I just noticed I bloody put Bobby in the line up, he’s injured. Since the results aren’t done can I swap him with reus who is on my bench
------------------------- J.Oblak --------------------------
Bissaka ------ S.de Vrij ------ van Dijk ------ Lucas.H
------------------------- Busquets -------------------------
-------------- Bentancur ------ F. de Jong --------------
Mbappe ------------------------------------------ Neymar
------------------------- Haaland --------------------------
Areola, Gosens, Nianzou, Bellingham, Ferran, Diaby, Greenwood
Our game is based solely on possession football, quick on the break and really pressurise the opposition with an in your face performance from the front, we want to hit them quickly so we need to press them quickly to get the ball, when we defend, the back 4 must stay solid with Busquets 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, 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, 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 Benancur 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 Vrij to go up for corners, with the fullbacks and de Jong sitting back.
Busquets 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 Bentnavcur 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. Bentancur 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. 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 make up the extra man further forward as de Jong and Busquets stay and cover. 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 Bentancur to pick his moment to move into space either as a 10. 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 Bentancur who at times will be right on his shoulder or alongside as he is allowed freedom of the park when we attack, 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 - Neymar
Corners - Wingers
Subs -
Losing
65 Mins - Greenwood for Bentancur, we go 4-4-2, with Greenwood going right and Mbappe alongside Haaland, Gosens for lucas at the same time, he drives down the left allowing Neymar to push inside
Winning -
75 Mins - Nianzou for Bentancur, he sits in beside Busquets and de Jong with fresh legs
80 Mins - Greenwood for Haaland, switch with Mbappe, Greenwood helps track back, and still a massive threat
Drawing
70 Mins - Bellingham for Bentancur, fresh legs same role, Gosens for Lucas, again drive down the left, Neymar to cut inside
80 Mins - Greenwood for Haaland, switch with Mbappe, a lot of pace in the final 10 mins to hurt them
------------------------- Ederson ------------------------
-------- M.Ginter ---- S.Ramos ---- Hermoso --------
A.Hakimi ----- M.Merino -- Fabian.R ----- Reguilon
-------------------------- Aouar --------------------------
--------------- J.David --------- Ronaldo --------------
Maximiano, Llorente, de Beek, D.Olmo, L.Sane, Grealish, Ilicic
When we don't have the ball, we will press high up the pitch, conceding very little space, Aouar 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 Aouar and one of Ronaldo/David to push to that side again to close them down and support the wingbacks, lots of pace in the front three to get at players.
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.
Ederson 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 Hermoso, Cover the wingbacks/midfielders breaking through and take the ball out of defence, use there positional sense well as they may be out paced., 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.
Reguilon and Hakimi, 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, two great forwards to aim for, 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 Merino's primary role in front of the defence is to win possession and then start an attacking phase. Within this he needs to cover spaces in between the midfield and defence where the opposition’s number 10 will likely to be operating whilst also being aware when the full-backs had pushed forward. Take care of 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.
Fabian 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.
Aouar 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, he, David and Ronaldo great finishers so look to make late runs into the area and latching onto crosses from wide areas, 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
J.David 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 Aouar to get Ronaldo away on goal, he and Ronaldo both fantastic in the air, so while they aim for Ronaldo, David will be making the late runs into the danger area and with a head start look to get up early and attack the crosses coming in.
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 - For Goal(Ronaldo) Otherwise Aouar/Fabian
Corners - Wingbacks
Subs -
Losing
65 Mins - Sane for Hermoso, Olmo for Aouar, we go 4-4-2, using width to fire the crosses in
74 Mins - Ilicic for David
Winning -
75 Mins - de Beek for David,, Merino goes in between midfield and defence with de Beek controlling the midfield with Fabian and Aouar
82 Mins - Wingbacks become fullbacks, Aouar to LM, Olmo for David and got to RM 4-1-4-1
Drawing -
70 Mins - Ilicic for David, de Beek for Fabian, fresh legs
80 Mins - Sane for Aouar and he can just have a fee role for the final 10 or minutes
NEWCASTLE 4-3-3
___________Chesney
Trent____Carlos___Chiellini___Robbo
____________Fabinho
________Hendo___Naby
ADM______Salah________Mane
SUBS: Gini, Correa, Millie, Ox, Thorgan, Reus, Zakaria
Captain: Hendo
Penalties: Bobby
Corners: Trent
Freekicks: Trent
The formation deployed today is so that we regain as much possession as possible higher up the pitch. We expect to have a fair portion of the ball so patience is key. Today we have pace all across the pitch. We also expect the four behind the striker to drift around a bit, getting into positions where their natural play can cause damage. The striker up front presses when we don’t have the ball and the entire team will support him cut passing lanes to help win the ball higher up. The quality of our players will allow us to break through the oppositions press. When we have the ball we will want to attract the press and use the spaces that they open up to attack.
Full backs will get forward when the opportunity arises. Our full backs are good at feeding our forward line with their ability on the ball and we aim to utilize that with their ability to get up the pitch and tactical arareness. Both fullbacks are our playmakers. We also need our full backs to widen the pitch for us. Our centre halves are good on the ball, and a long punt every now and then to utilize our pace out wide is encouraged. Both fullbacks will just keep hitting early crosses.
The DM will tactically astute in his positioning acting as a base and be in charge of driving our midfield forward. Our midfield will be flexible, if one of their midfielders steps forward, one of ours will move into the space they vacated. The DM will be the link between our defence, midfield, and forwards and because of the way he plays, he will draw the opponents forward towards him to attack the ball, pulling their team’s lines apart. This will create more spaces between the lines for our midfield and forward lines to move into. The right centre mid will be the more attacking one in his box to box role, closing down space and cutting passing lanes with his incredible energy and also driving the team forward. Playing alongside the DM will give him less areas of the pitch to cover, and shorter distance needed to win the ball back to start the next attack. Both centre mids will float between the lines during the attacking phase just behind our forwards.
Our wide forwards are space investigators and main goal threat. Drift into the crentre often to get into goal scoring positions.
If short passing options aren’t available the passing range and accuracy of our keeper will safely transfer the ball forwards via our full backs. The keeper can also dink the ball into space for the striker or wide forward to control taking out 6 or 7 opposition players in the process.
The striker’s main role will be to create space for the wide forwards. He will drop deep into a ten to drag defenders out and create space for our wide forwards to run into. This will tie into our quick short passing which is aimed at dragging their players out of position and create space between their lines. Our team will always recycle the ball to keep possession and to keep the ball moving. Salah (or whoever) will move into the striker position when the striker drops.
When we don’t have the ball we will expect our four behind the striker to drop into a 4-5-1 in support of our midfield. We will also create triangles to trap the opposition players that have the ball, cutting the passing lanes and others putting pressure on players that might receive the ball. We stop the oppositions rhythm and force them into mistakes with our pressure. To stop their counter attacks after we lose the ball, three players will swarm the ball carrier before he can get his head up to play. If they beat the immediate press when the team’s main goal is to push their play wide where they can do the least damage. Our midfielders are an integral part to our play, when we win the ball back we will create space and time for them with our team shape. There will be times when we are under the cosh and will have the option of deploying a bowl shaped 5 at the back, with the right centre mid dropping in to make closing down the opponents very effective.
Subs
70 mins: Gini comes on for Hendo, our legs will start to tire, so will theirs, Gini will add box to box ability and energy late in the game.
75 mins: Correa comes on for ADM, a different style of forward play for the opposition to think about.
If winning 80 mins: Zakaria comes on for Naby to close out the game.
If losing/drawing 80 mins: Reus comes on for Fabinho and play 2 up front.
------------------- De Gea -----------------
Meunier -- Skriniar -- Tomori - B.Mendy
------------------- Torreira ----------------
Ziyech -- Maddison -- Pjanic -- Martial
------------------- Werner -----------------
Subs:
Bulka, Schuurs, Martinez, Brandt, Hudson-Odoi, Coman, Ibrahimovic
We set up with a strong side suited to playing attacking football in a 4-1-4-1 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 attack and hit them on the counter.
Skriniar is the defensive leader and will be the one to set the defensive line on the pitch, 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.
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 Maddison 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: Pjanic off, Martinez on.
80 mins: Maddison off, Schuurs 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: Pjanic off, Brandt on.
80 mins: Maddison off, Ibrahimovic on. 4-2-2-2 with Werner and Ibra up top as we go for the winner.
If losing:
65 mins: Torreira off, Brandt on.
75 mins: Tomori off, Ibrahimovic on. 3-4-3 all out attack
Balanced 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, Kante 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.
Tolisso tasked with 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. Gulácsi, Gaya, Rabiot, Ndombele, Adelaide, Belotti, 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 Tolisso to press the play, leaving Kante 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 Adelaide for Son. pace and energy out wide.
If winning after 82 mins bring on Rabiot for Tolisso
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 Ndombele for Tolisso. More attacking and fresh energy.
Comment deleted by Site Moderator
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.
Bournemouth 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 with Dybala dropping deep 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.
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
————————— Neves —— Rodri
——— B.Silva ——————————— Sterling ——
————————- Lautaro —— Jesus
Subs. Schmeichel, Militao, Theo, Mount, B.Fernandes, Kulusevski, Felix
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 Neves to press the pay, leaving Rodri 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, 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 Bruno for Jesus. 4-2-3-1. Silva right, Bruno central. Pace on wings.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Kulusevski for Silva.
If winning after 82 mins bring on Felix for Sterling.
If drawing after 72 mins bring on Bruno and Mount for Neves and Dybala. 4-3-3
If drawing after 80 mins bring on Kulusevski for Carvajal. 3-6-1
If losing after 62 mins bring on Kulusevski for Carvajal. 3-5-2.
If losing after 70 mins bring on Bruno for Bernardo.
If losing after 80 mins bring on Mount for Rodri
SOTON VS Portsmouth
--------------------------------------Onana-----------------------
Atal-----------Upamecano-----------Dias------------Shaw
--------------------------------------Tonali---------------------------
----------------------Valverde------------Lo Celso------------------------
Adama--------------------------------------------------------Pulisic
-----------------------------------Rashford--------------------------------
Subs - Maignan, Demiral, McTominay, Reinier, I Sarr, Isak, Richarlison
CAPTAIN - UPAMECANO
CK'S - TONALI
FK'S - RASHFORD
PENALTIES - RASHFORD
I want us to hold a deep defensive line to start of with so the oppo don't get an early goal. Keep things simple in the beginning and only pressure the oppo when they get in our half. When we have the ball I want the team to play pass and move football. Don't stay static, try and get in behind the oppo defence as there is a lot of pace in our attacking players. As the game goes on, when we don't have the ball I want the team to defend from the front line and pressure the oppo and try and win possession back. Do this in fits and bursts as it is a tiring tactic.
Defence
GK to be confident in box. Don't take risks. Punch the ball away if the shot is too powerful. Command your area. The defence is well balanced. Upamecano and Dias bring a lot of strength and pace to the defence. Upamecano will marshal the defence and Dias will look to use his pace to close the oppo strikers down. Stay vocal with each other and cover for each other if oppo gets past one of you. Full backs will start of with a conservative mind set and not attack too much but as the game goes on I want them to make overlapping runs and get some crosses in to the box. Tonali will be covering for them when they go attacking.
Defence Mid
Tonali
Tonalu will be the anchor in the middle. Stay back in front of the defence and protect the defence with your life. If the oppo play an AM then stick close to him and mark him if possible. When our fullbacks are attacking then your main priority will be to cover for them. When in possession pass the ball out to the wings or to the CM's. Also be on the lookout for the runs of Pulisic/Adama and thread dangerous through balls to them.
Centre Mids
Valverde + Lo Celso
Valverde will be playing as a b2b CM today. He will pick the ball up from deep and use his technique and vision to find the runs of our attacking players and thread deadly passes to them. Play quick passes forward and use your agility to outmanoeuvre the oppo players. Play 1 2 quick passes with your teammates and make penetrating runs from deep. When not in possession of the ball I want him to drop deep in central midfield and try and intercept any passes the oppo will make. Shoot if you have a chance to.
Lo Celso will have a similar role to Valverde except he will be given more attacking freedom. I want him to always make runs forward and when the oppo DM has the ball I want him to put pressure on him and close him down so he makes a mistake and we potentially create a goal scoring opportunity. Use your nimbleness and pace to get away from players marking you in the middle and if you find some space shoot. If you see Tonali and Valverde struggling in the middle bring overwhelmed by the oppo then I want you to focus on helping them more defensively in the centre of midfield.
Wingers
Adama + Pulisic
These 2 will be the focal point of my attack. I want to give them the freedom to express themselves in attack. Pulisic will be looking to cut in from the left and Adama will be looking to get to the byline and to whip some balls in to the area. 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. Atal and Shaw are no slouches attacking wise so use them! Pulisic will be allowed cut in onto your stronger foot, don't be afraid to shoot from range as you have the ability to score from long range. If there is no space to do so then take the ball to the byline and whip in crosses for 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. If we get to the byline with either of the wingers I want them to either whip in a low ball across the face of the net for Rashford to poke home or pull the ball back to just outside the box for Valverde/Lo Celso to get a shot in.
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 Richarlison for Lo Celso and Isak for Pulisic 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. Bring in Reinier at AM aswell to add some Brazilian flair. Play a high line and put a lot of pressure on the oppo to win the ball back.
--------------------------------------Onana--------------------------------
Atal-------Upamecano-------------Dias---------Shaw
---------------------------------Valverde---------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adama--------------------------------------------------------Richarlison
------------------------------------Reinier-------------------------------
-------------------Rashford---------------Isak-------------------
Subs if WINNING BY 80MINS
Take off Lo Celso and put on Demiral in CB. Play defensive with everyone in our own half defending for their lives, waiting to hit the oppo on the counter attack. McTominay on for Tonali to add more defensive strength and energy. Richarlison on for Pulisic aswell.
-------------------------------------Onana--------------------------------
Atal-------Upamecano------Dias------Demiral--------Shaw
----------------------------Valverde--------McTom---------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------Adama--------------------------------------------Richarlison-----
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------Rashford-----------------------------------
Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Sarr on for Adama
Reinier on for Lo Celso
Isak on for Rashford
Fresh legs to bring on.
