LEEDS Vs Leicester
---------------------------------- Neuer ---------------------------
Carvajal-----------Skriniar------------Konate-----------L Thomas
---------------------Gortezka------------Pellegrini----------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------Hazard-----------------------------------
Antony--------------------------Kane-------------------------------Mane
Subs - Meslier, Milenkovic, K Phillips, Bennacer, Perisic, Moreno, Zaha
CAPTAIN - KANE
CK - HAZARD
PENALTIES - KANE
We have unfortunately been relegated but the Dirty Leeds fighting spirit is still strong within our hearts. We will give our all against this Leicester side who will no doubt underestimate us because we are in last place.
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 Konate 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
Carvajal + Luke Thomas
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. Pellegrini will be covering for you if you are out of position as a safety precaution.
Centre Mids
Pellegrini + Goretzka
Pellegrini 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 Pelle today. He will be given freedom to attack like Pellegrini 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 Mane 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 + Mane
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 Carvaja 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.
Mane 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 Thomas 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 Milenkovic to give the defence even more protection. Moreno on for Kane to give some more energy upfront.
----------------------------------- Neuer ---------------------------
Carvajal------Skriniar---Milenkovic------Konate------L Thomas
---------------------Gortezka------------Pellegrini----------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Antony--------------------------Moreno-------------------------------Mane
IF LOSING BY 75 MINS
Take off Pellegrini and put on Zaha 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 ---------------------------
Carvajal-----------Skriniar------------Konate-----------L Thomas
----------------------------------Gortezka----------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------Hazard-----------------------------------
Antony----------------Kane-------------Mane------------------Zaha
IF DRAWING BY 80MINS
Zaha on for Antony
Moreno on for Kane
Bennacer on for Pellegrini
Cup final
ARSENAL to face Liverpool
Cpt: Jules Kounde
PK & FK: Paulo Dybala
---------------------- Maignan --------------------
Hakimi ----- Kounde ----- Saliba ----- Lucas.H
--------------- Partey ----- Fabian ---------------
Saka ------------------ SMS ------------------ Jota
-----------------------Dybala -----------------------
We are desperate to finally win a trophy after so many near misses. Today we will be possession monsters - 2011 Barca style we will suck the life out of the opposition by keeping the ball and finding penetration in areas where gaps are created. We’ve selected players who are incredibly comfortable on the ball for their clubs. We have triangles or boxes of possession based players in all areas of the pitch to move us up the pitch and push back the opposition, whilst also having bags of pace in our back three to sweep and cover if needed. In midfield we blend technical ability with plenty of physical qualities.
But there is no chance of our players being frozen by a new system as we are playing very similar to our usual 4231 or 433, just with Hakimi high as he normally plays and Lucas tucking in like Tierney used to.
We will play with a high line to create extreme pressure on the opposition and have the two wide players stretching the pitch, allowing the possession core in defence and midfield and attack to drain the opposition's life out of them, before working spaces to exploit. We need to squeeze the pitch in terms of length but keep it wide with our wide players holding width. Our pacey defenders reduce the risk of any counter.
Saliba in and the quarterback in the team. He has high 90s percentile long passing statistics (and all passing stats - LINK], he will put that to great use to occasionally go long to Jota or Hakimi and mix up our attack. All three of our CBs have very high percentile passing stats across a variety of ranges so we will play with three playmakers at the back, mixing up their approach and ensuring we sit high and dominate, starve the opposition of the ball. Saliba and Lucas are also great carriers of the ball and should look to carry through the lines at times to break the shape of the opposition as they try and get a grips on us.
Making up the final part of the French defensive unit is Lucas Hernandez. 99th percentile in progressive carries and high 90s in all passing [LINK], he’s perfectly suited to this system and position. Our back3 are pretty press resistant too, their technical quality should draw the opposition in and play around them, with numerous areas to play into.
Ruiz, the left footer in his home at LCM where he can dribble and dictate the tempo. Partey next to him as the Octopus - Partey played RB before and Ruiz plays in the left half space, so both cover the space in the FB areas when needed.
OPP DEEP SHAPE
This formation allows Hakimi to get forward and do what he does best, with Saka playing in the inside right half space, again where he excels, cutting in on his left and having plenty of possession players around him to combine with and look to break through the lines before applying the finish.
As pictured, Fabian can slide outside Jota to play-make on his stronger left foot, allowing Jota to become another finisher cutting in on his right. On the right side Saka will underlap Hakimi who will maintain width and use his pace as a different outlet.
King Dybs is the Messi today. He finally gets that limelight that he’s longed for at Arg. Elegant forward, he will play with fluidity and float around combining in different areas of the pitch. His passing stats are high 90s percentile in all areas [LINK] so he is the puppet conductor with also the ability to finish. He will gravitate to where our possession is based, this will draw defenders out and allow the likes of SMS, Saka and the wide players (Jota, Hakimi) to drive into the gaps and get into final ball / striker territory - this creates a fluidity that is very hard to track and mark.
DEFENSIVE SHAPE
Liverpool have a few players we would like to starve of possession, particularly Grealish and Busquets. Our midfield square can block the path to Busquets, with SMS and Saka working hard to block those lanes. Busquets is nearly 34 and often left lonely in midfield by Tino, we will isolate him and starve the poor boy. It’s hard to see how Liverpool will get out their half with any sort of similar approach today. Grealish/LW has the right side trio of Partey, Kounde and Hakimi to block his lanes and when he gets the ball two should close him down and frustrate him - don’t allow him to hit rhythm.
Liverpool will play either Benzema or Scamacca. Scamacca is a great finisher but we won’t let it get to that stage and from his stats [LINK] we can see outside the box he can do very little. If Benzema plays, Saliba should follow him - his lack of pace limits his threat and plays into our hands of gameplan to push them back. Lucas H and Kounde then have the often quicker wide players to track, along with the others on the pitch who will get back and help. We have a French quartet at the back who will know everything about Benzema.
On the rare occasion we are out of possession, this should be the shape we adapt. Look to win the ball back quickly with intense pressure from the fresher legs we will have after holding possession and making them run for so long. We then use the highlighted zones in order to break their shape and get back into attacking zones.
CORNERS
- outswinging for near post flick on
RC: Jota
LC: Saka
Kounde, as the quickest defender we have, should make a near post run and flick on the corner. The three players making runs will stagger their runs as the ball is flicked into the danger area and then attack the ball. Jota lurks incase it runs long or needs to track back.
SUBS
After 60 mins - Mahrez for Saka - Riyad comes in and plays a very similar role, tucked inside Hakimi, fresh legs and new problems to cause for the opposition.
After 70 mins - Locatelli for Ruiz. Like for like. Fresh legs.
If winning after 80 - Alba for Jota. The man who has won it all, comes in and plays a little deeper than Jota in this system and of course has plenty of defensive nous.
If not winning after 80 - Aubameyang for Jota. Time for big Aubs to win the cup for us if needed. Deadly in the left half space zone that this role creates. Opp will be knackered from not touching the ball.
Hopefully I've changed the link Fan so anyone with the link can see the tactics: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1p7ROM_uvp-1QhixRW3F6qCY9dz5P_ZmTuCB7eYMRZJA/edit?usp=sharing
Chelsea
------------------------- D.Costa --------------------------
J.Cancelo ----- Kalidou ----- Romero ----- Robertson
------------- Bellingham ------ Boubacar.K -------------
----------------------- B.Fernandes -----------------------
--- Gnabry ------------------------------------ R. Leao --
------------------------- Haaland --------------------------
Slonina, N.Mendes, G.Inacio, E.Fernandez, F.Vieira, A.Gouiri, Satriano
Obvs up against the league champions will be a very hard game, but we go in looking to start off with 3pts, a nicelyt balanced side imo with plenty of expereince and youth mixed, pace and power throughout and looking to cause some damage to their back line with a very quick and dangerous front 3/4 with attacking fullbacks to boot.
Back 4 led by Kalidou, he is the spare man allowing the other three to man mark when Spurs are driving forward, if they play 2 up top he will man mark the 2nd striker leaving Romero the tough tackling no nonsense CB to take care of the main man, both stick to their jobs, give the striker a yard or two, dont sit right on him as if he is lost then the striker is away, giving them a wee bit of room allows them time to adjust to where he is going and gives them that extra second to manouver into position to stop the threat and stop the attack, dont dive in, just shimmy the player to give him second thoughts on what he is doing, allowing our boys to win the ball and get it away from danger, boot it away if you have too. Fullbacks sit in a flat four when we defend, they push the wingers wide and keep them away from the box and shooting areas, try and stop the cross coming in so be onto the early, when attacking they both go at the same time, with Kamara sitting this allows them to do so, get on the outside of the wingers and pressure there defensive line with that extra man, forcing there attacking players back, use Bruno as the man in the middle to pass and sprint passed the wingers giving Bruno that option of playing wide or more central to Haaland or the players moving inside.
Bellingham and Kamara provide some support to our defense when we are in retreat they harrass the man with the ball with kamara doing the marking job on the AM/SS sometimes having to become a 3rd CB and Bellingham doing the running when others come forward, be onto them quickly stop the ball getting to the forwards and into danger areas, when attacking Kamara still sits in as the fullbacks attack he will be there to give our two CBs support just in case we lose it so we always have at least 3 back. bellingham will move up alongside Bruno to give us numbers up top, like said, if we push forward they have to crawl back, so even if we lose the ball they do not have the numbers up top to unleash a counter giving us time to get back, pass and move quickly and precisely and move into a dangerous area, demand the ball be confident in his abilities, shoot if he can and has an opportunity to do so.
Bruno is the link between midfield and attack, he can control the game form a number 8/10 position, he will be direct with his passing, wether out wide or to our striker, he will orchestrate play and quite simply pull the strings, if he wants to play a risky ball to get us in then he will, I want him to be aggressive in his play as we are definitely up against it, let the pass go as players come onto him, as this will take them out them game and less for our attackers to worry about, plenty options for him to aim for if he decides not to go for goal himself. Defending, his workrate in good, his pressing is aggressive and immediete so will always help out Bellingham and Kamara so will drop back to help and as we win the ball he will then look to start attacks very quickly.
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 Leao will cause them problems drifting in an out, taking men on and getting in behind their fullbacks, thus allowing Bellingham 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 - Kalidou
Pens - haaland
Set Pieces - Bruno
Subs -
Losing
65 Mins - Gouiri for Bellingham, he goes up top 442/424
75 Mins - E.Fernandez for Robertson, Satriano for Cancelo, Kamara drops back into a back 3 in a very attacking line up
Romero - Kalidou - Kamara
Gnabry - Bruno - Enzo - R. Leao
Satriano - Haaland - A.Gouiri
Drawing -
65 Mins - Gouiri for Leao, Enzo for Bellingham
75 Mins -Mendes for Robertson
Winning -
75 Mins - Enzo for Bruno drop back to the left of Kamara, Mendes for Leao
Watford (Away to Man Utd) Conference League Game 1
Captain: Grabara
Vice Captain: Ibañez
------------------Grabara
Mário------Felipe---Ibañez----Angeliño
------------Palhinha---Nunes
-------------------Correa
Ocampos--------------------------González
--------------------Núñez
SUBS: Bursik, Patterson, Tuta, Roca, Alzate, Otávio, Evanilson
Goalkeeper: Grabara is a big mobile keeper and very agile. A great shot stopper, he will communicate with the back 4 and be commanding with the high ball. He will not take any risks. He is a great distributor with both hand and foot and we will look to this as a way to launch quick attacks.
Defence: Our 2 full backs are there firstly to defend and make sure they stay on the right side of their opponents whether they be out wide or cutting inside. When we are on the attack they will be allowed to use their power and pace to provide the overlap on the flanks. They both have the power and the lungs to work the touchline for 90 minutes. They will make the pitch wide and always offer themselves as an option in attack. One goes forward and one stays back. Our 2 centre halves are big 6 feet plus ball playing defenders. Both good in the air and equally as good with the ball at their feet. They will be asked to do the simple things well. Be aggressive but controlled in the tackle and never lose your man when defending dead ball situations. They will be able to bring the ball out of defence but if in doubt take absolutely no chances and clear it into the stands. Both big men will be a real aerial threat at set pieces.
Midfield: We will operate with one holding/defensive midfielder (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 gameplan and while sitting deep will still offer a lot with his great passing ability. He also has a thunderbolt right foot. He will be complimented with a deep sitting box to box midfielder (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 Correa will operate as the link between midfield and attack. He will be our creator and can find that magic pass to break open a defence and release one of our front three. This I feel will give us a better balanced midfield and while being absolutely defensively sound with 2 ‘sitting’, Nunes will also be allowed the freedom (when the time arises) to link with Correa and attack. I think this set-up lets us link up quickly with our attack while at the same time that little bit of extra cautiousness means it will be easier for us to close the door in midfield with all 3 players as comfortable sitting and breaking up attacks if necessary.
Wingers/Centre Forward: When in possession both González and Ocampos 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 Correa, 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 Correa to slot in between both wingers, just behind the CF.
As well as an attacking force both wingers will also have to put a defensive shift when called upon and act as back up for their respective full backs.
Núñez starts as the CF. He won’t be short of support or ammunition with the attacking talent behind him. Great playing off the shoulder of the last man he is deadly in and around the box. A bag of energy and very strong we will also look for him to hold up and bring others in to play if it doesn’t seem to be on for him. We will look to get bodies in the box when attacking so he should always have an outlet. He is also great in the air and will provide an option from set pieces. When the shot is on he will take it but we also want to put himself about in the box and think that his size and strength will be a real handful for defences. He will also be alert to any scraps in and around the goal. He has the ability to produce something sublime and create a chance out of nothing.
Free Kicks/Corners: Correa, Ocampos or González with Felipe, Ibañez and Nunes to offer an aerial threat. Correa, Nunes and González may try their luck with several free kicks from distance.
Penalties: Núñez, González, Palhinha
Substitutions: (80 mins) If winning then 3 like for like subs – Tuta for Ibañez, Otávio for Ocampos and Evanilson for Núñez.
If losing (70 mins) then switch to a 4-1-3-2 and replace Nunes with Otávio and Ocampos with Evanilson. Fresh legs and 2 dangerous attackers that carry a goal threat about them. We will look to their pace and freshness to offer us something different.
----------------Palhinha
Otávio ------- Correa----------González
----------Evanilson---Núñez
Attacking 4-2-3-1
We go with an attacking team full of pace, playing with a high tempo in defence and attack. A fluid front four with real quality and pace. They have an ageing midfield and no Modric to link the play, so we feel at home with our well balanced midfield trio, the energy and pace of our wide players with the ball playing cbs we can dominate.
We see the oppositions weakness defensively is out wide at fb, and their lack of Modric to link the defence and midfield for them so we look to push both fbs up and wide. A simple job of overlapping the wide players, giving them the freedom to go inside and create. So simple jobs for the fbs, nothing fancy.
We think this should simply leave their fbs with two men to pick up, drawing out the cbs or cms, creating space for our wide players drifting in and for Pogba,Verratti and Benzema to exploit.
