High tempo possession football 4-3-3
We go with an attacking team full of pace, playing with a high tempo in defence and attack. We have a cm trio that are all strong defensively but also great on the ball and able to dominate possession. 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 Neves, and Mount’s high work rate in front pressing. Neves and Thiago our playmakers from deep in the centre, but also both very strong in the defensive phase. In defence Thiago drops behind the other two cms who press the play as the trio narrow, similarly in attack Thiago 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 Pompey 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 Pompey, seeking to exploit their defence. We have a strong side defensively and in attack, our team is built to give Sterling, Lautaro and Mane the space and freedom to find the ball in space in attacking positions to hurt Pompey.
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 Thiago dropping behind, allowing the other two cms 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, Mount supports getting close to the front using his creativity to link the play. Neves deeper looking to arrive on the edge of the box for a late option. Thiago stays reserved in the deeper position, we go back to him to spread the play and start again if need be.
——————————- Ter Stegen
Carvajal — Marquinhos — Laporte — Alaba
—————————— Neves — Thiago
————————————M.Mount
—— Sterling ———————————— S.Mane —
——————————— L.Martinez
Subs. Laimer, Theo, Neves, Felix, Mahrez, Jesus, 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 Pompey advance into higher areas of the park and into our half, our shape will resemble a 4-1-4-1. Wingers drop deep and Thiago 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 (Neves and Mount) 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 Pompey 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 Rodri for Neves. Fresh power and energy in midfield.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Mahrez for Sterling.
If drawing after 70 mins bring on Felix for Mount. More attacking creativity.
If drawing after 77 mins bring on Osimhen and Mahrez for Lautaro and Carvajal. Alaba Lcb. 3-5-2. Mane up top with Osimhen. Sterling left and Mahrez right.
If losing after 65 mins bring on Jesus for Neves. 4-4-2. Mount and Thiago in Cm.
If losing after 70 mins bring on Felix for Carvajal. 3-5-2. Alaba lcb.
If losing after 75 mins bring on Osimhen for Lautaro.
Sorry I have Neves listed on my subs bench but this should be Rodri (Neves starts and subs mention Rodri on for Neves)
SHEFFIELD UNITED v Tottenham Hotspur
Meret
Lamptey, Kjaer, T. Silva, Augustinsson
Höjbjerg, Koopmeiners
Brooks, James, Forsberg
Suárez
Subs: Kelleher, Williams, Rodon, Ampadu, Gallagher, Cantwell, Diego Costa
Captain: Thiago Silva
Free Kicks: James (Left footed)/Forsberg (Right footed)
Penalties: Suárez
Our defensive unit consists of Simon Kjaer and Thiago Silva paired up at centre-back, Tariq Lamptey at right-back and Ludwig Augustinsson at left-back, with Teun Koopmeiners and Pierre-Emile Höjbjerg as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.
This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in Koopmeiners 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 Koopmeiners can maintain a good position to react if the initial press is bypassed. Our double pivot will offer huge defensive stability and will ensure that a structured shape is maintained.
Having two defensive midfielders centrally prevents others being dragged out of position to press.
Helping the defenders maintain solid positioning is a key part of 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 be dictated by his partner in holding midfield, Teun Koopmeiners.
Koopmeiners is not just your “win the ball and pass it on to the closest player” – there is a real creative mind in his locker, but it’s his ability to be the shield of the back four and then be creative once he gets the ball that makes Koopmeiners such a talent.
The attacking unit consists of David Brooks, James Rodríguez and Emil Forsberg as our band of three attacking midfielders with Luis Suárez as our lone central striker.
Our 4-2-3-1 is set up to have that wonderful ‘springy' quality - it absorbs pressure without breaking and then snaps back with surprising force.
In defence our 4-2-3-1 covers space very effectively, with the band of three attacking midfielders and centre forward able to press the opposition high up the pitch while the two defensive midfielders ensure that there is no space left in front of the defence. Then the back four can either play a high line, compressing the space even further, or drop deeper as preferred.
Once we have won the ball back, often by Koopmeiners or Höjbjerg, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.
Lamptey and Augustinsson can surge up the wings in the knowledge that Koopmeiners and Höjbjerg can drop into the space left behind if needed. As they come up the wings, both David Brooks and Emil Forsberg, who are 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 quick flicks and one-touch passing, will combine exceptionally well with Brooks, Forsberg & 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 Brooks, James & Forsberg 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
Williams on for Lamptey, Ampadu on for Koopmeiners, Diego Costa on for Luis Suárez
Triple substitution - Lots of fresh energy in the last 15 minutes to look to unlock the opposition’s defence for a late goal regardless of the score line.
-------------------Pope
-------Tah------Akanji---Hernandez
Castagne------Partey------------Gosens
-----------Milinkovic-Savic
-Ocampos----Kane------Depay
Balcombe
Dunk
Telles
Brozovic
Foden
Chiesa
Malen
Finally back in action, and with a consistency playing with three at the back, and the three pronged attack still in play. Hernandez in for his debut on the left hand side of the defence, and I think this will give us a bit more balance in the defence, as well as when playing out of the back. I have also brought Gosens in for a debut at LWB, with Castagne on the other side. This is an attacking combo, and will hopefully give us a bit more width, and allowing for Depay and Ocampos to sit further inside. We want to play on the front foot and spend most of the game attacking Bournemouth, and believe that we have set up a strong base for that with the formation and shape of the team.
On the ball, the back three should have the calmness and ability on the ball to pick the right options. They will provide each other options, so that we can keep the ball in our third comfortably, but should also look forward, to the two CMs, or spreading the play to the wing-backs. When Partey gets on the ball, he should first look for SMS, and then look for the wide options, in order of priority. This is because that SMS has the driving force to channel defensive possession into attacking possession quickly and efficiently. This can also be achieved by spreading the play to the WBs, but SMS is aided by having the whole pitch open before him, and not just one flank, hence him being the preferred option. When Gosens and Castagne pick possession, I want them to drive into the space wide of Depay and Ocampos, and look to stretch and overload the opposition FBs. Pope is perhaps the worry in terms of the ball-playing system, but he should have plenty of options, and it is, therefore, important, and encouraged, that he avoid taking risks, whilst also being provided the support to not fall back onto long balls forward.
When the ball transitions into the final third, we should be looking at having 5-6 players supporting it, with the attacking three joined by SMS, and then at least one of the WBs. Getting these numbers in the offensive third is important, as it will help us try to overload the opposition in the key areas, specifically out wide. I will also allow Partey to push up towards the centre circle, looking to mop up loose clearances and get us back on the front foot ASAP. Ocampos and Depay sit just inside of the WBs, and will look to target the space in between the opposition CBs and FBs, looking to stretch the space and get in behind, whilst Kane will stay in between the goalposts, where his natural talent for finishing is at its most potent. I think we have players that can exploit all forms of attack, whether it be crossing, or intricate one touch passing with the ball on the deck, but either way we should play with a strong intensity to constantly create chances.
Retaining possession quickly when it is lost is important, and this is where the numbers forward can help us also. I expect to see Kane, Ocampos and Depay press relentlessly as the first line, but Gosens and Castagne must sit high, preventingout balls to the wingers and full backs, whilst SMS drops a bit deeper, looking to press mainly when the ball enters the first portion of the middle third. If we win the ball high then we can instantly transition back to the attacking system. Otherwise, we can either slow down their transitions, force them into errors, or force them into long balls out, towards our physically strong defense.
For this system, Partey should have dropped back, to just in front of the back three, which means that we shouldn’t get caught out by any quick counter attacks. The wide CBs should push out and support their WB in pressing wide, if the ball enters these positions, whilst Partey and SMS will marshall the central areas as a duo. Akanji operates as the sweeper today, sitting centrally, and looking to cover any space made should Tah or Hernandez have to support their FB. An important aspect of us off the ball is being prepared to break forward quickly, as we also have the players to be very effective on the counter. If they do get through, our goalkeeper is a sturdy, reliable shot stopper, who can hopefully cover himself in glory.
Substitutions
We want to0 keep up the intensity of our performance throughout, so most of the changes will play into that, either by changing the shape of our attack, or by offering fresh legs in key positions.
If winning
Chiesa on for Ocampos 70 mins
Brozovic on for Milinkovic-Savic 75 mins
Telles on for Gosens 80 mins
If losing/drawing
Malen on for Akanji 70 mins
Shifts us to a flat back four, with Malen playing alongside Kane up top, using his pace and running ability to create problems for the defenders.
Foden on for SMS 75 mins
A more creative outlet to get his foot on the ball
Chiesa on for Ocampos 75 mins
Flair player.
-------------------- De Gea ---------------------
B.Pavard -- Skriniar --- Hummels - A.Sandro
------------- Torreira --- Ceballos -------------
--- H.Ziyech ---- Maddison ---- K.Coman ---
------------------- A.Martial --------------------
Subs:
Bulka, Garcia, Pjanic, Jota, Hudson-Odoi, Leao, Ibrahimovic
We set up with a strong side suited to playing attacking football in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
We look to dominate possession which will suit our strengths perfectly. When they’re in possession our wingers drop in as we revert to a 4-5-1 formation, as soon as we win back possession we look to break at speed with our devastating front 4 and hit them on the counter.
Skriniar is the defensive leader and will be the one to set the defensive line on the pitch, both centre backs will stay back with either one of the full backs or the DM always prepared to make it a back 3 when we lose possession to stop counter attacks, Both CB’s will communicate with each other so they are clear in where the attacking threats are. When dealing with the opposition, we will avoid slide tackles unless necessary instead looking to just guide players off the ball. When on the ball, if the opposition are giving them space to come out with the ball, then they should take it forward, if not, keep it simple with the occasional long ball to the front 3 thrown in to keep the opposition from setting up against one style of play.
For the full backs today the objective is to sit back and tuck in slightly when defending, looking to stop balls being played between them and the centre backs, with the secondary advantage of discouraging the wide men from cutting inside, forcing them to cross, which gives us a better chance of getting the ball back quickly and launching an attack of our own.
Their objective when attacking will be to keep making runs past the winger on both the inside and outside, giving the opposition full back that split second of indecision on who they go with. They will only occasionally put floated crosses in, preferring to either play shorter passes to the wingers or players who have come out from the middle of the pitch to keep possession and let the pressure build up in the final third, or run to the byline and put in fast and low crosses relying on both the faster reactions and control of our attackers and the pressure of the situation on their centre backs to hastily clear the ball without being in full control of the situation.
The focus of the midfield 3 will be to use their experience and high technical ability, working in collaboration with the front 3 to control the midfield battle whilst still having the attacking nous to create chances for us. When we are in the attacking third, they will always be looking to make themselves available for a pass to keep recycling the ball, keeping the pressure up with us looking to use the movement of the other CM's and the front 3 to drag the opposition defensive players that little bit more which could be the difference in getting a player behind them. They also all have an eye for a pass so will look to take advantage of the front 3 all flitting around and play them in with through balls and quick one touch play. We will also occasionally take the occasional long shot, with the aim being to make sure defenders aren't content to sit back and forcing them to make a decision. When defending, they are looking to press the middle third of the pitch, pressing the opposition CMs/Wingers in conjunction with other players as they are on the ball to rush their decisions and win the ball back.
