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ARSENAL v Watford

--------------------- Onana ----------------------
Hakimi ---- Kounde --- Tapsoba ---- Tierney
—----------------- T. Partey ----------------------
—----------- Barella ––––- Renato —------------
B. Saka --------- P. Dybala ------ Aubameyang

Subs: Maignan, Gabriel, Alba, Bruno G, Maddison, Pepe, Paqueta

Onana – The Ajax stopper is one of the best in the world at playing out from the back. In possession he the back four and CMs to pass into, he also has some tall forwards to aim at if he goes long, the pace outlets of Auba and Saka

Hakimi – The Moroccan is one of the worlds best right backs, His qualities ensure he can offer us a dynamic outlet in possession and a strong defensive unit to combat what Watford throw at us. As he advances up the right in an attacking sense, he has Saka who likes to come inside with the ball ahead of him, this gives that right flank a serious double threat on the inside and out. On overlap he has one of the best final balls around, capable of scoring himself or picking out three brilliant finishers in that box of Dybala and Aubameyang.

Kounde – Kounde reads the game well, has top level experience despite being young and he will use his awareness and pace to ensure we can deal with Watford today.

Tapsoba – Tapsoba has been brilliant when placed alongside calm defenders, so we have prepared the perfect environment for him today. Tierney as an outlet ahead of him and Aubameyang as a longer outball. Equally he can carry the ball further himself, through the middle and work with the CMs. He’s also extremely strong and tall and will partner well with Kounde from a defensive point of view.

Tierney - Defensively he has the pace, experience and tactical nous to snuff out what Watford can throw at us. Going forward he is a threat too and with Aubameyang getting into the box, Tierney will provide width.

Partey – Partey has been chosen for his physical dominance and ability to turn and play at pace. The dynamic midfielder has the qualtity and experience to add to our midfield. As he is doing so well for Arsenal at the moment in this role, he will sit at the heart of midfield both in and out of possession, offering a shield to the defence and helping to nullify Watford.

Renato Sanches – A dynamic midfielder that is perfect for this left sided box-to-box role. He will shuttle between defence and attack and keep this teams tempo high.

Barella - A great box to box player, but for this game he should keep the ball ahead of him for the most part. When the opportunity presents he can play a 1-2 with Dybala or the wide players to work his way into the box to become an additional attacking threat. Crucially he has the legs to get back though and prioritise the defensive side of his game. Should be shuttling ball to the lethal front three.

Dybala – Dybala is going to take this game by the scruff of the neck - the creative striker, with split forwards ahead of him. He has the defensive security behind him to play a bit more of a free role, ahead of him he has two on form wide forwards who he can feed.

Saka - Scoring and assisting goals regularly for club and country this season, he’s developed a clinical edge to his game. His fantastic dribbling ability will be a huge asset against the Watford LB. He should combine with one twos with Dybala to create overloads and move into exciting attacking positions.

Aubameyang - The furthest forward of our team, he will use his energy to pressure the ponderous Watford defenders and look to snap up mistakes. He’s rediscovered his scoring form in Barca and has the right environment around him today to thrive.

SUBS
70 mins not winning - Paqueta for Renato and Alba for Tierney
70 mins winning - Paqueta for Dybala and Maddison for Aubameyang
85 mins - Pepe for Saka

------------------------- Martinez --------------------------

Matt Cash ----- Skriniar ----- Lisandro ----- B.Chilwell

----------- T.Kroos ---- N.Kante ---- Kovacic ------------

Coman ------------------ Schick ------------------ L.Sane


Bazanu, Schlotterbeck, Ramsey, Niguez, Gouiri, Werner, Lukaku

Control possession high up the field, pass and move into positions that can hurt them, when we defend we do so as a team with two banks of four/five with Schick harassing their backline and really presurise them into quick, misplaced passes for us to pick up, in their face performance, especially Kante along with Kova and Kroos we are solid in the middle & the front 3 further up the pitch in the centre as we try to nullify their midfield and stop them creating chances for the forwards.

Cash and Chilwell 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 the forwards. 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.. Skriniar will mark the CF, use his strength and speed to keep the CF away from the danger area. Lisandro 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 defense 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 Kante 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 defense 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..

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

Kovacic and Kroos have responsibility throughout the pitch, create chances for team mates, whilst also helping in the defensive third. One requirement of this role are high fitness levels due to the amount of running they are expected to do and he does a lot. Kovacic will do a lot of running as the main box to box mid, whilst Kroos will run the show alongside Kante his visioon is superb and will pick out the front three with some great passing to feet to set them on their 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, I want Coman to drive on the outside beating his man and play as a natural winger not an inside forward unless he is supported by fullbacks, whereas Sane can do his thing, usually can beat his man quite easily with pace and power, therefore then linking up with Chilwell and Schick, both sides will definitely pose a threat with quick one twos. Use the midfield to play around them with the ball going in triangles quickly until the break is on. If fullbacks drive passed wingers they can cut inside looking to make a nuisance of themselves centrally again using the front two to get into danger areas. Both wingers have fantastic forward to aim for in Schick so if they get to the bye line then get the crosses in for him to attack, we need goals, we need a win, he will get plenty chances and he is in very fine form, however he must put them away. I want him to bully the slower/weaker of the two/three. 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 can score from various angles/ranges even dropping back and from distance, with hopefully a few crosses coming in they can get up and above defenders for. Can both hold it up and look for runners, in particular the wingers and Kovacic will be making runs so be watchful of them just to lay it off to the side for each other if they cant go themselves.

We must defend as a team tho, 451 from the front, everyone hot on the tails of the opposition, we cant give away cheap goals, so wingers track back and cover the fullbacks, even just to stop them supporting the wingers, we must drive into them and pressurize them into mistakes

Captain - Skriniar
Pens - Schick
Free Kicks - Kroos
Corners - Wingers

Losing/drawing -
65 mins - J.David for Kovacic we go 442/424

Losing -75 Mins - Schlotterbeck for Coman, he goes into the heart of a 3 man defense, Cash and Chilwell move up to midfield, Lukaku for Schick
David-Lukaku-L.Sane up top

Drawing -
75 Mins - Lukaku for Schick, Ramsey for Kroos

Winning
75 Mins - Niguez for Kroos, Lukaku for Schick
----------------------------------------------------------------------

4-2-2-2 Attack

We go with an attacking side with a high tempo, taking the game to Liverpool.
We look to exploit the weaknesses in their defence. It might look like have an extra man in midfield but with Felix as number 10, he will be dropping into midfield and finding space in between the lines. With the pace in our attack we will stretch the opposition back line, we also have great pace in defence and so play a high line, we have top ball playing cbs so look to use them to dominate possession from the back. Combined with our cm pair loving to control the tempo of a game we expect to dominate possession.

With a very hard working front two we have a team that can defend from the front in a flexible formation with players that willl defend high up the pitch. Rodri brings athleticism in a disciplined dm role, Thiago the playmaker next to him, with his intelligence in defence offering a very strong defensive midfield duo.

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

The organisation of a team's play and the inter-linking between the individual blocks is simpler using 4-2-2-2. more refined and more objective. The distances players have to cover is less, and things happen faster. With a single pass from midfield there can be somebody near the ball close to the opponent's goal.

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

We play to bypass the opposition midfield, getting numbers in attack to target their defence, and to target the space behind their midfield.

Formation also offers flexibility as we will drop two solid lines of four to defence, and remove any space between the lines and allow us to defend in a compact unit. Defence starts with the all action front two, we will defend all over the pitch.

Playing with a high tempo when we win the ball we attack at pace down the wings, but the two wide players have freedom to play central, find space behind their midfield. We seek to play direct and to hit the opposition quickly. When the direct attacks breakdown, the whole team should have moved up the park, with defence playing a high line allow us to recycle possession and build from the back again, or being in shape to win the ball back quickly.

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

Though we look to play direct, only long balls are to feet or into space for players to run on to. The front two offer high work rate, pace and great ability on the ball. Lautaro has freedom to drift wide or get in behind while Felix playing in a free role as number 10 will link up play, while offer a great goal threat.

————————————— Alisson
Tomiyasu — Marquinhos —— Laporte —— Theo
———————————Rodri —— Thiago
——— Sterling ————————————— Neymar ——
————————— Lautaro —— J.Felix

Subs. Trubin, Vanderson, Goretzka, Mount, B.Fernandes, Gnabry, Osimhen

High press defence

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

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

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

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

Marquinhos the defensive leader at the back, he man marks, Laporte with the intelligence to cover, or picks up 2nd striker if they go with 2. The full backs always seek to push their wide players out wide, don’t allow them inside.

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

Subs.

If winning after 70 mins bring on Bruno for Felix. 4-2-3-1.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Goretzka for Thiago.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Osimhen for Lautaro.

If drawing after 70 mins bring on Bruno and Osimhen for Felix and Theo. 352
If drawing after 75 mins bring on Gnabry for Lautaro. Neymar up top with Osimhen.

If losing after 60 mins bring on Bruno for Theo. 3-5-2.
If losing after 70 mins bring on Mount for Thiago.
If losing after 75 mins bring on Osimhen for Felix.