Outnumber them in attack, and defend in a 4-2-3-1 formation, we have a very strong back 4 and Cm duo while the wingers and fbs will commit forwards they have great pace to get back into shape.
They are missing their best midfielder so we look to win the midfield battle, with two cms that love playing two touch football and can control the game, both though capable of getting stuck in. We pile the pressure on, this gives us a huge advantage in seeking to create chances. Looking to work attacking overloads in wide areas of the park and using movement of players to create half spaces for our quality in attack to make the difference.
Up top Benzema is the in form player in world football. He has been playing at a level higher than anyone in the current season, more than evens his goal/assist tally suggests. His link up play with the wide men, and goal scoring will be key in the middle. Simply stick it near him in the box and his movement will somehow see the ball bounce off his head and into the net.
Only one fb bombs forward at a time, conscious of their formation, we feel we have enough in midfield and attack to commit only one unless we need to chase later in the game (tire their defence out first). With the attacking fb, Pogba and a winger we look to work the play down the wings. The opposite fb will be deeper but ahead of the cbs in a position to charge on to a ball played into space. Target the wings and get into positions to get down the outside for cut backs and crosses to the two front men.
Fabinho plays zonally in front of cbs, Verratti who presses the play. In attack, Pogba had a free role to get the best out of him. Defensively we’re looking for the French version of Pogba.
If we didn’t already make the point, we look to exploit their full backs and space out wide. Their missing their 1st choice lb and one of their best cbs so look to capitalise, and target these two, as well as Trent defensively.
Key to our attack is quick passing play, not looking to force the play but moving the ball quickly. Pass and move.
We have a cm duo who can both drop deep to offer an option and collect the ball from defence. Likewise a fluid front four, who can switch positions or drop deep to collect the ball from midfield. This fluidity will help the players to get away from their markers, catch the opposition out and create space.
———————————— E.Martinez
K.Walker ——— Rudiger —— Laporte —— K.Tierney
————————— Fabinho —— Verratti
Raphinha —————-—— P.Pogba ————— Nkunku
————————————— Benzema
Subs. Bazanu, Varane, Mukiele, Aouar, Terrier, Diaby, Schick
Defending
When we lose the ball the closest player presses the ball, the second closest presses the obvious passing channel. As they’re doing this everyone gets into a narrow rigid formation behind the ball in position to press high up the park. Stop them breaking and press them high up the park.
Rudiger the man marker next to Laporte who is free to use his intelligence to sweep up. In midfield, Fabinho plays zonally in front of cbs, with Verratti ball side. The wingers narrow in front to the side of play Toon 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 Toon get into our half, the wide players drop deep to add protection in front of the fb and next to the two cms pressing (Verratti and Pogba), Fabinho behind between the lines. Closing down the space, narrowing to the side of play.
Subs.
If winning after 70 mins bring on Diaby for Raphinha. More pace
If winning after 75 mins bring on Schick for Benzema. Fresh legs to bully tired legs.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Aouar for Pogba, fresh legs and creativity as game opens up.
If drawing or losing after 70 mins bring on Schick for Pogba. Two men up top. Play direct for 5 mins to mix it up.
If drawing or losing after 75 mins bring on Diaby for Walker. 3-5-2. Diaby central.
------------------- Ederson -------------------
B.Pavard -- Araújo --- T.Silva -- Reguilón
------- Tchouaméni --- Bissouma ----------
--- L.Messi ---- De Bruyne ---- Neymar ---
--------------------- Kane ---------------------
Subs:
Ramsdale, Dest, Gravenberch, Wirtz, Ferran, Werner, Richarlison
Tactics:
Moving the ball at speed will be the focus of our play as we go with an attacking 4-2-3-1 formation as we look for the win.
Fresh from securing the league title we look to have a bit of fun in the CL. Keen not to rest on our laurels we come into this game after a busy week, securing not one but two big hitters in Kane & Neymar. They’ll link up perfectly with Messi & De Bruyne giving us a dream front 4.
Behind them we have Tchouameni & Bissouma in the engine room, they provide the athleticism, pace and power to break up the opposition play and give up front four the freedom to do what they do best.
Quick, incisive passing is the order of the day. We look to take the game to our opponents and are happy to turn this one into a shootout.
Defence:
We go with a defence packed with quality as we look to nullify the oppositions attack. It’s very much the master and the apprentice at CB. Araujo is one of the top U23’s around and he’ll be accompanied by the rolls royce that is Thiago Silva.
If they play one up top then Araujo marks. He has the pace, power and strength to deal with the threat posed by any CF. Silva will be the free man, using his vast experience and tactical nous to sniff out any danger and acting as cover to clean up at the back. He’ll also be organising the back line ensuring that each man sticks to their task.
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 Neymar out wide as we look to overwhelm their defence with our attacking quality.
Midfield:
Tchouameni & Bissouma gives us a powerhouse CM duo. Both 6ft plus they’ll offer a real physical presence in the engine room. We want to free up out front 4 to express themselves and our CM will be key to this.
They have pace and energy in abundance. Not only will they be our ball winners on the middle but they’ll also look to track across and support Messi and Neymar in covering the flanks. When one drifts across the other marshalls middle ensuring we always have cover. They’re both also great ball carriers allowing us to transition from defence to attack in the blink of the eye.
Their high energy game ensures we can press the opposition in the middle, forcing mistakes, winning back possession and getting the ball into our magical front 4.
Forwards:
In attack we go with four heavy hitters as we aim or goals. De Bruyne plays centrally, looking to drift between the lines making himself extremely difficult to be picked up and causing a mismatch in this area of the field. With the players around him he’ll be in his element. What sets the top players apart is their ability to pick the right pass, he’ll have a plethora of options around him and we look for him to run the show.
Messi and Neymar give us a dual threat on the flanks. They’ll be doing what they do best, going at the opposition with the freedom to create and cause havoc as they see fit. Two of the best dribblers in the business they are a nightmare match up for the opposition FB’s. Both are world class finishers and will be looking for quick one two’s in and around the box to open up space for either to finish. With our two midfield enforcers behind them they have the freedom to attack at will.
With a dream supply line around him Harry Kane will be in his element. A natural born goalscorer he’ll be surrounded by some of the best creators in the business. He also has incredible workrate which ties in the nicely with the freedom we look to give Messi & Neymar to express themselves.
Kane will be looking to do what he does best, get himself in the box and finish any chances that come his way. With De Bruyne, Messi & Neymar supplying him he’ll be presented with plenty of chances to make his mark. Always be on the shoulder of the last man ready to pounce and causing havoc for the opposition defence as they try to contain 4 of the best attackers in the business.
Subs:
If winning:
70 mins: Neymar off, Ferran on. Fresh legs.
85 mins: Kane off, Jesus on. Pace up top as we look to pick them off on the break.
If drawing/losing:
70 mins: Bissouma & Neymar off, Jesus & Ferran on. 4-2-2-2 with Messi & Ferran on the flanks, Kane & Jesus up top. Goals.
Total football 4-3-3
We go with an attacking team full of pace and high energy, we go with players that have a high work rate to play with a high tempo starting from the front three. We know that Spurs have massive quality in attack, but they will also leave them exposed defensively, so we look to press high up the park and force them to play long. With our back four, all top ball playing defenders we are confident we can play around their attackers with little pressure and quickly move from defence to attack. Possession starts at the back, with Cbs and Rodri dictating the tempo, the cbs who are always the players that spend most time on the ball. We have ensured we have defenders that can play incisive passes and they will be key as we look to play quick more direct football (not long but more direct).
Rodri and Tonali to link the defence and attack, with Felix being the key link between midfield and attack, recently named Atletico’s player of the year, he has the pace and quality in narrow spaces to create.
Tonali next to Rodri offers the high energy box to box, and ability to overlap Lautaro who plays in a second striker position. James will be tasked with providing the width on the right as we look to target the Spurs defence who are missing defenders. One fb bombs forward at a time, the other progresses in line with Rodri, offering a deeper option to retain possession. We have pace at the back to get back quickly.
Look to overload the opposition defence through our fbs, inside forwards, and cm and am attacking. Sterling will play wide, looking to get in behind their rb so that our play isn’t too narrow. But with freedom to come inside when Theo overlaps.
Lautaro has freedom to drift to find space in attacking areas, inside and off Osimhen, or wide and double up on the fb. Cause headaches for the opposition defence, with two supporting cms and a fb bombing forward on the overlap we create overloads on the side of the pitch we are attacking. Lautaro is perfect for this role and we think it will also get the best out of Osimhen, he’s continued to do well but we’ve seen how Lukaku has struggled without him.
We look to play attacking total football, 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 Osimhen is a player that can importantly link the play and get on the scoresheet, he also gives us the option of a ball or cross in behind for his pace, or a more direct ball to use his power to take in.
With the fbs having attacking roles, Rodri is key as the defensive midfielder staying reserved when we break forward. Both Tonali and Felix with license to attack, Felix the more advanced with Tonali behind. Getting our midfielders in between the lines between their defence and midfield, and between their midfield, overloading their midfield and pulling them out of position.
Look to use the quality of Felix, Lautaro and Sterling finding them in spaces between the lines. The trio also getting in the box when we’re wide, we feel we can overload their defence and with quality deliveries from fbs/Tonali can exploit the Spurs defence.
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.
————————————— Alisson
R.James — Marquinhos —— Alaba ——— Theo.H
—————————— Tonali —— Rodri
————————————— J.Felix
———— Lautaro ————————————- Sterling —
————————————- Osimhen
Subs. Trubin, Vanderson, Thiago, Mount, Musiala, Sancho, 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.
Marquinhos the man marker next to Alaba who is free to use his pace and intelligence to sweep up. In midfield, Rodri plays zonally in front of cbs, with Tonali and Felix just ahead pressing the play. The wingers narrow in front to the side of play Spurs 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 Spurs 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 direct passing play, not looking to force the play but moving the ball quickly.
We have a fluid front four, who can switch positions or drop deep to collect the ball from midfield. This fluidity will help the players to get away from their markers, catch the opposition out and create space.
Subs.
If winning or drawing after 66 mins bring on Sancho and Thiago for Lautaro and Felix. More pace out wide and control in CM.
If winning or drawing after 75 mins bring on Musiala for Sterling. Fresh legs.
If losing after 65 mins bring on Sancho and Thiago for Lautaro and Tonali. 4-2-3-1. Thiago on to control tempo and possession more. Sancho the perfect sub to take on tired legs.
If losing after 72 mins bring on Tammy for Theo. More direct. 3-5-2
Use tactics for last Arsenal game
Maignan
Kounde Saliba Gabriel
Partey Fabian
Hakimi Paqueta Alvarez
Dybala Mahrez
Subs: ESR for Paqueta - Locatelli for Fabian - Jota for Alvarez
Opp instructions: South American trio Dybs, Alvarez and Paqueta are going to bring ruthlessness and energy to our attack in this game, they’ll keep Chelsea busy on that side and that stretches things for Mahrez and Hakimi to have more space. Similar setup to above but Gabriel drift slightly left meaning Fabian can play slightly narrower.
Liverpool v BRENTFORD
--------------------Kelleher
Livramento, Gatti, Guehi, Grimaldo
-----------Koopmeiners, Laimer
Ünder----------Ødegaard------Szoboszlai
-----------------------Broja
Subs: Simón, Sutalo, Ampadu, Höjbjerg, Saint-Maximin, Baumgartner, Ibrahimovic
Captain: Ødegaard
Free Kicks: Ødegaard/Koopmeiners
Penalties: Koopmeiners
Our defensive unit consists of Federico Gatti & Marc Guehi paired up at centre-back, Tino Livramento 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 Cengiz Ünder, 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.
Livramento 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 Cengiz Ünder 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 Ünder, 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.
LEEDS Vs wolves
---------------------------------- Neuer ---------------------------
Carvajal-----------Skriniar------------Konate-----------F Mendy
--------------------------------------Ndidi-----------------------------
---------------------Gortezka----------------Renato--------------------------
-------------------------------------Hazard-----------------------------------
------------------------Havertz----------------Mane-------------------------
Subs - Meslier, Struijk, Bennacer, Perisic, Isak, Zaha, Moreno
CAPTAIN - NEUER
CK - HAZARD
PENALTIES - MANE
We are in Europe hallelujah! It may only be the conference trophy but we here at Leeds welcome any chance to win silverware.
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 Konate 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
Carvajal + Mendy
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 our strikers are a threat in the air. If we lose possession while you lot are in attacking positions quickly run back into your defensive position. Ndidi will be covering for you if you are out of position as a safety precaution.
Defence mid
Ndidi
Ndidi will be the anchor that helps the defence. He will only focus on defensive duties and will try and intercept any loose balls the oppo have in the attacking third. Put tackles in and cover for our fullbacks when they are attacking.
Centre Mids
Renato + Goretzka
Pellegrini 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.
Goretzka will have a similar but different role to Renato today. He will look to use his strength and height to win aerial. 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.
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 our strikers up front. Look out for the runs of our strikers 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.
Strikers
Havertz + Mane
Havertz will be like a target man here. He's a tall lad but also has the technical ability to bring others into the game. Play aerial balls for him to bring down and work in tandem with Mane upfront to try and create chances. Mane will look to use his pace to get away from the oppo defence. 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.
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 Havertz to give some more energy upfront.
----------------------------------- Neuer ---------------------------
Carvajal------Skriniar---Struijk------Konate------Mendy
------------------Gortezka----Ndidi--------Renato------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------Isak-------------Mane------------------------
IF LOSING BY 75 MINS
Take off Renanto and Goretzka put on Zaha and Perisic on the wings. 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 ---------------------------
Carvajal-----------Skriniar------------Konate-----------Mendy
---------------------------------------Ndidi----------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------Hazard-----------------------------------
Perisic-------------Havertz-------------Mane------------------Zaha
IF DRAWING BY 80MINS
Zaha on for Hazard
Moreno on for Havertz
Bennacer on for Renato
MAN UNITED Vs watford
-----------------------Mamardashvili---------------------------------
--------Fofana------Upamecano------Schlotterbeck-----------
------------------Camavinga-----Valverde-------------------------
Spence-------------------------------------------------------------Sessegnon
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------Eliott--------Adeyemi-------Carrasco---------------
Subs - Hincapie, Douath, Sesko, Sulemana, Rashford, De Ketelaere
CAPTAIN - VALVERDE
CK'S - ELLIOTT
FK'S - ELLIOTT
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
Elliott + 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 Elliott 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 Sesko 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
----------------------------------Elliott-------------------------------------
---------------Adeyemi------Sesko--------Rashford----------
Subs if WINNING BY 60MINS
Take off Elliott 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 Elliott
-------------------------- D.Costa --------------------------
J.Cancelo ----- Simakan ----- Romero ----- Robertson
-------------- Bellingham ------ Declan Rice -------------
--------------------------- F.Vieira --------------------------
--- Gnabry ------------------------------------ Mbappe ---
--------------------------- Haaland -------------------------
Sanchez, Kamara, de Jong, Ramsey, R.Leao, A.Gouiri, J.David
Obvs up against a quality outfit and will be a very hard game, a nicely balanced side imo with plenty of experience and youth mixed, pace and power throughout and looking to cause some damage to their back line with a very quick and dangerous front 3/4 with attacking fullbacks to boot.