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 Ziyech or Coman to break at speed or Maddison to go through the middle as we look to supply our lethal finisher up top. Martial 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 Martial 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: Maddison off, Pjanic on.
80 mins: Coman off, E.Garcia 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: Ziyech & Coman off, CHO & Jota on.
80 mins: Ceballos off, Ibrahimovic on. 4-2-2-2 with Ibra and Martial up top as we go for the winner.
If losing:
65 mins: Torreira off, D.Jota on.
75 mins: Hummels off, Ibrahimovic on. 3-4-3 all out attack
------------------ Courtois ----------------
Cancelo -- De Ligt -- Bonucci -- N.Ake
----------------- Casemiro ----------------
--------- De Bruyne -- Ødegaard --------
Sancho ----- A.Griezmann ----- Hazard
Subs:
Lopes, Konate, Allan, Eriksen, 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, pinning our opponents back as we really take the game to them and get off to a fast start. 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.
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 Casemiro 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 Cancelo will have license to get forward whilst Ake will be more reserved, sitting in fi ensure we have sufficient numbers back at all times.
Midfield:
We go with a three man midfield, packed with quality and excitement as we take the game to our opponents. Casemiro 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: Griezmann off, Icardi on. fresh legs up top as we look to exploit a tiring defence.
80 mins: Odegaard off, Allan on. Dual DM’s as we tighten up defensively to see out the win.
If drawing:
75 mins: Odegaard & Sancho off, Icardi & Asensio on. Switch to 4-2-2-2 with Icardi & Griezmann up top and Asensio & Hazard on the flanks. Goals.
If losing:
65 mins: Odegaard off, Icardi on.
75 mins: Cancelo off, & Benzema on. 3-4-3 all out attack as we go for goals.
Counter 4-4-1-1
We have a team full of power, athleticism and pace. We defend deep in a strong narrow defensive unit. We look to overpower the opposition midfield, they lack the pace and power we have in midfield so we hit them hard and attack with pace. We let the opposition have possession and we then press hard when they enter our third. A pressing game that will save our energy, invite the opposition forward, and allow us to keep our energy for hitting them hard and with pace on the counter.
Defensively we steal a page from the Simeone book. The formation though defensive gives freedom to Pogba to be find space when we break in attack when he does get forward and gets the most out of Dembele’s electrifying pace breaking from deep to expose the space left behind their lb. Son plays as a second striker not an AM. Son targets their fbs, or the space left behind them. And so the central position allows him to target whichever he wants, and switch from side to side to expose space.
Their front three are their main threat and they will struggle up against our defensive side, with no pace in behind. We don’t press until they reach the final third, we get 9 men back behind the ball, Son sits on their dm and when they do get to the final third we’ll be all over them and not allow them to breathe.
We look to attack down the wings targeting their fbs who are poor defensively and attacking they at pace. We’ll look to target their rb more, with AWB out and Son in unbelievable form we look to use his pace on the break to target the rb, or if the space is on the right he targets that area.
The opposition have real quality in midfield, and so we look to overpower them when they do get into our third. Force them to go long where we will dominate in air. In midfield Witsel is the dm and Tielemans the deep playmaker. This duo coupled with the pace of our front two, Dembele and Pogba will be key, defend as a unit in deep positions and counter.
When we defend, we defend in a narrow 4141 formation, in a tight unit with not much space between the lines. Two players pressing the ball, Witsel defends zonally behind, and the other closest midfielder in the four blocking the passing lane forward. Force them back.
With team defending in a narrow unit the wide midfielder opposite play 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.
Lukaku up top plays his natural game, he’s best running in behind the opposition or at them on the break. We look to find Son on the break, stretch them. One fb supports at a time, but does not get to advanced. If the counter doesn’t work, the fb should not be too far ahead of the other 3 defenders. In a deeper wide position where they can seek to cross in behind for Lukaku and Son to get on to.
———————————- Lloris
K.Walker — Koulibaly — Lenglet — Digne
Dembele — Tielemans — Witsel — Pogba
——————————— Son.H-M
————————————Lukaku
Subs. Gulacsi, Umtiti, Tolisso, Ndombele, Carrasco, Jiminez, Kean
Defence
We defend deep as a unit in the 4141 formation, almost a 41311 formation though as Witsel defends in front cbs so ally while the other 3 cms marrow to the side of play and Son sits on their dm, take him out the game. 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 then great they can’t hurt us. Two experienced cbs are key for this ensuring we keep a strong line. When we win the ball, we break fast.
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 cm to press the play, leaving Witsel 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 68 mins bring on Carrasco for Dembele fresh pace and energy in midfield.
If winning after 70 mins bring on Tolisso for Tielemans.
If winning after 82 mins bring on Moise Kean. Pace against tired cbs.
If drawing after 68 mins bring on Tolisso for Tielemans 4-4-2.
If drawing after 75 mins bring on Ndombele for Witsel. More attacking and fresh energy.
If drawing after 80 mins bring on Carrasco for Pogba. Pace on both wings.
If losing after 65 mins bring on Carrasco for Pogba. 4231.
If losing after 75 mins bring on Jiminez for Dembele. 4-2-2-2. Carrasco and Son wide. Direct to the two big men.
If losing after 78 mins bring on Ndombele for Tielemans.
SOTON vs arsenal
-------------------------------------Onana-----------------------
Atal-----------Upamecano-----------Dias----------Ait-Nouri
----------------------Lo Celso--------Camavinga-------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adama------------------------Reinier-----------------------Pulisic
----------------------------------Rashford--------------------------------
Subs - Ramsdale, Atal, Fofana, McTominay, I Sarr, Kluivert, Isak
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. Dias will marshal the defence and Upamecano will look to use his pace to close the oppo strikers down. Stay vocal with each other and cover for each other if oppo gets past one of you. Full backs will start of with a conservative mind set and not attack too much but as the game goes on I want them to make overlapping runs and get some crosses in to the box. Camavinga will be covering for them when they go attacking.
Defence Mids
Camavinga + Lo Celso
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 Lo Celso. Also be on the lookout for the runs of Pulisic/Adama and thread dangerous through balls to them.
Lo Celso 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.
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. Dest and Ait-Nouri 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 Reinier/Lo Celso to get a shot in.
Attack Mid
Reinier Jesus
Reinier will be playing just behind Rashford and will look to help him out in attack. Be ready for passes into your feet and shoot if you see an opportunity. Mix up your attacking runs to throw off the oppo DM. I want him to dribble with the ball and play 1 2's with the rest of the team. Shoot if you see an opening.
Striker
Rashford
Rashford is a striker that has the deadly combination of pace and finishing. He will look to use his pace to get the better of the oppo defence. Be vary of crosses into the box as you are decent in the air, and if you are through on goal, use your expert finishing to score. Time your runs off the shoulders of the oppo CB's and use your pace to get away from them. Play quick pass and move combinations with your teammates to fund spaces in the oppo defence.
Subs if LOSING BY 65MINS
Put on Isak for Lo Celso and Sarr for Adama to bring some more attacking impetus on. Play a high line and try and get a goal. Change formation to 41212 and play the below formation. Play a high line and put a lot of pressure on the oppo to win the ball back.
--------------------------------------Onana--------------------------------
Atal-------Upamecano-------------Dias---------Ait Nouri
-------------------------------Camavinga---------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sarr--------------------------------------------------------Pulisic
------------------------------------Reinier-------------------------------
-------------------Rashford-----------------Isak-------------------
Subs if WINNING BY 80MINS
Take off Reinier and put on Fofana 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 Lo Celso to add more energy in the centre of midfield. .
-------------------------------------Onana--------------------------------
Atal-------Upamecano------Dias------Fofana--------Nouri
----------------------McTom--------------Camavinga-----------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----Adama-------------------Rashford--------------------Pulisic--
Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Sarr on for Adama
McTominay on for Lo Celso
Isak on for Rashford
Fresh legs to bring on.
NEWCASTLE 3-5-2
———————-— Alisson
———— Romag - Fabinho - Chiellini
Navas - Goretzka - Verratti - Modrić - Robbo
——————— Salah - Dybala
Subs: Reus, Ings, Henderson, Tonali, Kulusevski, Brandt, Can
Captain: Chiellini
Set piece: Trent/Dybala
Penalties: Salah
Today we line up with a three man defence to create a solid base. Point of this system is to create space for the deep lying midfielder to play in and counter the press. Creating a system to make the deep lying midfielder press resistant by creating a space for him to constantly drop in and receive the ball.
In possession, the wing backs are expected to keep the width for the team and progress with the team to their box. Our main method of direct progression is direct passes and layoffs through the lines and we do this all over the pitch. From centre half into the number 8 and the number 8 lays off to the number 6. The 6 then plays into the striker and again laying off to the 8. Crucial for that is the use of triangles between the players.
We have two excellent and complementary forwards who thrive on direct balls. They can hold up play or drop off. To complement their play we will play very vertically, especially if the centre backs can bring the ball out and then look to play the strikers in directly. When done well this could help create 3v4 or 3v3 situations.
Our centre centre back will be the one that breaks the line and passes into midfield, very occasionally galloping up the field to join the attack. He will be able to break the offense, midfield, and even the defensive line with just one pass. Of course this is not always the case, so if there is no direct way to get the forwards involved he will use his dribbling ability to pass the first defending line where he will then be able to play a line-breaking ball out of a midfield position. If the opposition have blocked the passing lanes to the strikers, the CCB will use his overview to switch the point of the game. He will then make a long-range pass out wide to one of the wing-backs who usually have a lot of space in front of them.
When one striker has the ball, the other will run forward centrally to open up spaces with midfielders exploiting the spaces providing passing and layoff options.
Attacking play style
We also look to width to create chances. We attack in a 3-3-4 formation with both wingbacks joining to become a front 4. At least one wingback looks to push high and isolate his opposite man. The inside midfielder will then push outwards to create overloads in wide areas, assisted by a striker dropping off - the other striker and midfielder are then able to make runs against the opposition CBs also making deeper runs into the box.
Defensive play style
Defensively we become a 5-3-2 when under periods of sustained pressure. We will create a compact defensive shape of 5 defenders and 3 midfielders very close to the backline. The forwards work defensively to help regain possession by reducing space for the opponents.
We look to press man for man higher up the pitch and try to shoo the opposition into wide areas by allowing the opposition fullbacks some space leaving them as the easiest pass options. This allows us to congest the middle making us hard to play through. When engaging the press out wide, there is often space behind the opposition wingbacks into which we can attack. Particularly effective against teams playing 433/4231 as we can go man for man across the pitch killing their possession play.
Defensive transitions
First and foremost get all men back into the defensive shape, return very very quickly into this shape and add more numbers than opponents have attackers. Make space tight. Most important are the two wingbacks as they have to drop back into the defensive line quickly very often during the game. A formidable and organized defence keeping things tight at the back, allowing an extremely solid foundation from which to attack.
