a partnership very 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 and de Jong to drift to the side and this allows the fullbacks to make their way to midfield to cover. van Dijk and de Jong to go up for corners, with the fullbacks and Locatelli sitting back.
Locatelli is 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/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, 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.After the pass he can push wide or central to make that extra man 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 Haaland, he goes to RW, Mbappe and Havertz up top 424/442, Gosens for Lucas as well, he is more attack minded and will drive up the left whipping dangerous crosses in and supporting Neymar
Winning -
75 Mins - Tielemans for Haaland, he drops into a midfield 3 with Havertz moving up front
83 Mins - Gosens for Neymar, will help defensively
Drawing -
70 Mins - Zaniolo for Havertz, Greenwood for Haaland, Mbappe up top, Greenwood RW
75 Mins - Gosens for Lucas
posted on 16/8/20
Wolverhampton Wanderers v SHEFFIELD UNITED
Handanovic
Justin, Kjaer, T. Silva, Grimaldo
Gueye, Koopmeiners
Bale, James, Alexis
Suárez
Subs: Woodman, Rodon, Maatsen, Adams, de Roon, Robben, Cantwell
Captain: Thiago Silva
Free Kicks (pre-75th Min): Bale/James/Koopmeiners
Free Kicks (post-75th min): Robben/James
Penalties: Suárez
Our defensive unit consists of Simon Kjaer and Thiago Silva 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, James Rodríguez and Alexis Sánchez 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 Alexis Sánchez, who are fast speed merchants, excellent in tight spaces and fantastic dribblers will cut inside or make runs into the box. James Rodríguez our attacking central midfielder’s low centre of gravity will enable him to navigate away from defenders at a frighteningly quick pace. James 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, Alexis & 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, James & Alexis 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
Robben on for Bale, Cantwell on for Alexis, Adams on for Koopmeiners
Triple 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
posted on 16/8/20
Just to confirm that the second set of tactics above are correct
Handanovic replacing Muller in goal
Rodon replacing Ajer on the bench
posted on 16/8/20
posted on 16/8/20
French 4-2-3-1
We look to attack down the wings attacking with pace, using the pace of our fbs and wingers to create space for Isco in the middle to pull the strings, and for Aubameyang in the box.
The opposition have real quality, and so we look to hit them with pace. Their defence is their weakness so we look to press the back line. 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 pace in front will be key, 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, Tolisso defends zonally 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.
Kante tasked with sweeping the midfield pressing the play.
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.
Aubameyang 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. One fb bombs forward at a time, we look to get Isco out combining with the attacking fb and winger playing one twos and producing the magic to create for Aubameyang.
——————————— Lloris
K.Walker — Koulibaly — Lenglet — Digne
———————— Kante — Tolisso
Dembele ——————Isco ————— Son.H-M
————————— Aubameyang
Subs. Ramsdale, Dubois, Guerreiro, Guendouzi, Ndombele, Perisic, Jimenez
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 Kante to press the play, leaving Tolisso 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.
Koulibaly the defensive leader at the back, he is the man marker with Lenglet intelligence and both have pace to cover. The full backs always seek to push their attackers out wide.
Subs.
If winning after 70 mins bring on Ndombele for Isco fresh pace and energy in midfield.
If winning after 77 mins bring on Guerreiro for Son. pace and energy out wide.
If drawing/losing after 68 mins bring on Jimenez for Isco. 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 Guendouzi for Tolisso. More power and fresh energy.
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