Back 4 led by Simakan, he is the spare man allowing the other three to man mark when Spurs are driving forward, if they play 2 up top he will man mark the 2nd striker leaving Romero the tough tackling no nonsense CB to take care of the main man, both stick to their jobs, give the striker a yard or two, dont sit right on him as if he is lost then the striker is away, giving them a wee bit of room allows them time to adjust to where he is going and gives them that extra second to manouver into position to stop the threat and stop the attack, dont dive in, just shimmy the player to give him second thoughts on what he is doing, allowing our boys to win the ball and get it away from danger, boot it away if you have too. Fullbacks sit in a flat four when we defend, they push the wingers wide and keep them away from the box and shooting areas, try and stop the cross coming in so be onto the early, when attacking they both go at the same time, with Rice sitting this allows them to do so, get on the outside of the wingers and pressure there defensive line with that extra man, forcing there attacking players back, use Vieira as the man in the middle to pass and sprint passed the wingers giving Vieira that option of playing wide or more central to Haaland or the players moving inside.
Bellingham and Rice provide some support to our defense when we are in retreat they harass the man with the ball with Rice doing the marking job on the AM/SS sometimes having to become a 3rd CB and Bellingham doing the running when others come forward, be onto them quickly stop the ball getting to the forwards and into danger areas, when attacking Rice still sits in as the fullbacks attack he will be there to give our two CBs support just in case we lose it so we always have at least 3 back. Bellingham will move up alongside Vieira to give us numbers up top, like said, if we push forward they have to crawl back, so even if we lose the ball they do not have the numbers up top to unleash a counter giving us time to get back, pass and move quickly and precisely and move into a dangerous area, demand the ball be confident in his abilities, shoot if he can and has an opportunity to do so.
Vieira is the link between midfield and attack, he can control the game form a number 8/10 position, he will be direct with his passing, wether out wide or to our striker, he will orchestrate play and quite simply pull the strings, if he wants to play a risky ball to get us in then he will, I want him to be aggressive in his play as we are definitely up against it, let the pass go as players come onto him, as this will take them out them game and less for our attackers to worry about, plenty options for him to aim for if he decides not to go for goal himself. Defending, his work rate in good, his pressing is aggressive and immediete so will always help out Bellingham and Kamara so will drop back to help and as we win the ball he will then look to start attacks very quickly.
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 Bellingham and Vieira 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 - Rice
Pens - Haaland
Set Pieces - Vieira
Losing -
65 Mins - J.David for Vieira, play just off Haaland 442/424
75 Mins - Kamara for Cancelo to LCB, Leao for Robertson to LW, Mbappe to LCF 343 attacking
Winning -
75 Mins - Kamara for Vieira to the left of Rice
83 Mins - J.David for Haaland
Drawing -
75 mins - Leao for Vieira to LW, Mbappe up top 424/442, Ramsey for Bellingham
------------------ Ramsdale -------------------
Carvajal -- De Ligt --- Araújo -- N.Mendes
------- Tchouaméni --- Gravenberch -------
--- G.Jesus ---- De Bruyne ---- F.Torres ---
--------------------- Kane ---------------------
Subs:
Pope, Dest, T.Silva, Bissouma, Messi, Neymar, Richarlison
Captain: De Ligt
Free kicks: De Bruyne
Penalties: Kane
Corners: De Bruyne
Tactics:
After last weeks excitement of securing Kane & Neymar the Spurs faithful are treated to 3 new faces through the door with Carvajal, N.Mendes & Gravenberch all signing on the dotted line.
The second game in a week means fresh legs are important and we make no less than 7 changes as we freshen things up and look to get one over our North London rivals.
Moving the ball at speed will be the focus of our play as we go with an attacking 4-2-3-1 formation as we look for the win.
We bring Jesus & Ferran into the line up as we add some pace and vibrancy out wide, Gravenberch joins Tchouameni in the middle with new boys Carvajal and Mendes giving us a pair of quality attack FB’s, adding another string to our bow.
Quick, incisive passing is the order of the day. We look to take the game to our opponents, exploiting the space they leave out wide and putting them to the sword as we continue our quest for glory.
Defence:
We go with a defence packed with quality as we look to nullify the oppositions attack. If they play one up top then De Ligt marks. He has the height and strength to deal with the threat posed by any CF. Araujo will act as cover, sweeping up behind to eliminate any balls over the top. They’re both great passers as we look to move the ball out from the back and advance up the field.
Our fullbacks will stick tight to the wide men, safe in the knowledge that they have supporting cover in behind. When in possession both Carvajal and Mendes have license to push forward with both having great quality in the final third. Look for the early crosses with Kane one of the best predators in the box. We look to draw the opposition onto us by sitting deep when they are in possession, limiting the space in behind and creating space for us to hit them on the counter.
Midfield:
Tchouameni & Gravenberch give us a powerhouse CM duo. Both 6ft plus they’ll offer a real physical presence in the engine room. Tchouameni will be our main holding player. 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.
Gravenberch plays a box to box role. A great ball carrier combined with a fantastic range of passing he should flourish with the quality around him. Look for the early ball in behind their fullbacks for Jesus and Ferran to exploit. He’ll work in tandem with KDB to help us retain possession and also possesses a great strike from distance should the opposition sit deep.
Forwards:
In attack we go with four heavy hitters as we aim or goals. De Bruyne plays centrally, looking to drift between the lines making himself extremely difficult to be picked up and causing a mismatch in this area of the field. With the players around him he’ll be in his element. What sets the top players apart is their ability to pick the right pass, he’ll have a plethora of options around him and we look for him to run the show. He’s also a great goal scorer perfectly capable of striking a thunderbolt from distance at any moment.
On the flanks we want Jesus & Ferran to hug the touchline, make the pitch as wide as possible and exploit any space on offer. They are both high energy players and we want them to be direct, get on the ball and go straight at the opposition. When Kane drops in to link up the play they’ll both be looking to get in behind the defence with both being clinical in front of goal.
With a dream supply line around him Harry Kane will be in his element. A natural born goalscorer he’ll be surrounded by some of the best creators in the business. He also has incredible workrate which ties in the nicely with the players around him.
Kane will be looking to do what he does best, get himself in the box and finish any chances that come his way. With KDB supplying the ammunition Kane is the perfect finisher. Always be on the shoulder of the last man ready to pounce as we go for goals and cause havoc for the opposition.
Subs:
If winning:
70 mins: Gravenberch off, Bissouma on.
85 mins: Ferran off, T.Silva on. We move to a back 5 as tighten up and see out the win.
If drawing/losing:
70 mins: Ferran & Jesus off. Messi & Neymar on.
80 mins: Gravenberch off, Richarlison on. 4-1-3-2 with Messi, KDB, Neymar in behind our front two of Kane & Richarlison as we really turn the screw.
Attacking 4-2-3-1
We go with an attacking team full of pace, playing with a high tempo in defence and attack. A fluid front four with real quality and pace. With our well balanced midfield trio, the energy and pace of our wide players with the ball playing cbs we can dominate.
We see the oppositions weakness defensively is out wide at fb, so we attack wide. A simple job of overlapping the wide players for our fbs, giving them the freedom to go inside and create. So simple jobs for the fbs, nothing fancy.
Drawing out the cbs or cms, creating space for our wide players drifting in and for Pogba,Verratti and Benzema to exploit.
Outnumber them in attack, and defend in a 4-2-3-1 formation, we have a very strong back 4 and Cm duo while the wingers and fbs will commit forwards they have great pace to get back into shape.
They are missing their best midfielder so we look to win the midfield battle, with two cms that love playing two touch football and can control the game, both though capable of getting stuck in. We pile the pressure on, this gives us a huge advantage in seeking to create chances. Looking to work attacking overloads in wide areas of the park and using movement of players to create half spaces for our quality in attack to make the difference.
Up top Benzema is the in form player in world football. He has been playing at a level higher than anyone in the current season, more than evens his goal/assist tally suggests. His link up play with the wide men, and goal scoring will be key in the middle. Simply stick it near him in the box and his movement will somehow see the ball bounce off his head and into the net.
Only one fb bombs forward at a time, conscious of their formation, we feel we have enough in midfield and attack to commit only one unless we need to chase later in the game (tire their defence out first). With the attacking fb, Pogba and a winger we look to work the play down the wings. The opposite fb will be deeper but ahead of the cbs in a position to charge on to a ball played into space. Target the wings and get into positions to get down the outside for cut backs and crosses to the two front men.
Fabinho plays zonally in front of cbs, Verratti who presses the play. In attack, Pogba had a free role to get the best out of him. Defensively we’re looking for the French version of Pogba.
If we didn’t already make the point, we look to exploit their full backs and space out wide. Their missing their 1st choice striker and don’t have a mobile replacement, Varane has simple job of man marking. Without that pace up top to hurt us, we play a high line.
Key to our attack is quick passing play, not looking to force the play but moving the ball quickly. Pass and move.
We have a cm duo who can both drop deep to offer an option and collect the ball from defence. Likewise a fluid front four, who can switch positions or drop deep to collect the ball from midfield. This fluidity will help the players to get away from their markers, catch the opposition out and create space.
———————————— E.Martinez
K.Walker ——— Varane —— Laporte —— Bassey
————————— Fabinho —— Verratti
Raphinha —————-—— P.Pogba ————— Nkunku
————————————— Benzema
Subs. Bazanu, Martinez, Kovacic, Terrier, Danjuma, Schick
Defending
When we lose the ball the closest player presses the ball, the second closest presses the obvious passing channel. As they’re doing this everyone gets into a narrow rigid formation behind the ball in position to press high up the park. Stop them breaking and press them high up the park.
Varane the man marker next to Laporte who is free to use his intelligence to sweep up. In midfield, Fabinho plays zonally in front of cbs, with Verratti ball side. The wingers narrow in front to the side of play they 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 they get into our half, the wide players drop deep to add protection in front of the fb and next to the two cms pressing (Verratti and Pogba), Fabinho behind between the lines. Closing down the space, narrowing to the side of play.
Subs.
If winning after 70 mins bring on Danjuma for Pogba, Nkunku central. More pace
If winning after 75 mins bring on Schick for Benzema. Fresh legs to bully tired legs.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Kovacic for Verratti, fresh legs and creativity as game opens up.
If drawing or losing after 70 mins bring on Schick for Pogba. Two men up top. Play direct for 5 mins to mix it up.
If drawing or losing after 75 mins bring on Danjuma for Bassey. 3-5-2. Nkunku.
Arsenal
Maignan
Hakimi Kounde Saliba Mendy
Partey Locatelli Fabian
Mahrez Dybala Aubameyang
Subs
Paqueta for Locatelli, Olise for Mahrez
ESR for Auba if winning
Jota for Auba not
presume in the second half no time was given so say 65 mins
Tactics as before from Jet
Total football 4-3-3
We go with an attacking team full of pace and high energy, we go with players that have a high work rate to play with a high tempo starting from the front three. We freshen up the team with 5 changes from the last game.
We look to press high up the park and force them to play long. With our back four, all top ball playing defenders we are confident we can play around their attackers with little pressure and quickly move from defence to attack. Possession starts at the back, with Cbs and Rodri dictating the tempo, the cbs who are always the players that spend most time on the ball. We have ensured we have defenders that can play incisive passes and they will be key as we look to play quick more direct football (not long but more direct).
Rodri and Thiago to link the defence and attack, with Barella being the key link between midfield and attack, Foden and Felix recently named Atletico’s player of the year, have the pace and quality in narrow spaces to create.
Thiago next to Rodri offers control, and ability to create, Felix who plays in a inside forward position. Vanderson will be tasked with providing the width on the right as we look to have both cbs bombing forward. One fb bombs forward at a time, the other progresses in line with Rodri, offering a deeper option to retain possession. We have pace at the back to get back quickly.
Look to overload the opposition defence through our fbs, inside forwards, and cm and am attacking. The wingers will play wide in the first two thirds, looking to get in behind their full backs so that our play isn’t too narrow. But with freedom to come inside when Theo and Vanderson overlap.
We look for the fluidity of the front 3 to cause headaches for the opposition defence, with two supporting cms and a fb bombing forward on the overlap we create overloads on the side of the pitch we are attacking.
We look to play attacking total football, 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, he also gives us the option of a ball or cross in behind for his pace, or a more direct ball to use his power to take in.
With the fbs having attacking roles, Rodri is key as the defensive midfielder staying reserved when we break forward. Both Thiago and Barella with license to attack, Barella the more advanced with Thiago behind. Getting our midfielders in between the lines between their defence and midfield, and between their midfield, overloading their midfield and pulling them out of position.
Look to use the quality of Barella, Felix, Lautaro and Foden finding them in spaces between the lines. The trio also getting in the box when we’re wide, we feel we can overload their defence and with quality deliveries from fbs/Thiago can exploit their defence.
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.
—————————————— Alisson
Vanderson — Marquinhos —— Gvardiol ——— Theo.H
——————————- Thiago —— Rodri
—————————————— Barella
———— J.Felix ——————————————- Foden ———
—————————————— Lautaro
Subs. Trubin, R.James, Vitinha, Mount, Musiala, Sancho, Osimhen
Defending high
When we lose the ball the closest player presses the ball, the second closest presses the obvious passing channel. As they’re doing this everyone gets into a narrow rigid formation behind the ball in position to press high up the park. Stop them breaking and allow players to get into shape, then press them high up the park.
Marquinhos the man marker next to Gvardiol who is free to use his pace and intelligence to sweep up. In midfield, Rodri plays zonally in front of cbs, with Thiago and Felix just ahead pressing the play. The wingers narrow in front to the side of play they 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 they 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 direct passing play, not looking to force the play but moving the ball quickly.
We have a fluid front four, who can switch positions or drop deep to collect the ball from midfield. This fluidity will help the players to get away from their markers, catch the opposition out and create space.
Subs.
If winning or drawing after 68 mins bring on Sancho and Vitinha for Thiago and Felix. More pace out wide and energy in CM.
If winning or drawing after 75 mins bring on Musiala for Foden. Fresh legs.
If losing after 65 mins bring on Sancho for Thiago. 4-2-3-1. Barella deeper, Felix to AM. Sancho the perfect sub to take on tired legs.
If losing after 72 mins bring on Osimhen for Felix. More direct. 4-2-2-2
SEASON 14
Week 1 16h July 12pm
Wolves v Liverpool
Chelsea v Man Utd
Watford v Man City
Tottenham v Leicester
Brentford v Aston Villa
Newcastle v Arsenal
Comment deleted by Article Creator
Watford: League week 1: HOME to Man City
Captain: Remiro
Vice Captain: Palhinha
Team:
-----------------Remiro
Mário---Ibañez—Felipe---Angeliño
-----------------Palhinha
-------------Nunes---Otávio
Ocampos------------------------Correa
-------------------Núñez
SUBS: Grabara, Matheuzinho, Collins, Vinicius, Correa, Evanilson, Cabral
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 Ibañez, Felipe, 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) Collins for Felipe, Cabral for Núñez and Evanilson for Ocampos, 3 like for like substitutions.
