------------------- Ederson ------------------
---- B.Pavard --- De Ligt --- P.Torres -----
----------- Fabinho --- R.Neves ------------
--- F.Torres --- De Bruyne --- J.Sancho --
--------- K.Havertz --- G.Jesus ------------

Subs: Ramsdale, Araujo, Reguilon, Tchouameni, Wirtz, Werner, Lukaku

Whilst the 3-2-3-2 formation can look very attacking when broken down it has a nice balance, the Fabinho & Neves pairing are integral as they provide a powerhouse DM duo to protect the defence giving us 5 solid defensive players and 5 attacking goalscoring players.

An obvious exposure of the set up is our flanks however playing with a natural RCB & LCB means we’re well protected, with Fabinho possessing the ability to seamlessly drop in as a utility CB another weapon in our defensive arsenal.

The opposition have bags of pace however we’re happy to let them have the ball out on the flanks, our 3 CB’s will stay compact and central, don’t go out and engage the wingers instead force them to come infield, with a compact central area there will be simply no room to manoeuvre and with three towering CB’s we are comfortably dealing with any crosses in the air.

In possession we’re stacked with firepower as we go for goals, De Bruyne pulling the strings with Ferran & Sancho causing problems out wide with Havertz & Jesus a dangerous duo up top.

Defence:

We go with a perfectly balanced back three, strong defensively but also with great ball players which will allow us to retain possession and play out from the back. If they play one up top then De Ligt will mark, Pavard and Torres will act as cover and stay relatively centrally at all times. We don’t want them to drift out wide, let then wingers come to us, keeping the central area’s compact will make it extremely difficult for the opposition to play through us.

Our brick wall of Fabinho and Neves will shield our defence, limiting the supply to their attack whilst also having bags of pace and energy to scamper across and deal with any threats out wide.

In this set up we also have the flexibility for Fabinho to drop in alongside De Ligt, allowing Pavard & Torres to cover the flanks in a conventional back 4. Tactical flexibility is our greatest weapon.

Midfield:

Fabinho and Neves will act as our enforcers in the middle. They will sit in front of our defence stifling the oppositions creativity and more importantly, cutting off the supply line to their forwards. We want to physical impose ourselves in this area of the pitch and these two are absolute warriors.

If their wingers break at pace then we want one of Fabinho/Neves to drift across to engage them whilst the other stays central and picks up their AM. Importantly this will allow our back three to stay intact and deal with their forwards.

If they look to build from the back slowly then this is when we will drop into a deeper defensive shape with Fabinho dropping in at CB and KDB dropping in alongside Neves forming a DM/CM partnership. As soon as we win back possession we spring in to attack with KDB terrorising them from AM as Fabinho slots back in alongside Neves at DM.

Forwards:

In this set up our attack is where the fun really begins. With a back three and DM defensive pivot this allows us to essentially play with a front five when in possession and enables us to really cause some damage.

De Bruyne will be instrumental as plays his strongest position in the AM role. A player with superb vision he will look to get on the ball as much as possible, running at the opposition drawing them in and committing a defender before playing that decisive pass. He’s also a great goal scorer perfectly capable of striking a thunderbolt from distance at any moment, if the opposition drop off he has license to go for goal at any moment.

We want Ferran & Sancho to hug the touch line, make the pitch as wide as possible and exploit any space on offer. We want them to be direct, get on the ball and go straight at the opposition, looking to either supply one of our front two, cut the ball back to KDB or go direct for goal themselves.

They both offer great workrate to get up and down the flanks. Neves has an amazing range of passing so when picks the ball up from deep we want them on their toes ready for the diagonal ball in behind. They’ll be a real handful for the opposition defence and combined with a front two create the perfect environment for us to overwhelm the opposition defence.

Up top Havertz & Jesus gives us the perfect blend of pace, power and elegance. Havertz has fantastic link up play, if he drops deep he pulls a CB with him which opens up a hole for Jesus to exploit. 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.

He’s also great in the air and by causing multiple problems for their defence this should open up space for our other striker Jesus to flourish. He’ll play an entirely different role as he buzzes around the frontline, he’ll play off the last man ready to pounce on any ball in behind with Neves and De Bruyne both capable of playing that perfectly weighted through ball.

If the opposition play a back 4 then Havertz and Jesus will be one on one against their respective CB’s placing the match up perfectly in our favour. If they go with a back 3 then this opens up the space on the flanks for Ferran and Sancho to exploit. We look to have fun against our North London rivals with 3 points very much the order of the day.

Subs:

If winning:
75 mins: Havertz off, Reguilon on. Pavard to RB as we move to 4-2-3-1.
80 mins: Neves off, Tchouameni on. Extra height and power to control enable us to control the midfield as we see out the win.

If drawing/losing:
75 mins: Neves, Sancho & Havertz off, Wirtz, Werner & Lukaku on. Triple change as we go for the win!

Watford: League fixture 21 (away to Man Utd)
Captain: Palhinha
Vice-Captain: Remiro

-----------------Remiro
Mário--Tuta--Ibañez---Patterson
-----------Palhinha --Nunes
------------------Otávio
Gonçalves------------------González
------------------ Núñez

SUBS: Grabara, Moura, Morato, Danilo, Alzate, Edwards, Evanilson


SUMMARY: This week we go with a 4-3-3 set up although we will be a tad more conservative and operate with one holding/defensive midfielder (Palhinha) who will be complimented with an energetic box to box midfielder (Nunes). In front of them Otávio will operate as the link between midfield and attack. This I feel will give us a better balanced midfield and while being absolutely defensively sound with 2 ‘sitting’ Nunes will also be allowed the freedom (when the time arises) to link with Otávio and attack. I think this set-up lets us link up quickly with our attack while at the same time that little bit of extra cautiousness means it will be easy for us to close the door in midfield with all 3 players as comfortable sitting and breaking up attacks if necessary.
We want to play a nice tidy and crisp passing game. Our aim is to move the ball forward as quickly and as effectively as possible. When we have the ball we will use it wisely and when we don’t have the ball then we will press our opponents all over the park with high urgency to win it back. We want to keep the ball on the deck and attack as a team and equally as important defend as a team. This team is bursting with pace. We will utilise that to our advantage and make the pitch wide and use our flying wingers to cause all sorts of mayhem. It will also be a tool that we use to hit opponents on the counter where we know we can out pace any team.
Goalkeeper: Remiro is a big mobile keeper and very athletic. A great shot stopper, he will communicate with the back 4 and be commanding with the high ball. He will not take any risks. He is a great distributor with both hand and foot and we will look to this as a way to launch quick attacks.
Defence: Our 2 full backs are there firstly to defend and make sure they stay on the right side of their opponents whether they be out wide or cutting inside. When we are on the attack they will be allowed to use their power and pace to provide the overlap on the flanks. They both have the power and the lungs to work the touchline for 90 minutes. They will make the pitch wide and always offer themselves as an option in attack. Our 2 centre halves are big 6 feet plus ball playing defenders. Both good in the air and equally as good with the ball at their feet. They will be asked to do the simple things well. Be aggressive but controlled in the tackle and never lose your man when defending dead ball situations. They will be able to bring the ball out of defence but if in doubt take absolutely no chances and clear it. Both big men will be a real aerial threat at set pieces.
Midfield: We will operate with one holding/defensive midfielder (Palhinha ). He will be the midfield general. A physical pacey midfielder he will be there to boss this area for us. Breaking up play and filling in as an extra defender if one of our back 4 has ventured forward. He will be there to protect the defence and do a lot of the unseen dirty work in the centre of the park. He is essential to our game plan and while sitting deep will still offer a lot with his great passing ability. He also has a thunderbolt right foot. He will be complimented with a deep sitting box to box midfielder (Nunes). 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 Otávio 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.
Wingers/Centre Forward: When in possession both Gonçalves and González 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 Otávio, Nunes 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 Nunes may sit a bit deeper allowing Otávio 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 lightning pace will be a real handful for defences. He will also be alert to any scraps in and around the goal. He has the ability to produce something sublime and create a chance out of nothing.
Free Kicks/Corners: Otávio, González or Gonçalves with Tuta , Ibañez, Palhinha and Núñez to offer an aerial threat. Otávio and González (with his thunderbolt left foot) may try their luck with several free kicks from distance.