------------------ Courtois -----------------
Cancelo -- De Ligt -- Bonucci - F.Mendy
-------------------- Allan -------------------
--------- De Bruyne -- Ødegaard --------
Sancho ------ A.Griezmann ----- Hazard
Subs:
Lopes, Ake, Marcelo, Modric, Asensio, Icardi, Benzema
Captain: Bonucci
Free Kicks: KDB/Hazard
Penalties: KDB
Corners: Wingers
Tactics:
Moving the ball at speed will be the focus of our play as we go for the win. We go with an attacking 4-3-3 as we look to play on the front foot and feel this with match up well with our opponents as we look to play at speed. We defend in numbers and look to hit them with fast direct attacking football. Our playmakers ready to pounce and feed our exciting front three as the opposition leave themselves exposed when pushing men football as we look punish them on the break.
Whilst the opposition have some dangerous players we will look to significantly limit their impact by retaining possession, we will force them to track back or risk leaving their defence exposed when we push forward in numbers. We aim to make things uncomfortable for them and limit any space for them to play in the final third, severely hampering their normal style of football. When they are in possession our wingers drop in as we play a compact 4-5-1 formation.
We look to draw the opposition onto us by sitting deep, limiting the space in behind us and drawing them further up the field creating space for us to hit them on the counter.
Defence:
We go with a strong defensive unit at the back, packed with pace and quality as we look to nullify the threat posed by the oppositions attack. If the opposition play one up top then Bonucci will mark. Strong, aggressive and a great reader of the game we feel he has all the tools to deal with any opponent. De Ligt will act as cover, sweeping up and offering cover in behind to eliminate any balls over the top. The Dutchman sweeping up from the back and immediately looking to get us on the counter with his fantastic vision and passing.
Our fullbacks will stick tight to the wide men, safe in the knowledge that they have supporting cover from De Ligt in behind with Allan also drifting across from DM to offer additional support. We look to double up on their wingers to severely limit their impact with De Ligt also offering additional cover in behind. When in possession both FB’s will look to get the ball in quickly to our danger man with both possessing quality with the ball at their feet.
Midfield:
We go with a three man midfield, packed with quality and experience we look to dominate and take the game to our opponents. Allan will be our holding player in the middle and operate as a DM. A tenacious player he will look to break up the opposition play, winning back possession and setting us up on the counter as we look to get the ball into our creative players as quickly as possible. He’ll pick up their most advanced AM and cut out their supply line. He’s also a fantastic passer which will be key in winning the midfield battle and ball retention.
De Bruyne and Odegaard will be our magic men in the middle, acting as our creators in chief we look to get them on the ball as much as possible. With Allan acting as an anchor they have freedom to get forward and pick apart the opposition. Short sharp passing will pull the opposition apart with both players capable of playing that killer pass in the final third. We want them to look for our forwards early, pinging the ball in behind for our front three to get onto as we look to hit them on the break.
Sancho & Hazard will also look drift in between the lines giving us an extra link up and creating a numerical advantage in midfield. Our gameplan is based on creating an overload in key areas, forcing the opposition to abandon their shape as they desperately scamper to cover the free man however in doing so they will be pulled out of shape and leaving gaps in their defence for our attackers to exploit.
Forwards:
Up top we go with three heavy hitters which is enough to give any defence nightmares, dangermen Sancho and Hazard flanking the mercurial Griezmann in the middle. In one on one situations Sancho and Hazard are devastating and both have license to go at the opposition. With a powerhouse frontline we go for goals, both wingers will look to cause problems, cutting inside and going direct for goal one moment and driving down the line, bamboozling the opposition before whipping the ball into the box the next. We look to draw in opposition players, freeing up our other forward to pounce with quick incisive passing in the final third
Greizmann plays through the middle and will have a dream supply line around him. With a supporting cast of KDB, Hazard, Sancho & Odegaard we feel that Griezmann is perfect link up man in the CF role. He has licence to drift anywhere across the frontline, pulling apart the opposition defence. With the number of quality attackers we have around him he could well find himself in one on one match ups in which he’s deadly. Drift in between the lines and as always be on your toes in the box, ready to pounce and finish anything that comes your way.
Subs;
If winning:
70 mins: Odegaard off, Ake on. Move to 5-4-1 as we tighten up defensively.
80 mins: Griezmann off, Icardi on. Fresh legs to pick them off on the break.
If drawing:
75 mins: Odegaard & Mendy off, Icardi & Marcelo on. Switch to 4-2-2-2 with Icardi & Griezmann up top and Sancho & Hazard on the flanks. Goals.
If losing:
65 mins: Allan off, Modric on. Extra creativity.
75 mins: Cancelo & Odegaard off, Icardi & Benzema on. 3-4-3 all out attack as we go for goals.
--------------------Pope
Mukiele-----Tah-----Dunk-----Chilwell
--------------------Partey
Ocampos—Pogba—Kovacic—Bergwijn
--------------------Kane
Balcombe
Kamara
Telles
Arthur
Shackleton
Chiesa
Daka
Reverting back to the tried and tested 4-1-4-1 for todays game, still without Neuer and Depay, but with more than satisfactory cover options coming in. I have also returned Pogba to the starting XI, in the hope that his extra flair will help us across the line. We will be looking to play a possession style, getting on the ball and moving it around quickly, spreading and contracting the play to leave the opposition in a muddle. The more conventional defensive structure allows us an extra man in the offensive third, which will hopefully help us in getting the game by the scruff of the neck.
Everything starts from the back, and I want to see the defensive five moving the ball quickly. Pope may not be as comfortable with the ball at his feet as Neuer, but will be provided with plenty of options, with the FB’s going to the touchline, an option for the dinked pass, and the CBs and Partey providing more conventional short options. When Partey gets on the ball in this position, I want to see him look for Pogba or Kovacic, immeadiately seeking to transition to more creative options. For the CBs, spreading the play to the FBs is also an option, as they will look to transition from defense to attack quickly. Kovacic will be the midfielder who drops slightly deeper, also offering an option, due to the box-to-box nature of his role in the team.
When on the ball in the final third, I want to see quick movement across the front three. Ocampos and Bergwijn provide different options, with Bergwijn’s raw pace providing problems for his FB, and I expect to see darting runs in behind, exposing any high line the opposition shows, whilst Ocampos will look to come inside and tug the defender out of position, creating space for Mukiele’s overlap. I want to see Kane stick between the posts, as that is the best position for strikers to instinctively score goals. He will have to play with his back to goal at times, to receive the ball and spread it around, but I know that he is capable at having players playing off him. When facing goal, he is a threat from anywhere, and I want to see their goalkeeper tested as much as he can be.
Should we lose the ball in the final third, I want to see a stirring response, with the entire front three pressing high. Kane will target the CBs and the goalkeeper, whilst the wingers should look to prevent the out ball to the FBs. This approach means that the opposition will be allowed little time to think on the ball, forcing either errors in judgement, or long balls forward, that should be dealt with comfortably by our aerially powerful CBs. The important thing is that the three press as a group, with Kovacic and Pogba providing supporting cover in the midfield, with Pogba especially looking to target cutting out any balls to a dropping deep CDM figure.
When off the ball defensively, I want to see our third tightly packed, with Kovacic dropping back to support Partey, and Pogba sitting in front of them, almost as a 4-2-1-3 at that point. This means that Parety and Kovacic will be able to support the FBs, should the opposition look to target us out wide, without leaving excess space in the middle. Dunk and Tah are both strong aerially, so I expect dominance in that regard. I would like for Dunk to man-mark the opposition striker, with Tah acting as more of a sweeper, using his strength and pace to nip and win back balls should they work their way into our areas.
Set pieces will be a big boon for us, hopefully, as we have a number of strong players that should be the target for whipped corners into the penalty area, specifically Tah, Dunk and Kane, with Ocampos coming to provide a short option, Bergwijn placed on the keeper, and looking to nip in for loose balls, and Kovacic prowling outside the penalty area. Pogba will be taking set pieces. A big area for us is movement, and I expect to see plenty of teamwork, with runs made together, to drag the opposition marking out of place, and create space for each other across the pitch. I think we have the players to achieve this.
Red Card Substitutions
Balcombe on for Neuer
Shackleton on for Mukiele
Kamara on for Tah/Dunk
Telles on for Chilwell
Arthur on for Partey
Shackleton on for Kovacic
Arthur on for Pogba
Chiesa on for Ocampos/Bergwijn
Daka on for Kane
Regular substitutions
Most of these will be used to freshen up the legs, but there are also possibilities to change up the shape both offensively and defensively.
If winning
70 mins
Chiesa on for Ocampos
Kamara on for Pogba
Change to a 3-3-3-1 at this point, with Kamara slotting in at LCB.
85 mins
Daka on for Kane
Fresh legs.
If losing/drawing
75 mins
Daka on for Kovacic
Shift to a 4-1-3-2 formation, with Daka playing off Kane
85 mins
Chiesa on for Ocampos
Fresh legs and pace
Bournemouth Tactics: Week 6
Captain: Felipe
Vice Captain: Roca
Team:
-------------------Simón
Emerson--Felipe—Gabriel-----Lodi
-------------------Roca
---------Henrique---Igor G
Zaracho----------------------Oyarzabal
-------------------Vinícius
SUBS: Peacock, Augusto, Ferro, Assunção, Antony, Gil, Kaio Jorge
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. Henrique and Igor will play just in front of Roca. Henrique 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, Henrique 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 Henrique 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, Gabriel, 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) Ferro for Gabriel, Kaio Jorge for Vinícius and Assunção for Henrique, 3 like for like substitutions.
If losing (on 80 minutes) Antony for Henrique and Kaio Jorge for Zaracho. Shift to a 4-1-3-2 attack. Kaio Jorge and Gil offering fresh legs, pace and a bit of the unknown in attack.
--------------Roca
Antony-----Igor----Oyarzabal
------Vinícius---Kaio Jorge
--------------------------- Oblak --------------------------
Calabria ------ S.deVrij ------ van Dijk ------ Lucas.H
-------------- F. de Jong ------ S.Busquets -------------
Mbappe ---------------- Zaniolo ---------------- Neymar
-------------------------- Haaland -------------------------
Areola, Gosens, Bentancur, Ferran, Diaby, Greenwood, Dembele
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 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 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, Forming a tight partnership that not much gets passed. 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 de Vrij to go up for corners, with the fullbacks and Busquets sitting back.
Busquets 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 Zaniolo as they move into space, keep it simple, he has a very good range of pass. Either pass and move(triangles) into space or look for a piercing through ball to our front three to drive onto.Can move forward to assist and look for balls coming out so he can either, shoot or whip straight back in. Zaniolo is essential to our style of play, he is the link between defence and attack, 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.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 Zaniolo to pick his moment to move into space either as a 10 or out wide. If he does push wide this will allow Mbappe/Neymar to go in central as we will have an attacking fullback up and supporting. Quick passing in triangles that will get us in and beyond their defenders and eventually to 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 Zaniolo 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)
Corners - Wingers
Losing/drawing -
65 Mins - Greenwood for Zaniolo, Greenwood go right, Mbappe up top 4-4-2, gives us pace and power up front and fresh quick legs down the right, Gosens for Lucas as well, more attack minded LB to get beyond Neymar and get the crosses in early
75 Mins - Dembele for Haaland fresh legs, new danger
Winning -
75 Mins - Bentancur for Zaniolo, sit back a bit beside de Jong and Busquets drop a bit deeper
83 Mins - Gosens for Neymar
88 Mins - Greenwood for Haaland
--------------------------- Ederson --------------------------
A.Hakimi ------ J.Gomez ------ C.Coady ------ Angelino
---------------------------- Zakaria --------------------------
------------------ de Beek -------- H.Aouar ----------------
M.Reus ----------------------------------------------- L.Sane
---------------------------- Ronaldo --------------------------
McCarthy, Nunez, Llorente, Oscar, Olmo, Ilicic, Belotti
Look to try and control possession high up the field, push them back by playing a high line(the front three)pass and move into positions that can hurt them, when we defend we do so as a team with two banks of four with Zakaria in between the two lines, our midfield & Ronaldo harassing their backline and really pressurise them into quick , misplaced passes for us to pick up, in their face performance, especially de beek and Aouar as we try to nullify their midfield and stop them creating chances for the forwards.
Hakimi and Angelino have freedom to attack, but only one at a time, one will stay back creating a back 3 when we attack, bomb down the line supporting the wingers on the outside, which will allow the winger to cut inside and support Ronaldo. They look to play one twos with the midfield which will get him beyond there fullback and whip in dangerous crosses. Both tough defenders and intelligent so know when to tackle and when just to try and shimmy out wide. When defending and on the cautious side and remain vigilant at all times in the line of four, keep it tight.. Gomez will mark the CF, use his strength and speed to keep the CF away from the danger area. Coady alongside is the spare defender and helps out where needed, both powerful defenders, Both will dominate in the air and both good on the ball, so when in possession they can carry the ball out from defence and look to send our forwards away. Stay tight as a four and let nothing through. Both cbs up for corners, fullbacks stay back and a midfielder just sitting in front of them. When we are in possession the ball will come from the back, so these guys must look for movement ahead of them so they can pick there pass, both CBs are comfortable with ball at feet and will take the ball out of defence to allow them to come on to us before he passes, this will create space as hew will force them to break away from the players they are marking..
Zakaria's primary role in front of the defence is to win possession and then start an attacking phase. Within this he needs to cover spaces in between the midfield and defence where the opposition’s number 10 will likely to be operating whilst also being aware when the full-backs had pushed forward.Take care of of the No 10/SS is also a main focus, he isn't an out an out DM but he has a lot of grit and determination to his game so stick to him like glue and stop him becoming a threat Once he is in possession of the ball nice simple balls to those around him.
de beek is our box-to-box midfielder and has responsibility throughout the pitch. He is expected to score goals and create chances for team mates, whilst also helping in the defensive third. One requirement of this role are high fitness levels due to the amount of running they are expected to do. The box-to-box midfielder is more likely to be found on the side of the pitch where the full-back that is less efficient in the attacking third plays to provide balance on both flanks, he also has a mean shot from distance and isn't afraid to have a go. Aouar I want further up the pitch today as his main responsibility is to both create chances for the three attackers in front of him and indeed score the goals himself. Pushing forward as a AM he will often find himself the furthest forward of the three midfielders and sometimes even in the number 10 role if the correct situation arises. The advantage having Aouar there is he has pace & tenacity to get right un amongst them, he needs to be able to play a pass that penetrates the opposition’s defense or dictates the direction of the attack These three should work well together and between them have everything a midfield needs. He will try and get in beyond there DM and support Ronaldo and look for any scraps coming his way.