If losing (on 70 minutes) Evanilson for Nunes and Cabral for Ocampos. Shift to a 4-1-3-2 attack. Cabral and Giovani offering fresh legs, pace and a bit of the unknown in attack.
------------Palhinha
Evanilson---Otávio---Correa
---------Núñez---Cabral
------------------------- Sanchez --------------------------
J.Cancelo ----- Kalidou ----- Romero ----- Robertson
------------- Bellingham ------ Declan Rice -------------
-- Gnabry ------------- J.David -------------- Mbappe --
------------------------- Haaland --------------------------
D.Costa, G.Inacio, Kamara, de Jong, F.Vieira, G.Ramos, R.Leao
Looking to start off with 3pts, a nicely balanced side with plenty of experience and youth mixed, pace and power throughout and looking to cause some damage to their back line with a very quick and dangerous front 4 with attacking fullbacks to boot.
Back 4 led by Kalidou, he is the spare man allowing the other three to man mark when they are driving forward, if they play 2 up top he will man mark the 2nd striker leaving Romero the tough tackling no nonsense CB to take care of the main man, both stick to their jobs, give the striker a yard or two, dont sit right on him as if he is lost then the striker is away, giving them a wee bit of room allows them time to adjust to where he is going and gives them that extra second to manouver into position to stop the threat and stop the attack, dont dive in, just shimmy the player to give him second thoughts on what he is doing, allowing our boys to win the ball and get it away from danger, boot it away if you have too. Fullbacks sit in a flat four when we defend, they push the wingers wide and keep them away from the box and shooting areas, try and stop the cross coming in so be onto the early, when attacking they both go at the same time, with Rice sitting this allows them to do so, get on the outside of the wingers and pressure there defensive line with that extra man, forcing there attacking players back, use J.David as the man in the middle to pass and sprint passed the wingers giving David that option of playing wide or more central to Haaland or the players moving inside.
Bellingham and Rice provide some support to our defense when we are in retreat they harrass the man with the ball with Rice doing the marking job on the AM/SS sometimes having to become a 3rd CB and Bellingham doing the running when others come forward, be onto them quickly stop the ball getting to the forwards and into danger areas, when attacking Rice still sits in as the fullbacks attack he will be there to give our two CBs support just in case we lose it so we always have at least 3 back. Bellingham will move up alongside or push into No.10 as David moves up to give us numbers up top, like said, if we push forward they have to crawl back, so even if we lose the ball they do not have the numbers up top to unleash a counter giving us time to get back, pass and move quickly and precisely and move into a dangerous area at times beyond Haaland, demand the ball be confident in his abilities, shoot if he can and has an opportunity to do so.
David as a SS/Free Role is the link between midfield and attack, he can control the game form a number 10 position just off Haaland, he will be direct with his passing, wether out wide or to our striker, if he wants to play a risky ball to get us in then he will, I want him to be aggressive in his play as we and drive the team forward, let the pass go as players come onto him, as this will take them out them game and less for our attackers to worry about, plenty options for him to aim for if he decides not to go for goal himself. Defending, his workrate in good, his pressing is aggressive and immediete so will always help out Bellingham and Rice so will drop back to help and as we win the ball he will then look to start attacks very quickly.
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 Bellingham and David 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 David/Haaland, we must always make sure Haaland is well supported, especially wingers and David who at times will be right on his shoulder or alongside.
Captain - Kalidou
Pens - Haaland
Free Kicks - Mbappe for goal otherwise Bellingham
Subs -
Losing -
65 Mins - R.Leao for J.David, he goes LW, Mbappe up top 442, de Jong for Bellingham
75 Mins - G.Ramos for Robertson 3412 and he goes to No.10
Winning -
75 Mins - de Jong for J.David and to the left of Rice
83 Mins - R.Leao for Gnabry switch with Mbappe
85 Mins - Kamara for bellingham shores it up
Drawing -
70 Mins - R.Leao for J.David, he goes LW, Mbappe up top 442, de Jong for Bellingham
80 Mins - G.Ramos for Haaland
comment by Fan Gillhaus 1903 (U3339)
posted 3 days, 3 hours ago
Aston Villa
----------------------- Neuer ------------------------
Pavard ----- Mancini ----- Skriniar ----- Ferland
------------- Bissouma --- Bentancur -------------
W.Zaha ------------ Havertz -------------- Hazard
------------------- Lewandowski -------------------
Meslier, Tomori, E.Alvarez, D.Olmo, Griezmann, Mitrovic, McNeil
New season, new team, with Leeds gone Aston Villa come back into the big time
We go with tried and trusted 4231 with a very experienced squad, I want fast, fluid passing to get around the opposition, use the experience we have to pick the right pass at the right time and when to move forward and when to stay back, be in control at all times even when defending
A solid back 4 with Mancini looking to pick up the main striker, he is quick and powerful so will look to bully the striker, be on his toes at all times looking to intercept and ball through to No.9 nip in ahead when he can but nothing rash so he doesnt lose out in possession. Powerful in the air so any high balls into the danger area he will hopefully win. Skriniar alongside, again a very robust defender, he will be spare and will lead the back line, will help out Mancini if needed, can also switch roles with him if he struggles. Both can play it out so no need for rash punts up field unless tequired and no other option, will look to play it to the fullbacks or the midfielders ahead
Fullbacks will attack one at a time look for the one/two with the winger ahead, over lapping allowing Zaha/Hazard to come inside, can also use the CMs for quick passing to get them beyond the opposition fullbacks, defensively, stay strong, keep the wingers to the outside away from danger, try and keep them on there 'bad' foot so they find it difficult to get a cross in, I do not want to see my defenders dive in, so stay tall and use upper body strength to keep there chances to a minimum.
The two in midfield are very strong and tenacious, will always get stuck in, wont give there midfield any time on the ball, we will look to dictate play with neat slick passing, winning the ball and setting the attacking players free into space, Bissouma is the main DM will stick to the AM like glue, wherever he goes Bissouma will be there snapping at his heals, Bentancur is more B2B, but doesnt neglect his defensive duties, when we defend he sits alongside Bissouma making life as difficult as possible for the opposition midfield, when in possession he will carry the ball forward, such a big man very difficult to knock off the ball, has four quality players ahead of him so look for the space to pass and he will move into to space and always make himself available for a return ball.
Havertz in a No.10/free role, he has freedom of the pitch, drag markers around creating space for others to move into, he will be a nuisance for them, can go wide or join Lewandowski up top. Will look for the 3 around him plus one fullback as we drive forward, pass and drive into space and become a danger to their goal, in defence just hassle the midfield and make them misplace their passes or lose possession.
Wingers when we attack get down the line drive at fullbacks at times they wiull have a fullback with them so quick passing round their fullback should give us space for one of them to fire in to the box, whilst this is happening the opposite winger will be moving into space in the danger area to make up numbers, again defending, track their fullbacks and stop them gaining ground.
Lewandowski, is one of the very best strikers, give him the ball and 9/10 he will stick it in the back of the net, always on the last man, getting into dangerous positions waiting for the ball to come his way, he should get plenty supply, he doesnt defend, no need too, i fhe stays up top this will stop their defenders moving forward.
Captain - Skriniar
Penalties - Lewandowski
Free Kicks - Hazard
Corners - Wingers
Subs
Losing -
65 Mins - Griezmann for Ferland, he goes to No.10, Havertz up top in a 3412 formation
75 Mins - Mitrovic for Havertz, Olmo for Zaha
Winning -
75 Mins - E.Alvarez for Havertz, he goes into the DM role behind Bissouma and Bentancur, nothing will get passed them 4141
83 Mins - Olmo for Zaha
Drawing -
70 Mins - Griezmann for Havertz, Olmo for Zaha, fresh legs
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Total football 4-3-3
We go with an attacking team full of pace and high energy, we go with players that have a high work rate to play with a high tempo starting from the front three. We know that Spurs have massive quality in attack, but they lack both energy and pace. They will also leave them exposed defensively, so we look to use our high energy and pace to press high up the park and force them to play long, isolate their attackers and keep them in areas they can’t hurt us.
Possession is dominated by defenders and cbs, and so with our cm duo and our back four, all top ball playing defenders we are confident we can play possession football. Play around their attackers and quickly move from defence to attack. Possession starts at the back, with Cbs and Rodri dictating the tempo, the cbs who are always the players that spend most time on the ball for a possession team. We have ensured we have defenders that can play incisive passes and they will be key as we look to play through Spurs.
Rodri and Thiago to link the defence and attack, with Barella being the key link between midfield and attack. We have a strong blend of power and energy in cm. Lautaro playing in an inside right role for his high work rate, and ability to support Osimhen closely. Osimhen the striker, offering an outball with pure pace and power to match his high work rate.
James will be tasked with providing the width on the right. One fb bombs forward at a time, the other progresses in line with Rodri, offering a deeper option to retain possession. We have pace at the back to get back quickly.
Look to overload the opposition defence through our fbs, inside forwards, and cm and am attacking. Foden will play wide, looking to get in behind their rb so that our play isn’t too narrow. But with freedom to come inside when Theo overlaps.
Lautaro has freedom to drift to find space in attacking areas, inside and off Osimhen, or wide and double up on the fb. Cause headaches for the opposition defence, with two supporting cms and a fb bombing forward on the overlap we create overloads on the side of the pitch we are attacking. Lautaro is perfect for this role and we think it will also get the best out of Osimhen, he’s continued to do well but we’ve seen how Lukaku has struggled without him.
We look to play attacking total football, 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 Osimhen is a player that can importantly link the play and get on the scoresheet, he also gives us the option of a ball or cross in behind for his pace, or a more direct ball to use his power to take in.
With the fbs having attacking roles, Rodri is key as the defensive midfielder staying reserved when we break forward. Thiago to create from deeper areas, Barella with license to attack. Getting our midfielders in between the lines between their defence and midfield, and between their midfield, overloading their midfield and pulling them out of position.
Look to use the quality of Barella, Lautaro and Foden finding them in spaces between the lines. The trio also getting in the box when we’re wide, we feel we can overload their defence and with quality deliveries from fbs/Thiago can exploit the Spurs defence.
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.
————————————— Alisson
R.James — Marquinhos —— Alaba ——— Theo.H
————————— Thiago —— Rodri
————————————— Barella
———— Lautaro ————————————- Foden —
————————————- Osimhen
Subs. Trubin, Gvardiol, Tonali, Musiala, Felix, Sterling, 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.
Marquinhos the man marker next to Alaba who is free to use his pace and intelligence to sweep up. In midfield, Rodri plays zonally in front of cbs, with Thiago and Barella just ahead pressing the play. The wingers narrow in front to the side of play Spurs 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 Spurs 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 direct passing play, not looking to force the play but moving the ball quickly.
We have a fluid front four, who can switch positions or drop deep to collect the ball from midfield. This fluidity will help the players to get away from their markers, catch the opposition out and create space.
Subs.
If winning or drawing after 66 mins bring on Sterling and Tonali for Lautaro and Thiago. More pace out wide and power in CM.
If winning or drawing after 75 mins bring on Felix for Barella. Fresh legs.
If losing after 65 mins bring on Sterling and Felix for Lautaro and Thiago. 4-2-3-1. Barella deeper, and more out wide and through middle.
If losing after 72 mins bring on Tammy for Theo. More direct. 3-5-2
Attacking 4-2-3-1
We go with an attacking team full of pace, playing with a high tempo in defence and attack. A fluid front four with real quality and pace.
We see the oppositions weakness defensively is out wide at fb, so we look to push both fbs up and wide. A simple job of overlapping the wide players, giving them the freedom to go inside and create. So simple jobs for the fbs, nothing fancy.
We think this should simply leave their fbs with two men to pick up, drawing out the cbs or cms, creating space for our wide players drifting in and for Pogba,Verratti and Benzema to exploit.
Outnumber them in attack, and defend in a 4-2-3-1 formation, we have a very strong back 4 and Cm duo while the wingers and fbs will commit forwards they have great pace to get back into shape.
We look to win the midfield battle, with two cms that love playing two touch football and can control the game, both though capable of getting stuck in. We pile the pressure on, this gives us a huge advantage in seeking to create chances. Looking to work attacking overloads in wide areas of the park and using movement of players to create half spaces for our quality in attack to make the difference.
Up top Benzema is the in form player in world football. He has been playing at a level higher than anyone in the current season, more than evens his goal/assist tally suggests. His link up play with the wide men, and goal scoring will be key in the middle. Simply stick it near him in the box and his movement will somehow see the ball bounce off his head and into the net.
Only one fb bombs forward at a time, conscious of their formation, we feel we have enough in midfield and attack to commit only one unless we need to chase later in the game (tire their defence out first). With the attacking fb, Pogba and a winger we look to work the play down the wings. The opposite fb will be deeper but ahead of the cbs in a position to charge on to a ball played into space. Target the wings and get into positions to get down the outside for cut backs and crosses to the two front men.
Casemiro plays zonally in front of cbs, Verratti who presses the play. In attack, Pogba had a free role to get the best out of him. Defensively we’re looking for the French version of Pogba.
If we didn’t already make the point, we look to exploit their full backs and space out wide.
Key to our attack is quick passing play, not looking to force the play but moving the ball quickly. Pass and move.
We have a cm duo who can both drop deep to offer an option and collect the ball from defence. Likewise a fluid front four, who can switch positions or drop deep to collect the ball from midfield. This fluidity will help the players to get away from their markers, catch the opposition out and create space.
———————————— E.Martinez
K.Walker ——— Rudiger —— Laporte —— K.Tierney
————————— Casemiro —— Verratti
Raphinha —————-—— P.Pogba ————— Nkunku
————————————— Benzema
Subs. Bazanu, Varane, Kovacic, Onana, L.Sane, Danjuma, Schick
Defending
When we lose the ball the closest player presses the ball, the second closest presses the obvious passing channel. As they’re doing this everyone gets into a narrow rigid formation behind the ball in position to press high up the park. Stop them breaking and press them high up the park.
Rudiger the man marker next to Laporte who is free to use his intelligence to sweep up. In midfield, Casemiro plays zonally in front of cbs, with Verratti ball side. The wingers narrow in front to the side of play they 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 they get into our half, the wide players drop deep to add protection in front of the fb and next to the two cms pressing (Verratti and Pogba), Casemiro behind between the lines. Closing down the space, narrowing to the side of play.
Subs.
If winning after 70 mins bring on Sane for Pogba. More pace, Nkunku central
If winning after 75 mins bring on Schick for Benzema. Fresh legs to bully tired legs.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Onana for Verratti, fresh legs and power as game opens up.
If drawing or losing after 70 mins bring on Schick for Pogba. Two men up top. Play direct for 5 mins to mix it up.
If drawing or losing after 75 mins bring on Sane for Walker. 3-5-2. Nkunku central.
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Tactics
Page 52 of 78
53 | 54 | 55 | 56 | 57
posted on 14/6/22
LEEDS Vs Leicester
---------------------------------- Neuer ---------------------------
Carvajal-----------Skriniar------------Konate-----------L Thomas
---------------------Gortezka------------Pellegrini----------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------Hazard-----------------------------------
Antony--------------------------Kane-------------------------------Mane
Subs - Meslier, Milenkovic, K Phillips, Bennacer, Perisic, Moreno, Zaha
CAPTAIN - KANE
CK - HAZARD
PENALTIES - KANE
We have unfortunately been relegated but the Dirty Leeds fighting spirit is still strong within our hearts. We will give our all against this Leicester side who will no doubt underestimate us because we are in last place.