Substitutions: (80 mins) If winning, then 3 like for like subs – Morato for Tuta , Danilo for Palhinha and Evanilson for Núñez.
If losing (60 mins) then switch to a 4-1-3-2 and replace Nunes with Evanilson and Gonçalves with Edwards. Fresh legs and 2 attackers that carry a goal threat about them. We will look to their pace and freshness to offer us something different.
----------Palhinha
Edwards---Otávio---González
-------Evanilson --Núñez

Attacking 4-3-3

We go with an attacking team full of pace, to dominate possession and take the game to Wolves. We have players with great high energy team on and of the ball, and play with a high tempo and look to overload the opposition through our fbs and inside forwards.

We aim to overload the wide areas, with both fbs bombing forward, our inside forwards have attacking freedom. Freedom to drift to find space in attacking areas, inside and off Lautaro, or wide and double up on the fb. Cause headaches for the opposition defence, with two supporting cms and fbs bombing forward on the overlap we create overloads on the side of the pitch we are attacking.

We look to dominate possession, so we obviously play a high line. This high line also allows us to press high up the park and retain possession more easily, by having options to pass back to. The fbs play high and wid, stretching the game and creating space in the middle of the park for our midfielders. With the quality, and players we have we look to dominate the midfield and simply create more chances, more chances more goals.

With the fbs having attacking roles the midfield trio is key so we go with a trio that all have high work rates. Mount is the midfielder with license to attack. Tonali and Vitinha acting effectively as a double pivot, the one on the side of the play has license to progress seeking to join as a deeper playmaker. The other cm comes across to the centre in a position to cover. As soon as we lose the ball, the 2 closest players press hard, allowing the midfield and fbs to drop back in.

Our strength in attack is out wide so we look to switch the ball quickly from one end to the other looking for opportunities to play our wi in and looking to create space for the fb and wingers to create. If not all 3 cms have a brilliant cross from deep.

Look to use the quality of Felix and Foden finding them in spaces between the lines. Our fbs both look to attack and get on the overlap, giving us good numbers in the box.

Outnumber them in attack, and defend high in a 4-3-3 formation, we have a very strong back 4 and a high energy Cm trio while the wingers and fbs will commit forwards they have great pace to get back into shape.

Our usual game is this attacking style, playing with a high line and looking to work attacking overloads in certain areas of the park (inside spaces today) and using movement of players to create half spaces for our quality in attack to make the difference. This suits us perfectly, we deliberately have pacey ball playing cbs, the high line and their ability on the ball is key for us to dominate possession (as you expect and need for real possession football).


—————————————— Alisson
R.James —— Marquinhos ——— D.Alaba ——— Theo.H
—————— Tonali ———— Mount ——— Vitinha
———— J.Felix ——————————————— P.Foden ———
—————————————— Lautaro

Subs. Trubin, Vanderson, Rodri, Thiago, Musiala, Sterling, Neymar

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 allow players to get into shape, then 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, Tonali plays zonally in front of cbs, with Mount and Vitinha just ahead pressing the play. The wingers narrow in front to the side of play Wolves 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 Wolves 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.

Attack

Key to our attack is quick passing play, not looking to force the play but moving the ball quickly. Pass and move. Getting the fbs and wingers doubling up on their fbs and getting balls into the box for Lautaro, and the inside forwards.

We have a cm duo (Tonali and Vitinha) who can both drop deep to offer an option and collect the ball from defence. Likewise a fluid front four (Mount included), 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.


Subs.

If winning after 70 mins bring on Sterling and Rodri for Vitinha and Felix.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Neymar for Foden.

If drawing or losing after 65 mins bring on Sterling and Neymar for Felix and Mount. 4-2-3-1. Neymar playing as second striker, Foden left.
If drawing or losing after 70 mins bring on Thiago for Vitinha.

High press 3-5-2

We go with an attacking team full of pace and power, built on a strong defence. A side with a high work rate, full of energy to press from the front. The defence starts with the front two.

We look to overload their defence, attack the areas outside their cbs and getting at their fbs, to get in behind using our pace in attack and creativity from the middle.

Our formation allows us to play quick direct football, Bastoni setting the tempo from the back, Ndidi the defensive midfielder with the energy of Verratti and Kovacic in front giving the attacking 4 freedom in attack. An attacking formation, but with fantastic pace in the back 3, and the defensive midfield pairing in front against a front 3 that like to come inside we are well suited to come up against their attack. Ndidi sits as the defensive midfielder, sweeping up in front of the back 3, giving Verratti freedom to go and press all over the park.

Class big man little man front two, Schick the perfect for the big man with a big touch cliche, playing on the last defender looking to take it in and link up, but more importantly getting in the box and on the end of crossed from the wide men. David given a free role to play off Schick, has pace to get beyond their back line, and ability to get deep/wide and create.

On the wings, both wingers stays wide initially when we win the ball, stretching the game but have freedom to come inside in final third.

Kovacic comes in at cm, effectively with Ndidi at dm, and both Verratti and Kovacic in cm.

We play with a mid line to allow us to press high enough without leaving too much space behind, they play with a big man up top, and have pace out wide, but we have great pace and strength at the back, so focus on putting pressure on them and winning the ball high up the park.

We will direct our attacks down the wings. Both wingers will have absolute freedom to attack, bombing down the wings, crossing for the front two and coming inside to give us extra players in the box. We will always leave one more defender than they have attacker, i.e if one striker we keep 2 cbs back, with Ndidi in front. This gives one cb (Bastoni) freedom to drift forward and help the attack, overlapping if it’s on.

We defend in a narrow formation, limiting the space for the opposition to play in. Defending in the 3-5-2 shape we look to defend high up the park, as they push up the park the team narrows to the side they are attacking. Ndidi sitting zonally in front of defence as Verratti and Kovacic press the ball and central passing lane. The wingers on side of play look to defend - against any attacking fbs on side of play or to pick up a dm if no fbs. David has a great work rate so he also looks to press.

The defence and midfield press as a unit, ensuring there is no space between the lines for any attacking mids.

When we win the ball we attack at pace. Use the pace of our wide players bombing forward linking with the forwards to create.

———————————— Martinez —————————
————— Varane ——- Rudiger —— Bastoni ———
————————— Ndidi ———— Verratti —————
Raphinha ——————— Kovacic ——————— M.Terrier
————————— J.David —— Schick ————————

Subs. Bazanu, Bassey, Mazraoui, Tielemans, Coman, Correa, Kalajdzic

Defence

When we lose the ball high up the park we always look to win it back straight away, don’t give them a chance to counter. The closest 2/3 players press. Allowing others to get back into position behind the ball.

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

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

Rudiger acts as sweeper, the other two cbs defend zonally going man for man when opposition forwards in their zone. If overloaded Ndidi can drop to cb, also going man for man if needed. If opposition players drop deep or out wide to opposite side of play we let them run free, defend the goal and pressing the ball as a well drilled unit. If they’re too far away from goal they can’t hurt us.

Subs.

After 70 mins bring on Tielemans for Kovacic. Fresh energy and more control/creativity against tired legs.

After 70 mins also bring on Correa for Terrier.
After 80 mins bring on Kalajdzic for Schick.

LEEDS Vs man city

----------------------------------- Neuer ---------------------------
Walker-----------Skriniar------------Laporte-----------L Hernandez
---------------------Gortezka------------Renato----------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------Hazard-----------------------------------
Antony--------------------------Kane-------------------------------Zaha

Subs - Meslier, Struijk, Pellegrini, Brozovic, Perisic, Depay, Isak

CAPTAIN - KANE
CK - HAZARD
PENALTIES - KANE

We lost our last game against one of the best teams in the universe Chelsea but we get back up again to continue our quest to remove the 'Dirty' from our name.


The tactics today will be to press the oppo and not give them time on the ball. I want us to try to recover the ball as soon we lose it. So for 5 seconds after we lose possession I want the 2 closest players to the ball to relentlessly press the player who has the ball. If we can't get the ball back within that time I want you to slow down and conserve your energy. Get into a well balanced defensive shape and just try and intercept balls/put tackles in to win the ball back.