Offensive transitions
We need to also be great on the counter. When the ball is won, the strikers look for out balls. On the break they are joined by a CM and one of the wingbacks.
Subs.
65 mins - Henderson on Modrić off. Fresh legs.
70 mins losing - Reus on Verratti off. Struggling to break them down so we need to stretch them. 3-4-3 reus left salah right dybala central
75 mins losing - Ings on Dybala off. More direct option.
75 mins winning - Tonali for Verratti.
------------------------ Remiro ------------------------
Semedo ----- S.deVrij ----- van Dijk ----- Chilwell
------------- F. de Jong ---- S.Busquets -------------
Mason.G ------------- Havertz -------------- Neymar
------------------------ Mbappe ------------------------
Meslier, Zagadou, B.Kamara, Bentancur, Ferran, Barkley, Dembele
Our game is still based solely on possession football, which begins from the keeper, 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, Mbappe 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, 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 Havertz as they move into space, keep it simple, he has a very good range of pass. Either pass and move(triangles) into space or look for a piercing through ball to our front three to drive onto.Can move forward to assist and look for balls coming out so he can either, shoot or whip straight back in. Havertz is essential to our style of play, he is the link between defence and attack, as we break quickly he will look to set up our front three and at times be in an advanced No.10 role and look for the de Jong/Busquets/CB pass. He will drop back at times to pick it up and will look to his dribbling capabilities to get him around players, and into the danger area to unleash a powerful drive, sometimes taking a foul as he is a tricky player to mark. When in possession always head up looking for the movement of our front three to play them in, he will follow his pass and make up the numbers up front.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 Greenwood and Neymar will cause them problems drifting in an out, thus allowing Havertz to pick his moment to move into space either as a 10 or out wide. If he does push wide this will allow Greenwood/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 Mbappe who can beat any defender with sheer 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 Mbappe who will sit on the last foot so he can spring them, he will always beat them with his pace and will look to get in on 1 v 1 v the defender then the keeper, we must always make sure he is well supported, especially Havertz who at times will be right on his shoulder or alongside, if he cant get the shot away he will be looking to bring others into the game by dropping slightly back to get numbers for the attack he is a very tireless worker, who also helps defend from the front by harassing there back line/DM.
Captain - van Dijk
Penalties - Mbappe
Free Kicks - Havertz
Corners - Wingers
Losing/drawing -
65 Mins - Dembele for Greenwood, Havertz to the right, Dembele up top 4-4-2
75 Mins - Zagadou for Busquets, Bentancur for Semedo, Zagadou goes to LCB in a 3,Bentancur into CM, Chilwell to LM, Neymar to LCF 3-4-3
Winning -
75 Mins - B.Kamara for Greenwood, Havertz to RM, Kamara plays just in front of the defence really harassing there players allowing de Jong/Busquets to control the midfield more
83 Mins - Dembele for Neymar, Mbappe to the left, Dembele up top
------------------------- Ederson --------------------------
A.Hakimi ----- S.Ramos ----- P.Torres ----- Reguilon
------------------------ Marc Roca ------------------------
------------------ H.Aouar --- de Beek ------------------
-- Sabitzer ----------------------------------- Grealish --
-------------------------- Ronaldo -------------------------
Maximiano, Coady, Fabian, Merino, Sane, Olmo, Abraham
We have made two improvements to the team that had such a great result last week, so we need to continue the good form today. 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 Roca 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 Reguilon 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.. Torres will mark the CF, use his strength and speed to keep the CF away from the danger area. Ramos 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..
Marc Roca'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, Sabitzer I want to drive on the outside and play as a natural winger not an inside forward unless supported by Hakimi, Reguilon I want driving down the outside allowing Grealish to move inside to support Ronaldo, Grealish can hold onto the ball and make something out of nothing so it is vital he has players around him so he can make thigs happen, holds the ball well and brushes players aside with his upper body strength, 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. 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 Sabitzer and Grealish 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 - Ramos
Pens - Ronaldo
Free Kicks - Ronaldo
Corners - Wingers
Losing -
65 Mins - Sane for de beek, Grealish move to No.10, Sane LW, Grealish will make it happen centrally, Sane providing more width
78 Mins - Sane to the RW, Grealish back to the left, Abraham for Sabitzer and up top 4-4-2
Winning -
75 Mins - Fabian for de Beek, a bit more gusto in midfield
83 Mins - Olmo for Sabitzer
Drawing -
70 Mins - Sane for de Beek, Grealish central, Sane to the left, Grealish controlling the midfield and look to make things happen
Olmo for Sabitzer
Comment deleted by Site Moderator
----------------Neuer
-------Akanji—Dunk----Mee
Castagne----Partey-------Telles
----------Milinkovic-Savic
--Ocampos---Kane---Depay
Pope
White
Mukiele
Brozovic
Foden
Chiesa
Malen
Here we go versus the Barcodes, and I am, once again, opting for the stable three at the back approach, which assures us defensive stability, whilst accomodating the attacking outlets that I believe we have plenty of. Mee and Dunk come in, perhaps not the flashiest pair, but will help us resist the attacks that they throw at us with a physical, aerial prowess. Hopefully they also show their ability on the ball to help us construct attacks from deep.
I think the 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 Akanji and Mee 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. Castagne 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. Mee and Akanji 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 Castagne, 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 Akanji, Mee, Dunk 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
Brozovicand 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.
Bournemouth Tactics: Week 10
Captain: Ferro
Vice Captain: Assunção
Team:
-------------------Simón
Khellven--Ferro—Gabriel-----Lodi
-----------------Assunção
----------Palacios---Rodríguez
Antony---------------------------Zaracho
-------------------Núñez
SUBS: Blanco, Viña, Fuchs, Henrique, Ward-Prowse, Veron, Evanilson
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 aVerone. 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: Assunção 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. Palacios and Rodríguez will play just in front of Assunção. Palacios will be a more box to box type. He will be involved all over and will offer as much in defence as in attack. Rodríguez will be the midfield magician. Clever, elusive and tricky we will look to him for creating the midfield openings with his eye for a pass. We will look at their enthusiasm and relentless pressing of the opposition as a way to hopefully get a bit of a grip on the midfield and at the very least not make it plain sailing for the opposition.
Wingers/Centre Forward: When in possession both Antony and Zaracho 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 Rodríguez, Palacios and Núñez 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 Palacios may sit a bit deeper allowing Rodríguez 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.
Núñez 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: Rodríguez, Zaracho or Antony with Ferro, Gabriel, Assunção and Núñez to offer an aerial threat. Rodríguez and Zaracho (with his thunderbolt left foot) may try their luck with several free kicks from distance.
Penalties: Núñez
Substitutions: (if winning on 80 minutes) Fuchs for Gabriel, Evanilson for Núñez and Henrique for Palacios, 3 like for like substitutions.
If losing (on 80 minutes) Veron for Palacios and Evanilson for Antony. Shift to a 4-1-3-2 attack. Evanilson and Veron offering fresh legs, pace and a bit of the unknown in attack.
--------------Assunção
Veron-----Rodríguez----Zaracho
---------Núñez---Evanilson
Comment deleted by Article Creator
------------------------- Ederson --------------------------
A.Hakimi ----- S.Ramos ----- P.Torres ----- Reguilon
------------------------ Marc Roca ------------------------
---------------- H.Aouar ------- Fabian.R ----------------
Sabitzer ------------------------------------------ L. Sane
-------------------------- Morata ---------------------------
Andrada, Coady, de beek, Merino, Olmo, B.Traore, J.David
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 Roca in between the two lines, our midfield & Morata harassing their backline and really pressurise them into quick , misplaced passes for us to pick up, in their face performance, especially Fabian Ruiz and Aouar as we try to nullify their midfield and stop them creating chances for the forwards.
Hakimi and Reguilon 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 Morata. 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.. Torres will mark the CF, use his strength and speed to keep the CF away from the danger area. Ramos 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..
Marc Roca'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.
Fabian Ruiz 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, they must however defend as a 3 and stay tight. He will try and get in beyond there DM and support Morata 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, Sabitzer I want to drive on the outside and play as a natural winger not an inside forward unless supported by Hakimi, Reguilon I want driving down the outside allowing Sane to move inside to support Morata, quick and skilful,, both sides will definitely pose a threat with quick one twos. Their FBs are very attacking so we will look to get the ball in behind them as they are forward by using Fabian/Aouar to get Sane and Sabitzer in space, we feel this is where Spurs are weakest defensively, so look to expose them time after time with the ball going in triangles quickly until the break is on and we get in behind them. 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 Morata so if they get to the bye line then get the crosses in for him to attack.Morata will get plenty chances, however he must put away there side who will be solid at the back, I want to target the slower CB probably Bonucci 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. 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 Sabitzer 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 - Ramos
Pens - Ronaldo
Free Kicks - Ronaldo
Corners - Wingers
Losing -
65 Mins - Olmo for Sabitzer, B.Traore for Fabian we go 442/424 with Traore going up top with Morata, plenty pace to get in beyond there slow CB
Winning -
75 Mins - Merino for Aouar, sit back a bit as we look to control the centre of the park, Olmo for Sabitzer
83 Mins - Traore for Morata
Drawing -
70 Mins - Olmo for Sabitzer, Traore for Morata
80 Mins - J.David for Fabian and into a No.10 role
Pens and freekicks - Aouar
Arsenal v SHEFFIELD UNITED
Kelleher
Lamptey, T. Silva, Rodon, Cucurella
Ampadu, Höjbjerg
Bale, James, Forsberg
Suárez
Subs: Vandevoordt, Williams, Kjaer, Gueye, Gallagher, Cantwell, Diego Costa
Captain: Thiago Silva
Free Kicks: Bale/James/Forsberg (NB. Forsberg subbed off on 75 mins)
Penalties: Suárez
Our defensive unit consists of Thiago Silva and Joe Rodon paired up at centre-back, Tariq Lamptey at right-back and Marc Cucurella at left-back, with Ethan Ampadu and Pierre-Emile Höjbjerg as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.
This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in Ampadu 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 Ampadu 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 be dictated by his partner in holding midfield, Ethan Ampadu.
Ampadu 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 Ampadu such a talent.
The attacking unit consists of Gareth Bale, James Rodríguez and Emil Forsberg 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 Ampadu or Höjbjerg, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.
Lamptey and Cucurella can surge up the wings in the knowledge that Ampadu and Höjbjerg can drop into the space left behind if needed. As they come up the wings, both Gareth Bale and Emil Forsberg, who are 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 quick flicks and one-touch passing, will combine exceptionally well with Bale, Forsberg & 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 & Forsberg 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.
Sub on 75 mins
Todd Cantwell on for Emil Forsberg, Diego Costa on for Luis Suárez
Double substitution - Lots of energy in the last 15 minutes to look to unlock the opposition’s defence for a late goal regardless of the score line
In terms of a 🟥
Basically Suárez (or Diego Costa if after 75 mins) will be the fall guy and be subbed off for a suitable player (Vandevoordt (GK), Neco Williams (RB/LB/RW), Kjaer (CB) Gueye (CM), Gallagher (DM/AM)) as we go to a 441 with Bale upfront. The only change to this plan will be if Bale is the player sent off, in which case Suárez (or Diego Costa if after 75 mins) will stay on and be the sole forward.