Wingers are going to cause problems out wide, with the support they will have, they will look to push the fullbacks back and get into the danger area, Sane I want to drive on the outside and play as a natural winger not an inside forward unless supported by Angelino. both sides will definitely pose a threat with quick one twos. If they play with 3 at the back try and expose the space in behind the wingbacks by using de beek/Aouar to play around and behind them with the ball going in triangles quickly until the break is on. If fulbacks drive passed wingers they can cut inside looking to make a nuisance of themselves centrally again using the CMs to get into danger areas. Both wingers have a fantastic forward to aim for in Ronaldo so if they get to the bye line then get the crosses in for him to attack.Ronaldo will get plenty chances, however he must put away there side who will be solid at the back, I want to bully the slower/weaker/less experienced of the two/three with the aid of Aouar and the wingers and sometimes the fullbacks. Get into positions that he can go for goal or at very least drag players away for other players to drive into the space. Again, target the slower/weaker of the cbs, split them apart to create space, we are quick, so our forwards must hit them with pace to drag them all over the place. Lets be honest, he is a goal machine and will stick it in the back of the net when he has a sniff of goal, he can score from various angles/ranges with hopefully a few crosses coming in he can get up and above defenders for. Can hold it up and look for runners, in particular Reus and Sane will be making runs so be watchful of them just to lay it off to the side if he cant go for goal himself. But especially look for the midfielders centrally driving forward as they time their runs perfectly so a little touch back to him allows him to go for goal.
We must defend as a team tho, from the front, so wingers track back and cover the fullbacks,I want the midfield to be compact to allow very little space, even just to stop them supporting the wingers, we must drive into them and pressurize them into mistakes
Captain - Ronaldo
Pens - Ronaldo
Free Kicks - Ronaldo
Corners - Wingers
Losing -
65 Mins - Belotti for de Beek 4-4-2, Olmo for Reus
Winning -
75 Mins - Llorente for de Beek sit in with Zakaria, Olmo for Reus
Drawing -
70 Mins - Olmo for Reus, Oscar.R for de beek, fresh legs
Comment deleted by Site Moderator
-------------------- Lopes -------------------
Cancelo -- Bonucci -- N.Ake --- F.Mendy
----------- Casemiro -- De Bruyne --------
Sancho ------ A.Griezmann ------ Hazard
------------------ M.Icardi ------------------
Subs:
Courtois, Marcelo, Allan, Modric, Eriksen, Ødegaard, Benzema
Captain: Bonucci
Free Kicks: De Bruyne
Penalties: Icardi
Corners: Sancho/Hazard
Tactics:
Moving the ball at speed will be the focus of our play as we go with an attacking 4-2-3-1 formation today as we aim to for the win.
De Bruyne will be the man to run the show, operating slightly deeper he will be free from the shackles of their DM giving him the freedom to run the game. Further forward Griezmann will be flanked by Sancho and Hazard and will sit just in behind Icardi, offering a perfect blend of pace, trickery and unpredictability that will cause plenty of problems for their defence. We feel that this front four combined with KDB pushing forward from deep will cause problems galore as we have a multitude of attacking threats in our lineup. We will look to dictate the play and take the game to the opposition.
When they’re in possession we sit deep in a tight 4-5-1 formation, our DM marshalling the middle of the park, breaking down the opposition and setting up us on the counter. By taking away the space in behind we feel that we are taking away a large part of their gameplan as we force them to try and play through a brick wall in front of them. As they push men forward feel that we then have the perfect players to hit them at pace on the counter.
Defence:
We go with a strong defensive unit at the back, packed with pace and quality as we look to nullify the threat posed by the oppositions attack. If the opposition play one up top then Bonucci will mark. Strong, aggressive and a great reader of the game we feel he has all the tools to deal with any opponent. Ake will act as cover, sweeping up and offering cover in behind to eliminate any balls over the top. The Dutchman sweeping up from the back and immediately looking to get us on the counter with his fantastic vision and passing.
Our fullbacks will stick tight to the wide men, safe in the knowledge that they have supporting cover from De Ligt in behind with Casemiro also drifting across from DM to offer additional support. We look to double up on their wingers to severely limit their impact with the CB also offering additional cover in behind our FB’s. When in possession both Cancelo and Mendy will look to get the ball in quickly to our danger man with both possessing quality with the ball at their feet. They’ll be disciplined and not push forward, leaving very little space for their wingers and ensuring we are also on hand to deal with any balls in behind.
Midfield:
Casemiro will be our holding player in the middle. A world class player we rely on his athleticism and fantastic reading of the game to break up the opposition play, winning back possession and setting us up on the counter. We want him to make his physicality known, imposing himself on their AM and giving him no space to manoeuvre as we look to dominate the midfield battle.
De Bruyne slots alongside him giving us a world class CM duo as we look to take hold of the game. Starting in a slightly deeper role he has freedom to roam and pull the opposition apart. A player with superb vision he will look to get on the ball as much as possible, dropping deep and looking to release Griezmann centrally or Sancho and Hazard on the flanks as we play at pace. He has license to push forward alongside when we’re in possession, causing them a defensive nightmare as we have a threat from every angle. With a fantastic strike from range we also encourage him to go for goal with a potential thunderbolt on the cards at any moment.
Forwards:
In attack we go with four heavy hitters as we aim or goals. Griezmann plays centrally in his favourite position. Looking to drift between the lines making himself extremely difficult to be picked up and causing a mismatch in this area of the field. We look to get him on the ball and go at the opposition, a player with fantastic link up play and an for goal he also has license to push up top alongside Icardi as we go for goals.
Sancho and Hazard offer quality from the flanks. Both will be direct, going at the opposition with speed. In one on one situations Sancho and Hazard can be deadly and with the opposition likely to be concerned with KDB and Griezmann there is every chance these two can find space to expose on the flanks. With a powerhouse frontline we go for goals, both wingers will look to cause problems, cutting inside and going direct for goal one moment and driving down the line, bamboozling the opposition before whipping the ball into the box the next.
Icardi plays through the middle and will have a dream supply line around him. The brief is simple, get into the box and do what you do best. With the number of quality attackers we have around him Icardi could well find himself in one on one match ups in which he’s deadly. Play on the shoulder of the last man and as always be on your toes in the box, ready to pounce and finish anything that comes your way.
Subs;
If winning:
75 mins: Griezmann off, Allan on. Tighten up defensively with dual Brazilian DM’s as we see out the win.
85 mins: Icardi off, Benzema on. Fresh legs and a new threat up top as we pick them off on them break.
If drawing:
70 mins: Icardi off, Benzema on. We switch to 4-2-2-2 with the French duo of Benzema & Griezmann up top with Sancho & Hazard on the flanks. Goals.
80 mins: Casemiro off, Odegaard on. We add a little sprinkle of extra creativity as we look to find the winner.
If losing:
75 mins: Cancelo and Casemiro off, Benzema & Modric on.
Attacking 3-4-3 as we pile on the pressure and look to turn a potential defeat into a win.
High tempo possession football 4-3-3
At home we go with an attacking team full of pace, playing with a high tempo in defence and attack. We have a cm duo that are all strong defensively but also great on the ball and able to dominate possession. At home we look to control the game, dominate possession and tire the opposition having them chase the ball. We have a front three full of pace, looking to stretch the opposition and create space for our midfielders to exploit.
In the midfield trio we have the intelligence of Thiago next to Rodri, and Fernandes offering exuberance in front. Thiago our playmaker from deep in the centre, while Rodri is also excellent at spreading the play. In defence Rodri drops behind the other two cms who press the play as the trio narrow, similarly in attack Rodri stays deepest but the trio do not play so narrow. We have a defence full of pace and great energy in front so play a reasonably high line, helping us press Toon in high area, and aiding distribution out from the back line.
We look to play our usual high tempo attacking game and take the game to Newcastle, seeking to exploit their defence. We have a strong side defensively and in attack, our team is built to give Bruno, Sterling, Lautaro and Jesus the space and freedom to find the ball in space in attacking positions to hurt Newcastle.
Laporte the man marker next to Marquinhos who is free to use his pace to sweep up. In midfield, the trio narrow in front with the cm opposite play dropping behind, allowing the other two to press with cover. The wide players drop deep to add protection in front of the fb and next to the two pressing cms. Closing down the space, narrowing to the side of play. Win the ball back fquickly before they can get anywhere.
Quick passing and moving to find space in between the opposition lines. Using the pace of our forwards and fbs (one bombs forward at a time) to create space as we push forward.
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 high tempo play.
We have a cm duo who can both drop deep to offer an option and collect the ball from defence. Likewise a fluid front three, who can switch positions or drop deep to collect the ball from midfield. This fluidity will help the players to get away from their markers, catch the opposition out and create space. As we move forward we get quick one twos in the opposition half. With this fluid front three, Fernandes supports getting close to the front using his creativity to link the play.
——————————— Ter Stegen
Carvajal — Marquinhos — Laporte — Alaba
—————————— Rodri —- Thiago
——————————- B.Fernandes
—- Sterling —————————————- G.Jesus -—
———————————- L.Martinez
Subs. Schmeichel, Theo, Laimer, Mount, Bernardo, Cunha, Osimhen
Defending high
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 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 Newcastle advance into higher areas of the park and into our half, our shape will resemble a 4-1-4-1. Wingers drop deep and Rodri drops behind the other two cms pressing the space behind the two cms pressing the ball, sweeping up danger behind them and in front of the defence.
A winger and the two cms (Thiago and Fernandes) are the trio pressing the ball, and look to force the opposition backwards. With the one forwards left up top, the winger on opposite of play comes narrow and marks their deepest Cm. This where we look to press the opposition into mistakes and win the ball in high areas. With pace to join the attack quickly and overload them quickly.
When Toon get past the initial press higher up the park, we drop deeper into a narrower tighter formation narrowing to the side of play, ensuring there are no gaps in the formation. Our fb’s have fantastic pace up against their wide forwards, bide their time, not diving in.
Subs.
If winning after 70 mins bring on Osimhen for Lautaro. Fresh pace and power up top.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Bernardo for Jesus. Sterling left, Bernardo right.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Mount for Bruno.
If drawing after 70 mins bring on Bernardo for Jesus. Sterling left, Silva right.
If drawing after 75 mins bring on Osimhen and Cunha for Carvajal and Lautaro. 3-5-2.
If losing after 65 mins bring on Osimhen and Bernardo for Jesus and Carvajal. 3-5-2. Bernardo and Sterling wise.
Red card we either sub off Bruno.
Or if Bruno bring in Bernardo for Jesus and if another sub left Laimer for Thiago in second half. All the energy.
If below bring on for Bruno :
If GK bring on Schmeichel
If rb bring on Laimer
If cb bring on Theo. Alaba to cb.
If lb bring on Theo.
If Rodri or Thiago bring on Laimer.
If Jesus bring on Bernardo.
If Sterling bring on Bernardo.
If Lautaro. Bring on Osimhen.
Portsmouth v SHEFFIELD UNITED
Handanovic
Lamptey, Kjaer, T. Silva, Justin
Adams, Höjbjerg
Bale, James, Cantwell
Suárez
Subs: Meslier, Evans, Maatsen, Koopmeiners, Thauvin, Brooks, Ings
Captain: Thiago Silva
Free Kicks (pre-75th Min): Bale/James
Free Kicks (post-75th min): Bale/Brooks/Koopmeiners
Penalties: Suárez
Our defensive unit consists of Simon Kjaer and Thiago Silva paired up at centre-back, Tariq Lamptey at right-back and James Justin at left-back, with Tyler Adams and Pierre-Emile Höjbjerg as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.
This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in Adams and Höjbjerg 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 Höjbjerg can press the ball without leaving lots of space, as Adams 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 Höjbjerg's role, he will press almost anywhere in his own half to allow defenders to stay in the defensive line.
With Höjbjerg running his socks off for the team, our high tempo will dictated by his partner in holding midfield, Tyler Adams.
Adams 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 Adams such a talent.
The attacking unit consists of Gareth Bale, James Rodríguez and Todd Cantwell 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 Adams or Höjbjerg, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.
Lamptey and Justin can surge up the wings in the knowledge that Adams and Höjbjerg can drop into the space left behind if needed. As they come up the wings, both Gareth Bale and Todd Cantwell, 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. 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, Cantwell & 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 & Cantwell 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 Suárez’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
Thauvin on for Cantwell (Thauvin RW/Bale moves to LW), Brooks on for James, and Koopmeiners on for Adams
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
Balanced 4-3-1-2
We look to win the midfield battle, and take control in the middle. Using the pace of our fbs, cms and forwards to stretch the opposition and create space for Isco in the middle to pull the strings.
The opposition have real quality but we think their cbs are their weakness so we look to target this area. We have two forwards with great pace and power. We feel with two central forwards and 3 central midfielders we are perfectly set up for Isco, and for him to find space to be at his best.
Defensively it means we narrow to the side of play we are defending, with the Cm on the side of play seeking to help our fb defending on the side of play. We feel Tielemans/Pogba have the athleticism to play this role as we seek to have them both operating in more attacking roles than Witsel.
When we defend, we defend in a narrow 4321 formation, in a tight unit with not much space between the lines. Son drops and sits with Isco in front of the 3 cms, narrow on the side of play.
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.
Strikers up top play their natural game, we want Son to drift left seeming to drag cbs out of position or getting in between the lb and cb. One fb bombs forward at a time, we look to get Isco out combining with the attacking fb, cms and forwards playing one twos and producing the magic to create for the front 2.
——————————- Gulácsi
K.Walker — Tapsoba — Lenglet — Digne
——— Tielemans — Witsel — Pogba
———————————- Isco
———————- Lukaku —— Son
Subs. Gaya, Rabiot, Ndombele, Nkunku, Carrasco, Ikone, 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 4321 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 strong 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 centre midfielders get back, helping the defending fb on the side of play. Witsel in a central position to sweep, and pick up most advanced Cm.
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.
Lenglet the defensive leader at the back, Tapsoba 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 Nknuku for Isco fresh pace and energy in midfield. Nkunku plays right, Son left.
If winning after 77 mins bring on Jiminez for Lukaku.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Rabiot for Tielemans.
If drawing/losing after 68 mins bring on Jimenez for Isco and Nkunku for Tielemans. 4-4-2, Son and Nkunku wide. Go long, and continue to attack down the wings, getting crosses in for strikers.