Defence
We have Manuel Neuer in net, the original sweeper keeper. Often imitated, never bettered. If you wanna sweep than you will be given permission to sweep! Don't forget to save any shots coming at ya tho!
Skriniar and Laporte are two top level CB's. I want one of them to stick close to the oppo striker while the other will mark any runners that try and play off of him. Put tackles in, hoof the ball out if need be, just defend!

Full backs
Walker + L Hernandez
What we have here are 2 experienced fullbacks who are blessed with the pace and athletic ability to help out both in attack and defence. Your both are adapt at defending so you should know what the oppo wingers will do. You need to stop them cutting inside and getting shots and crosses into the box. Don't let them play off of your shoulders as they will try and get behind you and past you. Use your strength to get in front of them to win the ball back. Attacking wise I want them to get some crosses into the box as Kane is a threat in the air. You will be helping our wingers by making overlapping runs. If we lose possession while you lot are in attacking positions quickly run back into your defensive position. Renato will be covering for you if you are out of position as a safety precaution.

Centre Mids
Renato Sanches + Goretzka
Renato will be the link from defence to attack. Main job is to get the ball from deep and to use your pace and technical ability to open up the oppo midfield. Make runs forward and play pass and move passes with teammates and help the attack whenever you can. When we don't have the ball I want him to drop deep into DM and try and intercept balls and put in tackles to win the ball back.
Goretzka will have a similar but different role to Renato today. He will be given freedom to attack like Renato from deep but he will have a more attacking role. Goretzka is a long shot specialist so if the ball is played out to him and he's within a shootable distance then shoot. I want him to make late runs into the oppo box as well from time to time and try and win the aerial headers as he is a tall lad and known for his aerial ability. When defending you can drop deep and act as an extra body in DM. When Hazard drifts over to the LW and Zaha drifts infield next to Kane I want Goretzka to become the AM and do your magic from there.

Attack Mid
Eden Hazard
Hazard will be playing as the AM today. I want him to use his great dribbling ability and passing to create chances for Kane up front. Look out for the runs of our wingers so you can thread dangerous through balls to them. Make runs into the box whenever you can. Shoot from range if you see an opportunity. Whenever Zaha drifts infield I want you to go over to the LW side to mix things up a bit.

Wingers
Antony + Zaha
Antony will look to cut in from the right and use his pace and flair to create a shooting chance for him to unleash his thunderous left foot. Use Walker as an overlap whenever you can and always try and time your runs off of the shoulders of the oppo LB. If you find some space on the byline try and pull the ball back to one of our attackers so he can bury one in.
Zaha will be given freedom to attack. Time your runs to perfection off of the oppo RB and use your pace to get away from him. Drift infield from time to time to act as a central support for Kane so you can interplay with each other with quick pass and go's to confuse the oppo defence. When Infront of goal your a deadly finisher so if you have space shoot. Use Hernandez as an overlap if you need to if your getting double teamed by the oppo.

Striker
Harry Kane
The best striker in the prem and one of the best in the world. This guy is a bonafide killer upfront 11 times out of 10 if he shoots it's a goal. The oppo have some good CB's but Kane fears no man. Time your runs and play off of their 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 ruthlessness and decisiveness to get into good positions away from oppo defenders and smash home any balls played into the box. Be aware of crosses into the box and use your big head ability to win the aerial duels. Hold the ball up whenever you can so our attackers can make runs forward and you can thread one of your patented Kane Special Passes to them.

IF WINNING BY 75 MINS
Play deep and hit the oppo on the counter.
Take off Hazard and put on Struijk to give the defence even more protection. Isak on for Kane to give some more energy upfront.

----------------------------------- Neuer ---------------------------
Walker------Skriniar------Struijk------Laporte------L Hernandez
---------------------Gortezka------------Renato----------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Antony--------------------------Isak-------------------------------Zaha

IF LOSING BY 75 MINS
Take off Renato and put on Depay in strike. Play close to each other and put a tonne of pressure in the oppo defence. Defend high up and try and score a goal.

----------------------------------- Neuer ---------------------------
Walker-----------Skriniar------------Laporte-----------L Hernandez
----------------------------------Gortezka----------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------Hazard-----------------------------------
Antony----------------Kane-------------Depay------------------Zaha

IF DRAWING BY 80MINS
Depay on for Antony
Isak on for Kane
Pellegrini on for Renato

MAN UNITED Vs watford

-------------------------------Gulasci---------------------------------
--------Fofana------Upamecano------Schlotterbeck-----------
------------------Gallagher-----Valverde-------------------------
Aarons-------------------------------------------------------------Sessegnon
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------Kulusevski-----Adeyemi----Martinelli---------------

Subs - Mamard., Lacroix, Douath, Ekitike, Sulemana, Rashford, De Ketelaere

CAPTAIN - VALVERDE
CK'S - KULU
FK'S - MARTINELLI
PENALTIES - ADEYEMI

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 back 3 is well balanced and full of pace and power. Fofana and Schlotterbeck will be playing as the outside CB's and will look to stop any attacks that go down their wings. Upamecano in the middle will marshall the defence and look to snuff out any attacks from the oppo strikers. All 3 of these CB's are very good at playing from the back and I want them to use that ability if they have some space to dribble into from defence.

WINGBACKS
Aarons and Sessegnon are playing as wingbacks today. They will both have the freedom to bomb up and down their flanks. 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. Fofana and Schlotterbeck will be ready as the outside CB's to help you clear up any loose balls etc. 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 wingbacks 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
Valverde + Gallagher
These 2 will be the main enforcers to protect the defence and to control the central midfield. Both of these have the engine to easily last the 90 minutes. Gallagher will be the more defensive of the two. He will help the wingbacks in defending against oppo wingers and will also look to put a lock on the oppo AM to stop him dictating play. When in possession pass the ball out to the wings and try and play some quick one two's. Valverde will be allowed to stretch his legs and run with the ball from deep if there is space to do so in the centre of the pitch. When out of possession drop deep next to Gallagher and try and intercept the ball.

Wingers
Kulusevski + Martinelli
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. Martinelli 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 wingbacks. The main role of the wingers will be to get some crosses, low balls into the box for Adeyemi 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. .

Striker
Karim 'The Dream' Adeyemi
Adeyemi will be leading the line for us today. He has got the strength and pace 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. Time your runs off the shoulders of the oppo CB's and use your pace to get away from them. Play quick pass and move combinations with your teammates to find spaces in the oppo defence. Be vary of loose balls in the box so you can use your quick reactions to get to the ball before the oppo defenders.

Subs if LOSING BY 65MINS
Put on Ekitike for Gallagher and Rashford for Martinelli to bring some more attacking impetus on. Play a high line and put a lot of pressure on the oppo to win the ball back.

---------------------------------Gulasci-----------------------
-----------Fofana---------Upamecano--------Schlotterbeck----------
---------------------------------Valverde--------------------------------------
Aarons-------------------------------------------------------------Sessegnon
----------------------------------Kulusevski-------------------------------------
-------------------Adeyemi------Ekitike--------Rashford----------

Subs if WINNING BY 60MINS
Take off Kulusevski and put on Douath in DM to offer more defensive protection. Play defensive with everyone in our own half defending for their lives, waiting to hit the oppo on the counter attack. Put on Ekitike for Marinelli and De Ket for Adeyemi.

----------------------------------Gulasci-----------------------
-----------Fofana-------Upamecano-------Schlotterbeck--------
Aarons-----Valverde-----Gallagher------Douath----Sessegnon
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------De Ket------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------Ekitike-----------------------------------

Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Ekitike on for Adeyemi
Rashford on for Martinelli
De ket on for Kulusevski

Newcastle United v BRENTFORD

----------------------Kelleher
Livramento, Andersen, Guehi, Grimaldo
-----------Koopmeiners, Höjbjerg
Berardi----------Ødegaard------Szoboszlai
-----------------------Broja

Subs: Simón, Salisu, Ampadu, Stach, Saint-Maximin, Baumgartner, Ibrahimovic

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

Our defensive unit consists of Joachim Andersen Marc Guehi 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 Koopmeiners can maintain a good position to react if the initial press is bypassed. Our double pivot will offer huge defensive stability and will ensure that a structured shape is maintained.