NB. With Cantwell due to come on in the 75th minute, if this leaves us short of a left winger (i.e. were Cantwell to be sent off) then Cucurella can play LW.
Sorry to add if Thiago Silva is sent off then Bale becomes captain.
When Diego Costa comes on for Suarez on the 75th minute, he'll take over penalty duties from Suarez. If either Suarez or Diego Costa are sent off then Bale will have Penalty duties 👍
Comment deleted by Article Creator
Week 10 v Leicester
-------------------------- Oblak ---------------------------
Bissaka ------ S.deVrij ------- van Dijk ------ Chilwell
------- Bentancur --- Locatelli --- F. de Jong --------
Mbappe -------------- Haaland ---------------- Neymar
Remiro, Zagadou, Doucoure, Zaniolo, Ferran, Diaby, Dembele
Our game is based solely on possession football, quick on the break and really pressurise the opposition with an in your face performance from the front, with the quality they have this is why Locatelli is in for Busquets, with more pace and aggressiveness to his game, we want to hit them quickly so we need to press them quickly to get the ball, when we defend, the back 4 must stay solid with Locatelli 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.
de Vrij picks up the CF not much gets passed him, van Dijk 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 or to allow he wingers to sit beside the sriker. If either get caught up field I want Benancur OR de Jong to drift to the side (depending on which FB is attacking) 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.
Locatelli is our deepest midfielder sitting just in front of the CB's he will shadow there AM and not allow him to control the game, they have undoubted quality in there midfield and I want him to be quick and aggressive to the challenge, this is why he is in as we can allow them to dictate play, 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 Bentancur 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/Locatelli/CB pass. He will drop back at times to pick it up and will look to his dribbling capabilities to get him around players, and into the danger area to unleash a powerful drive. 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 Locatelli stay and cover. All of our midfield three must press the opposition and get to grips with this game very early on. When defending this is a tight 3 man midfield.
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 - Dembele for Bentancur, we go 442/424 as we chase the game, we can go more direct to our front 4
80 Mins - Ferran for Chilwell, Bissaka to RCB as we go all out 325, Ferran to RW, Mabppe going up top, long ball for them to chase
Drawing -
70 Mins - Ferran for Bentancur, he goes to RW, Mbappe joining Haaland up top 442/424
80 Mins - Dembele for Haaland fresh legs
Winning -
75 Mins - Doucoure for Bentancur, will help control the game from midfield and add some bite
84 Mins - Ferran for Neymar, will track back and help out 451
High tempo attacking 4-3-3
At home and in form, we go with an attacking side full of pace, but one with a very high work rate, allowing us to play with a high tempo and defend all over the pitch. They have quality but we look to play our usual attacking game.
They have quality in attack and like to play possession play, so if they have a high line we look to get the front 3 in behind with our pace, or if not we look to expose the space between their defence and midfield hitting them quickly on the break. Get Fernandes in beTween the lines.
Our defence steps up with our midfield, attacking and defending as a tight unit. Win the ball before they get to their forwards.
We have a team that can defend from the front in a flexible formation with players that willl defend high up the pitch. Thiago plays in a disciplined dm role, Laimer the white Kante is a pressing machine and will bring huge energy to midfield while Thiago’s intelligence in defence offers a very strong defensive midfield duo. In front Fernandes offers exuberance in pressing (just run around a lot).
In defence, Thiago drops behind the other two cms who press the play as the trio narrow, similarly in attack Thiago stays deepest spreading the play, 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 move the ball about, aiding distribution out from the back line and also helping us press Chelsea in high areas. Win the ball back before they get it to their front 3. If they go long we have good pace and ze German who van sweep.
Militao the man marker next to Laporte who is free to use his intelligence to sweep up and cover. 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 quickly before they can get anywhere.
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 attack down the wings, getting one fb forward at a time, allowing the winger to come inside getting close to and linking with Lautaro.
We have a cm duo who can both drop deep to offer an option and collect the ball from defence. Fernandes getting in between the lines. 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 — Militao — Laporte — D.Alaba
———————Laimer — Thiago
—————————B.Fernandes
—- Sterling ———————————- S.Mane -—
—————————L.Martinez
Subs. Henderson, Theo.H, Mount, Mahrez, Felix, Jesus, 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 Chelsea advance into our half, our shape will resemble a 4-1-4-1. Wingers drop deep and Thiago 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 (Laimer 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.
Our fb’s have fantastic pace up against their wide forwards, bide their time, not diving in. Show them down the line.
Subs.
If winning after 65 mins bring on Osimhen for Lautaro. Pace and power to stretch tiring legs.
If winning after 72 mins bring on Mount for Fernandes. Energy and fresh legs in midfield.
If winning after 77 mins bring on Jesus for Sterling. Pace and high work rate in the wide role.
If drawing after 70 mins bring on Mahrez and Osimhen for Fernandes and Lautaro. Big man up top. 4-2-3-1. Sterling central off the striker buzzing around. More direct.
If drawing after 80 mins bring on Mount for Laimer. Fresh legs in Cm.
If losing after 67 mins bring on Osimhen for Carvajal. 3-5-2. Alaba lcb.
If losing after 75 mins bring on Felix for Lautaro. Smaller man on in 10 for big man small man combo.
If losing after 80 mins bring on Mahrez for Sterling.
Balanced 4-3-3 (Bournemouth vs MAN CITY)
We look to attack down the wings attacking with pace, using the pace of our fbs and wingers to create space for the Cm trio in the middle to pull the strings.
The opposition have real quality in midfield, 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. In midfield Witsel is the dm allowing Tielemans and Pogba to attack. This duo coupled with the pace of our front trio 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, Witsel 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.
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.
Jiminez up top plays his natural game, we look to have him linking up with the wide men, bringing them into play and also importantly getting in the box. We look to play with great width stretch the game and the opposition looking to create space for Jiminez and Pogba supporting in the middle.
One fb bombs forward at a time, we look to get the Cm on each side out combining with the attacking fb and winger playing one twos and producing the magic to create for Jiminez
——————————— Lloris
Tomiyasu — Koulibaly — Lenglet — Gaya
—————— Tielemans — Witsel
——————————— Pogba
Dembele ———————————— Son.H-M
——————————R.Jiminez
Subs. Gulacsi, Gaya, Ndombele, Nkunku, Diaby, Isco, Maxi Gomez
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 cm to press the play, leaving Witsel 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 Diaby for Jiminez. Move Son to striker. Fresh pace and energy in midfield.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Ndombele for Tielemans.
If winning after 82 mins bring on Nkunku for Dembele.
If drawing/losing after 68 mins bring on Diaby for Tielemans 4-4-2, Son up top with Jiminez.
Go long, and continue to attack down the wings, getting crosses in for strikers.
If drawing/losing after 75 mins bring on Ndombele for Witsel. More attacking and fresh energy.
------------------- R.Patricio --------------------
Odriozola - Skriniar --- Hummels - A.Sandro
------------- Torreira --- Ceballos -------------
--- H.Ziyech ---- Maddison ---- A.Martial ---
------------------ Timo Werner -----------------
Subs:
Bulka, Garcia, Bennacer, Pjanic, Hudson-Odoi, Coman, Ibrahimovic
We set up with a strong side suited to playing attacking football in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
We look to dominate possession which will suit our strengths perfectly. When they’re in possession our wingers drop in as we revert to a 4-5-1 formation, as soon as we win back possession we look to break at speed with our devastating front 4 and hit them on the counter.
Skriniar is the defensive leader and will be the one to set the defensive line on the pitch, both centre backs will stay back with either one of the full backs or the DM always prepared to make it a back 3 when we lose possession to stop counter attacks, Both CB’s will communicate with each other so they are clear in where the attacking threats are. When dealing with the opposition, we will avoid slide tackles unless necessary instead looking to just guide players off the ball. When on the ball, if the opposition are giving them space to come out with the ball, then they should take it forward, if not, keep it simple with the occasional long ball to the front 3 thrown in to keep the opposition from setting up against one style of play.
For the full backs today the objective is to sit back and tuck in slightly when defending, looking to stop balls being played between them and the centre backs, with the secondary advantage of discouraging the wide men from cutting inside, forcing them to cross, which gives us a better chance of getting the ball back quickly and launching an attack of our own.
Their objective when attacking will be to keep making runs past the winger on both the inside and outside, giving the opposition full back that split second of indecision on who they go with. They will only occasionally put floated crosses in, preferring to either play shorter passes to the wingers or players who have come out from the middle of the pitch to keep possession and let the pressure build up in the final third, or run to the byline and put in fast and low crosses relying on both the faster reactions and control of our attackers and the pressure of the situation on their centre backs to hastily clear the ball without being in full control of the situation.
The focus of the midfield 3 will be to use their experience and high technical ability, working in collaboration with the front 3 to control the midfield battle whilst still having the attacking nous to create chances for us. When we are in the attacking third, they will always be looking to make themselves available for a pass to keep recycling the ball, keeping the pressure up with us looking to use the movement of the other CM's and the front 3 to drag the opposition defensive players that little bit more which could be the difference in getting a player behind them. They also all have an eye for a pass so will look to take advantage of the front 3 all flitting around and play them in with through balls and quick one touch play. We will also occasionally take the occasional long shot, with the aim being to make sure defenders aren't content to sit back and forcing them to make a decision. When defending, they are looking to press the middle third of the pitch, pressing the opposition CMs/Wingers in conjunction with other players as they are on the ball to rush their decisions and win the ball back.
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 Ziyech 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: Maddison off, Pjanic on.
80 mins: Ziyech off, Garcia 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: Ziyech off, Hudson-Odoi on.
80 mins: Ceballos off, Ibrahimovic on. 4-2-2-2 with Ibra and Werner up top as we go for the winner.
If losing:
70 mins: Ceballos off, Hudson-Odoi on.
80 mins: Odriozola off, Ibrahimovic on. 3-4-3 all out attack
------------------ Courtois ------------------
Cancelo -- De Ligt --- N.Ake --- F.Mendy
---------- Casemiro --- De Bruyne --------
--- Sancho ---- Griezmann ---- Hazard --
-------------------- Icardi -------------------
Subs:
Butland, Marcelo, Allan, Eriksen, Odegaard, Asensio, Benzema
Captain: Casemiro
Free Kicks: De Bruyne
Penalties: Icardi
Corners: 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 De Ligt 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 free 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 eye 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 & Eriksen on.
Attacking 3-4-3 as we pile on the pressure and look to turn a potential defeat into a win.