If drawing/losing after 75 mins bring on Ndombele for Digne. 3-5-2. Extra Cm on.
------------------Neuer
---------Tah-----Dunk-----O’Connell
Zeefuik--------Partey-------------Telles
------------Milinkovic-Savic
Ocampos------Kane----------Depay
Pope
Chilwell
Kamara
Foden
Kovacic
Chiesa
Malen
Back in action today, against a tough Man City side. I want to play on the front foot here, as ever, looking for goals. We’ve been conceding recently, so I reverted to three at the back to give us a better defensive platform to build from, with three players comfortable with the ball at their feet, and able to play out from the back, whilst also being physically imposing. We will also play some mental warfare, making plenty of jokes about French stereotypes, to put off the snail-eating opposition, who will likely just surrender anyway. It’s a debut for O’Connell at LCB, giving us a naturally left-footed player in that position for the first time. I think this will help balance us further. It’s a classic Bielsa style 3-3-1-3, and that means intensity, drive, press, and possession, and hopefully we can fulfil all of those briefs.
I think the change in shape will help us on-the-ball in our third, as it should provide plenty more options for the passing out from the back, as well as a more natural sweeper keeper in Neuer coming back in between the sticks. I would like to see Tah and O’Connell push wide, stretching the space and providing more options, with Partey dropping deep to collect the ball, and provide a further option. As a result of this, we should rarely feel under too much pressure from any high press that the opponent may try to put us under. The wingbacks will also sit deep and provide options for an out ball on the touchline, where they can then look to contribute to attacks in a positive, pacey manner. The key is transitioning the ball from defence to attack, and I don’t want us to rush this. We should play at a pace and intensity, yes, but silly long balls launched forward will only cause us to lose possession. Waiting and looking for the right out ball pass is paramount.
When we get into the final third, we have a three pronged attack that should work as a team. Ocampos and Depay will sit slightly inside of the wide positions, allowing for space for an overlapping full-back, and pulling the opposition out of their defensive shape. Kane will stick between the goalposts, serving as the focal point for our attack, with Depay and Ocampos working off him. The movement of the three must be continuous, pulling and teasing at the structure of the opposition backline, and creating space for one another. Milinkovic-Savic will also push up, providing an additional option, prowling outside the penalty area.
Off-the-ball, movement must also be very apparent, with us operating a high press for large periods of this game. We must work to conserve energy at times, but for the majority of the game, I want to see Kane pushing the opposition centre-backs, and the two wide men targetting the full backs, preventing the opposition from passing the ball around the back comfortably, meaning either mistakes, or loose balls forward. If the ball is won back by one of these players, then they have the license and the assets to attack the goal, with driving runs forward.
Defensively, I think we have a strong set-up today. Zeefuik and Telles will drop back further, playing a more conservative wing back, and not rushing out of position. Instead, SMS and Partey will operate as a duo, harrying the opposition, and pushing out wide if needed, meaning the back five can keep their defensive shape. Tah and O’Connell will look to marshall the wide areas of the penalty area, whilst Dunk focuses centrally, all three careful not to leave the others exposed. If the full back needs support, then their CB/CM can push out to support them, so that we don’t get outnumbered on the flanks. If, for instance, Tah went out to support Zeefuik, then Partey, the RCM, would drop further back, to help cover the vacated space, leaving SMS to cover both CM duties. These two players will be key to allievating pressure, as they both will be allowed to drive forward with the ball at pace, looking to convert defence to attack quickly, and hit the opposition on the counter attack.
Set pieces may also prove crucial today. Kane will, obviously, take penalties, and he will, obviously, prove lethal from them. Corners will be aimed towards Tah, Dunk, O’Connell or Kane, with all four posing problems in the penalty area. Ocampos and Depay will also lurk, and are capable of causing havoc in the box.
Substitutions
If winning
70 mins
Kovacic and Chiesa on for SMS and Ocampos
Fresh legs in positions that require lots of running.
80 mins
Foden on for Depay
Again, fresh legs, and maybe a splash of creativity to help us win the game.
If losing/drawing
70 mins
Dunk off for Malen
A change in shape, reverting to a back four, with Malen playing a central role off Kane, and the two other attackers pushing slightly further out wide
75 mins
SMS and Ocampos off for Foden and Chiesa
Young, exciting players on to try and provide a splash of creativty and spark in the final 15 minutes. Foden playing more as a 10 than a box to box, with Chiesa looking to come in from the right.
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NEWCASTLE 4-3-3
___________Alisson
Trent____Romag___Chiellini___Robbo
____________Fabinho
________Hendo___Goretzka
Salah______Giroud________Mane
SUBS: Chesney, ADM, Carlos, Naby, Gini, Ings, Guerreiro
Captain: Chiellini
Penalties: Salah
Corners: Trent
Freekicks: Trent
Today girouds role is incredibly important. Against a side like Leicester I need the ball to stick up front otherwise nobody will be able to feed salah and mane.
The formation deployed today is so that we regain as much possession as possible higher up the pitch. We expect to have a fair portion of the ball so patience is key. Today we have pace all across the pitch. We also expect the four behind the striker to drift around a bit, getting into positions where their natural play can cause damage. The striker up front presses when we don’t have the ball and the entire team will support him cut passing lanes to help win the ball higher up. The quality of our players will allow us to break through the oppositions press. When we have the ball we will want to attract the press and use the spaces that they open up to attack.
Full backs will get forward when the opportunity arises. Our full backs are good at feeding our forward line with their ability on the ball and we aim to utilize that with their ability to get up the pitch and tactical arareness. Both fullbacks are our playmakers. We also need our full backs to widen the pitch for us. Our centre halves are good on the ball, and a long punt every now and then to utilize our pace out wide is encouraged. Both fullbacks will just keep hitting early crosses.
The DM will tactically astute in his positioning acting as a base and be in charge of driving our midfield forward. Our midfield will be flexible, if one of their midfielders steps forward, one of ours will move into the space they vacated. The DM will be the link between our defence, midfield, and forwards and because of the way he plays, he will draw the opponents forward towards him to attack the ball, pulling their team’s lines apart. This will create more spaces between the lines for our midfield and forward lines to move into. The right centre mid will be the more attacking one in his box to box role, closing down space and cutting passing lanes with his incredible energy and also driving the team forward. Playing alongside the DM will give him less areas of the pitch to cover, and shorter distance needed to win the ball back to start the next attack. Both centre mids will float between the lines during the attacking phase just behind our forwards.
Our wide forwards are space investigators and main goal threat. Drift into the crentre often to get into goal scoring positions.
If short passing options aren’t available the passing range and accuracy of our keeper will safely transfer the ball forwards via our full backs. The keeper can also dink the ball into space for the striker or wide forward to control taking out 6 or 7 opposition players in the process.
The striker’s main role will be to create space for the wide forwards. He will drop deep into a ten to drag defenders out and create space for our wide forwards to run into. This will tie into our quick short passing which is aimed at dragging their players out of position and create space between their lines. Our team will always recycle the ball to keep possession and to keep the ball moving. Salah (or whoever) will move into the striker position when the striker drops.
When we don’t have the ball we will expect our four behind the striker to drop into a 4-5-1 in support of our midfield. We will also create triangles to trap the opposition players that have the ball, cutting the passing lanes and others putting pressure on players that might receive the ball. We stop the oppositions rhythm and force them into mistakes with our pressure. To stop their counter attacks after we lose the ball, three players will swarm the ball carrier before he can get his head up to play. If they beat the immediate press when the team’s main goal is to push their play wide where they can do the least damage. Our midfielders are an integral part to our play, when we win the ball back we will create space and time for them with our team shape. There will be times when we are under the cosh and will have the option of deploying a bowl shaped 5 at the back, with the right centre mid dropping in to make closing down the opponents very effective.
Subs
70 mins: Gini comes on for Hendo, our legs will start to tire, so will theirs, Gini will add box to box ability and energy late in the game.
75 mins: Ingsy comes on for Giroud, a different style of forward play for the opposition to think about.
If winning 80 mins: Naby comes on for Goretzka to close out the game.
If losing/drawing 80 mins: Hwang comes on for Fabinho and play 2 up front.
Red Card
Red Card:
In all cases Hendo subbed off, if Hendo red then no change, go 4-4-1
If goal keeper, Chesney comes on
If lb, Guerreiro
If rb CB, Carlos
If centre mids, Naby
If wings, Adm
If striker, Ings
------------------ Rui Patricio ------------------
B.Pavard -- Skriniar --- Hummels - B.Mendy
-------------------- Torreira --------------------
------------ Maddison --- Ceballos ------------
R.Mahrez ------ Timo Werner ----- A.Martial
Subs:
Bulka, Tomori, Pjanic, Ziyech, Hudson-Odoi, Coman, Ibrahimovic
We set up with a strong side suited to playing attacking football in a 4-3-3 formation.
We expect the opposition to look to dominate possession which will suit our strengths perfectly. When they’re in possession our wingers drop in as we revert to a 4-5-1 formation, as soon as we win back possession we look to break at speed with our devastating front 3 and hit them on the counter.
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.
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 Maddison 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: Mahrez off, Ziyech on.
80 mins: Maddison off, Tomori 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: Ceballos off, Ziyech on.
80 mins: Maddison off, Ibrahimovic on. 4-2-2-2 with Werner and Ibra up top as we go for the winner.
If losing:
65 mins: Torreira off, Ziyech on.
75 mins: Hummels off, Ibrahimovic on. 3-4-3 all out attack
SOTON VS Chelsea
-----------------------------------Onana-----------------------
Atal-----------Upamecano-----------Dias------------Shaw
---------------------------------Camavinga---------------------------
----------------------Valverde------------Lo Celso------------------------
Adama--------------------------------------------------------Pulisic
-----------------------------------Rashford--------------------------------
Subs - Maignan, Demiral, McTominay, Reinier, I Sarr, Isak, Richarlison
CAPTAIN - UPAMECANO
CK'S - LO CELSO
FK'S - RASHFORD
PENALTIES - RASHFORD
I want us to hold a deep defensive line to start of with so the oppo don't get an early goal. Keep things simple in the beginning and only pressure the oppo when they get in our half. When we have the ball I want the team to play pass and move football. Don't stay static, try and get in behind the oppo defence as there is a lot of pace in our attacking players. As the game goes on, when we don't have the ball I want the team to defend from the front line and pressure the oppo and try and win possession back. Do this in fits and bursts as it is a tiring tactic.
Defence
GK to be confident in box. Don't take risks. Punch the ball away if the shot is too powerful. Command your area. The defence is well balanced. Upamecano and Dias bring a lot of strength and pace to the defence. Upamecano will marshal the defence and Dias will look to use his pace to close the oppo strikers down. Stay vocal with each other and cover for each other if oppo gets past one of you. Full backs will start of with a conservative mind set and not attack too much but as the game goes on I want them to make overlapping runs and get some crosses in to the box. Camavinga will be covering for them when they go attacking.
Defence Mid
Camavinga
Camavinga will be the anchor in the middle. Stay back in front of the defence and protect the defence with your life. If the oppo play an AM then stick close to him and mark him if possible. When our fullbacks are attacking then your main priority will be to cover for them. When in possession pass the ball out to the wings or to the CM's. Also be on the lookout for the runs of Pulisic/Adama and thread dangerous through balls to them.
Centre Mids
Valverde + Lo Celso
Valverde will be playing as a b2b CM today. He will pick the ball up from deep and use his technique and vision to find the runs of our attacking players and thread deadly passes to them. Play quick passes forward and use your agility to outmanoeuvre the oppo players. Play 1 2 quick passes with your teammates and make penetrating runs from deep. When not in possession of the ball I want him to drop deep in central midfield and try and intercept any passes the oppo will make. Shoot if you have a chance to.
Lo Celso will have a similar role to Valverde except he will be given more attacking freedom. I want him to always make runs forward and when the oppo DM has the ball I want him to put pressure on him and close him down so he makes a mistake and we potentially create a goal scoring opportunity. Use your nimbleness and pace to get away from players marking you in the middle and if you find some space shoot. If you see Camavinga and Valverde struggling in the middle being overwhelmed by the oppo then I want you to focus on helping them more defensively in the centre of midfield.
Wingers
Adama + Pulisic
These 2 will be the focal point of my attack. I want to give them the freedom to express themselves in attack. Pulisic will be looking to cut in from the left and Adama will be looking to get to the byline and to whip some balls in to the area. 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. Atal and Shaw are no slouches attacking wise so use them! Pulisic will be allowed cut in onto your stronger foot, don't be afraid to shoot from range as you have the ability to score from long range. If there is no space to do so then take the ball to the byline and whip in crosses for 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. If we get to the byline with either of the wingers I want them to either whip in a low ball across the face of the net for Rashford to poke home or pull the ball back to just outside the box for Valverde/Lo Celso to get a shot in.
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 Richarlison for Lo Celso and Isak for Pulisic 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. Bring in Reinier for Camavinga at AM aswell to add some Brazilian flair. Play a high line and put a lot of pressure on the oppo to win the ball back.
--------------------------------------Onana--------------------------------
Atal-------Upamecano-------------Dias---------Shaw
---------------------------------Valverde---------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adama--------------------------------------------------------Richarlison
------------------------------------Reinier-------------------------------
-------------------Rashford---------------Isak-------------------
Subs if WINNING BY 80MINS
Take off Lo Celso and put on Demiral in CB. Play defensive with everyone in our own half defending for their lives, waiting to hit the oppo on the counter attack. McTominay on for Camavinga to add more energy. In the centre of midfield. Richarlison on for Pulisic aswell as the Brazilian is better at helping out in tracking back than Pulisic.
-------------------------------------Onana--------------------------------
Atal-------Upamecano------Dias------Demiral--------Shaw
----------------------------Valverde--------McTom---------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------Adama--------------------------------------------Richarlison-----
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------Rashford-----------------------------------
Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Sarr on for Adama
Reinier on for Lo Celso
Isak on for Rashford
Fresh legs to bring on.