Leeds United v BRENTFORD

----------------------Kelleher
Livramento, Andersen, Salisu, Grimaldo
-----------Koopmeiners, Höjbjerg
Berardi---------Ødegaard----------Djuricic
-----------------------Broja

Subs: van Sas, Colwill, Ampadu, Laimer, Baumgartner, Saint-Maximin, Ibrahimovic

Captain: Höjbjerg
Free Kicks: Koopmeiners/Berardi/Ødegaard
Penalties: Koopmeiners

Our defensive unit consists of Joachim Andersen and Mohammed Salisu paired up at centre-back, Tino Livramento at right-back and Álex Grimaldo 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 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, 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 Domenico Berardi, Martin Ødegaard and Filip Djuricic as our band of three attacking midfielders with Armando Broja 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.

Livramento and Grimaldo 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 Domenico Berardi and Filip Djuricic, who are excellent in tight spaces and fantastic dribblers, will cut inside or make runs into the box.

Martin Ødegaard, our attacking central midfielder’s low centre of gravity will enable him to navigate away from defenders. Ødegaard 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 Berardi, Djuricic & Broja to create openings and goal scoring opportunities for each other..

Upfront Broja is our classical style all round centre forward, a real number 9 who has the ability to be a bully, but also has the technical ability to be more than just a menace to our opponents defenders.

Whilst 6ft 3in tall he isn’t just about his height, he is a great ball player and has great positional awareness. He'll cause our opponents some big problems with his ability to play off the last man, draw defenders wide and drop in and link up with midfielders. But most of all, he is a lethal finisher and a natural goal poacher.

Subs on 70 mins
Saint-Maximin on for Djuricic and Ibrahimovic on for Broja

Double substitution - Dynamic pace, dribbling, and unpredictability from Saint-Maximin and a real focal point for the attacking midfielders in Ibrahimovic during the last 15 minutes to look to unlock the opposition’s defence for a late goal regardless of the score line.

NEWCASTLE 4-3-3

____________Mendy
Trent____Dias____VVD_____Shaw
____________Casemiro
________Modric___Gundog
Salah________Lewa________Diaz

SUBS: Kessie, Fabian, Llorente, Son, Bowen, Matip, Yeremy

Captain: VVD
Penalties: Salah
Corners: Modric
Freekicks: Trent


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

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

The DM will tactically astute in his positioning acting as a base and be in charge of driving our midfield forward. Our midfield will be flexible, if one of their midfielders steps forward, one of ours will move into the space they vacated. The DM will be the link between our defence, midfield, and forwards and because of the way he plays, he will draw the opponents forward towards him to attack the ball, pulling their team’s lines apart. This will create more spaces between the lines for our midfield and forward lines to move into. The right centre mid will be the more attacking one in his box to box role, closing down space and cutting passing lanes with his incredible energy and also driving the team forward. Playing alongside the DM will give him less areas of the pitch to cover, and shorter distance needed to win the ball back to start the next attack. Both centre mids will float between the lines during the attacking phase just behind our forwards.

Our wide forwards are space investigators and main goal threat. Drift into the crentre often to get into goal scoring positions.

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

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

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

Subs

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

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

If winning 80 mins: Kessie comes on for Modric to close out the game.

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

MAN UNITED VS Man City

---------------------------------------Dragowski-----------------------
Aarons-------------J Gomez--------------Fofana---------Sessegnon
-----------------------------Ndidi---------------Bentancur--------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kulusevski----------------------Wirtz--------------------------Rashford
-----------------------------------Scamacca--------------------------------


Subs - Gulácsi, Singo, Gallagher, Jones, Adama Traore, Raspadori, Martinelli

CAPTAIN - RASHFORD
CK'S - WIRTZ
FK'S - WIRTZ
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. Gomez and Fofana bring a lot of strength and pace to the defence. Gomez will marshal the defence and Fofana will look to use his pace to close the oppo strikers down. Stay vocal with each other and cover for each other if oppo gets past one of you. Full backs will start of with a conservative mind set and not attack too much but as the game goes on I want them to make overlapping runs and get some crosses in to the box. Ndidi will be covering for them when they go attacking.

Aaron's and Sessegnon are playing as fullbacks today. Start the game off with a conservative mindset and try not too attack too much, but as the game goes on you will have more freedom. When defending stick close to the oppo wingers and stop them from getting past you, the DM's will be helping you a lot aswell. Be vary of oppo fullbacks making overlapping runs as I want you to stick with them to stop them getting to the byline. One of our DM's will come over to mark the oppo winger who has the ball incase they use the overlapping fullbacks. I want both fullbacks to stay wide and make runs forward when given the opportunity. Try and whip some dangerous balls into the oppo area and use your pace to get back into defensive positions if the oppo try and hit us on a counter..

Defence Mids
Ndidi + Bentancur
Ndidi will be the anchor in the middle. Stay back in front of the defence and protect the defence with your life. If the oppo play an AM then stick close to him and mark him if possible. When our fullbacks are attacking then your main priority will be to cover for them. When in possession pass the ball out to the wings or to Bentancur. Also be on the lookout for the runs of Rashford/Kulusevski and thread dangerous through balls to them.
Bentancur will be playing as a deep lying playmaker 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. 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
Kulusevski + Rashford
These 2 will be the focal point of my attack. I want to give them the freedom to express themselves in attack so they do not have to track back and help out in defence. Rashford will be looking to cut in from the left and Kulusevski likewise who will cut in from the right. 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 into the centre of the pitch to one of our DM's or play quick one two's with our fullbacks. The main role of the wingers will be to get some crosses into the box for Scamacca to attack. When we are defending corners I want both of them to stay near the halfway line so we can hit the oppo on the counter attack. .

Attack Mid
Florian Wirtz
Wirtz will be playing just behind Scamacca 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
Scamacca
'The Italian Ibrahimovic' as some may call him will be leading the line for us today. He has got the strength and technique to play the role and he will have plenty of support in attack. Be vary of crosses into the box and try and get in front of your marker. Play quick pass and move combinations with your teammates to find spaces in the oppo defence.

Subs if LOSING BY 65MINS
Put on Adama Traore for Kulu and Raspadori for Bentancur to bring some more attacking impetus on. 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.

----------------------------------Dragowski--------------------------------
Aarons-----------Gomez-------------Fofana---------Sessegnon
--------------------------------------Ndidi---------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adama-----------------------------------------------------------Rashford
------------------------------------Wirtz-------------------------------
-------------------Scamacca----------Raspadori-------------------


Subs if WINNING BY 80MINS
Take off Wirtz and put on Gallagher in CM. Play defensive with everyone in our own half defending for their lives, waiting to hit the oppo on the counter attack. Adams Traore on for Kulu aswell to offer more danger for the opportunity on the counter. Martindale on for Rashers aswell.

---------------------------------------Drag--------------------------------
Aarons--------------Gomez---------Fofana----------------Sessegnon
--------------Bentancur------Ndidi--------Gallagher---------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adama---------------------------------------------------------------Martinelli
---------------------------------Scamacca-----------------------------------------

Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Change the formation to a 41212 diamond version. Jones and Gallagher will play as the b2b CM's and help to just keep some width in the team by making runs down the channels. Kulu will move into AM and look to use his playmaking ability from there. Martinelli will go into strike next to Scamacca, who will have more players around him for him to play off.

---------------------------------------Dragowski-----------------------
Aarons-------------J Gomez--------------Fofana---------Sessegnon
------------------------------------------Ndidi-----------------------------------
------------------------Gallagher----------------Jones------------------------
-------------------------------------Kulusevski----------------------------------
---------------------Scamacca-------------------Martinelli---------------


Martinelli on for Rashford
Gallagher on for Wirtz
Curtis Jones on for Bentancur
Fresh legs to bring on.

Comment deleted by Article Creator

GW12

Wolves vs Newcastle

Injuries:
Sergio Busquets
Francisco Trincao
Leonardo Spinazzola
Daniel Carvajal



Back to the business of the league after a disastrous cup campaign, home tie vs Newcastle, I had to double check the league table as I was rather shocked to see the magpies down in 6th yes sixth. The fact we’re in 7th well we won’t go there.
Injuries to 3 of our regular starters and the fact I can’t remember my best XI mean it’s kind of a restart for us now anyway.

……………………………Donnaruma…………………….
N.Williams………De Vrij…….Koulibaly……..M Alonso
…………………….Neves……………Wijnaldum………..
S.Mane……………Vlahovic….. Insigne…………..Jota

Subs: Pickford, Konate, Elmas, Bale, Firmino, Griezmann, Ronaldo

They say the strength of a squad is about match winners and firepower when it comes down to getting over the line against rivals. So today in front of our own fans we’re gonna take the game to Pompey, keep them on the back foot and hit home our advantage.

Slick fast paced 2-3 touch football, we’re not playing tippy tappy ball retention we’re moving the ball with purpose. I know it’s a risky setup against a heavy handed Newcastle side but if we sit deep they have the quality to punish us so may as well bank on home advantage bringing lady luck on our side.

Donnaruma is one of the best young keepers in the world, close to 270 first class matches plus 40 caps for Italy at just 23 is amazing, fills the goal with his huge frame and fills the defence with confidence. Quick off his line and commands his box with authority. Ball to feet just keep it simple and play the percentage ball, if we’re on for a quick counter, especially on corners then go long and flat into the spaces.