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Tactics
Page 22 of 78
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posted on 9/10/20
High tempo possession football 4-3-3
We go with an attacking team full of pace, playing with a high tempo in defence and attack. We have a cm trio that are all strong defensively but also great on the ball and able to dominate possession. 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 Neves, and Mount’s high work rate in front pressing. Neves and Thiago our playmakers from deep in the centre, but also both very strong in the defensive phase. In defence Thiago drops behind the other two cms who press the play as the trio narrow, similarly in attack Thiago 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 Pompey 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 Pompey, seeking to exploit their defence. We have a strong side defensively and in attack, our team is built to give Sterling, Lautaro and Mane the space and freedom to find the ball in space in attacking positions to hurt Pompey.
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 Thiago dropping behind, allowing the other two cms 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, Mount supports getting close to the front using his creativity to link the play. Neves deeper looking to arrive on the edge of the box for a late option. Thiago stays reserved in the deeper position, we go back to him to spread the play and start again if need be.
——————————- Ter Stegen
Carvajal — Marquinhos — Laporte — Alaba
—————————— Neves — Thiago
————————————M.Mount
—— Sterling ———————————— S.Mane —
——————————— L.Martinez
Subs. Laimer, Theo, Neves, Felix, Mahrez, Jesus, 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 Pompey advance into higher areas of the park and into our half, our shape will resemble a 4-1-4-1. Wingers drop deep and Thiago 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 (Neves and Mount) 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 Pompey 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 Rodri for Neves. Fresh power and energy in midfield.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Mahrez for Sterling.
If drawing after 70 mins bring on Felix for Mount. More attacking creativity.
If drawing after 77 mins bring on Osimhen and Mahrez for Lautaro and Carvajal. Alaba Lcb. 3-5-2. Mane up top with Osimhen. Sterling left and Mahrez right.
If losing after 65 mins bring on Jesus for Neves. 4-4-2. Mount and Thiago in Cm.
If losing after 70 mins bring on Felix for Carvajal. 3-5-2. Alaba lcb.
If losing after 75 mins bring on Osimhen for Lautaro.
posted on 9/10/20
Sorry I have Neves listed on my subs bench but this should be Rodri (Neves starts and subs mention Rodri on for Neves)
posted on 10/10/20
SHEFFIELD UNITED v Tottenham Hotspur
Meret
Lamptey, Kjaer, T. Silva, Augustinsson
Höjbjerg, Koopmeiners
Brooks, James, Forsberg
Suárez
Subs: Kelleher, Williams, Rodon, Ampadu, Gallagher, Cantwell, Diego Costa
Captain: Thiago Silva
Free Kicks: James (Left footed)/Forsberg (Right footed)
Penalties: Suárez
Our defensive unit consists of Simon Kjaer and Thiago Silva paired up at centre-back, Tariq Lamptey at right-back and Ludwig Augustinsson at left-back, with Teun Koopmeiners and Pierre-Emile Höjbjerg as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.
This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in Koopmeiners 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 Koopmeiners can maintain a good position to react if the initial press is bypassed. Our double pivot will offer huge defensive stability and will ensure that a structured shape is maintained.
Having two defensive midfielders centrally prevents others being dragged out of position to press.
Helping the defenders maintain solid positioning is a key part of 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 be dictated by his partner in holding midfield, Teun Koopmeiners.
Koopmeiners is not just your “win the ball and pass it on to the closest player” – there is a real creative mind in his locker, but it’s his ability to be the shield of the back four and then be creative once he gets the ball that makes Koopmeiners such a talent.
The attacking unit consists of David Brooks, James Rodríguez and Emil Forsberg as our band of three attacking midfielders with Luis Suárez as our lone central striker.
Our 4-2-3-1 is set up to have that wonderful ‘springy' quality - it absorbs pressure without breaking and then snaps back with surprising force.
In defence our 4-2-3-1 covers space very effectively, with the band of three attacking midfielders and centre forward able to press the opposition high up the pitch while the two defensive midfielders ensure that there is no space left in front of the defence. Then the back four can either play a high line, compressing the space even further, or drop deeper as preferred.
Once we have won the ball back, often by Koopmeiners or Höjbjerg, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.
Lamptey and Augustinsson can surge up the wings in the knowledge that Koopmeiners and Höjbjerg can drop into the space left behind if needed. As they come up the wings, both David Brooks and Emil Forsberg, who are 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 quick flicks and one-touch passing, will combine exceptionally well with Brooks, Forsberg & 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 Brooks, James & Forsberg 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
Williams on for Lamptey, Ampadu on for Koopmeiners, Diego Costa on for Luis Suárez
Triple substitution - Lots of fresh energy in the last 15 minutes to look to unlock the opposition’s defence for a late goal regardless of the score line.
posted on 10/10/20
-------------------Pope
-------Tah------Akanji---Hernandez
Castagne------Partey------------Gosens
-----------Milinkovic-Savic
-Ocampos----Kane------Depay
Balcombe
Dunk
Telles
Brozovic
Foden
Chiesa
Malen
Finally back in action, and with a consistency playing with three at the back, and the three pronged attack still in play. Hernandez in for his debut on the left hand side of the defence, and I think this will give us a bit more balance in the defence, as well as when playing out of the back. I have also brought Gosens in for a debut at LWB, with Castagne on the other side. This is an attacking combo, and will hopefully give us a bit more width, and allowing for Depay and Ocampos to sit further inside. We want to play on the front foot and spend most of the game attacking Bournemouth, and believe that we have set up a strong base for that with the formation and shape of the team.
On the ball, the back three should have the calmness and ability on the ball to pick the right options. They will provide each other options, so that we can keep the ball in our third comfortably, but should also look forward, to the two CMs, or spreading the play to the wing-backs. When Partey gets on the ball, he should first look for SMS, and then look for the wide options, in order of priority. This is because that SMS has the driving force to channel defensive possession into attacking possession quickly and efficiently. This can also be achieved by spreading the play to the WBs, but SMS is aided by having the whole pitch open before him, and not just one flank, hence him being the preferred option. When Gosens and Castagne pick possession, I want them to drive into the space wide of Depay and Ocampos, and look to stretch and overload the opposition FBs. Pope is perhaps the worry in terms of the ball-playing system, but he should have plenty of options, and it is, therefore, important, and encouraged, that he avoid taking risks, whilst also being provided the support to not fall back onto long balls forward.
When the ball transitions into the final third, we should be looking at having 5-6 players supporting it, with the attacking three joined by SMS, and then at least one of the WBs. Getting these numbers in the offensive third is important, as it will help us try to overload the opposition in the key areas, specifically out wide. I will also allow Partey to push up towards the centre circle, looking to mop up loose clearances and get us back on the front foot ASAP. Ocampos and Depay sit just inside of the WBs, and will look to target the space in between the opposition CBs and FBs, looking to stretch the space and get in behind, whilst Kane will stay in between the goalposts, where his natural talent for finishing is at its most potent. I think we have players that can exploit all forms of attack, whether it be crossing, or intricate one touch passing with the ball on the deck, but either way we should play with a strong intensity to constantly create chances.
Retaining possession quickly when it is lost is important, and this is where the numbers forward can help us also. I expect to see Kane, Ocampos and Depay press relentlessly as the first line, but Gosens and Castagne must sit high, preventingout balls to the wingers and full backs, whilst SMS drops a bit deeper, looking to press mainly when the ball enters the first portion of the middle third. If we win the ball high then we can instantly transition back to the attacking system. Otherwise, we can either slow down their transitions, force them into errors, or force them into long balls out, towards our physically strong defense.
For this system, Partey should have dropped back, to just in front of the back three, which means that we shouldn’t get caught out by any quick counter attacks. The wide CBs should push out and support their WB in pressing wide, if the ball enters these positions, whilst Partey and SMS will marshall the central areas as a duo. Akanji operates as the sweeper today, sitting centrally, and looking to cover any space made should Tah or Hernandez have to support their FB. An important aspect of us off the ball is being prepared to break forward quickly, as we also have the players to be very effective on the counter. If they do get through, our goalkeeper is a sturdy, reliable shot stopper, who can hopefully cover himself in glory.
Substitutions
We want to0 keep up the intensity of our performance throughout, so most of the changes will play into that, either by changing the shape of our attack, or by offering fresh legs in key positions.
If winning
Chiesa on for Ocampos 70 mins
Brozovic on for Milinkovic-Savic 75 mins
Telles on for Gosens 80 mins
If losing/drawing
Malen on for Akanji 70 mins
Shifts us to a flat back four, with Malen playing alongside Kane up top, using his pace and running ability to create problems for the defenders.
Foden on for SMS 75 mins
A more creative outlet to get his foot on the ball
Chiesa on for Ocampos 75 mins
Flair player.
posted on 11/10/20
-------------------- De Gea ---------------------
B.Pavard -- Skriniar --- Hummels - A.Sandro
------------- Torreira --- Ceballos -------------
--- H.Ziyech ---- Maddison ---- K.Coman ---
------------------- A.Martial --------------------
Subs:
Bulka, Garcia, Pjanic, Jota, Hudson-Odoi, Leao, Ibrahimovic
We set up with a strong side suited to playing attacking football in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
We look to dominate possession which will suit our strengths perfectly. When they’re in possession our wingers drop in as we revert to a 4-5-1 formation, as soon as we win back possession we look to break at speed with our devastating front 4 and hit them on the counter.
Skriniar is the defensive leader and will be the one to set the defensive line on the pitch, both centre backs will stay back with either one of the full backs or the DM always prepared to make it a back 3 when we lose possession to stop counter attacks, Both CB’s will communicate with each other so they are clear in where the attacking threats are. When dealing with the opposition, we will avoid slide tackles unless necessary instead looking to just guide players off the ball. When on the ball, if the opposition are giving them space to come out with the ball, then they should take it forward, if not, keep it simple with the occasional long ball to the front 3 thrown in to keep the opposition from setting up against one style of play.
For the full backs today the objective is to sit back and tuck in slightly when defending, looking to stop balls being played between them and the centre backs, with the secondary advantage of discouraging the wide men from cutting inside, forcing them to cross, which gives us a better chance of getting the ball back quickly and launching an attack of our own. Their objective when attacking will be to keep making runs past the winger on both the inside and outside, giving the opposition full back that split second of indecision on who they go with. They will only occasionally put floated crosses in, preferring to either play shorter passes to the wingers or players who have come out from the middle of the pitch to keep possession and let the pressure build up in the final third, or run to the byline and put in fast and low crosses relying on both the faster reactions and control of our attackers and the pressure of the situation on their centre backs to hastily clear the ball without being in full control of the situation.
The focus of the midfield 3 will be to use their experience and high technical ability, working in collaboration with the front 3 to control the midfield battle whilst still having the attacking nous to create chances for us. When we are in the attacking third, they will always be looking to make themselves available for a pass to keep recycling the ball, keeping the pressure up with us looking to use the movement of the other CM's and the front 3 to drag the opposition defensive players that little bit more which could be the difference in getting a player behind them. They also all have an eye for a pass so will look to take advantage of the front 3 all flitting around and play them in with through balls and quick one touch play. We will also occasionally take the occasional long shot, with the aim being to make sure defenders aren't content to sit back and forcing them to make a decision. When defending, they are looking to press the middle third of the pitch, pressing the opposition CMs/Wingers in conjunction with other players as they are on the ball to rush their decisions and win the ball back.