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Tactics
Page 20 of 78
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posted on 10/9/20
I just noticed I bloody put Bobby in the line up, he’s injured. Since the results aren’t done can I swap him with reus who is on my bench
posted on 10/9/20
Nvm that’s week 5
posted on 10/9/20
------------------------- J.Oblak --------------------------
Bissaka ------ S.de Vrij ------ van Dijk ------ Lucas.H
------------------------- Busquets -------------------------
-------------- Bentancur ------ F. de Jong --------------
Mbappe ------------------------------------------ Neymar
------------------------- Haaland --------------------------
Areola, Gosens, Nianzou, Bellingham, Ferran, Diaby, Greenwood
Our game is based solely on possession football, quick on the break and really pressurise the opposition with an in your face performance from the front, we want to hit them quickly so we need to press them quickly to get the ball, when we defend, the back 4 must stay solid with Busquets 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, 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, 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 Benancur 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 Vrij to go up for corners, with the fullbacks and de Jong sitting back.
Busquets 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 Bentnavcur 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. Bentancur 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. 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 make up the extra man further forward as de Jong and Busquets stay and cover. 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 Bentancur to pick his moment to move into space either as a 10. 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 Bentancur who at times will be right on his shoulder or alongside as he is allowed freedom of the park when we attack, 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 - Neymar
Corners - Wingers
Subs -
Losing
65 Mins - Greenwood for Bentancur, we go 4-4-2, with Greenwood going right and Mbappe alongside Haaland, Gosens for lucas at the same time, he drives down the left allowing Neymar to push inside
Winning -
75 Mins - Nianzou for Bentancur, he sits in beside Busquets and de Jong with fresh legs
80 Mins - Greenwood for Haaland, switch with Mbappe, Greenwood helps track back, and still a massive threat
Drawing
70 Mins - Bellingham for Bentancur, fresh legs same role, Gosens for Lucas, again drive down the left, Neymar to cut inside
80 Mins - Greenwood for Haaland, switch with Mbappe, a lot of pace in the final 10 mins to hurt them
posted on 11/9/20
------------------------- Ederson ------------------------
-------- M.Ginter ---- S.Ramos ---- Hermoso --------
A.Hakimi ----- M.Merino -- Fabian.R ----- Reguilon
-------------------------- Aouar --------------------------
--------------- J.David --------- Ronaldo --------------
Maximiano, Llorente, de Beek, D.Olmo, L.Sane, Grealish, Ilicic
When we don't have the ball, we will press high up the pitch, conceding very little space, Aouar 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 Aouar and one of Ronaldo/David to push to that side again to close them down and support the wingbacks, lots of pace in the front three to get at players.
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.
Ederson 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 Hermoso, Cover the wingbacks/midfielders breaking through and take the ball out of defence, use there positional sense well as they may be out paced., 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.
Reguilon and Hakimi, 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, two great forwards to aim for, 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 Merino's primary role in front of the defence is to win possession and then start an attacking phase. Within this he needs to cover spaces in between the midfield and defence where the opposition’s number 10 will likely to be operating whilst also being aware when the full-backs had pushed forward. Take care of 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.
Fabian 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.
Aouar 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, he, David and Ronaldo great finishers so look to make late runs into the area and latching onto crosses from wide areas, 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
J.David 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 Aouar to get Ronaldo away on goal, he and Ronaldo both fantastic in the air, so while they aim for Ronaldo, David will be making the late runs into the danger area and with a head start look to get up early and attack the crosses coming in.
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 - For Goal(Ronaldo) Otherwise Aouar/Fabian
Corners - Wingbacks
Subs -
Losing
65 Mins - Sane for Hermoso, Olmo for Aouar, we go 4-4-2, using width to fire the crosses in
74 Mins - Ilicic for David
Winning -
75 Mins - de Beek for David,, Merino goes in between midfield and defence with de Beek controlling the midfield with Fabian and Aouar
82 Mins - Wingbacks become fullbacks, Aouar to LM, Olmo for David and got to RM 4-1-4-1
Drawing -
70 Mins - Ilicic for David, de Beek for Fabian, fresh legs
80 Mins - Sane for Aouar and he can just have a fee role for the final 10 or minutes
posted on 13/9/20
NEWCASTLE 4-3-3
___________Chesney
Trent____Carlos___Chiellini___Robbo
____________Fabinho
________Hendo___Naby
ADM______Salah________Mane
SUBS: Gini, Correa, Millie, Ox, Thorgan, Reus, Zakaria
Captain: Hendo
Penalties: Bobby
Corners: Trent
Freekicks: Trent
The formation deployed today is so that we regain as much possession as possible higher up the pitch. We expect to have a fair portion of the ball so patience is key. Today we have pace all across the pitch. We also expect the four behind the striker to drift around a bit, getting into positions where their natural play can cause damage. The striker up front presses when we don’t have the ball and the entire team will support him cut passing lanes to help win the ball higher up. The quality of our players will allow us to break through the oppositions press. When we have the ball we will want to attract the press and use the spaces that they open up to attack.
Full backs will get forward when the opportunity arises. Our full backs are good at feeding our forward line with their ability on the ball and we aim to utilize that with their ability to get up the pitch and tactical arareness. Both fullbacks are our playmakers. We also need our full backs to widen the pitch for us. Our centre halves are good on the ball, and a long punt every now and then to utilize our pace out wide is encouraged. Both fullbacks will just keep hitting early crosses.
The DM will tactically astute in his positioning acting as a base and be in charge of driving our midfield forward. Our midfield will be flexible, if one of their midfielders steps forward, one of ours will move into the space they vacated. The DM will be the link between our defence, midfield, and forwards and because of the way he plays, he will draw the opponents forward towards him to attack the ball, pulling their team’s lines apart. This will create more spaces between the lines for our midfield and forward lines to move into. The right centre mid will be the more attacking one in his box to box role, closing down space and cutting passing lanes with his incredible energy and also driving the team forward. Playing alongside the DM will give him less areas of the pitch to cover, and shorter distance needed to win the ball back to start the next attack. Both centre mids will float between the lines during the attacking phase just behind our forwards.
Our wide forwards are space investigators and main goal threat. Drift into the crentre often to get into goal scoring positions.
If short passing options aren’t available the passing range and accuracy of our keeper will safely transfer the ball forwards via our full backs. The keeper can also dink the ball into space for the striker or wide forward to control taking out 6 or 7 opposition players in the process.
The striker’s main role will be to create space for the wide forwards. He will drop deep into a ten to drag defenders out and create space for our wide forwards to run into. This will tie into our quick short passing which is aimed at dragging their players out of position and create space between their lines. Our team will always recycle the ball to keep possession and to keep the ball moving. Salah (or whoever) will move into the striker position when the striker drops.
When we don’t have the ball we will expect our four behind the striker to drop into a 4-5-1 in support of our midfield. We will also create triangles to trap the opposition players that have the ball, cutting the passing lanes and others putting pressure on players that might receive the ball. We stop the oppositions rhythm and force them into mistakes with our pressure. To stop their counter attacks after we lose the ball, three players will swarm the ball carrier before he can get his head up to play. If they beat the immediate press when the team’s main goal is to push their play wide where they can do the least damage. Our midfielders are an integral part to our play, when we win the ball back we will create space and time for them with our team shape. There will be times when we are under the cosh and will have the option of deploying a bowl shaped 5 at the back, with the right centre mid dropping in to make closing down the opponents very effective.
Subs
70 mins: Gini comes on for Hendo, our legs will start to tire, so will theirs, Gini will add box to box ability and energy late in the game.
75 mins: Correa comes on for ADM, a different style of forward play for the opposition to think about.
If winning 80 mins: Zakaria comes on for Naby to close out the game.
If losing/drawing 80 mins: Reus comes on for Fabinho and play 2 up front.
posted on 13/9/20
------------------- De Gea -----------------
Meunier -- Skriniar -- Tomori - B.Mendy
------------------- Torreira ----------------
Ziyech -- Maddison -- Pjanic -- Martial
------------------- Werner -----------------
Subs:
Bulka, Schuurs, Martinez, Brandt, Hudson-Odoi, Coman, Ibrahimovic
We set up with a strong side suited to playing attacking football in a 4-1-4-1 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 attack and hit them on the counter.
Skriniar is the defensive leader and will be the one to set the defensive line on the pitch, 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.
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 Maddison 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: Pjanic off, Martinez on.
80 mins: Maddison off, Schuurs 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: Pjanic off, Brandt on.
80 mins: Maddison off, Ibrahimovic on. 4-2-2-2 with Werner and Ibra up top as we go for the winner.
If losing:
65 mins: Torreira off, Brandt on.
75 mins: Tomori off, Ibrahimovic on. 3-4-3 all out attack
posted on 13/9/20
Balanced 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, Kante 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.
Tolisso tasked with 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. Gulácsi, Gaya, Rabiot, Ndombele, Adelaide, Belotti, 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 Tolisso to press the play, leaving Kante 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 Adelaide for Son. pace and energy out wide.
If winning after 82 mins bring on Rabiot for Tolisso
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 Ndombele for Tolisso. More attacking and fresh energy.
posted on 14/9/20
Comment deleted by Site Moderator
posted on 14/9/20
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.
Bournemouth 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 with Dybala dropping deep 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.
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
————————— Neves —— Rodri
——— B.Silva ——————————— Sterling ——
————————- Lautaro —— Jesus
Subs. Schmeichel, Militao, Theo, Mount, B.Fernandes, Kulusevski, Felix
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 Neves to press the pay, leaving Rodri 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, 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 Bruno for Jesus. 4-2-3-1. Silva right, Bruno central. Pace on wings.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Kulusevski for Silva.
If winning after 82 mins bring on Felix for Sterling.
If drawing after 72 mins bring on Bruno and Mount for Neves and Dybala. 4-3-3
If drawing after 80 mins bring on Kulusevski for Carvajal. 3-6-1
If losing after 62 mins bring on Kulusevski for Carvajal. 3-5-2.
If losing after 70 mins bring on Bruno for Bernardo.
If losing after 80 mins bring on Mount for Rodri
posted on 14/9/20
SOTON VS Portsmouth
--------------------------------------Onana-----------------------
Atal-----------Upamecano-----------Dias------------Shaw
--------------------------------------Tonali---------------------------
----------------------Valverde------------Lo Celso------------------------
Adama--------------------------------------------------------Pulisic
-----------------------------------Rashford--------------------------------
Subs - Maignan, Demiral, McTominay, Reinier, I Sarr, Isak, Richarlison
CAPTAIN - UPAMECANO
CK'S - TONALI
FK'S - RASHFORD
PENALTIES - RASHFORD
I want us to hold a deep defensive line to start of with so the oppo don't get an early goal. Keep things simple in the beginning and only pressure the oppo when they get in our half. When we have the ball I want the team to play pass and move football. Don't stay static, try and get in behind the oppo defence as there is a lot of pace in our attacking players. As the game goes on, when we don't have the ball I want the team to defend from the front line and pressure the oppo and try and win possession back. Do this in fits and bursts as it is a tiring tactic.
Defence
GK to be confident in box. Don't take risks. Punch the ball away if the shot is too powerful. Command your area. The defence is well balanced. Upamecano and Dias bring a lot of strength and pace to the defence. Upamecano will marshal the defence and Dias will look to use his pace to close the oppo strikers down. Stay vocal with each other and cover for each other if oppo gets past one of you. Full backs will start of with a conservative mind set and not attack too much but as the game goes on I want them to make overlapping runs and get some crosses in to the box. Tonali will be covering for them when they go attacking.
Defence Mid
Tonali
Tonalu will be the anchor in the middle. Stay back in front of the defence and protect the defence with your life. If the oppo play an AM then stick close to him and mark him if possible. When our fullbacks are attacking then your main priority will be to cover for them. When in possession pass the ball out to the wings or to the CM's. Also be on the lookout for the runs of Pulisic/Adama and thread dangerous through balls to them.
Centre Mids
Valverde + Lo Celso
Valverde will be playing as a b2b CM today. He will pick the ball up from deep and use his technique and vision to find the runs of our attacking players and thread deadly passes to them. Play quick passes forward and use your agility to outmanoeuvre the oppo players. Play 1 2 quick passes with your teammates and make penetrating runs from deep. When not in possession of the ball I want him to drop deep in central midfield and try and intercept any passes the oppo will make. Shoot if you have a chance to.
Lo Celso will have a similar role to Valverde except he will be given more attacking freedom. I want him to always make runs forward and when the oppo DM has the ball I want him to put pressure on him and close him down so he makes a mistake and we potentially create a goal scoring opportunity. Use your nimbleness and pace to get away from players marking you in the middle and if you find some space shoot. If you see Tonali and Valverde struggling in the middle bring overwhelmed by the oppo then I want you to focus on helping them more defensively in the centre of midfield.
Wingers
Adama + Pulisic
These 2 will be the focal point of my attack. I want to give them the freedom to express themselves in attack. Pulisic will be looking to cut in from the left and Adama will be looking to get to the byline and to whip some balls in to the area. 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. Atal and Shaw are no slouches attacking wise so use them! Pulisic will be allowed cut in onto your stronger foot, don't be afraid to shoot from range as you have the ability to score from long range. If there is no space to do so then take the ball to the byline and whip in crosses for 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. If we get to the byline with either of the wingers I want them to either whip in a low ball across the face of the net for Rashford to poke home or pull the ball back to just outside the box for Valverde/Lo Celso to get a shot in.
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 Richarlison for Lo Celso and Isak for Pulisic 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. Bring in Reinier at AM aswell to add some Brazilian flair. Play a high line and put a lot of pressure on the oppo to win the ball back.
--------------------------------------Onana--------------------------------
Atal-------Upamecano-------------Dias---------Shaw
---------------------------------Valverde---------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adama--------------------------------------------------------Richarlison
------------------------------------Reinier-------------------------------
-------------------Rashford---------------Isak-------------------
Subs if WINNING BY 80MINS
Take off Lo Celso and put on Demiral in CB. Play defensive with everyone in our own half defending for their lives, waiting to hit the oppo on the counter attack. McTominay on for Tonali to add more defensive strength and energy. Richarlison on for Pulisic aswell.