Neco Williams, is having a good season out on loan at Fulham, 2 goals and 2 assists in 7 appearances, going to be a big step up in opposition for the lad today so we’ll want him to play his natural game, don’t dive in, just jockey his man and force him wide, we’ve experienced CB’s to help talk him through his game, get forward to support the attacks when the opportunity arises.


De Vrij and Koulibaly are battle hardened top tier Centre-halves, both around the 6ft2 frame, physically they can stand up to anything that the Geordies can throw at us, both will use their experience to deal with the threat of the central striker (presumably Lewa) keep him with his back to goal and don’t allow him an easy run through on goal, if he needs taking out then so be it. These two will hold the line a little higher up the pitch, I know it’s a risk but it’s the only way to play front footed football without leaving too many spaces between our defence and midfield.

Neves and Wij, always outnumbered never outgunned will give us midfield control, Neves has shown consistently this season alongside Moutinho that he can boss the midfield, so theres no reason he can’t emulate that alongside Wij who technically is just as good but has much more mobility.

Neves will sit in front of the defence, putting his foot in and getting turnover balls, then he’s very much a heads up player will play those long direct passes, turning the barcodes defence and getting us on our way. Wij is decent enough tracking back but has a genuine eye for goal so he’ll play B2B for us today, join the attack and loiter 30 yards out for any loose clearances from the toon.

Mane and Jota are nominal wingers, they’ll play in the same way they do for Liverpool, occupy that wider space and make the full-back sit deep, but as we progress up the pitch and our own full-backs get forward we want them coming inside and attacking the spaces between Newcastles FB’s and CB’s, when you combine this with our front two we should create an absolute carnage in that back-line.

Whilst it’s true ¾’s of Newcastles defence are amongst the best in the world in their position they’ll still give up chances…. And we just need to be clinicial in how we implement our game plan.

Vlahovic and Insigne is an interesting combo for us, Dusan is a proper #9 and with 20 goals in 27 Serie A games this season, fully deserves any plaudits coming his way but we want him facing off directly against the smaller nimbler of the toons backline, we want him to bully him backwards and create those spaces for us to exploit. Insigne as the SS will drop off 2 steps, make himself those little pockets of space and align himself against the more physical CB, use that low centre of gravity and turn his man inside out.


Subs 65 mins:

Ronaldo > Vlahovic, not a bad option off the bench is he

Elmas > Wij, fresh legs in the engine room

80 mins
Firmino > Insigne. Like for like in quality but a bit of added physicality, plus the connection with Jota/Mane

GW12

Liverpool vs Lesta
Injuries:
Kelechi Iheanacho
Calvin Stengs
Perr Schuurs
Kasper Schmeichel

…………………………Jose Sa……………
Trippier………Lacroix……Botman….Ait Nouri
…………………………..Allan……………………
……………Tonali……………….Herrera………
………………………Grealish…………….
……………….Belotti…….Icardi

Subs: Vandevoordt, Zinchenko, Kabak, Henderson, Rabiot, Neto, Vardy

They say you should always play your strongest suit. So against such a high energy and skilful side our strongest suit is a return to Don Carlo Ancelotti’s diamond. Yes it doesn’t provide shed loads of attacking width, but it does give us the numbers game through the core, and that will then in theory give us a nice foothold in the game. There’s no point going gung-ho and getting spanked, especially with home adv and the possibility (slim) of a draw.

Jose Sa has shown this season that he’s in the conversation for top 5 keepers in the prem, rapid off his line and very good ball distribution, will help us go from back to front that much quicker.

Trippier and RAN will shoulder the responsibility for our attacking width and balance, both have great engines and both can zip in lovely balls into the mixer, defensively they’ll show their man the line and try not to be fooled by fancy footwork, watch his eyes not his feet, failing that clatter him. They’ll be backed up by the wider points of our diamond as that’s the joy of this set-up it’s easy to drop back into 2 banks of 4 and make it impossible for the opponents to just play through you.

Botman and Lacroix (Botmans 15th CB Partner) with a combined age of just 43 and already a combined total of 290 top level games between them, show just how well rated they are, we don’t do zonal marking here, so both will take a man if Rof goes 2 up top, if it’s a #9 with a SS/AM/#10 then the #9 is Botmans with Lacroix taking the support. Whilst I said no zonal, the exception is high balls into the box, those baby’s are Botmans responsibility.

The Diamond:
This is key to us getting something from the game, solid defensively absorbing the pressure from Lesta, as well as having the numbers to deal with the press. Natural shape to give us those triangles to play ourselves out of trouble, and as mentioned above allows the flexibility to just drop back into 2 banks of 4

Allan is a proper anchor man, he’ll sit in front of the backline, tracking the runs form midfield and make any 50/50 a 70/30…. Old school style enforcer that every side needs… he’s key to our side (allen key jokes have to be worth a slot)

Tonali and Herrera are a great platform, both hard working, both comfortable on the ball, will help take the sting out of the game by keeping hold of the ball and taking the energy out of leiesters legs.

Greasy Jack plays as the #10 today, will drop deep to collect the ball and then use those oversized calves of his to drive forward, drawing players to him before either falling over under little to no contact, or laying the ball off.

Belotti and Icardi are a double act that could do very well together, both have an eye for goal, with them both playing centrally it forces that Leicester line that little deeper and gives us a bit more space to operate in, Belotti will be the muscle and Icardi will play off the shoulder of the last man.

Subs 65 mins:

Vardy > Icardi – Lesta playing that high line will be punished by someone like Vardy running in behind

Rabiot > Allan – Like for like

Neto > Bellotti and switch to 4-3-3….. defence and midfield stays the same but the front is now

Grealish………..vardy……….Neto

--------------------Neuer

Walker----White---Hernandez---Digne

-----------Jorginho------SMS

Chiesa------------Foden-----------Depay

---------------------Kane

Meslier
Castagne
Maguire
Phillips
Doucoure
Zaha
Isak

Back to the bread and butter of the league this week, and we have opted for our 4-2-3-1 at home, to try and put us on the front foot and pick up some crucial points. The key for us will be the pace of movement, both in and out of possession. Jorgy and SMS gives us a pivot full of energy and tenacity, whilst also technical prowess, and a good base for both defensive and offensive actions. In front, Kane can drop into pockets, as he loves to do, allowing for Chiesa, Foden, and Depay to attack the space that he creates. At the back, we have players that are comfortable with the ball at their feet across the entire back line, and so I want to see us play 2-3 touch football, to keep their press moving constantly, and tire out their attackers. In Digne and Walker we also have FBs that like to create overloads in wide areas, which we will utilise. We will still operate with our intense press across the eleven, and attempt to force them onto the back foot.

From the back, I want to see us building the ball forward quickly. We have Neuer in goal, so the ball backward is always an option, but only to help us build forward, or to cheekily bypass their press. Jorginho and SMS will drop off to allow triangles out from the back, getting the ball into our WBs and allowing them to carry the ball the distance. We can also utilise some longer balls forward, to vary our approach play, and keep us unpredictable, with Kane challenging for the initial balls, and Foden looking to mop up the seconds, playing off him. When we are on the attack, Jorginho will sit deep, keeping himself reserved, so that we don’t get overloaded on the counter as easily, allowing for Walker and Digne to push up as more adventurous wing backs. In short, we should be able to vary our methods of transition from defence to attack through either ball carriers (Walker, Digne, SMS) or angled balls forward into Kane. Key to both will be a variety of movement through midfield and attack, to create the right kind of spaces.

In terms of our attack, I want to see us focused on the intensity and pace that we have present. As said before, Kane is allowed to drop off today, as he wants to play, creating space for Foden and the wide players to push into the spaces behind him. Chiesa and Depay will be largely operating as inside forwards, coming into the pitch, as opposed to conventional wingers. Additional width will be provided by the attacking FBs, who will look for opportunities to overlap and work the ball to the by-line. Foden operates in a fairly free role, starting as a 10, but he is equally comfortable pushing into wider areas, or even pushing beyond Kane and operating as a striker. This variety makes him almost impossible to adequately mark, and so I think he could be the key in us getting chances, and offers us a dimension that we may have been missing through the course of the season thus far. SMS also offers us a dynamic box-to-box option, pushing on and providing another adventurous runner into the box.

Should we lose possession high up the pitch, then we will engage our press. Kane targets the CBs, the wingers push onto the FBs, and Foden offers additional support, mainly to Kane. This allows time for SMS and the FBs to get back into the defensive formation, and us not to be overly exposed. You know the drill by now, Tino. I’m tired.

Substitutions

If winning

Kalvin on for Depay 70 mins

Switch to a 4-3-3, with Foden pushing out to the LW spot. Phillips and SMS just in front of Jorgy.

Castagne on for Walker 75 mins

Fresh legs at RB. Plus time wasting. Can you time waste in these games?

Doucoure on for Jorginho 83 mins

No but seriously can you time waste?

If losing/drawing

Isak on for Digne 70 mins

Switch to a 3-3-2-2, with Foden dropping back into a deeper midfield role, and Isak joining Kane up front.

Zaha on for Depay 75 mins

Fresh legs and a different direction in attack. Zaha is rapid.