Having two defensive midfielders centrally prevents others being dragged out of position to press.

Helping the defenders maintain solid positioning is a key part of Höjbjerg's role, he will press almost anywhere in his own half to allow defenders to stay in the defensive line.

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

Koopmeiners is not just your “win the ball and pass it on to the closest player” – there is a real creative mind in his locker, but it’s his ability to be the shield of the back four and then be creative once he gets the ball that makes Koopmeiners such a talent.

The attacking unit consists of Domenico Berardi, Martin Ødegaard and Dominik Szoboszlai 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 Dominik Szoboszlai, 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, Szoboszlai & 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 75 mins

Saint-Maximin on for Szoboszlai and Ibrahimovic on for Broja

Double substitution - pace, vision and creativity 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.

🟥 Basically wing it 🤦

LIVERPOOL vs Chelsea

Injuries
Alex Sandro
Morgan Gibbs-White
Nathan Ake
Maarten Vandevoordt

Difficult game vs Fan, we know his Chelsea side are heavy handed upto with Mbop (player, manager, coach, Director of football and chief scout) and Tap in Terry – Fan needs to make the most of him before the goals dry up when he starts playing in a proper league. So whilst we have to respect the attack. Fan has weakened the defence, out has gone the imposing Oblak, and he replaces him with Starbucks, add in a midfield that’ll stink the place out, we’re gonna have to go into this game asking where the real Chelsea’s at.

…………………………………….Jose Sa……………………
……………..Gomez………Schuurs……Botman………
Calabria……………………Busquets………………….Zinchenko
Neto……………………………Coutinho……………….Grealish
……………………………………Benzema………………………………..

Subs: Kasper, Trippier, Kabak, Cristante, JWP, Doku, Scamacca

Strange looking formation I grant you…. But we have 3 at the back, 5 if you include the wing backs, there is literally no need to have 2 holding midfielders in that side, plus in Biscuits we have one of the best in the business. This formation then allows to go with 4 attacking players to take the game to Chelsea.

Jose Sa, is one of the surprise packages of the season and plays between the sticks for us, rapid off his line and great with ball to feet, will play his real life game for us in a sort of formation he’s already used to, has the option of the short simple ball to the defence, but has the range to go longer for our attackers and completely bypass the press.

The three CB’s have a nice blend of skills and whilst it’s not going to be easy against one of the most formidable attacks in the league they have to fancy their chances, ultimately Botman won the French league alongside José fackin Fonte in possession Gomez and Botman spread wide, it stretches our defensive line meaning the sidewards pass isn’t quite as risky as it would be, but it also enables them to open up their bodies and hit the long diagonals that are a part of the armoury of a 3 man defence. Defensively Schurrs deals with Tap in Terry, with either Gomez or Botman there to double him up, the spare CB will shuffle back stick in case Chelsea try a quick reverse pass or switch ball.

Calabria and Zinchenko are both current national champions, so are obviously competent, we want them really stretching play today, both are technically sound so they can play in various stages of the build up, we don’t want them just being cavalier marauding WB’s for the sake of it, they both advance with purpose though, linking defence to midfield, and then midfield to attack, our wingers are more inside forwards, so these two will provide the majority of our attacking width. Defensively they’ll hit their man on his touch, Chelsea’s wingers are quick so don’t dive in unnecessarily but stay on your feet and don’t give him chance to turn, keep him back to goal and wait for RCB/LCB to come and support.

Sergio “The Enforcer” Busquets, will anchor the midfield, as I said earlier there’s no need for two DM’s with a 5 man defence, add in the fact Fan only ever goes 4-3-3 with a sole AM or when he’s feeling adventurous he goes 4-2-3-1 with a sole AM so basically Biscuits is only competing against one man and in a 1v1 scenario it’s not often he’s on the losing side…. The thing is though whilst he’s north of 6ft so any aerial ball is a gimme for him, and whilst he’s brave and a strong tackler, his real quality is on the ball, and in that respect he is like playing two-men…. He gives us the brute force of the enforcer but also the ball retention needed to orchestrate our attacks from deep.

Neto and Grealish are like cheese and cheese – there is no chalk. Quick and direct and a joy to watch them running at beleaguered defences, real crowd pleasers that may just wake the ground up after Fan’s sent em for a nap, we want them coming inside and attacking the Dm’s not the FB’s, we want to occupy the midfielders of the Chels and create the spaces for the 3rd spoke of the wheel Coutinho to operate in. the fluidity of movement between these 3 should cause havoc in Fans pedestrian midfield, and with our WB’s joining in with this phase of the attack by pushing high and wide we have a 5 man-line to spread from byline to byline.

With all that activity in the final third, we need a goalscorer and I struggle right now to think of a better all round #9 than Mercedes Benz…. Great touch, great hold up play, good movement and just 44 goals in 46 games this season show he can be the button man. Quite a young side so his experience will also be vital.

Subs 60 mins
Cristante > Biscuits, fresh legs in the engine
Trippier > Calabria, like for like
Scamacca > Benz, game will be won by now, some much needed minutes for the big man

Foxes vs WOLVES

Injuries:
Lorenzo Insigne
Takehiro Tomiyasu
Brahim Diaz
Kieran Tierney


Always enjoy games vs Rof, one of the best tacticians in the league and the fact he’s on course for a record equalling title is testament to his skill…. The fact his midfield won’t put me to sleep means I may have to think outside of the box to find a way to counter his. There’s a part of me that says play a 5 man midfield and just nullify him but we play to win, and failing that we cheat to win. so we’re going to go 4-3-3 it means only one striker that I don’t really like doing but we can hold the midfield atleast and then see how the cards fall.

…………………………………Donnarumma…………………….
Carvajal……………..Bremer………..Konate………Spinazzola
…………………………………..Jorginho…………………………………..
………………………...Kroos……………..Kessie……………..
Chiesa…………………………….Dusan……………………..Pulisic

Subs: Pickford, De Vrij, Viti, Ricci, Frattesi, Asensio, Ronaldo

Rof is a true scholar and we expect him to bring his heavy pressing, high line tactics, there’s no real science in beating that system other than using pace of your own to combat it, but that’s never a gimme -and his players are quicker than mine so we go old school catenaccio, sit in, hold on to the ball whenever we can, and then break when we get the opportunity

Our defence and midfield lends itself beautifully for this tactic and I think is better for playing against a quick side and hitting on the counter, Bremer and Konate are solid as….. something solid, they’ll sit deep and defend the 18 yard line, Carvajal is an old school solid RB, yes he can get forward but he’s a proper defender, Spina is the wildcard, absolutely rapid and gives us attacking creativity down his flank, so on the counter he’ll be on his bike trying to break the lines.

Their natural high line and our natural deeper line means the midfield gets really congested at times, so much so we may cancel each other out for long spells of the game, in then comes down to the moments of individual brilliance to unlock a stubborn defence or thread thru a ball that puts it on a plate for the attacking team. In these tight scenarios you need players that don’t get flustered, have good close control, can put a foot in and have a physical presence. Jorgy can dictate the play and put a foot in….Kroos is calmness personified, just the kinda player you want in this game and Kessie is a pure beast, will look to use his physical attributes to break the lines and send us down field.

Losing my thread with these tactics already, sorry for anyone reading this the attacking trio will play in isolation for long parts, but will remain switched on….Big bad Dusan will stay as high as the defensive line allows him to without straying offiside, will try to push them back a little and relieve the pressure – Chiesa and Pulisic are rapid and will also sit high and wide, try to keep Lesta’s FB’s from surging too far forward but if they go, only track back to the half-way line…. We want you up there for the counter, and that’s where having Jorgy sitting as the quarter-back is the advantage, picks his head up and pings a 35 yard pass over the heads of Lesta’s midgets and sets us on our way.