-------------------------------------Onana--------------------------------
Atal-------Upamecano------Dias------Demiral--------Shaw
----------------------------Valverde--------McTom---------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------Adama--------------------------------------------Richarlison-----
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------Rashford-----------------------------------
Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Sarr on for Adama
Reinier on for Lo Celso
Isak on for Rashford
Fresh legs to bring on.
posted on 14/9/20
------------------ Courtois -----------------
Cancelo -- De Ligt -- Bonucci - F.Mendy
-------------------- Allan -------------------
--------- De Bruyne -- Ødegaard --------
Sancho ------ A.Griezmann ----- Hazard
Subs:
Lopes, Ake, Marcelo, Modric, Asensio, Icardi, Benzema
Captain: Bonucci
Free Kicks: KDB/Hazard
Penalties: KDB
Corners: Wingers
Tactics:
Moving the ball at speed will be the focus of our play as we go for the win. We go with an attacking 4-3-3 as we look to play on the front foot and feel this with match up well with our opponents as we look to play at speed. We defend in numbers and look to hit them with fast direct attacking football. Our playmakers ready to pounce and feed our exciting front three as the opposition leave themselves exposed when pushing men football as we look punish them on the break.
Whilst the opposition have some dangerous players we will look to significantly limit their impact by retaining possession, we will force them to track back or risk leaving their defence exposed when we push forward in numbers. We aim to make things uncomfortable for them and limit any space for them to play in the final third, severely hampering their normal style of football. When they are in possession our wingers drop in as we play a compact 4-5-1 formation.
We look to draw the opposition onto us by sitting deep, limiting the space in behind us and drawing them further up the field creating space for us to hit them on the counter.
Defence:
We go with a strong defensive unit at the back, packed with pace and quality as we look to nullify the threat posed by the oppositions attack. If the opposition play one up top then Bonucci will mark. Strong, aggressive and a great reader of the game we feel he has all the tools to deal with any opponent. De Ligt will act as cover, sweeping up and offering cover in behind to eliminate any balls over the top. The Dutchman sweeping up from the back and immediately looking to get us on the counter with his fantastic vision and passing.
Our fullbacks will stick tight to the wide men, safe in the knowledge that they have supporting cover from De Ligt in behind with Allan also drifting across from DM to offer additional support. We look to double up on their wingers to severely limit their impact with De Ligt also offering additional cover in behind. When in possession both FB’s will look to get the ball in quickly to our danger man with both possessing quality with the ball at their feet.
Midfield:
We go with a three man midfield, packed with quality and experience we look to dominate and take the game to our opponents. Allan will be our holding player in the middle and operate as a DM. A tenacious player he will look to break up the opposition play, winning back possession and setting us up on the counter as we look to get the ball into our creative players as quickly as possible. He’ll pick up their most advanced AM and cut out their supply line. He’s also a fantastic passer which will be key in winning the midfield battle and ball retention.
De Bruyne and Odegaard will be our magic men in the middle, acting as our creators in chief we look to get them on the ball as much as possible. With Allan acting as an anchor they have freedom to get forward and pick apart the opposition. Short sharp passing will pull the opposition apart with both players capable of playing that killer pass in the final third. We want them to look for our forwards early, pinging the ball in behind for our front three to get onto as we look to hit them on the break.
Sancho & Hazard will also look drift in between the lines giving us an extra link up and creating a numerical advantage in midfield. Our gameplan is based on creating an overload in key areas, forcing the opposition to abandon their shape as they desperately scamper to cover the free man however in doing so they will be pulled out of shape and leaving gaps in their defence for our attackers to exploit.
Forwards:
Up top we go with three heavy hitters which is enough to give any defence nightmares, dangermen Sancho and Hazard flanking the mercurial Griezmann in the middle. In one on one situations Sancho and Hazard are devastating and both have license to go at the opposition. With a powerhouse frontline we go for goals, both wingers will look to cause problems, cutting inside and going direct for goal one moment and driving down the line, bamboozling the opposition before whipping the ball into the box the next. We look to draw in opposition players, freeing up our other forward to pounce with quick incisive passing in the final third
Greizmann plays through the middle and will have a dream supply line around him. With a supporting cast of KDB, Hazard, Sancho & Odegaard we feel that Griezmann is perfect link up man in the CF role. He has licence to drift anywhere across the frontline, pulling apart the opposition defence. With the number of quality attackers we have around him he could well find himself in one on one match ups in which he’s deadly. Drift in between the lines and as always be on your toes in the box, ready to pounce and finish anything that comes your way.
Subs;
If winning:
70 mins: Odegaard off, Ake on. Move to 5-4-1 as we tighten up defensively.
80 mins: Griezmann off, Icardi on. Fresh legs to pick them off on the break.
If drawing:
75 mins: Odegaard & Mendy off, Icardi & Marcelo on. Switch to 4-2-2-2 with Icardi & Griezmann up top and Sancho & Hazard on the flanks. Goals.
If losing:
65 mins: Allan off, Modric on. Extra creativity.
75 mins: Cancelo & Odegaard off, Icardi & Benzema on. 3-4-3 all out attack as we go for goals.
posted on 14/9/20
--------------------Pope
Mukiele-----Tah-----Dunk-----Chilwell
--------------------Partey
Ocampos—Pogba—Kovacic—Bergwijn
--------------------Kane
Balcombe
Kamara
Telles
Arthur
Shackleton
Chiesa
Daka
Reverting back to the tried and tested 4-1-4-1 for todays game, still without Neuer and Depay, but with more than satisfactory cover options coming in. I have also returned Pogba to the starting XI, in the hope that his extra flair will help us across the line. We will be looking to play a possession style, getting on the ball and moving it around quickly, spreading and contracting the play to leave the opposition in a muddle. The more conventional defensive structure allows us an extra man in the offensive third, which will hopefully help us in getting the game by the scruff of the neck.
Everything starts from the back, and I want to see the defensive five moving the ball quickly. Pope may not be as comfortable with the ball at his feet as Neuer, but will be provided with plenty of options, with the FB’s going to the touchline, an option for the dinked pass, and the CBs and Partey providing more conventional short options. When Partey gets on the ball in this position, I want to see him look for Pogba or Kovacic, immeadiately seeking to transition to more creative options. For the CBs, spreading the play to the FBs is also an option, as they will look to transition from defense to attack quickly. Kovacic will be the midfielder who drops slightly deeper, also offering an option, due to the box-to-box nature of his role in the team.
When on the ball in the final third, I want to see quick movement across the front three. Ocampos and Bergwijn provide different options, with Bergwijn’s raw pace providing problems for his FB, and I expect to see darting runs in behind, exposing any high line the opposition shows, whilst Ocampos will look to come inside and tug the defender out of position, creating space for Mukiele’s overlap. I want to see Kane stick between the posts, as that is the best position for strikers to instinctively score goals. He will have to play with his back to goal at times, to receive the ball and spread it around, but I know that he is capable at having players playing off him. When facing goal, he is a threat from anywhere, and I want to see their goalkeeper tested as much as he can be.
Should we lose the ball in the final third, I want to see a stirring response, with the entire front three pressing high. Kane will target the CBs and the goalkeeper, whilst the wingers should look to prevent the out ball to the FBs. This approach means that the opposition will be allowed little time to think on the ball, forcing either errors in judgement, or long balls forward, that should be dealt with comfortably by our aerially powerful CBs. The important thing is that the three press as a group, with Kovacic and Pogba providing supporting cover in the midfield, with Pogba especially looking to target cutting out any balls to a dropping deep CDM figure.
When off the ball defensively, I want to see our third tightly packed, with Kovacic dropping back to support Partey, and Pogba sitting in front of them, almost as a 4-2-1-3 at that point. This means that Parety and Kovacic will be able to support the FBs, should the opposition look to target us out wide, without leaving excess space in the middle. Dunk and Tah are both strong aerially, so I expect dominance in that regard. I would like for Dunk to man-mark the opposition striker, with Tah acting as more of a sweeper, using his strength and pace to nip and win back balls should they work their way into our areas.
Set pieces will be a big boon for us, hopefully, as we have a number of strong players that should be the target for whipped corners into the penalty area, specifically Tah, Dunk and Kane, with Ocampos coming to provide a short option, Bergwijn placed on the keeper, and looking to nip in for loose balls, and Kovacic prowling outside the penalty area. Pogba will be taking set pieces. A big area for us is movement, and I expect to see plenty of teamwork, with runs made together, to drag the opposition marking out of place, and create space for each other across the pitch. I think we have the players to achieve this.
Red Card Substitutions
Balcombe on for Neuer
Shackleton on for Mukiele
Kamara on for Tah/Dunk
Telles on for Chilwell
Arthur on for Partey
Shackleton on for Kovacic
Arthur on for Pogba
Chiesa on for Ocampos/Bergwijn
Daka on for Kane
Regular substitutions
Most of these will be used to freshen up the legs, but there are also possibilities to change up the shape both offensively and defensively.
If winning
70 mins
Chiesa on for Ocampos
Kamara on for Pogba
Change to a 3-3-3-1 at this point, with Kamara slotting in at LCB.
85 mins
Daka on for Kane
Fresh legs.
If losing/drawing
75 mins
Daka on for Kovacic
Shift to a 4-1-3-2 formation, with Daka playing off Kane
85 mins
Chiesa on for Ocampos
Fresh legs and pace
posted on 17/9/20
Bournemouth Tactics: Week 6
Captain: Felipe
Vice Captain: Roca
Team:
-------------------Simón
Emerson--Felipe—Gabriel-----Lodi
-------------------Roca
---------Henrique---Igor G
Zaracho----------------------Oyarzabal
-------------------Vinícius
SUBS: Peacock, Augusto, Ferro, Assunção, Antony, Gil, Kaio Jorge
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. Henrique and Igor will play just in front of Roca. Henrique 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, Henrique 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 Henrique 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, Gabriel, 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) Ferro for Gabriel, Kaio Jorge for Vinícius and Assunção for Henrique, 3 like for like substitutions.
If losing (on 80 minutes) Antony for Henrique and Kaio Jorge for Zaracho. Shift to a 4-1-3-2 attack. Kaio Jorge and Gil offering fresh legs, pace and a bit of the unknown in attack.
--------------Roca
Antony-----Igor----Oyarzabal
------Vinícius---Kaio Jorge
posted on 18/9/20
--------------------------- Oblak --------------------------
Calabria ------ S.deVrij ------ van Dijk ------ Lucas.H
-------------- F. de Jong ------ S.Busquets -------------
Mbappe ---------------- Zaniolo ---------------- Neymar
-------------------------- Haaland -------------------------
Areola, Gosens, Bentancur, Ferran, Diaby, Greenwood, Dembele
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 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 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, Forming a tight partnership that not much gets passed. 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 de Vrij to go up for corners, with the fullbacks and Busquets sitting back.
Busquets 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 Zaniolo as they move into space, keep it simple, he has a very good range of pass. Either pass and move(triangles) into space or look for a piercing through ball to our front three to drive onto.Can move forward to assist and look for balls coming out so he can either, shoot or whip straight back in. Zaniolo is essential to our style of play, he is the link between defence and attack, 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.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 Zaniolo to pick his moment to move into space either as a 10 or out wide. If he does push wide this will allow Mbappe/Neymar to go in central as we will have an attacking fullback up and supporting. Quick passing in triangles that will get us in and beyond their defenders and eventually to 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 Zaniolo 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)
Corners - Wingers
Losing/drawing -
65 Mins - Greenwood for Zaniolo, Greenwood go right, Mbappe up top 4-4-2, gives us pace and power up front and fresh quick legs down the right, Gosens for Lucas as well, more attack minded LB to get beyond Neymar and get the crosses in early
75 Mins - Dembele for Haaland fresh legs, new danger
Winning -
75 Mins - Bentancur for Zaniolo, sit back a bit beside de Jong and Busquets drop a bit deeper
83 Mins - Gosens for Neymar
88 Mins - Greenwood for Haaland
posted on 18/9/20
--------------------------- Ederson --------------------------
A.Hakimi ------ J.Gomez ------ C.Coady ------ Angelino
---------------------------- Zakaria --------------------------
------------------ de Beek -------- H.Aouar ----------------
M.Reus ----------------------------------------------- L.Sane
---------------------------- Ronaldo --------------------------
McCarthy, Nunez, Llorente, Oscar, Olmo, Ilicic, Belotti
Look to try and control possession high up the field, push them back by playing a high line(the front three)pass and move into positions that can hurt them, when we defend we do so as a team with two banks of four with Zakaria in between the two lines, our midfield & Ronaldo harassing their backline and really pressurise them into quick , misplaced passes for us to pick up, in their face performance, especially de beek and Aouar as we try to nullify their midfield and stop them creating chances for the forwards.
Hakimi and Angelino have freedom to attack, but only one at a time, one will stay back creating a back 3 when we attack, bomb down the line supporting the wingers on the outside, which will allow the winger to cut inside and support Ronaldo. They look to play one twos with the midfield which will get him beyond there fullback and whip in dangerous crosses. Both tough defenders and intelligent so know when to tackle and when just to try and shimmy out wide. When defending and on the cautious side and remain vigilant at all times in the line of four, keep it tight.. Gomez will mark the CF, use his strength and speed to keep the CF away from the danger area. Coady alongside is the spare defender and helps out where needed, both powerful defenders, Both will dominate in the air and both good on the ball, so when in possession they can carry the ball out from defence and look to send our forwards away. Stay tight as a four and let nothing through. Both cbs up for corners, fullbacks stay back and a midfielder just sitting in front of them. When we are in possession the ball will come from the back, so these guys must look for movement ahead of them so they can pick there pass, both CBs are comfortable with ball at feet and will take the ball out of defence to allow them to come on to us before he passes, this will create space as hew will force them to break away from the players they are marking..
Zakaria's primary role in front of the defence is to win possession and then start an attacking phase. Within this he needs to cover spaces in between the midfield and defence where the opposition’s number 10 will likely to be operating whilst also being aware when the full-backs had pushed forward.Take care of of the No 10/SS is also a main focus, he isn't an out an out DM but he has a lot of grit and determination to his game so stick to him like glue and stop him becoming a threat Once he is in possession of the ball nice simple balls to those around him.
de beek is our box-to-box midfielder and has responsibility throughout the pitch. He is expected to score goals and create chances for team mates, whilst also helping in the defensive third. One requirement of this role are high fitness levels due to the amount of running they are expected to do. The box-to-box midfielder is more likely to be found on the side of the pitch where the full-back that is less efficient in the attacking third plays to provide balance on both flanks, he also has a mean shot from distance and isn't afraid to have a go. Aouar I want further up the pitch today as his main responsibility is to both create chances for the three attackers in front of him and indeed score the goals himself. Pushing forward as a AM he will often find himself the furthest forward of the three midfielders and sometimes even in the number 10 role if the correct situation arises. The advantage having Aouar there is he has pace & tenacity to get right un amongst them, he needs to be able to play a pass that penetrates the opposition’s defense or dictates the direction of the attack These three should work well together and between them have everything a midfield needs. He will try and get in beyond there DM and support Ronaldo and look for any scraps coming his way.