-------------------- Ederson -------------------
B.Pavard -- De Ligt --- P.Torres --- Ferland
-------------------- Fabinho -------------------
---------- De Bruyne --- Bernardo -----------
L.Messi --------- K.Havertz ------ P.Coutinho

Subs:
Ramsdale, Reguilon, Ramos, Verratti, Asensio, Hazard, Jesus

Away to a strong side we look to make our impact by putting on a technical masterclass. The opposition are blessed with pace however we look to counter their kick and rush football, aka pumping balls over the top for the forwards to run onto by starving them of possession. Make them work off the ball, frustrate their forwards with a lack of possession, dazzle their workmanlike midfield and pierce their defence with our scintillating attack. To do this we require players of the highest technical calibre, capable of operating in tight spaces with the vision to cut through the opposition like a knife through butter. Step forward messrs De Bruyne, B.Silva, Messi, Coutinho & Havertz. Together they will form our front five in an attack that oozes sexy football.

Big games can often be tight and therefore we go with a lineup that possesses plenty of matchwinners. Central to our success will be our midfield as we go with the perfectly balanced trio of De Bruyne, Bernardo & Fabinho. We look to dominate this area of the field, allowing us to play on the front foot, retaining possession and dictating the play.

With a midfield bursting with creativity it is only right that we have an attack which can flourish from the world class service. Messi will feel the warmth and love of the Spurs faithful (none of that nonsense they’ve got going on in Paris) he’ll be in his element with the quality of players around him and a style of football that suits him to a tee. Stationed on the right he has license to cut inside, when he does KDB will drift to the right opening up space for Messi in the middle of the field whilst a switch pass back to KDB on the flank allows the Belgian to whip in a delicious ball for Havertz to attack. Similarly Coutinho has license to do the same on the other flank with the Bernado drifting wide, the workrate of our midfielders is key to success.

Due to the abundance of attacking quality it's important that have a solid defence and rely on our watertight CB duo of De Ligt & Torres, flanked by two of the best defensive fullbacks around in Pavard & Ferland.

We sit deep taking away any space in behind our defence which will limit the pace of their attack. It will also draw the opposition onto us higher up the pitch creating plenty of space for us to exploit on our devastating counter attacks.

Defence:

We go with a strong defensive unit at the back, packed with 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 he has all the tools to deal with any opponent. He won’t however need to do it singlehandedly with the classy Torres next to him to act and cover and sweeping up any balls in behind.

Our fullbacks will sit in, no need to bomb on with the quality with have further up the field. Instead we want them to focus on their defensive duties, give the wingers no room to operate. When they're in possession see them down the line, keep them on their weaker foot and don't let them cut inside.

Midfield:

Midfield is where we feel the game can be won. Fabinho will be our key holding player in the middle operating as a DM. A fantastic reader of the game we want him to sit in front of our defence, breaking up the opposition play and also cutting out the passing lane to their CF, taking away one of their biggest weapons.

De Bruyne and B.Silva speak for themselves. When on it they are truly a world class pairing. Their range of passing is sublime and they'll be spraying round the ball round majestically all afternoon.

They’ll be our chief creators, picking apart the opposition and playing that killer pass in the final third. Both also possess a great strike from range, if the opposition drop off then both have license to go for goal.

Forwards:

The trio of Messi, Havertz and Coutinho ooze class. We note from injuries that the left hand side of the Chelsea defence is severely weakened with two starters missing. We look to take advantage of this, particularly if they go with N.Mendes at LB who has shown to a liability defensively and up against Messi this would be the biggest mismatch on the field.

Regardless we want Messi to do what he does best, go at the opposition with the freedom to create and cause havoc as he sees fit. On the other flank we reward the in form Coutinho with a deserved starting spot, the Brazilian is well and truly back to his WC best and is simply a joy to watch in this type of form. We feel he can interchange perfectly with Bernardo which allows Coutinho to cut infield where he has the capability to thread the ball through an eye of a needle and pick out the runs of Havertz & Messi or go for goal himself with the Brazilian possessing a deadly strike from range.

Through the middle with go with Havertz. A player that is finally beginning to justify the hype and another in top class form now he is being played in his best position of CF. He’ll link up perfectly with Messi, Coutinho, KDB & Silva, operating as a false nine in the build up play popping off one two’s as we pull those poor Chelsea defenders left, right and Chelsea. In the final third he’s the perfect target man, deadly in the air with a Bergkampesque first touch he will thrive on the service around him and has shown how deadly he is in front of goal.

Subs:

If winning:
70 mins: B.Silva off, Verratti on. Twin DM next to Fabinho.
80 mins: Coutinho off, Ramos on. We move to 5-4-1, creating a brick wall in front of goal as we see out the win.

If drawing/losing:
65 mins: Coutinho off & Jesus on.
75 mins: Bernardo off, Asensio on. 4-2-2-2 with Messi & Asensio on the flanks and Havertz & Jesus up top. Goals.

--------------------------- Oblak ---------------------------
J.Cancelo ----- E.Konsa ------ Varane ----- Robertson
--------------------------- D.Rice --------------------------
--------------- Bellingham ---- F. de Jong ---------------
-- Nkunku ------------------------------------- Mbappe --
-------------------------- Haaland -------------------------

Johnstone, N.Mendes, Locatelli, Camavinga, Ferran, R.Leao, Abraham

We play possession football, especially the midfield where we want to dominate, we have added another midfielder to the mix to allow us to do this, quick on the break and really pressurize the opposition with an in your face performance from the front, up against it but our trio has everything we need to stop them controlling the 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 the midfield ahead of them 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 with Fullbacks who are always ready to pounce and hit them with pace.

Konsa picks up the CF he wont let much passed him he is a pacy powerful CB, Varane spare picks up the AM if he gets away from our midfield, both powerful boys so keep the forward(s) away from the danger area, look to intercept quickly, take the ball away from them and play it out of defense, look to get to our midfield quickly, Both are comfortable on the ball so can bring it out when in no danger and look for the pass to those in front 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, with the midfield 3 we have, then both can go at the same time to make extra numbers as we drive on, we look to gain that extra body(ies) in the opp half, If either get caught up field I want the midfielders to help them out by filling the gaps so we don't get exposed, this allows the fullbacks to make their way to midfield to cover. CBs to go up for corners, with the fullbacks and Rice sitting back.

We have a midfield trio that has the lot. Declan Riceis our deepest midfielder sitting just in front of the CB's, he will shadow there AM and not allow him to control the game he is relentless and wont give him the time of day, they have undoubted quality in there midfield and I want him to be quick to the challenge, having a player like Rice allows more time for de Jong and Bellingham to control the game and get moving forward, he is a cool head, he 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, he will drop in between the two CBS to pick up the ball and start from the back, 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. Bellingham & de Jong will help stop the run of play quicker to make our defenders jobs a lot easier, protect our defense as best as possible, in possession get it to the front 3 but also look for fullbacks 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. Bellingham and de Jong move forward to assist and look for balls coming out so he can either, shoot or whip straight back in. Both are essential to our style of play, they are the link between defense and attack, as we break quickly they will look to set up our front three and push on, look to receive a pass and drive on. They will drop back at times to pick it up and will look to their dribbling capabilities to get them 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 they can make up the extra man further forward as Rice stays and covers. 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, as I said we want to be dominate.

Our wingers are extremely quick and skillfull, 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 Nkunku and Mbappe will cause them problems drifting in an out, thus allowing Bellingham and de Jong to pick their moments to move into space. Quick passing in triangles that will get us in and beyond their defenders and eventually to Haaland who can beat any defender with power/pace and the other wingers who will look to get into space to get a shot off, if there defense is on top then we can always go direct at times and fire early crosses especially from deep from the fullbacks into Haaland and the rest that have made their way into the danger area so they can spring them and have a shoot or sight mentality at times, , we must always make sure Haaland is well supported, especially wingers one of whom at times will be right on his shoulder or alongside depending which side we are attacking from, 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. This is a very in form front three so hopefully the supply is there for them to get the goals we lacked in the last game.

Captain - Declan Rice
Penalties - Haaland
Free Kicks - Nkunku/Mbappe
Corners - Fullbacks

Losing -
65 Mins - R.Leao for Bellingham, Mbappe up top, Leao left 424/442
73 Mins - Camavinga for de Jong, Ferran for Nkunku

Drawing -
65 Mins - Camavinga for Bellingham, Ferran for Nkunku

Winning -
75 Mins - Locatelli for Bellingham, Leao for Haaland(switch with Mbappe)

------------------------- Martinez -------------------------

Matt Cash ----- Skriniar ----- Rudiger ----- B.Chilwell

---------- S.Niguez ---- Kamara ---- Kovacic -----------

Coman ------------------ Schick ----------------- L.Sane

Bazanu, Schlotterbeck, Ramsey, Pulisic, Mazraoui, Lukaku, J.David

Control possession high up the field, pass and move into positions that can hurt them, when we defend we do so as a team with two banks of four/five with Schick harassing their backline and really presurize them into quick, misplaced passes for us to pick up, in their face performance, especially Kamara along with Kovacic and Niguez we are solid in the middle & the front 3 further up the pitch in the centre as we try to nullify their midfield and stop them creating chances for the forwards.