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 Konate 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
Carvajal + Luke Thomas
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. Pellegrini will be covering for you if you are out of position as a safety precaution.
Centre Mids
Pellegrini + Goretzka
Pellegrini 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 Pelle today. He will be given freedom to attack like Pellegrini 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 Mane 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 + Mane
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 Carvaja 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.
Mane 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 Thomas 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 Milenkovic to give the defence even more protection. Moreno on for Kane to give some more energy upfront.
----------------------------------- Neuer ---------------------------
Carvajal------Skriniar---Milenkovic------Konate------L Thomas
---------------------Gortezka------------Pellegrini----------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Antony--------------------------Moreno-------------------------------Mane
IF LOSING BY 75 MINS
Take off Pellegrini and put on Zaha 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 ---------------------------
Carvajal-----------Skriniar------------Konate-----------L Thomas
----------------------------------Gortezka----------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------Hazard-----------------------------------
Antony----------------Kane-------------Mane------------------Zaha
IF DRAWING BY 80MINS
Zaha on for Antony
Moreno on for Kane
Bennacer on for Pellegrini
posted on 15/6/22
Cup final
ARSENAL to face Liverpool
Cpt: Jules Kounde
PK & FK: Paulo Dybala
---------------------- Maignan --------------------
Hakimi ----- Kounde ----- Saliba ----- Lucas.H
--------------- Partey ----- Fabian ---------------
Saka ------------------ SMS ------------------ Jota
-----------------------Dybala -----------------------
We are desperate to finally win a trophy after so many near misses. Today we will be possession monsters - 2011 Barca style we will suck the life out of the opposition by keeping the ball and finding penetration in areas where gaps are created. We’ve selected players who are incredibly comfortable on the ball for their clubs. We have triangles or boxes of possession based players in all areas of the pitch to move us up the pitch and push back the opposition, whilst also having bags of pace in our back three to sweep and cover if needed. In midfield we blend technical ability with plenty of physical qualities.
But there is no chance of our players being frozen by a new system as we are playing very similar to our usual 4231 or 433, just with Hakimi high as he normally plays and Lucas tucking in like Tierney used to.
We will play with a high line to create extreme pressure on the opposition and have the two wide players stretching the pitch, allowing the possession core in defence and midfield and attack to drain the opposition's life out of them, before working spaces to exploit. We need to squeeze the pitch in terms of length but keep it wide with our wide players holding width. Our pacey defenders reduce the risk of any counter.
Saliba in and the quarterback in the team. He has high 90s percentile long passing statistics (and all passing stats - LINK], he will put that to great use to occasionally go long to Jota or Hakimi and mix up our attack. All three of our CBs have very high percentile passing stats across a variety of ranges so we will play with three playmakers at the back, mixing up their approach and ensuring we sit high and dominate, starve the opposition of the ball. Saliba and Lucas are also great carriers of the ball and should look to carry through the lines at times to break the shape of the opposition as they try and get a grips on us.
Making up the final part of the French defensive unit is Lucas Hernandez. 99th percentile in progressive carries and high 90s in all passing [LINK], he’s perfectly suited to this system and position. Our back3 are pretty press resistant too, their technical quality should draw the opposition in and play around them, with numerous areas to play into.
Ruiz, the left footer in his home at LCM where he can dribble and dictate the tempo. Partey next to him as the Octopus - Partey played RB before and Ruiz plays in the left half space, so both cover the space in the FB areas when needed.
OPP DEEP SHAPE
This formation allows Hakimi to get forward and do what he does best, with Saka playing in the inside right half space, again where he excels, cutting in on his left and having plenty of possession players around him to combine with and look to break through the lines before applying the finish.
As pictured, Fabian can slide outside Jota to play-make on his stronger left foot, allowing Jota to become another finisher cutting in on his right. On the right side Saka will underlap Hakimi who will maintain width and use his pace as a different outlet.
King Dybs is the Messi today. He finally gets that limelight that he’s longed for at Arg. Elegant forward, he will play with fluidity and float around combining in different areas of the pitch. His passing stats are high 90s percentile in all areas [LINK] so he is the puppet conductor with also the ability to finish. He will gravitate to where our possession is based, this will draw defenders out and allow the likes of SMS, Saka and the wide players (Jota, Hakimi) to drive into the gaps and get into final ball / striker territory - this creates a fluidity that is very hard to track and mark.
DEFENSIVE SHAPE
Liverpool have a few players we would like to starve of possession, particularly Grealish and Busquets. Our midfield square can block the path to Busquets, with SMS and Saka working hard to block those lanes. Busquets is nearly 34 and often left lonely in midfield by Tino, we will isolate him and starve the poor boy. It’s hard to see how Liverpool will get out their half with any sort of similar approach today. Grealish/LW has the right side trio of Partey, Kounde and Hakimi to block his lanes and when he gets the ball two should close him down and frustrate him - don’t allow him to hit rhythm.
Liverpool will play either Benzema or Scamacca. Scamacca is a great finisher but we won’t let it get to that stage and from his stats [LINK] we can see outside the box he can do very little. If Benzema plays, Saliba should follow him - his lack of pace limits his threat and plays into our hands of gameplan to push them back. Lucas H and Kounde then have the often quicker wide players to track, along with the others on the pitch who will get back and help. We have a French quartet at the back who will know everything about Benzema.
On the rare occasion we are out of possession, this should be the shape we adapt. Look to win the ball back quickly with intense pressure from the fresher legs we will have after holding possession and making them run for so long. We then use the highlighted zones in order to break their shape and get back into attacking zones.
CORNERS
- outswinging for near post flick on
RC: Jota
LC: Saka
Kounde, as the quickest defender we have, should make a near post run and flick on the corner. The three players making runs will stagger their runs as the ball is flicked into the danger area and then attack the ball. Jota lurks incase it runs long or needs to track back.
SUBS
After 60 mins - Mahrez for Saka - Riyad comes in and plays a very similar role, tucked inside Hakimi, fresh legs and new problems to cause for the opposition.
After 70 mins - Locatelli for Ruiz. Like for like. Fresh legs.
If winning after 80 - Alba for Jota. The man who has won it all, comes in and plays a little deeper than Jota in this system and of course has plenty of defensive nous.
If not winning after 80 - Aubameyang for Jota. Time for big Aubs to win the cup for us if needed. Deadly in the left half space zone that this role creates. Opp will be knackered from not touching the ball.
posted on 15/6/22
Hopefully I've changed the link Fan so anyone with the link can see the tactics: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1p7ROM_uvp-1QhixRW3F6qCY9dz5P_ZmTuCB7eYMRZJA/edit?usp=sharing
posted on 20/6/22
Chelsea
------------------------- D.Costa --------------------------
J.Cancelo ----- Kalidou ----- Romero ----- Robertson
------------- Bellingham ------ Boubacar.K -------------
----------------------- B.Fernandes -----------------------
--- Gnabry ------------------------------------ R. Leao --
------------------------- Haaland --------------------------
Slonina, N.Mendes, G.Inacio, E.Fernandez, F.Vieira, A.Gouiri, Satriano
Obvs up against the league champions will be a very hard game, but we go in looking to start off with 3pts, a nicelyt balanced side imo with plenty of expereince and youth mixed, pace and power throughout and looking to cause some damage to their back line with a very quick and dangerous front 3/4 with attacking fullbacks to boot.
Back 4 led by Kalidou, he is the spare man allowing the other three to man mark when Spurs are driving forward, if they play 2 up top he will man mark the 2nd striker leaving Romero the tough tackling no nonsense CB to take care of the main man, both stick to their jobs, give the striker a yard or two, dont sit right on him as if he is lost then the striker is away, giving them a wee bit of room allows them time to adjust to where he is going and gives them that extra second to manouver into position to stop the threat and stop the attack, dont dive in, just shimmy the player to give him second thoughts on what he is doing, allowing our boys to win the ball and get it away from danger, boot it away if you have too. Fullbacks sit in a flat four when we defend, they push the wingers wide and keep them away from the box and shooting areas, try and stop the cross coming in so be onto the early, when attacking they both go at the same time, with Kamara sitting this allows them to do so, get on the outside of the wingers and pressure there defensive line with that extra man, forcing there attacking players back, use Bruno as the man in the middle to pass and sprint passed the wingers giving Bruno that option of playing wide or more central to Haaland or the players moving inside.
Bellingham and Kamara provide some support to our defense when we are in retreat they harrass the man with the ball with kamara doing the marking job on the AM/SS sometimes having to become a 3rd CB and Bellingham doing the running when others come forward, be onto them quickly stop the ball getting to the forwards and into danger areas, when attacking Kamara still sits in as the fullbacks attack he will be there to give our two CBs support just in case we lose it so we always have at least 3 back. bellingham will move up alongside Bruno to give us numbers up top, like said, if we push forward they have to crawl back, so even if we lose the ball they do not have the numbers up top to unleash a counter giving us time to get back, pass and move quickly and precisely and move into a dangerous area, demand the ball be confident in his abilities, shoot if he can and has an opportunity to do so.
Bruno is the link between midfield and attack, he can control the game form a number 8/10 position, he will be direct with his passing, wether out wide or to our striker, he will orchestrate play and quite simply pull the strings, if he wants to play a risky ball to get us in then he will, I want him to be aggressive in his play as we are definitely up against it, let the pass go as players come onto him, as this will take them out them game and less for our attackers to worry about, plenty options for him to aim for if he decides not to go for goal himself. Defending, his workrate in good, his pressing is aggressive and immediete so will always help out Bellingham and Kamara so will drop back to help and as we win the ball he will then look to start attacks very quickly.
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 Leao will cause them problems drifting in an out, taking men on and getting in behind their fullbacks, thus allowing Bellingham 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 - Kalidou
Pens - haaland
Set Pieces - Bruno
Subs -
Losing
65 Mins - Gouiri for Bellingham, he goes up top 442/424
75 Mins - E.Fernandez for Robertson, Satriano for Cancelo, Kamara drops back into a back 3 in a very attacking line up
Romero - Kalidou - Kamara
Gnabry - Bruno - Enzo - R. Leao
Satriano - Haaland - A.Gouiri
Drawing -
65 Mins - Gouiri for Leao, Enzo for Bellingham
75 Mins -Mendes for Robertson
Winning -
75 Mins - Enzo for Bruno drop back to the left of Kamara, Mendes for Leao
posted on 20/6/22
Watford (Away to Man Utd) Conference League Game 1
Captain: Grabara
Vice Captain: Ibañez
------------------Grabara
Mário------Felipe---Ibañez----Angeliño
------------Palhinha---Nunes
-------------------Correa
Ocampos--------------------------González
--------------------Núñez
SUBS: Bursik, Patterson, Tuta, Roca, Alzate, Otávio, Evanilson
Goalkeeper: Grabara is a big mobile keeper and very agile. A great shot stopper, he will communicate with the back 4 and be commanding with the high ball. He will not take any risks. He is a great distributor with both hand and foot and we will look to this as a way to launch quick attacks.
Defence: Our 2 full backs are there firstly to defend and make sure they stay on the right side of their opponents whether they be out wide or cutting inside. When we are on the attack they will be allowed to use their power and pace to provide the overlap on the flanks. They both have the power and the lungs to work the touchline for 90 minutes. They will make the pitch wide and always offer themselves as an option in attack. One goes forward and one stays back. Our 2 centre halves are big 6 feet plus ball playing defenders. Both good in the air and equally as good with the ball at their feet. They will be asked to do the simple things well. Be aggressive but controlled in the tackle and never lose your man when defending dead ball situations. They will be able to bring the ball out of defence but if in doubt take absolutely no chances and clear it into the stands. Both big men will be a real aerial threat at set pieces.
Midfield: We will operate with one holding/defensive midfielder (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 gameplan and while sitting deep will still offer a lot with his great passing ability. He also has a thunderbolt right foot. He will be complimented with a deep sitting box to box midfielder (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 Correa will operate as the link between midfield and attack. He will be our creator and can find that magic pass to break open a defence and release one of our front three. This I feel will give us a better balanced midfield and while being absolutely defensively sound with 2 ‘sitting’, Nunes will also be allowed the freedom (when the time arises) to link with Correa and attack. I think this set-up lets us link up quickly with our attack while at the same time that little bit of extra cautiousness means it will be easier for us to close the door in midfield with all 3 players as comfortable sitting and breaking up attacks if necessary.
Wingers/Centre Forward: When in possession both González and Ocampos 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 Correa, 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 Correa to slot in between both wingers, just behind the CF.
As well as an attacking force both wingers will also have to put a defensive shift when called upon and act as back up for their respective full backs.
Núñez starts as the CF. He won’t be short of support or ammunition with the attacking talent behind him. Great playing off the shoulder of the last man he is deadly in and around the box. A bag of energy and very strong we will also look for him to hold up and bring others in to play if it doesn’t seem to be on for him. We will look to get bodies in the box when attacking so he should always have an outlet. He is also great in the air and will provide an option from set pieces. When the shot is on he will take it but we also want to put himself about in the box and think that his size and strength will be a real handful for defences. He will also be alert to any scraps in and around the goal. He has the ability to produce something sublime and create a chance out of nothing.
Free Kicks/Corners: Correa, Ocampos or González with Felipe, Ibañez and Nunes to offer an aerial threat. Correa, Nunes and González may try their luck with several free kicks from distance.
Penalties: Núñez, González, Palhinha
Substitutions: (80 mins) If winning then 3 like for like subs – Tuta for Ibañez, Otávio for Ocampos and Evanilson for Núñez.
If losing (70 mins) then switch to a 4-1-3-2 and replace Nunes with Otávio and Ocampos with Evanilson. Fresh legs and 2 dangerous attackers that carry a goal threat about them. We will look to their pace and freshness to offer us something different.
----------------Palhinha
Otávio ------- Correa----------González
----------Evanilson---Núñez
posted on 20/6/22
Attacking 4-2-3-1
We go with an attacking team full of pace, playing with a high tempo in defence and attack. A fluid front four with real quality and pace. They have an ageing midfield and no Modric to link the play, so we feel at home with our well balanced midfield trio, the energy and pace of our wide players with the ball playing cbs we can dominate.
We see the oppositions weakness defensively is out wide at fb, and their lack of Modric to link the defence and midfield for them so we look to push both fbs up and wide. A simple job of overlapping the wide players, giving them the freedom to go inside and create. So simple jobs for the fbs, nothing fancy.
We think this should simply leave their fbs with two men to pick up, drawing out the cbs or cms, creating space for our wide players drifting in and for Pogba,Verratti and Benzema to exploit.
Outnumber them in attack, and defend in a 4-2-3-1 formation, we have a very strong back 4 and Cm duo while the wingers and fbs will commit forwards they have great pace to get back into shape.