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 Ziyech or Coman to break at speed or Maddison to go through the middle as we look to supply our lethal finisher up top. Martial 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 Martial 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: Maddison off, Pjanic on.
80 mins: Coman off, E.Garcia 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: Ziyech & Coman off, CHO & Jota on.
80 mins: Ceballos off, Ibrahimovic on. 4-2-2-2 with Ibra and Martial up top as we go for the winner.
If losing:
65 mins: Torreira off, D.Jota on.
75 mins: Hummels off, Ibrahimovic on. 3-4-3 all out attack
posted on 11/10/20
------------------ Courtois ----------------
Cancelo -- De Ligt -- Bonucci -- N.Ake
----------------- Casemiro ----------------
--------- De Bruyne -- Ødegaard --------
Sancho ----- A.Griezmann ----- Hazard
Subs:
Lopes, Konate, Allan, Eriksen, 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, pinning our opponents back as we really take the game to them and get off to a fast start. 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.
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 Casemiro 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 Cancelo will have license to get forward whilst Ake will be more reserved, sitting in fi ensure we have sufficient numbers back at all times.
Midfield:
We go with a three man midfield, packed with quality and excitement as we take the game to our opponents. Casemiro 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: Griezmann off, Icardi on. fresh legs up top as we look to exploit a tiring defence.
80 mins: Odegaard off, Allan on. Dual DM’s as we tighten up defensively to see out the win.
If drawing:
75 mins: Odegaard & Sancho off, Icardi & Asensio on. Switch to 4-2-2-2 with Icardi & Griezmann up top and Asensio & Hazard on the flanks. Goals.
If losing:
65 mins: Odegaard off, Icardi on.
75 mins: Cancelo off, & Benzema on. 3-4-3 all out attack as we go for goals.
posted on 11/10/20
Counter 4-4-1-1
We have a team full of power, athleticism and pace. We defend deep in a strong narrow defensive unit. We look to overpower the opposition midfield, they lack the pace and power we have in midfield so we hit them hard and attack with pace. We let the opposition have possession and we then press hard when they enter our third. A pressing game that will save our energy, invite the opposition forward, and allow us to keep our energy for hitting them hard and with pace on the counter.
Defensively we steal a page from the Simeone book. The formation though defensive gives freedom to Pogba to be find space when we break in attack when he does get forward and gets the most out of Dembele’s electrifying pace breaking from deep to expose the space left behind their lb. Son plays as a second striker not an AM. Son targets their fbs, or the space left behind them. And so the central position allows him to target whichever he wants, and switch from side to side to expose space.
Their front three are their main threat and they will struggle up against our defensive side, with no pace in behind. We don’t press until they reach the final third, we get 9 men back behind the ball, Son sits on their dm and when they do get to the final third we’ll be all over them and not allow them to breathe.
We look to attack down the wings targeting their fbs who are poor defensively and attacking they at pace. We’ll look to target their rb more, with AWB out and Son in unbelievable form we look to use his pace on the break to target the rb, or if the space is on the right he targets that area.
The opposition have real quality in midfield, and so we look to overpower them when they do get into our third. Force them to go long where we will dominate in air. In midfield Witsel is the dm and Tielemans the deep playmaker. This duo coupled with the pace of our front two, Dembele and Pogba will be key, defend as a unit in deep positions and counter.
When we defend, we defend in a narrow 4141 formation, in a tight unit with not much space between the lines. Two players pressing the ball, Witsel defends zonally behind, and the other closest midfielder in the four blocking the passing lane forward. Force them back.
With team defending in a narrow unit the wide midfielder opposite play 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.
Lukaku up top plays his natural game, he’s best running in behind the opposition or at them on the break. We look to find Son on the break, stretch them. One fb supports at a time, but does not get to advanced. If the counter doesn’t work, the fb should not be too far ahead of the other 3 defenders. In a deeper wide position where they can seek to cross in behind for Lukaku and Son to get on to.
———————————- Lloris
K.Walker — Koulibaly — Lenglet — Digne
Dembele — Tielemans — Witsel — Pogba
——————————— Son.H-M
————————————Lukaku
Subs. Gulacsi, Umtiti, Tolisso, Ndombele, Carrasco, Jiminez, Kean
Defence
We defend deep as a unit in the 4141 formation, almost a 41311 formation though as Witsel defends in front cbs so ally while the other 3 cms marrow to the side of play and Son sits on their dm, take him out the game. 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 then great they can’t hurt us. Two experienced cbs are key for this ensuring we keep a strong line. When we win the ball, we break fast.
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 cm to press the play, leaving Witsel 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 68 mins bring on Carrasco for Dembele fresh pace and energy in midfield.
If winning after 70 mins bring on Tolisso for Tielemans.
If winning after 82 mins bring on Moise Kean. Pace against tired cbs.
If drawing after 68 mins bring on Tolisso for Tielemans 4-4-2.
If drawing after 75 mins bring on Ndombele for Witsel. More attacking and fresh energy.
If drawing after 80 mins bring on Carrasco for Pogba. Pace on both wings.
If losing after 65 mins bring on Carrasco for Pogba. 4231.
If losing after 75 mins bring on Jiminez for Dembele. 4-2-2-2. Carrasco and Son wide. Direct to the two big men.
If losing after 78 mins bring on Ndombele for Tielemans.
posted on 12/10/20
SOTON vs arsenal
-------------------------------------Onana-----------------------
Atal-----------Upamecano-----------Dias----------Ait-Nouri
----------------------Lo Celso--------Camavinga-------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adama------------------------Reinier-----------------------Pulisic
----------------------------------Rashford--------------------------------
Subs - Ramsdale, Atal, Fofana, McTominay, I Sarr, Kluivert, Isak
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. Dias will marshal the defence and Upamecano will look to use his pace to close the oppo strikers down. Stay vocal with each other and cover for each other if oppo gets past one of you. Full backs will start of with a conservative mind set and not attack too much but as the game goes on I want them to make overlapping runs and get some crosses in to the box. Camavinga will be covering for them when they go attacking.
Defence Mids
Camavinga + Lo Celso
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 Lo Celso. Also be on the lookout for the runs of Pulisic/Adama and thread dangerous through balls to them.
Lo Celso 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.
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. Dest and Ait-Nouri 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 Reinier/Lo Celso to get a shot in.
Attack Mid
Reinier Jesus
Reinier will be playing just behind Rashford and will look to help him out in attack. Be ready for passes into your feet and shoot if you see an opportunity. Mix up your attacking runs to throw off the oppo DM. I want him to dribble with the ball and play 1 2's with the rest of the team. Shoot if you see an opening.
Striker
Rashford
Rashford is a striker that has the deadly combination of pace and finishing. He will look to use his pace to get the better of the oppo defence. Be vary of crosses into the box as you are decent in the air, and if you are through on goal, use your expert finishing to score. Time your runs off the shoulders of the oppo CB's and use your pace to get away from them. Play quick pass and move combinations with your teammates to fund spaces in the oppo defence.
Subs if LOSING BY 65MINS
Put on Isak for Lo Celso and Sarr for Adama to bring some more attacking impetus on. Play a high line and try and get a goal. Change formation to 41212 and play the below formation. Play a high line and put a lot of pressure on the oppo to win the ball back.
--------------------------------------Onana--------------------------------
Atal-------Upamecano-------------Dias---------Ait Nouri
-------------------------------Camavinga---------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sarr--------------------------------------------------------Pulisic
------------------------------------Reinier-------------------------------
-------------------Rashford-----------------Isak-------------------
Subs if WINNING BY 80MINS
Take off Reinier and put on Fofana 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 Lo Celso to add more energy in the centre of midfield. .
-------------------------------------Onana--------------------------------
Atal-------Upamecano------Dias------Fofana--------Nouri
----------------------McTom--------------Camavinga-----------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----Adama-------------------Rashford--------------------Pulisic--
Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Sarr on for Adama
McTominay on for Lo Celso
Isak on for Rashford
Fresh legs to bring on.
posted on 12/10/20
NEWCASTLE 3-5-2
———————-— Alisson
———— Romag - Fabinho - Chiellini
Navas - Goretzka - Verratti - Modrić - Robbo
——————— Salah - Dybala
Subs: Reus, Ings, Henderson, Tonali, Kulusevski, Brandt, Can
Captain: Chiellini
Set piece: Trent/Dybala
Penalties: Salah
Today we line up with a three man defence to create a solid base. Point of this system is to create space for the deep lying midfielder to play in and counter the press. Creating a system to make the deep lying midfielder press resistant by creating a space for him to constantly drop in and receive the ball.
In possession, the wing backs are expected to keep the width for the team and progress with the team to their box. Our main method of direct progression is direct passes and layoffs through the lines and we do this all over the pitch. From centre half into the number 8 and the number 8 lays off to the number 6. The 6 then plays into the striker and again laying off to the 8. Crucial for that is the use of triangles between the players.
We have two excellent and complementary forwards who thrive on direct balls. They can hold up play or drop off. To complement their play we will play very vertically, especially if the centre backs can bring the ball out and then look to play the strikers in directly. When done well this could help create 3v4 or 3v3 situations.
Our centre centre back will be the one that breaks the line and passes into midfield, very occasionally galloping up the field to join the attack. He will be able to break the offense, midfield, and even the defensive line with just one pass. Of course this is not always the case, so if there is no direct way to get the forwards involved he will use his dribbling ability to pass the first defending line where he will then be able to play a line-breaking ball out of a midfield position. If the opposition have blocked the passing lanes to the strikers, the CCB will use his overview to switch the point of the game. He will then make a long-range pass out wide to one of the wing-backs who usually have a lot of space in front of them.
When one striker has the ball, the other will run forward centrally to open up spaces with midfielders exploiting the spaces providing passing and layoff options.
Attacking play style
We also look to width to create chances. We attack in a 3-3-4 formation with both wingbacks joining to become a front 4. At least one wingback looks to push high and isolate his opposite man. The inside midfielder will then push outwards to create overloads in wide areas, assisted by a striker dropping off - the other striker and midfielder are then able to make runs against the opposition CBs also making deeper runs into the box.
Defensive play style
Defensively we become a 5-3-2 when under periods of sustained pressure. We will create a compact defensive shape of 5 defenders and 3 midfielders very close to the backline. The forwards work defensively to help regain possession by reducing space for the opponents.
We look to press man for man higher up the pitch and try to shoo the opposition into wide areas by allowing the opposition fullbacks some space leaving them as the easiest pass options. This allows us to congest the middle making us hard to play through. When engaging the press out wide, there is often space behind the opposition wingbacks into which we can attack. Particularly effective against teams playing 433/4231 as we can go man for man across the pitch killing their possession play.
Defensive transitions
First and foremost get all men back into the defensive shape, return very very quickly into this shape and add more numbers than opponents have attackers. Make space tight. Most important are the two wingbacks as they have to drop back into the defensive line quickly very often during the game. A formidable and organized defence keeping things tight at the back, allowing an extremely solid foundation from which to attack.