Cash and Chilwell 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 the forwards. 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.. Skriniar will mark the CF, use his strength and speed to keep the CF away from the danger area. Rudiger 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 defense 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 Kamara 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 defense 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..

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

Kovacic and Niguez have responsibility throughout the pitch, create chances for team mates, whilst also helping in the defensive third. One requirement of this role are high fitness levels due to the amount of running they are expected to do and he does a lot. Kovacic will do a lot of running as the main box to box mid, whilst Niguez will try and pick out the front three with precise passing. Whilst not moving forward both sit either side of Kamara to stop there threat through the middle

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, I want Coman to drive on the outside beating his man and play as a natural winger not an inside forward unless he is supported by fullbacks, whereas Sane can do his thing, usually can beat his man quite easily with pace and power, therefore then linking up with Chilwell and Schick, both sides will definitely pose a threat with quick one twos. Use the midfield to play around them with the ball going in triangles quickly until the break is on. If fullbacks drive passed wingers they can cut inside looking to make a nuisance of themselves centrally again using the front two to get into danger areas. Both wingers have fantastic forward to aim for in Schick so if they get to the bye line then get the crosses in for him to attack, we need goals, we need a win, he will get plenty chances and he is in very fine form, however he must put them away. I want him to bully the slower/weaker of the two/three. 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 can score from various angles/ranges even dropping back and from distance, with hopefully a few crosses coming in they can get up and above defenders for. Can both hold it up and look for runners, in particular the wingers and Kovacic will be making runs so be watchful of them just to lay it off to the side for each other if they cant go themselves.

We must defend as a team tho, 451 from the front, everyone hot on the tails of the opposition, we cant give away cheap goals, so wingers track back and cover the fullbacks, even just to stop them supporting the wingers, we must drive into them and pressurize them into mistakes

Captain - Skriniar
Pens - Schick
Free Kicks - Kovacic
Corners - Wingers

Losing -
65 Mins - J.David for Niguez, Lukaku for Schick, we go 424/442 with J.David just off Lukaku
70 Mins - J.Ramsey for Kovacic

Drawing -
65 Mins - Ramsey for Niguez, Lukaku for Schick
75 Mins - Pulisic for Coman

Winning -
75 Mins - Ramsey for Niguez, J.David for Schick

Red Card
Niguez off, go 441
Martinez - Bazanu on
Fullback - Mazraoui on
Centre half - Schlotterbeck on
CM - Nothing
Winger - Pulisic on
Schick - J.David on

Watford (Away to Newcastle) Week 13
Captain: Pederson
Vice Captain: Pavlovic

-------------------- Remiro
Pedersen---Dárdai---Pavlovic---Raum
---------------Stiller---Svanberg
-------------------Lindström
Hauge-------------------------Damsgaard
---------------------Núñez

SUBS: Bursik, Patterson, Collins, Askildsen, Alzate, Larsen, Burkardt

Goalkeeper: Remiro is a big mobile keeper and very agile. A great shot stopper, he will communicate with the back 4 and be commanding with the high ball. He will not take any risks. He is a great distributor with both hand and foot and we will look to this as a way to launch quick attacks.
Defence: Our 2 full backs are there firstly to defend and make sure they stay on the right side of their opponents whether they be out wide or cutting inside. When we are on the attack they will be allowed to use their power and pace to provide the overlap on the flanks. They both have the power and the lungs to work the touchline for 90 minutes. They will make the pitch wide and always offer themselves as an option in attack. One goes forward and one stays back. 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 into the stands. Both big men will be a real aerial threat at set pieces.
Midfield: We will operate with one holding/defensive midfielder (Stiller). He will be the midfield general. A physical pacey midfielder he will be there to boss this area for us. Breaking up play and filling in as an extra defender if one of our back 4 has ventured forward. He will be there to protect the defence and do a lot of the unseen dirty work in the centre of the park. He is essential to our gameplan and while sitting deep will still offer a lot with his great passing ability. He also has a thunderbolt right foot. He will be complimented with a deep sitting box to box midfielder (Svanberg). He has a more conservative role this week and while being a little more constrained than normal he will still have the opportunity to bomb forward when the time is right. They will both have to put a defensive shift in and both are very strong in the tackle. We will look at their enthusiasm and relentless pressing of the opposition as a way to hopefully get a bit of a grip on the midfield and at the very least not make it plain sailing for the opposition. In front of them Lindström will operate as the link between midfield and attack. He will be our creator and can find that magic pass to break open a defence and release one of our front three. This I feel will give us a better balanced midfield and while being absolutely defensively sound with 2 ‘sitting’, Svanberg will also be allowed the freedom (when the time arises) to link with Lindström and attack. I think this set-up lets us link up quickly with our attack while at the same time that little bit of extra cautiousness means it will be easier for us to close the door in midfield with all 3 players as comfortable sitting and breaking up attacks if necessary.
Wingers/Centre Forward: When in possession both Damsgaard and Hauge 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 Lindström, Svanberg and Núñez in to play. They can vary their attacks as they see fit. Both players can play all across the middle so don’t be surprised to see them swapping wings. At times Svanberg may sit a bit deeper allowing Lindström 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 playing off the shoulder of the last man he is deadly in and around the box. A bag of energy and very strong we will also look for him to hold up and bring others in to play if it doesn’t seem to be on for him. We will look to get bodies in the box when attacking so he should always have an outlet. He is also great in the air and will provide an option from set pieces. When the shot is on he will take it but we also want to put himself about in the box and think that his size and strength 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: Lindström, Hauge or Damsgaard with Dárdai, Pavlovic and Svanberg to offer an aerial threat. Lindström, Svanberg and Damsgaard may try their luck with several free kicks from distance.
Penalties: Núñez, Damsgaard, Stiller
Substitutions: (80 mins) If winning then 3 like for like subs – Collins for Pavlovic, Larsen for Hauge and Burkardt for Núñez.
If losing (70 mins) then switch to a 4-1-3-2 and replace Svanberg with Larsen and Hauge with Burkardt. Fresh legs and 2 dangerous attackers that carry a goal threat about them. We will look to their pace and freshness to offer us something different.

-------------------Stiller
Larsen------- Lindström----------Damsgaard
-------------Burkardt---Núñez

High tempo 4-2-3-1

We go with an attacking team full of pace, playing with a high tempo in defence and attack. A fluid front four with real quality and pace.

We see the oppositions weakness out wide at fb/wb, and that they like to defend deep, so no hanging about we look to attack and target them out wide. They’re a young team, so we put them under pressure early. Outnumber them in attack, and defend in a 4-2-3-1 formation, we have a very strong back 4 and Cm duo while the wingers and fbs will commit forwards they have great pace to get back into shape.

Two strong athletic cms key to our high tempo, Goretzka and Bissouma offer a powerful pair that both have the quality on the ball to control possession and spreading the play. There will be fluidity in their play over who commits forward. With pace in attack, and a quick defence we play a high line - dominate possession.

Up top Benzema is the in form player in world football. He has been playing at a level higher than anyone in the current season, more than evens his goal/assist tally suggests. His link up play with the wide men, and goal scoring will be key in the middle.

Both fbs bombs forward at a time if we are drawing or losing, must win at home against a team that plays deep. So we put pressure on them and bombard them with attacks. The fbs supporting the wingers, and with a a forward and no.10 we have two forwards that can link out wide too. Target the wings and get into positions to get down the outside for cut backs and crosses to the two front men.

We direct our attacks out wide and set a high tempo for the game. We have a front four full of pace, looking to stretch the opposition and create space for other attackers to exploit.

Gnabry on the right for width and direct running into the box.

Bissouma plays zonally in front of cbs, Goretzka who presses the play. We have a defence full of pace and great energy in front so play a reasonably high line, helping us press the opposition in high area, and aiding distribution out from the back line. We have a strong defence with great pace, allowing us to take the game to United with an attacking formation. Our ball playing cbs will be key to dominating possession.

If we didn’t already make the point, we look to exploit their full backs and space out wide. If they do fbs we still feel this is where they can be hurt defensively.

Quick passing and moving to find space in between the opposition lines. Using the pace of our forwards and fbs 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 four, 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.

——————————————Alisson
R.James —— Marquinhos —— Alaba —— Theo.H
————————— Bissouma —— Goretzka
Gnabry ————————- J.Felix —————— Neymar
————————————— Benzema

Subs. Henderson, Laporte, Mount, B.Fernandes, Musiala, Lautaro, 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.

Marquinhos the man marker next to Alaba who is free to use his pace and intelligence to sweep up. In midfield, Bissouma plays zonally in front of cbs, with Goretzka ball side. The wingers narrow in front to the side of play United are attacking, in spaces on either side of their cms. In a position to block passing lanes central or wide.

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 United get into our half, the wide players drop deep to add protection in front of the fb and next to the two cms. Closing down the space, narrowing to the side of play.


Subs.

If winning after 70 mins bring on Bruno for Felix. More control and energy as he plays slightly deeper in midfield.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Osimhen for Benzema. Fresh legs, and power up to bully tired legs.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Musiala for Gnabry, fresh pace and quality on ball.