They are missing their best midfielder so we look to win the midfield battle, with two cms that love playing two touch football and can control the game, both though capable of getting stuck in. We pile the pressure on, this gives us a huge advantage in seeking to create chances. Looking to work attacking overloads in wide areas of the park and using movement of players to create half spaces for our quality in attack to make the difference.
Up top Benzema is the in form player in world football. He has been playing at a level higher than anyone in the current season, more than evens his goal/assist tally suggests. His link up play with the wide men, and goal scoring will be key in the middle. Simply stick it near him in the box and his movement will somehow see the ball bounce off his head and into the net.
Only one fb bombs forward at a time, conscious of their formation, we feel we have enough in midfield and attack to commit only one unless we need to chase later in the game (tire their defence out first). With the attacking fb, Pogba and a winger we look to work the play down the wings. The opposite fb will be deeper but ahead of the cbs in a position to charge on to a ball played into space. Target the wings and get into positions to get down the outside for cut backs and crosses to the two front men.
Fabinho plays zonally in front of cbs, Verratti who presses the play. In attack, Pogba had a free role to get the best out of him. Defensively we’re looking for the French version of Pogba.
If we didn’t already make the point, we look to exploit their full backs and space out wide. Their missing their 1st choice lb and one of their best cbs so look to capitalise, and target these two, as well as Trent defensively.
Key to our attack is quick passing play, not looking to force the play but moving the ball quickly. Pass and move.
We have a cm duo who can both drop deep to offer an option and collect the ball from defence. Likewise a fluid front four, who can switch positions or drop deep to collect the ball from midfield. This fluidity will help the players to get away from their markers, catch the opposition out and create space.
———————————— E.Martinez
K.Walker ——— Rudiger —— Laporte —— K.Tierney
————————— Fabinho —— Verratti
Raphinha —————-—— P.Pogba ————— Nkunku
————————————— Benzema
Subs. Bazanu, Varane, Mukiele, Aouar, Terrier, Diaby, Schick
Defending
When we lose the ball the closest player presses the ball, the second closest presses the obvious passing channel. As they’re doing this everyone gets into a narrow rigid formation behind the ball in position to press high up the park. Stop them breaking and press them high up the park.
Rudiger the man marker next to Laporte who is free to use his intelligence to sweep up. In midfield, Fabinho plays zonally in front of cbs, with Verratti ball side. The wingers narrow in front to the side of play Toon 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 Toon get into our half, the wide players drop deep to add protection in front of the fb and next to the two cms pressing (Verratti and Pogba), Fabinho behind between the lines. Closing down the space, narrowing to the side of play.
Subs.
If winning after 70 mins bring on Diaby for Raphinha. More pace
If winning after 75 mins bring on Schick for Benzema. Fresh legs to bully tired legs.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Aouar for Pogba, fresh legs and creativity as game opens up.
If drawing or losing after 70 mins bring on Schick for Pogba. Two men up top. Play direct for 5 mins to mix it up.
If drawing or losing after 75 mins bring on Diaby for Walker. 3-5-2. Diaby central.
posted on 20/6/22
------------------- Ederson -------------------
B.Pavard -- Araújo --- T.Silva -- Reguilón
------- Tchouaméni --- Bissouma ----------
--- L.Messi ---- De Bruyne ---- Neymar ---
--------------------- Kane ---------------------
Subs:
Ramsdale, Dest, Gravenberch, Wirtz, Ferran, Werner, Richarlison
Tactics:
Moving the ball at speed will be the focus of our play as we go with an attacking 4-2-3-1 formation as we look for the win.
Fresh from securing the league title we look to have a bit of fun in the CL. Keen not to rest on our laurels we come into this game after a busy week, securing not one but two big hitters in Kane & Neymar. They’ll link up perfectly with Messi & De Bruyne giving us a dream front 4.
Behind them we have Tchouameni & Bissouma in the engine room, they provide the athleticism, pace and power to break up the opposition play and give up front four the freedom to do what they do best.
Quick, incisive passing is the order of the day. We look to take the game to our opponents and are happy to turn this one into a shootout.
Defence:
We go with a defence packed with quality as we look to nullify the oppositions attack. It’s very much the master and the apprentice at CB. Araujo is one of the top U23’s around and he’ll be accompanied by the rolls royce that is Thiago Silva.
If they play one up top then Araujo marks. He has the pace, power and strength to deal with the threat posed by any CF. Silva will be the free man, using his vast experience and tactical nous to sniff out any danger and acting as cover to clean up at the back. He’ll also be organising the back line ensuring that each man sticks to their task.
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 Neymar out wide as we look to overwhelm their defence with our attacking quality.
Midfield:
Tchouameni & Bissouma gives us a powerhouse CM duo. Both 6ft plus they’ll offer a real physical presence in the engine room. We want to free up out front 4 to express themselves and our CM will be key to this.
They have pace and energy in abundance. Not only will they be our ball winners on the middle but they’ll also look to track across and support Messi and Neymar in covering the flanks. When one drifts across the other marshalls middle ensuring we always have cover. They’re both also great ball carriers allowing us to transition from defence to attack in the blink of the eye.
Their high energy game ensures we can press the opposition in the middle, forcing mistakes, winning back possession and getting the ball into our magical front 4.
Forwards:
In attack we go with four heavy hitters as we aim or goals. De Bruyne plays centrally, looking to drift between the lines making himself extremely difficult to be picked up and causing a mismatch in this area of the field. With the players around him he’ll be in his element. What sets the top players apart is their ability to pick the right pass, he’ll have a plethora of options around him and we look for him to run the show.
Messi and Neymar give us a dual threat on the flanks. They’ll be doing what they do best, going at the opposition with the freedom to create and cause havoc as they see fit. Two of the best dribblers in the business they are a nightmare match up for the opposition FB’s. Both are world class finishers and will be looking for quick one two’s in and around the box to open up space for either to finish. With our two midfield enforcers behind them they have the freedom to attack at will.
With a dream supply line around him Harry Kane will be in his element. A natural born goalscorer he’ll be surrounded by some of the best creators in the business. He also has incredible workrate which ties in the nicely with the freedom we look to give Messi & Neymar to express themselves.
Kane will be looking to do what he does best, get himself in the box and finish any chances that come his way. With De Bruyne, Messi & Neymar supplying him he’ll be presented with plenty of chances to make his mark. Always be on the shoulder of the last man ready to pounce and causing havoc for the opposition defence as they try to contain 4 of the best attackers in the business.
Subs:
If winning:
70 mins: Neymar off, Ferran on. Fresh legs.
85 mins: Kane off, Jesus on. Pace up top as we look to pick them off on the break.
If drawing/losing:
70 mins: Bissouma & Neymar off, Jesus & Ferran on. 4-2-2-2 with Messi & Ferran on the flanks, Kane & Jesus up top. Goals.
posted on 21/6/22
Total football 4-3-3
We go with an attacking team full of pace and high energy, we go with players that have a high work rate to play with a high tempo starting from the front three. We know that Spurs have massive quality in attack, but they will also leave them exposed defensively, so we look to press high up the park and force them to play long. With our back four, all top ball playing defenders we are confident we can play around their attackers with little pressure and quickly move from defence to attack. Possession starts at the back, with Cbs and Rodri dictating the tempo, the cbs who are always the players that spend most time on the ball. We have ensured we have defenders that can play incisive passes and they will be key as we look to play quick more direct football (not long but more direct).
Rodri and Tonali to link the defence and attack, with Felix being the key link between midfield and attack, recently named Atletico’s player of the year, he has the pace and quality in narrow spaces to create.
Tonali next to Rodri offers the high energy box to box, and ability to overlap Lautaro who plays in a second striker position. James will be tasked with providing the width on the right as we look to target the Spurs defence who are missing defenders. One fb bombs forward at a time, the other progresses in line with Rodri, offering a deeper option to retain possession. We have pace at the back to get back quickly.
Look to overload the opposition defence through our fbs, inside forwards, and cm and am attacking. Sterling will play wide, looking to get in behind their rb so that our play isn’t too narrow. But with freedom to come inside when Theo overlaps.
Lautaro has freedom to drift to find space in attacking areas, inside and off Osimhen, or wide and double up on the fb. Cause headaches for the opposition defence, with two supporting cms and a fb bombing forward on the overlap we create overloads on the side of the pitch we are attacking. Lautaro is perfect for this role and we think it will also get the best out of Osimhen, he’s continued to do well but we’ve seen how Lukaku has struggled without him.
We look to play attacking total football, 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 Osimhen is a player that can importantly link the play and get on the scoresheet, he also gives us the option of a ball or cross in behind for his pace, or a more direct ball to use his power to take in.
With the fbs having attacking roles, Rodri is key as the defensive midfielder staying reserved when we break forward. Both Tonali and Felix with license to attack, Felix the more advanced with Tonali behind. Getting our midfielders in between the lines between their defence and midfield, and between their midfield, overloading their midfield and pulling them out of position.
Look to use the quality of Felix, Lautaro and Sterling finding them in spaces between the lines. The trio also getting in the box when we’re wide, we feel we can overload their defence and with quality deliveries from fbs/Tonali can exploit the Spurs defence.
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.
————————————— Alisson
R.James — Marquinhos —— Alaba ——— Theo.H
—————————— Tonali —— Rodri
————————————— J.Felix
———— Lautaro ————————————- Sterling —
————————————- Osimhen
Subs. Trubin, Vanderson, Thiago, Mount, Musiala, Sancho, 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.
Marquinhos the man marker next to Alaba who is free to use his pace and intelligence to sweep up. In midfield, Rodri plays zonally in front of cbs, with Tonali and Felix just ahead pressing the play. The wingers narrow in front to the side of play Spurs 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 Spurs 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 direct passing play, not looking to force the play but moving the ball quickly.
We have a fluid front four, who can switch positions or drop deep to collect the ball from midfield. This fluidity will help the players to get away from their markers, catch the opposition out and create space.
Subs.
If winning or drawing after 66 mins bring on Sancho and Thiago for Lautaro and Felix. More pace out wide and control in CM.
If winning or drawing after 75 mins bring on Musiala for Sterling. Fresh legs.
If losing after 65 mins bring on Sancho and Thiago for Lautaro and Tonali. 4-2-3-1. Thiago on to control tempo and possession more. Sancho the perfect sub to take on tired legs.
If losing after 72 mins bring on Tammy for Theo. More direct. 3-5-2
posted on 21/6/22
Use tactics for last Arsenal game
Maignan
Kounde Saliba Gabriel
Partey Fabian
Hakimi Paqueta Alvarez
Dybala Mahrez
Subs: ESR for Paqueta - Locatelli for Fabian - Jota for Alvarez
Opp instructions: South American trio Dybs, Alvarez and Paqueta are going to bring ruthlessness and energy to our attack in this game, they’ll keep Chelsea busy on that side and that stretches things for Mahrez and Hakimi to have more space. Similar setup to above but Gabriel drift slightly left meaning Fabian can play slightly narrower.
posted on 21/6/22
Liverpool v BRENTFORD
--------------------Kelleher
Livramento, Gatti, Guehi, Grimaldo
-----------Koopmeiners, Laimer
Ünder----------Ødegaard------Szoboszlai
-----------------------Broja
Subs: Simón, Sutalo, Ampadu, Höjbjerg, Saint-Maximin, Baumgartner, Ibrahimovic
Captain: Ødegaard
Free Kicks: Ødegaard/Koopmeiners
Penalties: Koopmeiners
Our defensive unit consists of Federico Gatti & Marc Guehi paired up at centre-back, Tino Livramento 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 Cengiz Ünder, 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.
Livramento 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 Cengiz Ünder 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 Ünder, 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.
posted on 22/6/22
LEEDS Vs wolves
---------------------------------- Neuer ---------------------------
Carvajal-----------Skriniar------------Konate-----------F Mendy
--------------------------------------Ndidi-----------------------------
---------------------Gortezka----------------Renato--------------------------
-------------------------------------Hazard-----------------------------------
------------------------Havertz----------------Mane-------------------------
Subs - Meslier, Struijk, Bennacer, Perisic, Isak, Zaha, Moreno
CAPTAIN - NEUER
CK - HAZARD
PENALTIES - MANE
We are in Europe hallelujah! It may only be the conference trophy but we here at Leeds welcome any chance to win silverware.
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 Konate 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
Carvajal + Mendy
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 our strikers are a threat in the air. If we lose possession while you lot are in attacking positions quickly run back into your defensive position. Ndidi will be covering for you if you are out of position as a safety precaution.
Defence mid
Ndidi
Ndidi will be the anchor that helps the defence. He will only focus on defensive duties and will try and intercept any loose balls the oppo have in the attacking third. Put tackles in and cover for our fullbacks when they are attacking.
Centre Mids
Renato + Goretzka
Pellegrini 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.
Goretzka will have a similar but different role to Renato today. He will look to use his strength and height to win aerial. 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.
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 our strikers up front. Look out for the runs of our strikers 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.
Strikers
Havertz + Mane
Havertz will be like a target man here. He's a tall lad but also has the technical ability to bring others into the game. Play aerial balls for him to bring down and work in tandem with Mane upfront to try and create chances. Mane will look to use his pace to get away from the oppo defence. 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.
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 Havertz to give some more energy upfront.
----------------------------------- Neuer ---------------------------
Carvajal------Skriniar---Struijk------Konate------Mendy
------------------Gortezka----Ndidi--------Renato------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------Isak-------------Mane------------------------
IF LOSING BY 75 MINS
Take off Renanto and Goretzka put on Zaha and Perisic on the wings. 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 ---------------------------
Carvajal-----------Skriniar------------Konate-----------Mendy
---------------------------------------Ndidi----------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------Hazard-----------------------------------
Perisic-------------Havertz-------------Mane------------------Zaha
IF DRAWING BY 80MINS
Zaha on for Hazard
Moreno on for Havertz
Bennacer on for Renato
posted on 22/6/22
MAN UNITED Vs watford
-----------------------Mamardashvili---------------------------------
--------Fofana------Upamecano------Schlotterbeck-----------
------------------Camavinga-----Valverde-------------------------
Spence-------------------------------------------------------------Sessegnon
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------Eliott--------Adeyemi-------Carrasco---------------
Subs - Hincapie, Douath, Sesko, Sulemana, Rashford, De Ketelaere
CAPTAIN - VALVERDE
CK'S - ELLIOTT
FK'S - ELLIOTT
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
Elliott + 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 Elliott 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 Sesko 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
----------------------------------Elliott-------------------------------------
---------------Adeyemi------Sesko--------Rashford----------
Subs if WINNING BY 60MINS
Take off Elliott 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 Elliott
posted on 24/6/22
Round 2
posted on 24/6/22
-------------------------- D.Costa --------------------------
J.Cancelo ----- Simakan ----- Romero ----- Robertson
-------------- Bellingham ------ Declan Rice -------------
--------------------------- F.Vieira --------------------------
--- Gnabry ------------------------------------ Mbappe ---
--------------------------- Haaland -------------------------
Sanchez, Kamara, de Jong, Ramsey, R.Leao, A.Gouiri, J.David
Obvs up against a quality outfit and will be a very hard game, a nicely balanced side imo with plenty of experience and youth mixed, pace and power throughout and looking to cause some damage to their back line with a very quick and dangerous front 3/4 with attacking fullbacks to boot.