Wingers are going to cause problems out wide, with the support they will have, they will look to push the fullbacks back and get into the danger area, Sane I want to drive on the outside and play as a natural winger not an inside forward unless supported by Angelino. both sides will definitely pose a threat with quick one twos. If they play with 3 at the back try and expose the space in behind the wingbacks by using de beek/Aouar to play around and behind them with the ball going in triangles quickly until the break is on. If fulbacks drive passed wingers they can cut inside looking to make a nuisance of themselves centrally again using the CMs to get into danger areas. Both wingers have a fantastic forward to aim for in Ronaldo so if they get to the bye line then get the crosses in for him to attack.Ronaldo will get plenty chances, however he must put away there side who will be solid at the back, I want to bully the slower/weaker/less experienced of the two/three with the aid of Aouar and the wingers and sometimes the fullbacks. Get into positions that he can go for goal or at very least drag players away for other players to drive into the space. Again, target the slower/weaker of the cbs, split them apart to create space, we are quick, so our forwards must hit them with pace to drag them all over the place. Lets be honest, he is a goal machine and will stick it in the back of the net when he has a sniff of goal, he can score from various angles/ranges with hopefully a few crosses coming in he can get up and above defenders for. Can hold it up and look for runners, in particular Reus and Sane will be making runs so be watchful of them just to lay it off to the side if he cant go for goal himself. But especially look for the midfielders centrally driving forward as they time their runs perfectly so a little touch back to him allows him to go for goal.
We must defend as a team tho, from the front, so wingers track back and cover the fullbacks,I want the midfield to be compact to allow very little space, even just to stop them supporting the wingers, we must drive into them and pressurize them into mistakes
Captain - Ronaldo
Pens - Ronaldo
Free Kicks - Ronaldo
Corners - Wingers
Losing -
65 Mins - Belotti for de Beek 4-4-2, Olmo for Reus
Winning -
75 Mins - Llorente for de Beek sit in with Zakaria, Olmo for Reus
Drawing -
70 Mins - Olmo for Reus, Oscar.R for de beek, fresh legs
posted on 18/9/20
Comment deleted by Site Moderator
posted on 18/9/20
-------------------- Lopes -------------------
Cancelo -- Bonucci -- N.Ake --- F.Mendy
----------- Casemiro -- De Bruyne --------
Sancho ------ A.Griezmann ------ Hazard
------------------ M.Icardi ------------------
Subs:
Courtois, Marcelo, Allan, Modric, Eriksen, Ødegaard, Benzema
Captain: Bonucci
Free Kicks: De Bruyne
Penalties: Icardi
Corners: Sancho/Hazard
Tactics:
Moving the ball at speed will be the focus of our play as we go with an attacking 4-2-3-1 formation today as we aim to for the win.
De Bruyne will be the man to run the show, operating slightly deeper he will be free from the shackles of their DM giving him the freedom to run the game. Further forward Griezmann will be flanked by Sancho and Hazard and will sit just in behind Icardi, offering a perfect blend of pace, trickery and unpredictability that will cause plenty of problems for their defence. We feel that this front four combined with KDB pushing forward from deep will cause problems galore as we have a multitude of attacking threats in our lineup. We will look to dictate the play and take the game to the opposition.
When they’re in possession we sit deep in a tight 4-5-1 formation, our DM marshalling the middle of the park, breaking down the opposition and setting up us on the counter. By taking away the space in behind we feel that we are taking away a large part of their gameplan as we force them to try and play through a brick wall in front of them. As they push men forward feel that we then have the perfect players to hit them at pace on the counter.
Defence:
We go with a strong defensive unit at the back, packed with pace and quality as we look to nullify the threat posed by the oppositions attack. If the opposition play one up top then Bonucci will mark. Strong, aggressive and a great reader of the game we feel he has all the tools to deal with any opponent. Ake will act as cover, sweeping up and offering cover in behind to eliminate any balls over the top. The Dutchman sweeping up from the back and immediately looking to get us on the counter with his fantastic vision and passing.
Our fullbacks will stick tight to the wide men, safe in the knowledge that they have supporting cover from De Ligt in behind with Casemiro also drifting across from DM to offer additional support. We look to double up on their wingers to severely limit their impact with the CB also offering additional cover in behind our FB’s. When in possession both Cancelo and Mendy will look to get the ball in quickly to our danger man with both possessing quality with the ball at their feet. They’ll be disciplined and not push forward, leaving very little space for their wingers and ensuring we are also on hand to deal with any balls in behind.
Midfield:
Casemiro will be our holding player in the middle. A world class player we rely on his athleticism and fantastic reading of the game to break up the opposition play, winning back possession and setting us up on the counter. We want him to make his physicality known, imposing himself on their AM and giving him no space to manoeuvre as we look to dominate the midfield battle.
De Bruyne slots alongside him giving us a world class CM duo as we look to take hold of the game. Starting in a slightly deeper role he has freedom to roam and pull the opposition apart. A player with superb vision he will look to get on the ball as much as possible, dropping deep and looking to release Griezmann centrally or Sancho and Hazard on the flanks as we play at pace. He has license to push forward alongside when we’re in possession, causing them a defensive nightmare as we have a threat from every angle. With a fantastic strike from range we also encourage him to go for goal with a potential thunderbolt on the cards at any moment.
Forwards:
In attack we go with four heavy hitters as we aim or goals. Griezmann plays centrally in his favourite position. Looking to drift between the lines making himself extremely difficult to be picked up and causing a mismatch in this area of the field. We look to get him on the ball and go at the opposition, a player with fantastic link up play and an for goal he also has license to push up top alongside Icardi as we go for goals.
Sancho and Hazard offer quality from the flanks. Both will be direct, going at the opposition with speed. In one on one situations Sancho and Hazard can be deadly and with the opposition likely to be concerned with KDB and Griezmann there is every chance these two can find space to expose on the flanks. With a powerhouse frontline we go for goals, both wingers will look to cause problems, cutting inside and going direct for goal one moment and driving down the line, bamboozling the opposition before whipping the ball into the box the next.
Icardi plays through the middle and will have a dream supply line around him. The brief is simple, get into the box and do what you do best. With the number of quality attackers we have around him Icardi could well find himself in one on one match ups in which he’s deadly. Play on the shoulder of the last man and as always be on your toes in the box, ready to pounce and finish anything that comes your way.
Subs;
If winning:
75 mins: Griezmann off, Allan on. Tighten up defensively with dual Brazilian DM’s as we see out the win.
85 mins: Icardi off, Benzema on. Fresh legs and a new threat up top as we pick them off on them break.
If drawing:
70 mins: Icardi off, Benzema on. We switch to 4-2-2-2 with the French duo of Benzema & Griezmann up top with Sancho & Hazard on the flanks. Goals.
80 mins: Casemiro off, Odegaard on. We add a little sprinkle of extra creativity as we look to find the winner.
If losing:
75 mins: Cancelo and Casemiro off, Benzema & Modric on.
Attacking 3-4-3 as we pile on the pressure and look to turn a potential defeat into a win.
posted on 18/9/20
High tempo possession football 4-3-3
At home we go with an attacking team full of pace, playing with a high tempo in defence and attack. We have a cm duo that are all strong defensively but also great on the ball and able to dominate possession. At home we look to control the game, dominate possession and tire the opposition having them chase the ball. We have a front three full of pace, looking to stretch the opposition and create space for our midfielders to exploit.
In the midfield trio we have the intelligence of Thiago next to Rodri, and Fernandes offering exuberance in front. Thiago our playmaker from deep in the centre, while Rodri is also excellent at spreading the play. In defence Rodri drops behind the other two cms who press the play as the trio narrow, similarly in attack Rodri stays deepest but the trio do not play so narrow. We have a defence full of pace and great energy in front so play a reasonably high line, helping us press Toon in high area, and aiding distribution out from the back line.
We look to play our usual high tempo attacking game and take the game to Newcastle, seeking to exploit their defence. We have a strong side defensively and in attack, our team is built to give Bruno, Sterling, Lautaro and Jesus the space and freedom to find the ball in space in attacking positions to hurt Newcastle.
Laporte the man marker next to Marquinhos who is free to use his pace to sweep up. In midfield, the trio narrow in front with the cm opposite play dropping behind, allowing the other two to press with cover. The wide players drop deep to add protection in front of the fb and next to the two pressing cms. Closing down the space, narrowing to the side of play. Win the ball back fquickly before they can get anywhere.
Quick passing and moving to find space in between the opposition lines. Using the pace of our forwards and fbs (one bombs forward at a time) to create space as we push forward.
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 high tempo play.
We have a cm duo who can both drop deep to offer an option and collect the ball from defence. Likewise a fluid front three, who can switch positions or drop deep to collect the ball from midfield. This fluidity will help the players to get away from their markers, catch the opposition out and create space. As we move forward we get quick one twos in the opposition half. With this fluid front three, Fernandes supports getting close to the front using his creativity to link the play.
——————————— Ter Stegen
Carvajal — Marquinhos — Laporte — Alaba
—————————— Rodri —- Thiago
——————————- B.Fernandes
—- Sterling —————————————- G.Jesus -—
———————————- L.Martinez
Subs. Schmeichel, Theo, Laimer, Mount, Bernardo, Cunha, Osimhen
Defending high
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 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 Newcastle advance into higher areas of the park and into our half, our shape will resemble a 4-1-4-1. Wingers drop deep and Rodri drops behind the other two cms pressing the space behind the two cms pressing the ball, sweeping up danger behind them and in front of the defence.
A winger and the two cms (Thiago and Fernandes) are the trio pressing the ball, and look to force the opposition backwards. With the one forwards left up top, the winger on opposite of play comes narrow and marks their deepest Cm. This where we look to press the opposition into mistakes and win the ball in high areas. With pace to join the attack quickly and overload them quickly.
When Toon get past the initial press higher up the park, we drop deeper into a narrower tighter formation narrowing to the side of play, ensuring there are no gaps in the formation. Our fb’s have fantastic pace up against their wide forwards, bide their time, not diving in.
Subs.
If winning after 70 mins bring on Osimhen for Lautaro. Fresh pace and power up top.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Bernardo for Jesus. Sterling left, Bernardo right.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Mount for Bruno.
If drawing after 70 mins bring on Bernardo for Jesus. Sterling left, Silva right.
If drawing after 75 mins bring on Osimhen and Cunha for Carvajal and Lautaro. 3-5-2.
If losing after 65 mins bring on Osimhen and Bernardo for Jesus and Carvajal. 3-5-2. Bernardo and Sterling wise.
Red card we either sub off Bruno.
Or if Bruno bring in Bernardo for Jesus and if another sub left Laimer for Thiago in second half. All the energy.
If below bring on for Bruno :
If GK bring on Schmeichel
If rb bring on Laimer
If cb bring on Theo. Alaba to cb.
If lb bring on Theo.
If Rodri or Thiago bring on Laimer.
If Jesus bring on Bernardo.
If Sterling bring on Bernardo.
If Lautaro. Bring on Osimhen.
posted on 19/9/20
Portsmouth v SHEFFIELD UNITED
Handanovic
Lamptey, Kjaer, T. Silva, Justin
Adams, Höjbjerg
Bale, James, Cantwell
Suárez
Subs: Meslier, Evans, Maatsen, Koopmeiners, Thauvin, Brooks, Ings
Captain: Thiago Silva
Free Kicks (pre-75th Min): Bale/James
Free Kicks (post-75th min): Bale/Brooks/Koopmeiners
Penalties: Suárez
Our defensive unit consists of Simon Kjaer and Thiago Silva paired up at centre-back, Tariq Lamptey at right-back and James Justin at left-back, with Tyler Adams and Pierre-Emile Höjbjerg as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.
This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in Adams and Höjbjerg 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 Höjbjerg can press the ball without leaving lots of space, as Adams 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 Höjbjerg's role, he will press almost anywhere in his own half to allow defenders to stay in the defensive line.
With Höjbjerg running his socks off for the team, our high tempo will dictated by his partner in holding midfield, Tyler Adams.
Adams 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 Adams such a talent.
The attacking unit consists of Gareth Bale, James Rodríguez and Todd Cantwell 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 Adams or Höjbjerg, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.
Lamptey and Justin can surge up the wings in the knowledge that Adams and Höjbjerg can drop into the space left behind if needed. As they come up the wings, both Gareth Bale and Todd Cantwell, 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. 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, Cantwell & 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 & Cantwell 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 Suárez’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
Thauvin on for Cantwell (Thauvin RW/Bale moves to LW), Brooks on for James, and Koopmeiners on for Adams
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 20/9/20
Balanced 4-3-1-2
We look to win the midfield battle, and take control in the middle. Using the pace of our fbs, cms and forwards to stretch the opposition and create space for Isco in the middle to pull the strings.
The opposition have real quality but we think their cbs are their weakness so we look to target this area. We have two forwards with great pace and power. We feel with two central forwards and 3 central midfielders we are perfectly set up for Isco, and for him to find space to be at his best.
Defensively it means we narrow to the side of play we are defending, with the Cm on the side of play seeking to help our fb defending on the side of play. We feel Tielemans/Pogba have the athleticism to play this role as we seek to have them both operating in more attacking roles than Witsel.
When we defend, we defend in a narrow 4321 formation, in a tight unit with not much space between the lines. Son drops and sits with Isco in front of the 3 cms, narrow on the side of play.
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.
Strikers up top play their natural game, we want Son to drift left seeming to drag cbs out of position or getting in between the lb and cb. One fb bombs forward at a time, we look to get Isco out combining with the attacking fb, cms and forwards playing one twos and producing the magic to create for the front 2.
——————————- Gulácsi
K.Walker — Tapsoba — Lenglet — Digne
——— Tielemans — Witsel — Pogba
———————————- Isco
———————- Lukaku —— Son
Subs. Gaya, Rabiot, Ndombele, Nkunku, Carrasco, Ikone, 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 4321 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 strong 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 centre midfielders get back, helping the defending fb on the side of play. Witsel in a central position to sweep, and pick up most advanced Cm.
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.
Lenglet the defensive leader at the back, Tapsoba 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 Nknuku for Isco fresh pace and energy in midfield. Nkunku plays right, Son left.