If drawing after 70 mins bring on Mount and Osimhen for Goretzka and Felix. 4-2-2-2. Osimhen on to bully tired legs with his power, pace and high work rate. Two big men in the box. Mount also adds high work rate and creativity in cm.

If losing after 60 mins bring on Mount and Osimhen for Goretzka and Felix. 4-2-2-2. Osimhen on to bully tired legs with his power, pace and high work rate. Two big men in the box. Mount also adds high work rate and creativity in cm.

If losing after 80 mins bring on Musiala for Theo. 3-5-2. Gung ho. Musiala playing cm.

BRENTFORD v Liverpool

----------------------Kelleher
Livramento, Guehi, Salisu, Grimaldo
-----------Koopmeiners, Höjbjerg
Ødegaard------Djuricic----Baumgartner
-----------------------Broja

Subs: Simón, Andersen, Veerman, Laimer, Vale, Saint-Maximin, Ibrahimovic

Captain: Höjbjerg
Free Kicks: Koopmeiners/Ødegaard
Penalties: Koopmeiners

Our defensive unit consists of Marc Guehi and Mohammed Salisu paired up at centre-back, Tino Livramento at right-back and Álex Grimaldo 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 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, 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 Martin Ødegaard, Filip Djuricic and Christoph Baumgartner as our band of three attacking midfielders with Armando Broja 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.

Livramento and Grimaldo 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 Martin Ødegaard and Christoph Baumgartner, who are excellent in tight spaces and fantastic dribblers, will cut inside or make runs into the box.

Filip Djuricic, our attacking central midfielder 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 Ødegaard, Baumgartner & Broja to create openings and goal scoring opportunities for each other..

Upfront Broja is our classical style all round centre forward, a real number 9 who has the ability to be a bully, but also has the technical ability to be more than just a menace to our opponents defenders.

Whilst 6ft 3in tall he isn’t just about his height, he is a great ball player and has great positional awareness. He'll cause our opponents some big problems with his ability to play off the last man, draw defenders wide and drop in and link up with midfielders. But most of all, he is a lethal finisher and a natural goal poacher.

Subs on 70 mins
Saint-Maximin on for Baumgartner and Ibrahimovic on for Broja

Double substitution - Dynamic pace, dribbling, and unpredictability from Saint-Maximin and a real focal point for the attacking midfielders in Ibrahimovic during the last 15 minutes to look to unlock the opposition’s defence for a late goal regardless of the score line.

ARSENAL (H) v Chelsea

--------------------- Maignan -------------------
Hakimi ---- Kounde --- Stones ---- Tierney
—----------------- T. Partey —------------------
—------- Tielemans ––––- Guimaraes ---------
—----- Paqueta —- Dybala —- D.Jota –-------

Subs: Onana, Gabriel, Alba, Maddison, Smith Rowe, Diaby, Calvert-Lewin

After a disappointing result last week, we really need to win this home game and get back amongst it at the top of the table. We’ve made a few changes, a more combative midfield that will help us take control of the game. We want Jota and Paqueta to play narrow as wide strikers, Dybala tip of a diamond creative forward, Tielemans, Guimaeres and Partey providing defensive stability to allow our full backs to push their wingers back aggressively and supply width for us. Jota and Paqueta are excelling in these positions in real life and we are playing all our players in their favoured positions and systems which should help the unity and flow of this team. When Chelsea have the ball Tielemans and Guimaeres need to help our full backs defend their wingers, Dybala drops in to pick the ball up on the break, Paqueta and Jota are hard workers and can track back too.

Maignan – The Frenchman comes in to try and claim this contested number 1 slot. He’s a brilliant shot stopper and speaks french which will help with Kounde.

Hakimi – The Moroccan is one of the worlds best right backs, His qualities ensure he can offer us a dynamic outlet in possession and a strong defensive unit to combat what Chelsea throw at us. As he advances up the right in an attacking sense, he has Paqueta who likes to come inside with the ball ahead of him, this gives that right flank a serious double threat on the inside and out. On overlap he has one of the best final balls around, capable of scoring himself or picking out three brilliant finishers in that box of Dybala, Paqueta and Jota.

Kounde – Kounde reads the game well, has top level experience despite being young and he will use his awareness and pace to ensure we can deal with Chelsea today.

Stones – Stones reads the game so well, like Kounde and that will be vital up against a Chelsea side with great technical quality.

Tierney - Defensively he has the pace, experience and tactical nous to snuff out what Chelsea can throw at us. Going forward he is a threat too and with Jota getting into the box, Tierney will provide width.

Partey – Partey has been chosen for his physical dominance and ability to turn and play at pace. The dynamic midfielder has the qualtity and experience to add to our midfield. As he is doing so well for Arsenal at the moment in this role, he will sit at the heart of midfield both in and out of possession, offering a shield to the defence and helping to nullify Chelsea.

Guimaraes – A player who is tenacious, tidy on the ball and hard to disposses, as he is now showing for Newcastle. A tenacious midfielder who is tidy on the ball and strong in the duels, he’ll be needed behind the ball to recycle possession and spray dynamic passes to the front three.

Tielemans - Similar to Guimaeres, but with the focus on being this teams playmaker that picks the right ball out to put the team in.

Dybala – Dybala is going to take this game by the scruff of the neck - the creative striker, with split forwards ahead of him. He has the defensive security behind him to play a bit more of a free role, ahead of him he has two on form wide forwards who he can feed.

Paqueta - Scoring and assisting goals regularly for club this season, he’s developed a clinical edge to his game and is now very much a forward. His fantastic strength will be a huge asset against the Chelsea LB. He should combine with one twos with Dybala to create overloads and move into exciting attacking positions.

Jota - The furthest forward of our team, he will use his energy to pressure the ponderous Chelsea defenders and look to snap up mistakes. He’s a killer in front of goal and an excellent wide striker, will feed off the creativity behind him.

SUBS
60 mins if winning - Gabriel for Guimaeres. Back 5.
60 mins if not winning - Smith Rowe for Guimaeres
70 mins - Alba for Tierney
80 mins if winning or drawing - Maddison for Dybala
80 mins if losing - Calvert-Lewin for Paqueta

MAN UNITED VS Leicester

----------------------------------Gulasci ---------------------------
Aarons----------Fofana------------Upamecano-----------Hincapie
---------------------------------- Ndidi ------------------------------------
----------------- Valverde ----------------- Wirtz ----------------------
------------------------------- Kulusevski -----------------------------------
------------------- Scamacca -------- Martinelli -----------------

Subs - J Gomez, Bentancur, Curtis Jones, Gallagher, Raphinha, Adama, De Ketelaere

CAPTAIN - VALVERDE
CK'S - WIRTZ
FK'S - KULU
PENALTIES - SCAMACCA

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

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

Full backs
Aarons + Hincapie
Aarons and Hincapie will look to help both in attack and defence. Hincapie is a CB by trade but has played LB for Leverkusen this season so he's pretty good at defending. Make forays forward when we have the ball in the oppos side of the pitch but track back when we don't. We are not playing any wingers so the onus will be on these 2 to bring the width. Get some crosses into the box as Scamacca is very good in the air. Ndidi will be covering for you if you are out of position

Defence Mid
Ndidi
Ndidi will be tasked with protecting the defence. Only job today is to protect the defence and win the ball off of the oppo when they are attacking. Cover for our fullbacks when they overlap and are out of position. Stick close to the oppo AM/their most attacking midfielder and pressure him as soon as he gets the ball. When you have possession of the ball quickly pass it to either CM's.

Centre Mids
Valverde + Wirtz
Valverde will be the more defensive of the two as I want him to focus on being the link from defence to attack. Main job is to get the ball from deep and look to open up the oppo with your dribbling ability. Your one of the quickest CM's in the world and I want you to unleash that inner beast and drive from deep into the heart of the oppo defence . Play quick passes with your teammates to work some space in the middle or long balls forward for our strikers to run into. We're not playing any wingers so you have freedom to dribble down the wings from time to time to mix up our play a bit. Help out in tracking back when we don't have the ball and use your putbull like tenacity to try and win the ball in the centre of the pitch.
Wirtz will play as an attacking CM. He normally plays AM irl but we want him a bit deeper so he can use his playmaking ability to create chances from deep. He's an energetic lad and is up there with Leverkusen's most distance covered so stamina wont be an issue with him. Use your quick agility and ball control to create space for yourself in the centre of the pitch. Then use your eagle eyed vision to spot the runs of our attacking players and thread dangerous balls to them. Play quick one two passes with your teammates and stay on the move to find little pickets of space in the midfield.

Attack Mid
Kulusevski
Kulu will be playing as the AM today. A RW by trade he has played some of his best games in his career as an AM. He has started life with a bang for Spurs in the prem so bang in form as well. I want him to use his dribbling and passing ability to create chances for our 2 strikers up front. Use your strength to shrug off the oppo markers and look out for the runs of our attackers and make runs into the box whenever you can. Shoot from range if you see an opportunity.