Back 4 led by Simakan, he is the spare man allowing the other three to man mark when Spurs are driving forward, if they play 2 up top he will man mark the 2nd striker leaving Romero the tough tackling no nonsense CB to take care of the main man, both stick to their jobs, give the striker a yard or two, dont sit right on him as if he is lost then the striker is away, giving them a wee bit of room allows them time to adjust to where he is going and gives them that extra second to manouver into position to stop the threat and stop the attack, dont dive in, just shimmy the player to give him second thoughts on what he is doing, allowing our boys to win the ball and get it away from danger, boot it away if you have too. Fullbacks sit in a flat four when we defend, they push the wingers wide and keep them away from the box and shooting areas, try and stop the cross coming in so be onto the early, when attacking they both go at the same time, with Rice sitting this allows them to do so, get on the outside of the wingers and pressure there defensive line with that extra man, forcing there attacking players back, use Vieira as the man in the middle to pass and sprint passed the wingers giving Vieira that option of playing wide or more central to Haaland or the players moving inside.
Bellingham and Rice provide some support to our defense when we are in retreat they harass the man with the ball with Rice doing the marking job on the AM/SS sometimes having to become a 3rd CB and Bellingham doing the running when others come forward, be onto them quickly stop the ball getting to the forwards and into danger areas, when attacking Rice still sits in as the fullbacks attack he will be there to give our two CBs support just in case we lose it so we always have at least 3 back. Bellingham will move up alongside Vieira to give us numbers up top, like said, if we push forward they have to crawl back, so even if we lose the ball they do not have the numbers up top to unleash a counter giving us time to get back, pass and move quickly and precisely and move into a dangerous area, demand the ball be confident in his abilities, shoot if he can and has an opportunity to do so.
Vieira is the link between midfield and attack, he can control the game form a number 8/10 position, he will be direct with his passing, wether out wide or to our striker, he will orchestrate play and quite simply pull the strings, if he wants to play a risky ball to get us in then he will, I want him to be aggressive in his play as we are definitely up against it, let the pass go as players come onto him, as this will take them out them game and less for our attackers to worry about, plenty options for him to aim for if he decides not to go for goal himself. Defending, his work rate in good, his pressing is aggressive and immediete so will always help out Bellingham and Kamara so will drop back to help and as we win the ball he will then look to start attacks very quickly.
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 Bellingham and Vieira 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 - Rice
Pens - Haaland
Set Pieces - Vieira
Losing -
65 Mins - J.David for Vieira, play just off Haaland 442/424
75 Mins - Kamara for Cancelo to LCB, Leao for Robertson to LW, Mbappe to LCF 343 attacking
Winning -
75 Mins - Kamara for Vieira to the left of Rice
83 Mins - J.David for Haaland
Drawing -
75 mins - Leao for Vieira to LW, Mbappe up top 424/442, Ramsey for Bellingham
posted on 24/6/22
------------------ Ramsdale -------------------
Carvajal -- De Ligt --- Araújo -- N.Mendes
------- Tchouaméni --- Gravenberch -------
--- G.Jesus ---- De Bruyne ---- F.Torres ---
--------------------- Kane ---------------------
Subs:
Pope, Dest, T.Silva, Bissouma, Messi, Neymar, Richarlison
Captain: De Ligt
Free kicks: De Bruyne
Penalties: Kane
Corners: De Bruyne
Tactics:
After last weeks excitement of securing Kane & Neymar the Spurs faithful are treated to 3 new faces through the door with Carvajal, N.Mendes & Gravenberch all signing on the dotted line.
The second game in a week means fresh legs are important and we make no less than 7 changes as we freshen things up and look to get one over our North London rivals.
Moving the ball at speed will be the focus of our play as we go with an attacking 4-2-3-1 formation as we look for the win.
We bring Jesus & Ferran into the line up as we add some pace and vibrancy out wide, Gravenberch joins Tchouameni in the middle with new boys Carvajal and Mendes giving us a pair of quality attack FB’s, adding another string to our bow.
Quick, incisive passing is the order of the day. We look to take the game to our opponents, exploiting the space they leave out wide and putting them to the sword as we continue our quest for glory.
Defence:
We go with a defence packed with quality as we look to nullify the oppositions attack. If they play one up top then De Ligt marks. He has the height and strength to deal with the threat posed by any CF. Araujo will act as cover, sweeping up behind to eliminate any balls over the top. They’re both great passers as we look to move the ball out from the back and advance up the field.
Our fullbacks will stick tight to the wide men, safe in the knowledge that they have supporting cover in behind. When in possession both Carvajal and Mendes have license to push forward with both having great quality in the final third. Look for the early crosses with Kane one of the best predators in the box. We look to draw the opposition onto us by sitting deep when they are in possession, limiting the space in behind and creating space for us to hit them on the counter.
Midfield:
Tchouameni & Gravenberch give us a powerhouse CM duo. Both 6ft plus they’ll offer a real physical presence in the engine room. Tchouameni will be our main holding player. 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.
Gravenberch plays a box to box role. A great ball carrier combined with a fantastic range of passing he should flourish with the quality around him. Look for the early ball in behind their fullbacks for Jesus and Ferran to exploit. He’ll work in tandem with KDB to help us retain possession and also possesses a great strike from distance should the opposition sit deep.
Forwards:
In attack we go with four heavy hitters as we aim or goals. De Bruyne plays centrally, looking to drift between the lines making himself extremely difficult to be picked up and causing a mismatch in this area of the field. With the players around him he’ll be in his element. What sets the top players apart is their ability to pick the right pass, he’ll have a plethora of options around him and we look for him to run the show. He’s also a great goal scorer perfectly capable of striking a thunderbolt from distance at any moment.
On the flanks we want Jesus & Ferran to hug the touchline, make the pitch as wide as possible and exploit any space on offer. They are both high energy players and we want them to be direct, get on the ball and go straight at the opposition. When Kane drops in to link up the play they’ll both be looking to get in behind the defence with both being clinical in front of goal.
With a dream supply line around him Harry Kane will be in his element. A natural born goalscorer he’ll be surrounded by some of the best creators in the business. He also has incredible workrate which ties in the nicely with the players around him.
Kane will be looking to do what he does best, get himself in the box and finish any chances that come his way. With KDB supplying the ammunition Kane is the perfect finisher. Always be on the shoulder of the last man ready to pounce as we go for goals and cause havoc for the opposition.
Subs:
If winning:
70 mins: Gravenberch off, Bissouma on.
85 mins: Ferran off, T.Silva on. We move to a back 5 as tighten up and see out the win.
If drawing/losing:
70 mins: Ferran & Jesus off. Messi & Neymar on.
80 mins: Gravenberch off, Richarlison on. 4-1-3-2 with Messi, KDB, Neymar in behind our front two of Kane & Richarlison as we really turn the screw.
posted on 26/6/22
Attacking 4-2-3-1
We go with an attacking team full of pace, playing with a high tempo in defence and attack. A fluid front four with real quality and pace. With our well balanced midfield trio, the energy and pace of our wide players with the ball playing cbs we can dominate.
We see the oppositions weakness defensively is out wide at fb, so we attack wide. A simple job of overlapping the wide players for our fbs, giving them the freedom to go inside and create. So simple jobs for the fbs, nothing fancy.
Drawing out the cbs or cms, creating space for our wide players drifting in and for Pogba,Verratti and Benzema to exploit.
Outnumber them in attack, and defend in a 4-2-3-1 formation, we have a very strong back 4 and Cm duo while the wingers and fbs will commit forwards they have great pace to get back into shape.
They are missing their best midfielder so we look to win the midfield battle, with two cms that love playing two touch football and can control the game, both though capable of getting stuck in. We pile the pressure on, this gives us a huge advantage in seeking to create chances. Looking to work attacking overloads in wide areas of the park and using movement of players to create half spaces for our quality in attack to make the difference.
Up top Benzema is the in form player in world football. He has been playing at a level higher than anyone in the current season, more than evens his goal/assist tally suggests. His link up play with the wide men, and goal scoring will be key in the middle. Simply stick it near him in the box and his movement will somehow see the ball bounce off his head and into the net.
Only one fb bombs forward at a time, conscious of their formation, we feel we have enough in midfield and attack to commit only one unless we need to chase later in the game (tire their defence out first). With the attacking fb, Pogba and a winger we look to work the play down the wings. The opposite fb will be deeper but ahead of the cbs in a position to charge on to a ball played into space. Target the wings and get into positions to get down the outside for cut backs and crosses to the two front men.
Fabinho plays zonally in front of cbs, Verratti who presses the play. In attack, Pogba had a free role to get the best out of him. Defensively we’re looking for the French version of Pogba.
If we didn’t already make the point, we look to exploit their full backs and space out wide. Their missing their 1st choice striker and don’t have a mobile replacement, Varane has simple job of man marking. Without that pace up top to hurt us, we play a high line.
Key to our attack is quick passing play, not looking to force the play but moving the ball quickly. Pass and move.
We have a cm duo who can both drop deep to offer an option and collect the ball from defence. Likewise a fluid front four, who can switch positions or drop deep to collect the ball from midfield. This fluidity will help the players to get away from their markers, catch the opposition out and create space.
———————————— E.Martinez
K.Walker ——— Varane —— Laporte —— Bassey
————————— Fabinho —— Verratti
Raphinha —————-—— P.Pogba ————— Nkunku
————————————— Benzema
Subs. Bazanu, Martinez, Kovacic, Terrier, Danjuma, Schick
Defending
When we lose the ball the closest player presses the ball, the second closest presses the obvious passing channel. As they’re doing this everyone gets into a narrow rigid formation behind the ball in position to press high up the park. Stop them breaking and press them high up the park.
Varane the man marker next to Laporte who is free to use his intelligence to sweep up. In midfield, Fabinho plays zonally in front of cbs, with Verratti ball side. The wingers narrow in front to the side of play they 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 they get into our half, the wide players drop deep to add protection in front of the fb and next to the two cms pressing (Verratti and Pogba), Fabinho behind between the lines. Closing down the space, narrowing to the side of play.
Subs.
If winning after 70 mins bring on Danjuma for Pogba, Nkunku central. More pace
If winning after 75 mins bring on Schick for Benzema. Fresh legs to bully tired legs.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Kovacic for Verratti, fresh legs and creativity as game opens up.
If drawing or losing after 70 mins bring on Schick for Pogba. Two men up top. Play direct for 5 mins to mix it up.
If drawing or losing after 75 mins bring on Danjuma for Bassey. 3-5-2. Nkunku.
posted on 26/6/22
Arsenal
Maignan
Hakimi Kounde Saliba Mendy
Partey Locatelli Fabian
Mahrez Dybala Aubameyang
Subs
Paqueta for Locatelli, Olise for Mahrez
ESR for Auba if winning
Jota for Auba not
presume in the second half no time was given so say 65 mins
Tactics as before from Jet
posted on 26/6/22
Total football 4-3-3
We go with an attacking team full of pace and high energy, we go with players that have a high work rate to play with a high tempo starting from the front three. We freshen up the team with 5 changes from the last game.
We look to press high up the park and force them to play long. With our back four, all top ball playing defenders we are confident we can play around their attackers with little pressure and quickly move from defence to attack. Possession starts at the back, with Cbs and Rodri dictating the tempo, the cbs who are always the players that spend most time on the ball. We have ensured we have defenders that can play incisive passes and they will be key as we look to play quick more direct football (not long but more direct).
Rodri and Thiago to link the defence and attack, with Barella being the key link between midfield and attack, Foden and Felix recently named Atletico’s player of the year, have the pace and quality in narrow spaces to create.
Thiago next to Rodri offers control, and ability to create, Felix who plays in a inside forward position. Vanderson will be tasked with providing the width on the right as we look to have both cbs bombing forward. One fb bombs forward at a time, the other progresses in line with Rodri, offering a deeper option to retain possession. We have pace at the back to get back quickly.
Look to overload the opposition defence through our fbs, inside forwards, and cm and am attacking. The wingers will play wide in the first two thirds, looking to get in behind their full backs so that our play isn’t too narrow. But with freedom to come inside when Theo and Vanderson overlap.
We look for the fluidity of the front 3 to cause headaches for the opposition defence, with two supporting cms and a fb bombing forward on the overlap we create overloads on the side of the pitch we are attacking.
We look to play attacking total football, 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, he also gives us the option of a ball or cross in behind for his pace, or a more direct ball to use his power to take in.
With the fbs having attacking roles, Rodri is key as the defensive midfielder staying reserved when we break forward. Both Thiago and Barella with license to attack, Barella the more advanced with Thiago behind. Getting our midfielders in between the lines between their defence and midfield, and between their midfield, overloading their midfield and pulling them out of position.
Look to use the quality of Barella, Felix, Lautaro and Foden finding them in spaces between the lines. The trio also getting in the box when we’re wide, we feel we can overload their defence and with quality deliveries from fbs/Thiago can exploit their defence.
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.
—————————————— Alisson
Vanderson — Marquinhos —— Gvardiol ——— Theo.H
——————————- Thiago —— Rodri
—————————————— Barella
———— J.Felix ——————————————- Foden ———
—————————————— Lautaro
Subs. Trubin, R.James, Vitinha, Mount, Musiala, Sancho, Osimhen
Defending high
When we lose the ball the closest player presses the ball, the second closest presses the obvious passing channel. As they’re doing this everyone gets into a narrow rigid formation behind the ball in position to press high up the park. Stop them breaking and allow players to get into shape, then press them high up the park.
Marquinhos the man marker next to Gvardiol who is free to use his pace and intelligence to sweep up. In midfield, Rodri plays zonally in front of cbs, with Thiago and Felix just ahead pressing the play. The wingers narrow in front to the side of play they 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 they 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 direct passing play, not looking to force the play but moving the ball quickly.
We have a fluid front four, who can switch positions or drop deep to collect the ball from midfield. This fluidity will help the players to get away from their markers, catch the opposition out and create space.
Subs.
If winning or drawing after 68 mins bring on Sancho and Vitinha for Thiago and Felix. More pace out wide and energy in CM.
If winning or drawing after 75 mins bring on Musiala for Foden. Fresh legs.
If losing after 65 mins bring on Sancho for Thiago. 4-2-3-1. Barella deeper, Felix to AM. Sancho the perfect sub to take on tired legs.
If losing after 72 mins bring on Osimhen for Felix. More direct. 4-2-2-2
posted on 11/8/22
SEASON 14
Week 1 16h July 12pm
Wolves v Liverpool
Chelsea v Man Utd
Watford v Man City
Tottenham v Leicester
Brentford v Aston Villa
Newcastle v Arsenal
posted on 12/8/22
Comment deleted by Article Creator
posted on 12/8/22
Watford: League week 1: HOME to Man City
Captain: Remiro
Vice Captain: Palhinha
Team:
-----------------Remiro
Mário---Ibañez—Felipe---Angeliño
-----------------Palhinha
-------------Nunes---Otávio
Ocampos------------------------Correa
-------------------Núñez
SUBS: Grabara, Matheuzinho, Collins, Vinicius, Correa, Evanilson, Cabral
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 Ibañez, Felipe, 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) Collins for Felipe, Cabral for Núñez and Evanilson for Ocampos, 3 like for like substitutions.