If winning after 77 mins bring on Jiminez for Lukaku.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Rabiot for Tielemans.
If drawing/losing after 68 mins bring on Jimenez for Isco and Nkunku for Tielemans. 4-4-2, Son and Nkunku wide. Go long, and continue to attack down the wings, getting crosses in for strikers.
If drawing/losing after 75 mins bring on Ndombele for Digne. 3-5-2. Extra Cm on.
posted on 20/9/20
------------------Neuer
---------Tah-----Dunk-----O’Connell
Zeefuik--------Partey-------------Telles
------------Milinkovic-Savic
Ocampos------Kane----------Depay
Pope
Chilwell
Kamara
Foden
Kovacic
Chiesa
Malen
Back in action today, against a tough Man City side. I want to play on the front foot here, as ever, looking for goals. We’ve been conceding recently, so I reverted to three at the back to give us a better defensive platform to build from, with three players comfortable with the ball at their feet, and able to play out from the back, whilst also being physically imposing. We will also play some mental warfare, making plenty of jokes about French stereotypes, to put off the snail-eating opposition, who will likely just surrender anyway. It’s a debut for O’Connell at LCB, giving us a naturally left-footed player in that position for the first time. I think this will help balance us further. It’s a classic Bielsa style 3-3-1-3, and that means intensity, drive, press, and possession, and hopefully we can fulfil all of those briefs.
I think the change in shape will help us on-the-ball in our third, as it should provide plenty more options for the passing out from the back, as well as a more natural sweeper keeper in Neuer coming back in between the sticks. I would like to see Tah and O’Connell push wide, stretching the space and providing more options, with Partey dropping deep to collect the ball, and provide a further option. As a result of this, we should rarely feel under too much pressure from any high press that the opponent may try to put us under. The wingbacks will also sit deep and provide options for an out ball on the touchline, where they can then look to contribute to attacks in a positive, pacey manner. The key is transitioning the ball from defence to attack, and I don’t want us to rush this. We should play at a pace and intensity, yes, but silly long balls launched forward will only cause us to lose possession. Waiting and looking for the right out ball pass is paramount.
When we get into the final third, we have a three pronged attack that should work as a team. Ocampos and Depay will sit slightly inside of the wide positions, allowing for space for an overlapping full-back, and pulling the opposition out of their defensive shape. Kane will stick between the goalposts, serving as the focal point for our attack, with Depay and Ocampos working off him. The movement of the three must be continuous, pulling and teasing at the structure of the opposition backline, and creating space for one another. Milinkovic-Savic will also push up, providing an additional option, prowling outside the penalty area.
Off-the-ball, movement must also be very apparent, with us operating a high press for large periods of this game. We must work to conserve energy at times, but for the majority of the game, I want to see Kane pushing the opposition centre-backs, and the two wide men targetting the full backs, preventing the opposition from passing the ball around the back comfortably, meaning either mistakes, or loose balls forward. If the ball is won back by one of these players, then they have the license and the assets to attack the goal, with driving runs forward.
Defensively, I think we have a strong set-up today. Zeefuik and Telles will drop back further, playing a more conservative wing back, and not rushing out of position. Instead, SMS and Partey will operate as a duo, harrying the opposition, and pushing out wide if needed, meaning the back five can keep their defensive shape. Tah and O’Connell will look to marshall the wide areas of the penalty area, whilst Dunk focuses centrally, all three careful not to leave the others exposed. If the full back needs support, then their CB/CM can push out to support them, so that we don’t get outnumbered on the flanks. If, for instance, Tah went out to support Zeefuik, then Partey, the RCM, would drop further back, to help cover the vacated space, leaving SMS to cover both CM duties. These two players will be key to allievating pressure, as they both will be allowed to drive forward with the ball at pace, looking to convert defence to attack quickly, and hit the opposition on the counter attack.
Set pieces may also prove crucial today. Kane will, obviously, take penalties, and he will, obviously, prove lethal from them. Corners will be aimed towards Tah, Dunk, O’Connell or Kane, with all four posing problems in the penalty area. Ocampos and Depay will also lurk, and are capable of causing havoc in the box.
Substitutions
If winning
70 mins
Kovacic and Chiesa on for SMS and Ocampos
Fresh legs in positions that require lots of running.
80 mins
Foden on for Depay
Again, fresh legs, and maybe a splash of creativity to help us win the game.
If losing/drawing
70 mins
Dunk off for Malen
A change in shape, reverting to a back four, with Malen playing a central role off Kane, and the two other attackers pushing slightly further out wide
75 mins
SMS and Ocampos off for Foden and Chiesa
Young, exciting players on to try and provide a splash of creativty and spark in the final 15 minutes. Foden playing more as a 10 than a box to box, with Chiesa looking to come in from the right.
posted on 20/9/20
Comment deleted by Site Moderator
posted on 20/9/20
NEWCASTLE 4-3-3
___________Alisson
Trent____Romag___Chiellini___Robbo
____________Fabinho
________Hendo___Goretzka
Salah______Giroud________Mane
SUBS: Chesney, ADM, Carlos, Naby, Gini, Ings, Guerreiro
Captain: Chiellini
Penalties: Salah
Corners: Trent
Freekicks: Trent
Today girouds role is incredibly important. Against a side like Leicester I need the ball to stick up front otherwise nobody will be able to feed salah and mane.
The formation deployed today is so that we regain as much possession as possible higher up the pitch. We expect to have a fair portion of the ball so patience is key. Today we have pace all across the pitch. We also expect the four behind the striker to drift around a bit, getting into positions where their natural play can cause damage. The striker up front presses when we don’t have the ball and the entire team will support him cut passing lanes to help win the ball higher up. The quality of our players will allow us to break through the oppositions press. When we have the ball we will want to attract the press and use the spaces that they open up to attack.
Full backs will get forward when the opportunity arises. Our full backs are good at feeding our forward line with their ability on the ball and we aim to utilize that with their ability to get up the pitch and tactical arareness. Both fullbacks are our playmakers. We also need our full backs to widen the pitch for us. Our centre halves are good on the ball, and a long punt every now and then to utilize our pace out wide is encouraged. Both fullbacks will just keep hitting early crosses.
The DM will tactically astute in his positioning acting as a base and be in charge of driving our midfield forward. Our midfield will be flexible, if one of their midfielders steps forward, one of ours will move into the space they vacated. The DM will be the link between our defence, midfield, and forwards and because of the way he plays, he will draw the opponents forward towards him to attack the ball, pulling their team’s lines apart. This will create more spaces between the lines for our midfield and forward lines to move into. The right centre mid will be the more attacking one in his box to box role, closing down space and cutting passing lanes with his incredible energy and also driving the team forward. Playing alongside the DM will give him less areas of the pitch to cover, and shorter distance needed to win the ball back to start the next attack. Both centre mids will float between the lines during the attacking phase just behind our forwards.
Our wide forwards are space investigators and main goal threat. Drift into the crentre often to get into goal scoring positions.
If short passing options aren’t available the passing range and accuracy of our keeper will safely transfer the ball forwards via our full backs. The keeper can also dink the ball into space for the striker or wide forward to control taking out 6 or 7 opposition players in the process.
The striker’s main role will be to create space for the wide forwards. He will drop deep into a ten to drag defenders out and create space for our wide forwards to run into. This will tie into our quick short passing which is aimed at dragging their players out of position and create space between their lines. Our team will always recycle the ball to keep possession and to keep the ball moving. Salah (or whoever) will move into the striker position when the striker drops.
When we don’t have the ball we will expect our four behind the striker to drop into a 4-5-1 in support of our midfield. We will also create triangles to trap the opposition players that have the ball, cutting the passing lanes and others putting pressure on players that might receive the ball. We stop the oppositions rhythm and force them into mistakes with our pressure. To stop their counter attacks after we lose the ball, three players will swarm the ball carrier before he can get his head up to play. If they beat the immediate press when the team’s main goal is to push their play wide where they can do the least damage. Our midfielders are an integral part to our play, when we win the ball back we will create space and time for them with our team shape. There will be times when we are under the cosh and will have the option of deploying a bowl shaped 5 at the back, with the right centre mid dropping in to make closing down the opponents very effective.
Subs
70 mins: Gini comes on for Hendo, our legs will start to tire, so will theirs, Gini will add box to box ability and energy late in the game.
75 mins: Ingsy comes on for Giroud, a different style of forward play for the opposition to think about.
If winning 80 mins: Naby comes on for Goretzka to close out the game.
If losing/drawing 80 mins: Hwang comes on for Fabinho and play 2 up front.
Red Card
Red Card:
In all cases Hendo subbed off, if Hendo red then no change, go 4-4-1
If goal keeper, Chesney comes on
If lb, Guerreiro
If rb CB, Carlos
If centre mids, Naby
If wings, Adm
If striker, Ings
posted on 21/9/20
------------------ Rui Patricio ------------------
B.Pavard -- Skriniar --- Hummels - B.Mendy
-------------------- Torreira --------------------
------------ Maddison --- Ceballos ------------
R.Mahrez ------ Timo Werner ----- A.Martial
Subs:
Bulka, Tomori, Pjanic, Ziyech, Hudson-Odoi, Coman, Ibrahimovic
We set up with a strong side suited to playing attacking football in a 4-3-3 formation.
We expect the opposition to look to dominate possession which will suit our strengths perfectly. When they’re in possession our wingers drop in as we revert to a 4-5-1 formation, as soon as we win back possession we look to break at speed with our devastating front 3 and hit them on the counter.
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.
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 Maddison 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: Mahrez off, Ziyech on.
80 mins: Maddison off, Tomori 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: Ceballos off, Ziyech on.
80 mins: Maddison off, Ibrahimovic on. 4-2-2-2 with Werner and Ibra up top as we go for the winner.
If losing:
65 mins: Torreira off, Ziyech on.
75 mins: Hummels off, Ibrahimovic on. 3-4-3 all out attack
posted on 21/9/20
SOTON VS Chelsea
-----------------------------------Onana-----------------------
Atal-----------Upamecano-----------Dias------------Shaw
---------------------------------Camavinga---------------------------
----------------------Valverde------------Lo Celso------------------------
Adama--------------------------------------------------------Pulisic
-----------------------------------Rashford--------------------------------
Subs - Maignan, Demiral, McTominay, Reinier, I Sarr, Isak, Richarlison
CAPTAIN - UPAMECANO
CK'S - LO CELSO
FK'S - RASHFORD
PENALTIES - RASHFORD
I want us to hold a deep defensive line to start of with so the oppo don't get an early goal. Keep things simple in the beginning and only pressure the oppo when they get in our half. When we have the ball I want the team to play pass and move football. Don't stay static, try and get in behind the oppo defence as there is a lot of pace in our attacking players. As the game goes on, when we don't have the ball I want the team to defend from the front line and pressure the oppo and try and win possession back. Do this in fits and bursts as it is a tiring tactic.
Defence
GK to be confident in box. Don't take risks. Punch the ball away if the shot is too powerful. Command your area. The defence is well balanced. Upamecano and Dias bring a lot of strength and pace to the defence. Upamecano will marshal the defence and Dias will look to use his pace to close the oppo strikers down. Stay vocal with each other and cover for each other if oppo gets past one of you. Full backs will start of with a conservative mind set and not attack too much but as the game goes on I want them to make overlapping runs and get some crosses in to the box. Camavinga will be covering for them when they go attacking.
Defence Mid
Camavinga
Camavinga will be the anchor in the middle. Stay back in front of the defence and protect the defence with your life. If the oppo play an AM then stick close to him and mark him if possible. When our fullbacks are attacking then your main priority will be to cover for them. When in possession pass the ball out to the wings or to the CM's. Also be on the lookout for the runs of Pulisic/Adama and thread dangerous through balls to them.
Centre Mids
Valverde + Lo Celso
Valverde will be playing as a b2b CM today. He will pick the ball up from deep and use his technique and vision to find the runs of our attacking players and thread deadly passes to them. Play quick passes forward and use your agility to outmanoeuvre the oppo players. Play 1 2 quick passes with your teammates and make penetrating runs from deep. When not in possession of the ball I want him to drop deep in central midfield and try and intercept any passes the oppo will make. Shoot if you have a chance to.
Lo Celso will have a similar role to Valverde except he will be given more attacking freedom. I want him to always make runs forward and when the oppo DM has the ball I want him to put pressure on him and close him down so he makes a mistake and we potentially create a goal scoring opportunity. Use your nimbleness and pace to get away from players marking you in the middle and if you find some space shoot. If you see Camavinga and Valverde struggling in the middle being overwhelmed by the oppo then I want you to focus on helping them more defensively in the centre of midfield.
Wingers
Adama + Pulisic
These 2 will be the focal point of my attack. I want to give them the freedom to express themselves in attack. Pulisic will be looking to cut in from the left and Adama will be looking to get to the byline and to whip some balls in to the area. 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. Atal and Shaw are no slouches attacking wise so use them! Pulisic will be allowed cut in onto your stronger foot, don't be afraid to shoot from range as you have the ability to score from long range. If there is no space to do so then take the ball to the byline and whip in crosses for 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. If we get to the byline with either of the wingers I want them to either whip in a low ball across the face of the net for Rashford to poke home or pull the ball back to just outside the box for Valverde/Lo Celso to get a shot in.
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 Richarlison for Lo Celso and Isak for Pulisic 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. Bring in Reinier for Camavinga at AM aswell to add some Brazilian flair. Play a high line and put a lot of pressure on the oppo to win the ball back.
--------------------------------------Onana--------------------------------
Atal-------Upamecano-------------Dias---------Shaw
---------------------------------Valverde---------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adama--------------------------------------------------------Richarlison
------------------------------------Reinier-------------------------------
-------------------Rashford---------------Isak-------------------
Subs if WINNING BY 80MINS
Take off Lo Celso and put on Demiral in CB. Play defensive with everyone in our own half defending for their lives, waiting to hit the oppo on the counter attack. McTominay on for Camavinga to add more energy. In the centre of midfield. Richarlison on for Pulisic aswell as the Brazilian is better at helping out in tracking back than Pulisic.
-------------------------------------Onana--------------------------------
Atal-------Upamecano------Dias------Demiral--------Shaw
----------------------------Valverde--------McTom---------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------Adama--------------------------------------------Richarlison-----
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------Rashford-----------------------------------
Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Sarr on for Adama
Reinier on for Lo Celso
Isak on for Rashford
Fresh legs to bring on.
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