Strikers
Scamacca + Martinelli
The big man little man combo will look to combine and play off one another to try and score goals. Scamacca isn't your typical big man in strike. This guy has technique for days. Not only is he adapt at doing things big guys are known for like holding the ball up, Scamma is even comfortable with dribbling with the ball and not being afraid to take players on. I want to utilise both of these strengths today and hopefully it will give the oppo CB's summat else to think about aswell. Scamacca is 6 foot 5 so his main strength will be his heading and hold up play. I want him to be on the lookout for crosses into the penalty area and attack all the crosses wholeheartedly. Remember accuracy over power when it comes to headers. You will have the little Brazilian magician Marginally next to you in strike so if you see him making a run or if he's free pass the ball to him.
Marginally will look to use his pace and play off of the oppo shoulders and try and beat the offside trap. Be aware of lofted through balls and time your runs as best as you can. When in the box use your quickness and agility to get into good positions away from oppo defenders. Play quick one two's with your teammates to penetrate the oppo defence.

IF WINNING BY 65 MINS
Change formation to 451. Play deep and hit the oppo on the counter.
Take off Wirtz and put on Bentancur in DM to give the defence even more protection. Adama on for Wirtz aswell to play RM and Raphinha on for Martinelli at LM to offer more defensive stability.. Scamacca will be the lone target man and it might be tough for him up top by himself but if he can somehow hold the ball up for a bit then Adama/Raphinha will make lung busing runs from deep to offer support.

---------------------------------- Gulasci ---------------------------
Aarons----------Fofana------------ Upamecani ----------- Hincapie
-------------- Bentancur ----- Ndidi -------Valverde---------------------
Adama---------------------------------------------------------------Raphinha
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------- Scamacca -----------------------------

IF LOSING BY 85 MINS
Go to a 3 atb formation and go all out to try and score a goal. Take off both fullbacks and put 2 wingers on for them. Gallagher on for Wirtz as well to offer a bit of freshness in the middle. and put on Son in strike. Son will play in the left of a front 3. Play close to each other and put a tonne of pressure in the oppo defence. Defend high up and try and score a goal.

---------------------------------- Gulasci-------------------------------------------
--------------Fofana-----------Ndidi----------Upamecano----------------
-----------------------------------Valverde-----------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------Kulu ---------Gallagher---------------------
Adama--------------Scamacca--------Martinelli-------Raphinha

IF DRAWING BY 65MINS
Gallagher on for Valverde
De Ketelaere on for Kulu
Fresh legs.

------------------- Ederson ------------------
B.Pavard -- Ramos --- P.Torres -- Ferland
------------ Fabinho --- Verratti -----------
L.Messi -------- De Bruyne ------ J.Sancho
------------------ K.Havertz ----------------

Subs:
Ramsdale, Reguilon, Tchouaméni, Pogba, B.Silva, Dembele, Jesus

We look to keep the good times rolling as we aim to continue our push for the title.

As always, 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.

Our DM & CM pivot will marshall the middle of the park allowing De Bruyne free reign in the #10 role. He will be flanked by Messi and Sancho who both offer quality down the flanks in support of Havertz in the middle, offering a perfect blend of pace, trickery and unpredictability that will cause plenty of problems for their defence.

When they’re in possession we sit deep in a tight 4-5-1 formation. 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 Ramos will mark. Strong, aggressive and a great reader of the game we feel he has all the tools to deal with any opponent. Torres 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.

In Pavard & Mendy we have two of the best defensive fullbacks in the business. They’lll sit in, no need to bomb on with the quality with have further up the field. Instead we want them to focus on their defensive duties, give the wingers no room to operate. When they're in possession see them down the line, keep them on their weaker foot and don't let them cut inside.

Midfield:

Fabinho will be our main holding player in the middle. An all action player we rely on his fantastic tenacity and high level work rate 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.

Alongside him we have Verratti, one of the best in the business we’ll look to get him on the ball and dictate the play with his superb range of passing. He brings incredible work rate and alongside Fabinho we have a high energy midfield pairing capable of covering every blade of grass. They will protect the defence and get in the face of the opposition. We look to set the tempo and these two will be the catalyst, dispossess the opposition, get the ball to our playmakers and wreak havoc at the other end.

Forwards:

In attack we go with four heavy hitters as we aim or goals. De Bruyne plays centrally, looking to drift between the lines making himself extremely difficult to be picked up and causing a mismatch in this area of the field. We look to get him on the ball and go at the opposition, a player with fantastic link up play and an for goal he also has license to push up top alongside Havertz as we go for goals.

Messi and Sancho offer quality from the flanks. Both will be direct, going at the opposition with speed. In one on one situations they can be deadly and with the opposition likely to be concerned with De Bruyne through the middle 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.

Havertz plays through the middle and will have a talented supply line around him. The brief is simple, get into the box and put the ball in the back of the net. With the number of quality attackers we have around him Havertz could well find himself in one on one match ups in which he thrives. He has license to drop deep pulling their CB's with him and creating space for our wingers to attack in behind. As always he'll be on his toes ready to pounce on anything that chances that fall his way with the German offering top quality both on the deck and in the air as he looks to continue his fine form.

Subs:

If winning:
70 mins: Sancho off, Bernardo on. Extra workrate.
85 mins: Havertz off, Jesus on. Fresh legs and pace to pick them off on the counter.

If drawing/losing:
65 mins: Verratti off & Pogba on.
75 mins: Sancho off, Jesus on.

Red card scenario:

In all scenario’s we revert to a 4-4-1 formation. Verratti will be replaced with one of the below whilst our wingers drop back in a 4 man midfield. Little change from a tactical perspective as we form a tight unit and pick off the opposition on the break as they commit men forward.

------------------ Ederson -----------------
B.Pavard -- Ramos -- P.Torres -- Ferland
L.Messi - Fabinho -- De Bruyne - Sancho
------------------ Havertz ------------------

GK – Ramsdale
FB – Reguilon
CB - Reguilon - Pavard moves to CB
CM - Pogba
WG – B.Silva
CF - Jesus

NEWCASTLE 4-3-3

____________Mendy
Trent____Dias____VVD_____Shaw
____________Casemiro
________Modric___Gundog
Salah________Son________Diaz

SUBS: Kessie, Fabian, Llorente, Goncalves, Bowen, Matip, Olmo

Captain: VVD
Penalties: Salah
Corners: Modric
Freekicks: Trent


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

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

The DM will tactically astute in his positioning acting as a base and be in charge of driving our midfield forward. Our midfield will be flexible, if one of their midfielders steps forward, one of ours will move into the space they vacated. The DM will be the link between our defence, midfield, and forwards and because of the way he plays, he will draw the opponents forward towards him to attack the ball, pulling their team’s lines apart. This will create more spaces between the lines for our midfield and forward lines to move into. The right centre mid will be the more attacking one in his box to box role, closing down space and cutting passing lanes with his incredible energy and also driving the team forward. Playing alongside the DM will give him less areas of the pitch to cover, and shorter distance needed to win the ball back to start the next attack. Both centre mids will float between the lines during the attacking phase just behind our forwards.

Our wide forwards are space investigators and main goal threat. Drift into the crentre often to get into goal scoring positions.

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

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

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

Subs

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

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

If winning 80 mins: Kessie comes on for Modric to close out the game.

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

GW13

brentford vs LIVERPOOL
…………………………….Jose Sa………………
Trippier………..Lacroix……Botman….Ait Nouri
…………………………….Tonali……………………….
……………..Henderson……….Herrera…………..
Doku………………………..Icardi……………………Neto

Subs: Schmeichel, Kabak, Zinchenko, Allan, Rabiot, Belotti, James

Welshy is building a decent side, and certainly classes as one for the future, But they’re only a point ahead of us in the table, so this has to be a game we target for some points. We’re going to go with a fast paced, slick 4-3-3. Get the ball down, use our quality in the engine room, dictate the pace of the game and get the job done.

Jose Sa has shown this season that he’s in the conversation for top 5 keepers in the prem, rapid off his line and very good ball distribution, will help us go from back to front that much quicker.

Trippier and RAN will shoulder the responsibility for our attacking width and balance, both have great engines and both can zip in lovely balls into the mixer, defensively they’ll show their man the line and try not to be fooled by fancy footwork, watch his eyes not his feet, failing that clatter him.

Botman and Lacroix (Botmans 15th CB Partner) with a combined age of just 43 and already a combined total of 290 top level games between them, show just how well rated they are, we don’t do zonal marking here, so both will take a man if Welshy goes 2 up top, if it’s a #9 with a SS/AM/#10 then the #9 is Botmans with Lacroix taking the support. Whilst I said no zonal, the exception is high balls into the box, those babies are Botmans responsibility.

Tonali, Henderson and Herrera are a great platform, all three are hard working, and comfortable on the ball, will help take the sting out of the game by keeping hold of the ball and taking the energy out of Brentford’s legs.


Sandro T will be the deep-lying playmaker, the heartbeat of the side, keeping the rhythm going, and pushing us forward, Henderson and Herrera are both gonna B2B.. Henderson is great at finding those spaces 30 yards out, and will look to ping balls into the box from those pockets. Herrera will be the one making those late runs into the box, linking off Icardi and getting some attention from the defence.

Doku is an out and out winger, pure pace and power, will stay high and wide, negating the attacking potential of Brentford’s LB, keep him pegged in and allow us to have that bit of space for Henderson. Will run the line and whip balls into the box.