Dusan will be the springboard today, he’s more than “just” a targetman but this game is about the team and he sacrifices some of his game for their benefit, knowing that Chiesa and Pulisic if they can get their foot on the ball, will play him in.

Subs 60 mins

Frattesi > Jorgy – Kroos goes anchor, frattesi goes CM

Asensio > Pulisic – then switch with Chiesa… Asensio RW, Chiesa LW

Ronaldo > Dusan

ARSENAL to face Newcastle

---------------- D. Raya ----------------
—--- Kounde -- Saliba -- Tapsoba ---
—-------- Bruno G -- Locatelli –------
Saka --------- Maddison --------- ESR
------- J. Alvarez --- P. Dybala -----

Tacticolinos: Using the formation that no real manager has ever used but wins the league on here. No need for tactics, do what they learnt from last week. If Saka or ESR even think about defending, sub them off.

comment by JET (U22613)
posted 25 minutes ago
ARSENAL to face Newcastle

---------------- D. Raya ----------------
—--- Kounde -- Saliba -- Tapsoba ---
—-------- Bruno G -- Locatelli –------
Saka --------- Maddison --------- ESR
------- J. Alvarez --- P. Dybala -----

Tacticolinos: Using the formation that no real manager has ever used but wins the league on here. No need for tactics, do what they learnt from last week. If Saka or ESR even think about defending, sub them off.

----------------------------------------------------------------------
best tactics you've ever written

Stan Cullis played a variation of the 3-2-3-2 way back in the 50's when wolves were Englands dominant team, they also beat the likes of Honved (arguably the best team in the world) and Real Madrid (went on to win 5 european cups on the bounce)

https://www.football-lineups.com/tactic/3-2-3-2

https://thefalse9.com/2015/01/analysing-barcelonas-3-2-3-2-formation.html

https://spielverlagerung.com/2021/03/22/how-guardiola-3-2-2-3-ultimately-solved-the-defending-meta/

this is a decent read if you have a spare 5 mins

https://www.coachesvoice.com/cv/wm-formation-football-tactics-explained-tuchel-guardiola-chapman/


it seems one of your own, Herbert Chapman was one of the earliest users of the W-M formation (3-2-3-2)

Dani Alves and Ferran Torres are very similar tbf you are right

you really do need to grow up yeno, this is just for 5hits and giggles, don't take it too seriously

Well grown up thanks. I know its for fun, which is why I dont like putting time and effort in to change things then get the same narrative peddled when its totally different

Attacking 4-3-3

We go with an attacking team full of pace, to dominate possession and take the game to Leeds. We have packed the midfield with players that are great at controlling a game, have high energy on and off the ball, and are creative. Look to overload the opposition through our fbs, inside forwards, and two cms attacking.

We aim to overload the wide areas, with both fbs bombing forward, our inside forwards have attacking freedom. Freedom to drift to find space in attacking areas, inside and off Lautaro, or wide and double up on the fb. Cause headaches for the opposition defence, with two supporting cms and fbs bombing forward on the overlap we create overloads on the side of the pitch we are attacking.

We look to dominate possession, so we obviously play a high line. This high line also allows us to press high up the park and retain possession more easily, by having options to pass back to. The fbs play high and wide, stretching the game creating space in the middle of the park for our midfielders. Up top Lautaro is a player that can importantly link the play and get on the scoresheet. With the quality, and players we have we look to dominate the midfield and simply create more chances, more chances more goals.

Already relegated, we look to pile on the misery on a team that can’t change names quick enough to get away from Nadz United connection.

With the fbs having attacking roles, Rodri is key as the defensive midfielder staying reserved when we break forward. Both Musiala and Barella with license to attack. Leeds have tended to play with a pivot with a very advanced AM, so we look to control this space, getting our midfielders in between the lines between their defence and midfield, and between their midfield, overloading their pivot and pulling them out of position.

Our strength in attack is out wide so we look to switch the ball quickly from one end to the other looking for opportunities to play our wingers in and looking to create space for the fb and wingers to create. If not all 3 cms have a brilliant cross from deep.

Look to use the quality of Felix and Foden finding them in spaces between the lines. Our fbs both look to attack and get on the overlap, giving us good numbers in the box.

Outnumber them in attack, and defend high in a 4-3-3 formation, we have a very strong back 4 and a high energy Cm trio while the wingers and fbs will commit forwards they have great pace to get back into shape. As soon as we lose the ball, the 2 closest players press hard, allowing the midfield and fbs to drop back in.

Our usual game is this attacking style, playing with a high line and looking to work attacking overloads in certain areas of the park (wide today) and using movement of players to create half spaces for our quality in attack to make the difference. This suits us perfectly, we deliberately have pacey ball playing cbs, the high line and their ability on the ball is key for us to dominate possession (as you expect and need for real possession football).


————————————— Henderson
R.James —— Marquinhos ——— Militao ——— Theo.H
—————— Barella ———- Rodri ——— Musiala
——— J.Felix ———————————————— P.Foden ———
—————————————— Lautaro

Subs. Trubin, Vanderson, Tonali, Thiago, Sterling, Neymar, Tammy

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 allow players to get into shape, then press them high up the park.

Militao the man marker next to Marquinhos who is free to use his pace and intelligence to sweep up. In midfield, Rodri plays zonally in front of cbs, with Barella and Musiala just ahead pressing the play. The wingers narrow in front to the side of play Wolves 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 Leeds 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.

Attack

Key to our attack is quick passing play, not looking to force the play but moving the ball quickly. Pass and move. Getting the fbs and wingers doubling up on their fbs and getting balls into the box for Lautaro, and the inside forwards.

We have a cm trio who can drop deep to offer an option and collect the ball from defence. Likewise a fluid front three, who can switch positions or drop deep to collect the ball from midfield. This fluidity will help the players to get away from their markers, catch the opposition out and create space.


Subs.

If winning after 70 mins bring on Sterling and Thiago for Musiala and Felix.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Neymar for Foden.

If drawing or losing after 65 mins bring on Sterling and Neymar for Felix and Musiala. 4-2-3-1. Neymar playing as second striker, Foden left.
If drawing or losing after 70 mins bring on Tammy for Foden. More direct, Neymar. 4-2-2-2.

-------------------------- Sanchez --------------------------
J.Cancelo ----- Simakan ----- Romero ----- Robertson
-------------- Fr. de Jong ------ Declan Rice -------------
----------------------- B.Fernandes ------------------------
--- Gnabry ------------------------------------ Mbappe ---
-------------------------- Haaland --------------------------

D.Costa, N.Mendes, G.Inacio, E.Fernandez, R.Leao, F.Vieira, A.Gouiri

Last game of the season v Utd, they play with three at the back so we look to exploit there weakness there with Gnabry and Mbappe attacking down the flanks, We will play possession football controlling the play, especially the midfield where we want to dominate, we have the energy, aggression and athleticism there allows us to do this with de Jong and Bruno really on the front foot, quick on the break and really pressurize the opposition with an in your face performance from the front, they have a good midfield so we need to be aggressive and press them quickly when they have possession, 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, stop them coming forward from the back, however, if they do push forward onto us and we get the ball they will be on the back foot and will really struggle with our front 3/4 with Fullbacks who are always ready to pounce and hit them with pace.

Romero picks up the CF he wont let much passed him he is a pacey, very powerful, he will look to dominate the CF, Simakan spare picks up the AM if he gets away from our midfield, both top CBs 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. Jockey 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, Rice can drop back to make a 3rd centre back 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. Close them down quickly they have an attacking team, but very young so the pressure should really get to them and lead to mistakes for us to capitialise on.