Offensive transitions
We need to also be great on the counter. When the ball is won, the strikers look for out balls. On the break they are joined by a CM and one of the wingbacks.
Subs.
65 mins - Henderson on Modrić off. Fresh legs.
70 mins losing - Reus on Verratti off. Struggling to break them down so we need to stretch them. 3-4-3 reus left salah right dybala central
75 mins losing - Ings on Dybala off. More direct option.
75 mins winning - Tonali for Verratti.
posted on 12/10/20
------------------------ Remiro ------------------------
Semedo ----- S.deVrij ----- van Dijk ----- Chilwell
------------- F. de Jong ---- S.Busquets -------------
Mason.G ------------- Havertz -------------- Neymar
------------------------ Mbappe ------------------------
Meslier, Zagadou, B.Kamara, Bentancur, Ferran, Barkley, Dembele
Our game is still based solely on possession football, which begins from the keeper, 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, Mbappe 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, 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 Havertz as they move into space, keep it simple, he has a very good range of pass. Either pass and move(triangles) into space or look for a piercing through ball to our front three to drive onto.Can move forward to assist and look for balls coming out so he can either, shoot or whip straight back in. Havertz is essential to our style of play, he is the link between defence and attack, as we break quickly he will look to set up our front three and at times be in an advanced No.10 role and look for the de Jong/Busquets/CB pass. He will drop back at times to pick it up and will look to his dribbling capabilities to get him around players, and into the danger area to unleash a powerful drive, sometimes taking a foul as he is a tricky player to mark. When in possession always head up looking for the movement of our front three to play them in, he will follow his pass and make up the numbers up front.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 Greenwood and Neymar will cause them problems drifting in an out, thus allowing Havertz to pick his moment to move into space either as a 10 or out wide. If he does push wide this will allow Greenwood/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 Mbappe who can beat any defender with sheer 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 Mbappe who will sit on the last foot so he can spring them, he will always beat them with his pace and will look to get in on 1 v 1 v the defender then the keeper, we must always make sure he is well supported, especially Havertz who at times will be right on his shoulder or alongside, if he cant get the shot away he will be looking to bring others into the game by dropping slightly back to get numbers for the attack he is a very tireless worker, who also helps defend from the front by harassing there back line/DM.
Captain - van Dijk
Penalties - Mbappe
Free Kicks - Havertz
Corners - Wingers
Losing/drawing -
65 Mins - Dembele for Greenwood, Havertz to the right, Dembele up top 4-4-2
75 Mins - Zagadou for Busquets, Bentancur for Semedo, Zagadou goes to LCB in a 3,Bentancur into CM, Chilwell to LM, Neymar to LCF 3-4-3
Winning -
75 Mins - B.Kamara for Greenwood, Havertz to RM, Kamara plays just in front of the defence really harassing there players allowing de Jong/Busquets to control the midfield more
83 Mins - Dembele for Neymar, Mbappe to the left, Dembele up top
posted on 12/10/20
------------------------- Ederson --------------------------
A.Hakimi ----- S.Ramos ----- P.Torres ----- Reguilon
------------------------ Marc Roca ------------------------
------------------ H.Aouar --- de Beek ------------------
-- Sabitzer ----------------------------------- Grealish --
-------------------------- Ronaldo -------------------------
Maximiano, Coady, Fabian, Merino, Sane, Olmo, Abraham
We have made two improvements to the team that had such a great result last week, so we need to continue the good form today. 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 Roca 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 Reguilon 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.. Torres will mark the CF, use his strength and speed to keep the CF away from the danger area. Ramos 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..
Marc Roca'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, Sabitzer I want to drive on the outside and play as a natural winger not an inside forward unless supported by Hakimi, Reguilon I want driving down the outside allowing Grealish to move inside to support Ronaldo, Grealish can hold onto the ball and make something out of nothing so it is vital he has players around him so he can make thigs happen, holds the ball well and brushes players aside with his upper body strength, 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. 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 Sabitzer and Grealish 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 - Ramos
Pens - Ronaldo
Free Kicks - Ronaldo
Corners - Wingers
Losing -
65 Mins - Sane for de beek, Grealish move to No.10, Sane LW, Grealish will make it happen centrally, Sane providing more width
78 Mins - Sane to the RW, Grealish back to the left, Abraham for Sabitzer and up top 4-4-2
Winning -
75 Mins - Fabian for de Beek, a bit more gusto in midfield
83 Mins - Olmo for Sabitzer
Drawing -
70 Mins - Sane for de Beek, Grealish central, Sane to the left, Grealish controlling the midfield and look to make things happen
Olmo for Sabitzer
posted on 12/10/20
Comment deleted by Site Moderator
posted on 13/10/20
----------------Neuer
-------Akanji—Dunk----Mee
Castagne----Partey-------Telles
----------Milinkovic-Savic
--Ocampos---Kane---Depay
Pope
White
Mukiele
Brozovic
Foden
Chiesa
Malen
Here we go versus the Barcodes, and I am, once again, opting for the stable three at the back approach, which assures us defensive stability, whilst accomodating the attacking outlets that I believe we have plenty of. Mee and Dunk come in, perhaps not the flashiest pair, but will help us resist the attacks that they throw at us with a physical, aerial prowess. Hopefully they also show their ability on the ball to help us construct attacks from deep.
I think the 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 Akanji and Mee 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. Castagne 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. Mee and Akanji 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 Castagne, 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 Akanji, Mee, Dunk 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
Brozovicand 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 13/10/20
Bournemouth Tactics: Week 10
Captain: Ferro
Vice Captain: Assunção
Team:
-------------------Simón
Khellven--Ferro—Gabriel-----Lodi
-----------------Assunção
----------Palacios---Rodríguez
Antony---------------------------Zaracho
-------------------Núñez
SUBS: Blanco, Viña, Fuchs, Henrique, Ward-Prowse, Veron, Evanilson
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 aVerone. 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: Assunção 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. Palacios and Rodríguez will play just in front of Assunção. Palacios will be a more box to box type. He will be involved all over and will offer as much in defence as in attack. Rodríguez will be the midfield magician. Clever, elusive and tricky we will look to him for creating the midfield openings with his eye for a pass. We will look at their enthusiasm and relentless pressing of the opposition as a way to hopefully get a bit of a grip on the midfield and at the very least not make it plain sailing for the opposition.
Wingers/Centre Forward: When in possession both Antony and Zaracho 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 Rodríguez, Palacios and Núñez 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 Palacios may sit a bit deeper allowing Rodríguez 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.
Núñez 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: Rodríguez, Zaracho or Antony with Ferro, Gabriel, Assunção and Núñez to offer an aerial threat. Rodríguez and Zaracho (with his thunderbolt left foot) may try their luck with several free kicks from distance.
Penalties: Núñez
Substitutions: (if winning on 80 minutes) Fuchs for Gabriel, Evanilson for Núñez and Henrique for Palacios, 3 like for like substitutions.
If losing (on 80 minutes) Veron for Palacios and Evanilson for Antony. Shift to a 4-1-3-2 attack. Evanilson and Veron offering fresh legs, pace and a bit of the unknown in attack.
--------------Assunção
Veron-----Rodríguez----Zaracho
---------Núñez---Evanilson
posted on 15/10/20
Comment deleted by Article Creator
posted on 15/10/20
------------------------- Ederson --------------------------
A.Hakimi ----- S.Ramos ----- P.Torres ----- Reguilon
------------------------ Marc Roca ------------------------
---------------- H.Aouar ------- Fabian.R ----------------
Sabitzer ------------------------------------------ L. Sane
-------------------------- Morata ---------------------------
Andrada, Coady, de beek, Merino, Olmo, B.Traore, J.David
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 Roca in between the two lines, our midfield & Morata harassing their backline and really pressurise them into quick , misplaced passes for us to pick up, in their face performance, especially Fabian Ruiz and Aouar as we try to nullify their midfield and stop them creating chances for the forwards.
Hakimi and Reguilon 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 Morata. 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.. Torres will mark the CF, use his strength and speed to keep the CF away from the danger area. Ramos 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..
Marc Roca'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.
Fabian Ruiz 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, they must however defend as a 3 and stay tight. He will try and get in beyond there DM and support Morata 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, Sabitzer I want to drive on the outside and play as a natural winger not an inside forward unless supported by Hakimi, Reguilon I want driving down the outside allowing Sane to move inside to support Morata, quick and skilful,, both sides will definitely pose a threat with quick one twos. Their FBs are very attacking so we will look to get the ball in behind them as they are forward by using Fabian/Aouar to get Sane and Sabitzer in space, we feel this is where Spurs are weakest defensively, so look to expose them time after time with the ball going in triangles quickly until the break is on and we get in behind them. 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 Morata so if they get to the bye line then get the crosses in for him to attack.Morata will get plenty chances, however he must put away there side who will be solid at the back, I want to target the slower CB probably Bonucci 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. 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 Sabitzer 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 - Ramos
Pens - Ronaldo
Free Kicks - Ronaldo
Corners - Wingers
Losing -
65 Mins - Olmo for Sabitzer, B.Traore for Fabian we go 442/424 with Traore going up top with Morata, plenty pace to get in beyond there slow CB
Winning -
75 Mins - Merino for Aouar, sit back a bit as we look to control the centre of the park, Olmo for Sabitzer
83 Mins - Traore for Morata
Drawing -
70 Mins - Olmo for Sabitzer, Traore for Morata
80 Mins - J.David for Fabian and into a No.10 role
posted on 15/10/20
Pens and freekicks - Aouar
posted on 15/10/20
Arsenal v SHEFFIELD UNITED
Kelleher
Lamptey, T. Silva, Rodon, Cucurella
Ampadu, Höjbjerg
Bale, James, Forsberg
Suárez
Subs: Vandevoordt, Williams, Kjaer, Gueye, Gallagher, Cantwell, Diego Costa
Captain: Thiago Silva
Free Kicks: Bale/James/Forsberg (NB. Forsberg subbed off on 75 mins)
Penalties: Suárez
Our defensive unit consists of Thiago Silva and Joe Rodon paired up at centre-back, Tariq Lamptey at right-back and Marc Cucurella at left-back, with Ethan Ampadu and Pierre-Emile Höjbjerg as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.
This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in Ampadu 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 Ampadu 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 be dictated by his partner in holding midfield, Ethan Ampadu.
Ampadu 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 Ampadu such a talent.
The attacking unit consists of Gareth Bale, James Rodríguez and Emil Forsberg 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 Ampadu or Höjbjerg, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.
Lamptey and Cucurella can surge up the wings in the knowledge that Ampadu and Höjbjerg can drop into the space left behind if needed. As they come up the wings, both Gareth Bale and Emil Forsberg, who are 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 quick flicks and one-touch passing, will combine exceptionally well with Bale, Forsberg & 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 & Forsberg 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.