Neto is more of an inside forward, has real life chemistry with Nouri, so they play their Wolves style, Neto will come in off the flank and attack the gaps between RB and RCB lookin to create the over-loads whilst Nouri has that space to work in wide left to bang crosses into the box.

Icardi gets the nod today, a proper triggerman, will play off the shoulder of Brentfords CB’s looking to push them back a bit opening up more space for our runners.



Subs 65 mins:

Belotti > Icardi – More physical approach up top, just to freshen it up
James > Doku – like for like
Rabiot > Herrera – like for like

GW13

WOLVES vs leeds

Lubo’s leeds are a hit and miss team, some great talent, and Lubo has improved his tactical nouse, either that or he just blinks last every week after reading his opponents tactics.

We expect him to continue with his 4-2-3-1 and try to stifle the midfield, we’re going with a 3-5-2 today, match him up through the middle and play a potent front-two to punish him on the break.

………………………………….Donnaruma………………………..
………………De Vrij……….Koulibaly………Romagnoli……..
Spinazzola………..Busquets……Barella………….Alonso……….
…………………………………….Insigne………………………………
………………………..Vlahovic……….Mane………

Subs: Pickford, Konate, Kilman, Elmas, Wijnaldum, Griezmann, Raul

This is a must win game for us if we have any chance of making the top four, man for man I think we’re the better side. When you add in the home advantage and form slots we have to go into this match full of confidence, take control of proceedings and hit home our advantage.

We want nice slick passing today, It’s likely Leeds will try and press us hard, so our ball players from the back will look to the diagonal out-balls to get out of the press, once we have the ball and force the leeds players to turn, we hit them hard and fast.

Donna is one of the premier keepers in world football, he’ll command his box and collect any crosses within 12 yards of his goal, he has a solid wall in front of him so with him as the last line we’re pretty tight at the back.

Spina comes in as RWB, I know he’s more well known for playing on the left, but he’s naturally right footed and has approx. 40 games playing on the right flank so this isn’t an out-there experiment, blisteringly quick and great at getting up the field as shown by his exploits for Italy, makes him a good replacement for Carvajal. Defensively will show the man the line, no diving in.

Alonso plays at LWB so gives us a great balance with the both them attacking in tandem, 3 assists and 1 goal in 19 premier league games this season, show he still has the ability to influence games, has that nice bit of nastiness needed to play against dirty leeds, has the freedom to leave a foot in on any tackle.

Leeds have a potent attack, mostly in Kane but he’s backed up nicely in the wider areas, but our trident at CB are all battle hardened individuals, Koulibaly man marks Kane (or A N Other should Kane be dropped) bigger, stronger, faster… he’ll just monster him, keep him with his back to goal and don’t allow him to turn and run through on goal. He’s backed up nicely by De Vrij and Romagnoli, who will shuffle Right/Left to double on Leed’s wingers should they skip past our WB’s. This defensive block of five is pretty much impregnable, we hold the defensive line 25 yards out, so just past the D, when we have the ball that defensive line pushes forward 10 yards allowing our midfielders to come backwards to recycle possession without giving up too much ground and allowing leeds to press. When we do play it back it’s with a quick ball over the top from our defenders in mind. Leeds will chase the ball going back so when we lift it over their heads they’ll be running back to goal but we’ll have a head start, once/if they wisen up to this tactic and stop pressing when we go back, then we just keep the ball and draw out.

Busquets even at his age is still a mainstay in the Barca midfield (27 league apps) and one of the safest pair of hands you could have in the engine room, that experience and quality is paramount, we still see him dominate midfields for Spain/Barca, he knows when to go and when to sit, when to go long or short. Leeds have great midfielders at their disposal, none better than Jorgy but Busquets bossed him at the euro’s and he will again today. Alongside him comes in Barella, strange player who has undoubted quality without fully cementing a position all his own – but 2 goals and 10 assists for Inter in Serie A this season underline the talent, Whilst biscuits sits and mops up, Barella goes B2B, good engine on him and his 7 yellow cards this season show that he’s not afraid of putting a foot in.

Our defence and midfield units are solid and won’t see us concede many, but goals win games so at some point we need to let loose a little, Alonso and Spina will create chances from the wider areas and help push Leeds back but our attacking trident will cause them all kinds of problems that I’m not sure they have the answers to.

Insigne (7 goals and 6 assists in 24) will be the #10, will come deep to get the ball and look to drive it forwards, connecting our midfield and attack, rapid player with that lovely low centre of gravity, will always be playing on the half turn, causing the leeds DM’s all kinds of problems, as he drops off, Barella pushes on, so we end up with a front three, plus our WB’s ahead of Insigne, Leeds logistically just can’t cover them all off.

Mane (12 goals and 2 assists in 26) plays just off the shoulder of the defence, the pace and direct running of the man will cause leeds all kind of problems, they cant play too high a line as he’ll do them for pace and if he gets through they won’t catch him. Has good feet and footballing intelligence that enables him to link nicely with those around him.

The advantage of having Mane and Insigne is that we can switch quickly to a 3-4-3 should leeds press be too strong and we need to mix it up.

Dusan (21 goals and 5 assists in 28) are headline stats, a proper #9 great technical ability, but the physical stature of an old school British centre forward, the perfect springboard for our attacks, allows Mane and Insigne to play off him, before spinning and running through on goal.

Leeds defence just cant handle these three.


Subs 60 mins

Griezmann > Insigne, another great SS, wont have the Simeone shackles on here, plays his natural game

Wijnaldum > Biscuits, fresh legs in the engine room


Sub 80 mins

Raul > Mane – a 2nd more physical striker up against physically tired out defenders

-------------------Neuer

-------White----Maguire----Carlos

Walker---Jorgy----Pellegrini------Digne

-------Chiesa---Kane---Depay

Meslier
Simakan
Castagne
Brozovic
Foden
Zaha
Toney

I have opted to change to a three at the back for today’s game, with a 3-4-3 to line up against Wolves. The three at the back gives us a good basis to build from deep, whilst the midfield pivot provides plenty of energy and dynamism through the centre, whilst not sacrificing technical ability. The WBs we have opted for provide us attacking intent, and pace up and down the flanks, especially when they are players that thrive on their capacity for strong delivery into the penalty area. In Chiesa and Depay, we have direct inside forwards, who want to run at the opposition and attack with pace and direct running. Kane is the focal point for the attacks, providing us both a player capable of leading the line, as well as dropping off to accommodate the runs in behind of the two inside forwards. We want to play quick passing football in ours and the middle third, whilst adopting direct running in the final third. Out of possession, we will be looking to play an intense press, from the front to the back, and feel we have selected a team and formation to best suit us.

From the back, the three will defend deep, with Jorginho just in front. Maguire will serve as the man-to-man defender, taking primary responsibility for the marking of their key goal threat, whilst Carlos and White, who are more manoeuvrable, will serve as the covering defenders, using their higher pace to cover the spaces in behind Maguire. I think he thrives in a back three, where defenders can cover the areas around him, and not leave his weaknesses exposed. Jorginho will sit as the deep midfielder, shuttling across the space in front of them, allowing the space to be pressed and not left open. Walker and Digne serve as the WBs, dropping into deeper positions when we are under pressure, so that we are not so exposed out wide, but allowed to bomb forward and support the attacking intent of the team when we are on the front foot. In terms of the movement of the ball, I want to see 2-3 touch football in our third, with Jorginho and Pellegrini constantly on the move, so that there will always be options forward, especially in cute little triangles. We aim to get the ball into the WBs and allow them to drive us forward. Pellegrini is another possible outlet, serving as a box-to-box midfielder. He will do this regardless, but I would prefer the attacking movements to be down the wide channels.

When in the attacking areas, I will allow Kane to drop deep, and allow the space for the inside forwards in behind. Kane’s movement will likely see their defence forced into moving into uncomfortable areas, allowing for more space to be targeted by Chiesa and Depay. That being said, we still want to create chances for him, so when Digne and Walker get the ball down the line, I want to see them get the ball to the by-line, and then look for Kane’s presence in the box. Pellegrini will take up his position around the edge of the area, looking to pick up on loose balls and recycle the possession. All of this means that even if we don’t score in the first or second wave, we keep ourselves holding the chance to score in the third or fourth. Should we lose possession in these areas, then we will initiate the high press, with Kane targeting the CBs, and the wide attackers pushing out to the WBs, tracking them back if necessary. This should buy time for Pellegrini and the WBs to get back into their defensive positions.

Substitutions

If losing/drawing

Maguire off for Foden 70 mins

Switch to a 4-2-3-1, with Foden adopting the role of 10, and providing another option in the attacking areas.

Chiesa off for Zaha 75 mins

Fresh legs in the attacking areas, and a player with great pace to get at the opposition’s tired legs.

Depay off for Toney 80 mins

Switch to a 4-2-4, with Toney and Kane up top, as a joint physical presence, and Foden pushing out to the LW role.

If winning

Chiesa off for Brozovic 75 mins

We switch to a 3-5-2, with Depay going up front to play off Kane, whilst Brozovic joins Pellegrini and Jorginho in midfield.

Walker off for Castagne, Maguire off for Simakan 80 mins

Fresh legs in the defensive areas of the pitch, keeping us fresh against ther attacks.