Rice, he is our deepest midfielder sitting just in front of the CB's he will shadow there AM so must close him down quickly to stop him dictating proceedings, must be aware of all that is around him, be in the right place at the right time and look to cover for defensive players moving forward, he has to impose himself early on the AM to make him wary of holding onto the ball too long, once on the ball look around, head up and pick the pass that will get us moving forward quickly always making himself for a return ball from a deeper angle as he spreads it from side to side then eventually forward he is always looking for the ball to start again if need be, can be out to the fullbacks or indeed a longer ball to the front three to take the opposition out of it as they are still high up the pitch. like said before, can become a 3rd CB if required and will slot in there seemlessly so we become a 343 as we drive on, de Jong our box to box 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 he will pick the ball up from defense and push forward get it to the front 3/4 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 3/4 to drive onto. Can move forward to assist and look for balls coming out so he can either, shoot or whip straight back in, he will also look for piercing through balls for the front 3 to drive onto and go for goal. Bruno is essential to our style of play, he is the link between defense and attack he controls the pace of the game, as we break quickly he will look to set up our front three along with Bellingham, also, he will drop back at times to pick it up then look to his dribbling and passing capabilities to get him around player and if their is space he will into the danger area to unleash a powerful drive, sometimes taking a foul as he is a tricky player to mark gaining cheap freekicks, which he will take and hopefully bury When in possession always head up looking for the movement of our front three to play them in, he draws players in, so as he does this he will pass the ball away sometimes taking 2/3 players out of the game leaving a lot more room for others to make something dangerous, he will pass and move to always make himself available. After the pass he can push wide or central to make that extra man When he doesn't drop deep i.e when the defenders go long, he will look to form a front four as they move around and look to tear the defense apart and create space for the front 3. All of our midfield three must press the opposition and get to grips with this game very early on.

Our wingers are extremely quick, young and full of energy, when we don't have the ball they drop back a bit to make up the numbers as opposition attack, push into the faces of the opposition to force them into mistakes and hopefully in the end they lose the ball, Gnabry and Mbappe will cause them problems drifting in an out, taking men on and getting in behind their fullbacks, thus allowing de Jong and Bruno more time and space to pick there moment to move into space as an attacking threat 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 their defense is on top then we can always go direct at times and fire early crosses especially from deep from the fullbacks to midfield and Haaland, we must always make sure Haaland is well supported, especially wingers who at times will be right on his shoulder or alongside.

Captain - Declan Rice
Free Kicks - Bruno Fernandes
Corners - Wingers
Penalties - Haaland

Losing -
65 Mins - Inacio for Cancelo, he goes to LCB, Robertson to LM, Mbappe up top 3412
72 Mins - Leao for Robertson more attacking
78 Mins - Gouiri for de Jong, Bruno into midfield 343

drawing -
70 Mins - Leao for Gnabry, switch with Mbappe
80 Mins - E.Fernandez for de Jong

Winning -
70 Mins - E.Fernandez for Bruno, drop into a mid 3
80 Mins - Leoa for Haaland, Mbappe up top, Leao to LM

drawing -
70 Mins - Leao for Gnabry, switch with Mbappe
80 Mins - E.Fernandez for de Jong, F.Vieira for Bruno

added please

FA Cup Final

Liverpool vs Arsenal


it’s like a throwback to the 80’s when Arsenal were still relevant and the biggest club in London, We know Jet has the hoodoo over us, either that or he has some compromising pictures of Fan that he threatens to leak, this run he has is longer than ‘taker streak.

We know this means a lot to the Gooners, so much so they’ve been whisked away to a bunker for closed doors training for the last week, we have to carry the confidence of beating Lesta and Spurs in the previous rounds to get this far.

some key injuries to Rovella,Doku,Coutinho and Kelechi impact our plans a little but in the most part we’re in good nick, we won’t be crying about the Chef’s making us pasta and pizza.

…………………………………………Jose Sa……………………………..
Calabria…………………Gomez…………..Botman…………..A.Sandro
……………………………………….Busquets………………………
………………………..Cristante…………….Zinchenko………….
Neto………………………………Benzema………………………..Grealish

Subs: Kasper, Trippier, Ake, JWP, James, Scamacca, Icardi

4-3-3 today, leaves us solid in the key central areas, with enough pace out-wide to stretch this Arsenal defence, as well as being quick enough to counter their attacks. We want some nice possession football so our line is higher today than usual (Not Rof high, just 35 yards out) that can be seen as risky, But Calabria,Gomez and Sandro can cover ground pretty quickly and Sa is a maniac coming off his line, the obvious positive is that this then pushes the rest of the side a little further forward whilst still maintaining the passing triangle that have become part of our style.

I’d be shocked, really shocked if Jet went with two-up top so we’re going on the basis of one lone striker – he is then Botman’s man, Sven isn’t fast of feet, but he is fast of thought, strong and uncompromising he’ll physically bully his man and as already mentioned the pace of the other defenders can cover the run in behind should Botman be beaten. Gomez plays as the sweeper (unless Jet does a heel turn and goes two up top) Gomez and Botman are both comfortable on the ball so no need for aimless smacks down the park, we play into feet, or we play flat balls into the channels for our wingers to take in their stride… high balls just become a 50/50.

Calabria and Sandro, attack in tandem, they go through the phases, defence to midfield, hold the passing lane, when we’re secure they go from midfield to attack…they both they both drop off, none of this one go one drop, we want switch balls open from all angles of the pitch, Arsenal are going to have to chase shadows, both of these men can pull off great deliveries into the box so if they can hit it from 35 yards out, that’s fine. But their primary role in an attacking sense is to hit the line, we have inverted wingers, so these two men will provide that wider outlet, but at any time we should have 5 capable players in any phase of possession. Defensively they know what to do… jockey the man, apply the pressure and show him the line, if he tries to run across you just stay with cos he’ll do is run into Gomez or Botman.

The midfield trio – much like last week and the discussion of the need for pure DM’s in the modern game, we’ve turned it on it’s head and gone with a solid combo, that give us power and flexibility, no doubt Jet will be expecting to hold the middle ground with the likes of Partey ,Fabian Ruiz and SMS… But I can’t see either side dominating, if anything it’ll be a standing deadlock – Biscuits is our sole DM and is clearly good enough to keep whomever Arsenal play as a #10 or SS, we know all about his skillset, the tackles, the reading of the game, the physicality he brings and his Xabi Alonso-esque passing range, we’ve all seen how he holds a midfield and he’ll do that again today, the rest of the boys call him the magpie such is his addiction to collecting silverware. When we push on he drops to an auxiliary CB, so we seamlessly switch to a 3 man defence, if Arsenal get a quick counter we have a solid door for them to break down.

Just ahead of Biscuits we have 2 powerhouse DM’s Bryan Cristante is all action in the engine room, good physicality to help in any midfield battle, he’s far from a playmaker but his range of short-to-long balls is good enough, and that variance gives us a big help in the park, will get stuck in… win the ball… switch the ball out wide… and then push on to link up with the attackers.

Alongside Bryan is what can only be described as a swiss army knife of a player, Starting LB at City and captains Ukraine as a CM, defensively sound, technically sound, and with a fantastic engine on him as well, is the perfect mirror image of what Cristante does with his right peg.


The attacking trident, pace, power, technique and ice cold finishing, this front line has all these key ingredients, Neto and Greasy will play as inverted wingers, coming inside to use their stronger feet – the advantage of this is that they get closer to Benz leaving him less isolated. Our FB’s will then move into those spaces left behind. With 2 B2B mids also joining up we have 5 players, all good on the ball to apply a lot of pressure to this Arsenal back line. Spearheading it all is arguably the best #9 in the world this season, chances will be at a premium but he can carve one out of nothing, and of course with his touch he can hold it up or play in one of his team-mates, the link up play and slick one touch pass and move routes we have will cause a chaos in the gooners defence.

Subs 65 mins

JWP > Cristante, like for like

Trippier > Calabria, like for like



80th min

Scamma > Benz

------------------- Ederson --------------------
B.Pavard -- Araujo --- P.Torres -- Reguilon
------- Tchouaméni --- De Bruyne ----------
---- G.Jesus ----- L.Messi ----- F.Torres ----
------------------- R.Lukaku -------------------

Subs:
Ramsdale, Dest, De Ligt, Neves, Wirtz, Werner, Havertz

Tactics:

Moving the ball at speed will be the focus of our play as we go with an attacking 4-2-3-1 formation today as we aim to for the title.

We know that LC likes to play an attacking brand of South American football which lends well to our style of play, playing football the right way should leave plenty of space for our dangermen to exploit.