Sub on 75 mins
Todd Cantwell on for Emil Forsberg, Diego Costa on for Luis Suárez
Double substitution - Lots of energy in the last 15 minutes to look to unlock the opposition’s defence for a late goal regardless of the score line
In terms of a 🟥
Basically Suárez (or Diego Costa if after 75 mins) will be the fall guy and be subbed off for a suitable player (Vandevoordt (GK), Neco Williams (RB/LB/RW), Kjaer (CB) Gueye (CM), Gallagher (DM/AM)) as we go to a 441 with Bale upfront. The only change to this plan will be if Bale is the player sent off, in which case Suárez (or Diego Costa if after 75 mins) will stay on and be the sole forward.
NB. With Cantwell due to come on in the 75th minute, if this leaves us short of a left winger (i.e. were Cantwell to be sent off) then Cucurella can play LW.
posted on 15/10/20
Sorry to add if Thiago Silva is sent off then Bale becomes captain.
When Diego Costa comes on for Suarez on the 75th minute, he'll take over penalty duties from Suarez. If either Suarez or Diego Costa are sent off then Bale will have Penalty duties 👍
posted on 15/10/20
Comment deleted by Article Creator
posted on 16/10/20
Week 10 v Leicester
-------------------------- Oblak ---------------------------
Bissaka ------ S.deVrij ------- van Dijk ------ Chilwell
------- Bentancur --- Locatelli --- F. de Jong --------
Mbappe -------------- Haaland ---------------- Neymar
Remiro, Zagadou, Doucoure, Zaniolo, Ferran, Diaby, Dembele
Our game is based solely on possession football, quick on the break and really pressurise the opposition with an in your face performance from the front, with the quality they have this is why Locatelli is in for Busquets, with more pace and aggressiveness to his game, we want to hit them quickly so we need to press them quickly to get the ball, when we defend, the back 4 must stay solid with Locatelli 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.
de Vrij picks up the CF not much gets passed him, van Dijk 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 or to allow he wingers to sit beside the sriker. If either get caught up field I want Benancur OR de Jong to drift to the side (depending on which FB is attacking) 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.
Locatelli is our deepest midfielder sitting just in front of the CB's he will shadow there AM and not allow him to control the game, they have undoubted quality in there midfield and I want him to be quick and aggressive to the challenge, this is why he is in as we can allow them to dictate play, 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 Bentancur 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/Locatelli/CB pass. He will drop back at times to pick it up and will look to his dribbling capabilities to get him around players, and into the danger area to unleash a powerful drive. 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 Locatelli stay and cover. All of our midfield three must press the opposition and get to grips with this game very early on. When defending this is a tight 3 man midfield.
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 - Dembele for Bentancur, we go 442/424 as we chase the game, we can go more direct to our front 4
80 Mins - Ferran for Chilwell, Bissaka to RCB as we go all out 325, Ferran to RW, Mabppe going up top, long ball for them to chase
Drawing -
70 Mins - Ferran for Bentancur, he goes to RW, Mbappe joining Haaland up top 442/424
80 Mins - Dembele for Haaland fresh legs
Winning -
75 Mins - Doucoure for Bentancur, will help control the game from midfield and add some bite
84 Mins - Ferran for Neymar, will track back and help out 451
posted on 17/10/20
High tempo attacking 4-3-3
At home and in form, we go with an attacking side full of pace, but one with a very high work rate, allowing us to play with a high tempo and defend all over the pitch. They have quality but we look to play our usual attacking game.
They have quality in attack and like to play possession play, so if they have a high line we look to get the front 3 in behind with our pace, or if not we look to expose the space between their defence and midfield hitting them quickly on the break. Get Fernandes in beTween the lines.
Our defence steps up with our midfield, attacking and defending as a tight unit. Win the ball before they get to their forwards.
We have a team that can defend from the front in a flexible formation with players that willl defend high up the pitch. Thiago plays in a disciplined dm role, Laimer the white Kante is a pressing machine and will bring huge energy to midfield while Thiago’s intelligence in defence offers a very strong defensive midfield duo. In front Fernandes offers exuberance in pressing (just run around a lot).
In defence, Thiago drops behind the other two cms who press the play as the trio narrow, similarly in attack Thiago stays deepest spreading the play, 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 move the ball about, aiding distribution out from the back line and also helping us press Chelsea in high areas. Win the ball back before they get it to their front 3. If they go long we have good pace and ze German who van sweep.
Militao the man marker next to Laporte who is free to use his intelligence to sweep up and cover. 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 quickly before they can get anywhere.
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 attack down the wings, getting one fb forward at a time, allowing the winger to come inside getting close to and linking with Lautaro.
We have a cm duo who can both drop deep to offer an option and collect the ball from defence. Fernandes getting in between the lines. 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 — Militao — Laporte — D.Alaba
———————Laimer — Thiago
—————————B.Fernandes
—- Sterling ———————————- S.Mane -—
—————————L.Martinez
Subs. Henderson, Theo.H, Mount, Mahrez, Felix, Jesus, 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 Chelsea advance into our half, our shape will resemble a 4-1-4-1. Wingers drop deep and Thiago 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 (Laimer 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.
Our fb’s have fantastic pace up against their wide forwards, bide their time, not diving in. Show them down the line.
Subs.
If winning after 65 mins bring on Osimhen for Lautaro. Pace and power to stretch tiring legs.
If winning after 72 mins bring on Mount for Fernandes. Energy and fresh legs in midfield.
If winning after 77 mins bring on Jesus for Sterling. Pace and high work rate in the wide role.
If drawing after 70 mins bring on Mahrez and Osimhen for Fernandes and Lautaro. Big man up top. 4-2-3-1. Sterling central off the striker buzzing around. More direct.
If drawing after 80 mins bring on Mount for Laimer. Fresh legs in Cm.
If losing after 67 mins bring on Osimhen for Carvajal. 3-5-2. Alaba lcb.
If losing after 75 mins bring on Felix for Lautaro. Smaller man on in 10 for big man small man combo.
If losing after 80 mins bring on Mahrez for Sterling.
posted on 18/10/20
Balanced 4-3-3 (Bournemouth vs MAN CITY)
We look to attack down the wings attacking with pace, using the pace of our fbs and wingers to create space for the Cm trio in the middle to pull the strings.
The opposition have real quality in midfield, 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. In midfield Witsel is the dm allowing Tielemans and Pogba to attack. This duo coupled with the pace of our front trio 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, Witsel 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.
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.
Jiminez up top plays his natural game, we look to have him linking up with the wide men, bringing them into play and also importantly getting in the box. We look to play with great width stretch the game and the opposition looking to create space for Jiminez and Pogba supporting in the middle.
One fb bombs forward at a time, we look to get the Cm on each side out combining with the attacking fb and winger playing one twos and producing the magic to create for Jiminez
——————————— Lloris
Tomiyasu — Koulibaly — Lenglet — Gaya
—————— Tielemans — Witsel
——————————— Pogba
Dembele ———————————— Son.H-M
——————————R.Jiminez
Subs. Gulacsi, Gaya, Ndombele, Nkunku, Diaby, Isco, Maxi Gomez
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 cm to press the play, leaving Witsel 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 Diaby for Jiminez. Move Son to striker. Fresh pace and energy in midfield.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Ndombele for Tielemans.
If winning after 82 mins bring on Nkunku for Dembele.
If drawing/losing after 68 mins bring on Diaby for Tielemans 4-4-2, Son up top with Jiminez.
Go long, and continue to attack down the wings, getting crosses in for strikers.
If drawing/losing after 75 mins bring on Ndombele for Witsel. More attacking and fresh energy.
posted on 18/10/20
------------------- R.Patricio --------------------
Odriozola - Skriniar --- Hummels - A.Sandro
------------- Torreira --- Ceballos -------------
--- H.Ziyech ---- Maddison ---- A.Martial ---
------------------ Timo Werner -----------------
Subs:
Bulka, Garcia, Bennacer, Pjanic, Hudson-Odoi, Coman, Ibrahimovic
We set up with a strong side suited to playing attacking football in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
We look to dominate possession which will suit our strengths perfectly. When they’re in possession our wingers drop in as we revert to a 4-5-1 formation, as soon as we win back possession we look to break at speed with our devastating front 4 and hit them on the counter.
Skriniar is the defensive leader and will be the one to set the defensive line on the pitch, both centre backs will stay back with either one of the full backs or the DM always prepared to make it a back 3 when we lose possession to stop counter attacks, Both CB’s will communicate with each other so they are clear in where the attacking threats are. When dealing with the opposition, we will avoid slide tackles unless necessary instead looking to just guide players off the ball. When on the ball, if the opposition are giving them space to come out with the ball, then they should take it forward, if not, keep it simple with the occasional long ball to the front 3 thrown in to keep the opposition from setting up against one style of play.
For the full backs today the objective is to sit back and tuck in slightly when defending, looking to stop balls being played between them and the centre backs, with the secondary advantage of discouraging the wide men from cutting inside, forcing them to cross, which gives us a better chance of getting the ball back quickly and launching an attack of our own. Their objective when attacking will be to keep making runs past the winger on both the inside and outside, giving the opposition full back that split second of indecision on who they go with. They will only occasionally put floated crosses in, preferring to either play shorter passes to the wingers or players who have come out from the middle of the pitch to keep possession and let the pressure build up in the final third, or run to the byline and put in fast and low crosses relying on both the faster reactions and control of our attackers and the pressure of the situation on their centre backs to hastily clear the ball without being in full control of the situation.
The focus of the midfield 3 will be to use their experience and high technical ability, working in collaboration with the front 3 to control the midfield battle whilst still having the attacking nous to create chances for us. When we are in the attacking third, they will always be looking to make themselves available for a pass to keep recycling the ball, keeping the pressure up with us looking to use the movement of the other CM's and the front 3 to drag the opposition defensive players that little bit more which could be the difference in getting a player behind them. They also all have an eye for a pass so will look to take advantage of the front 3 all flitting around and play them in with through balls and quick one touch play. We will also occasionally take the occasional long shot, with the aim being to make sure defenders aren't content to sit back and forcing them to make a decision. When defending, they are looking to press the middle third of the pitch, pressing the opposition CMs/Wingers in conjunction with other players as they are on the ball to rush their decisions and win the ball back.
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 Ziyech 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: Maddison off, Pjanic on.
80 mins: Ziyech off, Garcia 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: Ziyech off, Hudson-Odoi on.
80 mins: Ceballos off, Ibrahimovic on. 4-2-2-2 with Ibra and Werner up top as we go for the winner.
If losing:
70 mins: Ceballos off, Hudson-Odoi on.
80 mins: Odriozola off, Ibrahimovic on. 3-4-3 all out attack
posted on 18/10/20
------------------ Courtois ------------------
Cancelo -- De Ligt --- N.Ake --- F.Mendy
---------- Casemiro --- De Bruyne --------
--- Sancho ---- Griezmann ---- Hazard --
-------------------- Icardi -------------------
Subs:
Butland, Marcelo, Allan, Eriksen, Odegaard, Asensio, Benzema
Captain: Casemiro
Free Kicks: De Bruyne
Penalties: Icardi
Corners: 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 De Ligt 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 free 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 eye 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 & Eriksen on.
Attacking 3-4-3 as we pile on the pressure and look to turn a potential defeat into a win.
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