If losing (on 70 minutes) Evanilson for Nunes and Cabral for Ocampos. Shift to a 4-1-3-2 attack. Cabral and Giovani offering fresh legs, pace and a bit of the unknown in attack.
------------Palhinha
Evanilson---Otávio---Correa
---------Núñez---Cabral
posted on 13/8/22
------------------------- Sanchez --------------------------
J.Cancelo ----- Kalidou ----- Romero ----- Robertson
------------- Bellingham ------ Declan Rice -------------
-- Gnabry ------------- J.David -------------- Mbappe --
------------------------- Haaland --------------------------
D.Costa, G.Inacio, Kamara, de Jong, F.Vieira, G.Ramos, R.Leao
Looking to start off with 3pts, a nicely balanced side with plenty of experience and youth mixed, pace and power throughout and looking to cause some damage to their back line with a very quick and dangerous front 4 with attacking fullbacks to boot.
Back 4 led by Kalidou, he is the spare man allowing the other three to man mark when they are driving forward, if they play 2 up top he will man mark the 2nd striker leaving Romero the tough tackling no nonsense CB to take care of the main man, both stick to their jobs, give the striker a yard or two, dont sit right on him as if he is lost then the striker is away, giving them a wee bit of room allows them time to adjust to where he is going and gives them that extra second to manouver into position to stop the threat and stop the attack, dont dive in, just shimmy the player to give him second thoughts on what he is doing, allowing our boys to win the ball and get it away from danger, boot it away if you have too. Fullbacks sit in a flat four when we defend, they push the wingers wide and keep them away from the box and shooting areas, try and stop the cross coming in so be onto the early, when attacking they both go at the same time, with Rice sitting this allows them to do so, get on the outside of the wingers and pressure there defensive line with that extra man, forcing there attacking players back, use J.David as the man in the middle to pass and sprint passed the wingers giving David that option of playing wide or more central to Haaland or the players moving inside.
Bellingham and Rice provide some support to our defense when we are in retreat they harrass the man with the ball with Rice doing the marking job on the AM/SS sometimes having to become a 3rd CB and Bellingham doing the running when others come forward, be onto them quickly stop the ball getting to the forwards and into danger areas, when attacking Rice still sits in as the fullbacks attack he will be there to give our two CBs support just in case we lose it so we always have at least 3 back. Bellingham will move up alongside or push into No.10 as David moves up to give us numbers up top, like said, if we push forward they have to crawl back, so even if we lose the ball they do not have the numbers up top to unleash a counter giving us time to get back, pass and move quickly and precisely and move into a dangerous area at times beyond Haaland, demand the ball be confident in his abilities, shoot if he can and has an opportunity to do so.
David as a SS/Free Role is the link between midfield and attack, he can control the game form a number 10 position just off Haaland, he will be direct with his passing, wether out wide or to our striker, if he wants to play a risky ball to get us in then he will, I want him to be aggressive in his play as we and drive the team forward, let the pass go as players come onto him, as this will take them out them game and less for our attackers to worry about, plenty options for him to aim for if he decides not to go for goal himself. Defending, his workrate in good, his pressing is aggressive and immediete so will always help out Bellingham and Rice so will drop back to help and as we win the ball he will then look to start attacks very quickly.
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 Bellingham and David 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 David/Haaland, we must always make sure Haaland is well supported, especially wingers and David who at times will be right on his shoulder or alongside.
Captain - Kalidou
Pens - Haaland
Free Kicks - Mbappe for goal otherwise Bellingham
Subs -
Losing -
65 Mins - R.Leao for J.David, he goes LW, Mbappe up top 442, de Jong for Bellingham
75 Mins - G.Ramos for Robertson 3412 and he goes to No.10
Winning -
75 Mins - de Jong for J.David and to the left of Rice
83 Mins - R.Leao for Gnabry switch with Mbappe
85 Mins - Kamara for bellingham shores it up
Drawing -
70 Mins - R.Leao for J.David, he goes LW, Mbappe up top 442, de Jong for Bellingham
80 Mins - G.Ramos for Haaland
posted on 15/8/22
comment by Fan Gillhaus 1903 (U3339)
posted 3 days, 3 hours ago
Aston Villa
----------------------- Neuer ------------------------
Pavard ----- Mancini ----- Skriniar ----- Ferland
------------- Bissouma --- Bentancur -------------
W.Zaha ------------ Havertz -------------- Hazard
------------------- Lewandowski -------------------
Meslier, Tomori, E.Alvarez, D.Olmo, Griezmann, Mitrovic, McNeil
New season, new team, with Leeds gone Aston Villa come back into the big time
We go with tried and trusted 4231 with a very experienced squad, I want fast, fluid passing to get around the opposition, use the experience we have to pick the right pass at the right time and when to move forward and when to stay back, be in control at all times even when defending
A solid back 4 with Mancini looking to pick up the main striker, he is quick and powerful so will look to bully the striker, be on his toes at all times looking to intercept and ball through to No.9 nip in ahead when he can but nothing rash so he doesnt lose out in possession. Powerful in the air so any high balls into the danger area he will hopefully win. Skriniar alongside, again a very robust defender, he will be spare and will lead the back line, will help out Mancini if needed, can also switch roles with him if he struggles. Both can play it out so no need for rash punts up field unless tequired and no other option, will look to play it to the fullbacks or the midfielders ahead
Fullbacks will attack one at a time look for the one/two with the winger ahead, over lapping allowing Zaha/Hazard to come inside, can also use the CMs for quick passing to get them beyond the opposition fullbacks, defensively, stay strong, keep the wingers to the outside away from danger, try and keep them on there 'bad' foot so they find it difficult to get a cross in, I do not want to see my defenders dive in, so stay tall and use upper body strength to keep there chances to a minimum.
The two in midfield are very strong and tenacious, will always get stuck in, wont give there midfield any time on the ball, we will look to dictate play with neat slick passing, winning the ball and setting the attacking players free into space, Bissouma is the main DM will stick to the AM like glue, wherever he goes Bissouma will be there snapping at his heals, Bentancur is more B2B, but doesnt neglect his defensive duties, when we defend he sits alongside Bissouma making life as difficult as possible for the opposition midfield, when in possession he will carry the ball forward, such a big man very difficult to knock off the ball, has four quality players ahead of him so look for the space to pass and he will move into to space and always make himself available for a return ball.
Havertz in a No.10/free role, he has freedom of the pitch, drag markers around creating space for others to move into, he will be a nuisance for them, can go wide or join Lewandowski up top. Will look for the 3 around him plus one fullback as we drive forward, pass and drive into space and become a danger to their goal, in defence just hassle the midfield and make them misplace their passes or lose possession.
Wingers when we attack get down the line drive at fullbacks at times they wiull have a fullback with them so quick passing round their fullback should give us space for one of them to fire in to the box, whilst this is happening the opposite winger will be moving into space in the danger area to make up numbers, again defending, track their fullbacks and stop them gaining ground.
Lewandowski, is one of the very best strikers, give him the ball and 9/10 he will stick it in the back of the net, always on the last man, getting into dangerous positions waiting for the ball to come his way, he should get plenty supply, he doesnt defend, no need too, i fhe stays up top this will stop their defenders moving forward.
Captain - Skriniar
Penalties - Lewandowski
Free Kicks - Hazard
Corners - Wingers
Subs
Losing -
65 Mins - Griezmann for Ferland, he goes to No.10, Havertz up top in a 3412 formation
75 Mins - Mitrovic for Havertz, Olmo for Zaha
Winning -
75 Mins - E.Alvarez for Havertz, he goes into the DM role behind Bissouma and Bentancur, nothing will get passed them 4141
83 Mins - Olmo for Zaha
Drawing -
70 Mins - Griezmann for Havertz, Olmo for Zaha, fresh legs
----------------------------------------------------------------------
posted on 15/8/22
Total football 4-3-3
We go with an attacking team full of pace and high energy, we go with players that have a high work rate to play with a high tempo starting from the front three. We know that Spurs have massive quality in attack, but they lack both energy and pace. They will also leave them exposed defensively, so we look to use our high energy and pace to press high up the park and force them to play long, isolate their attackers and keep them in areas they can’t hurt us.
Possession is dominated by defenders and cbs, and so with our cm duo and our back four, all top ball playing defenders we are confident we can play possession football. Play around their attackers and quickly move from defence to attack. Possession starts at the back, with Cbs and Rodri dictating the tempo, the cbs who are always the players that spend most time on the ball for a possession team. We have ensured we have defenders that can play incisive passes and they will be key as we look to play through Spurs.
Rodri and Thiago to link the defence and attack, with Barella being the key link between midfield and attack. We have a strong blend of power and energy in cm. Lautaro playing in an inside right role for his high work rate, and ability to support Osimhen closely. Osimhen the striker, offering an outball with pure pace and power to match his high work rate.
James will be tasked with providing the width on the right. One fb bombs forward at a time, the other progresses in line with Rodri, offering a deeper option to retain possession. We have pace at the back to get back quickly.
Look to overload the opposition defence through our fbs, inside forwards, and cm and am attacking. Foden will play wide, looking to get in behind their rb so that our play isn’t too narrow. But with freedom to come inside when Theo overlaps.
Lautaro has freedom to drift to find space in attacking areas, inside and off Osimhen, or wide and double up on the fb. Cause headaches for the opposition defence, with two supporting cms and a fb bombing forward on the overlap we create overloads on the side of the pitch we are attacking. Lautaro is perfect for this role and we think it will also get the best out of Osimhen, he’s continued to do well but we’ve seen how Lukaku has struggled without him.
We look to play attacking total football, 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 Osimhen is a player that can importantly link the play and get on the scoresheet, he also gives us the option of a ball or cross in behind for his pace, or a more direct ball to use his power to take in.
With the fbs having attacking roles, Rodri is key as the defensive midfielder staying reserved when we break forward. Thiago to create from deeper areas, Barella with license to attack. Getting our midfielders in between the lines between their defence and midfield, and between their midfield, overloading their midfield and pulling them out of position.
Look to use the quality of Barella, Lautaro and Foden finding them in spaces between the lines. The trio also getting in the box when we’re wide, we feel we can overload their defence and with quality deliveries from fbs/Thiago can exploit the Spurs defence.
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.
————————————— Alisson
R.James — Marquinhos —— Alaba ——— Theo.H
————————— Thiago —— Rodri
————————————— Barella
———— Lautaro ————————————- Foden —
————————————- Osimhen
Subs. Trubin, Gvardiol, Tonali, Musiala, Felix, Sterling, 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.
Marquinhos the man marker next to Alaba who is free to use his pace and intelligence to sweep up. In midfield, Rodri plays zonally in front of cbs, with Thiago and Barella just ahead pressing the play. The wingers narrow in front to the side of play Spurs 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 Spurs 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 direct passing play, not looking to force the play but moving the ball quickly.
We have a fluid front four, who can switch positions or drop deep to collect the ball from midfield. This fluidity will help the players to get away from their markers, catch the opposition out and create space.
Subs.
If winning or drawing after 66 mins bring on Sterling and Tonali for Lautaro and Thiago. More pace out wide and power in CM.
If winning or drawing after 75 mins bring on Felix for Barella. Fresh legs.
If losing after 65 mins bring on Sterling and Felix for Lautaro and Thiago. 4-2-3-1. Barella deeper, and more out wide and through middle.
If losing after 72 mins bring on Tammy for Theo. More direct. 3-5-2
posted on 15/8/22
Attacking 4-2-3-1
We go with an attacking team full of pace, playing with a high tempo in defence and attack. A fluid front four with real quality and pace.
We see the oppositions weakness defensively is out wide at fb, so we look to push both fbs up and wide. A simple job of overlapping the wide players, giving them the freedom to go inside and create. So simple jobs for the fbs, nothing fancy.
We think this should simply leave their fbs with two men to pick up, drawing out the cbs or cms, creating space for our wide players drifting in and for Pogba,Verratti and Benzema to exploit.
Outnumber them in attack, and defend in a 4-2-3-1 formation, we have a very strong back 4 and Cm duo while the wingers and fbs will commit forwards they have great pace to get back into shape.
We look to win the midfield battle, with two cms that love playing two touch football and can control the game, both though capable of getting stuck in. We pile the pressure on, this gives us a huge advantage in seeking to create chances. Looking to work attacking overloads in wide areas of the park and using movement of players to create half spaces for our quality in attack to make the difference.
Up top Benzema is the in form player in world football. He has been playing at a level higher than anyone in the current season, more than evens his goal/assist tally suggests. His link up play with the wide men, and goal scoring will be key in the middle. Simply stick it near him in the box and his movement will somehow see the ball bounce off his head and into the net.
Only one fb bombs forward at a time, conscious of their formation, we feel we have enough in midfield and attack to commit only one unless we need to chase later in the game (tire their defence out first). With the attacking fb, Pogba and a winger we look to work the play down the wings. The opposite fb will be deeper but ahead of the cbs in a position to charge on to a ball played into space. Target the wings and get into positions to get down the outside for cut backs and crosses to the two front men.
Casemiro plays zonally in front of cbs, Verratti who presses the play. In attack, Pogba had a free role to get the best out of him. Defensively we’re looking for the French version of Pogba.
If we didn’t already make the point, we look to exploit their full backs and space out wide.
Key to our attack is quick passing play, not looking to force the play but moving the ball quickly. Pass and move.
We have a cm duo who can both drop deep to offer an option and collect the ball from defence. Likewise a fluid front four, who can switch positions or drop deep to collect the ball from midfield. This fluidity will help the players to get away from their markers, catch the opposition out and create space.
———————————— E.Martinez
K.Walker ——— Rudiger —— Laporte —— K.Tierney
————————— Casemiro —— Verratti
Raphinha —————-—— P.Pogba ————— Nkunku
————————————— Benzema
Subs. Bazanu, Varane, Kovacic, Onana, L.Sane, Danjuma, Schick
Defending
When we lose the ball the closest player presses the ball, the second closest presses the obvious passing channel. As they’re doing this everyone gets into a narrow rigid formation behind the ball in position to press high up the park. Stop them breaking and press them high up the park.
Rudiger the man marker next to Laporte who is free to use his intelligence to sweep up. In midfield, Casemiro plays zonally in front of cbs, with Verratti ball side. The wingers narrow in front to the side of play they 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 they get into our half, the wide players drop deep to add protection in front of the fb and next to the two cms pressing (Verratti and Pogba), Casemiro behind between the lines. Closing down the space, narrowing to the side of play.
Subs.
If winning after 70 mins bring on Sane for Pogba. More pace, Nkunku central
If winning after 75 mins bring on Schick for Benzema. Fresh legs to bully tired legs.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Onana for Verratti, fresh legs and power as game opens up.
If drawing or losing after 70 mins bring on Schick for Pogba. Two men up top. Play direct for 5 mins to mix it up.
If drawing or losing after 75 mins bring on Sane for Walker. 3-5-2. Nkunku central.
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