De Bruyne will be the man to run the show, operating slightly deeper he will be free from the shackles of their DM giving him the freedom to run the game. Further forward Messi will be flanked by Jesus and Ferran and will sit just in behind Lukaku, offering a perfect blend of pace, power and unpredictability that will cause plenty of problems for their defence.

We feel that this front four combined with KDB pushing forward from deep will cause problems galore as we have a multitude of attacking threats in our lineup. We will look to dictate the play and take the game to the opposition.

Defence:

Slight change at the back as we know their star man Nunez is an absolute menace. Fortunately we have the perfect player to put the shackles on him, none other than his fellow Uruguayan Ronald Araujo. As an international teammate he knows all about his game with Araujo having all the tools to keep him quiet. After being one of the few players to shut down Vinicius Jr this season his pace and power will be key in keeping their star man quiet.

As if that wasn’t enough he also have the classy Torres alongside him, acting as cover and sweeping up behind to eliminate any balls over the top.

In Pavard we have one of the best defensive fullbacks in the business. He’ll sit in, no need to bomb on with the quality with have further up the field, see your man down the line and don’t let him cut inside. On the other flank we have the more adventurous Reguilon, he has license to push forward, when doing so Pavard slots in as a third CB ensuring we always have plenty of cover defensively. Reguilon will provide width, doubling up with Ferran out wide as we look to overwhelm their defence with our attacking quality.

Midfield:

Tchouameni will be our holding player in the middle. An absolute baller this kid has it all. Pace, power and a fantastic reader of the game with this lad having more tackles and interceptions combined then anyone in Europe’s top 5 leagues. We rely on his athleticism to break up the opposition play, winning back possession and setting us up on the counter. We want him to make his physicality known, imposing himself on their AM and giving him no space to manoeuvre as we look to dominate the midfield battle. He’ll also look to cut off passing lanes to their CF, starving Nunez of the ball.

De Bruyne slots alongside him giving us a top class CM duo as we look to take hold of the game. Starting in a slightly deeper role he has freedom to roam and pull the opposition apart. A player with superb vision he will look to get on the ball as much as possible, dropping deep and looking to release Messi centrally or Jesus and Ferran out wide as we play at pace. He has license to push forward when we’re in possession, causing them a defensive nightmare as we have a threat from every angle. With a fantastic strike from range we also encourage him to go for goal with a potential thunderbolt on the cards at any moment.

Forwards:

In attack we go with four heavy hitters as we aim or goals. Messi plays centrally a free role. Fresh off a 5 goal performance for Argentina he’ll be looking to drift between the lines making himself extremely difficult to be picked up and causing a mismatch in this area of the field. We look to get him on the ball and go at the opposition, a player with fantastic link up play and an eye for goal he also has license to push up top alongside Lukaku or drift out wide with Jesus moving up top, making the Argentine virtually impossible to tie down.

Jesus and Ferran offer an abundance of pace and energy out wide. Both will be direct, going at the opposition at speed. In one on one situations they can be deadly and with the opposition likely to be concerned with KDB and Messi there is every chance these two can find space to expose on the flanks. With a powerhouse frontline we go for goals, both widemen 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.

Lukaku plays through the middle and will have a dream supply line around him. A real powerhouse he will be a handful for the opposition CB’s. 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 Lukaku could well find himself in one on one match ups in which he thrives. Play on the shoulder of the last man and as always be on your toes in the box, ready to pounce and finish anything that comes your way.

Subs;

If winning:
75 mins: Jesus off, Neves on. Tighten up defensively with dual DM’s. Messi moves to RW.
85 mins: Lukaku off, Werner on. Fresh legs and pace galore as we pick them off on them break.

If drawing/losing:
65 mins: Tchouameni off, Neves on.
75 mins: Ferran off, Havertz on. 4-2-2-2 with Messi & Jesus out wide, Lukaku & Havertz up top. Goals.

Watford: League fixture 22 HOME to Spurs
Captain: Remiro
Vice Captain: Palhinha

Team:
----------- -----Remiro
Mário-----Tuta—Ibañez---Angeliño
-----------------Palhinha
-------------Nunes---Otávio
Ocampos-------------------------Correa
-------------------Núñez

SUBS: Bursik, Moura, Morato, Danilo, Alzate, Edwards, Evanilson

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

Goalkeeper: Remiro is a big mobile keeper and very athletic. A great shot stopper, he will communicate with the back 4 and be commanding with the high ball. He will not take any risks. He is a great distributor with both hand and foot and we will look to this as a way to launch quick attacks.

Defence: Our 2 full backs are there firstly to defend and make sure they stay on the right side of their opponents whether they be out wide or cutting inside. When we are on the attack they will be allowed to use their power and pace to provide the overlap on the flanks. They both have the power and the lungs to work the touchline for 90 minutes. They will make the pitch wide and always offer themselves as an option in attack. Our 2 centre halves are big 6 feet plus ball playing defenders. Both good in the air and equally as good with the ball at their feet. They will be asked to do the simple things well. Be aggressive but controlled in the tackle and never lose your man when defending dead ball situations. They will be able to bring the ball out of defence but if in doubt take absolutely no chances and clear it. Both big men will be a real aerial threat at set pieces.

Midfield: Palhinha will be the midfield general. A physical pacey midfielder he will be there to boss this area for us. Breaking up play and filling in as an extra defender if one of our back 4 has ventured forward. He will be there to protect the defence and do a lot of the unseen dirty work in the centre of the park. He is essential to our game plan and while sitting deep will still offer a lot with his great passing ability. He also has a thunderbolt right foot. Nunes and Otávio will play just in front of Palhinha. Nunes will be a more box to box type. He will be involved all over and will offer as much in defence as in attack. Otávio will be the midfield magician. Clever, elusive and tricky we will look to him for creating the midfield openings with his eye for a pass. We will look at their enthusiasm and relentless pressing of the opposition as a way to hopefully get a bit of a grip on the midfield and at the very least not make it plain sailing for the opposition.

Wingers/Centre Forward: When in possession both Ocampos and Correa 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 Otávio, Nunes and Núñez in to play. They can vary their attacks by going wide or cutting inside as they see fit. Both players can play all across the middle so don’t be surprised to see them swapping wings. At times Nunes may sit a bit deeper allowing Otávio to slot in between both wingers, just behind the CF. As well as an attacking force both wingers will also have to put a defensive shift when called upon and act as back up for their respective full backs.

Núñez starts as the CF. He won’t be short of support or ammunition with the attacking talent behind him. Great big old fashioned centre forward. We will look for him to hold up and bring others in to play if it doesn’t seem to be on for him. An eye for a pass and not afraid to have a go from distance. We will look to get bodies in the box when attacking so he should always have an outlet. He is also great in the air and will provide an option from set pieces. When the shot is on he will take it but we also want to put himself about in the box and think that his power pace will be a real handful for defences. He will also be alert to any scraps in and around the goal. He has the ability to produce something sublime and create a chance out of nothing.

Free Kicks/Corners: Nunes, Correa or Ocampos with Tuta, Ibañez, Palhinha and Núñez to offer an aerial threat. Otávio and Correa (with his thunderbolt left foot) may try their luck with several free kicks from distance.
Penalties: Núñez

Substitutions: (if winning on 80 minutes) Morato for Ibañez, Evanilson for Núñez and Edwards for Ocampos, 3 like for like substitutions.

If losing (on 70 minutes) Edwards for Nunes and Evanilson for Ocampos. Shift to a 4-1-3-2 attack. Evanilson and Giovani offering fresh legs, pace and a bit of the unknown in attack.

------------Palhinha
Edwards---Otávio---Correa
---------Núñez---Evanilson

High press 3-5-2

We go with an attacking team full of pace and power, built on a strong defence. A side with a high work rate, full of energy to press from the front. The defence starts with the front two.

We look to overload their defence, attack the areas outside their cbs and getting at their fbs, to get in behind using our pace in attack and creativity from the middle.

Our formation allows us to play quick direct football, Bastoni setting the tempo from the back, Ndidi the defensive midfielder with the energy of Verratti next to him giving the attacking 4 freedom in attack. An attacking formation, but with fantastic pace in the back 3, and the defensive midfield pairing in front against a front 3 that like to come inside we are well suited to come up against their attack. Ndidi sits as the defensive midfielder, sweeping up in front of the back 3, giving Verratti freedom to go and press all over the park.

Classic big man little man front two, Schick the perfect for the big man with a big touch cliche, playing on the last defender looking to take it in and link up, but more importantly getting in the box and on the end of crossed from the wide men. Nkunku given a free role to play off Schick, has pace to get beyond their back line, and ability to get deep/wide and create.

On the wings, both wingers stays wide initially when we win the ball, stretching the game but have freedom to come inside in final third. Natural left footer on the left and we look for him to supply early crosses for the front two.

Pogba comes in at cm, effectively as an attacking midfielder with freedom.

We play with a mid line to allow us to press high enough without leaving too much space behind, they play with a big man up top, and have pace out wide, but we have great pace and strength at the back, so focus on putting pressure on them and winning the ball high up the park.

We will direct our attacks down the wings. Both wingers will have absolute freedom to attack, bombing down the wings, crossing for the front two and coming inside to give us extra players in the box. We will always leave one more defender than they have attacker, i.e if one striker we keep 2 cbs back, with Ndidi in front. This gives one cb (Bastoni) freedom to drift forward and help the attack, overlapping if it’s on.

We defend in a narrow formation, limiting the space for the opposition to play in. Defending in the 3-5-2 shape we look to defend high up the park, as they push up the park the team narrows to the side they are attacking. Ndidi sitting zonally in front of defence as Verratti and Kovacic press the ball and central passing lane. The wingers on side of play look to defend - against any attacking fbs on side of play or to pick up a dm if no fbs. David has a great work rate so he also looks to press.

The defence and midfield press as a unit, ensuring there is no space between the lines for any attacking mids.

When we win the ball we attack at pace. Use the pace of our wide players bombing forward linking with the forwards to create.

———————————— Martinez —————————
————— Varane ——- Rudiger —— Bastoni ———
————————— Ndidi ———— Verratti —————
Raphinha ——————— Pogba ——————— M.Diaby
————————— Nkunku —— Schick ————————

Subs. Bazanu, Bassey, Mazraoui, Tielemans, Terrier, Correa, Kalajdzic

Defence

When we lose the ball high up the park we always look to win it back straight away, don’t give them a chance to counter. The closest 2/3 players press. Allowing others to get back into position behind the ball.

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

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

Rudiger acts as sweeper, the other two cbs defend zonally going man for man when opposition forwards in their zone. If overloaded Ndidi can drop to cb, also going man for man if needed. If opposition players drop deep or out wide to opposite side of play we let them run free, defend the goal and pressing the ball as a well drilled unit. If they’re too far away from goal they can’t hurt us.

Subs.

If winning after 70 mins bring on Tielemans for Pogba. Fresh energy and more control/creativity against tired legs.

If winning after 75 mins also bring on Bassey for Diaby. Fresh power as lwb.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Mazraoui for Raphinha.

If losing or drawing after 70 mins bring on Bassey and Mazraoui for Varane and Pogba. 4-3-3. Nkunku attacking mid. Aim our attacks down the wings.
If losing or drawing after 80 mins bring on Tielemans for Ndidi. More creativity.

Wolves v BRENTFORD

----------------------Kelleher
Ramsay, Andersen, Guehi, Grimaldo
-----------Koopmeiners, Laimer
Berardi----------Ødegaard------Szoboszlai
-----------------------Broja

Subs: Simón, Salisu, Ampadu, Stach, Saint-Maximin, Djuricic, Ibrahimovic

Captain: Andersen
Free Kicks: Berardi/Koopmeiners
Penalties: Berardi

Our defensive unit consists of Joachim Andersen Marc Guehi paired up at centre-back, Calvin Ramsay at right-back and Álex Grimaldo at left-back, with Teun Koopmeiners and Konrad Laimer as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.

This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in Koopmeiners and Laimer 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 Laimer can press the ball without leaving lots of space, as Koopmeiners can maintain a good position to react if the initial press is bypassed. Our double pivot will offer huge defensive stability and will ensure that a structured shape is maintained.

Having two defensive midfielders centrally prevents others being dragged out of position to press.

Helping the defenders maintain solid positioning is a key part of Laimer's role, he will press almost anywhere in his own half to allow defenders to stay in the defensive line.

With Laimer 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 Dominik Szoboszlai 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 Laimer, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.

Ramsay and Grimaldo can surge up the wings in the knowledge that Koopmeiners and Laimer can drop into the space left behind if needed. As they come up the wings, both Domenico Berardi and Dominik Szoboszlai, 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, Szoboszlai & 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 75 mins

Saint-Maximin on for Szoboszlai and Ibrahimovic on for Broja

Double substitution - pace, vision and creativity 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.

MAN UNITED Vs Chelsea

------------------------------Gulasci---------------------------------
--------Fofana------Upamecano------Schlotterbeck-----------
------------------Camavinga-----Valverde-------------------------
Spence-------------------------------------------------------------Sessegnon
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------Kulusevski-----Adeyemi----Carrasco---------------

Subs - Mamard., Lacroix, Douath, Ekitike, Sulemana, Rashford, De Ketelaere

CAPTAIN - VALVERDE
CK'S - KULU
FK'S - KULU
PENALTIES - ADEYEMI

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 back 3 is well balanced and full of pace and power. Fofana and Schlotterbeck will be playing as the outside CB's and will look to stop any attacks that go down their wings. Upamecano in the middle will marshall the defence and look to snuff out any attacks from the oppo strikers. All 3 of these CB's are very good at playing from the back and I want them to use that ability if they have some space to dribble into from defence.

WINGBACKS
Spence and Sessegnon are playing as wingbacks today. They will both have the freedom to bomb up and down their flanks. 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. Fofana and Schlotterbeck will be ready as the outside CB's to help you clear up any loose balls etc. 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 wingbacks 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
Valverde + Camavinga
These 2 will be the main enforcers to protect the defence and to control the central midfield. Both of these have the engine to easily last the 90 minutes. Camavinga will be the more defensive of the two. He will help the wingbacks in defending against oppo wingers and will also look to put a lock on the oppo AM to stop him dictating play. When in possession pass the ball out to the wings and try and play some quick one two's as you are a good dribbler and passer. Valverde will be allowed to stretch his legs and run with the ball from deep if there is space to do so in the centre of the pitch. When out of possession drop deep next to Camavinga and try and intercept the ball.

Wingers
Kulusevski + Carrasco
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. Carrasco 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 wingbacks. The main role of the wingers will be to get some crosses, low balls into the box for Adeyemi 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. .

Striker
Karim 'The Dream' Adeyemi
Adeyemi will be leading the line for us today. He has got the strength and pace 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. Time your runs off the shoulders of the oppo CB's and use your pace to get away from them. Play quick pass and move combinations with your teammates to find spaces in the oppo defence. Be vary of loose balls in the box so you can use your quick reactions to get to the ball before the oppo defenders.

Subs if LOSING BY 65MINS
Put on Ekitike for Camavinga and Rashford for Carrasco to bring some more attacking impetus on. Play a high line and put a lot of pressure on the oppo to win the ball back.

---------------------------------Gulasci-----------------------
-----------Fofana---------Upamecano--------Schlotterbeck----------
---------------------------------Valverde--------------------------------------
Spence-------------------------------------------------------------Sessegnon
----------------------------------Kulusevski-------------------------------------
-------------------Adeyemi------Ekitike--------Rashford----------

Subs if WINNING BY 60MINS
Take off Kulusevski and put on Douath in DM to offer more defensive protection. Play defensive with everyone in our own half defending for their lives, waiting to hit the oppo on the counter attack. Put on Ekitike for Rashford and De Ket for Adeyemi.

----------------------------------Gulasci-----------------------
-----------Fofana-------Upamecano-------Schlotterbeck--------
Spence----Valverde-----Camavinga----Douath----Sessegnon
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------De Ket------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------Ekitike-----------------------------------

Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Ekitike on for Adeyemi
Rashford on for Carrasco
De ket on for Kulusevski